In Colossians 1:28-29 the apostle Paul beautifully summarizes his philosophy of ministry with these inspired words; We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.
I am thoroughly convinced that every reformation work or revitalization effort that is of God is always grounded in Christ-centered preaching. Yes, the whole counsel of God is to be systematically taught, but above all else, faithful ministers of the gospel preach Jesus Christ! To borrow language from the pen of J.C. Ryle, "The true shepherd of the souls is he who enters the ministry with a single eye to Christ, desiring to glorify Christ, doing all in the strength of Christ, preaching Christ's doctrine, walking in Christ's steps, and laboring to bring people to Christ."
I came to Freeport with this core conviction and have made every effort to make Christ-centered preaching and God-centered worship the defining marks of our local church. In other words, it is no accident that I choose the Revelation of Jesus Christ as our first expository series when I started pastoring this local church. This verse by verse study was followed up by a in-depth study of the Lordship of Christ in the book of Colossians. Recently I have preached 58 sermons highlighting the glories of Christ in the gospel of John.
Why? Because God is jealous for the glory of His Son!
The goal of my expository pulpit over the past six years is perhaps best summarized in the wonderful worship song Show Us Christ.
Help us to receive
Break the hard and stony ground
Help our unbelief
Plant Your Word down deep in us
Cause it to bear fruit
Open up our ears to hear
Lead us in Your truth
CHORUS
Show us Christ, show us Christ
O God, reveal Your glory
Through the preaching of Your Word
Until every heart confesses Christ is Lord
VERSE 2
Your Word is living light
Upon our darkened eyes
Guards us through temptations
Makes the simple wise
Your Word is food for famished ones
Freedom for the slave
Riches for the needy soul
Come speak to us today
BRIDGE
Where else can we go, Lord
Where else can we go
You have the words of eternal life
© 2011 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)
