In the final summer D. Min lecture at TMS Pastor John MacArthur shared a brief word on
making much of Christ especially as we preach through the four gospels. In this lecture MacArthur noted that
the gospels are historical narratives written with a theological purpose. In view of this, MacArthur recommended that we all read Dr. Abner Chou's opening chapter (Did God Really Say...? Hermeneutics and History in Genesis 3) in
What Happened in the Garden. In this chapter Chou demonstrates that history is the ground of theology. "The biblical writers do not see history as merely a means of communicating theology; rather, they see history as the means of actualizing theology" (p. 29). In the gospels Divine truths about God, Christ, Man, the Kingdom, and Salvation are taught. The historical Gospels are especially Christological which makes them a treasure trove for preaching and Christian worship.
MacArthur went on to say that one of the most theologically rich chapters in the Bible is John 3 which highlights the doctrine of Divine regeneration ("the new birth"). Jesus' doctrinal instruction in John 3 does not compliment Billy Graham's book title, "How to be born again" as the new birth (regeneration) is
monergistic (a work of One). God alone can make dry bones come alive. He alone can bring a spiritually dead sinner (Eph. 2:1-10) to life again. In short, don't miss the rich theology of Christ as you work your way the four gospels!
