Preaching the Word, rarer than we think?
There is nothing confusing or surprising about Paul’s dying exhortation to his younger partner in ministry, Timothy : ‘Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction’, 2 Timothy 4:2.
It is not confusing, Timothy is to see that his ministry revolves around the public, open proclamation of the Word, the Word which God breathed out, 2 Timothy 3:16.
Timothy was a Pastor at Ephesus and he would have been very familiar with Paul’s pioneering work there. When Paul rehearses his method in planting the church to the elders of the Ephesian church, he speaks of preaching, teaching, declaring, testifying and proclaiming, all Word proclaiming words.
The explanation and declaration of God’s revealed Word was at the heart of first century apostolic ministry and must be at the heart of twenty first century apostolic ministry.
This is not confusing, a pastor today exercises his pastoral role by preaching the Scriptures, by correcting, rebuking and encouraging the flock with this Word.
Cut the modern day Pastor and he must bleed Bible!
Neither is this surprising, because Paul has already reminded Timothy that it was this breathed out Word of God which, ‘gave him wisdom for salvation’ and is ‘useful for teaching rebuking correcting and training in righteousness’, 2 Timothy 3:15-16. The Bible is God’s word, it’s origin is God Himself, not to preach it therefore and preach our own ideas is perverse.
The faithful preacher must set about the task of explaining and applying a passage of Scripture, be it a verse, a paragraph, a chapter or a whole book, it will always be the Biblical text which is the focus of the preacher’s attention. This is unfortunately, rarer than we think!
Instead we may have preaching which takes the idea of the text and preaches the idea in isolation from the text. We may have sermons which are addressed to all sorts of contemporary issues, which tell much more about the issue than what God says in the Bible. We may have sermons about a theme which follows the theme through the Bible in a doctrinal way, ‘flipping preaching’, which does not settle down in one passage and explain and apply that passage to hearers.
One Pastor said recently, does this mean I have to expound a passage every week? No, but realise that the week you don’t expound a passage is the week the sheep will go home hungry.
Does this mean we never preach on topics? No, it does not mean that, it means that we will never take a topic and not expound a section of Scripture in relation to that topic.
Let me give an example. Recently in the light of that very emotional confession of Australia’s cricket captain Steve Smith, I might have preached a sermon on the topic of, Why the world is in such a mess.
I would preach on the dynamics of Genesis 3, Adam and Eve receiving God’s word, but the contrary voice of the Serpent tells the lie and the lie is believed. The reason the world is the way it is, is because a lie has been believed.
I would cross reference just once, to Jesus’ description of the Devil as a liar and murderer, John 8:44, to show that the contrary voice is always the voice of the Serpent. I would warn the church to always be aware of two voices, one which speaks truth the other the lie, don’t follow the lie! Steve Smith listened to the lie that, the end justifies the means, don’t you listen to the lie, which always causes us to doubt that the Word of the loving God, cannot be trusted.
I have thus preached on a contemporary topic of why the world is the way it is, I have done it from Genesis 3, probably in a series on these early chapters. The Devil speaks the crafty lie; our parents believe the lie; God judges the serpent, the woman, the man and the earth. Therefore trust the Word of God, rightly understood and don’t believe the Devil’s lies.
John Chapman would often say in critiquing a sermon, ‘the authority is in the text brother, preach the text!’
Do you make the text of Scripture the object of your explanation and application, thus feeding your sheep?
David Robertson is quoted as saying, ‘A preacher who does not preach the Bible is like a comedian who is not funny, you wonder, what is the point’.
– David Cook.
The Pastor’s Heart – deep interviews with Aussie pastors 2:00pm Tuesdays
Starting today (Tuesday 23rd January 2018 at 2:00pm), Dominic Steele is kicking off a series of interviews with pastors – The Pastor’s Heart.
They will be streamed live on Facebook, and the podcast will also be available on iTunes afterwards.
See all the details at thepastorsheart.net – and hear David Mansfield speak about John Chapman and the new book The Chappo Collection – today at 2:00pm.
Update: Watch the recorded chat here.
A most encouraging and heart-warming tribute to Chappo.
The Chappo Collection
“Introducing a new book on the much loved and respected Bible teacher and evangelist, John Chapman.
This book by David Mansfield is a collection of stories by and about John Chapman.
