⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 2 min read
Gospel-Centered Teaching by Trevin Wax is a practical book that admonishes readers to put Jesus at the center of every lesson and sermon. Indeed, Spurgeon’s plea in the 19th century to preach the text and then “make a bee-line to the cross” is at the core of this work. The author adds, “Unless you understand the power of life transformation is in the gospel, you’ll run after anything and everything else trying to manufacture life change.” So we make it our aim to return again and again to Jesus and his gospel.
Gospel-Centered Teaching is a powerful book that reminds readers that the gospel is not merely for the unconverted. Indeed, it not only saves us; it also sustains us in the Christian life. I am reminded of the gentlemen who left a church I served in. The accusation went something like this: “I left the XYZ church because all I ever heard from the pulpit was the gospel.” This person failed to see that the gospel is not only for salvation; it is life itself and propels Christ-followers into the future by his grace and for his glory.
Wax further elaborates another reason why we must place the gospel at the centered of every lesson and sermon:
“We progress in holiness the more we immerse ourselves in the truth that Jesus Christ bled and died to save helpless sinners like you and me. The more we see the depth of our sin, the more we understand the depth of God’s grace. Going deep means, we must remember there is nothing we can do to make ourselves more acceptable to God … The gospel-centered teacher understands that the unsaved need the gospel in order to come to know Christ, while the saved need the gospel in order to become more like Christ.”
Gospel-Centered Teaching is a necessary antidote to a culture awash in moralism. This little book is sure to encourage pastors and teachers to not only maintain fidelity to the gospel, but to keep it at the center of all ministry.
4.5 stars
Dr. David Steele has been in pastoral ministry since 1991. He holds BS and MA degrees from Multnomah University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary and a D. Min from Bakke Graduate University. Following graduation from Multnomah University, he served eight years as Pastor to Students at Lacey Chapel. In 2000, he became the Pastor of Theology at First Baptist Church in La Grande, Oregon where he served for over eleven years. In 2012, he became the Senior Pastor at Christ Fellowship in Everson, Washington.
He is the author of Bold Reformer: Celebrating the Gospel-Centered Convictions of Martin Luther, A Godward Gaze: The Holy Pursuit of John Calvin, and The White Flag: When Compromise Cripples the Church.
At Christ Fellowship he leads the staff, serves as the Pastor for preaching and vision casting, and oversees Veritas (adult theological education) and Iron Men (men’s leadership development).
His personal mission is to positively influence people, impact the world one person at a time and to glorify God by enjoying him forever. His passion in ministry is preaching, teaching, and leadership development. Specifically, his aim is to educate the mind, engage the affections, equip the whole person, and encourage God-centered living that treasures Christ above all things.
He and his wife, Gerrene were married in 1991 and they have two children.
