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Customer Reviews for Thomas Nelson The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
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Thomas Nelson The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
The Hole in Our Gospel tells the compelling true story of corporate CEO Richard Stearns, who set aside worldly success for something far more significant, and discovered the full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to change his own life. He uses his journey to demonstrate how the gospel was always meant to be a world-changing social revolution, a revolution that begins with you. The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) recently announced The Hole in Our Gospel as winner of both the Christian Life Category Award and the 2010 Christian Book of the Year.
Average Customer Rating:
(59 Reviews) 59
Rating Snapshot (59 reviews)
5 stars
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2 out of 367%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Review 1 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
Too much emphasis on personal ladder-climbing.
Date:March 21, 2012
Betty Whitten
Location:Thomasville, NC
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Meets Expectations:
2
out of
5
I did not expect to get a lesson on ladder-climbing in order to reach the highest level of World Vision. Besides, all the emphasis is on mostly African problems. Has this writer never heard of the horrible conditions children are living in right here in the USA? I was raised on the adage that "charity begins at home". "Home" means USA. Let's take care of our own problems here first, then we can move on.
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Review 2 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
I see the world differently now.
Date:January 19, 2012
Cherie
Location:Illinois
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I had delayed reading this book, knowing it would change me. When I finally garnered the courage, there was no going back. I began seeing God's command to care for the sick, the lame, the orphans, the homeless, the poor, and the widows in a completely differently light. What if we took the Bible literally? Wouldn't this be it's message?
"For I was hungry, while you had all you needed and more. I was thirsty, but you drank bottled water. I was a stranger, and you wanted me deported. I needed clothes, but you needed more clothes. I was sick, and you pointed out the behaviors that led to my sickness. I was in prison, and you said I was getting what I deserved."
God does not have different levels of compassion on his children based on their geographic location, their nationality, or their language. God loves EVERY one of his children, and we are to do the same. This is where Stearns proclaims that our gospel has a hole in it. We as Christians have accepted salvation, but stopped there. We have forgotten that faith requires work.
I can't recommend this book enough. You'll see the world differently, and as Christians we need our eyes opened to our earthly responsibilities.
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Review 3 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
This book could change your life.
Date:December 27, 2011
Judy B
Location:California
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Outside of the Bible, I think this is the most important book I have ever read. It is the kind of book that changes the way you see everything else. I think everyone in America and Canada should read "The Hole in our Gospel:What Does God Expect of Us?" It is good to reflect on what God expects, and then also to reflect on His power to enable humans to do what He expects.
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Review 4 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
Date:February 27, 2010
Jennifer Ekstrand
Through Book Sneeze, Thomas Nelson Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of The Hole in our Gospel by Richard Stearns to review. Stearns narrates his journey from a business executive to president of World Vision. He encourages readers to give everything to God and show faith through works, particularly toward those in need.I enjoyed the narrative portions of the book; I found myself glorifying God for the work He has done in Stearns life and through Stearns' work in the lives of others. I think this book is helpful in exposing American Christians (including myself) and churches to our need to act.However, I had some serious disagreements with his ideas. His theology, particularly his interpretation of Scripture, was troubling to me. I was suspicious of many of his "facts" some seemed to come from biased sources or sketchy surveys. He created false dichotomies and oversimplified issues.I hope the book is effective. I think it has made my heart more tender to the destitute, and I am considering additional actions. I think the book addresses an issue that needs addressed. However, I cannot give this book the high recommendation that I would like to because of my reservations.
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Review 5 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
Date:February 19, 2010
Jonathan
I love the fact that Stearns talks about Christians being much about doing, and not just being. Stearns reveals intense truths about the world around us, the world that those of us who are comfortable do not notice very well. And herein lies the problem: that the Gospel we profess ought to be a Gospel that causes us to move into social action on behalf of these afflicted people. The "hole" in our Gospel, says Stearns, is a Gospel that does not move into social action (paraphrase). The "whole" Gospel, though, is one where we take responsibility for the poor and show them the Gospel by our action so that in response they would turn to God (121-22).What I'm concerned with is his interpretation of some Scriptures. He is certainly no theologian, and I do not hold him to that standard. But I know how easy it is to make Scripture seem to mean what you want it to mean when you have an agenda to push. And most certainly this book has an agenda. But it's an agenda I agree with.So for that, I will give this review a healthy 4 out of 5 stars. The reason I don't give 5 is because of some of the theological elements. I don't think that social action is always a part of the Gospel. I think there should have been a distinction between the Gospel and "Mission." Not that they are separated, but that the Gospel message always includes words, mission does not. So the old saying "Preach the Gospel always, and when necessary use words" is off the mark. Words are always needed when preaching the Gospel. Always. But words aren't always needed in Christian mission. And the Gospel drives the Christian mission, not the other way around. In spite of this, my rating stands firm. A healthy 4 out of 5!
