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The Gospel is Bigger than You Think: Why A Comprehensive Gospel Creates Lasting Kingdom Impact
Baptisms are down, church doors are closing, and once-faithful Christians are leaving their faith. This issue has puzzled many for years. Some suggest focusing on discipleship and Christian education (more Bible teaching), while others create programs to help the Gospel “stick.” However, the problem is more fundamental: it lies in the Gospel proclamation itself. The solution isn’t a new Gospel but a bigger, historical, and more comprehensive one. The Gospel is Bigger than You Think offers a thorough approach to the biblical Gospel, aiming to create lasting Kingdom impact and broaden the reader’s Gospel perspective. The book is worshipful, a joyful journey through scripture celebrating Christ’s work, and educational, linking biblical storylines and theological ideas across the Testaments. It also provides guidance and reflection for better Gospel conversations, advancing God’s glory and Christ’s Kingdom.
Part I: The Gospel Proper
This part evaluates the common Gospel in Protestant churches, guiding us toward a more comprehensive understanding. It explores the cultural and etymological usage of the term and clarifies its biblical meaning. The Kingdom Gospel is presented as the core of the Gospel narrative. Jesus' message was that the Kingdom of God is at hand, from which all of Christ’s works flow, culminating in the eternal Kingdom of God.
Part II: The Gospel’s Effects
Five Gospel spokes extend from the primary Kingdom Gospel image, permeating the narrative of scripture on unique trajectories.
Gospel Victory explores scripture's spiritual warfare motif, beginning with spiritual beings' influence on humankind. Atonement is discussed, showing Christ’s victory over sin, death, and rebellious spiritual beings, culminating in his cosmic reign and ultimate Davidic Kingship on earth.
Gospel Family examines the interconnected doctrines of adoption, estrangement from Adam's fall (Ge. 3), and covenantal marriage. Followers of Jesus are adopted as sons of God and regenerated by the Holy Spirit into the family of God the Father. As Christ’s bride, the Church brings new sons of God into the world through the Great Commission.
Gospel Restitution looks at the first goat of the Day of Atonement sacrifice, arguing that legal atonement must occur through a perfect sacrifice's blood. Under the Old Covenant, the goat sacrifice symbolically participated in Christ’s Atonement, similar to the Lord’s Supper under the New Covenant.
Gospel Repentance examines the second goat of the Day of Atonement, representing repentance by sending away sin to its source. This chapter reminds us that we are designed for freedom from sin's consequences and sin itself.
Gospel Transformation considers the image and likeness of God given to Adam and Eve, related to the New Testament promise to be conformed to Christ’s image and the topics of glorification, deification, and theosis—participation in Christ’s divinity. Christ’s work ultimately aligns us with God’s intended purpose.
Part III: Conclusion
Gospel Simplicity addresses childlike faith. While a child may not fully grasp the Gospel’s depth, faith can still be received in a childlike manner. Although this book may not provide evangelistic advice on every page, it offers a comprehensive view of the Gospel that influences evangelistic thought. The author provides a framework for fruitful conversations about this expansive Gospel rather than proposing specific evangelism programs.
Part I: The Gospel Proper
This part evaluates the common Gospel in Protestant churches, guiding us toward a more comprehensive understanding. It explores the cultural and etymological usage of the term and clarifies its biblical meaning. The Kingdom Gospel is presented as the core of the Gospel narrative. Jesus' message was that the Kingdom of God is at hand, from which all of Christ’s works flow, culminating in the eternal Kingdom of God.
Part II: The Gospel’s Effects
Five Gospel spokes extend from the primary Kingdom Gospel image, permeating the narrative of scripture on unique trajectories.
Gospel Victory explores scripture's spiritual warfare motif, beginning with spiritual beings' influence on humankind. Atonement is discussed, showing Christ’s victory over sin, death, and rebellious spiritual beings, culminating in his cosmic reign and ultimate Davidic Kingship on earth.
Gospel Family examines the interconnected doctrines of adoption, estrangement from Adam's fall (Ge. 3), and covenantal marriage. Followers of Jesus are adopted as sons of God and regenerated by the Holy Spirit into the family of God the Father. As Christ’s bride, the Church brings new sons of God into the world through the Great Commission.
Gospel Restitution looks at the first goat of the Day of Atonement sacrifice, arguing that legal atonement must occur through a perfect sacrifice's blood. Under the Old Covenant, the goat sacrifice symbolically participated in Christ’s Atonement, similar to the Lord’s Supper under the New Covenant.
Gospel Repentance examines the second goat of the Day of Atonement, representing repentance by sending away sin to its source. This chapter reminds us that we are designed for freedom from sin's consequences and sin itself.
