Isaiah 7:14 continues to be one of the most debated texts in the Bible. After surveying various scholarly opinions, two key Hebrew words, ʻalmâ (young woman) and betûlâ (maiden) are discussed as to the immediate historical and prophetic intent of Isaiah. After also consulting the LXX version and Matthew’s use (1:23) of Isaiah 7:14, it is concluded that the passage is a signal and explicit prediction of the miraculous conception and nativity of Jesus Christ.

With postmodernism as a contemporary backdrop, this essay first warns of eight current attacks on the authority of Scripture. Biblical authority is next discussed in the context of expository preaching by defining this kind of preaching and demonstrating its essential relationship to divine authority. Finally, the author asserts that a robust bibliology, especially the doctrines of inspiration, inerrancy, and infallibility, is inseparably linked to authoritative exposition and always upholds preaching that is true to God’s intent and authority in the biblical text.

In each generation, God raises up one dominant voice in the church that speaks with the greatest biblical authority and theological profundity, yet with far-reaching appeal. Through his prolific pulpit and pen, such a pivotal figure becomes the primary instrument that most influences the direction of God’s work around the world. Whether it be John Calvin in the sixteenth century, John Owen in the seventeenth, Jonathan Edwards in the eighteenth, or Charles Spurgeon in the nineteenth, every hour of human history has one such strategic leader who marries both depth and breadth of ministry, and most impacts the times in which he lives. For the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, a compelling case can be made that these two individuals are, respectively, Martyn Lloyd-Jones and John MacArthur. Six remarkable resemblances characterize their comparable, extraordinary preaching.

The biblical phrase “Day of the Lord” (DOL) stands as a key term in understanding God’s revelation about the future.1 The NT writers’ use of DOL rested upon their understanding of the OT prophets. A survey of the OT indicates that it was used by the prophets when speaking of both near historical and future eschatological events involving God’s wrath. The NT writers picked up on the eschatological use and applied DOL both to the judgment which will climax the Tribulation period and the judgment which will usher in the new earth. This view is not only compatible with but also strengthens the case for Futuristic Premillennialism and a Pretribulational Rapture.

The preacher’s authority, rooted in Scripture and delegated by God in His Word, finds itself AWOL in contemporary pulpits. But it was not so with Christ’s preaching, in that people marveled at His authority. This call to restore biblical authority in today’s preaching extols six essential features of proclamation that showcase biblical authority just as God intended.

Ephesians 2:7 teaches that God saves sinners by His great grace in order to put the glory of His marvelous grace on public display. Paul answers five important questions about this grand demonstration: (1) When Is the Exhibition?; (2) What Is the Exhibition?; (3) How Does God Exhibit His Grace?; (4) Who Is the Audience?; and (5) What Are the Implications? Each question and Pauline answer is carefully discussed, concluding with four implications for true believers, which include humility, assurance, privilege, and priority.

The Letter of James has played an important role in the expository and polemical ministry of John MacArthur. In addition to his commentary on James, Dr. MacArthur has utilized James 2 in The Gospel According to the Apostles as a lynchpin in his argument about true saving faith. The theme and structure of James is offered in appreciation for his ministry that has always stressed, like James, the authenticity of saving faith.

For the biblical expositor, 2 Tim 4:2 majestically stands out as sacred ground. It is precious territory for every pastor who, following in the footsteps of Paul, desires to faithfully proclaim the Word of God. In this single verse, the apostle defined the primary mandate for God-honoring church ministry, not only for Timothy, but for all who would come after him. The minister of the gospel is called to “Preach the Word!”

God has entrusted many facets of ministry to the local church. Teachers are to edify others who are Christ’s people, and seek to lead the unsaved to salvation and then to edification. It is consistent for all the genuinely redeemed to show in their lifestyles the fruit of a believing life (Gal 5:22–23; Eph 5:9). The church ought to cultivate and equip leaders to be true to the Scripture. Leaders should counsel those of the church family in moral living that truly reflects the riches of God’s grace. In all that the church is and does, prayer is a native breath, and of utmost importance. Ephesians highlights the church in vivid images—Christ’s “body,” “bride,” “temple,” and army waging spiritual warfare. In this all, prayer is to be a priority. Paul models vital prayer and summons others of the church to pursue intimacy before God. He emphasizes an urgency to praise/thank God, intercede to fulfill spiritual needs, and revel in declaring God’s bounties of grace. Clearly the Lord has opened intimate access to Himself, and He gives godly aspects of fruit as relevant issues of prayer, and key words/phrases that can stoke prayer. Ephesians also urges believers to pray against spiritual foes, and to pray in all things, even to be considerate to keep intercessors updated on how God answers. The church should rise to lay hold of its potential in the Lord’s throne room.

The church should be looking more closely at the New Testament for instruction about corporate worship. If we come to understand the nature of the church, we will gain substantial insight into the character of her worship gatherings. Paul’s definitive statement in Phil 3:3 concerning the identity of the church serves as a springboard for informing and enhancing Christian worship. A proper understanding of this text will highlight the importance of the “corporateness of worship” and show that worship is an activity that believers should do as a diverse unity.

The church needs to purge strong, natural leadership (SNL) from her ranks and pursue strong, spiritual leadership (SSL). Exodus 18:21, Acts 6:3, and 1 Tim 3:1–7, 10 each teach the same four core qualities of leadership that are empowered by God’s Spirit, not man’s flesh. These four include sufficiency, submissiveness, spirituality, and steadfastness. The greatest leader ever to lead in human history, the Lord Jesus Christ, perfectly exemplified all four. In spite of their ancient origin, these four basic leadership traits have not changed since the OT days of Israel and NT beginnings of the church because God’s character has not changed and the nature of spiritual leadership remains the same.

As the church strives to fulfill the Great Commission of taking the gospel to the world, it must not fail its mission to the local community. For the church to effectively evangelize the community, it must be reminded of its mission, it must re-examine its message, it must have the right motives for evangelism, and it must use appropriate methods for evangelism. The Great Commission is all encompassing, beginning with our communities and extending to the ends of the earth. Failure at the home front is not an option.

Scripture is clear that God eternally purposed to offer His gift of salvation to all the peoples of the world. The Hebrew Scriptures exhort God’s redeemed people to declare His mercy and grace. Likewise, the New Testament outlines a similar responsibility for God’s church. As a result of God’s redemptive work, His redeemed people are given the privileged position of being His emissaries. Reaching the world through evangelism involves passion, prayer, and proclamation through the power of God’s Holy Spirit and Word.

Jesus Christ is the Great Shepherd and Wonderful Counselor. As part of His ministry He came to heal the broken-hearted. Likewise, those who are His shepherds are to minister to the fainthearted. This involves faithful pulpit preaching and one-on-one interaction with those suffering from the effects of a fallen world.

How does the expression of compassion and mercy towards the poor relate to the gospel? After reflecting on this question initially, it would not seem to require much consideration that Christians, those who have been recipients of God’s extensive compassion and mercy, should demonstrate these same characteristics towards their fellow man. In doing so, we provide an example of the greater spiritual reality of God’s heart and His willingness to extend mercy and compassion in redemption. Unfortunately, for the contemporary evangelical church, great debate has arisen as to the legitimacy of mercy ministries as a part of the church’s witness.