Order Description

UNIT ONE INTRODUCTION
Again, this week we plan to focus on the following:
Analyze the use of expository and topical preaching, each in the appropriate context.

Expository preaching may also be characterized as textual preaching or exegetical preaching. Whatever you wish to call it, this approach starts with the grammatical and historical setting of the text, and then applies the findings of the text to the lives of the hearers.
The Word>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Culture
Starting point

Topical preaching may also be characterized as thematic preaching, or preaching which begins with relevant contemporary life or current events. Again, whatever you wish to call it, while it starts in culture, it reaches back into the Word for answers to questions that arise from the culture.
The Word>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Culture
Starting point

Remember that you must connect the Word with the culture, or you will have failed to effectively communicate the Gospel.

If you are to preach a topical sermon, you will start out in the culture. You will be seized by some trend, worldview or idea, and then look up, and ponder what Scripture has to say about that. Then, you will go back to the Bible, do your research, and then look for ways to apply what you have learned in a relevant way to your audience. One more time, remember this simple diagram:

The Word