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Customer Reviews for Thomas Nelson The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Thomas Nelson The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
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:
(52 Reviews) 52
Rating Snapshot (52 reviews)
5 stars
32
4 stars
17
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
1
22 out of 2492%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Review 1 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
Fantastic story, facts and plan of action
Date:May 6, 2013
paulman
Location:Atlanta, GA
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Book has two stories. Richard Stearn's journey and the real picture of poverty in the majority world.
Describes poverty very vividly and realisticaly. Practical solutions are offered and scriputure is woven well into the book.
Describes poverty very vividly and realisticaly. Practical solutions are offered and scriputure is woven well into the book.
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Review 2 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
High Hopes;Low Results
Date:May 24, 2012
JasonB
Location:San Ramon, CA
Age:25-34
Gender:male
Quality:
2
out of
5
Value:
1
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
1
out of
5
First, let me start by saying that I was very excited to go through this study as a church and in our small groups. I had heard from a number of people how "moved" they were. I will admit that Christianity as a whole could do more to alleviate some of the effects of poverty by supporting organizations like World Vision (the makers of this video), along with better local partnership. With all that said, there a number of areas where The Hole In Our Gospel either misses the mark, or is outright wrong. First, Richard Stearns places an undue burden on the Church (especially the American church) to deal with the consequences of problem far greater than the any of our control. The few solutions he proposes are conveniently the same services that World Vision offers, while at the same time only glancing over real and far more larger causes and solutions. Often I felt like I was either being guilt tripped, set up for making a donation, or just plain made to feel responsible for problems outside my control. Lastly, is Stearn's assualt on America and wealth. I agree that wealthy people could do more, but that is between them and Christ. Someone else's wealth is none of my business, nor is his assumption that all Americans are wealthy because our income level is substantially higher than the world's per capita income. The reality is that America and the "American Dream" have been a beacon of hope for people around the world as they look for a country to model after. The Amercian ideals of upward mobility, free enterpise, individual responsibility, and property rights are both biblical and have done more to lift poeple out of poverty than any single aid organization or NGO. Just ask countries like South Korea and Brazil, or Western Europe and Japan that relied so heavily on Amercian wealth and political stability following WWII. This series follows what many people find to be emotionally appealing with the social gospel, but lacks a fuller understanding of what Christ's first and foremost mission is; saving sinners from the the punishment we deserve, and not providing clean water.
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-5points
4of 13voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
This book is challenging and well written
Date:May 9, 2012
Michael
Age:18-24
Gender:male
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
The Hole in the Gospel is not a book to read passively. The purpose of this book is beyond mere education, beyond just knowledge of statistics of the horrors in this world. It is a call to action.
There are many eye opening facts presented in this book. For example, five million die every year due to water-related illnesses. Twenty-five thousand people die from hunger related causes every day. The author makes a good point that when observing statistics, it is easy to not fully understand or process the severity of what is happening. In reality, each number in that statistic is an individual, a distinct person with dreams and ambitions.
One of Richard Stearns main points is that their is a hole in the gospel among Christians today. The hole is that we ignore Jesus command’s to help the poor and needy in our world. An intriguing example he gives is that if all the words concerning poverty were taken out of the Bible, it would remain in tatters. Therefore, as professing Christians, we must not lay back and ignore the troubles of the world. We should take initiative to get involved, whether it is through donations to organizations such as World Vision or Compassion, or taking a walk down the street and helping a fellow homeless man.
Overall, The Hole in the Gospel is a challenge to live out one’s genuine faith in the understanding that fighting injustice in the world is an integral part of the Bible.
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
One of the best books I have read in recent years!
Date:April 17, 2012
Richard
Location:Alberta Canada
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Richard Stearns makes the gospel practical and challenges your thinking about why we are here and what is our ministry to be in light of what Christ has done for us.
It is not an easy read from the perspective content and challenge but it is an essential read to round out our world view in light of the redemptive work that Christ has done in our lives. This is a must read!
It is not an easy read from the perspective content and challenge but it is an essential read to round out our world view in light of the redemptive work that Christ has done in our lives. This is a must read!
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1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
Eye Opener
Date:April 15, 2012
Cheer Leader
Location:Prairie Grove, Arkansas
Age:55-65
Gender:female
This book is an eye opener with the details regarding things that we already know exist. We all know there is mass poverty in the third world, but this book goes into detail that takes away the impersonalness of the situation and we can not play dumb anymore. This book was a monthly selection for my church book club.
