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Review of 'The Naked Gospel' by Andrew Farley
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“Jesus Plus Nothing.”
Christian, are you a legalist? Are you bound by your to do list for God? Does the word obligation weigh heavy in your mind when you consider your Lord?
These are all questions I would consider asking someone before I would recommend they read “The Naked Gospel: The Truth You May Never Hear in Church” by Andrew Farley, Lead Teaching Pastor of Ecclesia - Church Without Religion, located in Lubbock, Texas.
Effective marketing caught my attention with the clear plastic dust jacket and table of contents on the front cover. Further you find the dedication to his son with enthusiastic encouragement and also a brief quote referencing Arthur Bury’s book called ‘The Naked Gospel‘. And finally the discussion guide for each chapter named ‘Nude Reflections’.
All quite interesting and imaginative but the content is what stirred quite a few conversations with my husband and friends on the issues raised in this work. It is a fresh, clear look at the issue of Salvation by Grace, not works as well as living by Grace, not Law.
The reader is asked a series of questions to begin the dialogue of the book. I was quickly taken aback as I immediately disagreed with some of the statements made. Not wanting to give away the content, suffice it to say, these are standard and pointed questions. My advice would be to read them closely before you answer.
Andrew Farley’s direct and honest writing style adds to the sections of personal testimony and illustrations. His does not mince words. He addresses objections and then brings the reader back to the main them of ‘Jesus Plus Nothing’.
Upon reflection, there were sections that at first I did not agree, but after consideration, the doctrine was sound. It is New Covenant living that Andrew Farley offers in this book. It does not diminish Old Covenant standards but amplifies the simplicity of the New Covenant.
This is a book for the genuine believer who has walked the road of obligation and perhaps needs to breathe the fresh air of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As a believer, there is nothing you can do to make God love you more; and there is nothing you can do to make God love you less. God just loves you. There is only one response to this kind of Love – walking in it.
I recommend this book, for discussion and examination. It's a call to the higher standard. It is for the reader who wants to embrace the truth in the gospel.
Video Book Trailer
About the Author
Andrew Farley serves as lead teaching pastor of Ecclesia (ChurchWithoutReligion.com) and co-hosts “Real Life in Christ,” a television program that challenges many long-held notions about Christian living. “Real Life in Christ” airs every Wednesday morning on ABC-TV in west Texas and New Mexico.
Andrew is also a tenured professor at Texas Tech University where he teaches courses in linguistics and an Honors course titled “Early Church and Contemporary Christianity in Conflict.”
Andrew enjoys snowboarding, wake boarding, surfing, tennis, golf, and just about any other sideways sport. He resides in west Texas with his wife, Katharine, and their son, Gavin.
Additional Resources
The Naked Gospel Website
Andrew Farley on Twitter
Naked Gospel Free Preview
Disclaimer
Review copy of this book was provided free of charge by the author and has been donated to the library of Westwood Baptist Church.
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