Book SummaryHow to Tell the Truth, by Preston Perry

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of How to Tell the Truth

Biblical Basis and Importance of Bold Evangelism

The book explores the scriptural foundations that advocate for direct evangelism, emphasizing its critical role in the spiritual lives of believers. Perry emphasizes that sharing the gospel message goes beyond intellectual discourse; it is a vocation energized by the Holy Spirit to actively spread and maintain the veracity of the gospel. He underscores the importance of the Great Commission, highlighting the necessity of support from the Holy Spirit to equip the faithful for this vital task, drawing inspiration from the early disciples' model.

The significance of articulating and upholding the tenets of one's faith is paramount in a Christian's life.

Perry emphasizes the deep link between expressing one's beliefs and offering rational support for those beliefs in the life of a person of faith. He argues that we have an obligation to proactively disseminate the principles of the gospel and to be ready to defend our convictions in the face of challenges. He views apologetics as a natural outgrowth of evangelism, frequently emerging in the context of spreading Christian doctrine. Both require a foundation of knowledge, but more importantly, a heart of love and compassion for those we are engaging with.

The Great Commission mandates the formation of disciples by spreading the Christian teachings and safeguarding the fundamental tenets of the faith.

The author's concept of spreading beliefs is rooted in the instruction that Jesus imparted to his followers, encouraging them to journey through different nations and beckon individuals from all corners of the world to join as disciples. Perry is of the opinion that it is the responsibility of all believers, not solely those who lead churches or specialize in evangelism, to disseminate spiritual wisdom and assist others in their spiritual growth. He emphasizes the continuous aspect of this mission, underscoring the term "make," which suggests a journey of educating and fostering growth in new followers. This approach to discipleship compels us to not only communicate the essence of the gospel but also to steadfastly maintain our convictions when confronted with adversity.

Other Perspectives

• Some may argue that the Great Commission should be balanced with other biblical teachings that emphasize service, love, and humility, rather than solely focusing on the expansion of the faith.
• Emphasizing the safeguarding of fundamental tenets could discourage critical thinking and questioning within the faith community, which are essential for personal and collective growth.
• The historical context of Jesus' instruction was specific to the cultural and societal norms of the time, which may not directly translate to modern practices or expectations.
• There is a perspective that suggests the act of spreading spiritual wisdom should be a personal choice rather than a perceived obligation, allowing for a more authentic and voluntary engagement with one's faith.
• There is a risk of cultural imperialism or ethnocentrism when one group attempts to assist others in spiritual growth, especially if it involves spreading specific religious teachings.
• The notion of a continuous mission might imply a one-size-fits-all approach, which doesn't consider the unique needs and journeys of individual believers.
• There could be a perspective that fostering growth in new followers is a shared journey, where the mentor also learns and grows, rather than a one-way impartation of knowledge.
• The emphasis on communication might inadvertently lead to a one-sided approach to discipleship, neglecting the reciprocal nature of true mentorship and learning.
• In some cases, the adversity faced may be a result of holding onto outdated or harmful convictions that should be re-evaluated.

Boldly communicate the core message of the gospel.

In this section of the book, the author advocates for an unequivocal declaration of the gospel's truthfulness. Perry argues that true bravery extends beyond merely being fearless; it is inextricably linked with the responsibility to disseminate the teachings of Christianity. Perry underscores the importance of being ready to articulate the foundation of our hope with clarity, drawing on the teachings of 1 Peter 3:15, and highlights the need to communicate these reasons with a respectful and gentle attitude. He draws inspiration from the bravery of the apostles in the Book of Acts, who boldly proclaimed the resurrection of Christ regardless of the threat of persecution, demonstrating that the proclamation of the gospel should be undeterred by the apprehension of rejection or potential hardship.

Be prepared to elucidate your beliefs upon being questioned.

Perry emphasizes the necessity for the faithful to always be prepared to articulate the hope they possess when questioned, as...

How to Tell the Truth Summary Doctrinal and Theological Understanding for Effective Gospel-Sharing

Perry delves into the core theological tenets that are crucial for communicating the message of the gospel effectively. He emphasizes the necessity of fully understanding who Jesus is, the idea of being redeemed by grace through faith, and the threefold nature of God to effectively communicate the teachings of Christianity.

The dual nature of Jesus Christ, both divine and human.

Perry contends that grasping the true nature of Jesus is crucial for effectively sharing and safeguarding one's beliefs. He acknowledges that many religions acknowledge Jesus' historical presence but frequently grapple with the idea of his divine nature. Perry underscores the importance of convincing skeptics that Jesus is not just a simple teacher of ethics or a prophet, but rather the embodiment of God, altering the way we engage with Him.

