Book Review: Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chapell

Expository preaching is simply preaching through the Bible by exposing what the text says in its context and how it applies to us today. Many pastors are divided over whether or not they should do expository preaching. One well-known pastor said expository preaching was cheating because that is not how people grow. From my own personal experience sitting through expository preaching is how people grow not only in their fellowship with Christ, but also in their knowledge of the Bible. Topical preaching is okay as long as it is lined up with Scripture.

There are some preachers who don't know how to put an expository sermon together let alone why it matters. Bryan Chapell has written a book for those who want to know more about expository preaching and how to prepare one. His book is titles, Christ-Centered Preaching.

To start off, Chapell talks about the principles for expository preaching. We see the primary purpose of expository preaching is to exalt God through the pages of scripture as we preach the whole council of God. All scripture is inspired by God, so pastors and teachers must do their best to prepare these sermons. Preaching is a redemptive act, as Chapell puts it, as the people are engaged with the Word for the purpose of transformation, not just information. Every preacher needs to remember that God is the audience, not the congregation.

Chapell goes on to address the preparation of an expository sermon, which is something that does not take place over night unless you are a gifted theologian. Chapell gives assistance with drawing applications and when illustrations are important, which I know for some pastors that can be a struggle. Chapell also says that expository preaching is not edifying to the believer, but evangelistic to the lost who are in attendance, which is a good reason why pastors need to have proper understanding and preparation in preaching.

For those who want to know more about expository preaching and it is put together, I recommend this book.

Thanks Baker Publishing for letting me review this book.