A lecture for pastors, elders, and hopeful ministers. Most ministers probably agree with the basic definition of 'expository preaching' - the point of the sermon should be the same as the point of the text. But beyond that, American Christian culture tends also to equate 'expository preaching' with consecutive series of sermons, working straight through a book of the Bible. But is that the only way to preach expositorily? Should it even be the doninant way? Is anyone doing it differently? Ought we? How so? Listen in as we ponder these important questions together.

In the midst of a horrific family crisis in the royal palace, an unnamed woman speaks remarkable truth to King David - truth that echoes down and provides encouragement even to our own day; truth that, in many ways, summarizes the whole plotline of the Bible: "We will surely die and are like water spilled on the ground which cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not take away life, but plans ways so that the banished one will not be cast out from Him."

When John passes through the door of heaven, the first thing he notices is not the crowds; not the majestic angels; not the old Testament heroes; not any of his fellow apostles or family members. No! John's vision of heaven is dominated by a throne, standing like the sun in the midst of it all, with all heaven revolving around it. Listen in as we consider what John says about that throne, and about the One seated on it.

Have you ever looked at a couple, and said to yourself: 'How did that guy end up with such a prize woman?' Sometimes it's an amusing question; sometimes a sad one. The latter is so as we observe the marriage of Abigail and Nabal in 1 Samuel 25. And yet God's work of grace in this chapter is amazing. Listen in with us.

An introduction to the book of Revelation - its basic structure and themes. We hope to pursue a series on the whole book in coming weeks.For a hardcopy outline of the book, download "Introduction to Revelation.doc" below.

Gideon and his 300 men had just overcome insurmountable odds. Really, God had overcome insurmountable odds on their behalf. But, at the end of it all, they were physically, emotionally, and spiritually sapped. What would they do? Would they put their feet up, call it a day, and bask in the glow of God's victory? Or would they press on, fighting with and for the Lord? And what will you do when you are weary? Let their example encourage you to be "weary yet pursuing."

The Old Testament paints a number of portraits of the coming Messiah. One description, in particular is the Messiah as a prophet, coming after the manner of Moses. Listen in as Allen delves into the desciption of Jesus, and urges us to allow Him to be our prophet as well!

"Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." That is the offer of God to us - purchased on that first Easter weekend, nearly two thousand years ago. Have you accepted the offer? Do you live, on a daily basis, as though God really pardons you this completely? Listen in, and be urged to do so.

When the people of God returned from exile, they were given back their land; and they very quickly began, once again, sacrificing their lambs ... but they weren't very quick to reestablish all of life under God's law. Enter Ezra, a skilled teacher, and a man of great courage, who led the people to repentance. Listen in to how he did it, and learn lessons about spiritual leadership and true repentance along the way.

Three times God says it through the lips of the prophet. Three times in one verse - "Come." "Come." "Come!" Proof that our God is a welcoming God - opening the doors of His kingdom to whosoever will come to Him. Listen in ... and be urged to come to Him yourself!