Jesus' Claims to Deity and the Biblical Evidence

The author emphasizes a variety of biblical excerpts to underscore the claims of divinity Jesus made for himself and to provide scriptural backing for these assertions. Perry delves into the manner in which Jesus embraced the pronouncements akin to "I Am," reflecting the method by which God made Himself...

How to Tell the Truth Summary Methods and social skills for engaging with empathy and understanding.

The book delves into specific techniques and social skills that equip us to convey our convictions to others in a way that is empathetic and influential. Perry underscores the significance of imparting core Christian values through a compassionate, empathetic, and gentle demeanor, recognizing that our actions can frequently speak louder than what we say.

Prioritizing Questions and Listening Over Preaching and Debating

Perry encourages a shift in our approach to discussing faith with others, transitioning from a style that emphasizes preaching and argumentation to one that values questioning and careful listening. Perry posits that by grasping the core elements of another person's perspective, one can reveal their hidden fears, challenges, and uncertainties. He emphasizes the significance of initiating inquiries to create a dialogue where individuals feel their perspectives are respected and considered, thereby encouraging a more open and dynamic exchange.

Initiating meaningful conversations through the use of thought-provoking inquiries, similar to the approach Jesus took.

The writer underscores the significance of posing stimulating inquiries that lead to...

How to Tell the Truth Summary Drawing on one's spiritual fortitude to overcome apprehensions and disheartenment while disseminating Christian principles.

The book delves into a range of apprehensions and worries that may impede our readiness to communicate the Christian message, offering advice and actionable methods to surmount these obstacles. Perry underscores the importance of steadfast testimony, rather than guaranteeing instant transformations.

Fear of Rejection, Mistakes, or Failure Is Unfounded

The book explores common fears that prevent many faithful from spreading their beliefs, including the fear of rejection, concerns about making mistakes, and doubts about their own effectiveness. Perry contends that such anxieties typically stem from a misinterpretation of our part in spreading the faith and a lack of recognition of the Almighty's capabilities. He underscores the importance of conveying truth with integrity, acknowledging that transformation is within the realm of the Holy Spirit and entrusting the outcomes to divine providence.

God often operates through those who are far from flawless; their imperfections do not negate the truthfulness of what they proclaim.

The author encourages us to recognize that it is often those who are imperfect that God uses to fulfill His purposes. The writer depicts the way...

How to Tell the Truth Summary Articulating one's religious beliefs with both assurance and modesty, while simultaneously demonstrating understanding and compassion.

The book delves into the art of expressing our convictions with a blend of bravery, humility, and comprehension. Perry highlights the unique challenges that come with conveying our beliefs to those close to us, recognizing the inherent fear of being rejected by those who are aware of our imperfections. He advocates for a lifestyle that reflects Christ's teachings, emphasizing that a life exemplified by transparency and unwavering affection can have a deeper impact on others than persuasive speech.

Conveying the tenets of evangelism to our nearest and dearest can often present challenges.

Perry highlights the distinct difficulties encountered in conveying our deeply held beliefs to those we hold dear, especially family members and intimate friends. He recognizes that fears of rejection, scrutiny, and judgment can be amplified when those we love know our past struggles and imperfections. Perry proposes that our close relationship with the topic may cause us to feel unready to articulate our religious convictions, which could make us hesitant or avoidant of engaging in conversations about spirituality.

Fear of Rejection Can Make Us Withdraw

Perry recognizes the...

How to Tell the Truth Summary The Definition and Nature of True Biblical Boldness

This final section provides a powerful summary of what constitutes true biblical boldness. Perry revisits his initial portrayal, emphasizing the idea that courage involves aligning our actions with spiritual guidance rather than simply overcoming fear, particularly when it leads to personal discomfort or requires a sacrifice from us. He contends that this audacity stems from a profound respect for the Savior and an aspiration to prioritize divine glorification over our own quest for acclaim.

Bravely following divine instructions

Perry elaborates on his definition by explaining that genuine bravery stems not from a natural lack of fear, but from a strong commitment to following spiritual direction. He argues that true bravery is rooted in a deep conviction of the divine plan's ultimate authority, recognizing that these plans are beyond our understanding and that we are granted the necessary fortitude to fulfill divine purposes, regardless of how daunting the challenges might seem.

Courage arises when we find our strength in spiritual guidance instead of relying on our personal abilities.

Perry emphasizes that true bravery is rooted in our faith in the cosmic order,...