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Rescued: The Unexpected and Extraordinary News of the Gospel
How can we believe and be transformed by the gospel? Once we understand that the gospel is not merely good news but explosive, life-changing news, we will never be the same again. And in response to God's work in our lives, what part can we play in recreating the world for his good plan? In this powerful book, Fr. John Riccardo helps us to see the world through God's lens, with a clear vision of the future.
184 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2020
172 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
John Riccardo
12 books21 followersFR. JOHN RICCARDO is a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit, ordained in 1996. He is the founder of Acts XXIX, a ministry to help pastors and their teams transform their parish culture and reclaim the Church's missionary identity. His popular show, Christ Is the Answer, is broadcast daily over the EWTN radio network, and his groundbreaking work in parish renewal has drawn national attention. In addition to his work in Detroit, Fr. Riccardo has served as a member of the USCCB National Advisory Council and is currently a member of the Alpha USA Pastors Forum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 31, 2021
Listened to the audiobook. When I first stumbled across Fr. Riccardo’s exposition of the basic Gospel message, I underwent a paradigm shift. He has heavily influenced the way in which I’ve received and pass on to others the life-changing news of the Gospel. I’ll forever be grateful for the prayerful study that led him to express such profound truths in a memorable and captivating way. This could be a great resource for a book study at a parish.
That said, he has many free resources out there right now which, though spread out, echo the main points of what’s found in this book. In other words, this book contains everything you can find in his other resources, plus some really solid additional catechesis. If you want to go the “free” route, I’d recommend looking up his podcast “Acts XXIX, You Were Born for This,” the content on actsxxix.org (especially the White Paper), and the video “Fr. John kerygma” on YouTube.
That said, he has many free resources out there right now which, though spread out, echo the main points of what’s found in this book. In other words, this book contains everything you can find in his other resources, plus some really solid additional catechesis. If you want to go the “free” route, I’d recommend looking up his podcast “Acts XXIX, You Were Born for This,” the content on actsxxix.org (especially the White Paper), and the video “Fr. John kerygma” on YouTube.
October 4, 2024
a great book going deeper into the gospel message. at a few points tears were shed. the Father is just so good!
November 5, 2020
High praise for this short book by Father John Riccardo which tells the story of the gospel in a new and compelling way. I was fortunate to hear this story straight from the author’s mouth in a series of homilies at our parish a year or two ago, and was immediately captivated by his explanations and unique imagery. Although I’ve been a Christian my entire life, never have I had the gospel explained to me in such a fashion. It was like a fire had been lit in my heart, and I couldn’t wait for Mass the following week to hear the next part of the story. The manner of which this story is told, all backed by scripture, answered so many of my past questions and explained the strategy behind Jesus’ coming. You’ll walk away with a much better understanding of how deep God’s love is for us, how creative and clever he is, and peace in knowing he’s in control. God is aware of the current state of his world. He’s not nervous or afraid. He’s got this. And He’s got YOU! Don’t miss this book! You can also hear Fr. John tell the story through a series of podcasts at ActsXXIX.org (episodes 4, 5, 7, 10 and 17). Even if you read the book, I still recommend you check out the podcasts because Fr. John is an excellent story teller that a book may not do justice for.
February 1, 2022
Can’t say enough about how much this book has helped me to share The Story.
I was lucky enough to hear Fr. John give this information in a presentation to the staff of our diocese during a one-day training. I was so on fire I brought the book back and after 5 minutes of talking about it, my entire discipleship group wanted it to be our next book.
I’ve since built a retreat for high school students out of this material and used Fr. John’s 4 points to share the story more times in the last 6 months than I had shared it in the previous 36 years of my life - and in a much more succinct and powerful way. I only need 4 words to keep me on track: Created, Captured, Rescued and Response.
I cannot express enough how much I believe every Catholic needs to read this book. You will never look at a crucifix the same way. And when you kneel in silence during the reading of the Passion, you will do so with a smile of victory knowing the Ambush Predator has won. You will understand exactly why it’s GOOD Friday.
I was lucky enough to hear Fr. John give this information in a presentation to the staff of our diocese during a one-day training. I was so on fire I brought the book back and after 5 minutes of talking about it, my entire discipleship group wanted it to be our next book.
