Saturday, November 21, 2009

The Hole In Our Gospel

I just finished reading The Hole In Our Gospel by Richard Steans, president of World Vision U.S. I have to say first off that this is a remarkable book - challenging, enlightening, motivating. If you had any doubts whatsoever about God's call to serve the poor, they will be swept aside as Stearns shows us again and again what God expects of those of us who call ourselves Christ followers. You and I have a mountain called poverty set before us but with each of using our 'faith of a mustard seed' we can dig away at that mountain until it is removed.

Stearns makes it very clear that he is no superhero, he is simply someone who responded to God's call to do something, to make a difference, in the lives of those who suffer from poverty and injustice. After reading The Hole In Our Gospel you cannot remain the same, and do not read this book unless you are willing to be changed. That's not marketing hype, it's reality. You will have to respond, either by ignoring the call to get involved or by asking God what you can can offer so that His kingdom comes and His will is done on earth as it is in heaven.

The best summary comes from the introduction to the book itself:

"The idea behind The Hole In Our Gospel is quite simple. It's basically the belief that being a Christian, or follower of Jesus Christ, requires more than just having a personal and transforming relationship with God. It also entails a public and transforming relationship with the world." (pg 2)