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Review 6 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
Date:January 9, 2010
James Whittaker
Being involved in sometime preaching, sometime teaching, sometime visitation I get my focus on making sure I have the truth of God's word but I forget the work of the Gospel. This book was needed for it reminded me of where my focus should be; "Into all the world making disciples.
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Review 7 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
Date:December 20, 2009
I am glad that I purchased and read this book. Richard Stearns did a magnificent job on this subject. I learned a lot of statistics about world wide incomes, however, I already knew that the U.S. has prospered above all other countries. The only thing I have a problem with is the amount of salaries World Vision and other charities pay [their head officers] in proportion to what the average American receives. Yes I know that they need to be compensated but if money is a important factor then the person should not be in a Ministry of GOD. How much is enough? I read the book and I know that Richard Stearns took a big cut in salary and benefits when he accepted the job at World Vision but guess how much he makes each year? Research it and you will be surprised.
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Review 8 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
Date:November 26, 2009
This book is actually two volumes woven together: the first volume is the account of urgent global needs and a call to respond to those needs as followers of Jesus Christ. The second volume is the testimony of Richard Sterns, and how God dramatically called him from a very successful, lucrative corporate career to assume the leadership of World Vision. The first volume is compelling, though it does get bogged down in details that are more informational than inspirational. The second volume however, is priceless. It was this section of this book that moved me deeply, learning how one man could sacrifice his "successful Christian life" to make a true difference in the world. The true path to greatness in the kingdom of God is found not by climbing up a ladder of success, but by climbing down a ladder of service. Richard Sterns illustrates that truth vividly here. I recommend this book highly -- just be warned, your Christian life may not be the same again.
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Review 9 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
Date:November 17, 2009
I can hardly remember a time when I have been so profoundly impacted by a book. Literally these 279 pages has transformed my thinking and I could not stop telling everyone I know about this book. What an incredible story of faith in action! It is an awesome reminder that having faith is so much more than just crossing that line and accepting Him as our Lord and Savior. Yes, that is fundamental, yes, that is the first step, but that it just it...it's the first step.There is so much more that we can do for Him each and every day if we choose to listen to the call on our lives and be the hands and feet that He has commanded us in His Word.This book is hitting a home run and I can't wait to see what happens when more and more people realize that there is a Hole in Our Gospel.
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Review 10 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
Date:November 14, 2009
Peggy
You get a hint of where Richard Stearns is taking you from the question and answer posed on the jacket of the book. Stearns asks What does God expect of us? and says the book contains the answer that changed my life and might just change the world.I seldom run across a book that I cannot read straight through, often in a matter of hours after getting it. This was one of those books. I started easily enough as Stearns took us through his early life, corporate achievement and the challenge to his faith that came through recruitment as the new President of World Vision. As he began talking about his early experiences with World Vision and how it changed his outlook, I found myself being convicted about how I have failed to care sufficiently for the least of these. Reading the rest of the book was slower going and it made me evaluate my calling in the church. If Stearns goal was to make us grow in our faith and faithfulness, he certainly did so in me.The hole he describes in our gospel is often seen in our single mindedness as to how we go about fulfilling the Great Commission. We are called to go and make disciples, but we often have differing ideas about what that means. It is more than bringing people to saving faith. It is also helping to meet their immediate needs and teaching them so they can meet their own needs and those of others in the future. The whole gospel as advocated by Stearns saves lives materially in this world and eternally in the next.
