The Gospel According to Christ

“"Mark Stelter argues throughout that the assault on Christianity from those outside the faith is not nearly as noteworthy as the misunderstanding of Jesus's teachings from within its own fold. In particular, Stelter contends that Christians have misconstrued Jesus's central teaching regarding the nature and message of the kingdom of God. Working patiently through the parables, statements, and miracles attributed to Jesus, Stelter concludes that Jesus's message is repeated so often and so clearly that it is exceptionally difficult to miss, and yet we still do it. Stelter's thesis is at once provocative, challenging, and well written, inviting interaction. I recommend it.”

Gary R. Habermas

“As a friend and partner in the work of the gospel, I'm delighted to recommend Mark Stelter's The Gospel According to Christ. Stelter brings a unique and passionate voice into the church's understanding of Christ and the gospel. His critique of 'secular Christianity' is as accurate as it is caring. His insight and honest assessment comes from that of a member of Christ's church in search of her true identity.”

Chad Karger

“Professor Stelter offers a fresh perspective on ancient Scripture. In his revisit of the Gospels, he reminds readers that the first disciples understood Jesus apart from modern values and purposes. This reexamination of the Christian message stands as an important contribution to canonical study and should stimulate discussion in Bible institutes, Sunday School classes, and among today's followers.”

Craig Livingston

“After reading Mark Stelter's book, you will read the Gospels with a whole new understanding and perspective. You will see Jesus for who He really is as He claimed to be. Writing with the passion and conviction of the Apostle Paul to the infant churches of the New Testament era, Stelter confronts the church today with the subtlety of a secular gospel that presents a different Jesus and a different gospel than the one clearly presented in the scriptures. "I challenge you to explore the following pages with an open mind. Take off the cultural glasses that so often blur your image and refocus on the glory of Christ and the wonder of His message. He didn't come to offer us a better life. He came to offer us eternal life. For the past seventeen years, I have proclaimed that message as Pastor of Woodlands Church. I never cease to be amazed at the power of the gospel that still changes lives. It's a power beyond us. If willpower worked, we wouldn't need God's power. By His own design, Jesus knew that what He taught would require His power to accomplish. That's what gives the Christian faith its vitality. It's Christ in you that makes the difference.”

Kerry Shook

“In The Gospels According to Christ, Mark Stelter does what great trial lawyers do; he allows the evidence to speak for itself. Stelter lets the words of Jesus do the talking as he exposes the pablum of secular Christianity under the searing light of biblical truth. Those who live by the bumper-sticker mantra, 'What Would Jesus Do?' are offered straight answers from the incarnate Word himself, Jesus Christ. How refreshing!”

Randy Reeves

“It's important that we get these two things right: Who is Jesus, and what is his message. Mark Stelter understands and clarifies both in The Gospel According to Christ. (I love the title of this book!) I am a big believer in using technology and creativity to communicate the message of Christ in a way that is culturally relevant. But there is always the risk of reducing him down to a socially acceptable package where he is nothing more than a self-help guru with relational quick-fix formulas. That is not the Jesus of the Gospels. Thanks, Mark! We needed this book.”

Tierce Green