Bryan Chapell - Christ-Centered Sermons: Models of Redemptive Preaching

Why Christ-Centered Sermons

I love to teach preaching. Nothing brings me more joy than the aha! moment when a devoted student or dedicated preacher says, Now I understand how I can proclaim Gods Word better. This book is a simple quest for more such aha! moments. When Christ - Centered Preaching was first published two decades ago, I could not have anticipated, or even dared hope, that the Lord would use it so extensively to help others learn principles of preaching the gospel from all Scripture. I also did not anticipate how often I would be asked to provide examples of those principles.

The book that follows provides two kinds of examples: (1) sermons that exemplify the types of messages taught in Christ-Centered Preaching , and (2) structures that demonstrate a variety of preaching techniques and practices that aid expository communication.

Part One of Christ- Centered Sermons focuses on structure, with examples of formal, informal, expository, and inductive sermon structures. Instructive notes and references inserted throughout the example sermons describe principles or practices being employed at each stage of the message. My goal, as much as possible, is to create the effect of sitting at the elbow of each reader to say, Now here I am applying this principle, or using this structure, for this reason.

Part Two explores various approaches to redemptive interpretation of texts. Each sermon is an example of a different approach to biblical theology, demonstrating how to preach texts that predict, prepare for, reflect, or result from the ministry of Christ. The instructive notes and references continue to expand readers exposure to a variety of communication considerations and techniques.

Part Three provides sermons that demonstrate how the redemptive truths excavated from Scripture apply to our lives. Important discussion of how grace motivates and enables Christian dedication unfolds with varying emphases in the different examples. In addition, messages in this portion of the book explore the supernatural aspects of our union with Christ and the power of the Word in order to provide preachers the hope and boldness they need to preach in challenging circumstances.

The introduction following this preface is a summary of the principles of Christ-Centered Preaching that lays the foundation for the examples that follow. My prayer is that these principles will combine with the concrete examples in the remainder of the book to provide readers clear guidance and confidence for a lifetime of preaching Christ-centered sermons.