Explicit Gospel

Product 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! Review "If you only read one book this year, make it this one. It's that important."-- "Rick Warren, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Purpose Driven Life "

"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 "

"This book, like the gospel itself, is clarifying, convicting, comforting, and compelling all at the same time. I wholeheartedly invite you to read it, to be overwhelmed by the mercy and majesty of God in the gospel, and then to spend your life making this gospel explicit in every facet of your life and to every corner of the earth!"-- "David Platt, author of Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream" About the Author 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.

Matt Chandler pastors The Village Church, a multi-campus church attended by more than 10,000 people. His sermons are regularly one of the top five podcasts on iTunes and his book, The Explicit Gospel, has sold over 135,000 copies. Matt lives in Dallas with his wife and three children. Jared C. Wilson is an award-winning writer and author of the popular books Your Jesus Is Too Safe, Gospel Wakefulness, Gospel Deeps, and the curriculum Abide. He is pastor of Middletown Springs Community Church in Vermont and blogs daily at TheGospelCoalition.org.

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.