Blog Post on How to Use The Christian Gospel: The Optimistic Fisherman (matthiasmedia.com)

The teaching of Jesus and his followers has been undeniably influential in our world. It has deeply shaped our Western society, and has almost certainly shaped you, even if you’re not particularly conscious of it.

Which is all a bit strange, because that teaching is largely focused on the meaning of Jesus’ death on a Roman cross, and the surprising claim that he had risen from the dead. How does this centuries-old message have anything to do with our lives today?

The answer is found in exploring other questions: Why was the title ‘Christ’ added to the name of this man Jesus? Everyone dies, so why was his death so significant? Is it believable that he rose from the dead, and why does it matter?

More to the point, is any of this strange message even true? And if it is, does it really bring the peace, joy and hope that Jesus promised and to which his followers testify?

These are the questions Tony Payne answers for you—directly and compellingly—in this short and highly readable book.