What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Change the World

Devastating. Borrowed this book this morning while on a ministry trip in Asia. Could not put it down and was compelled to finish this book, and put up a 5 star review even thought is past midnight.

Exactly what my family and I needed for the next phase of our own transformation. Recommended without reservation.

For a Christian, this is one convicting little book! This is one of those consciousness-raising books. The author is so down-to-earth, transparent and honest about his testimony and the journey on which the Lord took him. I admit that I was as naïve as he was about the plight of our brothers and sisters around the globe. The statistics were so staggering that I almost could not believe they are real...but they are and after reading this book, I have a greater understanding of the great commission and my role in following it. Everyone can do SOMETHING and this book will compel you to do so. This book impacted me so greatly that I now consider it one of my favorite books and am grateful to have read it.

Everyone needs to read this book, Christians especially. Even if its for purely factual information the statistics are true and very surprising. It is extremely encouraging, challenging, uplifting, and the reason it is the 2010 christian book of the year.

This is a life changing book which challenges why we exist and what is our purpose in living. The author gives his personal story in a powerfully thought provoking way that will cause you to think about how and why you are living the life we do. For those who are asking themselves "is this all there is to life?", this book just might be your answer.

Over 20 years ago, Ron Sider's "Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger" changed my perspective for life. I hope this book will have the same effect. I appreciated the author's honesty about how easy it is to forget the suffering of others while caught up in your own life and I could definitely relate. This honesty makes the tough things said in the book easier to listen to and act upon.

This book is very well written. The subject matter will provoke you and encourage the reader to take action to help the poor and needy people in this world. Dear reader, have a heart to help people overcome impacts of poverty where ever you can.

Current examples of what people in America can do to take action: financially support humanitarian ministries to help medical professionals try and stop the ebola virus from becoming a pandemic that will impact America soon; help people who are on the front lines to equip them with funds and resources so they can work with the poor and needy people (who are trapped in poverty) in third world countries, first nutritionally, second to equip the people to become self sustaining with small business loans and training.......this is a big deal!!!

I accidentally came across this book and it sounded good, so I downloaded it to my Kindle. Wow, was I surprised by the wonderful jewel that awaited me, when I began to read this book. Amen, to the author and what he has to say concerning the hole in our gospel today. I would recommend this book to every Christian and challenge them to take a good look at their life and make the necessary changes to be a person who lives the Kingdom of God in every aspect of their life. It is a must read for our time, the church overall is missing the mark.

True and powerfully compelling, Rich Stearns' story exposes the real call for God's people. We can't just know there is poverty and injustice around the world and in our own back yard. We have been commanded and empowered to do something about it!

I am currently reading both of Stearns' books, this one and "Unfinished." Both are a challenging read, challenging in that it invites us to look at our lives and how we are living them. Are we living them for ourselves or as soldiers in God's army, taking the world for Christ? I haven't finished both books yet, but still working on them. Highly recommend both.

An outstanding read that first informs, then makes you think, then challenges you to take action. Richard Stearns has done a fantastic job of framing some of the most important questions of life in today's terms in a most readable format. My caution - don't pick this up until you are ready to change your life, as it requires action in response.

I thank God for this written work and am buying copies for many of my friends!

Once I started reading this extraordinary book, it was hard to quit. The stories are real and personal and captivating, and they make you want to get involved in making a difference in the world. I've read it twice and will probably read it again--and we've given this book to several friends who have been equally moved by it.

Short review: So many "Christians" today enjoy the benefits of Gods amazing grace yet forget all about the "works he prepared in advance for us to do". we also choose to ignore the fact that Jesus clearly says he will separate the sheep from the goats in Matthew 25. What does this mean for the believer? The hole in our gospel answers this question in a powerful way........

Book was very enlightening. We are truly gifted in the USA and yet most people go on about their lives as though we are entitled to all that we have. This book was an eye opening experience for me and it was interesting to read how one man's life changed in so many ways.

Richard Stearns really speaks to the heart of the matter. We are all called to serve in some way.
The earth is the backyard we are responsible for and the people are our neighbors we have a connection with.

Our church is doing a sermon series and weekly small group studies on this book. Warning: You'll find yourself squirming a bit as you think about the ways in which we forget about the millions of suffering people in the world. The author show us that our faith in the Lord needs to apply to the entire gospel.

This is absolutely the best book I have ever read that makes the case for the social gospel. The practice of faith by anyone who professes to be a Christian and who reads this book will be profoundly changed. I highly recommend it to all believers regardless of denominational affiliation or lack of any affiliation.

