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Gospel-Centered Teaching: Showing Christ in All the Scripture
For small group leaders and Sunday school facilitators who prefer truth over technique, Gospel-Centered Teaching is refreshing in its simple purpose to remind you of something you already instinctively It's Jesus who changes lives, and the goal of your Bible study is to continually reintroduce people to Him. While discussing in depth common related concerns (missional apathy, biblical illiteracy in the church, shallow discussions, etc.), author and teacher Trevin Wax duly offers a practical guide to making sure your message is always surely centered on Jesus and what He has "Fellow teachers, let's soak ourselves in the truths of the gospel and the Word. Then, let's invite others to the fountain of living water offered freely by our Master Teacher whose life and death changes everything."
128 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2013
48 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Trevin K. Wax
31 books131 followersTrevin Wax is the Bible and Reference Publisher for LifeWay Christian Resources. A former missionary to Romania, Trevin hosts a blog at The Gospel Coalition and regularly contributes to The Washington Post, Religion News Service, World, and Christianity Today, which named him one of thirty-three millennials shaping the next generation of evangelicals. His previous books include Counterfeit Gospels, Clear Winter Nights, and Gospel-Centered Teaching. He and his wife Corina have three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 9, 2015
Excellent book! So short and easy to read that I knocked it out in an afternoon. So good and simple that I might give it to all of my SS teachers.
Wax encourages teachers to ask 3 questions about their lessons:
1. How does this topic/passage fit into the big story of Scripture?
2. What is distinctively Christian about the way I am addressing the topic/passage? (Would this be true if Jesus hadn't died and been raised?)
3. How does this truth equip God's church to live on mission?
Wax encourages teachers to ask 3 questions about their lessons:
1. How does this topic/passage fit into the big story of Scripture?
2. What is distinctively Christian about the way I am addressing the topic/passage? (Would this be true if Jesus hadn't died and been raised?)
3. How does this truth equip God's church to live on mission?
July 31, 2019
Gospel-Centered Teaching is a razor-sharp, focused discussion that is light on theology, but heavy on biblical conviction. While the book serves as a solid introduction to the Christocentric reading of Scripture, it really shines in the section on the importance of mission. This is an excellent, light book that is perfect for personal use as well as church leaders.
November 23, 2023
I teach kindergarten through third grade at my church. What do I teach? Bible stories!
This book is directed at teachers, Biblical teachers, people who share Bible stories, who lead small groups… aka me. I am encouraged at the timely insight this book has provided!
Here are two of many reasons presented in this book that I will be reading my Bible differently (and teaching differently):
1. All of Scripture points to Jesus (he even says this on the Road to Emmaus)… so we are well within our right as a teacher to point EVERY lesson back to Christ. In fact, when we don’t do this, that is when groups and individuals tend to lose their tenacity in faith. The power of God is in the gospel, the good news is Jesus.
2. The Bible is namely about God and not me! “Go to the Bible looking for God. Find Him, and application will follow. But go looking for application, and you may miss both.”
This book asks you to put the gospel at the forefront of your both faith and your teaching of others. If you forget it and its power, then the power and purpose of your ‘Christian walk’ and your teaching will be empty.
This book is directed at teachers, Biblical teachers, people who share Bible stories, who lead small groups… aka me. I am encouraged at the timely insight this book has provided!
Here are two of many reasons presented in this book that I will be reading my Bible differently (and teaching differently):
1. All of Scripture points to Jesus (he even says this on the Road to Emmaus)… so we are well within our right as a teacher to point EVERY lesson back to Christ. In fact, when we don’t do this, that is when groups and individuals tend to lose their tenacity in faith. The power of God is in the gospel, the good news is Jesus.
2. The Bible is namely about God and not me! “Go to the Bible looking for God. Find Him, and application will follow. But go looking for application, and you may miss both.”
This book asks you to put the gospel at the forefront of your both faith and your teaching of others. If you forget it and its power, then the power and purpose of your ‘Christian walk’ and your teaching will be empty.
April 9, 2019
While this book is primarily aimed at bible teachers, small group leaders, or pastors, i truly believe it is beneficial book for all Christians to read.
The way Wax and Stetzer clarify the scope of the Gospel to be about God's redemptive work through all of history; focused and realized on the cross (death and reserection); leading to God's kingdom coming to earth is something that needs to be understood by all Christians. Unless we grasp the scope of the Gospel, we will become selfish and isolated.
I truly want to thank the authors for how this book has personally helped me. This book has helped to teach myself, and i am grateful for that.
