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The Heart of the Church: The Gospel's History, Message, and Meaning
What does the church believe? Every church has a driving confession, but what is the confession of a true and biblical church? The Heart of the Church answers with the gospel. It explains the story of the gospel, its basic doctrines, and God’s work in salvation. Fresh yet consistent with classic expressions, it helps churches reclaim their essential identity and return from distracting pursuits. Useful for training in membership classes, discipleship groups, and elder boards—and even for devotional reading— The Heart of the Church is at once theological, practical, and experiential. Readers will not simply be informed, but led to believe in, rejoice in, and be transformed by the truth of God for His gathered people. Without the gospel, the church does not exist. This book is Thorn’s full and detailed exploration of the message that is indispensable to the church’s life and identity. For any church lacking power, any Christian feeling dry, or any person seeking truth, The Heart of the Church brings relief, direction, and light, leading to worship.
112 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2017
14 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Joe Thorn
14 books48 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Joe is the founding and Lead Pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in St. Charles, IL, and the author of Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself (Crossway/ReLit). He was a contributor to The Story ESV Bible and The Mission of God Study Bible. Joe is a graduate of Moody Bible Inst. (BA) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv).
Joe is the founding and Lead Pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in St. Charles, IL, and the author of Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself (Crossway/ReLit). He was a contributor to The Story ESV Bible and The Mission of God Study Bible. Joe is a graduate of Moody Bible Inst. (BA) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 13, 2017
The first review I read of Joe Thorn’s new book, The Heart of the Church was decisively negative. This specific reviewer awarded the book with a dreaded “two stars,” which in the land of book reviews is something akin to wandering through a barren wasteland without water. But nothing could be further from the truth. My aim, therefore, is to set the record straight and give Thorn’s work the credit it deserves.
The Heart of the Church is the first in a series of three which were all recently released. The first book guides readers through three parts - the history of the gospel, the doctrine of the gospel, and the God of the gospel.
Part 1: The History of the Gospel
The author anchors some of the key themes of Scripture by pointing to creation, covenant, sin, and salvation. The covenants point to the great arrival of the Savior, Jesus Christ, the One who “came to take away sin, fulfill all righteousness, establish a kingdom, and conquer the devil.”
Thorn presents the gospel simply and biblically alerting readers to the great reality of the life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Jesus is not only set forth as our example. Indeed, he is our substitute and righteousness as well. “All of this is the gospel,” argues Thorn. “It is history, and it is foundation for our doctrine.”
Part 2: The Doctrine of the Gospel
Part two is the “meat and potatoes” of this excellent book. Here, the author unfolds the crucial gospel doctrines of justification, forgiveness, faith and repentance, reconciliation, sanctification, and good works. These short chapters are basic enough for new believers but also contains substantial spiritual food for more experienced believers.
Each doctrine is explained and defended with basic biblical rationale. Readers will appreciate Thorn’s ability to articulate these weighty doctrines with great precision and profundity. While each treatment is short, there is a theological fuel here that will help feed the “spiritual fire” of growing Christians.
Part 3: The God of the Gospel
The final section builds upon the previous section and explores the important subjects of God’s justice, sovereignty, the atonement, irresistible grace, and particular redemption. Again, the author provides short explanations with strong biblical support.
Summary
The Heart of the Church is written for new believers but should be devoured by all believers. Joe Thorn has a unique gift of teaching that is warm, relational, and theologically rigorous. Pastor Thorn has a passion for the doctrines of grace that is apparent throughout the book. Readers will be deeply encouraged by Thorn’s labor - for the gospel is at the very center of this outstanding work. May that gospel continue to transform lives as people pour over this excellent work. Highly recommended!
The Heart of the Church is the first in a series of three which were all recently released. The first book guides readers through three parts - the history of the gospel, the doctrine of the gospel, and the God of the gospel.
Part 1: The History of the Gospel
The author anchors some of the key themes of Scripture by pointing to creation, covenant, sin, and salvation. The covenants point to the great arrival of the Savior, Jesus Christ, the One who “came to take away sin, fulfill all righteousness, establish a kingdom, and conquer the devil.”
Thorn presents the gospel simply and biblically alerting readers to the great reality of the life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Jesus is not only set forth as our example. Indeed, he is our substitute and righteousness as well. “All of this is the gospel,” argues Thorn. “It is history, and it is foundation for our doctrine.”
