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What Exactly is the Gospel?: A Guide for Born Again Christians to Share the Good News of Jesus Christ
From the
My longtime barber was stunned and had tears in his eyes.
“James, keep going. The entire shop is listening.”
The chatter, laughing, and cracking of jokes that normally filled the packed barber shop was absent. Instead, the entire place was listening intently to the conversation he and I were having as he cut my hair.
It was the Gospel – the good news about the person and work of Jesus Christ – explained exactly as it is in this book.
I’d been in that barber chair countless times before and nothing like this had ever happened. That’s because it wasn’t something particular about me that had changed the atmosphere of the room. It was the Gospel - the single greatest offer in history and the most powerful message ever to be announced on the planet. It is the power of God.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ – we have a commission from Jesus Christ Himself to share His Gospel with all nations. It is my prayer that God will use this book to better equip you to do just that. You
Learn to methodically explain the essentials of the Gospel.Be prepared to address some of the most frequently asked questions related to the faith. Gain access to free printable Gospel tracts to aid your evangelism.
“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Are you ready? Let’s talk Gospel.
About the Author
James Finke has spent the past 16+ years in Corporate America managing $50-million-dollar insurance portfolios. He is an expert in assessing risk and hedging bets. Therefore, it sometimes catches people off-guard when they discover he has gone all-in and wagered everything that the Bible is true.
His writing ministry began as a “quarantine project” for his church back in 2020. It has developed into a book series with copies in 17 countries and counting. The ultimate goal of the ministry is to glorify God and share the Gospel. Therefore, 100% of book proceeds are poured right back into the ministry.
James lives with his wife and four young kids in Connecticut. He posts videos daily for Christians on social media.
My longtime barber was stunned and had tears in his eyes.
“James, keep going. The entire shop is listening.”
The chatter, laughing, and cracking of jokes that normally filled the packed barber shop was absent. Instead, the entire place was listening intently to the conversation he and I were having as he cut my hair.
It was the Gospel – the good news about the person and work of Jesus Christ – explained exactly as it is in this book.
I’d been in that barber chair countless times before and nothing like this had ever happened. That’s because it wasn’t something particular about me that had changed the atmosphere of the room. It was the Gospel - the single greatest offer in history and the most powerful message ever to be announced on the planet. It is the power of God.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ – we have a commission from Jesus Christ Himself to share His Gospel with all nations. It is my prayer that God will use this book to better equip you to do just that. You
Learn to methodically explain the essentials of the Gospel.Be prepared to address some of the most frequently asked questions related to the faith. Gain access to free printable Gospel tracts to aid your evangelism.
“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Are you ready? Let’s talk Gospel.
About the Author
James Finke has spent the past 16+ years in Corporate America managing $50-million-dollar insurance portfolios. He is an expert in assessing risk and hedging bets. Therefore, it sometimes catches people off-guard when they discover he has gone all-in and wagered everything that the Bible is true.
His writing ministry began as a “quarantine project” for his church back in 2020. It has developed into a book series with copies in 17 countries and counting. The ultimate goal of the ministry is to glorify God and share the Gospel. Therefore, 100% of book proceeds are poured right back into the ministry.
James lives with his wife and four young kids in Connecticut. He posts videos daily for Christians on social media.
- GenresChristian
137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2022
132 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
James Finke
9 books91 followersJames Finke brings over 17 years of experience managing 50-million-dollar insurance portfolios in Corporate America. He is an expert in assessing risk and hedging bets. Therefore, it sometimes catches people off-guard when they discover he has gone all-in and wagered everything that the Bible is true.
Christianity Uncomplicated began as a “quarantine project” for his church in 2020 and has since blossomed into a transformative global ministry. Published in multiple languages and distributed in 15 countries, James’s book series has touched thousands of lives, aiming to glorify God and spread the Gospel.
Residing in Connecticut with his wife and four children, James engages with readers on Instagram @authorjamesfinke.
Through his bestselling books and thriving social media presence, James continues to help seekers find clarity in a world filled with uncertainty.
Christianity Uncomplicated began as a “quarantine project” for his church in 2020 and has since blossomed into a transformative global ministry. Published in multiple languages and distributed in 15 countries, James’s book series has touched thousands of lives, aiming to glorify God and spread the Gospel.
Residing in Connecticut with his wife and four children, James engages with readers on Instagram @authorjamesfinke.