The way Wax and Stetzer clarify the scope of the Gospel to be about God's redemptive work through all of history; focused and realized on the cross (death and reserection); leading to God's kingdom coming to earth is something that needs to be understood by all Christians. Unless we grasp the scope of the Gospel, we will become selfish and isolated.
I truly want to thank the authors for how this book has personally helped me. This book has helped to teach myself, and i am grateful for that.
June 14, 2018
Excellent. Court, clair et pratique. C'est le genre de livre à donner à tous ceux qui ont un ministère d'enseignement dans l'Eglise.
March 1, 2024
A simple - yet not simplistic - guide for teaching in a way that keeps Jesus central. I found it very practical and a good way to re-focus and prepare for a speaking event.
June 6, 2017
A brisk informative read that directs readers to make the gospel the most important aspect in teaching settings. Depth-as-information is ineffective and depth-as-application can miss the point. Most important point for me was his insistence that teachers must themselves be transfixed by the gospel in order for their teaching to compel their hearers.
July 17, 2016
I just finished my second reading of this book, and found it to be yet again encouraging, enlightening, and well worth the read. Everyone--teacher or not--should read this!
July 25, 2017
A really solid book for teachers of the Bible in any capacity. Wax gets right to the point, stating that the why is more important than the how when it comes to delivering the Gospel message.
February 28, 2024
This book belongs on the shelf of every teacher of the Bible. Whether one is a pastor, a small group leader, a teacher in a school or classroom, or simply a parent trying to teach their children to love and understand the Scriptures, this book is essential.
Wax paints a picture of expositional teaching that is as captivating as it is simple. He rightly distinguishes between what appears to be connected to Christ or tangentially related to the gospel and that which is fundamentally gospel-centric. He exhorts his readers to preach “Christianly.” This work is short and sweet but it is not for the faint of heart: Wax pulls no punches when it comes to doctrinal clarity, theological soundness, or gospel-centrality.
One is quickly reminded of James’s warning that not many should become teachers because they shall be judged more harshly. Wax matches James’s tone and severity and also matches the peace and power and freedom found in the very gospel he is championing—while the teacher must be rigorous in his or her preparation and exposition of Christ and the gospel, that same teacher can find immense power and life in the very same gospel, knowing the power is not coming from them but from the Spirit of God Himself working through His Word. Convicting, challenging, thought-provoking, and necessary are all words that should be used to describe this book.
Wax paints a picture of expositional teaching that is as captivating as it is simple. He rightly distinguishes between what appears to be connected to Christ or tangentially related to the gospel and that which is fundamentally gospel-centric. He exhorts his readers to preach “Christianly.” This work is short and sweet but it is not for the faint of heart: Wax pulls no punches when it comes to doctrinal clarity, theological soundness, or gospel-centrality.
One is quickly reminded of James’s warning that not many should become teachers because they shall be judged more harshly. Wax matches James’s tone and severity and also matches the peace and power and freedom found in the very gospel he is championing—while the teacher must be rigorous in his or her preparation and exposition of Christ and the gospel, that same teacher can find immense power and life in the very same gospel, knowing the power is not coming from them but from the Spirit of God Himself working through His Word. Convicting, challenging, thought-provoking, and necessary are all words that should be used to describe this book.
January 6, 2024
Gospel Centered Teaching is a good introductory book for anyone who is new to leading a small group, bible study or other church related teaching ministry. It is clear, concise and well organized.
I say introductory because it is overly simplistic. It does not attempt to relate the complexity of teaching situations. The “gospel-centered” model is a bare bones explanation and exploration of the gospel and how it relates to teaching. If you have been a teacher or leader of groups for many years it may not provide any new insight or help in growth as a teacher/leader. In this case it can serve a good foundational reminder.
If however you are a brand new small group leader or have never led any group through a study of scripture this would be a helpful book to alert you to pitfalls you will face. It will help you think through how to be intentional in making the basic gospel front and center in your teaching. But don’t stop here.
Good start but there is more in this genre for those looking to grow into better leaders and teachers.
I say introductory because it is overly simplistic. It does not attempt to relate the complexity of teaching situations. The “gospel-centered” model is a bare bones explanation and exploration of the gospel and how it relates to teaching. If you have been a teacher or leader of groups for many years it may not provide any new insight or help in growth as a teacher/leader. In this case it can serve a good foundational reminder.
If however you are a brand new small group leader or have never led any group through a study of scripture this would be a helpful book to alert you to pitfalls you will face. It will help you think through how to be intentional in making the basic gospel front and center in your teaching. But don’t stop here.
Good start but there is more in this genre for those looking to grow into better leaders and teachers.
