Just Words: Understanding the Fullness of the Gospel

by Jacob A.O. Preus

The Gospel is more than words. It is the dynamic, saving action of God in Christ Jesus through any of its various Word or Sacrament. The Gospel is more than words, but it is still words--words about the Word made flesh for us, words that convey the Word made flesh to us. Is the Gospel just words? Hardly! But it is words nonetheless. Through six metaphors, Preus interprets and applies the Gospel to virtually all of life's The ultimate purpose of this book is to hold before God's people the fullness of the biblical witness to the Gospel so the Scriptures may truly be the foundation and source not only of faith and life, but also of the language to glorify Christ and to serve His people. Just Words explains the language used by the Bible's writers to describe and convey what it is that God has done for us in Christ. It helps the reader see the wonderful variety, rich texture, and clear doctrine with which God communicates His Good News. It is an excellent source of information about the way God has made His Word relevant to us.

Genres: Theology, Christian

235 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2000

Reviews

[Jeffrey Kahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good survey of Biblical metaphors used to describe the reality of the Gospel, with all its multiple implications for human life. Written from a solid Lutheran perspective.

[Isaiah Duff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Preus presents the Gospel in various metaphors and linguistic spheres. It's a solid overview of the breadth of the Gospel message. For each metaphor Preus has a little narrative in which that chapter's particular aspect of the gospel (birth, life, healing, rescue, etc.) best communicates Christ to the individual and their circumstances. From there he discusses what each metaphor communicates both in overlap with other Gospel metaphors and what is unique to each one. This book offers to the layman a deeper appreciation of the John 3:16 truth and to the preacher a resource for faithfully preaching the fullness of the Gospel.

[Adam Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A handy book for pastors. Preus explores several metaphors for communicating the Gospel. Preaching can often become stale when the preacher uses the same wording over and over, but the Gospel is presented as numerous expressions and metaphors throughout scripture (e.g. death to life, slave to free, adoption, healed, etc.). Knowing the specific issues your listener is going through will also clarify how to present the Gospel in a way they need to hear. This is a good reference for preachers to have on their shelf.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful insightful and edifying book about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It focus on the metaphors used throughout the Bible and explains them in a simple, practical way, using stories of individuals and how a particular metaphor is to be understood.

This book makes a great devotional book and well worth reading again and again.

[Michael Gibney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on Metaphors of the Gospel

This was easy read book in no means lacks depth. This will be a great help to a preacher or layman who wants to communicate Christ and the gospel in a clearer way.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I think this is aimed most directly at pastors using these metaphors in preaching and teaching, I appreciated the look into each of the Biblical metaphors for the Gospel and the value shown in words themselves.

[Dave Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Devotional/Inspirational of Just Words. Just words God speaks to us to remind us what it means to be His followers and have God with us always.

[Heather Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

No two people hear the Gospel in the same way. Just Words gives clear and useful metaphors for the message of grace (light, redemption, inheritance, peace, etc.) so that those who seek to communicate the Gospel may have more in our "toolbox" to draw from.

[George Fyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple to read. Take time for deep reflection and remain open to new insights into familiar words.


Written so you can take small bites and chew thoroughly. God,s Gospel for the reader comes by hearing the word.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely an instructive book