The World-Tilting Gospel Review

"The greatest need of the church today is a strategic, full-orbed, robust, biblical grasp of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and its transformative implications.  We don't need more glitz or glamour, better marketing or programs, snazzier decor or entertainment.  We do need a whole-bible grasp of the Gospel," (p. 19).

Author Dan Phillips does just that in his book The World-Tilting Gospel - he gives his readers a "whole-bible grasp" of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It's exactly what our Christian culture needs to hear; it's not about fancy programs, technology, coffee cafes, etc. in churches - it's about the Gospel.  As Mr. Phillips writes, it's, unfortunately, the world that is influencing the Church.  Instead, the Gospel needs to be influencing the Church - it's Jesus Christ that truly saves and changes lives - not glitzy programs!

This book is saturated with Scripture, yet written in a modern way - it's a must read for all those who need an introduction to the Gospel, whether it be the partially evangelized, new believer, or those seeking to know the depth of Christ's love for His people.

The layout of this book makes it very easy to follow and keeps you yearning for more.  First, Mr. Phillips discusses who we are as fallen men and women and, to do so, he takes readers to the Garden of Eden to show that when Adam & Eve fell, all of humanity plummeted into sin.  Secondly, he gives us the good news:  What Has God Done for Us? The Eternal Plan Conceived, Predicted, Executed.  And how do people receive the gloriousness of this new plan?  Part 3: How Do We Get In?  This is where Mr. Phillips presents the Gospel; through faith in Jesus Christ and repentance for our sins, we can be declared righteous in God's sight!  Lastly, readers are informed of how to go from here in Part 4: How Do We Get Going? Preparing to Launch.  I found this section particularly helpful because the author discusses the "misguided mindsets" that hinder true growth for Christians.  He is also honest about the fact that being a Christian doesn't automatically mean an easy life!  In fact, the opposite is true!  Growth is Hard and The Christian's Biggest Problem Isn't External are two chapters that encouraged me to fight this battle of faith because of the prize of Jesus Christ that awaits all who trust Him as their Savior.

As a pastor's wife who watched her husband accomplish his Master's of Divinity, I was extremely impressed with how deep and thorough Mr. Phillips is in his descriptions of the Gospel concepts.  They are not easy concepts, but he explains them so well (you will know what a passive imperative is by the time you're done reading!).  And the language he uses is not only clear about what's expected of Christians, but it also motivates believers to run toward the true Gospel - not the watered-down versions most churches so often preach.  He faithfully refutes wrong Christian mindsets using Scripture; in fact, the whole book is full of citations from Scripture.  There are also charts, diagrams, and real-life examples throughout the book to help the reader understand and remember the concepts.

The last chapter of The World-Tilting Gospel is a culmination of all the previous chapters, and what makes it so good are the "...nine ramifications of the Gospel.  These ramifications move us beyond traditional, world-flirting Christianoid barriers, and into serious, world-tilting engagement with the Gospel," (p. 277).  With each ramification, Mr. Phillips asks, "How is this a world-tilting truth?" and then proceeds to answer the question.  I found this to be an exceptional way to end the book, leaving readers with the knowledge of  how the Gospel truly transforms their world, "busting barriers!"

This is a book I would highly recommend to those who desire to know the true Gospel of Jesus Christ - I wish every member of our church would read it.  It's rich with truth and saturated with the Word of God.  May this true Gospel change lives, churches, and truly tilt the world!  Thanks, Mr. Phillips!