December 27, 2022
4.5 stars. Good book that challenges you to ask these three questions as you lead others in Bible study or even for just personal study:
1. How does this passage fit into the main narrative of Scripture which points us to Christ and His Gospel?
2. What is distinctly Christian about the way I am addressing and applying this passage? That is, would this make a difference if Jesus was not crucified and raised the third day? Chapter 4 provides some good examples on this.
3. How does this passage equip us in fulfilling the Great Commission? Chapter 5 argues the answer is to not focus on strategies and methods, but to glory in Christ and His salvation of us as sinners by grace through faith. That is, be in awe of God and His amazing grace and let that fuel your desire to reach the lost. In other words, application can be overplayed and overrated; worship is not.
1. How does this passage fit into the main narrative of Scripture which points us to Christ and His Gospel?
2. What is distinctly Christian about the way I am addressing and applying this passage? That is, would this make a difference if Jesus was not crucified and raised the third day? Chapter 4 provides some good examples on this.
3. How does this passage equip us in fulfilling the Great Commission? Chapter 5 argues the answer is to not focus on strategies and methods, but to glory in Christ and His salvation of us as sinners by grace through faith. That is, be in awe of God and His amazing grace and let that fuel your desire to reach the lost. In other words, application can be overplayed and overrated; worship is not.
July 31, 2017
If you are looking for a short, easy to read book on teaching Scripture, look no further than Trevin Wax's Gospel-Centered Teaching. Gospel-Centered Teaching can easily be read in a day. It is a great resource for any Sunday school teacher, Bible teacher, small group leader or even pastor who desires to know how to teach and explain that the whole Bible is one big story of Jesus. Wax is extremely practical and provides great summaries of the Gospel as well as easy ways to include the Gospel into your teaching. It should be noted that this is a primer. It is not intended to be a thorough book on expositional preaching or biblical theology. You will need to look elsewhere for that. I highly recommend this resource to anyone who is called by God to teach others about Him and His Word.
March 28, 2018
5/5 stars
This short (just over 100 pages) is a must-read for every Christian - whether you teach others or not. Packed with simple explanations as to why it is so important to ground our lessons in the gospel, it will incite in you a passion to do so. Along the way there are helpful examples too so that you can read for yourself what he is advocating.
Chapter 4 was the crux of the book: 3 questions all who teach (whether publicly or privately) should ask themselves: 1) is there anything about my treatment of this Old Testament text that a faithful Jew could not affirm?, 2) is there anything about my treatment of this New Testament text that a Mormon could not affirm?, and 3) is there anything in my treatment that an unbeliever off the street would be uncomfortable with?
This short (just over 100 pages) is a must-read for every Christian - whether you teach others or not. Packed with simple explanations as to why it is so important to ground our lessons in the gospel, it will incite in you a passion to do so. Along the way there are helpful examples too so that you can read for yourself what he is advocating.
Chapter 4 was the crux of the book: 3 questions all who teach (whether publicly or privately) should ask themselves: 1) is there anything about my treatment of this Old Testament text that a faithful Jew could not affirm?, 2) is there anything about my treatment of this New Testament text that a Mormon could not affirm?, and 3) is there anything in my treatment that an unbeliever off the street would be uncomfortable with?
July 18, 2025
This book is amazing and undoubtedly Christ-centered at its core. Such a great push to honor the gospel and pledge complete allegiance to it in our ministries with others. Afterall, it's the gospel and the gospel alone is the power of God unto salvation, sanctification and all of life problems.
How I just wish it is backed up with some research especially on the part that the author said that there are bible scholars who [are not Christians]. Also, I only wish that he emphasized in the later sentence that it was the Pharisee that he is talking about—that can know all the laws but still miss Christ. Well, that's just my honest comments and suggestions.
However, I highly recommend this book. It is astoundingly rich in sound doctrine and worth every second of your time.
How I just wish it is backed up with some research especially on the part that the author said that there are bible scholars who [are not Christians]. Also, I only wish that he emphasized in the later sentence that it was the Pharisee that he is talking about—that can know all the laws but still miss Christ. Well, that's just my honest comments and suggestions.
However, I highly recommend this book. It is astoundingly rich in sound doctrine and worth every second of your time.
April 12, 2021
Read for Church Book #1 of 2021.
Trevin Wax’s book is brief (the copy I own clocks in at 109 pages), but it is no less energizing and encouraging. It’s full of excellent information presented in a way that is easy to understand. Wax gives a plethora of helpful tips for leadership and keeping yourself Gospel-centered. Probably could have finished this one in one day if I tried, and that’s not a bad thing. It fits its length well, and I enjoyed reading it.