Gospel Transformation considers the image and likeness of God given to Adam and Eve, related to the New Testament promise to be conformed to Christ’s image and the topics of glorification, deification, and theosis—participation in Christ’s divinity. Christ’s work ultimately aligns us with God’s intended purpose.
Part III: Conclusion
Gospel Simplicity addresses childlike faith. While a child may not fully grasp the Gospel’s depth, faith can still be received in a childlike manner. Although this book may not provide evangelistic advice on every page, it offers a comprehensive view of the Gospel that influences evangelistic thought. The author provides a framework for fruitful conversations about this expansive Gospel rather than proposing specific evangelism programs.
239 pages, Paperback
Published August 19, 2024
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December 19, 2024
In this book, Delgado examines what he calls “the gospel of Middle America.” This is a kind of “cultural folk religion” that is focused on individualism and individual salvation. Within this presentation of the gospel, there is a higher value placed on conversion than on transformation. This gospel presentation relies heavily on short, pithy “evangelistic tools”, such as the Four Spiritual Laws or the Romans Road. However, according to Delgado it suffers from several deep flaws. For one, it glosses over at best and perhaps erodes at worst much of the communal and collectivist culture in which the Bible was formed. As he rightly notes, “there is no gospel without the Bible and no Bible without the Church.” Often, a focus on an individualistic interpretation of the biblical text creates an environment where the historical traditions and confessions of generations past are seen with either apathy or perhaps even skepticism. This skeptical eye extends all the way back into the foundational Scriptures of the apostles: the Hebrew Bible itself, what Christians call the Old Testament. This can cause what Delgado calls “functional Marcionism” – a subtle and unacknowledged yet very active resistance to the ancient near east and Jewish context of the Scriptures. Much of Delgado’s book is an extended project to recover that ancient worldview: to envision what he calls a “bigger” gospel, one that is more than “Jesus only, New Testament only.”
But the expansiveness of this view of the gospel is not limited to just ancient text in ancient context. It is also highly relevant to the Christian culture of today. In highlighting the focus on conversion over transformation, Delgado notes that it is no accident the modern American church has encountered numerous scandals of moral and spiritual failure. While he does not cite names, I would extend his supposition to such figures as Ted Haggard, Bill Hybels, Mark Driscoll, Ravi Zacharias, and sadly far too many others to comprehensively name – in addition to institutional organizations such as Calvary Chapel, Covenant Life Church, Hillsong, and Word of Faith. All of these share a common theological and cultural DNA: the gospel of Middle America, with all its Protestant evangelical trappings. By focusing on “number of souls won” and not “number of souls transformed”, I would personally claim that this quasi-gospel message has done incalculable harm to the real depth and breadth and beauty – as well as the actual truth – of the true Gospel we find in the pages of Scripture. But as always on this podcast, my goal is not to bash and tear down, but to lament, repent, and reconstruct. And in this regard, Delgado’s book is incredibly valuable in many respects: both by naming the virus, describing its symptoms, and by offering a healing balm that will be much more likely to actually transform its hearers. As he puts it: a gospel that is “bigger than you think.”
Overall, would I recommend this book? Without a doubt, my answer is “yes”. I found it to be a necessary and invaluable retrieval of the ancient worldview and contextual understanding of the Scriptural story, and as someone whose work revolves around the harm done by the institutional Church and church people, I resonated thoroughly with his assessment of the problem and the solution to the dilemma facing the people of God. We in the evangelical Protestant world, without a doubt need to do better at transforming our lives to the Kingdom Gospel. A large portion of the blame for this lies in church structures and institutions that emphasize the single commitment or “moment of decision” as a marker of spiritual health and blessing. St James and the prophet Micah, however, tell a different story: the religion that God accepts as pure and faultless is to visit the vulnerable in their time of need, to aid the weak in their distress, to make justice and righteousness roll down like a rushing waterfall. We have been so concerned with what we consider to be correct theology, and pointing out the sins of the world, that we have neglected to be transformed by that Gospel and be a light to that world. I do have some significant reservations about his chapter on Gospel Restitution which I will address in a separate format and place. But I don’t want that to detract from what is overall a highly relevant, well-written, and desperately needed breath of fresh air in the arena of practical theology. If you are considering buying a book for yourself or your loved one this holiday season, or just to fill out your bookshelf, you will not go wrong with The Gospel is Bigger Than You Think.