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Review 11 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
Date:November 4, 2009
Amanda
Oh wow...I didn't find this a slow read at all! I couldn't put it down! My husband and I have always had a heart for the poor and the hurting in our world. We have been to two third world countries in Africa and have looked into the peoples' eyes. This book not only makes people aware of the circumstances our world's people are in, but also emphasizes what it really means to take up your cross and follow Christ. It doesn't mean look the other way or justify why you don't have time to care...it means take action and let God lead you!
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Review 12 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
Date:September 4, 2009
Joann Wedin
A 'must read' to all those who profess to following Christ and doing His will. The words bring the mission of Christ alive in a way rarely found today.
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Review 13 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
Date:September 2, 2009
Dennis Muse
The Hole In Our Gospel, by Richard Stearns, the President of World Vision published by Thomas Nelson, is a compelling call to Christ-followers to know and understand the whole gospel, and our obligation to take it to the world. This book is amazing; it is one of best books I have read in a long time. In this book we learn of Richard's personal story, his rise to not only CEO of World Vision but God's working in him to know and embrace the whole Gospel. We learn of Richard's ventures into the world, the world of poverty and need. As he states "Poverty, disease, and squalor had eyes and faces that stared back, I had to see and smell and touch the pain of the poor. We learn "The mission of God is now our mission, and the whole gospel is the good news". That the Kingdom which Christ spoke of was one in which the poor, sick, grieving, cripples, slaves, widows, orphans, lepers and aliens - the lest of these, were to be lifted up.This subject is one of my passions, world hunger and living out the whole gospel, so this was preaching to the Choir for me, but helped fuel my passion for the need and for the church to get, know, embrace the whole gospel and do something with it. This book should be a must read for every Christian, in the pew of every church. A required reading for every pastor. Stearns tells a powerful and compelling story of how God transformed him from one who like most Christians believes the American dream is the gospel, Christianity lived out. To one changed by the real gospel, humbled and broken, giving it all up for Christ and to take the gospel to the world.
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Review 14 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
Date:August 25, 2009
Calvin Habig
It seems that one of the prerequisites for heading a large Christian humanitarian and relief organization is to write a book detailing ones journey towards a deeper understanding of the issues of world pain and deprivation and the role that Christians need to play in alleviating that. The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Change the World by Richard Stearns is no different. Stearns details his journey from being an executive with Parker Brother Games and President/CEO of Lenox, Inc (known for their fine tableware and luxury-goods) to the head of World Vision, U.S. The move of Stearns from the world of business to the world of humanitarian relief, was not so much a change in direction as to a return to his roots. As a young believer, he and his wife Renee were committed to living out the gospel in a radical way. He was determined not to become one of those hypocrites who talked the talk but didnt walk the walk.But God had much for Stearns to experience before he was ready to head this organization with world-wide influence. Stearns reviews the huge needs within our world and why the church has been so ineffective in fulfilling the entirety of the Gospel: thus the hole of the title. Stearns writes: I believe that we have reduced the gospel from a dynamic and beautiful symphony of Gods love for and in the world to a bare and strident monotone. We have taken this amazing good news from God, originally presented in high definition and Dolby stereo, and reduced it to a grainy, black-and white, silent movie. In doing so, we have also stripped it of much of its power to change not only the human heart, but the world. While it is a bit of a slow read, Stearns emphasis is undeniably Christian and powerful. I believe it is worth your time.
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Review 15 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
Date:August 18, 2009
crystal steimling
The Hole In Our Gospel, by Richard Stearns is a book unparalleled to any other in calling us to a deeper place of commitment & understanding of the Great Commission. One can talk about being fishers of men, one can get excited about making a difference and impacting the lives of fellow human beings, but until one TRULY understands the magnitude of need, and what making a difference REALLY looks like through the magnifying glass of the "whole gospel" we are hard pressed to get it right. This book is a powerhouse of facts, real life examples lived out, and scripture, all woven together to create a masterpiece that brings the reader face to face with the Whole Gospel. Beware, it is radical and convicting! (In a great way). If you are: compelled to greatness or desire accurate information, if you are moved with compassion and desire to be Christs hands extended, if you are affluent and self sufficient, if you are lukewarm and lack for not much of anything, if you sit in church week after week and don't really know why, or even if you love the Lord with all your heart mind and soul, this book is for you and a must read!Whatever our views are, wherever our priorities lie, reading this book is sure to bring us one step closer (if not a hundred steps closer) to lining up with the "whole gospel".
