The Heart of the Gospel

by Robert E. Coleman

Publisher:

Baker

, 2011

Overview

Robert Coleman’s bestselling The Master Plan of Evangelism has been the standard in evangelism literature for more than 40 years. But what is the theology behind evangelism? And why is it important for Christians to understand? The Heart of the Gospel offers a systematic theology of evangelism that will ground and inform our practice of spreading the good news. Each chapter covers a major biblical doctrine, explains its various evangelical interpretations, treats misconceptions that adversely affect evangelism, and offers practical applications of the doctrine. Based on decades of classroom teaching, this comprehensive work is aimed at ministry readers interested in evangelism and outreach.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Offers a systematic theology of evangelism
• Explains various evangelical interpretations
• Treats misconceptions that adversely affect evangelism
• Offers practical applications of the doctrine

Contents

• The Character of God
• Revelation and the Bible
• Creation and the Celestial Hosts
• Creation of Man and Woman
• Rebellion against God
• The Son of God
• The Death of Christ
• The Triumph of Christ
• The Holy Spirit
• The Grace of God
• Coming to Christ
• The New Life
• Sanctification
• Perseverance of the Saints
• The Church and Her Ministry
• The Return of the King
• The Providence of God
• The Coming Glory

Top Highlights

“Every believer enters into this mission. Making disciples is not a special gift or calling; it is a lifestyle of obedience incumbent on the whole body of Christ, the church.” (Page 11)

“Let me clarify, however, that to me making known the Good News means more than making converts. Certainly that is primary, but the objective of the Gospel in the context of the Great Commission is to make disciples, that is, learners committed to following Christ, teaching them in turn to do the same, that through the process of multiplication, someday the nations will hear the Gospel (Matt. 28:18–20).” (Pages 10–11)

“This is why any understanding of the Trinity begins with Jesus. He is the photograph of God, ‘the exact imprint of his nature’ (Heb. 1:3), ‘the image of the invisible God’ (Col. 1:15). In him, through the Holy Spirit, the eternal ‘Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth’ (John 1:14).” (Pages 14–15)

“The Bible, without attempting to explain the mystery, simply shows the ‘togetherness’ of God in three persons, equal in glory, one in essence, yet each separate from the other in consciousness and vocation.” (Page 15)

“Evangelism is all about God. He is the evangelist. Making known the Gospel of salvation unveils the character of him who sits on the throne, the Lord God Almighty, Sovereign of the universe, who displays his glory in the redemption of a people made in his image to praise him forever. Getting to know this God and glorifying him is the purpose of evangelism.” (Page 13)

Praise for the Print Edition

Here is the theology of the Gospel in classic Wesleyan dress, vividly presented by one of its most honored veteran expositors. All who love the Lord will find this a heartwarming read.

—J.I. Packer, Board of Governors Professor of Theology, Regent College

This magnificent study by Robert Coleman will undoubtedly become a classic among theologies of evangelism. With great personal sensitivity and elegant simplicity, he places the question of ‘Why evangelism?’ into a biblical and theological context that is larger than many of us know. His study could very well ignite an evangelical fire within our hearts. This is a genuinely inspiring and instructive book not to miss—a must-read.

—John Woodbridge, research professor of church history and Christian thought, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

What rich wisdom learned from a life lived in the Word and in the teaching and practice of evangelism! Coleman’s love for both the Gospel and the Christ of the Gospel is contagious. Read and learn and worship.

—Dennis F. Kinlaw, president, Francis Asbury Society

Product Details

• Title: The Heart of the Gospel: The Theology behind the Master Plan of Evangelism
• Author: Robert E. Coleman
• Publisher: Baker
• Print Publication Date: 2011
• Logos Release Date: 2011
• Pages: 126
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Evangelistic work › Philosophy; Theology, doctrinal
• ISBNs: 9781441259233, 9780801013706, 1441259236, 0801013704
• Resource ID: LLS:E27E026DC796B4FA212B9E3E177B714A
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T23:27:47Z

About Robert E. Coleman

Dr. Coleman has taught at Gordon-Conwell South Hamilton since 2001, after directing the School of World Mission and Evangelism at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School for 18 years. He is a popular preacher, speaker and teacher, averaging about 35 speaking engagements per year around the world. He speaks in churches, conferences and student gatherings on topics such as the theology of evangelism, the theory and practice of evangelism and the Great Commission. He has most recently spoken at the World Conference of the University Bible Fellowship at Purdue University, conferences in the Ukraine, China, Uraguay and Ethiopia and at churches both in the U.S. and abroad. Widely known for his ministry as a disciple-maker and evangelist, Dr. Coleman currently serves on the Mission America Facilitation Committee and several international mission boards and is the president of Christian Outreach. From 1989-2001, he led the Institute of Evangelism in the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College and served as Dean of the Billy Graham International Schools of Evangelism. He is also a founding member of the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelism and a past president of the Academy for Evangelism in Theological Education. Dr. Coleman’s scholarly interests include the theology of evangelism, revival and the lifestyle of the Great Commission. Dr. Coleman is a prolific author, having written hundreds of articles and 21 books, though he is best known for The Master Plan of Evangelism.