It gives an insight into a man who loved and proclaimed the gospel throughout his life, and whose ministry greatly impacted many people. The book contains many personal insights by those who know him, great gospel illustrations and excerpts from his sermons amongst other things. …
Proceeds from the sale of the book will be used to support Bible and leadership training in Africa, through GWC and other centres of training.”
– Order The Chappo Collection from Anglican Aid at this link.
David Mansfield writes about the book, which was launched at St. Andrew’s Cathedral last week, at SydneyAnglicans.net.
And Simon Manchester writes,
“Sometimes it is the spontaneous wisdom of a Christian leader which goes beyond a biography to arrest our minds and hearts with great truths… David Mansfield has served us well by collecting much of Chappo’s wisdom and wit so readers will be (almost) in his happy and helpful company again.”
Gospel Ministry and the “Nowhere” Generation
John Chapman said, “the first 50 years are the hardest” – Phillip Jensen has been at it for more than 50 years!
Now, with Two Ways Ministries and focussing on young adults, his fresh vision connects the permanent gospel with the changing social dynamics of Sydney’s growing “Nowhere Generation”. Few people have such experience or freshness of vision for today and the future.
If you want to be involved in reaching the coming generations with the gospel of Jesus, this is an evening not to be missed.
Moore College, Thursday 30th November 7:00pm – 9:30pm. Book here.
Recent news from Moore College
Here are a few recent news stories from Moore College. They are a good reminder to pray for all serving and studying at the College, with the Winter break now on (24 June – 16 July).
John Chapman Preaching Conference 23 September.
In September, Dr Bryan Chapell, Senior Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, Peoria, Illinois USA, will present at our next one-day John Chapman Preaching Conference considering the topic Application in Expository Preaching. (Early bird price ends tomorrow!)
David Helm’s visit to Moore helps provide clearer thinking about Bible exposition.
The College was privileged to hear David Helm, author of Expositional Preaching, One-to-One Bible Reading and The Big Picture Story Bible, preaching on Revelation 14 in late May.
Moore’s registration as a Self-accrediting Higher Education Provider was recently renewed for another 7 years. This outcome is a testimony to an enormous amount of effort by the College’s Registrar Rhonda Barry, in particular.
Recent Two Ways Ministries Conference at Moore at bursting point.
Moore College was pleased to host a conference in its new building with Phillip Jensen and Al Stewart presenting the talks. The Annual Two Ways Ministries’ Queen’s Birthday Conference was on the subject of work.
Remarkable opportunity for MA students to join the dots on recent Reformation tour.
Moore held an MA (Theol) Reformation Study Tour unit, in which Moore students joined a tour group that travelled from Prague through Germany and Switzerland and finished up in England.
Authentic Ministry: Style or Substance – Preaching 2 Corinthians.
William Taylor is speaking at the John Chapman Preaching Clinic at Moore College on Wednesday 8th February.
We understand that today is the last day to register at the standard rate.
ACR website updated
The Australian Church Record’s website has been updated —
“Since 1880 The ACR has communicated with its readers via a newspaper, or newspaper-like, medium. With over 2300 issues produced, The ACR has a rich history on paper – a history we now continue online. Not only do we have a new website, we’ve also restructured how our publications fit together. So here’s what’s new from The ACR:
The ACR Online
The ACR Online is the new blog of The ACR. Here you’ll find a regular stream of short, sharp articles by an array of writers. These articles will cover a variety of topics and issues, each aiming to leave you more convicted of the gospel, keener to serve Christ and more confident on how to do so. In many ways these articles will not be too different from the encouraging and thought-provoking pieces previously found in our newspapers. They will just be more regular!
The ACR Journal
Of course, not everything can be said in a short blog piece. This is where The ACR Journal comes in. Some issues are complex and are best dealt with in more detail. In our journal you’ll find lengthy discussions on relevant and current theological matters within evangelicalism. The ACR Journal will also be used to help inform and educate Sydney Synod members on upcoming Synod meetings.
The ACR Archives
One of the most exciting components of our new website is The ACR Archives. With over 135 years of publication, The ACR has a rich heritage and is an invaluable historical resource. With more than 2300 issues there is a wealth of historical material, such as ordination lists, parish information, and Anglican news, along with thousands of theological articles written by the likes of D. B. Knox, T. C. Hammond, Donald Robinson, Leon Morris, J. I. Packer, Marcus Loane, Graeme Goldsworthy, John Chapman, and many more. We will also be re-releasing many of these articles through The ACR Online via the ‘From the vault’ segment.
