Preaching like a Lutheran - Bob Hiller

Preaching like a Lutheran - Bob Hiller

Author: Mike Neglia February 3, 2026 Duration: 1:06:32

In this episode of the Expositors Collective, Mike Neglia sits down with Pastor Bob Hiller to explore the essential distinction between preaching the Law and preaching the Gospel. Drawing from his experience at Community Lutheran Church, Bob discusses the preacher's primary task: to "hand over the goods" by actively proclaiming the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus

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A Note on this Recording

This episode was originally recorded and released in December 2020 As you listen, you will notice references to the unique challenges of that time, including discussions regarding social distancing and masks. While the cultural context reflects the peak of the pandemic, the theological insights regarding homiletics and the proclamation of Christ remain as relevant today as ever.

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Episode Highlights

Handing Over the Goods: Bob Hiller defines the core of the Gospel as the literal delivery of God's forgiveness to the listener.

The Law and the Gospel: Understanding the functional difference between God’s requirements (the Law) and His gift of grace (the Gospel).

Pastoral Perspective: Insights from Bob’s ministry at Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, California.

Face-to-Face Proclamation: A friendly, deep-dive conversation on how to ensure Jesus is the centre of every message.

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Key Takeaways for Preachers

Focus on Forgiveness: Preaching is not merely sharing information; it is the act of proclaiming the forgiveness of sins.

Clarity in Mission: The goal of the expositor is to ensure the "goods" of the Gospel are clearly handed over to the congregation.

Timeless Truths: Despite the time-bound nature of the original 2020 recording, the necessity of distinguishing between Law and Gospel is a foundational pillar of biblical preaching.



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Mike Neglia hosts Expositors Collective: Expository Preaching, Bible Teaching and Sermon Preparation, a space dedicated to the craft of clearly opening the Scriptures. Rather than offering abstract theory, this podcast grounds itself in the tangible realities faced by pastors and teachers every week. You'll hear genuine conversations that feel like pulling up a chair in a mentor's study, where experienced practitioners discuss the challenges and joys of preparing messages that faithfully explain the biblical text. Episodes often take the form of interviews or practical workshops, delving into the nuances of effective communication for diverse settings like church pulpits, youth groups, or women's ministries. The collective wisdom shared here is about more than just structure; it's about the spiritual discipline of listening to a passage before speaking on it, ensuring the sermon's heart beats in rhythm with the Bible's intent. Tuning into this podcast provides a form of ongoing coaching, a resource for anyone who wants their teaching to be both deeply rooted and readily understood. It’s for those who believe that the careful work of exposition is a profound act of service, and who are looking for a companion on that journey.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Expositors Collective: Expository Preaching, Bible Teaching and Sermon Preparation
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