Impossible Christianity
Why Following Jesus Does Not Mean You Have to Change the World, Be an Expert in Everything, Accept Spiritual Failure, and Feel Miserable Pretty Much All the Time
The apostle Paul described the Christian life as a race, but to many believers it feels more like a punishing obstacle course. Fearing they’ll never be able to do enough or give enough or be enough, they see themselves as spiritual failures. But Scripture offers good news: even in ordinary life, Christians can be faithful, fruitful, and pleasing to God.
Impossible Christianity reassures readers that they don’t need to feel a collective sense of guilt for sins in the past and solve every societal problem in the present. Through biblical wisdom and engaging personal stories, Kevin DeYoung challenges the misconception that we need 40 hours in the day just to be good Christians. By reflecting on what Jesus actually taught about Christian discipleship, readers will be newly encouraged to pursue single-minded devotion to God and find lasting joy in a life of sincere and simple obedience.
- Opening Credits
- Dedication
- Introduction: Is Christianity Supposed to Feel Impossible?
- Chapter 1: How (Not) to Make Christianity Possible
- Chapter 2: Who Is It That Overcomes the World?
- Chapter 3: Never Enough
- Chapter 4: The Camel in the Room
- Chapter 5: The Infinite Extensibility of Guilt
- Chapter 6: Sermon (of Misery?) on the Mount
- Chapter 7: Please and Thank You
- Chapter 8: A Quiet Life
- Closing Credits
Kevin DeYoung
A native of Jenison, Michigan, Dr. Kevin DeYoung holds an impressive academic background. He obtained his B.A. in religion from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Following that, he pursued his Master of Divinity degree at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. Kevin's thirst for knowledge led him to the University of Leicester in the UK, where he attained his doctorate in Early Modern History.
Before Dr. DeYoung embarked on his journey with Christ Covenant Church, where he presently serves, he was a pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan. A devout member of the Council for The Gospel Coalition, Kevin frequently shares his insights at various churches, conferences, colleges, and seminaries both in North America and abroad. His expertise has led him to publish over a dozen books catering to both adults and children. Notably, his book ""Crazy Busy: A Mercifully Short Book About a Big Problem"" was awarded the 2014 Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Book of the Year. Furthermore, three of his books received the prestigious Book of the Year honors from Christianity Today in 2009, 2010, and 2013.
In addition to his role as the senior pastor at Christ Covenant Church, Kevin also serves as an associate professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte. His profound knowledge and passion for educating others earned him the esteemed position of Chancellor's Professor for the Seminary.
Outside of his academic and pastoral responsibilities, Kevin finds joy in his personal life. He and his wife Trisha are the loving parents of nine children.