In light of these changes, here’s what’s stayed the same …”
Chappo’s legacy lives on with Preaching Clinics
“John Chapman was a much loved and great evangelist and preacher not only in Sydney but around the world. He was also a champion of engaging expository preaching and the need to train preachers well. He regularly used to say ‘There is nothing in the world like good preaching. Mind you, there is nothing in the world like the opposite either!’ …
The Chapman Preaching Clinics are part of an integrated program to help preachers keep improving from the day they commence preaching until the end of their ministry.” – News from Moore College.
(Illustration from a Department of Evangelism videocassette cover, 1986.)
From the Vault
From time to time, we’ll feature a classic article from our archives.
The landscape of Sydney has changed drastically since the ACL was formed over 100 years ago, however the core business of Christian ministry remains the same. We hope these articles ‘from the vault’ will encourage and strengthen your faith and ministry.
‘What’s really important’ by John Chapman.
(ACL News, October–November 2001).
‘Are we stronger the He?’ by David Short.
(ACL News, January–February 2005).
‘Win, Build, Send’ by Kim Hawtrey.
(ACL News, April–May 2002.)
Evangelical Ministry & Global Strategy.
(ACL News, December 2009.)
Evangelical Religion – by Bishop J.C. Ryle.
Interview with Bishop Peter Dawson.
(ACL News, May 1997.)
Phil Wheeler to head Evangelism and New Churches
“The board of Evangelism and New Churches (ENC) has announced that the Rev. Philip Wheeler will be its new Director, to continue its work of evangelism and church planting.
Mr Wheeler replaces the Rev Bruce Hall who has directed the organisation for the past four years.
ENC grew from the well-established Department of Evangelism, run by the late evangelist John Chapman over four decades in the 20th century…”
– News from SydneyAnglicans.net. (Photo from Anglican Deaconess Ministries.)
When big is not beautiful
“To evaluate any piece of evangelism there are some questions which need to be asked:
1. Were there outsiders present?
2. Was the gospel truly preached?
3. Was it preached in categories which could be readily understood by those who were listening?
4. Were people able to listen with ease, or did the ‘atmosphere’ inhibit listening?
Over the last couple of years, I have spoken at several meetings where the large number of people present, in my opinion, has inhibited people’s ability to listen to the gospel with ease…”
– Originally published in The Briefing back in 1990, this wisdom from John Chapman is as helpful as ever. Thank God for Chappo.
Chappo’s contribution to the Anglican Diocese of Armidale
“This weekend (8/11/2014) the good people of the Anglican Diocese of Armidale are celebrating their centenary.
Before 1914, the Armidale Diocese existed as the Diocese of Grafton and Armidale, which covered a huge amount of New South Wales from 1867 till 1914. Over the past 100 years the Diocese has undergone massive change, and as part of my 4th year program at Moore Theological College I had the opportunity to do a large research project on the diocese.
Specifically, I wanted to look into Chappo’s time in the diocese as I had hardly heard anything about his work there. What I found was deeply encouraging for my life and ministry. As the Armidale Diocese celebrates this weekend, feel free to get acquainted with our brothers and sisters of the north…”
– Tim Stevens writes on someone close to the heart of many in Australia and around the world.
Chappo’s 20%
“When I first started preaching I was given a series of videos by the Australian evangelist John Chapman (now in glory) on how to prepare a sermon. Anyone who has heard Chappo will know that he was a great communicator of the gospel and that a central strength of his preaching was his tremendous clarity and simplicity. …”
– At the Proclamation Trust, Jonathan Griffiths shares some advice from Chappo.
Chappo’s splendiferous life
“As I reflect on Chappo’s life, a year after his death, my mind floods with so many splendiferous memories.”
– At SydneyAnglicans.net, David Mansfield remembers Chappo.
ACL President’s address — 2013 Annual General Meeting
President of the Anglican Church League, the Rev. Gav Poole, gave this address at the Annual General Meeting earlier this month:
“Chappo knew as much about denominational politics as anyone. He was after all a member of the ACL. But the legacy he left us with was a passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
ACL President’s address, 15 August 2013
In 2003 I received an important lesson in priorities. At the time I was ministering in The Episcopal Church (TEC), Dallas, Texas.
In 2003, the TEC General Convention consented to a practicing homosexual becoming the Bishop of New Hampshire. That led to a sequence of events that changed the Anglican Communion forever. Read more
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…