Essential Christianity: The Heart of the Gospel in Ten Words

by J.D. Greear, Joe Gibbs (Afterword)

Overview

Drawing on passages from Romans 1 to 12, J.D. Greear unpacks the essential aspects of the Christian message, showing both secular and religious people what the gospel is and how it addresses our most pertinent questions. The gospel, as he explains, is not just about life after death; it’s about reclaiming the life we’ve always yearned to live.

Whether you are exploring the core concepts of Christianity or you are a weary Christian wanting to rediscover the excitement and joy of knowing God, this warm and compelling explanation of the goodness, truth and power at the heart of the Christian faith is for you.

As J.D. says in his introduction:

“The gospel is not just the diving board off which you jump into Christianity—it’s the swimming pool in which you swim. See this book as your invitation to rediscover the goodness, the excitement, the liberation and the power of the gospel.”

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781784988258
Publisher:	The Good Book Company
Publication date:	02/01/2023
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	639,591
Product dimensions:	5.31(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

J.D. Greear is the pastor at The Summit Church and served as the 62nd president of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is married to Veronica and they have four children. J.D. is the author of several books including Searching for Christmas, Gospel, and Above All.

Table of Contents

1 Announcement

What Is Christianity, in a Sentence?

2 Undeniable

How Do We Even Know There's a God? 23

3 Refusal

If God Is Real, Why Doesn't Everybody Believe in Him? 37

4 Religion

Is Religion the Answer? 51

Intermission: Who is Jesus? 65

5 Rescue

Why Do Christians Talk about "Being Saved"? 73

6 Faith

Can Anyone Actually Know They'll Go to Heaven? 85

Intermission: But Is It true? 99

7 Inclusion

Aren't All Religions Basically the Same? 111

8 Struggle

Why Does the Christian Life Seem So Hard? 127

Intermission: What about the Christian View of Sexuality? 141

9 Spirit

What Is the Difference Between Being Religious and Being Spiritual? 151

10 Therefore

Now What? 163

Afterword 177

Acknowledgments 181

Editorial Reviews

Every generation needs a voice to present the central tenets of the Christian faith in a way that is both contemporary and timeless. With Essential Christianity, J.D. Greear shares the good news using simple, direct language and explanations first laid out by the apostle Paul. A compelling and helpful guide for anyone exploring their own faith journey.

Dan Cathy (Chairman

My heart was skipping with excitement as I read this book. J.D. writes with simplicity and grip—he teaches clearly because he understands deeply. This book will show you a devastating critique of the human condition that will ring true to your experience of life; and then it will reveal to you the overwhelming wonder of God’s solution in Jesus Christ. Whether you are an honest seeker or a mature pilgrim, I cannot commend this book highly enough to you. (Founder

If you’re wondering what on earth to believe in a confusing and often disappointing world, Essential Christianity could be just the lifeline you need. In it, pastor J.D. Greear peels back the layers that can get piled on top of Christianity and helps us see the 1st-century original, which offers life-changing hope to billions around the world today—including you.

Rebecca McLaughlin (Author

J.D. Greear has a rare gift for really getting into the mind of the modern skeptic. He gets out in front of every key question and objection to Christianity and answers each one with compassion, honesty, and a great sense of humor. I bet even the surliest and most self-assured atheist wouldn’t mind sitting next to Greear on a plane—and would never be quite the same after their conversation.

Molly Worthen (Associate Professor of History

Our questions really matter. Yet our questions should cause us to seek for the truth and not just end the conversation at our query. That’s what J.D. Greear does here. He asks the questions—and proposes clear answers—about key issues of the Christian faith. Essential Christianity will be a key resource for those considering the faith and for their friends who want to share it with them.

Ed Stetzer (Executive Director

My heart was skipping with excitement as I read this book. J.D. writes with simplicity and grip—he teaches clearly because he understands deeply. This book will show you a devastating critique of the human condition that will ring true to your experience of life; and then it will reveal to you the overwhelming wonder of God’s solution in Jesus Christ. Whether you are an honest seeker or a mature pilgrim, I cannot commend this book highly enough to you.

Rico Tice (Founder