Trevin Wax’s book is brief (the copy I own clocks in at 109 pages), but it is no less energizing and encouraging. It’s full of excellent information presented in a way that is easy to understand. Wax gives a plethora of helpful tips for leadership and keeping yourself Gospel-centered. Probably could have finished this one in one day if I tried, and that’s not a bad thing. It fits its length well, and I enjoyed reading it.
February 1, 2022
A short, easy read but the material is deeply valuable. How do we teach the Bible? How do we prepare lessons? Our focus should always be the gospel not moralism or application. As the author says, “deeper teaching happens when we have deeper teachers.” A helpful book for anyone teaching children through adults. Yet, all Christians will find benefit for their own personal reading and study even if they aren’t teachers.
June 7, 2023
This is a very basic introduction to centering Bible study/teaching on the gospel rather than morality, etc. I think this would be most helpful for small group leaders or someone who is just being introduced to teaching/leading like this. Wax is best when he is motivating and encouraging and I think he does a good job with this. But given the length of the book (only just over 100 pages), there isn't a lot of specific help.
April 25, 2025
This is a very short and solid book and is effective at a primer for biblical teaching or as a refresher for those who have been teaching a while. I appreciated the brevity and the simplicity of keeping the gospel front-and-center at teaching, especially the point Mr Wax was making at “What about this passage is distinctively Christian?”
Nothing earth shattering here but a back-to-the-basics for bible teaching. Useful for Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, and pastors alike.
Nothing earth shattering here but a back-to-the-basics for bible teaching. Useful for Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, and pastors alike.
May 16, 2018
This is a short easy to read book but the content is deep and powerful. Every teacher of the Bible should read it. Three questions we should ask of Scripture:
1. How does this passage or topic fit into the grand narrative of Scripture?
2. What is distinctively Christian about the way I am addressing this topic or passage?
3. How does this truth equip God's church to live on mission?
1. How does this passage or topic fit into the grand narrative of Scripture?
2. What is distinctively Christian about the way I am addressing this topic or passage?
3. How does this truth equip God's church to live on mission?
August 1, 2019
Trevin provides preachers and teachers with a back to the basics look at how the Gospel and Jesus Christ can be the center of our teaching that leads others to marvel at God. This is a strong work that needs to be read by all pastors and lay leaders alike. We don't need more flashy, we need more Gospel-centered teaching in our churches!
March 14, 2022
Suggesting this to my ministry leaders as a "must-read" for all small group leaders and teachers. Short, approachable, and incredibly relevant and necessary, it calls everyone who stands in front of a group of believers to raise the bar... and tells us clearly what that bar is and how to reach it. No fluff here; Wax respects your time and doesn't waste a word. Good stuff.
June 22, 2022
Super helpful book, went great with Your Old Testament Sermon Needs to Get Saved. Would definitely buy copies of this for small group teachers and anyone else in a teaching role. Would encourage parents to read this. Honestly worth reading. Short and answers a lot of the common objections from either side.
May 23, 2018
Short and sweet. Concise and clear. This book is accessible for anyone, and should be read by everyone who has a part in teaching ministry. Trevin gives great boundaries and cautions that serve as guardrails for hitting the the target of gospel-centeredness. Highly recommended!
October 8, 2018
LOVED this book
I think the message of this book needs to be heard by anyone who teaches. Including parents. This love for jesus is what brought about pure joy and desire to serve and tell others about him.
I think the message of this book needs to be heard by anyone who teaches. Including parents. This love for jesus is what brought about pure joy and desire to serve and tell others about him.
August 16, 2021
Celebrate the Gospel
The gospel is the power of God to save the lost AND transform the hearts of Christians to be on mission. Read this book. Then read it again with your church or small group or friends.
The gospel is the power of God to save the lost AND transform the hearts of Christians to be on mission. Read this book. Then read it again with your church or small group or friends.
July 3, 2024
Good concise read on some basic distinctives for teaching scripture. It was helpful in refocusing my efforts and I would recommend it to anyone just starting out or in need of sharpening their approach to teaching people with a view toward gospel centered life.
January 11, 2025
Succinct and mostly helpful. I disagree with Wax's seemingly blanket rejection of allegorical interpretations of Scripture (where does that leave medieval interpreters?), but most liked his call for marveling and awe at Christ's glory in the final chapter.
July 2, 2017
So so good and so so needed. Easy but enlightening read.
October 7, 2017
Easy and quick read. I would recommend to small group leaders and other teachers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews