Pastor-theologian Bill Farley has given us a grand “tool” for sustaining and elevating our souls by preaching the massive gospel of Christ to, of all people, our selves! This small gem of a book provides a joyous gospel feast that begins with our election in Christ before the foundation of the world and ends with Christ’s new creation. No small thoughts here! This is the recipe for big, expansive and ever-expanding hearts.
Pastors would have to engage in very little counseling if Christians would prioritize what Bill Farley exhorts his readers to do in Hidden in the Gospel. To gain clarity on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to practice consistent self-talk based upon that Gospel would transform the lives of Christians, their homes, and their churches.
Whoever thought that “back-chat” could be good? In the form that Bill Farley describes it, this kind of back-talk is not only good, it is essential for growth and health in the Christian life. Every Christian benefits from consistent and regular reminders of what God has done for us in Christ. Yet what this involves is reflection upon some of the most glorious teachings of Scripture that span from eternity past to eternity future. Such is the breadth of the gospel, and such is the opportunity for Christians to have their minds and hearts transformed by the gospel’s power. Those who read this book will enter into this gospel breadth with the hope and promise of greater love for God and longing to live in the fullness of the gospel.
“Bill Farley continues his valuable contributions to gospel-centered living with Hidden in the Gospel. While others have mentioned the importance of preaching to ourselves, Bill shows us how to do so. His practical unpacking of the primary theological components of a ‘wide-angle’ understanding of the biblical gospel is just what we need to keep our self-talk grounded in God’s redemptive work in Christ. I am confident this book will be useful to all believers, whether for individual study or in a group setting.”
