When I went off to college, everything was new. New room, new people, new teachers, new classes, new schedule, new expectations and new freedoms. Suddenly, I could choose how I would spend my time, including where I would go to church. As a fourth generation Advent Christian who attended the same church since birth, this felt like a daunting task.

After trying a few different churches my freshman and sophomore years, I visited a large church in Raleigh, NC, where my boyfriend (now husband) attended. We met up with some friends and they directed us to a college Sunday school class that looked like its own church. There was a small stage, row seating, a band and tons of energetic young adults.

We took our seats as a 6’5” lanky guy with a goofy grin got our attention. He introduced himself as Pastor Dave Owen and he began by asking if everyone brought their Bibles. At once, hands shot up all around the room holding Bibles as they shouted in unison, “Word!” As the Bibles hung in the air, Pastor Dave reminded the class of the Bible’s authority and holiness. It was special, unique, set apart and unlike any book in all the world. To my right and left sat young adults with pens, paper and eagerness to devour what the Word had to say.  

I don’t recall exactly what he preached that morning, but I do remember walking out into the sunny parking lot feeling stunned. I had never received such deep teaching from the Bible. Pastor Dave skillfully delved into the Scripture to show us the truth in the text that morning. He covered author, audience, context, background, literary genre, intended purpose and current relevance. I had no idea so much concrete information could be extracted and delivered in one sermon. He wasn’t merely sharing his ideas; he was serving up God’s truth like a five-star chef preparing his best plate—carefully, precisely, directly, purposefully.

This would prove to be my first of many interactions with “expository preaching,” a style that “grounds the message in the text so that all the sermon’s points are the points in the text, and it majors in the text’s major ideas. It aligns the interpretation of the text with the doctrinal truths of the rest of the Bible.”¹ Sitting under this type of teaching, Sunday after Sunday, changed me.

First, it gave me a high view of Scripture. Second, it showed me that there was indeed a “right way” to study the Bible, one that yielded transformative truth for daily living. There are hosts of resources available to help one exposit carefully and accurately. Third, it modeled how to study the Bible for myself. And finally, it made me a discerning listener. When I listen to preaching now, I compare it closely to the text, listening for how it aligns or diverges from what is written.

Expository preaching may not be your preferred style, but it is critical that Advent Christians teach sound doctrine rooted firmly in accurate biblical interpretation. Our pastors must do the hard work of sermon preparation to clarify for themselves the truths of the passage and then communicate it clearly to their flock. And the people in our pews must grow in biblical literacy, which will make them discerning listeners. The two working together will strengthen the church in biblical unity and guard the flock from the false gospels that threaten it.