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Robert Emerson Coleman
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The Heart of the Gospel: The Theology behind the Master Plan of Evangelism Kindle Edition

by Robert E. Coleman (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 32 ratings
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For more than forty years, Robert E. Coleman's bestselling The Master Plan of Evangelism has been the standard in evangelism literature. 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.
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    305 pages
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    English
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  4. Publisher
    Baker Books
  5. Publication date
    May 1, 2011
  6. File size
    1229 KB
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Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

For more than forty years, Robert E. Coleman's bestselling The Master Plan of Evangelism has been the standard in evangelism literature. Based on decades of classroom teaching, 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. This is the capstone book from a veteran evangelist, teacher, and author.

"With the keen mind of a theologian and the warm heart of an evangelist, Robert Coleman displays how evangelism is the heartbeat of all theology."--Timothy K. Beougher, Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"I have waited over thirty-five years for this book! Now we have a comprehensive treatment from the master himself that is devotionally rich and practically helpful."--Ajith Fernando, national director, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka

"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 will undoubtedly become a classic and could very well ignite an evangelical fire within our hearts. This is a genuinely inspiring and instructive book not to miss."--John A. Woodbridge, research professor of church history and Christian thought, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"When Robert Coleman and I taught together, students would often tell me that his classes changed their lives, and I think that will also happen with those who read this book."--Wayne Grudem, research professor of theology and biblical studies, Phoenix Seminary

Robert E. Coleman is distinguished senior professor of evangelism and discipleship at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He also served as dean of the Billy Graham International Schools of Evangelism as well as director of the Billy Graham Center Institute of Evangelism at Wheaton College.

About the Author

Robert E. Coleman is Distinguished Professor of Evangelism and Discipleship at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He also served as dean of the Billy Graham International Schools of Evangelism as well as director of the Billy Graham Center Institute of Evangelism at Wheaton College.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004TS1M2O
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Baker Books (May 1, 2011)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 1, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1229 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 305 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 32 ratings

About the author

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Robert Emerson Coleman

Robert Emerson Coleman

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Robert E. Coleman is Distinguished Professor of Evangelism and Discipleship at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He also served as dean of the Billy Graham International Schools of Evangelism as well as director of the Billy Graham Center Institute of Evangelism at Wheaton College.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
32 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Addie
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Theology book for anyone!
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2021
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This is a fantastic entry- level theology book. Theology is often seen as dense with large words and long paragraphs. Not this book! It unpacks scriptural truths in a simple but deep way. This read is enjoyable and not filled with big words! I enjoyed it very much and learned more about the Bible, Jesus and some of the important Biblical truths. If you’re looking for a way to align your faith, strengthen your faith or learn something new this is it! Also has applications and comparisons to false teachings, it is well organized. 10/10
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Steve
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2019
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I’m reading this book for school, so I didn’t actually pick it, but it is turning out to be a good read. Definitely enjoy learning about theology. Would definitely recommend for someone who wants to learn more about their faith.
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Got_zombies_?
5.0 out of 5 stars An extraordinary introduction to the theology of evangelism
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2014
Verified Purchase
Well-written and Scripture a centered, Coleman's book elucidates the mandate that all Christians spread the Gospel. Of particular interest to me personally is the emphasis on the centrality of the Spirit in the process of conversion. The extensive list of references in the notes point an effective way forward for my studies.
One person found this helpful
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David
4.0 out of 5 stars A systematic theology built around the concept of evangelism
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2013
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Coleman has a unique sort of contribution here: a systematic theology built around the organizing concept of evangelism. Each chapter is laid out in the traditional scheme of theology proper, Bibliology, the theology of creation and angelology, etc. and follows the normal theme of giving biblical data, summarizing a position, and then refuting erroneous teachings. Coleman concludes each chapter, though, with extensive and valuable applications that relate the doctrines just examined to the philosophy and work of evangelism.

Coleman is certainly an Arminian, which will either be a plus or a minus for you, but this is not a doctrinal polemic or apologetic, so the distinctives of that position fade into the background and the biblical emphasis moves to front and center. His tone is sermonic, and his illustrations are a little antiquated in places, but overall a valuable book and a blessed read.
7 people found this helpful
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Melissa Manzanares
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2015
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Awesome book!
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F Kyle
5.0 out of 5 stars 48 years in the making by this devoted disciple of Christ
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2013
Since its first appearance in 1963, the various English editions of "The Master Plan of Evangelism" have sold over 3 million copies. It continues to be a standard evangelism text in many Evangelical Protestant Bible colleges and seminaries. 48 years later, at age 83, Coleman now provides the theology behind his best-seller.

