Tell the Truth: The Whole Gospel to the Whole Person by Whole People

Rating:
Summary: A "must" read for Christians desiring to be God-centered
Review: Have ever felt frustrated in evangelism? Or lost in what to say? This is the book for you. It will train you in understanding the message of the gospel. Most people feel frustrated in evangelism because they have a man-centered approach and don't consider evangelism in light of God's sovereignty and free offer of salvation in Christ alone. I've used this book in training many college students and they have been very encouraged to speak forth Christ with boldness.

Rating:
Summary: Best book on evangelism
Review: I am a pastor in southern california with extensive experience in campus evangelism (cold turkey and open air preaching) and evangelism through the local church. I must have read over 20 books on evangelism and this book is by far the best book on evangelism that is both effective and God honoring. The author employs several charts to highlight the differences between God centered and man centered approaches to evangelism which are very helpful. A must read for all Christians!

Rating:
Summary: Finally, the Gospel as taught in Scripture!
Review: I reccommend this book to anyone, escpecially if you are finding the modern approaches to "EV" to be unbiblical or confusing. Praise God for a new generation devoted to God's glory instead of the pleasures of their own "itching ears!"

Rating:
Summary: The best book on evangelism
Review: If you're into gimmicky evangelism, then continue shopping. If, however, you desire to develop a more biblically based understanding of the Gospel, this book is the one for you. Metzger is excellent in getting us to look past the shallow and manipulative approaches to evangelism that are so prominent in our day and making a case for presenting the full gospel (counting the cost, repentance, etc.). This would be a great book for individual or group study.

Rating:
Summary: Go Tell It All
Review: In a day when pragmatism rules and numbers count and walking the aisle or raising a hand is believed to indicate a new life in Christ, Will Metzger is refreshingly honest in his handling of the Gospel presentation. Metzger divides his book into three sections following the theme of the sub-title; part 1)The Whole Gospel, 2)To the Whole Person, 3)Offered by Whole People. In part one Metzger does a good job of addressing those hungry only for numbers, "Our task is to present faithfully the gospel message by our lives and our lips. Any definition of our task that includes results is confusing our responsibility with God's prerogative." (25)

In part two Metzger discusses presenting the Gospel to the whole person and spends a chapter on each aspect of the whole person; mind, emotions and will. This section of the book addresses the seeming inconsistency in many believers by presenting the view that perhaps these believers are not believers at all because they have only heard and been taught a watered-down version of the Gospel.

Chapters eight and nine, which comprise section three, address the mode in which persons are confronted with the Truth. Here character and communication are discussed in regards to spreading the Gospel on a person to person level. The appendix has two very helpful sections about complementary approaches in evangelism and worksheets for improving our witness.

This book is most definitely a keeper and on a scale of one to twelve I would give it a ten. Metzger's style is easy to read and flows smoothly. This book can be read in a day and most definitely kept as a resource when information on spreading the Truth--Jesus Christ, is required.

Semper fi & agape, Ed D.

Rating:
Summary: A God Glorifying, Practical Book on Sharing Your Faith
Review: In his introduction, Will Metzger gives the reader his rationale for writing the book. He wrote this book under the conviction that while the Church has a mandate to evangelize, many within the Church were not doing evangelizing at all, and those who were evangelizing were not doing it well. In response to this trend, Metzger intends this book to help Christians "tell the gospel in a way honoring to God, helpful to others and liberating for you."

Metzger's book is comprised of three parts, each focusing on the three elements listed in the subtitle of the book. The first section deals with the content of the `whole gospel.' Here, he begins by emphasizing that bearing witness is more than just giving one's testimony. There is a specific message to which one is bearing witness. This point leads Metzger to go on to explain what he perceives to be the essentials of the biblical gospel. Metzger says that any biblical gospel presentation must be God-centered, and include an explanation of: (1) "God - the Holy and Loving Creator," (2) "Man - the Sinful Creature," (3) "Christ - the Merciful Redeemer," and (4) "Our Necessary Response." He also believes that knowing accurately the content is more important than simply sharing with as many people as possible.