Part 2: The Doctrine of the Gospel
Part two is the “meat and potatoes” of this excellent book. Here, the author unfolds the crucial gospel doctrines of justification, forgiveness, faith and repentance, reconciliation, sanctification, and good works. These short chapters are basic enough for new believers but also contains substantial spiritual food for more experienced believers.
Each doctrine is explained and defended with basic biblical rationale. Readers will appreciate Thorn’s ability to articulate these weighty doctrines with great precision and profundity. While each treatment is short, there is a theological fuel here that will help feed the “spiritual fire” of growing Christians.
Part 3: The God of the Gospel
The final section builds upon the previous section and explores the important subjects of God’s justice, sovereignty, the atonement, irresistible grace, and particular redemption. Again, the author provides short explanations with strong biblical support.
Summary
The Heart of the Church is written for new believers but should be devoured by all believers. Joe Thorn has a unique gift of teaching that is warm, relational, and theologically rigorous. Pastor Thorn has a passion for the doctrines of grace that is apparent throughout the book. Readers will be deeply encouraged by Thorn’s labor - for the gospel is at the very center of this outstanding work. May that gospel continue to transform lives as people pour over this excellent work. Highly recommended!
April 29, 2023
This book is great for foundational truths. It gives you deep theological truths that you can soak on. But it also explains theology & the Gospel so so simply! Great book to take a new disciple (like myself) through
September 25, 2017
This book is a very basic, very short (can be read in less than an hour) introduction to the heart of a church's confession. Thorn explains the story of the gospel as well as some of the important applications to the Christian's life.
He concludes the book by looking at 5 important truths about the God of the gospel-- essentially the 5 points of Calvinism under different titles. I was surprised by this, but fine with it. Many good Christians would disagree with Thorn on some (or all) of these chapters, but I do believe he is being faithful to the Scriptures and I think these are important for preserving the gospel. But I also wouldn't want anyone to walk away with the idea that churches who don't hold to these truths are false churches (in light of the book's title and purpose).
In light of the purpose of the series (and the title of this book), I would have loved for him to have specific applications for the church in each chapter.
Because of it's length and because it is so basic, this book would be ideal for discipleship or for giving away to church members. I'm not sure it would be my go-to resource, but it's definitely a useful book that I would be happy to plug.
He concludes the book by looking at 5 important truths about the God of the gospel-- essentially the 5 points of Calvinism under different titles. I was surprised by this, but fine with it. Many good Christians would disagree with Thorn on some (or all) of these chapters, but I do believe he is being faithful to the Scriptures and I think these are important for preserving the gospel. But I also wouldn't want anyone to walk away with the idea that churches who don't hold to these truths are false churches (in light of the book's title and purpose).
In light of the purpose of the series (and the title of this book), I would have loved for him to have specific applications for the church in each chapter.
Because of it's length and because it is so basic, this book would be ideal for discipleship or for giving away to church members. I'm not sure it would be my go-to resource, but it's definitely a useful book that I would be happy to plug.
December 28, 2020
I think I read this short series out of order; this was supposed to be the first book but I read it last...oh well. Regardless, these three “pamphlets” were so well written. I’ve been listening to Joe Thorn’s podcast for a while now and I love the gift that he has for explaining theological concepts in a way that is easy to apply to my everyday life. He really does do a great job of turning doctrine into devotion 😉.
I loved these books. They are short and concise but are a good introduction into the gospel, what a church is, and how a church is structured.
I loved these books. They are short and concise but are a good introduction into the gospel, what a church is, and how a church is structured.
March 26, 2017
A very good book. It outlines what we should believe when part of a local church. The following two books will be based on this one I'm sure but Thorn does a great job of giving us an extremely condensed but thoughtful systematic theology of how we should see scripture and Jesus.
July 19, 2019
Joe Thorn has written three very short but very helpful books.
The Heart of the Church: The Gospel's History, Message, and Meaning
The Character of the Church: The Marks of God's Obedient People
The Life of the Church: The Table, Pulpit, and Square
Each one is a joy to read. But I would rate them as follows: Good, Better, Best.