But the expansiveness of this view of the gospel is not limited to just ancient text in ancient context. It is also highly relevant to the Christian culture of today. In highlighting the focus on conversion over transformation, Delgado notes that it is no accident the modern American church has encountered numerous scandals of moral and spiritual failure. While he does not cite names, I would extend his supposition to such figures as Ted Haggard, Bill Hybels, Mark Driscoll, Ravi Zacharias, and sadly far too many others to comprehensively name – in addition to institutional organizations such as Calvary Chapel, Covenant Life Church, Hillsong, and Word of Faith. All of these share a common theological and cultural DNA: the gospel of Middle America, with all its Protestant evangelical trappings. By focusing on “number of souls won” and not “number of souls transformed”, I would personally claim that this quasi-gospel message has done incalculable harm to the real depth and breadth and beauty – as well as the actual truth – of the true Gospel we find in the pages of Scripture. But as always on this podcast, my goal is not to bash and tear down, but to lament, repent, and reconstruct. And in this regard, Delgado’s book is incredibly valuable in many respects: both by naming the virus, describing its symptoms, and by offering a healing balm that will be much more likely to actually transform its hearers. As he puts it: a gospel that is “bigger than you think.”
Overall, would I recommend this book? Without a doubt, my answer is “yes”. I found it to be a necessary and invaluable retrieval of the ancient worldview and contextual understanding of the Scriptural story, and as someone whose work revolves around the harm done by the institutional Church and church people, I resonated thoroughly with his assessment of the problem and the solution to the dilemma facing the people of God. We in the evangelical Protestant world, without a doubt need to do better at transforming our lives to the Kingdom Gospel. A large portion of the blame for this lies in church structures and institutions that emphasize the single commitment or “moment of decision” as a marker of spiritual health and blessing. St James and the prophet Micah, however, tell a different story: the religion that God accepts as pure and faultless is to visit the vulnerable in their time of need, to aid the weak in their distress, to make justice and righteousness roll down like a rushing waterfall. We have been so concerned with what we consider to be correct theology, and pointing out the sins of the world, that we have neglected to be transformed by that Gospel and be a light to that world. I do have some significant reservations about his chapter on Gospel Restitution which I will address in a separate format and place. But I don’t want that to detract from what is overall a highly relevant, well-written, and desperately needed breath of fresh air in the arena of practical theology. If you are considering buying a book for yourself or your loved one this holiday season, or just to fill out your bookshelf, you will not go wrong with The Gospel is Bigger Than You Think.
March 31, 2025
What is the Gospel?
For a lot of folks, the concept is taken for granted. But get ten people in a room to explain “the Gospel,” and you’ll get darts connecting all over the board. Usually, main ideas of salvation, atonement and forgiveness get blended into a theological milkshake of “Jesus died for your sins because God loves you.” All true. Nothing wrong. But is that the Gospel?
As a youth pastor, it grieves me how little people know about the imperative truth of the Gospel — and the Scriptures overall, really. We are in desperate need of a reorientation to the good news if we want to be able to spread it.
Enter Anthony Delgado and his recent book, The Gospel Is Bigger Than You Think. Anthony is a pastor, podcaster and author in Palmdale, CA (a hop, skip, and a jump from me in Bakersfield) who holds an MABTS from Knox Theological Seminary. I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with Anthony a bit and was excited to open his latest work.
BIG IDEAS:
In his introduction, Anthony begins by laying out his premises of the problem of apostasy in the Western Church. “More and more, it seems people believe the Gospel, but then the Gospel doesn’t stick. Fading in and out of lives of faith is becoming the norm for Christians rather than the exception… Some estimate that as many as 80% of new churches will fail within the first five years. Whatever is being presented as the biblical Gospel remains attractive to people for a time but does not produce lasting change in the hearts and lives of new believers” (pg. 1).
A message that misses the mark is a serious source of the issues we’re currently facing in America, which, according to Anthony, is why a full-bodied Gospel is desperately necessary. As one psychologist observed, our relationship with things is built on the fact “our only connection with them is that we know how to manipulate or to consume them.” In a world of consumer-minded church attendees and cheap believism, “a comprehensive understanding of the Gospel… bears fruit when a simple ‘Jesus died for my sins so I can go to heaven’ Gospel does not” (pg. 4). That’s a bold and much-needed assertion right now. I like Anthony already.
He proceeds to outline his intentions for the rest of the book as follows:
• Part I — The Gospel Proper: an explanation of what the good news is according to the Scriptures, the importance of the concept of the Kingdom, and what the Gospel does.
• Part II — The Gospel’s Effects: five motifs that function as the “spokes of the wheel” around the central hub of the Kingdom Gospel:
o Gospel Victory
o Gospel Family
o Gospel Restitution
o Gospel Repentance
o Gospel Transformation
• Part III — Conclusion: the simplicity of the Gospel should change the way we not only receive it, but share it with those around us.
