What is Christ-Centered Preaching? This. by Chris Anderson (Excerpts)
May 18, 2008 by Renee Ann Addison Culver
In a post last week, I listed a link to Chris Anderson’s post, What is Christ-Centered Preaching? This.
I don’t want you to miss out on reading his post. Below, I excerpt parts of his post for you. So, enjoy and click the link above to read his whole article.
By the way, my Twitter friend, Jason Sutton (Jason, I can’t say that I’m a fan of the UT wallpaper on your Twitter page… GO BAMA!… ahem… where was I?) Jason reminded me to tell you that I am not advocating gospel sermons as a means of evangelism. I and the authors of the posts that I’m recommending, are advocating that Christ-centered, cross-focused weekly sermons are for Christians gathering to worship Jesus Christ for Who He is and for the great work He accomplished on the cross. All of Scripture somehow points to the redemptive story-line of Scripture. Whichever portion of the Bible that is preached, the preacher should clearly tie it to the grand theme of the Bible, which is Christ and Him crucified. And, another twitter friend, Matt Delves (who could double as young Francis Schaeffer, though Matt often uses the older Francis Schaeffer image as a Twitter avatar), reminded me to not forget the resurrection. He’s so right… the resurrection is God’s sign that He has accepted the Ultimate Sacrifice and so the resurrection is an integral part of the gospel.
Okay, again I will say… below, I excerpt parts of Chris Anderson’s post for you. So, enjoy and click the link above to read his whole article.
By the way, this focus on Christ-centered things is no fad, nor is it merely a matter of semantics. The cross work of Christ is the heart of Christianity, and it must be the heart of our preaching. Think about it: How many sermons have you preached (on virtues, parenting, responsibilities, sins, etc.) that would have been well-received in a Jewish synagogue, Muslim mosque, JW Kingdom Hall, or Mormon…whatever? “Many” is my honest answer. It’s easy to preach “biblical” messages that aren’t distinctly Christian. However, to do so is to offer morality rather than Christianity and to set people up for legalism and failure. We must preach a distinctly Christian message about virtues, home, responsibilities, sins, and other issues. To do so means that we’re preaching “Christ crucified” and showing how that applies to everyday life.
and then,
…we forget that “context” is more than the words, sentences and paragraphs that surround a particular text. The larger context for every passage and message is Christianity. And frankly, it’s much easier to preach outo’sto’s than to’sto’s. I’m not suggesting that we neglect the former, but we must tie it inseparably to the latter. Only Gospel-centered preaching is distinctly Christian preaching. We must preach Christ more intentionally, week in and week out.
Found you from Clayton’s blog where you guest posted on this subject. I still don’t understand the particular specifics relating to how you would want my subjects (the ones I asked you about) treated in an authentic “Christ-centered” sermon. Maybe I’m dull, but can you try to point me in the right direction again? Thanks for your help and patience.
Ah, you want specifics. I don’t have time at the moment, but will try to address your particular subjects by giving some specific examples. I’ll make it a new post, so be watching for in in a day or two (hopefully).
Christ-centered, cross-focused weekly worship services and sermons are my favorite topic to write about.
In the meantime, you might check out some of my more recent posts following the same subject.
In fact, later today I intend to create a new category on my blog so these posts will stay easy to find. I think I will use Christ-Centered Cross-Focused. So, watch for that also. Thanks for your inquiry.
Renee,
Thank you for the links. I’m so glad that what I’ve written has been used of the Lord to point you Christ-ward. Amen! I certainly share your passion for the centrality of Christ’s person and work.
Chris
mlm,
In case you are looking for my forthcoming post in answer to your question… I’m guessing now that it will be Monday or Tuesday. Sorry for the delay.
mlm,
An unexpected pressing project has come up. I have only written one paragraph and intend on finishing it as my next post (not counting link list posts, which post nearly automatically). But, it will probably be next week and may be a couple of posts.
Sorry for the delay.