The other day a friend objected to expository preaching because it meant the church would hear “too much Bible.”

That comment gave me considerable pause.   The conversation moved on so I did not get to ask what he meant, but I suspect he was referring to sermons that are filled with exegetical details and word studies that have little relevance or interest for the average Christian.

Exegetical detail work and word studies are part of the foundational work for the sermon, but not part of the presentation.  If that is what my friend meant, then I agree.

However, good expository preaching pulls alongside a passage of Scripture, invites the listener into the core of what the biblical author meant, and allows God through his Word to communicate to the human heart.  Done well, expository preaching unlocks the power of God.   Executed with excellence, expository preaching can be as contemporary and relevant as any popular attempt to touch today’s Christian.

That kind of preaching challenges our thinking, alters our habits, refines our spirit and draws us closer to God.

Can we have too much of that kind of Bible?   No.  We need more of Scripture that touches us in that way.