Books
The Divided Gospel
The American church today suffers from a self-inflicted problem: preaching a “divided” gospel that emphasizes individualistic salvation in Christ over against the larger overall message of the Kingdom of God. The primary theme of the entire New Testament is the Kingdom of God with all its societal and cultural implications, a theme clearly seen in the preaching of John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostle Paul.
The pre-Civil War American church generally had a similar Kingdom focus with its emphasis on individual as well as societal transformation. This emphasis changed after the war, however, to the great and lasting detriment of both the church and American society. Rather than engaging the world, the church shifted its focus inward to escaping the world by placing its primary emphases on individual sanctification and the Rapture, thus largely surrendering its influence in American culture and social institutions to the secular humanists. America continues to suffer the bitter fruit of the church’s surrender.
In The Divided Gospel, Joseph Mattera addresses this disastrous problem head-on, identifying fourteen negative consequences of dividing the gospel and explaining the dangerous implications of each. A final chapter contrasts the Kingdom mindset from the religious church mindset and offers insightful guidance to the church for returning to a full Kingdom focus.
The Divided Gospel
The American church today suffers from a self-inflicted problem: preaching a “divided”
gospel that emphasizes individualistic salvation in Christ over against the larger overall message
of the Kingdom of God. The primary theme of the entire New Testament is the Kingdom of God
with all its societal and cultural implications, a theme clearly seen in the preaching of John the
Baptist, Jesus, and the apostle Paul.
The pre-Civil War American church generally had a similar Kingdom focus with its
emphasis on individual as well as societal transformation. This emphasis changed after the war,
however, to the great and lasting detriment of both the church and American society. Rather than
engaging the world, the church shifted its focus inward to escaping the world by placing its
primary emphases on individual sanctification and the Rapture, thus largely surrendering its
influence in American culture and social institutions to the secular humanists. America continues
to suffer the bitter fruit of the church’s surrender.
In The Divided Gospel, Joseph Mattera addresses this disastrous problem head-on,
identifying fourteen negative consequences of dividing the gospel and explaining the dangerous
implications of each. A final chapter contrasts the Kingdom mindset from the religious church
mindset and offers insightful guidance to the church for returning to a full Kingdom focus.
“Dr. Mattera is a unique voice in the Kingdom of God. He is firmly planted as an invaluable resource to those in the ministry as well as those in the marketplace. Invite him into your life and world—you’ll never regret it.”
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Dr. Samuel R. Chand
“It takes a clear mind and excellent wordsmithing to communicate powerful revelation and wisdom from God. Few men or women can do this like Joseph Mattera. He is not only biblically correct but spiritually accurate.”
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Dr. Ed Delph
“I am a regular at JosephMattera.org. Why? Because there are no leftover subjects being microwaved on this website! I suggest you make Joseph Mattera a regular part of your informational and inspirational diet.”
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Mark Pfeifer
“Joe Mattera is one of those rare leaders who possess the qualities of an innovator, an entrepreneur and a visionary combined into one. His integrity is impeccable and his ability to teach his ideas and skills to others is remarkable.”
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Pastor Bob Phillips
“Dr. Joe Mattera’s leadership teachings are a refreshing read for me. I highly recommend to both young and old—minister, businessman or leader—to tap into this deep, rich well of anointed, truthful and sound teaching.”
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Bishop Bart Pierce
“Following the teachings of Bishop Mattera, my ministry focus has changed, giving me the understanding that I am not only responsible for my local church and the apostolic network that I lead, but for the transformation of my community.”
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Carlos Luis Vargas
“Dr. Joseph Mattera is a wise and anointed leader who has provided clear and practical biblical perspective and direction for leaders around the world. His weekly articles and books provide inspired insights to maximize our Kingdom impact.”
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Steve Fedyski
“Joseph Mattera is a teacher and theologian whose prophetic insight identifies problems and provides solutions for today’s churches. Reading any of his teachings will sharpen one’s discernment. I recommend his writings for every ministerial leader. “
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John P. Kelly
“Bishop Mattera’s articles are always insightful, thought-provoking, profoundly relevant yet biblically sound. I look forward to reading them each week!”
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Bishop Dale Bronner
“Joseph Mattera’s articles are always a blessing to me. Joseph’s articles ‘feed me.’ They are ‘feeders for leaders.’ Sorry Australia is so far away!”
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Kevin J. Conner
“Joe Mattera has the rare virtue of combining a thoroughly orthodox, biblical outlook with the capacity to think systemically and with a sharp, critical eye toward contemporary culture. He is a prophetic voice to the Church of the 21st century, providing a much needed balance between simplistic charismania and false cultural sophistication.”
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Dr. Roberto Miranda
“Joe Mattera cuts to the chase, nails every issue with such clarity and makes you say, “Why didn’t I think of that!”
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Jim Garlow