The Hole in Our Gospel

1. The Whole Gospel: Embracing Faith and Action

"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."

Faith in action. The "whole gospel" encompasses both personal salvation and a commitment to transforming the world. It calls Christians to not only believe in Jesus but to actively live out His teachings in their daily lives and interactions with the world. This holistic approach to faith challenges believers to move beyond personal piety and engage with societal issues.

Biblical foundation. Throughout Scripture, we see a consistent emphasis on both faith and works. Jesus himself demonstrated this balance, preaching about the kingdom of God while also healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and standing up for the marginalized. The early church, as described in Acts, continued this pattern by sharing their possessions and caring for the needy among them.

Practical implications:

• Regular involvement in community service or social justice initiatives
• Intentional giving to support causes that align with biblical values
• Advocating for policies that promote justice and equality
• Developing relationships with people from different backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses

2. Confronting Global Poverty: A Christian Imperative

"It is not our fault that people are poor, but it is our responsibility to do something about it."

Biblical mandate. Throughout Scripture, God consistently expresses His concern for the poor and His expectation that His people will care for them. This isn't a suggestion but a fundamental aspect of following Christ. The Bible is replete with commands to care for the widow, the orphan, and the stranger – categories that in modern terms would include the most vulnerable members of society.

Global reality. The scale of global poverty is staggering:

• Nearly half the world's population lives on less than $2.50 a day
• Over 22,000 children die each day due to poverty-related causes
• 1.1 billion people lack access to clean water
• 2.6 billion people lack access to basic sanitation

Christian response. Addressing global poverty requires a multifaceted approach:

• Direct aid: Providing immediate relief for urgent needs
• Development: Supporting long-term solutions that empower communities
• Advocacy: Using our voices to influence policies and systems that perpetuate poverty
• Prayer: Seeking God's wisdom and intervention in seemingly insurmountable challenges

3. The Power of Compassion: Seeing Christ in the Poor

"Mother Teresa once said that in the faces of the poor whom she served, she saw 'Christ, in His most distressing disguise.'"

Shifting perspective. Seeing Christ in the poor radically changes how we view and interact with those in need. It moves us from pity or obligation to genuine love and respect. This perspective aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25, where He identifies Himself with the hungry, thirsty, naked, and imprisoned.

Transformative encounters. Personal encounters with those in extreme poverty can be life-changing. They challenge our assumptions, break down stereotypes, and forge connections that transcend economic and cultural barriers. These experiences often lead to a deeper understanding of global issues and a stronger commitment to making a difference.

Practical applications:

• Volunteer at local shelters or food banks to connect with those in need
• Participate in short-term mission trips or service projects
• Sponsor a child through a reputable organization
• Educate yourself about global poverty issues through books, documentaries, and firsthand accounts

4. Overcoming Apathy: Moving from Awareness to Action

"Bob Pierce once said, 'Don't fail to do something just because you can't do everything.'"

Breaking paralysis. The overwhelming nature of global poverty can lead to inaction. However, even small actions can make a significant difference. The key is to start somewhere, recognizing that while we can't solve everything, we can do something.

Incremental impact. Every positive action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger goal of alleviating poverty and suffering. These actions can create a ripple effect, inspiring others and building momentum for larger-scale change.

Steps to overcome apathy:

1. Educate yourself about specific issues
2. Start with a single cause or organization
3. Set realistic goals for involvement
4. Celebrate small victories and progress
5. Connect with like-minded individuals for support and collaboration
6. Regularly reassess and increase your commitment as you're able

5. Redefining Christian Success: Beyond Personal Prosperity

"If we are to see the poor as God sees them, we first have to repent of our judgmental attitudes and feelings of superiority."

Challenging cultural norms. The "American Dream" and prosperity gospel often conflict with biblical teachings on wealth and success. True Christian success is measured not by personal accumulation but by faithfulness to God's calling and care for others.