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1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
THIS BOOK TURNED OUT TO BE EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED
Date:March 15, 2012
LovelyLee
Location:Clovis, CA
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I was challenged by the author's dedication to his ministry with reaching outside our cozy churches. He has definitely caused me to open my eyes to situations I can be a part of.
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-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
A Really Must Read Book
Date:February 10, 2012
Daniel Araujo
Location:Alhambra, CA
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This is one book that every Christian needs to read. The call of Christ is to do more than just hit people over the head with half a Gospel.
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:November 21, 2011
jigsaw
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I am just in the beggining of the book, but have already been challenged beyond my comfort zone. After previewing the book, I knew I would be challenged to evaluate my faith in Christ and put hands and feet to my theology.
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1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
Every Christian NEEDS to read this book! Marvelous
Date:November 2, 2011
Martha Hecock
Location:New London, Ohio
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This book was suggested to me--highly! Can't put it down, as it's very convicting. I was only going to read a few pages to begin with and found myself on page 50!! Sure makes one think about the purpose in their life and what are they doing to influence (even in very small ways) others for Christ. I know a pastor who bought a copy for every family in his congregation. Then he had a series of sermons on it. Richard Stearns (author) is very credible with the stories he leads us into. Amazing book!
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Review 10 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
Excellent!!!
Date:October 12, 2011
rosie
Location:Phoenix
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I put off reading the book for 6 months, believing it to be an advertisement for World Vision. Instead I found it to be life changing in my ideals and beliefs, biblically speaking. It is full of God's truth and His perspective and value of human life.
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Review 11 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
Thought provoking
Date:October 8, 2011
nonna
Location:maryville, tn
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
This is a book that offers food for thought. It brings awareness to poor and hurting people, one individual at a time. Instead of producing guilt, it makes me think about what kind of difference i am making in this world. We need to be serious about fulfilling The Great Commission.
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
Exceeds my expectations!
Date:September 28, 2011
Beth
Location:Lincoln NE
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The prologue and introduction of this book began to teach me and make me think before I'd even started reading the book itself. The study guide questions and other resources in the back, including the interview with the author's wife, were all intriguing and made me want to dive into the book, as well. Once in the book, I could barely put it down. Thought-provoking, to say the least. Written in a style that's easy to grasp. Reading during my lunch breaks at work, it gave me snatches of things to think about and process the rest of the day. Amazing book. Can't recommend highly enough. My only slight concern is that I hope my copy holds up. I anticipate it being well worn, dog-eared, and marked up in the margins over time.
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Review 13 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:September 6, 2011
From the Prairies
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
The gist of the book is all about the full gospel of Jesus, focusing on serving and loving the poor of the earth. Richard Stearns is the president of World Vision U.S and takes the reader on an in depth look at what the Bible says about ministering to the poor and the topic of justice.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the way Richard began the book with his own personal testimony in the first few chapters. It was very easy to feel his passion for the poor through his writing and I found my heart drawn and reminded about my own experiences in missions. I really enjoyed the stories of his travels and the incredible people he has met along the way.
Though I enjoyed the book, was provoked and challenged, I still felt something was missing. The basis of our service coming from a place of a living, intimate relationship with Jesus seemed to be missing, as well as a perspective of the time in history that we are living in in regards to the return of Jesus. There were parts that seemed to be borderline with a very strong focus on works and service, without the connection to the Man whom we love as the point of our actions. It had a real social justice feel that didn't always seem to point to the true Answer. Because I tend to be turned off from materials that have a strong social justice feel, I sure didn't like the quotes from Bono. I would have liked to see more connection at a heart-level to Jesus being the true Answer to poverty and injustice and more focus on the power of prayer. Chapter 12 and 13 were fairly depressing as they described in details the challenges surrounding the poor. I was hoping that Richard would bring the readers some hope in the midst of all the grim reality of Part 3 and 4. He brought some positive perspective, even if it wasn't the turn around that I had hoped for. I enjoyed Part 5 the most and really appreciated the challenge to the reader about what are we going to do to live out the Gospel.
On the whole, I really enjoyed this book and it was special for me to read it after returning from the mission field abroad. I would recommend this book as it is challenging and provoking about living out the whole Gospel. (I received this book complimentary from Booksneeze).
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Review 14 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
Great read.
Date:July 17, 2011
jaylee509
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Awesome book to read. It really opens your eyes to what you can do in your daily life to serve God. It also opens your eyes to things in your life you should do differently to serve the Lord. The author has a great testimony to share!
