Article by Pastor Dan Phillips (original source here)

Christian worship is a supernatural event – but it is not a magic show.

In pagan worship, forms and rituals are thought to be inherently effective. The Latin phrase is ex opere operato, “from the work worked.” It is the idea that we can do things that in turn will make God do things. This is the essence of paganism and of magic: that forms of worship or manipulation produce supernatural effects simply by our performing them correctly.

In Harry Potter, it’s saying the right gibberish-Latin words (“Wingardium leviosa!”). In other literature, it’s gestures, or words-plus-gestures. In some lands, it’s sacrifice and incantation.

My fear is that some evangelicals – despite our call to reject all paganism – unwittingly entertain a faux-baptized form of the same sorts of expectations and beliefs.

How so?

We (correctly) affirm that the Bible is not just a book, not a mere collection of human musings. It is the word of God, “living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). It is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), and communicates the mind of God (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). It is the means of saving faith (Romans 10:17), and of growth in holiness (John 17:17). It is truly a marvel, a gift from God.

So we (again correctly) make the preaching of the Word the center of our corporate worship. This reflects the stated priorities of Christ (John 8:31-32) and His apostles (1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:2). So far, so good.

But here comes the disconnect: sometimes both preacher and hearers get the idea that, if we do that right – that is, preach the Word faithfully – then God must do great and wonderful things, along the lines of our expectations. Sinners will be saved, saints will be transformed and matured, churches will grow. Glory all around. It’s guaranteed!

Right? Wrong.

I yield to no man in my absolute conviction of the centrality of God’s written word to all thought, faith, worship and practice. It is that very conviction which compels me to point out the corollary truth:

The glory of God requires not only faithful preaching of the Word, but also faithful hearing of the Word.

Once you see it, you will find this verity literally all over Scripture. Take Deuteronomy 28:1 – “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.” This verse brims with vital truth. Continue reading →

Dr. Steve Lawson was with a group of pastors, advocating the virtues of Expositional Preaching. Opening up the meeting for a Q and A, the first question asked was this:

“Dr. Lawson, tell us, how would you preach on Obamacare?”

Here was Dr. Lawson’s reply:

“OK, here’s what you do. Have you got a pen and paper? I want you to write this down.

You turn to the book of Romans and you start in Romans 1 and verse 1, and you preach all the way through the entirety of the book of Romans.

Did you write that down?

Then what I want you to do is go to the Gospel of John. I want you to start in John 1, verse 1 and preach all the way through the Gospel of John – just take your time.

Did you write that down?

Then I want you to go to the book of Psalms and start in Psalm 1 and verse 1, How blessed is the man… and I want you to go all the way through verse by verse through all the 150 Psalms, till you come to the end of Psalm 150, Hallelujah, praise the Lord.

And every time you see the word ‘Obamacare’, stop and address it.

Otherwise, keep going.”

(this excerpt is a transcript taken from the Master’s Seminary – Fall 2018: Fundamentals of Expository Preaching with Dr. Steven Lawson, Session 3)