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Review 16 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
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Date:August 11, 2009
wheniconsider@gmail.com
No one life, whether tethered to evil or freed to fly, is ever abandoned by the far reaching love of God. The Gospel is proof of that: Jesus Christs bloody death, haunting burial, and powerful resurrection. The Hole in Our Gospel gives a powerful expos of these facts. Richard Stearns captures the state of affairs in our gospel living by honestly portraying his heart and what changed it. He then leads us through stories and statistics (not his favorite thing) trying to help our eye capture the needs of our world. Concluding with a powerful and stirring call to arms, he inspires us to make a difference by living that difference. The message was truly one that must be read again and again. In the way of writing, I was a little overwhelmed with the middle section of the book. There were a lot of logistical facts and information, but the author did disclaim his use of such. I believe, in total, that all the data was in an attempt to give a birds eye view of the need. No matter the case, I laid the book down and was moved to act.
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Review 17 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
Overall Rating:
Date:July 24, 2009
Karen Noll
This is a fantastic story and one that really touches your heart. Richard Stearns opens your eyes and makes you want to reach out to help and do as much as you can for the poor and needy throughout our world. I laughed, cried, and saw myself portrayed as one of those people who thought I was doing enough for Christ to help the needy, but not anymore!
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Review 18 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
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Date:July 22, 2009
What does God expect of us? The answer that changed Richard Stearns life and might just change the world, is found in this book. The Hole in our Gospel is the story of how a CEO of a luxury company, became the President of World Vision. How Richard Stearn's life became of life of doing God's work instead of paying others to do it for him.A devout Christian, Richard had made his way up the corporate ladder and was on the top, in fact he had been CEO of two major companies, and was comfortable where he was, he had his dream home, his children attended a exclusive private Christian school, they all attended a wonderful church and life was good. Then God began to rattle Richard's cage, so to speak, he started putting people in his path who suggested he take the job of President at World Vision. Follow Richard's story of how God changed his life forever. What does God expect of us? We are to love God, to love our neighbors, and to go and make disciples of others who will do the same. Read along in this book and grasp the vision that God gave Richard about what He expects of His followers. A wonderful book that will "mess with your stuff" as I told my friends. I highly recommend this book to all Christians.
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Review 19 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
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Date:July 18, 2009
Drusilla Peterson
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It's challenging, compelling and takes you to the very heart of today's problems in the world and the church. You can't put it down once you start reading. CAUTION: You will be convicted by Rich Stearn's message and you can never turn back!
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Review 20 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us?
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Date:July 17, 2009
Ben Tune
How could twelve disciples change the world two thousahd years ago when two billion Christians can't today? If we are proclaimers of the Good News, why does our message bring so little joy? If we cary the Light, why do so many wander in darkness? We are missing something. There is a hole in our Gospel.This isn't a bedtime story. This book will make you uncomfortable. It will make you see things differently. In fact, you will see things you never saw before. It may make you angry. At yourself. It may leave you asking more questions than it answered. It seems like an extended World Vision commercial at times, but I think this is understandable and acceptable. The Hole in Our Gospel feels like an autobiography at first. Rich gives us an idea of where he has been and how God worked in his life to move him into his position as President of World Vision. As I read the first few chapters, I kept asking God to work so powerfully in my life.As the story continues, the mood changes as Rich presents a myriad of facts and statistics regarding the poor around the world. This is, by far, the most difficult portion of the book. I felt guilty, angry and hopeless as I read. This is where my eyes were opened to things I had not seen before. Things I did not want to see before. As I read, I asked God to forgive my ignorance and apathy. I asked to see the World through His eyes.Rich concludes with a call to action. I knew it was coming as I read the book. The problem was I felt overwhelmed by everything that is wrong with the world and felt hopeless to make a difference. Rich expects this and provides a great amount of encouragement in just a few pages. As I finished the book I was inspired to do even small things with great love. I am a member of Thomas Nelsons Book Review Blogger program.
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