I found this book to be very thought provoking. It has caused me to think about mission and evangelism in a whole new light. I would recommend this book to all who profess to followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The contents are thorough and compeling for the people of God to be more giving and to realize that the US Christians are the richest in the world. We must consider the poverty and need in the world.

I bought this book on a recommendation for a mission's trip I'm taking the beginning of next year. This book is such a great and inspirational read. It has completely changed my world view on missions and what our part is and should be. For anyone going on a missions trip or just wanting to get a much bigger adn better world perspective, I highly recommend this book.

This is an excellent book. It will change your life and the way you think about the world we all live in. You will think twice about how you use the resources you've been given. It's difficult to put down once you start it.

Who thinks of themselves as greedy? Read this and you will! We are so blessed with wealth. We just need a global perspective to realize it. The way God has spoken to this author and how he responded is amazing. A life-changing book!

When you focus on the statement of a black African minister - "How could I ever face God if I turned my back on these people?"- it changes the perspective on all decision making. If only our politicians and church leaders would do this!

And every Christian should read it. It should be required reading. I'm sure if Jesus was here, he would reccommend this book. Read it and see why I would say such a thing. It goes hand in hand with the Sermon on the Mount.

Wonderful concept dealing with the idea that hole in the gospel is our failure to put our Christian life into practice, especially our lack of concern of the millions who are dying each day when their need could be met. May God forgive us and help us to reach
out to the vast need. We cannot sit idly by and do nothing. Thank you Richard Stearns for sharing this important message.
Chaplain Paul Collins

This book is an excellent wake up call for Christians. How would Jesus view the terrible disparity between the richness of our developed countries and the poverty of most of the population of the world? We now have the awareness of this situation, and the means and methods to change things. How can we be so complacent and comfortable in our narrow world?

Richard Stearn's life story is amazing. He went from a successful CEO with money, social position, and prestige.....to the head of World Vision. He challenges the reader to not be content with his life in the community and with local church service...but to think globally about all of the needs of a starving world. I found it interesting to read and thought-provoking to think more about sharing what I have.

Our church was using this book for a Sunday school series that included some videos. I really think that Richard Stearns has a heart for the pool. He understands Jesus' message to the poor and needy in our world.

This is one of the most amazing, life changing books I've ever read.

It puts a stark light on all our failures as Christians to truly do what is needed to help the poor. At the same time it does give several real world examples of how effective we can be in helping others.

Hole in Our Gospel is an inspiring story. The author seems so authentic and honest about his journey. I hate sappy, overly-Christian stories, and I was afraid that this book would be like that, but it's not (although it does make you want to cry a little!) over-done and fake-seeming. Great book!

This is a great book. Very well-written. Hard to put down. Richard Stearns' life story is a key example of the principles he writes about. Good practical application section at the end of the book.

Hats off to Richard Stearns, no puffed up ego here. You can change a life and in turn be blessed and change yourself all for His Glory. Anyone, anywhere can see our world anew! Linda Gillen, Florida

I am impressed with Richard Stearns honesty regarding his hesitancy to take the job at World Vision. His writing includes an appropriate level of statistics and prodding which makes us have to consider how to change our efforts toward those in horrific need across the world. We bought a second copy to give to a friend.

This is an excellent book. It provides tremendous insights into the needs around the world, and how each of us can make a positive difference in helping humankind, as God expects all Christians to do.

I liked the book because the author states the absolute truth about the gospel and the way that it is usually presented versus how it should be presented at and the role of every Christian and the church in sharing the gospel in full, without all of the holes. It was great reading and should help every Christian to see what our loving God expects of us.

This book was inspirational and gave me food for thought regarding my walk of faith. Richard Stearns did a wonderful job of telling his story as well as the stories of others. It made me rethink my life and what I should do to help those less fortunate than I am. Thank you for writing such a powerful and important topic.

Thought provoking and a must read for all lovers of Jesus. We have the means, now we just need the faith to change the world. Thank you for encouraging all of us who should do more. Praying God will lead my efforts

I am about halfway thru the book. The early part of it was almost comical the way the author describes how hard he avoided doing what God wanted him to do. The descriptions of all the tragedy around the world should make us all wish we could do something more to help.

The cares of our lives can so easily displace the care for the world. We've been left in charge, and so often we excuse ourselves because, because.................I'm changed, for the moment, By God's grace, for a life time.