In section two, Metzger focuses on the idea of converting the whole person. The first chapter in this section explains his view of biblical conversion. Here, Metzger wants to convey the distinction between God's work, regeneration, and the individual's response, conversion. He goes to share his desire to see a better, biblical balance between the use of the emotions and the mind in evangelism. Metzger encourages those who present the gospel not to rely on an appeal to the emotions. The truth of the gospel should inform the mind and so move the emotions. He ends this section by reminding his readers that the will also plays a key role - the gospel is not only an offer of the forgiveness of sins, but a radical call to live a life that is obedient to the Lord.

The third and final section deals with the whole person (character and actions) who delivers the message of the gospel. Metzger begins by explaining that a good methodology is needed, but Christians must not be satisfied with simply having a biblical methodology - they must practice it! He then goes on to explain some ways to do that effectively. He makes the point that the presentation should be a personal one. That is to say that while the message does not change, how we present it to a person may change. One must show an interest in the person's life and move the conversation from the everyday to the eternal.

One of the strengths of Metzger's book is his desire to be thoroughly biblical in his basis for the methodology that he espouses. This is important today when much of what the church does is based, not on the Bible, but on apparent pragmatism. Metzger evaluates many approaches throughout the book and finds them wanting.

Another strength of the book comes in Metzger's distinction between the Christian's responsibility in evangelism and God's responsibility. While, believers have a clear mandate to make disciples by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, they have no obligation to actually save the person. That is to say, they serve as the message-bearer, and God is the one who is responsible for illuminating the sinner's heart and allowing him or her to believe the gospel. This is, in many ways, a liberating truth. It means that one need not be consumed with feelings of guilt if a person does not accept the gospel. Instead, Christians should strive to be faithful to their call to share the gospel and leave the results of that proclamation to God.

A final strength of the book is its practicality. Not only is Metzger theologically precise, but he offers helpful discussion on the very basic ways in which one may begin a conversation that leads to the gospel, and how to do it well. He also provides thirty pages of Appendix material that ranges from listing some complementary approaches to evangelism to suggested schedules that lay out a plan for an evangelism-training course at a local church.

Metzger's book is perhaps one of the best books available on evangelism. This is evident in that he has avoided two classics pitfalls in evangelism. The first is that he has avoided the problem of allowing his theology to be disconnected from his practice. It is clear from his explanation of the gospel that Metzger holds a high view of God's sovereignty that is characteristic of the Reformed faith. Many others who claim to hold to such a faith often embrace evangelistic methodologies that are inconsistent with their theology. Again, Metzger's definition of the gospel, his understanding of how one goes about sharing the gospel, and his belief about how one actually receives salvation all reflect his theology beliefs. Second, Metzger has not, in any way, let his theology squelch his zeal for evangelism. Too many times, those who embrace a high view of God's sovereignty lack a passion for seeing the lost come to saving faith. Like the apostle Paul, Metzger's enthusiasm is driven by his view of God and the truths of the gospel. Many would do well to listen and learn from Metzger's book.

Through this book, Metzger has provided an excellent resource for pastors, missionaries, and all believers who heed the call of God to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to every tribe, language, and nation.

Rating:
Summary: A God Glorifying, Practical Book on Sharing Your Faith
Review: In his introduction, Will Metzger gives the reader his rationale for writing the book. He wrote this book under the conviction that while the Church has a mandate to evangelize, many within the Church were not doing evangelizing at all, and those who were evangelizing were not doing it well. In response to this trend, Metzger intends this book to help Christians "tell the gospel in a way honoring to God, helpful to others and liberating for you."

Metzger's book is comprised of three parts, each focusing on the three elements listed in the subtitle of the book. The first section deals with the content of the 'whole gospel.' Here, he begins by emphasizing that bearing witness is more than just giving one's testimony. There is a specific message to which one is bearing witness. This point leads Metzger to go on to explain what he perceives to be the essentials of the biblical gospel. Metzger says that any biblical gospel presentation must be God-centered, and include an explanation of: (1) "God - the Holy and Loving Creator," (2) "Man - the Sinful Creature," (3) "Christ - the Merciful Redeemer," and (4) "Our Necessary Response." He also believes that knowing accurately the content is more important than simply sharing with as many people as possible.

