Lost Message

'CoverCover of The Lost Message of Jesus

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us...The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Romans 5:8 Numbers 6:24-26

In The Lost Message of Jesus, Steve Chalke presents the church with a stark challenge. With all our preoccupation on doctrine, worship, tradition etc, have we actually lost sight of what Jesus came to show us about the nature of God? For some of us, it is easier to believe that God is judgement or that God is anger and revenge rather than the biblical truth that God is love. It is not just that He loves or chooses to love but that He IS love.

Chalke relates a story about Karl Barth illustrating this truth. At the end of his life Barth was giving a lecture in the US. At the end of his talk a student spoke up and asked, "Professor Barth, after all your years of theological study, what is your greatest insight?". After some moments of silence Barth replied, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so".

Steve ChalkeImage via Wikipedia

We might think this is a twee little story but the truth it relays is crucial to our understanding of Christianity. Our relationship with God is not based on our perfect understanding of theology, or our ability to move mountains with our faith, or our ability to make it through the day without sinning. It is based wholly and completely on God's immense love for us and our simple faltering reaching out to Him on the cross and saying 'Yes'.

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Comments

Steve said…
Excellent post.Most succinct!
Andrea said…
Such in inspiring post....as always Mike.
Anonymous said…
Side note: I had to look up "twee" (must say I love having to do that -- for us 'mericans not in the know, it is "affectedly dainty or quaint" and chiefly a British term)

I love that quote from K. Barth. Simply receiving God's love seems easy enough, and yet it can be the hardest thing we do sometimes. This Jesus-love is both the undoing and making of us. ~Suz.
Paulie said…
I thought twee was a typo and was supposed to be "sweet." Never thought to look it up. The truth in that is why we teach toddlers to sing, "Jesus Loves me, This I Know." We often forget tha great truth when we put the focus on us.
Yes, love. It is an inherent truth and this time of the year it should be a vivid reminder as we celebrate his life-giving love, the life He gave and the life given us, both given in LOVE!! Thank you! Cathy
Gudl said…
I agree!!
Yes, he loves us and Yes, we have to say yes to Him and accept HIS love and sacrifice.
And then, we will start budding ;-)
Susan said…
It is so simple. WE complicate it.
Susan
imac said…
Another great post Mike.

You will like my new post.
Wanda said…
Oh Mike, my husband used that quote not so long ago~~ Simply profound!!

Wonderful post for today.
TMM said…
The most life-changing and most powerful truth: He loves ME!

Sidharth
Angie said…
Amen! I agree with Penless Thoughts.
Kim S in SC said…
YES, Lord! Yes!!
thank you Mike!
zakscloset said…
i am with penless thoughts too! really, we tend to forget those simple things! thanks for the reminder!

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