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Unlocking the Christ in the Old Testament: A Guide to Preaching Christ From the Old Testament

Stephen Foster

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Published in Preaching Christ From The Old Testament: A Contemporary Hermeneutical Method

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Preaching Christ from the Old Testament: A Contemporary Hermeneutical Method

by Sidney Greidanus

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2774 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	396 pages

The Old Testament, often perceived as a collection of ancient stories and laws, holds a profound significance for Christians. It is the foundation upon which our faith is built, and it contains a wealth of insights into the person and work of Jesus Christ. However, effectively preaching Christ from the Old Testament can be a daunting task, especially given the perceived chasm between the two Testaments.

In his book Preaching Christ from the Old Testament: A Guide to Preaching Christ From the Old Testament, Dr. Bryan Chapell provides a comprehensive guide to help pastors and teachers unlock the Christological riches of the Old Testament. This book is not merely a collection of techniques but a theological framework that empowers preachers to see Christ in every passage they expound.

Chapter 1: The Foundation of Christ-Centered Preaching

Chapell begins by grounding his approach in a solid theological foundation. He argues that Christ-centered preaching is not simply a matter of finding a few isolated verses that mention the Messiah but rather a comprehensive understanding of the entire biblical narrative. By recognizing the progressive nature of God's revelation throughout the Old Testament, preachers can trace the unfolding story of salvation that culminates in Jesus Christ.

Chapter 2: The Tools for Unveiling Christ

Having established the theological basis for Christ-centered preaching, Chapell proceeds to equip preachers with practical tools for uncovering the Christ in the Old Testament. He introduces the concept of "typology," a method of interpreting Old Testament events and figures as foreshadowings of Christ. Chapell also explores other hermeneutical approaches, such as the study of the Old Testament sacrificial system, the tabernacle, and the temple, demonstrating how these elements point to the redemptive work of Christ.

Chapter 3: The Principles of Christ-Centered Preaching

Chapell outlines several principles that guide his approach to Christ-centered preaching. He emphasizes the importance of a clear Christological focus, avoiding the temptation to detour into peripheral topics. He also encourages preachers to present Christ in a way that is both faithful to the biblical text and relevant to the needs of the congregation.

Chapter 4: Model Sermons

To illustrate his principles, Chapell provides several model sermons that demonstrate how to effectively preach Christ from the Old Testament. Each sermon is carefully crafted, drawing on the techniques and tools outlined in the previous chapters. These sermons serve as practical examples of how to bridge the perceived gap between the Old and New Testaments.

Chapter 5: The Challenges and Rewards

In the final chapter, Chapell acknowledges the challenges that come with preaching Christ from the Old Testament. He addresses common objections and provides helpful strategies for overcoming them. Chapell also emphasizes the immense rewards of Christ-centered preaching, both for the preacher and the congregation.

Preaching Christ from the Old Testament is an indispensable resource for anyone who desires to proclaim the full counsel of God's Word. By providing a solid theological foundation, practical tools, and model sermons, Dr. Bryan Chapell empowers preachers to unlock the Christological riches of the Old Testament and deliver sermons that are both biblically sound and spiritually transformative.

Whether you are a seasoned pastor or a new believer, this book will deepen your understanding of the Old Testament and equip you to preach Christ in a way that will captivate your audience and draw them closer to the Savior.

Preaching Christ from the Old Testament: A Contemporary Hermeneutical Method

by Sidney Greidanus

4.7 out of 5