Remembering the overall message

I am convinced that many Christians have no idea how they come across to people outside the church. We must be careful that we do not add to the offense of the cross, the offense of ideas, fads and values that are not firmly rooted in the scriptures. While there is generally more openness to expository preaching, that is not enough to ground people in Christ and prepare them for life if there is not a good grasp of biblical and systematic theology. Expository preaching that is not carried out with an profound awareness of the Bible's overall message is just as liable to go astray as topical preaching that uses the text as a springboard to launch our own ideas. We desperately need both if we are to achieve a personal and corporate Christianity that is glorifying to God, and by his grace, winsome in the eyes of those we are seeking to win to Christ.

- Kirk Wellum