Chap 1 (The Hole in Our Gospel)

Hole a hallowed place in something solid

Our gospel has been narrowed to a simple get out of hell free card transaction. Evangelism has diminished to a prayer and saving people from the consequences of the next life. But what about this life? What happened to making a mark in people's lives' that can never be erased? Or blessed to be a blessing until all the families on the earth are blessed.

So great now you are saved because you accepted Jesus, you know Jesus loves you and you wont go to hell. But you are still hungry, marginalized, downtrodden, broke, busted, disgusted, arrogant, greedy or selfish. Where is the fruit? The change? The result?

Why are we selling fire insurance instead of a life of impact and abundance (fulfillment in every area of life)? Whats with the watered down version of the gospel (good news)? Did that participate in the recession? Why has the gospel reduced to laws and formulas?

Quote from p18
""God's love was intended to be demonstrated not dictated. Our job is not to induce or manipulate people to embrace Christianity. Our charge is to both proclaim and.embody the gospel so that others can see, hear and feel God's love in tangible ways."

The gospel means more than salvation of individuals but a social revolution. Its not a movement but a lifestyle.

God is concerned about the spiritual, social and physical dimensions of our being. The gospel should be and is the power to change the world.

Introduction (The Hole in Our Gospel)

Highlights

The idea behind the Hole in our gospel is simple. Being a follower of Christ requires more than a personal and transforming relationship with God. It also entails a public and transforming relationship with yhe world.

Jesus asked a great deal of those that.followed Him. He asked for everything. He expected much more than believing He is the Son of God. That is all you need to get into heaven but what are your expectations on earth?

To not eat pork? To observe the Sabbath? Thats all law! To pray to Mary? Not watch TV? Thats not even biblical. The commandments were summed up into two simple yet radical principles:
1. Love God with all your heart, soul and mind
2. Love your neighbors and enemies¡

This is not about sticking to the status quo. Belief is not enough. Worship is not enough. Personal morality is not enough.

If the world could only see God through you, what would they see?

All of us who live in this world share the responsibility for tackling the worlds problems and showing compassion to our fellow man. So have we changed the world the way God intended?

Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.