AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividjian

There aren’t many books out there with a mathematical equation for a title, but for Tullian Tchividjian, Jesus + Nothing = Everything is both the thesis of his amazing book as well as the mantra for his life.

He begins the book by describing a turn of events in his ministry where he goes from enjoying the praise of men and the expectation of the future to being the target of a belligerent faction in his church.  He is faced with the prospect of losing all that he has worked hard to build.  And in that place, he (re-)discovers the message of Colossians: Jesus + Nothing = Everything and Everything – Nothing = Jesus.

This book is liberating.  The message is simple, and Tchividjian’s prose is thorough in its destruction of any and all things that would vie for the throne that only Jesus can claim.  He begins by showing that our deep need for something has been recognized by philosophers, both Christian and secular, throughout the ages.  Then he shows, masterfully, how that need can only be fulfilled by Jesus and nothing else.

Along the way he gives an engaging and practical exposition of the book of Colossians; weaving stories and examples throughout the excellent scriptural commentary.  For those preparing to teach or preach on Colossians, this book is a must-read along with Matt Chandler’s The Explicit Gospel.

Adam Verner does a good job narrating this audiobook.  It’s nothing spectacular, but it certainly gets the job done.

I recommend this book for anyone who struggles with being defined only by what they accomplish or feel permanently branded by failure.  This is a back-to-basics clarion call of the highest order, and we all need to be reminded as often as possible that the gospel is still central and Jesus is still King.

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.