Book Review - The Gospel is Bigger Than You Think

 

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