I had the pleasure of receiving the book, “The Missing Gospel of Modern Christianity: Know, Believe, and Share the true message of salvation” in exchange for a review. This book is written by Trey Talley, and the title is the tell-all, that is, this book is about the true Gospel.
This book is broken up into four parts: 1) What is the Gospel, 2) Consequences of Changing God’s Gospel, 3) Popular, yet unbiblical, words used to speak of salvation and 4) Unpopular, yet biblical, words used to speak of salvation. The first thing you’ll note about this book is the heart of the author, which is focused simply on the true gospel proclaimed. This book is well written, in an easy to understand manner, and it takes its time to clarify and explain that which should be explained. Not only that, but the book is laid back in nature, while it spends time explaining rich theological concepts. One thing a reader will undoubtedly notice is how loaded this book is with scripture and clarifying explanations that will help a reader of any level dive into the biblical text and understand whatever concept is being discussed.
The author begins the book by discussing “What is the Gospel” and the components necessary to have the true message of God, while also stressing that “Gospel” is not a term that means different things to different people. I found this section to be extremely important as the author points out that many times the term is spoken and yet different things are actually being said. Gospel is defined and laid out on the table while explaining what it is not, and that it is not subject to change despite how many handle it.
Trey Talley then spends time discussing the topics necessary to the Gospel in great detail and with bountiful scriptural support. One thing I appreciated was that the author spent time explaining how these components were not things we could compromise on if we believe what the scriptures tell us. This book lays out the reality that the Gospel is an objective message, which cannot be altered without eternal consequences, and with that Trey offers up a biblical approach to sharing the gospel: using biblical words, and finding out what people believe when they speak christian lingo. Not only that, but in this book, the author addresses the phrases we hear every week and how they can lead to the serious problem known as: false converts.
When I was considering my review for this book, I was a bit hard pressed on how I should approach it because of how simple, yet necessary, the premise of this book is. What I mean is that what you see is what you get: a book dedicated to the Gospel and dealing with the many false gospels conjured up in our day and age. If you want to know the gospel, get this book. If you want to know popular phraseology and misunderstandings of the gospel, get this book. If you want to know a way to share the gospel, get this book. In all truth, this book, because of its subject matter and execution, is universal and should be added to your “gift idea” lists for your family and friends. I think I would go so far as to say that this book would make for an excellent gift for babes in the faith as well as those who seem to be stuck in nominal Christianity. At the end of the day, this book is worth the purchase, and so I would highly recommend it for anyone and everyone.
You can purchase this book here.
*Note the amazon link is an affiliate links meaning that I receive a small commission when these books are purchased through these links.
We should never measure successful gospel communication by the number of people who are left unoffended upon hearing it. The measure of success is found in truth conveyed, regardless of whether it offends or not. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, made no attempt to remove the offense of the message, and neither should we.
Trey Talley
Seeking the approval of people, and not that of God is still the electricity that keeps the false gospel factory alive and well today. Professing Christians who desire to be accepted by the world, often change the gospel, in hopes that more people will find it less offensive. However, if we change God’s message to please people what does that say about our innermost desires? Whom do we want to please with our communication of the gospel: God or man?
Trey Talley
My name is Nicholas [Nick] Campbell and I live in Texas with my wife and two children. I have a BA in Biblical Studies and a MA in New Testament Studies. Learn more about me and CITC at christisthecure.org/about
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