I’ve since built a retreat for high school students out of this material and used Fr. John’s 4 points to share the story more times in the last 6 months than I had shared it in the previous 36 years of my life - and in a much more succinct and powerful way. I only need 4 words to keep me on track: Created, Captured, Rescued and Response.
I cannot express enough how much I believe every Catholic needs to read this book. You will never look at a crucifix the same way. And when you kneel in silence during the reading of the Passion, you will do so with a smile of victory knowing the Ambush Predator has won. You will understand exactly why it’s GOOD Friday.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2023
"We've somehow managed to turn the only person who never bored anybody into someone boring...when people met Jesus, they had 2 radical responses: drop everything and follow him, or demand he be killed. No one ever yawned and shrugged, saying 'meh, nothing to see here.'"
A dynamic book presenting the gospel message in a truly riveting way. I'd heard Msgr Shea, Dr. Scott Hahn, & Curtis Martin reference this book and it did not disappoint. An easy but powerful read!
A dynamic book presenting the gospel message in a truly riveting way. I'd heard Msgr Shea, Dr. Scott Hahn, & Curtis Martin reference this book and it did not disappoint. An easy but powerful read!
July 21, 2022
This book was absolutely incredible. It dove right into the truth. I have learned to see the gospel in a new way and am now fired up to go out on mission!
April 19, 2022
At the behest of our church’s deacon, who saw the author in person, my husband and I read this book together aloud and discussed its significance. We happened to read it through Lent and finished the day after Easter which was timely. It provided a powerful message about the gospel and our response to it. Definitely a thought-provoking read for us!
September 22, 2024
If you ever need to switch it up from the “five Rs” read this book.
August 30, 2024
5 I actually took this course at church, and to watch his videos is extremely powerful, this book is great. It gives us a clear vision of what has, and is going on. The enemy so wants us to believe nothing, but lies, and just tries to distort everything everything everything, all the time. the enemy is the enemy, the opposite of God, and no way and equal. This book helps us to remember that… The wisdom of God… One second of that is more than all the wisdom and knowledge and common sense that all men have ever known. We are foolish, and THE CREATOR loves us still to the point of sacrificing Himself. Beyond comprehension - and yet We are called to bask in the radiance of His love - overwhelming gratitude.
February 22, 2024
doesn’t say anything mind blowing but explains the Gospel message in a way that is easy to understand and apply. really solid
November 27, 2022
I attended an all day retreat session with Fr. Riccardo eventually, which closely followed the outline and content of this book. For that, I'm grateful, as anyone else who's attended one of his "Rescue Project" sessions will probably be. It was great to relive the day and refresh my memory of it.
For this who have not been to a "Rescue Project", the book allows the reader to experience much of what you get from being there in person-- although it's not a substitute. If you have the opportunity to go to "The Rescue Project", by all means, do it.
For this who have not been to a "Rescue Project", the book allows the reader to experience much of what you get from being there in person-- although it's not a substitute. If you have the opportunity to go to "The Rescue Project", by all means, do it.
December 30, 2022
Fr. Riccardo's book is one of the most meaningful books I have read in recent years. His fundamental convictions that you and I are not alive right now by chance and that the world and the Church are crying for change, shape the outline of the book that is constructed around four words: created, captured, rescued, and response. This book convincingly argues that we need God, and that salvation should evoke a response in us: love of God and others. But there's so much more to Fr. Riccardo's book.
June 29, 2025
“Do not be afraid. God is with you. You were born for this.” - St Joan of Arc
Such an inspiring book from beginning to end. I was drawn in by Fr Riccardo’s story about sharing the gospel with a woman who received it in tears. Beautiful image that motivates me to share the good news in a compelling manner.
Loved his different stories and images. Especially the soldiers storming Normandy and the Holy Spirit sharing with him “ambush predator.”
Highly suggested for all! Learn how to share the compelling story of our faith.
Such an inspiring book from beginning to end. I was drawn in by Fr Riccardo’s story about sharing the gospel with a woman who received it in tears. Beautiful image that motivates me to share the good news in a compelling manner.
Loved his different stories and images. Especially the soldiers storming Normandy and the Holy Spirit sharing with him “ambush predator.”
Highly suggested for all! Learn how to share the compelling story of our faith.
October 12, 2024
Created, captured, rescued, redeemed.
"What good would life have been to us had Christ not come as our Redeemer?"