The intent of Anthony’s book is straightforward and succinct from the get-go, and doesn’t waste time with frilly window-dressing or linguistic acrobatics. His impetus for the book is clear: Anthony’s wants the reader to “be changed in your understanding of the Gospel, the effect of the Gospel on your own life, and your ability to interact with the Gospel in the lives of others” (pg. 6).
WHAT I LOVED:
I. Pretty early on, Anthony goes straight bulldog-mode on what he calls “the Gospel of Middle America.” Toward the beginning of chapter 1, he lets us peak behind the curtain of his personal reorientation to the good news during a pivotal moment in his faith journey.
“Did the Gospel fail me? Or was the Gospel I received not the Gospel?”
Brrr. Chills.
What immediately comes to mind for me is Galatians 1:8-9, where Paul urges “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!” Honestly, are we propagating the unadulterated message of the truth in our context?
According to Anthony, there’s work to do. “The Gospel of Middle America is the folk religion of the contemporary West” (pg. 15) he says, and I’ve gotta say, he seems to be right. He continues: “The Gospel of Middle America says you go to heaven if you believe Jesus died for your sins, with little concern for the work of the Holy Spirit, repentance, sacraments (or ordinances), or church involvement. It’s a cultural folk religion that certainly intersects with official church doctrine but keeps many people with one foot (or two) outside the church, hoping in private belief and spirituality apart from the lordship of Christ. Too many Christians think they don’t need the church” (pg. 16). This is a sad reality I’m seeing even in church families.
The sad truth is “we have professing Christians with no origin story” (pg. 20), in large part downstream of the fact “the church’s evangelistic zeal fails to transform people into disciples of Jesus in an effort to convert people to Christianity” (pg. 22). Incendiaries = thrown.
Hollow calls to weak religiosity are not our friend, especially in light of “a religious system that appears to have failed to transform its highest priests” (pg. 25). Recently I wrote on the impact scandal and failures have made on the cause of Christ and mission of the Church. Anthony calls us to reflect on the scope of a bigger Gospel in our society, saying “when Christianity conjures images of scandal and inauthenticity and is largely incapable of answering the culture’s spiritual questions, whatever Gospel it proclaims will be largely rejected by the world around us” (pg. 30).
II. One important factor Anthony highlights is the reality of the forces of darkness and their work in the world. This is most prevalently seen in the way he employs divine council theology.4 A few examples:
— “…every sin is an act of rebellion and siding with demonic spirits. Every act of human rebellion is inspired by divine rebellion” (pg. 58-59).
— “The nations’ gods were dethroned at Jesus’s resurrection” (pg. 71).
— “…the Apostle John sees the Devil as the ruler of the world and leader of the rebellion against Christ’s Kingdom” (pg. 59).
— “Jewish folklore teaches that demons are the disembodied spirits of deceased giants (1 Enoch 15.9)… They are the demons of the Gospel accounts who are unclean and chaotic or tyrannical spirits, often demonizing people to perform violent deeds (ex. Mark 5:1-5)” (pg. 62-63).
— “The devil and his angels no longer enter the Divine Council to accuse the saints as in Job—they are cast out, thrown down, and fallen” (pg. 94).
— “…ignoring real demonic influences will strengthen the influence of the secret enemy, not lessen it… there is an authentic correlation between sin and demons” (pg. 158-159).
Currently, I’m writing on the nuances of the kingdom of darkness, and so I really appreciate the spiritual awareness Anthony points the reader to.
III. Atonement theories all have some validity, like pieces of a 3D puzzle. Tribalism tends to fracture us into echo chambers where we’re unable to hear the unique insights outside our denominations. What Anthony advocates for is a zoomed out, fuller picture of how Jesus’ sacrifice affects our state of being one with God again. What comes up short in any single theory is rectified when we look collectively — seeing Jesus’ redemptive work through all perspectives (pg. 139). I like the way Anthony worked these themes into the chapters on the Gospel’s Effects in Part II. Ideas of atonement are not the Gospel, but merely aspects of the outworking of it.
IV. Probably one of the best things this book does is confront the reader with a renewed vision for the essence of the Gospel being the Kingship of Jesus. “Peter believed Jesus was Israel’s rightful King and that was the thrust of his Pentecost message to the Jews” (pg. 70). In the penultimate chapter, Anthony bares down: “If you haven’t shared that Jesus is King, you haven’t shared the Gospel” (pg. 225). When you think about it, that’s very true; Jesus came on the scene “proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom” (Matt. 4:23). In many ways this becomes the central message of the book:
“The good news for all nations is fundamentally that Jesus is King.”