Through his bestselling books and thriving social media presence, James continues to help seekers find clarity in a world filled with uncertainty.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 24, 2023
The Good News!
What a great book and an easy read. If you are a Christian or are just looking to understand more about Christianity then grab this book. Author James Finke has written a great series that explains in laymen terms what Christianity is and how it doesn’t have to be complicated.
As I run into people in my daily life I find that they almost believe there is some divine download of information when you accept Christ into your heart and declare that he is lord. While I wish that was true it unfortunately is not. I have found that the series James has written will give you plenty of answers to most of the basics questions people have when you talk to them about Jesus. So, don’t be afraid to have those conversations that Jesus commanded us to have. Grab James’s book and get that heavenly download started. You won’t regret it and it could be just what you need to become the rock in someone’s shoe.
James, thank you for writing this series and for making the information easy to understand and easy to get through. You are doing the lords work and I pray that he will bless you and your family.
Your brother-in-Christ,
~Brad~
What a great book and an easy read. If you are a Christian or are just looking to understand more about Christianity then grab this book. Author James Finke has written a great series that explains in laymen terms what Christianity is and how it doesn’t have to be complicated.
As I run into people in my daily life I find that they almost believe there is some divine download of information when you accept Christ into your heart and declare that he is lord. While I wish that was true it unfortunately is not. I have found that the series James has written will give you plenty of answers to most of the basics questions people have when you talk to them about Jesus. So, don’t be afraid to have those conversations that Jesus commanded us to have. Grab James’s book and get that heavenly download started. You won’t regret it and it could be just what you need to become the rock in someone’s shoe.
James, thank you for writing this series and for making the information easy to understand and easy to get through. You are doing the lords work and I pray that he will bless you and your family.
Your brother-in-Christ,
~Brad~
January 19, 2026
What Exactly Is the Gospel? by James Finke is a short and accessible field guide to understanding and sharing the core message of Christianity. It’s a part of a larger set of installments breaking down the faith. Finke walks readers through the biblical storyline, from creation, sin, and the holiness of God, to the law, humanity’s inability to save itself, and the finished work of Jesus Christ. The book also addresses common objections, clarifies misconceptions about heaven, hell, and works based righteousness, and provides a concise framework for articulating the gospel in everyday conversations. Its simplicity makes it especially helpful for new believers or anyone wanting a refresher on the foundations of the faith.
Personally, this book served as a reminder of how easy it is to assume we understand the gospel while slowly drifting from its depth and power. It challenged me to reflect on whether I truly live from grace or subtly default back to self-righteousness. While I didn’t love that Scripture references were placed as footnotes rather than quoted directly in the text, the content itself was solid, biblical, and thought provoking. This is a quick but meaningful read that would be valuable to share with new believers, skeptics, or anyone who needs to return to the good news of Jesus Christ.
Personally, this book served as a reminder of how easy it is to assume we understand the gospel while slowly drifting from its depth and power. It challenged me to reflect on whether I truly live from grace or subtly default back to self-righteousness. While I didn’t love that Scripture references were placed as footnotes rather than quoted directly in the text, the content itself was solid, biblical, and thought provoking. This is a quick but meaningful read that would be valuable to share with new believers, skeptics, or anyone who needs to return to the good news of Jesus Christ.
October 20, 2024
There is No place in this Book that Clearly Teaches how a Person is Saved. Because he is a Lordship Salvationists. He is from the Paul Washer, John MacArthur Lordship Salvation Club.
Please Beware this Book is Supposed to Be about the Gospel and the Gospel is Not Even Included in this book.
The Gospel is 1st Corinthians 15:1-4.
He keeps talking about Original Sin that is a Catholic Doctrine and some Protestant Churches follow it too. They Believe Falsely that Adam's Original Sin passes to everyone born. They teach Baby Baptism is Required / Necessary because of Original Sin...
It is Disturbing that he is Spreading this.
These People talk out of both Sides of their Mouths. They Claim to Believe in Jesus Only for Salvation but they Teach that You Have to Work Your Way to Heaven. Chapter 9 Details this.
It is Extremely Sad that Millions of People Are Part of this FALSE Religion, this Counterfeit Christianity.
Please Beware this Book is Supposed to Be about the Gospel and the Gospel is Not Even Included in this book.
The Gospel is 1st Corinthians 15:1-4.
