Dean Inserra - The Unsaved Christian: Reaching Cultural Christianity with the Gospel

At first glance, The Unsaved Christian seems to be a classic oxymoron. But when Dean Inserra unpacks the reality of cultural Christianity today, he hits us right between the eyes with the state of much of Christianity we see in our communities and our churches. This book is practical. This book is pertinent. This book is powerful. I have already begun recommending it.

THOM S. RAINER

Founder and CEO, Church Answers

Author, I Am a Church Member

Cultural Christianity has been a popular target of critique for some time, but Dean offers us more than insight into its existencehe offers a way forward. Bringing pastoral and practical wisdom to the task, he coaches us on how to draw those with only a surface commitment to Christianity into true belief. The Unsaved Christian offers much-needed actionable help to the minister and the layperson alike.

JEN WILKIN

Author and Bible teacher

I am convinced that the greatest threat to the church today is not secularism or atheism, but nominal, cultural Christianity. An almost-gospel is worse than no gospel at all. A cultural Christianity sends its adherents to the same place that outright rejection of the gospel does, to hell, but pretends to put into the mouth of Jesus the old lie of the snake, You shall not surely die. As the pastor of one of the most dynamic, growing, and gospel-centered churches in the country, Dean Inserra is well-qualified to equip the church on how to reach unsaved Christians with the only message that can really save: the gospel of Jesus Christ.

RUSSELL MOORE

President, The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention

One of the top young pastors in America has written a book that is both candid and courageous and tackles a subject that should make everyone who claims to be a Christian wake up, sit up, and listen up. One of the greatest threats to Christianity in America is cultural Christianity, and it may be the most popularand dangeroustype of Christianity practiced in America, particularly and especially in the Bible Belt. The apostle Paul said Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5 ESV). This book will drive you to do just that and help you see whether or not you are ready for the final exam.

JAMES MERRITT

Pastor of Cross Pointe Church, Duluth, GA

Former President of the Southern Baptist Convention

Having been raised in an environment of cultural Christianity, it wasnt until I was a freshman in college that I truly experienced the life-changing power of a relationship with Jesus through the gospel. I now experience life and pastoring a church in Las Vegas, Nevada. Having lived through two extremes on this issue, I so appreciate Dean Inserra tackling this subject and providing such powerful insights. I thank God for Dean and the voice God has given him to speak into this generation so powerfully. We need an awakening in our nation, and it will begin in the church with a true movement to the gospel-centeredness. I highly recommend this book!

VANCE PITMAN

Senior Pastor of Hope Church, Las Vegas, NV

I know of few, if any, people who understand the gospel and evangelism in the middle of cultural Christianity more than Dean Inserra. This book is a reflection of both Deans wisdom and experience. If you care about those who are cultural Christians, and want to be better equipped to share the gospel with them, you need this book.

MICAH FRIES

Pastor of Brainerd Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN

In this book, you will find that Deans strong challenge to reach and disciple cultural Christians is coupled with great wisdom and insight. Dean has acquired that wisdom and insight by doing the hard work of ministry and effectively taking the gospel to cultural Christians. If you serve in a context where people claim to be Christian because of their church affiliation or family, you should read this book.

ERIC GEIGER

Senior Pastor of Mariners Church, Irvine, CA

When I ask myself where will we find the next generation of strong and effective leaders for the church, I think of Dean Inserra. He is thinking not just about the lost but the lost within the church. Im a big fan, and I like this book.

JOHN W. YATES II

Senior Rector, The Falls Church Anglican

Dean Inserras ministry shows the fruit of two unique passionsa deep conviction to challenge nominal, cultural Christianity, and a deep love for nominal, cultural unsaved Christians. Dean and City Church embody the heart of Jesus that would rebuke the false religion of the Pharisee and yet weep over Jerusalem. As a pastor, The Unsaved Christian freshly challenged me. Do I love people enough to help them get lost so they can find the true grace of Jesus in the gospel?

MARK VANCE

Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Church, Ames, IA

2019 by
DEAN INSERRA

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible and CSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Some names and details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.

Published in association with the literary agent of Wolgemuth & Associates.

Edited by Connor Sterchi

Interior design: Ragont Design

Cover design: Erik M. Peterson

ISBN: 978-0-8024-1880-7
eBook ISBN: 978-0-8024-9752-9

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To Karen Knox, who reached me as an unsaved Christian. May others be reached because of your efforts.

Friend,

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