The Gospel as the Center of All Scripture | David R. Helm

Equipping Faith Lectures

In this third instructional session on preaching, David R. Helm shifts from exegesis to theological reflection, focusing on how preachers move from a biblical text to the gospel. He argues that Scripture has a unifying interpretive center: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to the Scriptures. While not all scholars agree, Helm grounds his conviction in Jesus’ own teaching (Luke 24), Paul’s view of the gospel (Romans 1), and Peter’s emphasis on the prophetic word (2 Peter 1). These texts show that both Old and New Testament point organically to Christ.

Helm then introduces practical strategies for preaching Christ from any passage. Three main tools guide this movement: themes (such as covenant, kingdom, temple), typology/analogy (persons, events, and objects intentionally prefiguring Christ), and textual promises and fulfillments. Using the book of Acts, he illustrates how Paul functions as a mirror of Christ, paralleling Jesus’ miracles, journey to Jerusalem, trials, and suffering—patterns Paul expects believers to imitate.

Helm further emphasizes preaching with specificity, using a simple diagram of Christ’s life—from eternal preexistence to incarnation, death, resurrection, ascension, reign, and return. Each passage highlights a particular aspect rather than a generic “Jesus point.” Effective preaching, he concludes, unites rigorous exegesis with gospel-centered theological reflection, enabling the church to see Christ’s multifaceted glory.

Pastors & Leaders Conference 2019