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Thursday, March 05, 2009

a hole and a cure

Rick Stearns, the President of World Vision (a Christian relief organization) just published a book called "The Hole in our Gospel". His aim, in his own words, was to ask "what does God expect of us"?

A line of well-wishers lined up on his blog when he asked "do you think there is a hole in our gospel?" Yes, Mr. Stearns, you are right! I haven't read the book, so I don't know if their praise was valid. These are my thoughts....

Assets:
1. apparently there is a lot of scripture
2. the man has seen a lot of suffering but is still hopeful and persevering
3. there is a need for a Christ-centered view point to all of the social justice talk that is so in vogue
4. the recession has been a wake up call to the prosperity of the west. maybe this will dovetail on that and provide needed correction
5. the authentic gospel could potentially be shared through this book to reach unbelievers and lukwarmers with the words and life of Jesus

Concerns:
1. it will be too depressing
2. people/the church's sins and faults will be BIG, God will be small
3. I already agree that we need to meet the needs of the whole person-- and that the gospel is lacking something if it doesn't. Will it only reach an audience already aware and concerned about this?
4. skeptical about how I grow from this book if I'm already on board
5. he won't offer practical action steps: 1. repent, ask forgiveness 2. start living in the WHOLE gospel......without repentance, people could be left depressed and guilty, (which is not where the gospel leaves you, so I really hope that doesn't happen!)

Comfort:
1. books don't change people, God changes people. sometimes he uses books. may this be one of those.
2. the book of Life is the ultimate comfort and authority. The more that his people know it and live it, the further his Love will reach through us, his hands and feet.

Finale:
I probably won't read it, but I'm curious to see if there are any ripples of change from this-- I'd prefer to see waves, I guess! I would rejoice in a spiritual hurricane of repentance and grace blowing through America....and through my own heart.