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Publication Date: 18 Sept 2025
Publisher: IVP
Page Count: 256
Author: Tim Patrick
ISBN-13: 9781789745856, 9781789745870

The Amazing Depth of the Simplest Truth

The Gospel and Gospel Theology
By Tim Patrick
The Gospel hasn't changed - our complex world demands careful, winsome clarity.
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We live in interesting times. The Gospel hasn't changed, but the recent explosion of new presentations and differing emphases means that the Church needs to return to the teachings of Jesus, considered in the light of the whole counsel of God.

Tim Patrick presents a clear articulation of the gospel message, drawn from the pages of the Bible, consistent with the major topics of Christian theology.

Carefully engaging with the latest scholarship in cultural, biblical and theological conversations, Patrick shows how the Gospel is the nexus between theology and ministry. He challenges overly pragmatic approaches and encourages us to see the practical importance of Christian doctrine.

Balancing careful biblical theology with effective and practical ministry ideas, Tim Patrick invites leaders, disciples and thoughtful Christian readers to consider how the Gospel continues to offer clarity in a complex world.
Tim Patrick (Author)
Tim Patrick PhD, Macquarie University) is principal of the Bible College of South Australia, an affiliated college of the Australian College of Theology, where he lecturers in theology and practical ministry. Before moving into theological education and ministry formation, Tim served in local church ministry for ten years, where he worked with a number of congregations and led a number of revitalization projects.

"Tim Patrick artfully explores the amazing depth and various entailments of the gospel. An accessible work for everyone on what the gospel is and what it means to read Scripture in light of the gospel. Patrick puts the pieces of the gospel-story and biblical-story in a way that many will find refreshing, illuminating, and deeply encouraging."

- Rev. Dr Michael F. Bird, Deputy Principal, Director of Research and Lecturer in New Testament, Ridley College, Melbourne

"This is the book you didn't know you needed, whether you're a newbie Christian or someone who preaches the gospel week in and week out. Tim Patrick has the theological mastery to make the most demanding doctrines digestible, and the pastoral heart to join the dots from each one of them to our actual lives. In the course of giving us a more conscious and confident grasp on the very foundations of our faith, The Amazing Depth of the Simplest Truth confronts us anew with the unexpectedness of what we believe, and leads us to marvel afresh at the good, good news of Christ crucified and risen."

- Dr Natasha Moore, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Public Christianity

"A valuable and accessible book that invites us to think deeply about the gospel in light of the Bible, theology and mission. Highly recommended for lay people, students and ministers to dive deeply into the good news of the cross and resurrection!"

- Dr Andrew Abernethy, Assistant Dean of Bible and Theology Grad Programs, Professor of Old Testament, Program Director - M.A. in Biblical Exegesis, Wheaton College, Illinois

"In The Amazing Depth of the Simplest Truth Tim Patrick invites us to taste and see the simplicity and riches of the gospel. Patrick's purpose is clear, he wants to grow our confidence and clarity in the gospel, to uncover its profound theological depth and reveal its practical implications for everyday life and ministry. Patrick writes with the insights of a theologian, the heart of a pastor and the passion of an evangelist, resulting in a book that is engaging, challenging and very accessible. While not afraid to urge us to reflect critically and dig deeper, Patrick's approach is balanced, nuanced and even-handed. This book will help to provoke reflection and spark conversation for anyone seeking to connect the good news of the gospel with the lives of those they disciple and evangelise."

- Lauren Hull, Senior Staffworker, Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students

"This book rightly states that "nowadays, there are many different gospels circulating, even around relatively aligned Christian groups." Tim Patrick succeeds in bringing order to the chaos. Without polemics, Patrick maps out differing views and repeatedly arrives at a golden mean, not by compromise but by reaffirming biblical norms. With rigor, clarity and flair, this book will appeal to scholars, students and all others longing to press deeper into the gospel's amazing depth."

- Prof. Robert W. Yarbrough, Professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

"No quick fix here, but a deep dive into the way we should go about promoting the gospel of Christ. With clarifying summaries of leading Christian doctrines, and balanced yet sharp conclusions, Tim Patrick has given us an outline which is apologetic, evangelistic, systematic, pastoral and rhetorically elegant. Just what the gospel demands. It is a multi faceted diamond and must reflect the grace of God through our beliefs and behaviours. I loved this book. Highly recommended!"

- Rev. Canon Dr Rhys Bezzant FRHistS, Principal, Ridley College, Melbourne, Visiting Fellow, Yale Divinity School and Director, Jonathan Edwards Center Australia

"Dr Tim Patrick has written an essential and timely for Christians and scholars alike. The Amazing Depth of the Simplest Truth engages with clarity and theological depth, the core of the Christian faith. A vital book to navigate the confusion and distortion of the current age, equipping believers to understand, articulate and remain grounded in the true gospel of Jesus Christ."

- Chris Makin, Regional Director, Leading the Way Australia

"In this book, Tim Patrick has done the near impossible. He has crystal listed the gospel in a way that captures both its depth and simplicity, whilst being neither parochial nor undiscerning. There is genuine profundity without unnecessary technicalities, and readability without being light weight. There is self-awareness of assumptions and theological process without self-indulgence, alongside thoughtful biblical observations and schemas that work out in practical ways for Christian life and Christian ministry."

