Preaching Christ in All of Scripture
November 26, 2012 § 1 Comment
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Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture: The Application of Biblical Theology to Expository Preaching by Graeme Goldsworthy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Graeme Goldsworthy’s book “Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture: The Application of Biblical Theology to Expository Preaching” is excellent for helping preachers locate any text of Scripture within the big picture of the gospel and the kingdom. Three simple questions will help anyone teaching God’s word: What was the theological significance of this text for the original audience? What is the theological significance of this text in redemptive history? What is the theological significance of this text for us?
The three epochs of redemptive history are also useful interpretive tools: The Kingdom in Israel’s history (Creation to Temple – prototype of the Kingdom), the Kingdom in prophecy (judgement and the promise of a future salvation), and the Kingdom fulfilled in Christ (what was foreshadowed in salvation history and promised by the prophets is fulfilled in Christ). Goldsworthy makes a strong case for viewing scripture as the process of God’s self-revelation (biblical as opposed to systematic theology). God’s message and self-revelation are revealed in history and written down in Scripture. Scripture, therefore, provides us with a coherent and trustworthy vision of reality.
Goldsworthy also does an excellent job in the opening chapters of placing preaching itself within the life and mission of the local church. This is an excellent book for revitalizing preaching in the local church and realigning preaching with the gospel.
Few Christians would deny the power of the gospel, but what about the power of the gospel in preaching? Graeme Goldsworthy’s book is an incredibly useful guide for rediscovering the centrality of the gospel in the Scriptures and the power of preaching the gospel in the Church. Will help any preacher see how all of Scripture testifies to Christ and will give the preacher the skills to present Scripture so that others find Christ.
Rick, thanks for this review. I will be getting this book! Blessings!