In this series we covered some ground on preaching in today's post-Christian context. We so desire preaching to be biblical, contextual, engage the affections and thoughtfully engage people in culture. The final aspect of my vision for a vibrant and faithful pulpit ministry is to preach repentance of sin and faith in Jesus the Christ constantly, tirelessly, and unyieldingly.
In doing so, we want to regularly expose our inability to rescue ourselves from sin, death, hell, and the right wrath of a just and holy God. Furthermore, we want to point to the all sufficient savior who paid fully for the sins of his people and is utterly trustworthy to save us, forgive us, change us, and lead us forward in mission now and into the Kingdom of God for eternity.
In the messages I preach, I want to always point people to God’s utter kindness to sinners in Christ and to repent of our folly and wandering into the love of lesser things. Such a preaching ministry should show Jesus as both Savior and King; the one who forgives and has paid for sin and the one who leads our lives. Jesus saves us and leads us in a new life that is pleasing to God, profitable to us and manifests the beauty of his Kingdom on the earth.
Preaching should provoke faith to follow which leads to love and practical obedience. My aim will never be to simply preach “how-to” sermons that center on us but rather Christ-centered, Christ-exalting sermons that give us strength for the day, hope for tomorrow and love in our hearts for Jesus. If repentance, faith, hope and love arise in us as we see Jesus lifted up in the Scripture, we might joyfully follow him together until Kingdom come.