I recently read David Mansfield’s latest book Long Story Short. It’s an explanation of John 3:16, designed as a book to give away to a friend and hopefully create a conversation about Jesus.
As I read it, several things stood out. It’s chatty in style – it’s like listening to a friend explain the Christian faith. Even if the reader doesn’t know David, they will feel like they do. His warmth and humanity is on every page.
It’s full of Scripture. What is explained is not David’s personal opinion – his idiosyncratic view of the Christian faith – but rather an explanation of God’s eternal plan revealed in the Bible. Putting the Bible verses in bold text makes that even clearer.
The book is honest and real, and gets to the heart of the matter. For example, when talking about how the very essence of sin is to deceive us about the reality and seriousness of our sin, he tells a personal story that is funny but disarmingly pointed.
It’s rich in stories and songs. If you have ever read David’s blogs you will know his memory of song lyrics is amazing. If you or your friend like musicals, this book is for you!
I wondered how many pages I would read before we got to a song from Les Misérables (not too long is the answer). But it’s the power of the stories or lyrics of the songs that really hit home and illustrate the gospel in this book.
If I had a criticism, it would be that the stories and songs may be a little dated or unfamiliar for a younger audience, but I think the positives of the book make up for this. I have already given a copy of Long Story Short to a young friend.
The gospel is powerful, and this book presents that gospel in all its power. For example, I was glad to get to the end of the chapter on the world’s disintegration as it was graphic and harrowing, but it set the stage wonderfully for the next chapter: the message of God’s great love in sending Jesus.
Finally, it’s all about the gospel. David has chosen one of the great texts in John 3:16 to explain the gospel with warmth and clarity. In the end, every reader of Long Story Short will understand the wonderful gospel of Jesus.