Stewardship mentality. Viewing our resources (time, money, talents) as gifts from God to be used for His purposes shifts our focus from personal gain to kingdom impact. This perspective aligns with Jesus' teachings on storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

Practical implications:

• Regularly evaluate spending habits in light of biblical priorities
• Set giving goals that stretch faith and dependence on God
• Seek opportunities to use professional skills for kingdom purposes
• Mentor others in biblical financial management and generosity

6. The Church's Role: Becoming Agents of Change

"A church that lives within its four walls is no church at all."

Expanding vision. The church is called to be a transformative force in society, not just a place of personal spiritual growth. This requires moving beyond internal programs to actively engaging with community needs and global issues.

Collective impact. When churches unite around common causes, their impact can be exponential. This collaborative approach allows for pooling of resources, sharing of expertise, and a more significant witness to the world.

Areas for church engagement:

• Local community outreach (e.g., food banks, homeless shelters, after-school programs)
• Global partnerships with churches or organizations in developing countries
• Advocacy for just policies at local and national levels
• Creation of social enterprises that provide jobs and training
• Environmental stewardship initiatives

7. Personal Responsibility: Using Time, Talent, and Treasure

"God never asks us to give what we do not have . . . But he cannot use what we will not give."

Stewardship mindset. Recognizing that all we have comes from God and is to be used for His purposes shifts our perspective on personal resources. This view challenges us to be intentional about how we use our time, develop our talents, and allocate our finances.

Diverse contributions. Everyone has something to offer, regardless of their circumstances. God can use a variety of skills, experiences, and resources to make a difference in the world. The key is being willing to offer what we have.

Practical steps:

1. Conduct a personal inventory of skills, interests, and resources
2. Identify causes or organizations that align with your passions
3. Start with small commitments and gradually increase involvement
4. Seek opportunities to leverage professional skills for kingdom purposes
5. Regularly reassess and adjust your giving of time, talent, and treasure

8. Breaking Cultural Blindness: Challenging Societal Norms

"We have shrunk Jesus to the size where He can save our soul but now don't believe He can change the world."

Recognizing biases. Our cultural context often shapes our understanding of faith and limits our vision of what God can do. Breaking free from these constraints requires intentional effort to see the world from different perspectives.

Prophetic voice. The church is called to challenge unjust systems and cultural norms that perpetuate poverty and inequality. This may involve taking unpopular stances and advocating for change in areas where the church has historically been silent or complicit.

Steps to cultural awareness:

• Engage with diverse voices through books, media, and personal relationships
• Travel or serve in cross-cultural contexts
• Critically examine societal assumptions in light of biblical teaching
• Seek out alternative perspectives on current events and global issues
• Participate in intercultural or interracial dialogue groups

9. The Urgency of Now: Addressing Global Crises

"Every day I meet young people whose disappointment with the church has turned into outright disgust."

Time-sensitive issues. Many global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and systemic poverty, require immediate action to prevent long-term catastrophic consequences. The church has a unique opportunity and responsibility to lead in addressing these issues.

Credibility at stake. The church's relevance and witness to the world are closely tied to its response to global crises. Failure to engage meaningfully with pressing issues diminishes the church's impact and alienates younger generations.

Priority areas for urgent action:

• Climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Global health initiatives (e.g., HIV/AIDS, malaria, clean water)
• Education and economic empowerment in developing countries
• Refugee and migration crises
• Human trafficking and modern slavery
• Food security and sustainable agriculture

10. From Transactional Faith to Transformational Living

"Faith today is treated as something that only should make us different, not that actually does or can make us different."

Holistic transformation. True faith in Christ should impact every aspect of life, not just our eternal destiny. This transformational approach to faith leads to changed values, priorities, and behaviors that align more closely with God's heart for the world.

Ongoing process. Transformational living is not a one-time decision but a continual journey of growth and alignment with God's purposes. It requires regular self-examination, repentance, and recommitment to living out the whole gospel.

Characteristics of transformational living:

• Regular engagement with Scripture and prayer
• Active involvement in a faith community
• Intentional stewardship of resources
• Pursuit of justice and compassion in daily decisions
• Willingness to take risks and make sacrifices for the sake of others
• Continuous learning and growth in understanding global issues
• Sharing faith through both words and actions

Last updated: August 8, 2024