About the Book
The Christian faith involves many different elements: a God-Man, a Holy Spirit, a breathtaking sacrifice, an unbreakable bond, a daily fight, an unshakable hope--and more. Each is critical to our salvation and essential to the shape and purpose of our daily lives. Yet some have become so familiar to us that we miss their importance . . . and others may not feel familiar at all. Pastor David Cassidy's engaging, conversational look at these essentials of the Christian faith helps us to understand their true importance and their disruptive power in a dark and troubled world. We're living in an in-between time, positioned between Jesus's death on the cross and his final return. And this in-between time is full of confusion, pain, and uncertainty. What if we caught hold of the indispensable things and held them close?
About the Author :
David Cassidy is the senior pastor of Spanish River Church in Boca Raton, Florida. He has been communicating the essentials of the Christian faith in England and the United States for nearly forty years.
Review :
A gifted speaker reveals that he is a gifted writer--with a superb turn of phrase and accessible language at every turn. His writing is littered with quotable nuggets. As it says on the cover, this book is truly Indispensable.--Daniel Singleton, Editor, Faith With Its Sleeves Rolled Up; National Executive Director, FaithAction
A good apologist is first and foremost a faithful witness. In this remarkable book, David Cassidy acknowledges that knowing good arguments is not enough. Instead he has listened carefully to the questions that nag at all of our hearts and minds, and he offers testimony of how he himself has found substantive, sound, and satisfying answers. Highly recommended.--George Grant, Author, The American Patriot's Handbook; Pastor, Parish Presbyterian Church, Franklin, Tennessee
Among the handful of books I regularly share with new Christians and with those who are exploring the Christian faith, Indispensable is poised to become a compelling, trustworthy go-to. It is compelling because its author, David Cassidy--who is also a friend of mine--does not merely tell us the truth about God and life but also shows it to us through his own journey of faith. The book is trustworthy because it is rooted, and richly so, in Scripture and in the essential "anchor doctrines" that together comprise saving faith. I highly recommend that you not only read Indispensable but also share it liberally with others.--Scott Sauls, Senior Pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church, Nashville; Author, Befriend and Irresistible Faith
David has the rare ability to take profound biblical truths and apply them to my life. In Indispensable, he teaches me that the fundamentals of the Christian faith are absolutely necessary as I walk through the trials, sorrows, and challenges of life. I was led to reread sections of the book in order to apply them to my life. David winsomely portrays God's indispensable truths in the life and fabric of the church. I heartily recommend this book.--Jay Kyle, Vice President of Asia Pacific and Latin America, Redeemer City to City
David Cassidy is unique; he's simply not like most pastors. When he speaks, you realize that waters run deep in this man and you find yourself longing to explore their depths. Dare I say, his words have a Eugene-Peterson-like quality. David is well traveled, widely read, smart, and a magician in the kitchen--and the melding of those ingredients, together with a heavy diet of adversity, has produced a man who can serve a feast of wisdom. That wisdom is lavishly offered in Indispensable--which, simply put, is rich nourishment for the soul.--Ray Cortese, Pastor, Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church, Lecanto, Florida
David Cassidy, a trusted leader with extensive pastoral and international experience, is adept at working across denominational lines and with diverse evangelical leaders. He has much to say that will be of profit to many people, no matter their background or their standing in relation to Christ.--Al Barth, Vice President and Global Catalyst, Redeemer City to City
Ever feel that going to church is like walking into a movie that's already begun? Unfamiliar phrases, complex theological concepts, and spiritual lingo can make faith unnecessarily opaque. David Cassidy's book, Indispensible, brings compelling clarity in a confusing time. It delivers the core of Christianity, wrapped in interesting anecdotes and poignant stories from the author's own life. If Christianity has ever confused you, settle in with this book and pop some corn. Indispensible helps to tell the best possible story--the true story that is the last hope of a lost world.--Nancy French, Coauthor of God's Double Agent and For the Right Reasons
Indispensable is the voice of a seasoned pastor who gently guides us into green pastures and beside still waters. If, like me, you have no time for optional frills but are open to the classical Christianity through which millions have found reality with God, this book will satisfy you. I wish everyone in the Nashville area, where David Cassidy and I both serve, would read this book!--Ray Ortlund, President, Renewal Ministries; Council Member, The Gospel Coalition
