Search

This project consists of a series of sermons preached through the first chapter of the Gospel of Mark with a special emphasis on examining the text through the lens of biblical theology. In particular, this includes seeing Mark's first chapter through the lens of redemptive history. Mark presents Jesus' ministry as the inauguration of the kingdom of God which brings the fulfillment of salvation promises made in the Old Testament. Mark uses both explicit quotation and implicit references to numerous Old Testament texts to give the full significance of Jesus' arrival. Specifically, Jesus brings the kingdom of God with a power that both pushes back the kingdom of Satan, as displayed in his authoritative teaching and ministry of exorcism, and invites men to enter God's kingdom through sacrificial faith and repentance.

Chapter 1 explains the purpose of the project: to teach leaders at Redeemer Church how to apply the OT Minor Prophets christocentrically rather than moralistically through an expositional sermon series on Micah. The goals were to increase the leaders' knowledge on how to interpret Christ from the OT Minor Prophets and increase their affections for Christ. The purpose and goals were accomplished through eleven sermons, four seminars, and two focus group sessions. Chapter 2 explains how the Bible both demands teachers preach Christ from the OT Minor Prophets as well as provides a christocentric method. Luke 24:13-27, Matthew 5:17, Peter's use of Joel 2 in Acts 2, the use of Micah 5:2 in Matthew 2:6, and Matthew 28:19-20 are all explained to establish the case for the christocentric method. Chapter 3 moves from the biblical case for christocentric preaching in chapter 2 to establishing a method. Chapter 3 provides a case for biblical authority as grounds for a case for expository preaching, which then bridges to a case for redemptive expository preaching. A christocentric method is explained which leans heavily on Chapell's "Fallen Condition Focus" and Griedanus' "7 Ways to Christ."

Chapter 1 explains the purpose and the need for the project. The chapter covers the goals, the ministry context, the limitations, and the methodology behind how the project would be carried out. Chapter 2 shows the importance of both biblical and theological reasons for utilizing expository preaching in order to proclaim accurately the doctrines of Christ. Highlighted in this chapter are the importance of doctrine, the importance of expository preaching, and the importance of the church rightly articulating the gospel. Chapter 3 details the claims of Mormonism seen in contrast to the Christian faith. Scholars and theologians on both sides of the issue are examined and the chasm between the two faiths are exposed. Chapter 4 presents the details of the completed project. Included in this chapter are the schedule of the project, the process described in order to evaluate the project, and a summary of each of the sermons. Chapter 5 unveils an analysis of the project. Each aspect of the pre- and post-sermon survey are reviewed, as well as and the results of changes in attitudes or beliefs concerning expository preaching and three essential Christological doctrines.

This project works to establish a pattern of christocentric expository preaching at Grace Fellowship, Anniston, Alabama. Chapter 1 outlines the limits of the project, sets the context of Grace Fellowship, and defines christocentric expository preaching. Chapter 1 also serves as the introduction to the project as a body of work. Chapter 2 begins with an analysis of important passages of Scripture that form the foundation of a christocentric approach to expository preaching. The chapter focuses on the preaching of the apostles as a model of preaching for pastors in our day. Chapter 3 compares christocentric preaching to two alternate approaches of preaching. Both methods are analyzed using the preaching ministry of prominent advocates of the preaching style. Chapter 4 gives the details of the work completed during the fifteen-week project that was conducted at Grace Fellowship. The three main elements of the project are evaluated and reported for the reader to analyze this project. Chapter 5 is the final chapter in this ministry project. It seeks to summarize the conclusions of the project and suggests ways this project can be improved.