Good - The Heart of the Church
Better - The Life of the Church
Best - The Character of the Church
These ratings are not based on agreement or disagreement with the doctrinal content as much as the depth of insight and practical value each book provided.
The Heart of the Church: The Gospel's History, Message, and Meaning
The Character of the Church: The Marks of God's Obedient People
The Life of the Church: The Table, Pulpit, and Square
Each one is a joy to read. But I would rate them as follows: Good, Better, Best.
Good - The Heart of the Church
Better - The Life of the Church
Best - The Character of the Church
These ratings are not based on agreement or disagreement with the doctrinal content as much as the depth of insight and practical value each book provided.
February 23, 2017
I'm a little unsure what to make of this one. It's the first of three volumes in a series that Thorn's writing to build the church (the next two on the life and character of the church). This book, which is a very quick, is a brief introduction to what the church believe. Thorn rightly points out that churches can -- even in doing good things -- lose their proper focus, which is the gospel. He defines this focus: "the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, all of which accomplishes redemption and restoration for all who believe in Him."
The rest of the book explains what Thorn sees as the essential elements of the gospel. In doing so, it disconnects (at least on an explicit level) from the expectations the series might have set (there's little of ecclesiology here, though what's here is important). The problem is that it becomes a little too focused.
Thorn essentially presents a Reformed view, which -- for the most part -- I don't disagree with, but it goes beyond the essential elements of orthodoxy. He seems to follow Luther (and, of course, modern Calvinism), none of which I'd object to if he didn't finish his overview by describing this expanded explanation of the gospel as "the defining truth for the Christian and the church). He hits on definite atonement, an idea that many churches would not hold to (or at least not divide over); again, fine enough, but more precise than necessary. In this work, a church of 4-point Calvinists would not be part of the true church.
All of which I'd be fine with in another setting. Had he written a 300-page book "What Is Reformed Theology and Why Does It Matter?" this would have been a good starting point. As it is, he doesn't have space to defend his positions. A new Christian or someone new to these ideas might not accept them without more support; a Reformed thinker doesn't need this line so much (and someone like Oliver Crisp would certainly offer more generosity in what counts as either orthodox or Reformed, and, ostensibly, what counts as the gospel).
So I don't object to Thorn's writing per se, but I'm not sure it works as a stand-alone book attempting to serve the purpose it does. He's right and making a valuable statement in: "If the gospel is not the heart of a local church, then something else will be." It's just that he restricts that in a manner that, I suspect, only people already in line with his thinking will buy into (given the limited space of the book).
That said, Thorn's readable, smart, and clearly has a heart for his work. I'm just not sure that this book does what it's attempting. It feels like a survey of a larger work of systematic theology, and not necessarily the best way to approach 100 page on what the church should keep in mind. Even so, I'm not un-optimistic about the rest of the series.
[Based on a NetGalley copy.]
The rest of the book explains what Thorn sees as the essential elements of the gospel. In doing so, it disconnects (at least on an explicit level) from the expectations the series might have set (there's little of ecclesiology here, though what's here is important). The problem is that it becomes a little too focused.
Thorn essentially presents a Reformed view, which -- for the most part -- I don't disagree with, but it goes beyond the essential elements of orthodoxy. He seems to follow Luther (and, of course, modern Calvinism), none of which I'd object to if he didn't finish his overview by describing this expanded explanation of the gospel as "the defining truth for the Christian and the church). He hits on definite atonement, an idea that many churches would not hold to (or at least not divide over); again, fine enough, but more precise than necessary. In this work, a church of 4-point Calvinists would not be part of the true church.
All of which I'd be fine with in another setting. Had he written a 300-page book "What Is Reformed Theology and Why Does It Matter?" this would have been a good starting point. As it is, he doesn't have space to defend his positions. A new Christian or someone new to these ideas might not accept them without more support; a Reformed thinker doesn't need this line so much (and someone like Oliver Crisp would certainly offer more generosity in what counts as either orthodox or Reformed, and, ostensibly, what counts as the gospel).
So I don't object to Thorn's writing per se, but I'm not sure it works as a stand-alone book attempting to serve the purpose it does. He's right and making a valuable statement in: "If the gospel is not the heart of a local church, then something else will be." It's just that he restricts that in a manner that, I suspect, only people already in line with his thinking will buy into (given the limited space of the book).