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Review 15 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
Conviction
Date:July 14, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
The Hole in our Gospel (2009, Thomas Nelson) won a 2010 Christianity Today Book Award of Merit in the category of Missions/Global Affairs, and with good reason. I am a bit skeptical of most books that encourage us to feed the hungry, dig wells, and other such charity. Not because those things are bad, but because those books are usually pretty unbalanced. They rely on feelings of guilt and pity to cause us to change our behavior. This one is different. Richard Stearns is president of World Vision U.S. In this role, he has seen the problems he writes about. And he is personally involved in meeting those needs.
Stearns starts out strong by saying, “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 much more than just having a personal and transforming relationship with God. It also entails a public and transforming relationship with the world. If your personal faith in Christ has no positive outward expression, then your faith – and mine – has a hole in it.” (pg 2)
As I read the book, two overlapping themes struck me. The first is his call to individual Christians and churches to address the crises of poverty, hunger, lack of medical care and education, and clean water. What divides him from most who write books on these themes is that he does not propose evangelism has to fall by the wayside in this pursuit and he reinforces his pleas with Scripture. Many more liberal writers at least imply that many of these issues exist because the western church is wealthy. Stearns appropriately absolves us of that: “Here I want to make a key point: it is not our fault that people are poor, but it is our responsibility to do something about it. God says that we are guilty if we allow people to remain deprived when we have the means to help them.” (pg 123)
The second is Stearns’ personal story. He tells of his upbringing, his education, business success, conversion, family life, and call to head World Vision. That story alone would make interesting and compelling reading.
In addition to many Biblical quotes, he draws upon inspirational and convicting quotes from other Christian leaders and other dignitaries. Coupled with his own compelling writing, The Hole in our Gospel is a convicting book.
This book is neither easy nor comfortable to read, but it is important. I recommend it for most any believer and every church leader. Become part of the solution.
Thoughts?
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Review 16 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
Excellent book, very well written,
Date:June 7, 2011
Ernest Anderson
Location:Naperville, IL
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The author is very transparent as he writes and makes one really think about what we are doing to help the poor of this world. It is an easy read and brings God's word into play as we see the plight of many people around the world today and the vast difference between the haves and the have nots.
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Review 17 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
True faith requires action
Date:June 7, 2011
Rose
Location:Minneapolis, MN
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This is an excellent book. A book that will challenge the way you think and push you to take action. I read it this winter and am now using it for a small group bible study.
I highly recommend it.
I highly recommend it.
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Review 18 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
One of the best books I've read in a while.
Date:April 8, 2011
Rick
Location:Longmeadow, MA
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Hole in Our Gospel is an aptly applied title to a book that describes a very real need for the church in America to refocus, retool and restore a long-lost practice of extending a hand to the poor and outcast. This is one of those books that requires a response. Read it at your own risk. But do read it.
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Review 19 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:March 24, 2011
Pastor George
Location:Randolph, VT
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
For a long time, I resisted buying and reading the book, “The hole in the gospel,” because it sounded like a social gospel book. Social gospel books are often built on shaky theological frameworks. Eventually I purchased the book and read it and was pleasantly surprised. The teachings of this book have a solid biblical foundation. This is a book that exhorts Christians to live out the full ramifications of the gospel.
Too much activity in church never goes anywhere. We are often focused more on ourselves than others. This book will snap the reader out of such delusions. I am going to recommend that small groups in our church study this book to see if there is a “hole” in our gospel and we are missing out on some of the blessings of the Christian life.
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Review 20 for The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World - eBook
Overall Rating:
Great essence, normal writing skills
Date:February 20, 2011
Cindy
Location:Malaysia
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
This book is written by the President of World Vision U.S. about poverty and the reaction of the world's population towards this issue. Generally, the grand idea is that our faith is not just about believing but the concept of "faith and works". Very much similar to the teachings I have received as a Catholic, where we are being encouraged to put our faith to work. I appreciate the exhortation which Stearns gave about handling the issue of poverty. It is true that everyone is called by God to answer His call. And I am glad that he answered the call to be the President of World Vision U.S. where God is using him to reach out to the poor and hungry.
On the other hand, I was not used to the writing style, hence had a difficulty to finish reading the book. It took me a lot to try connect to the topics he was trying to connect to the readers. Hence, as much as the essence of the book is encouraging, I'd say I did not enjoy much reading it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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