What We Teach

We minister from the pulpit by means of Expository Preaching* that is both 1) Word-Centered, and 2) Gospel-Centered.

1) Word-Centered:

We teach God’s Word:

Because we are commanded to (2 Tim. 4:2).

Because the Word is God’s truth (Ps. 119:160; Jn. 17:17; cf. Jn. 14:6), which God has communicated over thousands of years, and which God has graciously preserved in the Scriptures (cf. Heb. 1:1). We teach God’s Word, therefore, so as to abide in His Word that we may know the truth and be set free from bondage to sin (Ps. 119:11; Jn. 8:31-36).

Because the Word of God provides guidance in life (Ps. 119:105).

Because the Word cleanses and sanctifies (Ps. 119:9; Jn. 17:17; Eph. 5:26).

Because the Word reveals the whole counsel of God, by which He has chosen to make His people wise for salvation, complete, and equipped for every good work (cf. Ps. 19:7-8; Acts 20:27; 2 Tim. 3:15-17).

Because hearing and believing God’s Word yields eternal life (Jn 5:24). The preaching of God’s Word is the means by which God gives faith to those who hear (Rom. 10:17). Moreover, hearing and understanding the Word yields spiritual fruit (Mat. 13:23; Mk. 4:20; Lk. 8:15).

Because God’s Word is the means through which we are born again (1 Pet. 1:22-23).

Because the Word of God is divine nourishment (Deut. 8:3; Mat. 4:4).

Because a special blessing is pronounced upon those who hear and obey God’s Word (Lk. 11:28; cf. Ps. 1:1-2; Lk. 8:21). Indeed, we cannot obey apart from the Scriptures. Obedience is important because it evidences our faith (James 2:14-26). Additionally, the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey (Acts 5:32). Moreover, those who do not obey abide in God’s wrath (Jn. 3:36; Rom. 2:8; 2 Thess. 1:5-8).

Because belief in the Gospel comes after hearing the Word (Acts 15:7; Rom. 10:17).

2) Gospel-Centered:

Our teachings are Gospel-centered:

Because the Gospel alone is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:18).

Because the examples of preaching to believers in Scripture are Gospel-centered (e.g. Eph 1-3; Col. 1-2; Rom. 1-11). The Apostle Paul, for example, indicates the preaching of the Gospel was of primary importance, for this is what God sent him to do (1 Cor. 1:17; 1 Cor. 15:3-4). Therefore, he determined to proclaim the Gospel at all times so that the faith of those who hear would rest completely in God’s wisdom and power (1 Cor. 2:2-5; cf. Rom. 1:15).

Because we’re exhorted to tell of God’s salvation from day to day (Ps. 96:2).

Because as Christians we are exhorted never to move away from the hope of the Gospel (Col. 1:23).

Because Gospel-centered preaching protects and comforts believers from the lies of the enemy, who seeks to condemn believers for their failures.

Because in the Gospel we behold the glory of the Lord in its thickest density, by which we are transformed into His image (2 Cor. 3:18).

Because the Gospel gives confidence that God’s commandments are founded upon His love for us and His desire for our good (cf. Deut. 5:29; 1 Jn. 5:3).

Because Gospel-centered preaching frees us from sin’s power by liberating us from sin’s guilt (cf. Rom. 6:14; Rom. 8:1-2).

Because Gospel-centered preaching provides the continually needed reminder that we can rest in our righteous standing before God, regardless of our performance, because it is established and maintained by Christ’s work and faithfulness for us (Rom. 5:1-2, 18-19; 1 Jn. 2:1-2).

See our Statement of Faith for a detailed list of the beliefs which drive our teaching.

* Expository Preaching exposes God’s Word by explaining the meaning of any given text according to its historical and grammatical context, for the purpose of understanding what the text meant to the original audience so that we may know how it applies in our own context.