- David Walter, Regional Director for the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, South Pacific and Ministry Coach, Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students
About
We live in interesting times. The Gospel hasn't changed, but the recent explosion of new presentations and differing emphases means that the Church needs to return to the teachings of Jesus, considered in the light of the whole counsel of God.

Tim Patrick presents a clear articulation of the gospel message, drawn from the pages of the Bible, consistent with the major topics of Christian theology.

Carefully engaging with the latest scholarship in cultural, biblical and theological conversations, Patrick shows how the Gospel is the nexus between theology and ministry. He challenges overly pragmatic approaches and encourages us to see the practical importance of Christian doctrine.

Balancing careful biblical theology with effective and practical ministry ideas, Tim Patrick invites leaders, disciples and thoughtful Christian readers to consider how the Gospel continues to offer clarity in a complex world.
Author
Tim Patrick (Author)
Tim Patrick PhD, Macquarie University) is principal of the Bible College of South Australia, an affiliated college of the Australian College of Theology, where he lecturers in theology and practical ministry. Before moving into theological education and ministry formation, Tim served in local church ministry for ten years, where he worked with a number of congregations and led a number of revitalization projects.

Reviews

"Tim Patrick artfully explores the amazing depth and various entailments of the gospel. An accessible work for everyone on what the gospel is and what it means to read Scripture in light of the gospel. Patrick puts the pieces of the gospel-story and biblical-story in a way that many will find refreshing, illuminating, and deeply encouraging."

- Rev. Dr Michael F. Bird, Deputy Principal, Director of Research and Lecturer in New Testament, Ridley College, Melbourne

"This is the book you didn't know you needed, whether you're a newbie Christian or someone who preaches the gospel week in and week out. Tim Patrick has the theological mastery to make the most demanding doctrines digestible, and the pastoral heart to join the dots from each one of them to our actual lives. In the course of giving us a more conscious and confident grasp on the very foundations of our faith, The Amazing Depth of the Simplest Truth confronts us anew with the unexpectedness of what we believe, and leads us to marvel afresh at the good, good news of Christ crucified and risen."

- Dr Natasha Moore, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Public Christianity

"A valuable and accessible book that invites us to think deeply about the gospel in light of the Bible, theology and mission. Highly recommended for lay people, students and ministers to dive deeply into the good news of the cross and resurrection!"

- Dr Andrew Abernethy, Assistant Dean of Bible and Theology Grad Programs, Professor of Old Testament, Program Director - M.A. in Biblical Exegesis, Wheaton College, Illinois

"In The Amazing Depth of the Simplest Truth Tim Patrick invites us to taste and see the simplicity and riches of the gospel. Patrick's purpose is clear, he wants to grow our confidence and clarity in the gospel, to uncover its profound theological depth and reveal its practical implications for everyday life and ministry. Patrick writes with the insights of a theologian, the heart of a pastor and the passion of an evangelist, resulting in a book that is engaging, challenging and very accessible. While not afraid to urge us to reflect critically and dig deeper, Patrick's approach is balanced, nuanced and even-handed. This book will help to provoke reflection and spark conversation for anyone seeking to connect the good news of the gospel with the lives of those they disciple and evangelise."

- Lauren Hull, Senior Staffworker, Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students

"This book rightly states that "nowadays, there are many different gospels circulating, even around relatively aligned Christian groups." Tim Patrick succeeds in bringing order to the chaos. Without polemics, Patrick maps out differing views and repeatedly arrives at a golden mean, not by compromise but by reaffirming biblical norms. With rigor, clarity and flair, this book will appeal to scholars, students and all others longing to press deeper into the gospel's amazing depth."

- Prof. Robert W. Yarbrough, Professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

"No quick fix here, but a deep dive into the way we should go about promoting the gospel of Christ. With clarifying summaries of leading Christian doctrines, and balanced yet sharp conclusions, Tim Patrick has given us an outline which is apologetic, evangelistic, systematic, pastoral and rhetorically elegant. Just what the gospel demands. It is a multi faceted diamond and must reflect the grace of God through our beliefs and behaviours. I loved this book. Highly recommended!"

- Rev. Canon Dr Rhys Bezzant FRHistS, Principal, Ridley College, Melbourne, Visiting Fellow, Yale Divinity School and Director, Jonathan Edwards Center Australia

"Dr Tim Patrick has written an essential and timely for Christians and scholars alike. The Amazing Depth of the Simplest Truth engages with clarity and theological depth, the core of the Christian faith. A vital book to navigate the confusion and distortion of the current age, equipping believers to understand, articulate and remain grounded in the true gospel of Jesus Christ."

- Chris Makin, Regional Director, Leading the Way Australia

"In this book, Tim Patrick has done the near impossible. He has crystal listed the gospel in a way that captures both its depth and simplicity, whilst being neither parochial nor undiscerning. There is genuine profundity without unnecessary technicalities, and readability without being light weight. There is self-awareness of assumptions and theological process without self-indulgence, alongside thoughtful biblical observations and schemas that work out in practical ways for Christian life and Christian ministry."

- David Walter, Regional Director for the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, South Pacific and Ministry Coach, Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students