Give Them Christ

by Stephen Seamands

Much preaching today begins with the hearer's "felt needs" and then moves to how Christianity can solve those problems. But this approach often results in trite Christologies that merely use Jesus as a means to an end or a vehicle for self-improvement. While preachers might not dispense with Christ altogether, other things subtly take center stage and become more important than Christ himself. Pastoral theologian Stephen Seamands issues a stirring call to rediscover the centrality of Christ in preaching. Deftly blending doctrine and praxis, he revitalizes preaching by focusing on five key dimensions of Jesus' his incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension and return. Seamands highlights how preaching Christ crucified and risen speaks profoundly to the deepest dimensions of human existence. Addressing both the "what" and the "so what," this exposition helps church leaders declare afresh that Christ alone is supremely sufficient for Christian faith and practice. Pastors and preachers will find here significant resources for their churches' worship, life together and mission in the world. Become captivated once again by the glory of Christ, and find yourself compelled to proclaim his work anew.

Genres: Theology

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2012

About the author

Stephen Seamands (Ph.D., Drew University) is professor of Christian doctrine at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He also frequently speaks and leads retreats and seminars on such issues as emotional healing and spiritual renewal.

His books include Give Them Christ (InterVarsity Press, 2012), Christology and Transition in the Theology of Edwin Lewis (University Press of America, 1987), Holiness of Heart and Life (Abingdon, 1990), A Conversation with Jesus (Victor, 1994) and Wounds That Heal (InterVarsity Press, 2003).

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seamands' title comes from his contention that the diet of preaching in so many churches is addressed to felt needs and solving problems and week in what fundamentally makes one Christian--that is Christ Himself. And so Seamands sets himself to exploring how the Incarnation, Death, Resurrection, Ascension, and Return of Jesus bear on the lived experience of Christians. And so he not only exposits these doctrines but explores the implications of these truths for our lives. I most appreciated his discussion of the resurrection and ascension, which went far beyond the "Jesus lives and so shall we" nostrums we typically hear. He explores how the resurrection in fact means the renewal of all creation, the Lordship of Jesus over all this creation, and the vindication of his righteousness. He also, in the chapter on the ascension, explores the widespread use of Psalm 110:1 in the New Testament, that Christ has been exalted to God's right hand, that we are raised up even now with him, and that it is the Incarnate Christ who is at this right hand, ever interceding for us as true Son of God and Man.

Seamands concludes with a challenge related to his thoughts on the return of Christ. Do we long for Christ's return or are we content with his absence? What this really lays bare is, how deeply do we love Christ? His challenge for us, then is not only to preach Christ but to press ever more deeply into loving and being loved by the Christ we preach. Thoughtful reading of this book can certainly be one incitement to such love!

[Peter Mahaffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a seminary student under Steve Seamands years ago and have always appreciated his ability to combine theological depth with warm-hearted devotion. In truth, those two can never be separated - knowledge of God’s person and work in Christ cannot be separated from the love of God and God’s people. This combination of depth and devotion permeates this book on the work of Christ. Many of the wonderful anecdotes that I remember from theology class are captured here. The preacher will find in these pages not only inspiration for every season of the liturgical year, but moving illustrations to enhance their teaching. Keep this one close by on your shelf for future reference.

[Clint Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my observation, much of preaching today either focuses on digging into a certain passage in order to communicate what that passage was saying, and now says to us today, or topical preaching designed to give helpful hints to people on how to live their lives as a believer in God and a follower of Jesus. Lately, preachers have rejected a rich tradition of theological preaching. Give Them Christ is a corrective to this error, calling pastors to a kerygmatic model of preaching.

As I was reading at this book, I was also teaching through the Heidelberg Catechism. The Heidelberg, like many other Reformed Catechisms, makes an effort to teach through the Apostle's Creed. Thus, as I read this book I found insight on not just what the Apostle's Creed was saying, but how to preach what is happening in the Apostle's Creed to a congregation who needs theological depth. I plan on resourcing this book next year during the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany cycle and the Lent-Easter-Ascension-Pentecost cycle of the Christian year. It will remind me of insights I have gained, and will infuse my preaching with theological depth.

For those seeking something technical, this is not it. What Seamands does offer in this book is some time-tested ways of communicating doctrine in a way that people can understand. He also challenges preachers to give clear instructions about what people need to hear.

Too often in churches, we as pastors have neglected teaching the theological foundations of the faith. Give Them Christ is a needed corrective, challenging pastors to help people understand God through communicating sound doctrine.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource. For my full review, go to http://www.christian-intellect.blogsp...

[Jamie Pennington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly what I had in mind but it was good.