In section two, Metzger focuses on the idea of converting the whole person. The first chapter in this section explains his view of biblical conversion. Here, Metzger wants to convey the distinction between God's work, regeneration, and the individual's response, conversion. He goes to share his desire to see a better, biblical balance between the use of the emotions and the mind in evangelism. Metzger encourages those who present the gospel not to rely on an appeal to the emotions. The truth of the gospel should inform the mind and so move the emotions. He ends this section by reminding his readers that the will also plays a key role - the gospel is not only an offer of the forgiveness of sins, but a radical call to live a life that is obedient to the Lord.

The third and final section deals with the whole person (character and actions) who delivers the message of the gospel. Metzger begins by explaining that a good methodology is needed, but Christians must not be satisfied with simply having a biblical methodology - they must practice it! He then goes on to explain some ways to do that effectively. He makes the point that the presentation should be a personal one. That is to say that while the message does not change, how we present it to a person may change. One must show an interest in the person's life and move the conversation from the everyday to the eternal.

One of the strengths of Metzger's book is his desire to be thoroughly biblical in his basis for the methodology that he espouses. This is important today when much of what the church does is based, not on the Bible, but on apparent pragmatism. Metzger evaluates many approaches throughout the book and finds them wanting.

Another strength of the book comes in Metzger's distinction between the Christian's responsibility in evangelism and God's responsibility. While, believers have a clear mandate to make disciples by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, they have no obligation to actually save the person. That is to say, they serve as the message-bearer, and God is the one who is responsible for illuminating the sinner's heart and allowing him or her to believe the gospel. This is, in many ways, a liberating truth. It means that one need not be consumed with feelings of guilt if a person does not accept the gospel. Instead, Christians should strive to be faithful to their call to share the gospel and leave the results of that proclamation to God.

A final strength of the book is its practicality. Not only is Metzger theologically precise, but he offers helpful discussion on the very basic ways in which one may begin a conversation that leads to the gospel, and how to do it well. He also provides thirty pages of Appendix material that ranges from listing some complementary approaches to evangelism to suggested schedules that lay out a plan for an evangelism-training course at a local church.

Metzger's book is perhaps one of the best books available on evangelism. This is evident in that he has avoided two classics pitfalls in evangelism. The first is that he has avoided the problem of allowing his theology to be disconnected from his practice. It is clear from his explanation of the gospel that Metzger holds a high view of God's sovereignty that is characteristic of the Reformed faith. Many others who claim to hold to such a faith often embrace evangelistic methodologies that are inconsistent with their theology. Again, Metzger's definition of the gospel, his understanding of how one goes about sharing the gospel, and his belief about how one actually receives salvation all reflect his theology beliefs. Second, Metzger has not, in any way, let his theology squelch his zeal for evangelism. Too many times, those who embrace a high view of God's sovereignty lack a passion for seeing the lost come to saving faith. Like the apostle Paul, Metzger's enthusiasm is driven by his view of God and the truths of the gospel. Many would do well to listen and learn from Metzger's book.

Through this book, Metzger has provided an excellent resource for pastors, missionaries, and all believers who heed the call of God to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to every tribe, language, and nation.

Rating:
Summary: Finally An Evangelism Book Focused On God
Review: Most evangelism books that I have read focus on methods and numbering results without giving true honour to the King of kings and the Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15) but this is not the case with Will Metzger's book. He truly seeks to establish a God-centered approach to evangelism that is refreshing and encouraging to read.

Metzger's book is not a "how to" manuel for evangelism although he does give you a great overview of the true gospel message and helps the believer to understand that witnessing is made less difficult when we realise that our purpose is to simply tell the whole gospel to the whole person. Metzger challenges modern evangelism by asserting that the message of the gospel is not just the person of Christ but the doctrines of grace.

Overall if you are looking for a book on evangelism than purchase this book today. You will enjoy the study questions at the end of the book that make this book quite easy for small group Bible studies or personal studies. It's time to allow the sovereignty of God to be involved in evangelism and yet it's also time to proclaim the entire gospel to the nations (Matthew 28:19-20) and exalt our awesome God!

Rating:
Summary: A great, theologically sound book on evangelism
Review: Too many books on evangelism are either gimicky, or shallow, or both! Metzger's book is soundly Reformed, intensely practical, and outstadningly written. One hopes that InterVarsity will reprint it!