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35th out of 61 books
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35 voters
Gospel: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary
Could the gospel be lost in evangelical churches? In this book, J.D. Greear shows how moralism and legalism have often eclipsed the gospel, even in conservative churches. Gospel cuts through the superficiality of religion and reacquaints you with the revolutionary truth of God's gracious acceptance of us in Christ. The gospel is the power of God, and the only true source o...more
Paperback, 266 pages
Published
October 1st 2011
by B&H Books
(first published September 13th 2011)
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Given the book's premise, I was eager to read it and wanted to really like it. Mostly I did with only a couple of complaints. First, this book is very practical and that is both good and bad. The point was to be practical and that was good, but at times the reader would have been better served by going a little deeper into the text of Scripture and providing solid foundation for the practical application. Second, some of the jokes and cultural references felt a little forced and distracting. Thi...more
Much of Gospel is unoriginal, and J.D. Greear proudly claims so. Often written like a Greatest Hits Album from a cross-section of the best preachers today, Gospel works largely because of its sincerity and straightforward simplicity. It's like a quadruple espresso shot of Bible truth aiming for the heart of the matter: namely, your heart. It will especially revive those who are frustrated or flailing in their Christian walk.
With endorsements by Tim Keller, Matt Chandler, David Platt, Albert Moh...more
With endorsements by Tim Keller, Matt Chandler, David Platt, Albert Moh...more
I have to confess, I didn't like this book at first. The style of writing felt simplistic and the anecdotes felt forced, like the author was just trying too hard to make everything "relevant."
Despite my initial negative feelings about the book, I kept reading. The reason I kept reading is because the author makes much of Jesus. On page after page, J.D. Greear exalts the name and work of Christ and invites his readers to do the same.
I was also drawn to the way Greear offers practical application,...more
Despite my initial negative feelings about the book, I kept reading. The reason I kept reading is because the author makes much of Jesus. On page after page, J.D. Greear exalts the name and work of Christ and invites his readers to do the same.
I was also drawn to the way Greear offers practical application,...more
Overall a good read. Repetitive in parts (for the sake of internalization, not clumsy redundancy), but a quick, insightful, non-judgmental look at what the Church is supposed to be. It revealed some truths along the way that I simply would rather pretend weren't true. Like for example when the author criticizes the quote attributed to St. Francis ("Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary use words) by saying that people will not hear the Gospel unless we use words. While I agree that the to...more
Gospel is a tremendous book to hand off to a new believer; or, better yet, a regular Church goer that seems to get easily annoyed by others. Greear does a tremendous job with the first part of the book in describing what God has done for us in Christ. The illustrations are clear and the prayer that he encourages us to pray that creates the outline of the book is outstanding. (I used it regularly in a Lenten series I preached this year).
I believe the latter part of the book talking about our res...more
I believe the latter part of the book talking about our res...more
J.D. offers a prayer in this book which I like:
"In Christ, there is nothing I can do that would make You love me more, and nothing I have done that makes You love me less.
Your presence and approval are all I need for everlasting joy.
As you have been to me, so I will be to others.
As I pray, I'll measure your compassion by the cross and Your power by the resurrection."
Gospel change is the Spirit of God using the story of God to make the beauty of God come alive in our hearts.
Most of the mira...more
"In Christ, there is nothing I can do that would make You love me more, and nothing I have done that makes You love me less.
Your presence and approval are all I need for everlasting joy.
As you have been to me, so I will be to others.
As I pray, I'll measure your compassion by the cross and Your power by the resurrection."
Gospel change is the Spirit of God using the story of God to make the beauty of God come alive in our hearts.
Most of the mira...more
I read my mom's copy of this book while I was home, and didn't get to finish it - I made it maybe halfway-ish. The main reason I'm not buying my own copy to finish is because I actually attend the Summit Church where J.D. preaches, and he did a sermon series by the same title. In the part of the book that I read, I didn't come across much (or anything, really) that hadn't been covered in the sermon series. It was nice to have it written down, but I don't feel compelled to go buy the book and rea...more
This book I could not put down. And so often I feel as Christians we get caught up in the bible laws and passages that we forget that the bible was a history of events that led to the crucifixion of Christ, he's resurrection and the beginning of the Church as we know it.
Focus as Christians today should be placed on Christ the bearer of our sins. His teachings are found throughout the Gospel.
This book highlights why we as Christians should focus on the teachings of the Gospel for true redemptio...more
Focus as Christians today should be placed on Christ the bearer of our sins. His teachings are found throughout the Gospel.
This book highlights why we as Christians should focus on the teachings of the Gospel for true redemptio...more
I agreed with virtually everything in this book. Greear works through the implications of the gospel and does a fine job of explaining why we are always totally and continuously dependent upon the gospel. My issues were stylistic, so I realize that what I am about to write is utterly subjective. I found his colloquial style to read more like a transcript of sermons delivered or talks given to a youth group rather than an intentionally written book that works through the implications of the gospe...more
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The Gospel - JD Greear
January 28, 2012
I enjoyed these points of the book:
1. p4 - Jonathan Edwards likened his reawakening to the gospel to a man who had known, in his head, that honey was sweet, but for the first time had that sweetness burst alive in his mouth.
