Gospel Fluency

flu·en·cy / noun :the ability to speak a language easily and effectively Even if they want to, many Christians find it hard to talk to others about Jesus. Is it possible this difficulty is because we're trying to speak a language we haven't actually spent time practicing? To become fluent in a new language, you must immerse yourself in it until you actually start to think about life through it. Becoming fluent in the gospel happens the same way—after believing it, we have to intentionally rehearse it (to ourselves and to others) and immerse ourselves in its truths. Only then will we start to see how everything in our lives, from the mundane to the magnificent, is transformed by the hope of the gospel.

What does living for Jesus look like in the everyday stuff of life? Many Christians have unwittingly embraced the idea that “church” is a once-a-week event rather than a community of Spirit-empowered people; that “ministry” is what pastors do on Sundays rather than the 24/7 calling of all believers; and that “discipleship” is a program rather than the normal state of every follower of Jesus. Drawing on his experience as a pastor and church planter, Jeff Vanderstelt wants us to see that there’s more—much more—to the Christian life than sitting in a pew once a week. God has called his people to something bigger: a view of the Christian life that encompasses the ordinary, the extraordinary, and everything in between. Packed full of biblical teaching, compelling stories, and real-world advice, this book will remind you that Jesus is filling the world with his presence through the everyday lives of everyday people... People just like you.

Even if they want to, many Christians find it hard to talk to others about Jesus. Is it possible this difficulty is because we're trying to speak a language we haven't actually spent time practicing? Is it possible we have neglected to understand for ourselves how the good news of Jesus impacts every facet of our own lives?To become fluent in a new language, you must immerse yourself in it and commit to practicing it, over and over again. You must use it everyday until you actually start to think about life through it. Becoming fluent in the gospel happens the same way--after believing it, we have to intentionally rehearse it (to ourselves and to others) and immerse ourselves in its truths. Only then will we start to see how everything in our lives, from the mundane to the magnificent, is transformed by the hope of the gospel.Challenging us to cultivate this counter-cultural mindset, Jeff Vanderstelt offers readers wise biblical insights, practical advice, and compelling stories aimed at encouraging and equipping Christians to speak the truths of Jesus into the everyday stuff of life.

The gospel is not just about your afterlife and Christianity is not a program in sin management. Too often, we've made it just that. Have you wished you could share your Christian faith with others in a natural way without feeling awkward or preachy? Do you long for a faith that touches more than two hours a week? Then you need a Bigger Gospel.

This small group study and practical resource on systematic theology invites readers to develop a biblical literacy to share the gospel simply and effectively. Designed for Christians with gospel questions ready to put their faith to action and grow in biblical knowledge, Gospel 101 explains the foundational gospel truth with digestible ...

Some memories are permanently seared into our childhood brains with a hot iron of adrenaline and fear. For five-year-old Greg, it was the memory of his ma walking back to the house after confronting his stepdad with a splintered, bloodied baseball bat in her hand. Greg Stier was raised in a family of bodybuilding, tobacco-chewing, fist-fighting thugs. He never knew his biological father because his mom had met his dad at a party; she got pregnant, and he left town. Though his mom almost aborted him, in a last-minute twist, Greg’s life was spared for so much more. Unlikely Fighter is the incredible story of how God showed up in Greg’s life—and how he can show up in yours as well. This is a memoir of violence and mayhem—and how God can transform everything.

1000 Cups of Tea: Gospel Fluency Across Cultures provides an eloquent and passionate description of how effective and fulfilling ministry can be when it is built on relationships made possible by cultural understanding and fluency in the language of the local people. It explains how some ministry tasks are possible from the beginning, but gives the spiritual motivation for persevering in language and culture learning until you are fluent in communicating the gospel through everyday encounters, using simple Bible stories relevant to the learners' situation and needs. Preston Fidler points us squarely back to the truth of God's word, reminding us that the glorious gospel that both saved us and compelled us to to is our greatest motivator and tool. This book is birthed out of years of work with people on the frontlines, helping them with both practical techniques and spiritual encouragement to let the joy of the gospel be the fuel for learning.