That said, Thorn's readable, smart, and clearly has a heart for his work. I'm just not sure that this book does what it's attempting. It feels like a survey of a larger work of systematic theology, and not necessarily the best way to approach 100 page on what the church should keep in mind. Even so, I'm not un-optimistic about the rest of the series.
[Based on a NetGalley copy.]
July 4, 2020
This is the first and foundational book of Thorn's Church trilogy, and properly so since the Gospel is the very heart of the Christian life. Thorn has a remarkable ability to communicate deep and complex theological truths in simple and plain language in true Puritan style. He walks through Gospel's history, application, and implications in another short but compelling book. I absolutely recommend this trilogy to anyone looking for a deeper dive into the Heart, Character, and Life of the Church.
November 20, 2024
Great Three Part Series on the Church
June 26, 2018
The heart of the church was the first book I have read by Joe Thorn. I have listened to his podcast and other sermons and have always enjoyed his teaching. I was not disappointed with his book "the heart of the Church" and look forward to reading His other two from this trilogy.
First off the book was clear and to the point. I would call this a "mans book" because the chapters are short and the book it not long. Not only are the chapters more concise, but are written in such a way that will keep your attention, and you'll walk away learning something. The heart of the church is an important subject that needs to be taught and clarified, and I believe that Joe has done a fantastic job in doing so.
The heart of the church is broken up into three parts; 1. the history of the Gospel, 2. The doctrine of the Gospel, 3. The God of the Gospel. Through each section, Joe breaks down the title of the division by focusing on crucial parts that address his claim. By explaining these areas, we the readers walk away with a fuller understanding of each section. I enjoy this because far to often I have read books that make claims and the author barely backs up his points with research. But I didn't have this sense with "the heart of the church" as I read each section I could confidently say I understood what Joe was getting at and how he drew his conclusions.
One chapter that stood out to me was chapter seven on reconciliation. Joe is walking through the common flow talking about humans being enemies of God and from there we move to be children of God when we are in Christ Jesus. After Joe explains both parts, he puts a subheading called " The ministry of reconciliation." And it's under this subheading where I read a line that made an impact on me. It may not be profound to you, but to mean it spoke volumes.
It said "The church of Jesus Christ is not only a reconciled community. It is also a reconciling community". I enjoyed that line because there is so much truth to it. If you didn't catch it, Joe is saying that we the Church the body of Christ have been reconciled to God through Christ, but we shouldn't stop there we should also be actively seeking to reconcile other people. Share the good news of Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to convict the hearts of others so they might even be reconciled to the Father through His perfect son.
I would recommend this book to anyone to read, but especially to someone who lacks understanding of what the church is and how it should function. Although it is a short read, you will walk away from it having learned something new. So if you need more knowledge on the church or you want to confirm what you already know, "the heart of the church" is a book for you!
http://www.fbcdrumheller.com/visser-b...
First off the book was clear and to the point. I would call this a "mans book" because the chapters are short and the book it not long. Not only are the chapters more concise, but are written in such a way that will keep your attention, and you'll walk away learning something. The heart of the church is an important subject that needs to be taught and clarified, and I believe that Joe has done a fantastic job in doing so.
The heart of the church is broken up into three parts; 1. the history of the Gospel, 2. The doctrine of the Gospel, 3. The God of the Gospel. Through each section, Joe breaks down the title of the division by focusing on crucial parts that address his claim. By explaining these areas, we the readers walk away with a fuller understanding of each section. I enjoy this because far to often I have read books that make claims and the author barely backs up his points with research. But I didn't have this sense with "the heart of the church" as I read each section I could confidently say I understood what Joe was getting at and how he drew his conclusions.
One chapter that stood out to me was chapter seven on reconciliation. Joe is walking through the common flow talking about humans being enemies of God and from there we move to be children of God when we are in Christ Jesus. After Joe explains both parts, he puts a subheading called " The ministry of reconciliation." And it's under this subheading where I read a line that made an impact on me. It may not be profound to you, but to mean it spoke volumes.
It said "The church of Jesus Christ is not only a reconciled community. It is also a reconciling community". I enjoyed that line because there is so much truth to it. If you didn't catch it, Joe is saying that we the Church the body of Christ have been reconciled to God through Christ, but we shouldn't stop there we should also be actively seeking to reconcile other people. Share the good news of Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to convict the hearts of others so they might even be reconciled to the Father through His perfect son.
I would recommend this book to anyone to read, but especially to someone who lacks understanding of what the church is and how it should function. Although it is a short read, you will walk away from it having learned something new. So if you need more knowledge on the church or you want to confirm what you already know, "the heart of the church" is a book for you!
http://www.fbcdrumheller.com/visser-b...
June 20, 2021
What drives the church? What is at the heart of the church? More precisely, we should possibly ask the question: What is it that drives your church? Even more specific yet, if you are a Christian, you could ask, "What truly drives my life and purpose?" This is the very issue that will determine whether a church, or an individual, is remotely close to what Jesus has in mind when He said, "I will build My church..." In this short, concise book, Joe Thorn spells out the heart of the true church, showing that the true gospel of Jesus Christ is at the heart of the biblical church. Thorn gives a great explanation for the reader, an explanation of the glorious gospel and all of its details.
The author breaks the book into three sections: 1) The History of the Gospel, where he considers the theme of Scripture, the life of Christ, and the death and resurrection of Christ. 2) The Doctrine of the Gospel, where he addresses such glorious truths such as, justification, forgiveness, faith, repentance, reconciliation, sanctification, and the role of good works; and 3) The God of the Gospel, where he writes about a God who condemns justly, saves sovereignly, atones effectively, calls irresistably, and sustains faithfully.
Each chapter is several pages long, so the reader doesn't get bogged down in the fine details of each topic addressed. However, though brief and seemingly a basic evaluation of each of these topics/issues, Thorn gives the reader much to chew on, ponder, and respond to. I could see this wonderful book being used in a discipleship relationship with a young believer, yet also, it can be a source of encouragement to any believer-young or old in the faith-to strengthen and equip to be who God wants one to be.
The author breaks the book into three sections: 1) The History of the Gospel, where he considers the theme of Scripture, the life of Christ, and the death and resurrection of Christ. 2) The Doctrine of the Gospel, where he addresses such glorious truths such as, justification, forgiveness, faith, repentance, reconciliation, sanctification, and the role of good works; and 3) The God of the Gospel, where he writes about a God who condemns justly, saves sovereignly, atones effectively, calls irresistably, and sustains faithfully.
Each chapter is several pages long, so the reader doesn't get bogged down in the fine details of each topic addressed. However, though brief and seemingly a basic evaluation of each of these topics/issues, Thorn gives the reader much to chew on, ponder, and respond to. I could see this wonderful book being used in a discipleship relationship with a young believer, yet also, it can be a source of encouragement to any believer-young or old in the faith-to strengthen and equip to be who God wants one to be.
February 7, 2017
Joe Thorn has written a trilogy of books about the church for the church that will be published in 2017. The first one is The Heart of the Church. (The next one, which I accidentally read first, is The Character of the Church. The third one, which I will pick up to read really soon, is The Life of The Church).
The church should not be confused about the gospel--what the gospel is, what the gospel isn't. But it is. You don't have to be a Christian confused about the gospel--confused about why the gospel matters, confused about what the gospel continues to mean to us as we live our lives.
Joe Thorn's little book, The Heart of The Church, is ALL about simplifying for readers everything about the gospel. By simplifying I do not mean subtracting the "hard" messages, the "controversial" messages, the "uncomfortable" bits that make us squirm reminding us that the Word of God is sharper than a sword and is intended to pierce through us. I mean laying out the gospel clearly, concisely, as it is--take it or leave it.
Chapter 1: The Theme of Scripture
Chapter 2: The Life of Christ
Chapter 3: The Death and Resurrection of Christ
Chapter 4: Justification
Chapter 5: Forgiveness
Chapter 6: Faith and Forgiveness
Chapter 7: Reconciliation
Chapter 8: Sanctification
Chapter 9: Good Works
Chapter 10: God Condemns Justly
Chapter 11: God Saves Sovereignly
Chapter 12: God Atones Effectively
Chapter 13: God Calls Irresistibly
Chapter 14: God Sustains Faithfully
As you can see from the table of contents, Joe Thorn covers essentially 'everything' about the gospel. (The last few chapters covers the doctrines of grace.) These basics are the foundation of the Christian faith. And these aren't trivial matters that are optional for believers these days. These are the very truths of God revealed to us in Scripture that are worth living and dying for.