He keeps talking about Original Sin that is a Catholic Doctrine and some Protestant Churches follow it too. They Believe Falsely that Adam's Original Sin passes to everyone born. They teach Baby Baptism is Required / Necessary because of Original Sin...
It is Disturbing that he is Spreading this.
These People talk out of both Sides of their Mouths. They Claim to Believe in Jesus Only for Salvation but they Teach that You Have to Work Your Way to Heaven. Chapter 9 Details this.
It is Extremely Sad that Millions of People Are Part of this FALSE Religion, this Counterfeit Christianity.
January 3, 2023
Spread the Gospel Confidently
James Finke has provided a useful resource for those of us who want to be more confident in sharing the gospel. His book, What Exactly Is the Gospel? lays out in an organized manner and in understandable language the basics of the Evangel (the gospel message). This isn’t simply a book to read and then shelve (although one could do that), but rather one to be read, re-read, digested, and called to mind as one talks with friends, co-workers, fellow students, even strangers, about Jesus Christ, who He is, what He has done, and why it matters. Anyone who wants to be better at bearing witness to the gospel will benefit from Finke’s book.
James Finke has provided a useful resource for those of us who want to be more confident in sharing the gospel. His book, What Exactly Is the Gospel? lays out in an organized manner and in understandable language the basics of the Evangel (the gospel message). This isn’t simply a book to read and then shelve (although one could do that), but rather one to be read, re-read, digested, and called to mind as one talks with friends, co-workers, fellow students, even strangers, about Jesus Christ, who He is, what He has done, and why it matters. Anyone who wants to be better at bearing witness to the gospel will benefit from Finke’s book.
January 15, 2025
Every Christian Should Read This Book!!
The way James easily lays out the problem of sin and suffering and salvation is so easy to understand and easy to relay to others. He beautifully captures the true meaning of the Gospel, and why the news is so good. I highly encourage any Christian who has trouble sharing their faith to read this book. It will help you immensely.
The way James easily lays out the problem of sin and suffering and salvation is so easy to understand and easy to relay to others. He beautifully captures the true meaning of the Gospel, and why the news is so good. I highly encourage any Christian who has trouble sharing their faith to read this book. It will help you immensely.
December 24, 2022
concise, clear, correct
All Scripture with practical application to real questions that lead to THE good news of Jesus. Whether a seasoned or new believer… Christian or curious… this is a great start
All Scripture with practical application to real questions that lead to THE good news of Jesus. Whether a seasoned or new believer… Christian or curious… this is a great start
October 31, 2023
a very well written explanation of the gospel.
Everyone should read this, non-Christian’s and Christians. Even if you don’t believe, at least you will know why Christians are so adamant about what they believe.
Everyone should read this, non-Christian’s and Christians. Even if you don’t believe, at least you will know why Christians are so adamant about what they believe.
June 19, 2024
This is a concise reminder of the key facets of the Gospel. Finke uses scripture plentifully, as you’d expect. (I only wish he’d have put the references in-line, rather than having to skip to and from the footnotes.) Recommend if you need an outline for the good news!
September 17, 2023
In the fourth book in the Christianity Uncomplicated series, we delve into the big question: What exactly is the gospel? The answer to this question is important for all humanity. Chapter by chapter, James Finke goes through various questions about the authenticity, authority, and key points of the gospel message. With simple, clear language, Finke answers the question and encourages deeper contemplation on the greatest news that has ever been given to humanity and outlines the ultimate choice we must all make.
March 20, 2025
This is one of the most practical resources I've seen on evangelism and how believers can share the Gospel with others. Broken down into illustrations and concepts that are easy to grasp, I found that this book encouraged my faith and affirmed the reasons why I do believe in the Christian faith. I appreciate that the style of this book is invitational and approaching, making it a volume that simply begs to be shared.
At the end of the day, it's a faithful reminder of how God has worked throughout history to draw us to Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. Even if evangelism may not be our particular strong suit or gifting, we are called to always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks us about the hope we possess (1 Peter 3:15). This book seeks to equip believers to be prepared and is a useful guide when we need to be reminded ourselves.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
At the end of the day, it's a faithful reminder of how God has worked throughout history to draw us to Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. Even if evangelism may not be our particular strong suit or gifting, we are called to always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks us about the hope we possess (1 Peter 3:15). This book seeks to equip believers to be prepared and is a useful guide when we need to be reminded ourselves.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews