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From and Before God: A Practical Introduction to Expository Preaching
Imagine this scene. You are standing in the pulpit of your church preaching on a Sunday morning. Without your knowledge, the Lord Jesus himself is sitting in the last row, listening attentively to what you’re saying. How would this reality impact your preaching? The truth is that this is no mere the Lord is present in His churches every Sunday, listening to the preaching of His Word. The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:17 that ministers are to preach “as from God and before God.” Those who preach God’s Word are commissioned by God to preach, and they do their preaching before God, for an audience of one. This, according to Sugel Michelén, is the biblical foundation for expository preaching—preaching that draws out what is in the Word of God. In this work, Michelén, regarded as one of the best preachers in the Spanish-speaking church, makes a biblical case for expository preaching and models for readers how to prepare and preach as from and before God.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 9, 2020
Very good book on preaching in the fear and reverence of God.
January 2, 2020
Great book that demonstrates how to effectively preach the whole counsel of God
There is a monumental difference between a preacher who only delivers man-centered messages that sound more like motivational speeches, rife with props and other theatrics – and a preacher who teaches the whole counsel of God by seriously studying, extrapolating (and truly knowing and loving) the very oracles of God through expository preaching.
In his new book, “From & Before God: A Practical Introduction to Expository Preaching,” Sugel Michelen shows preachers how to effectively communicate and exposit the eternal truths of the Bible: “Preaching exists because God has spoken and because He accomplishes His work through His Word (page 19),” and that “the Bible is God preaching (page 26).”
Published by B&H Publishing, Michelen’s 288-page book accentuates the fact that “all preaching must be expository; otherwise, it is not preaching. Whether through a series on a book of the Bible verse by verse, or a long or brief passage of Scripture, what distinguishes expository preaching is that it exposes and applies what the text says, not what the preacher wants it to say (page 55),” which actually sums up the entire gist and purpose of Michelen’s book.
In fact, expository preaching helps restrain preachers from reading entire volumes into a book or verse of the Bible because the Bible becomes its own commentary through expository preaching, comparing Scripture with Scripture instead of the preacher’s opinions, or those of others. The truth is, there are far too many pastors who don’t study in an expository manner, nor even spend time in their Bibles at all, which is one of the reasons most believers don’t know their Bibles.
That’s why one of the strongest points Michelen makes is consecutive expository preaching (verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book teaching of the entire Bible) “helps believers see every text in its context and discern the internal structure of every passage (page 112).” In other words, it teaches believers to be Bereans by studying the Scriptures on their own and for themselves, which is why preachers also need to remain students of the Bible themselves.
The fact is, not all preachers are serious, long-life Bible students. Many pastors behind today’s pulpits often forget the very privilege and responsibility of preaching the Word of God, and that they will be held accountable one day for what they preach behind the pulpit (James 3:1).
Sadly, while many preachers only go to their Bibles to get sermons, many other preachers are going to the Word of God to get life – not only for themselves, but also for their congregations, teaching them the whole counsel of God through expository preaching.
In addition, while studying Scripture passages definitely has its place (in which Michelen does a great job of explaining in chapters 8 and 9), there is no substitute for consecutive expository preaching (verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book teaching of the entire Bible), which gives congregations a panoramic view of the whole Bible in context.
Overall, despite its noticeable Calvinist bent, “From & Before God” is well-written and a great resource for pastors who really want to know how authentic expository preaching is done.
I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received a copy of this book free through B&H Publishing. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2020 by Doug S., M.A.
There is a monumental difference between a preacher who only delivers man-centered messages that sound more like motivational speeches, rife with props and other theatrics – and a preacher who teaches the whole counsel of God by seriously studying, extrapolating (and truly knowing and loving) the very oracles of God through expository preaching.
In his new book, “From & Before God: A Practical Introduction to Expository Preaching,” Sugel Michelen shows preachers how to effectively communicate and exposit the eternal truths of the Bible: “Preaching exists because God has spoken and because He accomplishes His work through His Word (page 19),” and that “the Bible is God preaching (page 26).”
Published by B&H Publishing, Michelen’s 288-page book accentuates the fact that “all preaching must be expository; otherwise, it is not preaching. Whether through a series on a book of the Bible verse by verse, or a long or brief passage of Scripture, what distinguishes expository preaching is that it exposes and applies what the text says, not what the preacher wants it to say (page 55),” which actually sums up the entire gist and purpose of Michelen’s book.
In fact, expository preaching helps restrain preachers from reading entire volumes into a book or verse of the Bible because the Bible becomes its own commentary through expository preaching, comparing Scripture with Scripture instead of the preacher’s opinions, or those of others. The truth is, there are far too many pastors who don’t study in an expository manner, nor even spend time in their Bibles at all, which is one of the reasons most believers don’t know their Bibles.
That’s why one of the strongest points Michelen makes is consecutive expository preaching (verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book teaching of the entire Bible) “helps believers see every text in its context and discern the internal structure of every passage (page 112).” In other words, it teaches believers to be Bereans by studying the Scriptures on their own and for themselves, which is why preachers also need to remain students of the Bible themselves.
The fact is, not all preachers are serious, long-life Bible students. Many pastors behind today’s pulpits often forget the very privilege and responsibility of preaching the Word of God, and that they will be held accountable one day for what they preach behind the pulpit (James 3:1).
Sadly, while many preachers only go to their Bibles to get sermons, many other preachers are going to the Word of God to get life – not only for themselves, but also for their congregations, teaching them the whole counsel of God through expository preaching.
In addition, while studying Scripture passages definitely has its place (in which Michelen does a great job of explaining in chapters 8 and 9), there is no substitute for consecutive expository preaching (verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book teaching of the entire Bible), which gives congregations a panoramic view of the whole Bible in context.
Overall, despite its noticeable Calvinist bent, “From & Before God” is well-written and a great resource for pastors who really want to know how authentic expository preaching is done.
I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received a copy of this book free through B&H Publishing. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2020 by Doug S., M.A.
February 3, 2020
In a time when preachers seem more concerned with giving their hearers a high-five than they are about giving them the meaningful, life-changing, Truth of the Word of God, Sugel Michelen's work, From & Before God: A Practical Introduction to Expository Preaching is a liferaft in a shipwreck. Not that the hearers in the congregation are any better. Too often, they are trying to save the deck chairs while the boat is breaking apart, asking, even demanding a high-five from the preacher. But if done correctly, expository preaching is the best safeguard from this disaster.
Michelen gives us a 250-page book in three parts. Part one is the theological grounding for preaching, especially expository preaching. Part two dives down a little deeper into the nuts and bolts of expository preaching. And part three is practical instruction for preparing and delivering expository sermons. Following part three is a sample sermon on Exodus 17:1-7 that the author and reader built along the way.
In many ways, From & Before God is an expanded version of David Helm's book Expositional Preaching: How We Speak God's Word Today. With the extra pages, Michelen provided a more extensive focus for the broader opportunities for where preachers might preach, a how-to with practical examples, and an expanded argument for this kind of preaching. He also brought in extensive support from other sources. The recommended reading list in Michelen's book might be one of the most solid lists on preaching I've found to date.
Also encouraging is the origin of this book. This author is not another American telling the rest of the world how to preaching. Sugeal Michelen is from the Dominican Republic, and a quick YouTube search will yield a cornucopia of his expository sermons in Spanish.
Mark Dever wrote the introduction, and David Helm, Joel Beeke, Bryan Chapell, Paul Washer, John MacArthur, D. A. Carson, and others have already recommended this book. Although not as significant, I add my name to that list. From & Before God is an excellent book for preachers just getting started and preachers who have been preaching for many years. It might also be worth reading if you listen to sermons and what to have a better foundation for what a sermon should be.
Michelen gives us a 250-page book in three parts. Part one is the theological grounding for preaching, especially expository preaching. Part two dives down a little deeper into the nuts and bolts of expository preaching. And part three is practical instruction for preparing and delivering expository sermons. Following part three is a sample sermon on Exodus 17:1-7 that the author and reader built along the way.
In many ways, From & Before God is an expanded version of David Helm's book Expositional Preaching: How We Speak God's Word Today. With the extra pages, Michelen provided a more extensive focus for the broader opportunities for where preachers might preach, a how-to with practical examples, and an expanded argument for this kind of preaching. He also brought in extensive support from other sources. The recommended reading list in Michelen's book might be one of the most solid lists on preaching I've found to date.
Also encouraging is the origin of this book. This author is not another American telling the rest of the world how to preaching. Sugeal Michelen is from the Dominican Republic, and a quick YouTube search will yield a cornucopia of his expository sermons in Spanish.
Mark Dever wrote the introduction, and David Helm, Joel Beeke, Bryan Chapell, Paul Washer, John MacArthur, D. A. Carson, and others have already recommended this book. Although not as significant, I add my name to that list. From & Before God is an excellent book for preachers just getting started and preachers who have been preaching for many years. It might also be worth reading if you listen to sermons and what to have a better foundation for what a sermon should be.
March 1, 2020
This book is entitled as it is based on the scripture in 2 Corinthians 2:17 that leads those who would teach the Word of God to others “as from God and before God.” This book is a fountain of that shows us that the Word of God is a deep reservoir of jewels to mine, a field of deep fruit and flowers to pick, and teaches us how to practically excavate the essence of the Word for all that it is and all it holds.
Furthermore, if you know or suspect that you have a teaching gift on your life, this book is a golden nugget in our time. It is meant to show us how to prepare and teach in the form of expository preaching.
When we share the gospel from the pulpit or wherever it may be that we are called on from to do so, it is for an audience of one. The author, Sugel Michelén, knows and shows this well in his words. This beloved Spanish preacher is one of the best of his day, and is well admired and loved.
This book is split up into three parts, and all parts of necessary.
Part One: “The Theological Anchor” sets the biblical foundation by walking us through how God speaks and why that, in turn, entrusts us with the duty to preach His words to all.
Part Two: “The Nature, Form and Content of the Expository Sermon” shows meaning of preaching and expository sermons, Christ as the center of our preaching, and our dependence of the Holy spirit in our preaching.
Part Three: “Step-by-Step Preparation of an Expository Sermon” gives detailed, practical instructions as to prepare and preach expositorily.
Most of us may never preach a sermon, but as believers, we will all share the gospel. This book has already informed my expository writing and how I present the gospel to others, and learning the tools of expository teaching and it’s roots present benefits for all gospel sharers.
Furthermore, if you know or suspect that you have a teaching gift on your life, this book is a golden nugget in our time. It is meant to show us how to prepare and teach in the form of expository preaching.
When we share the gospel from the pulpit or wherever it may be that we are called on from to do so, it is for an audience of one. The author, Sugel Michelén, knows and shows this well in his words. This beloved Spanish preacher is one of the best of his day, and is well admired and loved.
This book is split up into three parts, and all parts of necessary.
Part One: “The Theological Anchor” sets the biblical foundation by walking us through how God speaks and why that, in turn, entrusts us with the duty to preach His words to all.
Part Two: “The Nature, Form and Content of the Expository Sermon” shows meaning of preaching and expository sermons, Christ as the center of our preaching, and our dependence of the Holy spirit in our preaching.
Part Three: “Step-by-Step Preparation of an Expository Sermon” gives detailed, practical instructions as to prepare and preach expositorily.
Most of us may never preach a sermon, but as believers, we will all share the gospel. This book has already informed my expository writing and how I present the gospel to others, and learning the tools of expository teaching and it’s roots present benefits for all gospel sharers.
July 26, 2020
Sugel Michelen has written an excellent book on preaching. He deals with all aspects of preaching from the preparation, prayer and practice of the preacher to the manuscript, mannerism, and muted or unmuted volume of delivery. With lots of quotes from preachers of today and yesterday, Michelen's focus is on helping the new and seasoned preacher develop in the calling, craft, and care in which they are to cry out on God's behalf.
June 18, 2024
Helpful intro to expository preaching. Would be great for a new preacher/pastor.
October 9, 2025
amazing
March 25, 2020
From & Before God: A Practical Introduction to Expository Preaching is a book designed to train and equip beginning preachers. The author, Sergei Michelén is senior pastor of Iglesia Biblica del Señor Jesucristo in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is hailed as one of the leading preachers in Latin America. As such, he has much to offer by way of practical instruction and personal insight.
Part One: The Theological Anchor
Pastor Michelén begins by addressing the nature of revelation by presenting three fundamental realities: 1) God has spoken, 2) God speaks through his written word today, 3) God commands us to preach his word. Part one lays the foundation for what is to follow. It is filled with biblical anecdotes and convinces readers of the importance of the preaching task.
Part Two: The Nature, Form, and Content of the Expository Sermon
The author convinces readers that expository preaching is true preaching and spends an extended amount of time focusing on the role of the Holy Spirit in preaching. This important element is too often missing from preaching books. Also, the author shows why Christ should be at the center of every sermon. Numerous citations are included to help bolster his case.
Part Three: Step-by-Step Preparation of an Expository Sermon
The mechanics of the sermon are set forth in the final section and gives beginning preachers a workable outline or the “how to’s” of sermon preparation - from passage selection to the conclusion and everything in between.
Overall, From & Before God is a solid offering. Men who are learning to preach will benefit from this basic introduction. Seasoned preachers will also benefit from Pastor Michelén’s fine work but may choose to turn to other resources for greater detail. A few examples include Reformed Preaching by Joel Beeke, Invitation to Preaching by Donald Sunukjian, Preach: Theology Meets Practice by Mark Dever and Greg Gilbert, and Expository Preaching: Balancing the Science and Art of Biblical Exposition by John MacArthur and the Master’s Seminary Faculty.
Part One: The Theological Anchor
Pastor Michelén begins by addressing the nature of revelation by presenting three fundamental realities: 1) God has spoken, 2) God speaks through his written word today, 3) God commands us to preach his word. Part one lays the foundation for what is to follow. It is filled with biblical anecdotes and convinces readers of the importance of the preaching task.
Part Two: The Nature, Form, and Content of the Expository Sermon
The author convinces readers that expository preaching is true preaching and spends an extended amount of time focusing on the role of the Holy Spirit in preaching. This important element is too often missing from preaching books. Also, the author shows why Christ should be at the center of every sermon. Numerous citations are included to help bolster his case.
Part Three: Step-by-Step Preparation of an Expository Sermon
The mechanics of the sermon are set forth in the final section and gives beginning preachers a workable outline or the “how to’s” of sermon preparation - from passage selection to the conclusion and everything in between.
Overall, From & Before God is a solid offering. Men who are learning to preach will benefit from this basic introduction. Seasoned preachers will also benefit from Pastor Michelén’s fine work but may choose to turn to other resources for greater detail. A few examples include Reformed Preaching by Joel Beeke, Invitation to Preaching by Donald Sunukjian, Preach: Theology Meets Practice by Mark Dever and Greg Gilbert, and Expository Preaching: Balancing the Science and Art of Biblical Exposition by John MacArthur and the Master’s Seminary Faculty.
January 19, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. Devotional and instructive. It also is a gold-mine of great quotes!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews