One of the biggest issues that evangelicalism has been facing the
last several years is that the “Jesus died for you so you can go to
heaven” message is not working anymore. Why? Frankly because it is
not the whole gospel message, and misdirects us to begin with.
What Anthony Delgado
provides in his work is an in-depth, but amazingly easy read of a
book. While seeming like a monumental task, he masterfully covers the
width and breadth of the Gospel message. By addressing the problem of
the American folk-religion that has turned the Gospel from an
all-encompassing truth that transforms every aspect of our lives into
a simple and myopic, seemingly powerless tale that misses much of
what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
Even when addressing
these “sacred cows” there is a feeling of gentleness and guidance
that Delgado brings when addressing how the Gospel actually responds
to the deep and trying questions of our day. The answers provided are
not just satisfying, but well grounded and established in the story
and truth of Scripture that can bring believers of all traditions
together, and ignite an interest in what the Gospel is to the
unbeliever.
For many Christians
the spiritual world is just a two-dimensional reality that has maybe
some interactions with our lives, but other than God, angels, demons
and Satan there isn’t much else. Scripture on the other hand is
replete with stories and examples of how the spiritual world
interacts with the physical, and it has real implications for the
story we are all apart of. This reality plays a central role in why
the Gospel was essential, and this book bring that back to the
forefront. With a world so interested in “being spiritual” the
answers are found right in the truth of Scripture, now more
accessible then ever.
Often times many
books have questions at the end of each chapter, and sometime they
are not always engaging or helpful, but I get why they are there. But
with this book I found the questions to be engaging and thought
provoking. As a pastor I look forward to implementing this book as
part of regular discipleship and group-study in my context
In our post-modern
moment of doubt and questioning, The Gospel is Bigger Than You
Think is a tool that will serve
the Church in displaying the beauty and hope of the Gospel, and the
mystery and majesty of Jesus in a world in desperate need of a
savior.
I
highly recommend this book for clergy, laity and otherwise. 10/10