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Jason Allen’s new book, Being a Christian, released by B&H Publishing

Posted February 1, 2018 by Midwestern Seminary

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Midwestern Seminary announced today that the book project Being a Christian, authored by President Jason Allen, was released by B&H Publishing on Feb. 1.

“I cannot be more pleased with the way Being a Christian has turned out,” Allen said. “It has been a privilege to partner with the B&H Publishing team to produce a book that, I pray, will assist Christ-followers to live a more fruitful and fulfilling life in Christ.”

Within the 146-page work, Allen offers insight into living the Christian life. He addresses multiple areas in the Christian’s life where the gospel intersects such as dealing with one’s past. Allen also covers other areas like how the gospel affects one’s marriage, family, work, recreation, and church life.

[quote]“When we embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, all of our life is impacted. That’s because Jesus died for more than behavior modification; he died to redeem us and all that entails.”[/quote]

Allen’s desire is to have those reading the book understand the concept of redemption in Christ, and how it can completely transform their lives.

“I want readers to explore with me the gospel and its implications for their lives,” he said. “As they do, I pray God will work to dramatically impact the reader. This is what God does; and it is exactly what each of us needs.

“When we embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, all of our life is impacted. That’s because Jesus died for more than behavior modification; he died to redeem us and all that entails.”

Allen admitted that upon his salvation, he expected God to make changes, but he wasn’t altogether aware of exactly what that meant.

“When I came to Christ as an 18-year-old, college student, I expected something of a change, but what I had in mind was more like behavior modification than spiritual transformation. I knew Jesus died to redeem me but didn’t quite understand he’d died to redeem all of me.

“My old life was driven by self,” he continued. “Christ inverted all of that. My ambitions, lifestyle choices, convictions became – and are becoming – shaped by Christ. He transformed me from the inside out, and he continues to do so. Jesus redeemed all of me.”

[quote]“This book is an excellent exposition of the gospel in an easily manageable and remarkably clear presentation, suitable for any reader at any stage of spiritual growth. It is insightful, thought-provoking, and heart-stirring. It communicates effortlessly some of the difficult truths that most of us have to labor hard to make clear. It is thoroughly biblical and wonderfully engaging.” – John MacArthur, pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Calif.[/quote]

Allen noted that the primary audience for the book is people who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior because “You will not be able to live the Christian life unless you are a Christian. It is not until you are a Christian that the life of Christ is in you. The gospel is the door that leads one to life in Christ, the Christian life.” However, he noted that those who are inquiring about the Christian life would benefit from the book as well.

The secret to the Christian life, Allen suggested, is that there really is no secret. It is simply loving, and intentionally living, for Jesus.

“As we apply the gospel to every area of our lives, the life of Christ pulsates through us,” he said. “We live a more joy-filled, satisfied life. As we reflect on every aspect of our lives, we experience the joy and wholeness that only Christ can give.”

John MacArthur, pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Calif., said, “This book is an excellent exposition of the gospel in an easily manageable and remarkably clear presentation, suitable for any reader at any stage of spiritual growth. It is insightful, thought-provoking, and heart-stirring. It communicates effortlessly some of the difficult truths that most of us have to labor hard to make clear. It is thoroughly biblical and wonderfully engaging.”

“Being a Christian is one of the best short books I’ve read on the Christian Life,” said Owen Strachan, associate professor of Christian Theology at Midwestern Seminary. “Jason Allen displays his shepherd’s heart as he walks us through the biblical basis of vibrant faith. The text is at once sweeping in its scope – giving us an IMAX vision of a gospel-captivated existence – while never intimidating the reader. We come away from Allen’s book much the way Christ’s disciples felt after spending time in his presence: invigorated, excited, humbled, and ready to seek still more glory for our Lord and Savior.”

“This needed book will bless, encourage, and instruct pastors, seminarians, and everyday disciples. Being a Christian is easy-to-read and is biblically sound, explaining what it means to experience the gospel’s power in the most pressing areas of our lives, including marriage, work, and our churches,” said Thom Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. “Filled with relatable examples and theological insight, new and mature believers alike will be reminded that being a Christian is never what we can do for God, but what He has done and continues to do in us through the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

“This book will serve well those who have yet to make a decision to follow Christ, as well as those who have been Christ-followers for years,” said Frank S. Page, president and CEO of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention. “It deals with a plethora of subjects, most of which are struggles for the majority of us. Please listen to the solid experience, biblical scholarship, and personal passion behind these words. The heart message of this book will help you, not to follow a list of rules, but to fall in love with a God who loves you and wants you to draw near to Him in every part of your life.”

“One of the most pressing needs for the life of discipleship is the ability of the Christian to press the gospel, so to speak, into every corner of the room,” said Jared C. Wilson, director of content strategy & managing editor of For the Church at Midwestern Seminary. “That’s what makes Being a Christian so incredibly helpful. It simply, insightfully, and practically helps followers of Jesus embrace the call to devote ‘every square inch’ to their Lord and Savior.”

You can purchase or find more information on the book at LifeWay.com


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