While the author is appreciative of other similar works that range from Lewis A. Drummond's "The Word of the Cross: A Contemporary Theology of Evangelism" (2000) to John Bunyan's classic "Pilgrim's Progress" (1678, "the best introduction to the theology of evangelism" and a basic text in Coleman's classes for many years), his "own study takes a more comprehensive approach and gives greater attention to application."

Coleman's 24th and most likely last book comes at the end of a long career as a professor, pastor, and evangelist. Among other accomplishments, he is a founding member of the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization (est. 1974), past president of the Academy for Evangelism in Theological Education, former dean of the Billy Graham International Schools of Evangelism, and the Distinguished Senior Professor of Discipleship and Evangelism (2001- ) at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Despite a long resume, "he hopes to be remembered simply as a disciple of Christ."

As a type of prequel to "The Master Plan of Evangelism," "The Heart of the Gospel" is written with the conviction that "theology and evangelism belong together. When the two are separated in practice, as so often happens, both suffer loss--theology loses direction and evangelism loses content." In equating the Gospel with evangelical theology, Coleman's work acts as a classical outline of systematic theology. Its 18 chapters cover such topics as Christology, ecclesiology, eschatology, harmatology, Pneumatology, soteriology, and theology proper.

Each chapter includes a biblical examination of the given doctrine, the theological rationale, popular misconceptions of the Gospel that adversely affect evangelism, and 8-10 summary applications to evangelism. Though historical writings, sermons "from preachers with a passion for souls," and contemporary books were consulted, "our only inerrant source of truth," the Bible, serves as the author's main text for the study of God. The book's purpose is not academic despite its origins in the classroom and 26 pages of endnotes. Coleman's aim is to "ignite an evangelical fire in disciples' hearts."

The strengths of the book are many. One that readily stands out is the evident humility, childlike-wonder, and still-vibrant faith of the octogenarian author. For instance, in explaining the biblical basis for the divine inspiration of the Bible, he freely admits, "The exact way this was done remains a mystery, like any other miracle." Coleman's lucid writing, fair-mindedness (though a Wesleyan Arminian, he is gracious towards Calvinists), breadth of knowledge regarding historical theology, judicious use of illustrations, and real-life applications make for enjoyable, informative and relevant reading.

Besides the occasional antiquated illustration, the only criticism is that it took 48 years after "The Master Plan of Evangelism" for "The Heart of the Gospel" to appear in print. No doubt, those within Catholicism, liberal Protestantism, and secular humanism (3 groups that Coleman interacts with on occasion) will not agree with some or most of his conservative views. But the disagreements are not so much with Coleman, of course, as they are with Evangelical Protestantism itself.

"The Heart of the Gospel" would serve well as an undergraduate or graduate-level text for an evangelism, missions or even systematic theology course. It also could benefit those outside of academia who are simply interested in the theological beliefs that inform and fuel the practice of evangelism and global missions among Evangelical Protestants. Because Coleman achieves his goal of "clarity, brevity, and simplicity," just do not expect an exhaustive work.
4 people found this helpful
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David G
5.0 out of 5 stars The Heart of the Gospel
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2013
Excellent book for Evangelists and Pastors and Personal Evangelist's. Great companion to the Master Plan of Evangelism. Robert Coleman explains with simplicity the theology behind God's plan of salvation, Christ's view of evangelism. Highly recommended. David G. Nazarene Evangelist.
3 people found this helpful
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Matt Wolf
4.0 out of 5 stars Solid evangelical theology
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2019
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Robert Coleman’s Master Plan of Evangelism has been a go to book I have trained dozens of dozens of disciple makers with. This theology is a helpful complement to those wishing to understand the theology that undergirds his philosophy. His ability to tie each systematic component to evangelism is a helpful reminder and his applications are far superior to those attempted by most systematic theologians. He continually lands on a Wesleyan perspective on theological issues, but generously explains other options.
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