Gospel truths cannot impact you on a day to day basis, cannot transform you, if there's confusion as to what's true and what's false. If you're not sure what you believe or why you believe it. If you're just deciding day by day by day what feels right for you to believe in the moment. Oh, I'm feeling good today, God is a God of LOVE after all.
Some truths need to be as essential to our well being as breathing in and out. These truths are presented and presented well in this new book. Though to be fair, this new book is full of old, old truths and based on an old, old story.
The church should not be confused about the gospel--what the gospel is, what the gospel isn't. But it is. You don't have to be a Christian confused about the gospel--confused about why the gospel matters, confused about what the gospel continues to mean to us as we live our lives.
Joe Thorn's little book, The Heart of The Church, is ALL about simplifying for readers everything about the gospel. By simplifying I do not mean subtracting the "hard" messages, the "controversial" messages, the "uncomfortable" bits that make us squirm reminding us that the Word of God is sharper than a sword and is intended to pierce through us. I mean laying out the gospel clearly, concisely, as it is--take it or leave it.
Chapter 1: The Theme of Scripture
Chapter 2: The Life of Christ
Chapter 3: The Death and Resurrection of Christ
Chapter 4: Justification
Chapter 5: Forgiveness
Chapter 6: Faith and Forgiveness
Chapter 7: Reconciliation
Chapter 8: Sanctification
Chapter 9: Good Works
Chapter 10: God Condemns Justly
Chapter 11: God Saves Sovereignly
Chapter 12: God Atones Effectively
Chapter 13: God Calls Irresistibly
Chapter 14: God Sustains Faithfully
As you can see from the table of contents, Joe Thorn covers essentially 'everything' about the gospel. (The last few chapters covers the doctrines of grace.) These basics are the foundation of the Christian faith. And these aren't trivial matters that are optional for believers these days. These are the very truths of God revealed to us in Scripture that are worth living and dying for.
Gospel truths cannot impact you on a day to day basis, cannot transform you, if there's confusion as to what's true and what's false. If you're not sure what you believe or why you believe it. If you're just deciding day by day by day what feels right for you to believe in the moment. Oh, I'm feeling good today, God is a God of LOVE after all.
Some truths need to be as essential to our well being as breathing in and out. These truths are presented and presented well in this new book. Though to be fair, this new book is full of old, old truths and based on an old, old story.
October 23, 2017
Joe Thorn adds a necessary and important work to the influx of books on the gospel. In clear, modern, easy to understand language Thorn lays out the historical, theological, and Calvinistic understanding of the gospel (who we are, who God is, what Christ did, and how God saves).
My great appreciation for this work, in particular, is that it situates the understanding of the gospel in the life of the church. While the personal nature of the gospel is addressed, it is tied into the corporate life of the church. A right understanding of theology, especially around the gospel and how it influences the life of the body is vital. Thorn gives us just that work and it will prove beneficial to the church for years to come.
I’m looking forward to reading the other two works in this short three volume set.
My great appreciation for this work, in particular, is that it situates the understanding of the gospel in the life of the church. While the personal nature of the gospel is addressed, it is tied into the corporate life of the church. A right understanding of theology, especially around the gospel and how it influences the life of the body is vital. Thorn gives us just that work and it will prove beneficial to the church for years to come.
I’m looking forward to reading the other two works in this short three volume set.
January 2, 2022
This is a fantastic resource (and a reasonably short read)! A great reminder to believers, and a great primer for new converts, and an excellent tool for evangelism or to give to inquirers.
Thorn has a way of writing simply on important topics and showing a great necessity on both doctrinal and devotional truths (that was not meant to be a play in his podcast, Doctrine and Devotion, but it fits how consistent he is in it)
The book is mostly on gospel basics and theological truths within the Reformed Baptist tradition. This is an excellent book for those reasons. The gospel is made clear, and God is glorified in this work.