2. p52 - Satan starts with what you did, and tears down who you are. The Holy Spirit starts with what Christ has declared over you, and helps you rebuild what you did.
3. p63 - Most preachers think that preaching the law (exclusively) in s...more
January 28, 2012
I enjoyed these points of the book:
1. p4 - Jonathan Edwards likened his reawakening to the gospel to a man who had known, in his head, that honey was sweet, but for the first time had that sweetness burst alive in his mouth.
2. p52 - Satan starts with what you did, and tears down who you are. The Holy Spirit starts with what Christ has declared over you, and helps you rebuild what you did.
3. p63 - Most preachers think that preaching the law (exclusively) in s...more
Greear encourages Christians to realign their lives on the truth of the gospel—that their standing before God is now and forever fulfilled perfectly in Christ. Using a gospel-themed prayer, Greear guides readers through the basics of this message then explores the way that these truths will necessarily impact the cadence of believers’ lives. He is overly repetitious on some ideas, but in all has crafted a welcomed addition to the recent resurgence of gospel-centered books.
"Gospel" by J. D Greear is a challenging book. Not in some heavy, slam-you-over-the-head-with-a-big-lump-of-wood kind of way, but from the perspective of one who has struggled with the very issues that he writes about. This is a book that leaves a believer with a lot to think about and a lot more to pray about.
For Christians looking for practical steps to deepen their faith, as well as addressing things in an honest way, this book is a breath of fresh air. It is simple in its approach and draws...more
For Christians looking for practical steps to deepen their faith, as well as addressing things in an honest way, this book is a breath of fresh air. It is simple in its approach and draws...more
A fairly entry level book on the gospel, which is what I wanted-- it helps to be reminded of the basics. The last half is practical application stuff which was nice, but not quite as helpful for me personally. Could be a good book for newer Christians. Also, if you're a preacher, it would preach well. Very helpful illustrations.
Great book on understanding and applying the Gospel to our everyday life. Truly understanding the Gospel can transform our lives, not just as a one-time decision, but each and every day as it informs all of our decisions, actions, and thoughts. Excellent book written in layman's terms, rich with theology, and grounded in God's Word. While my favorite book on this topic is still Because He Loves Me by Elyse Fitzpatrick, this book was still a worthwhile and life-changing read.
The Gospel has transforming power for all of the Christian life. This book is really practical as the author talks about how he has seen the gospel bring change to many areas that Jesus wants to set apart for himself.
J. D. Greear's message in this book was very good. It is full of practical reminders of the power of the gospel as well as the necessity of the message of the gospel message in the everyday life of Christians.
This book is aimed at Christians, particularly those that are trying to find their place in the world...trying to make sense of what it means to truly be a follower of Christ.
This book surpassed many books I've read that have tried to address this same topic. Although Greear frequently qu...more
This book is aimed at Christians, particularly those that are trying to find their place in the world...trying to make sense of what it means to truly be a follower of Christ.
This book surpassed many books I've read that have tried to address this same topic. Although Greear frequently qu...more
Quite good, almost finished. I like his story telling and it is a great reminder of how the Gospel needs to be in every part of our lives as opposed to just the place we start.
Ce livre est dans mon top5 à vie!
Je crois que tout chrétien aurait intérêt à lire ce livre!
Les 4 prières nous plongent dans les vérités de l'évangile!
Je crois que tout chrétien aurait intérêt à lire ce livre!
Les 4 prières nous plongent dans les vérités de l'évangile!
Absolutely a clear and inspiring read and reminder of the power of the gospel of Jesus! Easy to read, Greear is witty, illustrative, and thorough! It is the gospel that saves, and grows the believer in faith! Well worth the time!
This book did an excellent job or reminding me what I need to be focused on in my life, Jesus!! It is not what I can do, but what He has done for me. Thank you J.D. for this wonderful book. Have a blessed day, my brother!!
If you read on book in 2011 or 2012, you should read this book. It is everything that the Lord has been teaching me, wrapped up in a way I wish I could have said.
Fantastic. Life changing. We can't afford to leave the gospel behind as we pursue spiritual "success".
One of the most practical looks at the gospel & its applications I've ever read. Highly recommended
Excellent! Great in helping to learn how to apply the wonderful truth of the gospel.
Good reminder of the basics, of how the gospel changes us. I particularly liked that he got into specifics about giving and generosity. The chapter on the four qualities of a gospel-centered church from Acts was good too.
Great book for small groups!
Change my life.
Sep 06, 2012
Caine Rose
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Currently reading
Jul 14, 2012
Julie Powell
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great book
Like a fine wine. It got better the longer it went. JD's discussion around the practical implications of "gospel-centredness" was excellent.
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J.D. Greear, Ph.D., did his degree work in Christian and Islamic theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. He is Lead Pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, NC. The Summit’s vision is to plant 1,000 churches in by the year 2040. Currently, they have planted 11 and have several church planting teams stationed around the world.
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“When something becomes so important to you that it drives your behavior and commands your emotions, you are worshipping it.”
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5 people liked it
“Gospel change is the Spirit of God using the story of God to make the beauty of God come alive in our hearts”
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3 people liked it
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