Publisher Description
Too few people attending church today, even those in evangelical churches, are exposed to the gospel explicitly. Sure, many will hear about Jesus, and about being good and avoiding bad, but the gospel message simply isn't there--at least not in its specificity and its fullness. Inspired by the needs of both the overchurched and the unchurched, and bolstered by the common neglect of the explicit gospel within Christianity, Matt Chandler has written this punchy treatise. He begins with the specifics of the gospel--outlining what it is and what it is not--and then switches gears to focus on the fullness of the gospel and its massive implications on both personal and cosmic levels. Recognizing our tendency to fixate on either the micro or macro aspects of the gospel, Chandler also warns us of the dangers on either side--of becoming overly individualistic or syncretistic. Here is a call to true Christianity, to know the gospel explicitly, and to unite the church on the amazing grounds of the good news of Jesus!
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“That the gospel is not clearly taught in classic liberalism is
disheartening but not surprising. That frequently the gospel is not
taught in evangelical congregations is both disquieting and surprising.
Evangelicals will not deny the gospel, but they may assume it while
talking about everything else—and that is tragic. Matt Chandler issues a
robust call to make the gospel an explicit and central part of our
preaching, and takes pains to show what that looks like. Amen and Amen.”
—
D. A. Carson, theologian and author of Jesus the Son of God
About the Authors
Matt Chandler serves as lead pastor
of teaching at the Village Church in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He was
involved in changing the theological and philosophical culture of the congregation,
and the church has witnessed a tremendous response, growing from 160 people to
over 11,000, with campuses in Flower Mound, Dallas, and Denton. Chandler is
involved in church planting efforts both locally and internationally through the
Village and various strategic partnerships. Prior to accepting the pastorate at
the Village, he had a vibrant itinerant ministry for over ten years where he
spoke to thousands of people in America and abroad about the glory of God and
the beauty of Jesus. He was recently named president of Acts 29, a worldwide
church-planting organization.
Jared C. Wilson is the director of content strategy at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri, and managing editor of the seminary’s website for gospel-centered resources, For the Church. He is a popular author and conference speaker, and also blogs regularly at Gospel Driven Church hosted by the Gospel Coalition. His books include Your Jesus Is Too Safe, Gospel Wakefulness, Gospel Deeps, The Pastor’s Justification, The Storytelling God, and The Wonder-Working God.
About David Cochran Heath
David Cochran Heath is a professional actor with more than 30 years of experience on the stage in over 130 productions. He is also a lifelong fan of radio theater and has done a variety of narration and character work. He lives in San Diego with his wife, Beth.