I am absolutely here for it. It’s time this became the clarion call of the Church.
WHAT WAS MISSING:
1. I really enjoyed this read, but there are a couple minor qualms I have. One is that there were times that Anthony made reference to a quote, myth or bit of information I found interesting, but there wasn’t always a note telling me more. While the lack of notes did lend to a more fluid reading experience, some readers may be looking for more background info on concepts or references they’re unfamiliar with. I’m a nerd. Give me more.
2. There were a few statements I felt could have used more qualifying:
a. (On Satan) “The pinnacle event in his turning to the dark side, the moment of no return, occurs when Satan possessed Judas Iscariot (Luke 22:3, John 13:27)” (pg. 61, emphasis mine). When read in a certain light, is the author suggesting Satan could have repented prior to Judas’ betrayal? Hard to say.
b. “…the sacrifices of ‘goats and calves’ brought the faithful in Israel under the New Covenant promises. Rather, the Israelites participated in Christ’s sacrifice as they performed the temple rites. The pattern of animal sacrifice under the Old Covenant brought the Israelites under the blood of Jesus Christ” (pg. 150, emphasis mine). I understand (I think) what Anthony is saying regarding the righteous of the OT era, but I don’t know if I fully agree regarding the rituals bringing them under Jesus per se. Retroactively, perhaps.
c. I’m not 100% certain the criminals on the cross were necessarily “very pious Jews” (pg. 213). Could have just used more convincing (again, information-nerd here).
3. “Scaring people into uneducated ‘decisions for Christ’ on the grounds of misguided eternal securities does more long-term theological damage to the individual’s faith than good” (pg. 227). I agree in principle that fear should never be our driving tactic, but we do see Jesus and the Apostles warn people regarding judgment and Hell (Mark 9:42-43, Matt. 23:33, 2 Thess. 1:8-10, 2 Cor. 5:10, 2 Peter 3:7, etc.). My hope is, like Anthony, that we can focus on “the glory of God’s eternal Kingdom” (pg. 228), but the reality of what we are saved from should sober us. To quote him near the end of chapter 8, “we should change, not be left as we are” (pg. 199).
CONCLUSION:
The Church will only expand and grow as far as she embodies the complete story of the Gospel. To that end, Anthony Delgado makes a notable contribution to the conversation of the Church’s mission. In the center of the folk religion of Middle America, Delgado redirects our gaze to a renewed focus on the prime message of our faith: that Jesus Christ is the rightful King of all things Who has redeemed a people as His inheritance, now and forever.
This is a great addition to your library, accessible yet relevant, and such a solid read. You’d do well to pick up a copy and challenge yourself: do I really know the Gospel?
[I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) in exchange for an honest review.]
For a lot of folks, the concept is taken for granted. But get ten people in a room to explain “the Gospel,” and you’ll get darts connecting all over the board. Usually, main ideas of salvation, atonement and forgiveness get blended into a theological milkshake of “Jesus died for your sins because God loves you.” All true. Nothing wrong. But is that the Gospel?
As a youth pastor, it grieves me how little people know about the imperative truth of the Gospel — and the Scriptures overall, really. We are in desperate need of a reorientation to the good news if we want to be able to spread it.
Enter Anthony Delgado and his recent book, The Gospel Is Bigger Than You Think. Anthony is a pastor, podcaster and author in Palmdale, CA (a hop, skip, and a jump from me in Bakersfield) who holds an MABTS from Knox Theological Seminary. I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with Anthony a bit and was excited to open his latest work.
BIG IDEAS:
In his introduction, Anthony begins by laying out his premises of the problem of apostasy in the Western Church. “More and more, it seems people believe the Gospel, but then the Gospel doesn’t stick. Fading in and out of lives of faith is becoming the norm for Christians rather than the exception… Some estimate that as many as 80% of new churches will fail within the first five years. Whatever is being presented as the biblical Gospel remains attractive to people for a time but does not produce lasting change in the hearts and lives of new believers” (pg. 1).
A message that misses the mark is a serious source of the issues we’re currently facing in America, which, according to Anthony, is why a full-bodied Gospel is desperately necessary. As one psychologist observed, our relationship with things is built on the fact “our only connection with them is that we know how to manipulate or to consume them.” In a world of consumer-minded church attendees and cheap believism, “a comprehensive understanding of the Gospel… bears fruit when a simple ‘Jesus died for my sins so I can go to heaven’ Gospel does not” (pg. 4). That’s a bold and much-needed assertion right now. I like Anthony already.