"Will we respond with: 'Every day I think about what You did for me?'"
First time reading something authored by a Catholic believer! Interesting to notice some differences in doctrine but overall a very encouraging & in-depth presentation of the gospel! With practical tools on how to share
"What good would life have been to us had Christ not come as our Redeemer?"
"Will we respond with: 'Every day I think about what You did for me?'"
First time reading something authored by a Catholic believer! Interesting to notice some differences in doctrine but overall a very encouraging & in-depth presentation of the gospel! With practical tools on how to share
May 14, 2021
I read this book through Lent till now. All in the Easter season. It is a great book. I was on a cruise in Jan of 2020 with Fr. John and this book was his theme for the preaching and sermons given. The book was a great follow up. I have taken notes and highlighted half the book. I need to read this again. Ha Ha ha
October 16, 2023
This is a short book, but it contains a LOT of information that will help you better understand the Gospels. There were a couple of chapters that were especially enlightening to me. And Father Riccardo writes in a simple yet informative way that makes for a very easy read with enough personal examples to help make his point.
November 9, 2023
I genuinely believe everyone needs to read this book. I attended a professional development where Fr. John gave these main sessions — Created, Captured, Redeemed, Response — and, though I’ve been Catholic the majority of my life and had my deeper conversion in my early 20’s, there were elements I had never heard of before. Thankful for Fr. John’s priesthood and his heart for the Church.
April 10, 2025
Took a bit to move through this one with some breaks. Not the book’s fault, just the nature of me and audiobooks. Felt like a really long Gospel Presentation. A ~fantastic~ addition to Lent.
Listened to it on audiobook read by the man himself. Lovely to listen to, but make reflection more difficult.
Listened to it on audiobook read by the man himself. Lovely to listen to, but make reflection more difficult.
November 17, 2020
It makes more sense
In this book I now have a clearer picture of the importance of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Fr. Ricardo explains the peril we are in when we do not stay connected to Jesus
In this book I now have a clearer picture of the importance of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Fr. Ricardo explains the peril we are in when we do not stay connected to Jesus
January 26, 2022
Interesting take on Jesus being the aggressor during the crucifixion. Somewhat difficult to relate if you haven't suffered tragedy.
Would be a good book for group study as the sections are laid out with reflection questions.
Would be a good book for group study as the sections are laid out with reflection questions.
April 7, 2022
This is an outstanding book the true message of Christianity we must respond to God’s protection of love. The book exposes the great lie of the world we do not need God or the lie from Garden we will be like God.
January 12, 2023
The Christian Gospel explained
Father writes in an interesting manner and very much informative. Good read. It is a challenge for all readers. He makes it interesting because he explains his own experiences as well as well as quotes scriptural resorces.
Father writes in an interesting manner and very much informative. Good read. It is a challenge for all readers. He makes it interesting because he explains his own experiences as well as well as quotes scriptural resorces.
July 5, 2025
A Must Read
Father Ricardo is spreading the Good News with the power of the Holy Spirit clearly in these pages. I bought like 10 copies to give to my sons and their wives. They need to KNOW who they are as sons and daughters of the Living God. Put God first!
Father Ricardo is spreading the Good News with the power of the Holy Spirit clearly in these pages. I bought like 10 copies to give to my sons and their wives. They need to KNOW who they are as sons and daughters of the Living God. Put God first!
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December 22, 2020Spectacular
A beautiful and convicting way of presenting the Truth of God's salvation of our souls. A great read for priests and lay faithful alike.
A beautiful and convicting way of presenting the Truth of God's salvation of our souls. A great read for priests and lay faithful alike.
April 12, 2021
Excellent - Fr. Ricardo’s best yet!
Timely, thought provoking work that propels the reader to Mission. I appreciated his discussion questions @ the end of each chapter.
Timely, thought provoking work that propels the reader to Mission. I appreciated his discussion questions @ the end of each chapter.
July 9, 2021
Amazing! Cannot recommend highly enough!
July 13, 2021
Retreat style thoughts on the meaning of our salvation.
October 30, 2021
A short clear and concise book about the hope and demands of the Gospel.
November 4, 2021
Father introduces us to the God we never met. This book lit 🔥 a fire under me.
January 5, 2022
There is a lot of good stuff in this book. I will most likely read it again and take notes. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews