Matt Chandler (1)Kirja-arvosteluja

The content of this book is good, and he does a nice job of covering the gospel and its implications from the perspective of individual salvation and redemptive history. The biggest negative of this book is that in the process of converting sermons to book form, a lot of the side-bars, light comments, and other features that make Chandler's sermons so engaging had the effect of being distracting and slightly annoying in book form. The other critique would be that when he goes on the offensive against opposing views, he is not charitable and thorough enough in his research. Those issues aside, there is much helpful material in here.

All of us have a sense of dissatisfaction, and we typically look for solutions in four areas: self, others, the world, and religion. None of these, however, will satisfy. 'Recovering Redemption' is about recovering what is lost and broken―our relationship with Jesus―because the gospel is the remedy to fix all things: every struggle, every circumstance, every relationship, everything. In this 12-session study, Matt Chandler explains the implications of the gospel with surprising clarity and striking candor. Those who have been Christ followers for years will find that it helps connect the dots of their faith, serving as a bridge between salvation and maturity. It's also an essential study for new believers. The study features 12 group sessions along with personal Bible study. You'll gain a better understanding of your redemption from sin and suffering while learning the truths of the gospel and how they transform. You'll also gain traction in areas where you feel frustrated or stagnant in your relationship with the Lord.

I read while also going through the same Bible study. It added extra details not in the videos. Excellent study and explanation of Philippians. I like Matt's style, brings the reading to life, brings excitement to studying the Bible.

O Evangelho Explícito foi escrito com o propósito de exortar os cristãos sobre a evidente negligência que se vê em muitas igrejas hoje na apresentação explícita do evangelho, o qual deve ser central em toda pregação. Fala-se muito sobre viver uma vida íntegra e também sobre Jesus, mas existe uma grande carência da exposição fiel da Palavra de Deus e de um ensino bíblico mais profundo. Pensando na necessidade que muitos cristãos têm de conhecer a principal mensagem da fé cristã, Matt Chandler apresenta ao leitor uma ousada exposição do verdadeiro evangelho.

The Wind of Gods Spirit coursed through my heart and faith as I finished reading the last 2 chapters. His clear and decisive way in which he shows evangelism can and ought to take the form of hospitality, was very compelling and refreshing to read. And, He’s right.

I’ve been shown hospitality probably 30-50 times by humble and loving believers (sometimes opening their house for a week at a time while I was in transition in moving in between jobs), and it certainly makes an impression. Hospitality is self denying and sacrificial, but it proves to others in a visible way, that Christ (really is) “our life” Colossians 3:4 and that it’s more satisfying to honor / obey / love Christ John 14:15 than to live comfortably as we pass the time of our sojourn in this world (1 Peter 1).

Pastor Matt’s loving exhortations (especially towards the end) will stir your faith and cause you to feel excited to be alive at a pivotal and unique time as this.

I will note that he does not speak in a polished / professional / eloquent way. It’s very “down to earth.” Some will appreciate this, others may not.

I was edified, and will recommend this to other brethren.

I’ve read books with plenty more substance before, but this will be a refreshing and faith strengthening read, I have no doubt of that.

An excellent book! As always Matt Chandler (and David Roark) have some very wise and timely things to say. I highly recommend this.

As a general rule, I tend to not like most of what I read by Calvinists. There are a few exceptions that I have found to be helpful and useful: D.A. Carson, Timothy Keller, and Steve Brown. I may have to add Matt Chandler to that list. He hits so very many things just exactly right in this book that I can easily forgive the few things I quibble with. He gets that the gospel isn't just asking Jesus into your heart. The Gospel is the story of God's encounters and interactions with man and is best expressed not as a simple occurrence in a believer's life, but as God made flesh in the life of Jesus with a plan for man that precedes the beginning of time and lasts far past the end of time. Well done, Matt Chandler.

Some deep thoughts

Matt Chandler has written a few sermons on Philippians. He then put all of these together, made a small effort of tying some things here and there and published a book. I mean, some of these chapters are great, some of the passages deep, thought provoking and powerful... But as a book it lost me a few times. Too many personal stories back to back to present the same point, too many times the same lesson was repeated. It works when preaching, but it's not the same when reading.

7/10 for content
6/10 for execution

A nice read for a weekend in the woods.

To Live Is Christ, To Die is Gain by Matt Chandler

Disclaimer: I don't usually review books about Theology. While I am well acquainted with the Bible, I am not a theologian and do not care to debate people on the 'finer' points of what they believe and what I believe, especially from the Reformed stance.

That being said, I felt this book, which was well written by a favorite author, Matt Chandler, deserves the attention of our elders as a possible church-wide read on the book of Philippians. Matt did a extremely good job bringing Philippians alive for me. Looking at the notes I made, there was a lot pointed out that I had never noticed and connections that I have never considered. He contrasts Paul's teaching in the Philippians with the other books Paul wrote in the New Testament, especially Acts.

You will come away with a little more understanding. The book isn't 'high' Church and written so that your understanding is enhanced. Certainly not a waste of money and a decent addition to your Theological library.

Some great Gospel truths in this book, but it reads like it's written for people with short attention spans. A little too fluffy and talky.

Better: Redemption by Mike Wilkerson

Loved the first third of this one - did a great job describing the problem we all have - rest of the book gave some solid solutions but not as powerfully as it might have. Decent book overall

Chandler has a no pulled punches, non diplomatic style that I appreciated - reminded me of Martin Luther. He is telling the Gospel as it is and fearlessly identifing and arguing against teachings that undermine the gospel. He calls the evangelical church to refocus on the essential foundational truths of the Gospel. I would agree that this call to the relentless clinging to the Gospel of Jesus is needed in our churches. We are easily destracted into trying to please people and seemingly happy to just let parts of the message that are unpalatable to some go. Chandler rightly points out that if our message is not causing some to reject to their own destruction - if everyone is liking the message - than it is not the Gospel we are preaching. Their were a couple of spots in the book that didn't seem to add much. And Chandler has a penchant for liberal doses of pop culture references and slang which to me seemed to cheapen and lessen the impact of his message. Overall though it is worth the read.

Great! A brief, solid overview of Song of Solomon pointing out how to practically love your spouse. Also good advice on how to wisely pursue a future spouse if you're single.

"The Mingling of Souls" perhaps, but also, most assuredly, "The Mangling of the Song of Solomon."

Using his own experiences and a highly disputable arrangement and exegesis of the Song of Solomon the author seeks to advise Christians through the whole path of a marriage relationship, from attraction to dating to courting to engagement to marriage issues.

The author's experience is valuable. Much of what he has to say, in terms of marriage and relationships, is completely solid.

But his treatment of the Song of Solomon turns Solomon and the Shunammite into the nice middle class American family who sits next to you at church. It is simply not possible to make sense of the author's take on the Song in its original 10th century BCE context, under a different covenant, written as erotic poetry by a guy with hundreds of wives and concubines. I grant the author that his creative interpretation may seem somewhat credible on the surface, but one must truly wonder whether our goal in understanding Scripture is to thus domesticate it for our purposes or be willing to accept it for what it is.

If you can get past the exegesis of the Song, there's some good stuff here. It's hard to recommend it, however, in light of the brusque treatment of the Song.

No rating, as I quit reading this one. The over interpretation of Song of Solomon was one reason; the second reason was that I read an article concerning Chandler that didn't sit well with me.

In this book Matt Chandler discusses how the gospel is key, but how often the gospel is not the focus of the church. Even churches who profess the Gospel often times are not really focused on it.

In this book Matt Chandler discusses how the gospel is key, but how often the gospel is not the focus of the church. Even churches who profess the Gospel often times are not really focused on it.

“Every gift of common grace represents a fresh, new opportunity for us to celebrate His wonder.”

Big change takes passionate effort and abundant grace. “Recovering Redemption” written by Matt Chandler and Michael Snetzer shares the Good News of Gospel “invading every dark space”, the power to overcome and the pursuit of true joy. This book reads like a well-organized discipleship journal that scholarly yet relevantly defines sanctification, vivification, mortification and justification.

Although I have heard and read this all before, it was good to find a text that tackles the issues of sin, addiction, anxiety, guilt, fear, shame, and forgiveness in new and fresh ways. I most enjoyed . . .

READ MORE HERE: http://istoriaville.com/2014/07/17/leaning-in-to-grace/

“Every gift of common grace represents a fresh, new opportunity for us to celebrate His wonder.”

Big change takes passionate effort and abundant grace. “Recovering Redemption” written by Matt Chandler and Michael Snetzer shares the Good News of Gospel “invading every dark space”, the power to overcome and the pursuit of true joy. This book reads like a well-organized discipleship journal that scholarly yet relevantly defines sanctification, vivification, mortification and justification.

Although I have heard and read this all before, it was good to find a text that tackles the issues of sin, addiction, anxiety, guilt, fear, shame, and forgiveness in new and fresh ways. I most enjoyed . . .

READ MORE HERE: http://istoriaville.com/2014/07/17/leaning-in-to-grace/

If you hated the gospel, wouldn’t the apostle Paul be the most frustrating human being alive? It did not matter what anyone did to this man, he loved God and continued to show it in every possible way.
We see Paul’s gospel fixation echoed throughout his letter to the Philippians. He is the man who when threatened says, “Well, to die is gain.” In response his captors will say, “We’ll torture you, then.” He says, “I don’t count the present suffering as worthy to even compare to the future glory.” You can’t win with a guy like this. If you want to kill him, he’s cool with that because it means he gets to be with Jesus. If you want to make him suffer, he’s cool with that, so long as it makes him like Jesus. If you want to let him live, he’s fine with that, because to him, “to live is Christ.” Paul is, as Richard Sibbes says of everyone united with Christ, a man who “can never be conquered.”--Matt Chandler- To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain

When I first became a Christian I was a bit unsure how to proceed in my study of Scripture. I knew it was important to read the Bible, but remained unsure what to study. I began a Bible reading program where you read some from the OT and some from the NT every day. I would always get stuck after a little while, give up and then start over. I visited the Gospel of Matthew and the first half of Genesis over a dozen times in this cycle.

At some point I began working at a Christian bookstore and bought a John Macarthur commentary that was on sale. I was excited to study something other than Matthew and Genesis, although I did and still do have a special fondness for both of those books. I began to go with Dr. Macarthur through this commentary and through the book he was commenting on and I began to fall in love. I began to fall in love with the style and scholarship of Macarthur’s writing, but exponentially more so i began to fall in love with this book he was exegeting. Over and over again I would find myself getting lost in the words of the apostle Paul.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in meyou may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplicationwith thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.


Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of aservant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.


Much in the same manner that John MacArthur played a significant role in my spiritual development as a babe in the Faith, I have benefited greatly from the ministry of Matt Chandler in the last few years. Seeing God work and move through his life, trials, teaching, and writing of Matt Chandler has been an encouragement and a challenge to me. The Explicit Gospel is one of my favorite books and I was thrilled when I heard that Chandler and Jared Wilson, himself an incredible minister of the Gospel, would be teaming up again for a book based on Paul’s beautiful letter to the church at Philippi.


To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain has the distinct style of Matt Chandler. His tone is felt throughout the book. He has an been gifted with an uncanny knack to use humor as a means to an end, rather than an end unto itself. His use of humor is not to lighten the mood in a tough situation but rather to get to the heart of his audience. He will slip some sarcasm or irony or absurdity into a statement in order to sneak something serious into the thought and heart of the audience. Humor is a Trojan Horse of sorts to penetrate the defenses of the hearer. This has to have been accentuated by the involvement of Jared Wilson on this project. Wilson and Chandler both seem to have the same sort of way of addressing an audience, the same sort of tone and both are incredibly effective. This continuity in composition and editing allowed the text to maintain the author’s voice and made it an enjoyable and beneficial read.

In this book the read also gets to see a great expositor of the Bible at work. Chandler does not start with a point and then flip through his concordance in order to find a text that will help make his point. He is at his best when he allows Gods Word to speak for itself, and that is what he does throughout the book.

So many teachers, especially those who choose to preach verse by verse through texts, are good at telling the congregation what the Bible says but not necessarily what it says to them. So many can clearly explain the authors intent, the original language and the historical setting of the text but leave the hearer ill-equipped to be a “doer” of God’s Word. Chandler is mindful to not just leave the reader informed on the why’s and what’s of Scripture, but he gives us an exposition of Philippians that is immensely practical.

Chandler is not afraid to address his audience with force and authority. His love for the people of God is seen in how he fearlessly addresses issues that easily could offend the carnal aspects of our thoughts and affections. On the issue of community he writes,
If we’re honest with ourselves, we will admit that we tend to prefer to do life with people who are similar to us. We live in neighborhoods and associate with people who look like us and act like us. Most of us go to church with people similar to us. This is the natural tendency of all people. But the gospel is not natural. As we see here in the odd beginnings of the Philippian church, the gospel blows the doors off our tidy little hegemonic communes and creates a whole new community that never would have formed without it. Apart from the supernaturally reconciling ministry of grace, rich fashionistas are not doing life with poor demoniacs. It just isn’t happening. But because Paul is willing to put skin in the game, risking his own life to bring the message of life in Christ, what was once divided is now unified in love.

Speaking of community, Chandler devotes significant time to the topic of discipleship. He makes a point that is as poignant and profound as it is overwhelmingly simple.
Don’t overlook the “average” Christians around you who may be further along in some areas than you are. Maybe some guy you know isn’t the best theologian in the world. But he loves his wife like the Scriptures command. Maybe it’s a good idea to get around that guy. Maybe there’s a guy who just loves his kids like Jesus commanded him to. Being with him may help you want to love your kids like that and learn how to do it. Maybe you didn’t grow up in a healthy home. So maybe you get your theology from some books by dead guys, but you learn how to be a husband and a father at somebody’s house.

This point has stayed at the front of my thinking over the past few days. It is greatly informing how I understand discipleship. Who can I disciple? Who can disciple me? I do not have to be a perfect, all-together Christian to influence someone’s life for the better and I do not have to find a perfect, all-together Christian to influence my life for the better. This has been encouraging; in all my relationships but especially in how I understand my marriage and my being a father. Praise God that I can be a benefit and still a bit of a screw up at the same time!


Chandler’s Scripture-saturated speculation (is that accurate? It is an alliteration, so accurate or not it holds some credence simply based on that fact, right?) of what we might expect in eternity made me long for that day in a manner I had never experienced.

Writing to a church that needs to constantly guard agaisnt seeing their affections stolen by something lesser, Chandler encourages us to be on guard.
If you pay attention to that which stirs your affections for Jesus and His gospel, you will also be able to identify that which robs your affections for Him. For most of us who’ve been saved for a little while, it’s not the so-called “big things” that get us anymore. We don’t find a lot of temptation in major stuff. For instance, if I’m on my way out to my car in the parking lot and a guy walks up to me and says, “Hey, you, uh, you want a little black tar heroin?”—that’s not something that’s going to tempt me very much. I’m not drawing up a list of pros and cons on doing heroin.
No, in fact, the morally neutral temptations are far more apt to rob me of my affections for Jesus Christ, because God’s grown me to the place where those “big sins” aren’t things that appeal to me anymore. But I can easily justify sinfully indulging in things that are non-sins because they are little things, or what the Song of Solomon might call the “little foxes” that get into the vineyard of my worship of God

On the issue of anxiety Chandler writes,

The larger context of Philippians asks the rhetorical question, “What would you have to be anxious about?” There is not a square inch of creation in which God isn’t present and sovereign. If we could get out of our heads the idea that the future is something God simply knows and get into our heads the idea that the future is a place where God already is, that He doesn’t just know about the past and see the present and know about the future, but that He stands outside of time and reigns over all of it sovereignly, what would we have to be anxious about?

And he continues,

How does the mature believer handle anxiety? Paul has already told us to remember that “the Lord is at hand” (Phil. 4:5). That’s the first and most important step. God is right there, right beside you. You are united with Christ in faith, so you enjoy mystical union with Him. The Holy Spirit has indwelled in you, so you enjoy constant communion with Him. The Father is not far from any of us (Acts 17:27), and we know that He’s especially near to the brokenhearted (Ps. 34:18). Therefore, the omnipresence of God in unfailing love is a tremendous encouragement and ample ammunition against bouts of anxiety.

Chandler even addresses Philippians 4:13 as one of the most abused texts in all of Scripture.
Do you see now how Philippians 4:13 is not about chasing your dreams, following your passion, pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, accomplishing anything you want with God’s help? It is instead the testimony of those who have Christ and have found Him supremely valuable, joyous, and satisfying. In a life constantly marked by these extreme highs and lows, Paul has found the great constant security, the great centering hope: Jesus Christ Himself.
Is there a more misquoted verse in the Bible than Philippians 4:13? I don’t think there is. I think people want to apply that to everything. A Christian businessman might say, “I’m going to be a CEO. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Well, that’s kind of a swing and a miss. That’s really out of context.

Point after point that Chandler made resonated with me, deeply. Again and again I felt him speaking directly to me. I felt unusually encouraged and challenged and built up and rebuked. I read many books but I was struck by how much this book kept ministering to me. Then, about halfway through chapter 9 I became keenly aware of one thing. As he recounted a story of sitting at a traffic light, not knowing if his child was dying and where the ambulance had taken him but ss an example of an "always" time the Christian should rejoice, I remembered a time when me and my wife pulled over and sat in a car and wept after enduring bad news and hearing a song on the radio. I was reminded that, while the song was beautiful, it was not the song that ministered to me and my wife then. It was the very words of God, lifted directly from Scripture, that ministered to us so greatly. God, through His word met us and ministered to us in that situation.

That is why this book has resonated so deeply with me. It is a series of simple, profound, clear, accessible expositions of Gods holy Word. It is the letter to the Philippians, put on display by a teacher gifted by God. It is a gift to the Church and one that will lead to a greater desire to know God and to know his word.

At first i felt the tone was almost a bit too conversational. It was not translating into text very well for me. As I continued reading it began to feel more natural and I enjoyed how the book read. This leads me to my main/only issue with the book-the beginning. It is not that the beginning is bad, but there is almost no introduction. The book feels like we, the readers, are dropped into the deep end of the pool. This may be an issue of preference, but I have become very accustomed to wading in through a significant foreword and introduction. This may be more than just a preference or style issue because a good introduction helps the reader when beginning a book. It allows the reader to acclimate to the authors tone and get his/her bearings as to where the book will lead and how the author plans on getting there. I feel that To Live is Christ might have benefited from a more significant introductory chapter.

That all being said, my suggestion would be to go and read The Explicit Gospel, either for the first time or read it again. If you do not have the time to invest, maybe read a couple of sermon transcripts or listen to a couple of sermons from The Village and familiarize yourself a bit with how Chandler communicates and enjoy what God will teach you through those sermons. Then, grab this book and read it.

To Live is Christ is a book I will return to and enjoy again and again. I am was challenged, encouraged and led in worship through the reading of this book. I would encourage everyone to read it. I have pre-ordered a copy of this book as a gift for my Momma…I am not sure there is a stronger endorsement that can be given!!

http://beforedawnwiththeson.blogspot.com/2013/08/a-review-of-live-is-christ-to-d...

I have received much from God through Matt Chandler, Pastor of The Village Church. His preaching ministry has blessed me immensely, as has his faithfulness through cancer and his willingness to take the Gospel to any place he can get. This is why I, along with many, eagerly anticipated the release of his first book, The Explicit Gospel. This book was written with Jared Wilson. Jared also pastors a church and his writings have also been used by God in my life. Jared was also recently retweeted by John Piper, so that in itself could be the equivalent of authoring a book with Matt Chandler (and at least Chandler didn't drop his name like Piper did).


The Explicit Gospel takes aim at some key areas of concern while pointing us to areas where God has revealed Himself in different ways. Chandler develops an analogy to help view the Gospel from different perspectives, hopefully allowing us to have a more rounded and complete view of God's truth.

Chandler first deals with what he calls the “Gospel on the ground”. This is basically the idea that the Gospel concerns personal salvation. Chandler goes through a chapter each on God, Man, Christ and our Response. These are very basic concepts that with which all believers should be readily familiar. The sad part is that many professing believers are not aware of the truths Chandler lays out in these opening chapters, and whether the fault is in the person or the pulpit or a combination of the two, it is good to have a resource like this as an introduction for those unfamiliar with these truths. That is one reason why this book is of great importance, but another reason is for the believer who is fairly conversant in these great Biblical truths. The way Chandler explains things is fresh and engaging, convicting and encouraging, and for those who may have grown apathetic towards the basics of the faith it is a great reminder of the beauty and grace of God’s simple truths. Taking old, familiar truths that in a sinful heart can grow stale and presenting them in a way that seems new and vibrant is a ministry for which we often forget the need. I did begin to become concerned as I read the chapters on the “Gospel on the ground” because I felt, to paraphrase Scot McKnight, that we were heading towards a “Soterian” faith rather than an evangelical faith. Meaning, that we were not exploring the robust Gospel of the Scriptures, but rather looking at a reductionist Gospel composed solely of personal salvation. Then The Explicit Gospel took to the air.

The “Gospel in the air” aspect of this book is the part that really encouraged me. Partly due to the fact that this concept is still new enough to me that every time I hear it proclaimed I feel that I learn much more about it. The idea that the Gospel is about making “all things new”, reconciling the created order to the creator, while explicitly Pauline and implicit throughout Scripture, was missing in my understanding of the Gospel for far too long. Chandler takes an extended look at this aspect. Chandler devotes an entire chapter to Creation. In this chapter I was greatly concerned with how he interacted with science, specifically the theory of evolution. At times, it seemed as if one had to deny the theory of evolution to embrace the Gospel, which seems to be adding to what the Scriptures require of a believer especially in light of the fact that Historic Creationism, which is the view that Chandler holds, is viewed as a denial of the Genesis account by many Young Earth Creationist in the same vein that Chandler derides the BioLogos view of Evolutionary Creation. However, having a strong opinion is one thing, but misrepresenting facts to validate your opinion is, in this case, unnecessary and always dishonest. I do not doubt that Chandler believes what he put forward is scientific fact, but in the form of a book, this should have been researched a bit. At some point we need to view the scientific community as a people group and engage them honestly from within their own worldview, not within a worldview we prescribe to them based on caricature and pseudoscience.

Enough of my rabbit-trail/rant, because these chapters are excellent. The way Chandler deals with the Biblical account of Creation and the Fall, especially as it relates to the created order beyond simply you and me, is brilliant. And the manner in which he illuminates the Scriptures regarding the Reconciliation of the created order the Creator and the Consummation of history is worship inducing. To see the master plan of the Master as laid out in Scripture should bring all believers to a place of expectant joy, praising God for the work He has done and eagerly anticipating the consummation of His redeeming and reconciling work in the Cross of His Holy Son.

Chandler then finishes up the book by looking at some application and some dangers. There are dangers in each perspective, when either the Gospel stays “on the ground “too long or stays “in the air” too long. He argues that relationship evangelism is fine, but at some point you have to open your mouth and proclaim the Gospel. To “be the Gospel” is as ridiculous as it is offensive and the idea to “preach the Gospel always and, when necessary, use words” is contrary to the way Scripture lays out evangelism and the process of salvation. But I feel the greatest danger he exposes is the danger of the assumed Gospel. Implicit in most of the book is the fact that Chandler is speaking of a Gospel that is explicit. In a two page appendix at the end of the book, Josh Patterson explains what exactly the “Explicit Gospel” is. This might have been better suited as a preface or an introduction and it might be best to read the appendix before you read the rest of the book, especially if the term “Explicit Gospel” is somewhat foreign.

This is a book for everyone to read. It is engaging and entertaining. The concepts are not difficult, but Chandler does not stay on the surface either. As goofy as he is, he is quite smart and well read, so some parts may seem obscure to those who have little-to-no exposure to philosophy or theology, but those parts are few and easily deduced from the context. Do not let the fact that this is a deep book discourage you from reading it, because it is at the depths of the see that you find the greatest pearls, and this book is a treasure.
http://beforedawnwiththeson.blogspot.com/2012/04/explicit-gospel.html

To Live Is Christ to Die is Gain is a good study of the book of Philippians for newer Christians who are wanting to mature in their faith. Chandler uses excellent modern examples to illustrate the text without losing the original context in which Paul was writing. Chandler's sense of humor also keeps the book fresh and engaging. Even though the intended audience seems to be newer Christians, the subject matter is challenging enough to keep everyone engaged, learning, and growing.

"To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain," was the first book I’ve read by Matt Chandler. Chandler is a young pastor in Dallas who faced a scary ordeal with a brain tumor, but whose testimony shone through even the darkest days of suffering. Chandler is connected with the Acts 29 church planting network and the Gospel Coalition. I jumped at the chance to read this book, thinking he would open up to some of his own struggles at death’s door. I didn’t find that, but I did find a lot of excellent teaching in a helpful, accessible style.

The book is a Bible study on the book of Philippians, and a masterful one at that. Chandler draws you in to the text, fleshes out helpful context by describing Paul’s mission to Philippi and at one point sketching the entire life story of the Apostle Paul. Chandler can paint a picture well, and he also has a pulse on where the average church attender is, spiritually. His book challenges and woos, it focuses on the Gospel and attacks any kind of legalism, yet he is inviting and encouraging too. He shares a lot of stories, many of his own life and family, but only once does he briefly touch on his struggle with cancer. But that aside, the book is an excellent treatment of perhaps the most loved epistle of Paul.

The Christian Audio version of the book plays nicely, although I missed hearing Chandler’s voice do the reading. Having heard him in person and listened to an mp3 online, his distinctive voice would make the title even more appealing. But the reading is done very well, and easy to listen to. I enjoyed "To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain" as I drove back and forth to work, and it made for an excellent devotional time as I prepared for my day. In any format, this would make for a great devotional read. The message of Philippians will challenge you to live a joyful, confident Christian life, that doesn’t shrink from declaring the gospel and living a sacrificial life for Christ’s glory, whether we live or die.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by christianaudio.com as part of the christianaudio Reviewers Program. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.

You can read my full review at Quieted Waters.

Quite frankly, I expected to be bored by this book. It’s about the gospel, and I’ve been in church for decades. I’ve taught dozens of Bible studies and preached a few sermons, so the gospel is not unfamiliar to me. What surprised me was how much I personally benefited from reading this book.

This is not just a book for new believers. This is not a longer version of a gospel tract. It’s not something you hand off to someone while praying, “God, please help that sinner to know You.”

This is a book you should read. This is a book I needed to read. The chapters helped me to understand the full impact of the gospel, putting together God’s macro plan for eternity and His micro plan for my life.

This book is an example of why I don't care much for pop-Christian authors. They don't do anything for me. Their material is not enlightening nor is there anything new and fresh to offer. This book is very elementary and is perhaps good for new or young Christians. But, as a 20+ year Christian, this book produced the same repetitive diatribe as many other mainstream authors. I was a bit surprised by Chandler's overt references to the Westminster Confession and quotes from various neo-Reformed teachers and authors. Sad to hear Chandler fell into this young, restless, and reformed group. Might I add arrogant and know-it-all. I was immediately turned off by Chandler's claim on the truth in his introduction: "I want to make sure we are all on the same page here, which is to say, God's page, and talking about what He is talking about when the gospel is mentioned in the Scriptures." (page 15)... REALLY?! Chandler knows exactly what God says? This, not to mention an overemphasis on God's sovereignty, election, and right behavior throughout this book... all attributes of John Calvin's god.

I don't recommend this book if theology is important to you, namely of the Arminian variety. Nor do I recommend this book if you are looking for something new, fresh, and informative. Moving on.