Most of us can appreciate what's behind the common question "What's the least I have to believe--the minimum entrance requirements--the lowest common denominator to be considered a Christian?" Written in a winsome, accessible style and filled with quotes that range from Leonard Cohen to Frederick Buechner, David Cassidy spells out what is indispensable to the Christian life, reminding us in every chapter that the truth of Christ is not an answer to a question. It's an entirely new way of being--a new life. This is an ideal book for those who are just starting on the way--who want to know what they believe--and for all those interested in helping anyone in that pursuit.--Rankin Wilbourne, Lead Pastor, Pacific Crossroads Church, Los Angeles; Author, Union with Christ
This book is a testimony to why David Cassidy is one of the great "kneeling theologians" of our time. Every word is an invitation to celebrate the Lord in worship. Indispensable is written with deep commitment to the historic faith, yet it also engages widely with a staggering range of perspectives. David's joyful confidence in the God of the Bible empowers him to fearlessly explore and interact with points of view across the theological spectrum. This really is classic Reformed theology at its very best. And all this is presented with the humility, grace, and personal charm that is the trademark of David's preaching. Though structured around Christian basics, his book will challenge and delight you wherever you are in your spiritual journey.--Ray Cannata, Senior Pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New Orleans; Coauthor, Rooted: The Apostles' Creed
Through the years I have observed David Cassidy to be both brilliant and pastoral--a rare and enviable combination. His insights consistently take me somewhere I would not otherwise have gone, and his heart is always aimed compassionately at human brokenness with gospel-informed assurance. Whenever he speaks, I am all ears. Reading Indispensable revealed why: with daring transparency, he lives and writes out of the daily astonishment he experiences himself, through his fresh encounters with Jesus. He really believes this stuff! This is the kind of book that we want folks to read at our church. It is real. It is raw. It is honest. It offers Jesus. And it is beautiful.--Mike Khandjian, Pastor, Chapelgate Presbyterian Church, Marriottsville, Maryland; Author, A Sometimes Stumbling Life
We're living in a time when biblical illiteracy is commonplace. When Scripture is not read, the foundational doctrines of what it means to be a Christian become blurry--or, worse, lost. I am thankful for David Cassidy's pastoral ministry and for this book, which holds high the essentials of the Christian faith and does so in a way that presents Scripture as both important and inviting.--Russ Ramsey, Pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church, Cool Springs location, Franklin, Tennessee; Author, Retelling the Story Series
What a great resource! Indispensable offers brief but colorful and compelling explanations of essential truths such as union with Christ, the purpose of the sacraments, the necessity of the body, and the reality of suffering in the life of a believer--the kinds of topics that are usually reserved for longer theological tomes that most ordinary believers simply won't read. These short chapters offer just enough to provide clarity to individual readers, as well as creating a foundation for good discussion when studied in a group setting.--Nancy Guthrie, Bible Teacher; Author, Seeing Jesus
What a refreshing book! Finally someone has written about the eternal verities of the Christian faith in a clear and conversational style, without theological jargon or any ifs, ands, or buts. Indispensable is just that--both indispensable and a treasure. It reminds Christians about what is really important (and we need to be reminded about) and allows searchers to see the essence of the Christian faith clearly. Read this book and give it to your friends. You and they will rise up and call the author blessed.--Steve Brown, Author; How to Talk So People Will Listen; Founder, Key Life Network
What an amazing labor of love by my friend, David Cassidy! This scholar-pastor has written a systematic theology that informs the mind, stirs the heart, and guides the will. Whether you are a professional theologian, a seasoned pastor, an engaged layperson, or a searching unbeliever, this book will bless you.--George Robertson, Senior Pastor, Second Presbyterian Church, Memphis, Tennessee
With honesty and vulnerability, David urges us to trust in the totality of Jesus through life's journey. You will be filled with awe as you read this book. I really appreciated the authenticity of the author as he looked realistically at the offensiveness and diminishing effects of sin and the power of God's life-giving grace. I believe that it will strengthen many in the trials of life as they look to Jesus in all his fullness and are filled with hope for the future, sacrificial love for their neighbors, and power to live purposefully on the earth.--Alex Afriyie, Senior Pastor, London Network Church, London
With humor, grace, and lively prose, David Cassidy tells the story that too many Christians have nearly forgotten: that Christianity isn't merely a dogma, a philosophy, or a system of morals--it is a brand new life that's united to Jesus and his people and sustained by the work of the Spirit. This book serves as both an excellent introduction to Christianity for those outside the kingdom of God and a warm reminder of what's truly indispensable about our faith for those who already know and worship Jesus. A deeply encouraging book.--Eric Landry, Senior Pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Austin, Texas; Executive Editor, Modern Reformation Magazine