He proceeds to outline his intentions for the rest of the book as follows:
• Part I — The Gospel Proper: an explanation of what the good news is according to the Scriptures, the importance of the concept of the Kingdom, and what the Gospel does.
• Part II — The Gospel’s Effects: five motifs that function as the “spokes of the wheel” around the central hub of the Kingdom Gospel:
o Gospel Victory
o Gospel Family
o Gospel Restitution
o Gospel Repentance
o Gospel Transformation
• Part III — Conclusion: the simplicity of the Gospel should change the way we not only receive it, but share it with those around us.
The intent of Anthony’s book is straightforward and succinct from the get-go, and doesn’t waste time with frilly window-dressing or linguistic acrobatics. His impetus for the book is clear: Anthony’s wants the reader to “be changed in your understanding of the Gospel, the effect of the Gospel on your own life, and your ability to interact with the Gospel in the lives of others” (pg. 6).
WHAT I LOVED:
I. Pretty early on, Anthony goes straight bulldog-mode on what he calls “the Gospel of Middle America.” Toward the beginning of chapter 1, he lets us peak behind the curtain of his personal reorientation to the good news during a pivotal moment in his faith journey.
“Did the Gospel fail me? Or was the Gospel I received not the Gospel?”
Brrr. Chills.
What immediately comes to mind for me is Galatians 1:8-9, where Paul urges “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!” Honestly, are we propagating the unadulterated message of the truth in our context?
According to Anthony, there’s work to do. “The Gospel of Middle America is the folk religion of the contemporary West” (pg. 15) he says, and I’ve gotta say, he seems to be right. He continues: “The Gospel of Middle America says you go to heaven if you believe Jesus died for your sins, with little concern for the work of the Holy Spirit, repentance, sacraments (or ordinances), or church involvement. It’s a cultural folk religion that certainly intersects with official church doctrine but keeps many people with one foot (or two) outside the church, hoping in private belief and spirituality apart from the lordship of Christ. Too many Christians think they don’t need the church” (pg. 16). This is a sad reality I’m seeing even in church families.
The sad truth is “we have professing Christians with no origin story” (pg. 20), in large part downstream of the fact “the church’s evangelistic zeal fails to transform people into disciples of Jesus in an effort to convert people to Christianity” (pg. 22). Incendiaries = thrown.
Hollow calls to weak religiosity are not our friend, especially in light of “a religious system that appears to have failed to transform its highest priests” (pg. 25). Recently I wrote on the impact scandal and failures have made on the cause of Christ and mission of the Church. Anthony calls us to reflect on the scope of a bigger Gospel in our society, saying “when Christianity conjures images of scandal and inauthenticity and is largely incapable of answering the culture’s spiritual questions, whatever Gospel it proclaims will be largely rejected by the world around us” (pg. 30).
II. One important factor Anthony highlights is the reality of the forces of darkness and their work in the world. This is most prevalently seen in the way he employs divine council theology.4 A few examples:
— “…every sin is an act of rebellion and siding with demonic spirits. Every act of human rebellion is inspired by divine rebellion” (pg. 58-59).
— “The nations’ gods were dethroned at Jesus’s resurrection” (pg. 71).
— “…the Apostle John sees the Devil as the ruler of the world and leader of the rebellion against Christ’s Kingdom” (pg. 59).
— “Jewish folklore teaches that demons are the disembodied spirits of deceased giants (1 Enoch 15.9)… They are the demons of the Gospel accounts who are unclean and chaotic or tyrannical spirits, often demonizing people to perform violent deeds (ex. Mark 5:1-5)” (pg. 62-63).
— “The devil and his angels no longer enter the Divine Council to accuse the saints as in Job—they are cast out, thrown down, and fallen” (pg. 94).
— “…ignoring real demonic influences will strengthen the influence of the secret enemy, not lessen it… there is an authentic correlation between sin and demons” (pg. 158-159).
Currently, I’m writing on the nuances of the kingdom of darkness, and so I really appreciate the spiritual awareness Anthony points the reader to.
III. Atonement theories all have some validity, like pieces of a 3D puzzle. Tribalism tends to fracture us into echo chambers where we’re unable to hear the unique insights outside our denominations. What Anthony advocates for is a zoomed out, fuller picture of how Jesus’ sacrifice affects our state of being one with God again. What comes up short in any single theory is rectified when we look collectively — seeing Jesus’ redemptive work through all perspectives (pg. 139). I like the way Anthony worked these themes into the chapters on the Gospel’s Effects in Part II. Ideas of atonement are not the Gospel, but merely aspects of the outworking of it.
