Image by compulsiveguile via FlickrThis book & study refers to the "Hole" in our Gospel meaning, that maybe somewhere along the way we got sidetracked from sharing the "Whole" Gospel, & figuring out what it is that God expects of us.
The "Hole" Refers to the fact that in our efforts to Evangelize,& spread the Gospel, we seem to have boiled it down to a sort of "fire insurance" that a person can get by saying the Sinners Prayer, but, then they can go back and live their lives as usual, weather they were rich or poor, as long as they have the golden ticket, or check mark on their card, they are set for life. But, this limited way of thinking isnt the "whole gospel" But, a big, gaping hole"
The "WHOLE" Gospel is much more than Personal Salvation of Individuals, it means considering a total Paradigm shift in how we think of what God actually expects of us.God didnt just save us FROM something, GHe saved us FOR something.
The "WHOLE" Gospel Includes justice, mercy, & faithfulness. Micah 6:8 Says:
Micah 6:8 MSG - YouVersion.com
8 But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously.
So, how does this play out in our lives? It means that instead of just SAYING we care about others, it means we get out in the community and Serve the poor, & the needy by meeting the needs we CAN meet, because not everyone can do everything, but, everyone can do SOMETHING.
We were created by God for God to carry out his purpose on earth, & that means that we need to be concerned about the needs of others around us.
The "Whole" Gospel also means that we must not let the government step in and & do what we as the church are called to do.
Psalm 82: 3-4 Says
“Give justice to the poor and the orphan;
uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
4 Rescue the poor and helpless;
deliver them from the grasp of evil people.
The Message Says:
You’re here to defend the defenseless,to make sure that underdogs get a fair break;4 Your job is to stand up for the powerless,
and prosecute all those who exploit them.”
This is what God is Caling the Church to do. I have for the Past YEAR, to year and a half felt this Tug on my Spirit.
The Study Guide asks for you to figure out a personal mission statment.
That is REAL easy for me since I have already figured that out.
It was Spoken to me loud in clear in a Song by Lincoln Brewster Called the " Power of Your Name"
The very first time I heard the song.. I knew that, I knew that, I knew, THAT was God's Purpose for my life specifically, the chorus. so, that is my Mission Statement.
It goes like this:
I will live to carry your compassion,
To love a world that's broken,
To be your hands and feet,
I will give with the life that I've been given,
and go beyond Religion,
to see the world be changed,
By the Power of your Name.
It is my desire for that to be my Identity, for People to look at me and see that, not Just who I say I want to be!
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