Digging Deeper: A Reformed Response to the Theology of the Church of Christ as Espoused in Michael Shank's Muscle and a Shovel

By Marcus Baker

How would you answer the man who told you that if you have not been baptized into the church he belongs to, then you are not really a Christian? What if he had Bible verses to prove it? "There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call- one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:4-5). "And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name" (Acts 22:16). This is what Michael Shank argues in his book, Muscle and a Shovel. He describes the Church of Christ in these words: "Plain Bible teaching with no human opinions. Allowing the Bible to speak where it speaks. A people who desire book, chapter, and verse for every belief and practice potentially prescribed to. Anything not found in the Word would be thrown aside as insufficient." Sounds convincing, right?
However, a proper understanding of Scripture goes beyond the surface-level excavation presented in Muscle and a Shovel. Digging Deeper examines Mr. Shank's bold assertions in light of God's Word. It will equip you to recognize the faulty interpretive methods which lead him to teach contrary to the message of the Bible. Digging Deeper also serves as an introduction to important theological categories. Biblical definitions of key terms are provided and explored, revealing the majesty of the true gospel-salvation by faith alone-while exposing a false, works-based gospel for its inability to save sinners.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FH65P79P
• ISBN13: 9798385044467
• Release Date: July 2025
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Length: 260 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"