IV. Probably one of the best things this book does is confront the reader with a renewed vision for the essence of the Gospel being the Kingship of Jesus. “Peter believed Jesus was Israel’s rightful King and that was the thrust of his Pentecost message to the Jews” (pg. 70). In the penultimate chapter, Anthony bares down: “If you haven’t shared that Jesus is King, you haven’t shared the Gospel” (pg. 225). When you think about it, that’s very true; Jesus came on the scene “proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom” (Matt. 4:23). In many ways this becomes the central message of the book:
“The good news for all nations is fundamentally that Jesus is King.”
I am absolutely here for it. It’s time this became the clarion call of the Church.
WHAT WAS MISSING:
1. I really enjoyed this read, but there are a couple minor qualms I have. One is that there were times that Anthony made reference to a quote, myth or bit of information I found interesting, but there wasn’t always a note telling me more. While the lack of notes did lend to a more fluid reading experience, some readers may be looking for more background info on concepts or references they’re unfamiliar with. I’m a nerd. Give me more.
2. There were a few statements I felt could have used more qualifying:
a. (On Satan) “The pinnacle event in his turning to the dark side, the moment of no return, occurs when Satan possessed Judas Iscariot (Luke 22:3, John 13:27)” (pg. 61, emphasis mine). When read in a certain light, is the author suggesting Satan could have repented prior to Judas’ betrayal? Hard to say.
b. “…the sacrifices of ‘goats and calves’ brought the faithful in Israel under the New Covenant promises. Rather, the Israelites participated in Christ’s sacrifice as they performed the temple rites. The pattern of animal sacrifice under the Old Covenant brought the Israelites under the blood of Jesus Christ” (pg. 150, emphasis mine). I understand (I think) what Anthony is saying regarding the righteous of the OT era, but I don’t know if I fully agree regarding the rituals bringing them under Jesus per se. Retroactively, perhaps.
c. I’m not 100% certain the criminals on the cross were necessarily “very pious Jews” (pg. 213). Could have just used more convincing (again, information-nerd here).
3. “Scaring people into uneducated ‘decisions for Christ’ on the grounds of misguided eternal securities does more long-term theological damage to the individual’s faith than good” (pg. 227). I agree in principle that fear should never be our driving tactic, but we do see Jesus and the Apostles warn people regarding judgment and Hell (Mark 9:42-43, Matt. 23:33, 2 Thess. 1:8-10, 2 Cor. 5:10, 2 Peter 3:7, etc.). My hope is, like Anthony, that we can focus on “the glory of God’s eternal Kingdom” (pg. 228), but the reality of what we are saved from should sober us. To quote him near the end of chapter 8, “we should change, not be left as we are” (pg. 199).
CONCLUSION:
The Church will only expand and grow as far as she embodies the complete story of the Gospel. To that end, Anthony Delgado makes a notable contribution to the conversation of the Church’s mission. In the center of the folk religion of Middle America, Delgado redirects our gaze to a renewed focus on the prime message of our faith: that Jesus Christ is the rightful King of all things Who has redeemed a people as His inheritance, now and forever.
This is a great addition to your library, accessible yet relevant, and such a solid read. You’d do well to pick up a copy and challenge yourself: do I really know the Gospel?
[I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) in exchange for an honest review.]
September 17, 2024
A "Small" Book that is Bigger than You Think
Delgado re-illuminates the Gospel as it should have always been taught: the Good News of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection as King. This wonderful, relatively short book contained inventive metaphors and illustrations from daily life and culture to illustrate the beauty and simplicity of the Gospel and its effects on the believer, both individually and collectively, as the Church. While the language was simple, the content was rich in thought-provoking interpretations of well-known Bible passages. I thoroughly enjoyed finding fresh nuggets of insight, even though I would consider myself relatively well-read in Protestant theology. Though I would probably not recommend this book to a new Christian, unless they enjoy a challenge, this would definitely be a great read for those who have graduated past Jesus 101. With post-chapter questions, this would also make for an excellent small group or Bible study launch pad for rich discussions. If I had one negative comment, I wish the author had added a further reading section, as I would have liked to pursue some of the topics in further detail!
Delgado re-illuminates the Gospel as it should have always been taught: the Good News of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection as King. This wonderful, relatively short book contained inventive metaphors and illustrations from daily life and culture to illustrate the beauty and simplicity of the Gospel and its effects on the believer, both individually and collectively, as the Church. While the language was simple, the content was rich in thought-provoking interpretations of well-known Bible passages. I thoroughly enjoyed finding fresh nuggets of insight, even though I would consider myself relatively well-read in Protestant theology. Though I would probably not recommend this book to a new Christian, unless they enjoy a challenge, this would definitely be a great read for those who have graduated past Jesus 101. With post-chapter questions, this would also make for an excellent small group or Bible study launch pad for rich discussions. If I had one negative comment, I wish the author had added a further reading section, as I would have liked to pursue some of the topics in further detail!
