AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler

Wow!  Reading The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler, some of the words that come to mind are “epic,” “invigorating,” and “instant classic.”  This is a work that will go down in history as a timely and timeless clarion call for the truth of Christianity.

You probably shouldn’t even read the rest of this review.  You should just buy/download it right now and read it!

Matt is obviously both a preacher and a pastor, not just a theologian.  The truth he is advocating is always couched in stories and illustrations that are practical and real.  He looks at the gospel of Jesus Christ, which he considers central to the Christian faith, from two different vantage points.  The “gospel on the ground,” is how the gospel works within our daily lives.  The “gospel in the air” tells of how it fits into the grand meta-narrative of Scripture and history.

Matt is both a great thinker and a great communicator.  He deftly balances sharp humor and systematic theology.  His language never seems inaccessible, but he doesn’t water anything down either.  His flow is masterful and relentless.  I got the impression I was listening to one epic, eight-plus-hour sermon.  Totally captivating.

The highlights are many, but Matt’s retelling of the book of Ecclesiastes is funny, thorough, and by itself worth the price of admission.  I found myself re-telling the concepts of this book to people as I read it.  I want to buy a hard copy so I can have it for reference.

All that said Matt Chandler accomplished his goal, with me anyway.  He led me back to the cross of Jesus to worship more fully and deeply.  Integral to this accomplishment, the narration by David Cochran Heath was superb.

Please Note: This audiobook was gifted as a part of the christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work.  More information can be found about this and other Christian audiobooks at christianaudio.com.