Thorn has a way of writing simply on important topics and showing a great necessity on both doctrinal and devotional truths (that was not meant to be a play in his podcast, Doctrine and Devotion, but it fits how consistent he is in it)
The book is mostly on gospel basics and theological truths within the Reformed Baptist tradition. This is an excellent book for those reasons. The gospel is made clear, and God is glorified in this work.
August 12, 2017
A concise primer on the heart of the church: the gospel.
While there are a thousand books written on the gospel, Thorn uses this one to open his series of books on the church by writing a definitive statement on what unites the church: Christ Himself.
I appreciate that Thorn stays focused on his objective and clearly lays out the gospel in the context of what it means to be a member of Jesus's body, the church. This is a quick read, but it's filled with vital information that any Christian would do well to commit to memory.
While there are a thousand books written on the gospel, Thorn uses this one to open his series of books on the church by writing a definitive statement on what unites the church: Christ Himself.
I appreciate that Thorn stays focused on his objective and clearly lays out the gospel in the context of what it means to be a member of Jesus's body, the church. This is a quick read, but it's filled with vital information that any Christian would do well to commit to memory.
February 25, 2019
Solid little book that accomplishes its purpose: to give a brief, straightforward explanation of the gospel and show why these truths are at the heart of the church. I appreciate Thorn's use of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, and his careful treatment of the historical aspects of the gospel (life/death/resurrection of Christ), the ordo salutis aspects of the gospel (justification, sanctification, etc.), as well as the application of the gospel to sinners. Recommended as a 'book table' book, or an intro to the gospel for children, young adults, and young Christians.
May 3, 2020
It is theologically very sound, and is a layman rendition of the five points of Calvinism.
But for the converted, it is somewhat too rudimentary (although this still a very good reminder to read through). And for the unconverted, it does not treat the issues thoroughly enough to be convincing.
There was only a little of that in the doctrine of the elect, but for a book that is meant for evangelism, I fear that it might just not be comprehensive enough, though I understand its attempt to explain simply and concisely doctrine without jargon.
But for the converted, it is somewhat too rudimentary (although this still a very good reminder to read through). And for the unconverted, it does not treat the issues thoroughly enough to be convincing.
There was only a little of that in the doctrine of the elect, but for a book that is meant for evangelism, I fear that it might just not be comprehensive enough, though I understand its attempt to explain simply and concisely doctrine without jargon.
January 28, 2020
So the focus on the gospel is well done, but the last 20 pages on the doctrine of election seemed out of place. Election is not related to the heart of the church or gospel, although from his perspective of why only a select group of people get to saved I can see why he spend significant time on it. But regardless of my theological disagreement there, he does a fine job of outlying the basics of the gospel and the christian faith if salvation through Jesus.
February 1, 2021
This book starts out with the basics of the Christian faith and moves along to a great definition of what the gospel is and how God works salvation in our lives. A great book for a new believer as it gives a clear statement of what the Bible says about us and about God and is also great for a person like myself who teaches the gospel as it gives such clear statements that we can use in our own evangelistic conversations.
July 25, 2017
As with the other books in this series, this is good introductory reading for anybody who is new to Christianity or want to know what Christians believe. This book has a specific focus on the Gospel, and presents a concise, clear Gospel message.
Looking forward to seeing more of what Joe Thorn puts out in the future!
Looking forward to seeing more of what Joe Thorn puts out in the future!
May 4, 2021
A rather dry list of scriptural precepts. It does not really add insight or synthesis to what is merely listed. It just does service to the title and provides a Scriptural basis for the role of the Gospel in the Church.
June 6, 2017
This is a short powerful book. Joe Thorn gives a clear definition of the gospel and its implications. I highly recommend this book to all.
December 29, 2017
Great addition to the trilogy. Joe Freaking Thorn FTW!
January 11, 2018
Great, small, easy to read book that is a primer for the basics of the gospel and an intro to the doctrines of grace.
August 18, 2018
Cut to the chase, in plain language, easy to read, understand precise and yet rich. A must read
January 4, 2019
Great over view of the Gospel
January 9, 2019
Excellent book to introduce someone to the church. Very accessible.
February 4, 2019
If you’re newer to Christianity and want to know all about the faith, this book and the entire series of three, are terrific.
December 27, 2019
Simple, well-written, and well laid-out!
February 21, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Simple and to the point, I dug it!
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