September 22, 2024
This book delivers exactly what it claims. It briefly looks at the deficiencies of some of the common Gospel approaches, but it also addresses how a comprehensive Gospel truly is good news. Weaving together God’s story from Genesis to Revelation, it shows how big the Gospel is from a biblical and historical perspective.
I recommend this book for every Christian. I grew up in church and heard the basics everyone hears in church. But I never heard some of the things this book. If it is new to you as well, it may be shocking. But I found it encouraging. It gave me a better understanding of God’s story and His Kingdom.
I recommend this book for every Christian. I grew up in church and heard the basics everyone hears in church. But I never heard some of the things this book. If it is new to you as well, it may be shocking. But I found it encouraging. It gave me a better understanding of God’s story and His Kingdom.
August 28, 2024
When I got Anthony Delgado's new book, The Gospel Is Bigger Than You Think, I sat down to read it and could not put it down! It was that good! Delgado has written a work that will significantly impact modern Christian literature. His writing is characterized by a passion for unveiling the profound yet often missed aspects of the Gospel, encouraging believers to explore their faith more deeply. "The Gospel Is Bigger Than You Think" is a powerful testament to his commitment to expanding the understanding of the Gospel's role in the lives of Jesus' disciples today.
"The Gospel Is Bigger Than You Think" is more than just a book; it is a call to action for believers to expand their understanding of the Gospel beyond the normative traditional narratives. Delgado challenges readers to break free from the often narrow interpretations of Christianity that can limit the Gospel's transformative power. He posits that the Gospel is a message of personal soteriology and a comprehensive blueprint for living a life that reflects the Kingdom of God in every aspect of existence.
Delgado begins by addressing the standard misconceptions that many Christians have about the Gospel. He accentuates that the Gospel is a narrative of redemption and a divine mandate for social justice, compassion, and active engagement with the world. Delgado's theological and practical approach exhorts readers to reflect on how their understanding of the Gospel influences their daily lives and interactions with others.
One of the prominent themes of Delgado's book is that the Gospel encompasses all dimensions of life, not just 'spiritual' matters. He examines how the Gospel speaks to justice, mercy, and community issues, urging believers to apply these principles in their social interactions. Delgado underscores the importance of living out the Gospel in ways that promote equity, love, and peace, proffering that true faith cannot be divorced from these values.
Delgado motivates readers to rethink their role as bearers of the Gospel message. He provides practical steps for living out a Gospel-centered life, including engaging in acts of service, advocating for social justice, and fostering authentic community relationships.
Delgado's writing is accessible yet profound, making complex theological concepts intelligible for readers of all backgrounds. His book contains anecdotal examples and biblical references that bring his points to life, making it a beneficial resource for individual reflection and group study.
"The Gospel Is Bigger Than You Think" is more than just a book; it is a call to action for believers to expand their understanding of the Gospel beyond the normative traditional narratives. Delgado challenges readers to break free from the often narrow interpretations of Christianity that can limit the Gospel's transformative power. He posits that the Gospel is a message of personal soteriology and a comprehensive blueprint for living a life that reflects the Kingdom of God in every aspect of existence.
Delgado begins by addressing the standard misconceptions that many Christians have about the Gospel. He accentuates that the Gospel is a narrative of redemption and a divine mandate for social justice, compassion, and active engagement with the world. Delgado's theological and practical approach exhorts readers to reflect on how their understanding of the Gospel influences their daily lives and interactions with others.
One of the prominent themes of Delgado's book is that the Gospel encompasses all dimensions of life, not just 'spiritual' matters. He examines how the Gospel speaks to justice, mercy, and community issues, urging believers to apply these principles in their social interactions. Delgado underscores the importance of living out the Gospel in ways that promote equity, love, and peace, proffering that true faith cannot be divorced from these values.
Delgado motivates readers to rethink their role as bearers of the Gospel message. He provides practical steps for living out a Gospel-centered life, including engaging in acts of service, advocating for social justice, and fostering authentic community relationships.
Delgado's writing is accessible yet profound, making complex theological concepts intelligible for readers of all backgrounds. His book contains anecdotal examples and biblical references that bring his points to life, making it a beneficial resource for individual reflection and group study.
June 6, 2025
It's an incredible book. Delgado is trying to piece all the different strands attached to the Gospel together, and I think he brilliantly crafted this book as a result. It's awesome. I have already offered it up to several friends.
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