There is a troubling trend in ministry today—a man-centered focus. The priorities of too many churches and ministries are determined by human purposes and philosophies. There is a temptation to focus on numeric growth, social branding, or otherwise trying to keep up with other churches and pastors. This has led to superficial ministries that base their foundation on the charisma of the pastor, appeal of the church programs, breadth of facilities, or other non-foundational areas. As a result, when these are removed, the ministry falters or even collapses. 

Expository Bible preaching is a method of preaching that focuses on explaining and applying a specific passage of Scripture, verse by verse, in its original context. This approach aims to faithfully communicate the intended meaning of the biblical text, allowing the structure and content of the passage to shape the sermon’s main points and subpoints. By systematically working through books of the Bible, expository preaching ensures that the full counsel of God is proclaimed, helping congregations to understand and apply the entirety of Scripture to their lives.

Nearly four hundred years ago, Pastor Thomas Shepard and Missionary John Eliot labored for Christ and the gospel in the early American colonies. 

Shepard, a well-known pastor in Massachusetts, was a founder of the town of Cambridge. His preaching and theological work had a profound impact on the colony’s religious life. Eliot was among the earliest American missionaries to the Native Americans. He would eventually translate the Bible into the Algonquian language. This Bible was the first to be printed in North America.

^{“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).}

This verse is so familiar that sometimes we quote it without giving it real thought: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). But when these words can be spoken in true sincerity of heart, they mark the difference between an egocentric and a Christ-centered life.