The Lost Message of Jesus

by Alan Mann, Steve Chalke, Mann Chalke

Book Overview

A fresh--and perhaps controversial--look at Jesus by one of Britain's most respected Christian authors. Who is the real Jesus? Do we remake him in our own image and then wonder why our spirituality is less than life-changing and exciting? Steve Chalke--a high-profile visionary in the United Kingdom and an evangelical recognized not only by Christians but by the general public as well--believes that the real Jesus is deeply challenging. And each...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0310248825
• ISBN13: 9780310248828
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

THE LOST MESSAGE OF JESUS

A MUST READ FOR FOLLOWERS, PEOPLE WHO ARE CONFUSED BY THE CHURCH OR THOSE LOOKING FOR DIRECTION. IT'S NOT ABOUT INSTITUTIONS, IT'S PERSONAL AND SIMPLE---- GOD IS LOVE!

The Lost Message of Jesus

A popular evangelical New Testament scholar on theology is Steve Chalke. His easily read and understood book "The Lost Message of Jesus" states a very loud question: "What is The Lost Message of Jesus?" Chalke developed an old question from the history of salvation as an existential encounter. He makes a rationalistic approach to understanding the lost message of Jesus. Those rejecting the inspiration of Scripture view the lost message of Jesus as any other piece of literature and approach the study from a critical standpoint. From that foundation, there is great diversity of opinions such as the matter of man's sinfulness, and his need of a spiritual Savior to atone for his sins. Chalke points out some Christians might wonder if there really is any thing to say about Jesus. Nevertheless, Chalke emphasized that every new generation must grapple again with the question: "What is The Lost Message of Jesus." This book is a step in the right direction it takes the reader back to meet Jesus in His original context with His original message of hope, love, and life-transforming power. "The Lost Message of Jesus" written to stir thoughtful debate and pose fresh questions helps create a deeper understanding of Jesus and His message. The major theme is the kingdom has come, which begins with Jesus three years of teaching the explicit declaration that the Kingdom of God had finally arrived. Some welcome Jesus while others rejected Him. There are mysteries revealed in the stories Jesus tells about the Kingdom. I personally believe there can be no deep, genuine repentance apart from the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit revealing to the sinner the nature of his sin, not merely against himself or others, but first against God. The prodigal son is a great example of genuine repentance. The father had great compassion for his returning prodigal son. The father portrays God's response to a repentant sinner. Like the father in the prodigal story, God waits for the sinner to come or to return to Him of his own volition. When the son finally came to his senses, he said to himself, "I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee" (Luke 15:18 KJV). The Gospel simply states when man chose to leave the sins he once loved repentance takes over his heart. Even though the theological truths of Scripture presented on the pages of this book detail purpose and space much about God remains incomprehensible. This is certainly true of the incarnation, when God became flesh and dwelt among humanity. Perhaps the greatest tragedy would be if one would be able to delineate orthodox doctrine without having entered into personal fellowship with the One to whom the doctrines testify. It is conceivable that a reader has ventured this for without personally knowing the reality of new life in Christ Jesus. The one hundred and ninety seven pages would be a great introduction to the theology of "The Lost Message of

The Message of Jesus in the Gospels

The Lost Message of Jesus (TLMOJ) was assigned as a text for a seminary course I am taking on "Kingdom, Church and World." This book earns a rating of 4 stars because of its straightforward content and overall approachability. Throughout the book Chalke focuses on the biblical concept of the Kingdom of God, which is the dominant message in the life and teaching of Jesus. In doing so, as other reviewers have noted, the tone of the text emphasizes action, love and justice. Readers who might find this book to be "liberal" are probably approaching the TLMOJ from a different angle than the author and this may result in some discomfort. Chalke focuses on Jesus and the message he brings as is recorded in the Gospels. This message is comprised of his words, but perhaps more importantly his actions. Readers looking for the sinner's prayer or emphasis on personal salvation wont find it in TLMOJ because this idea is largely absent from the Gospels. I can't help but think that most of the objections raised by this book will largely be prompted by an American Evangelical reading of the Bible, rather than an honest assessment of Jesus as he lived and taught in the first century world. As I read the book I kept thinking to myself "I have heard this before" and in most cases I had. A reader searching for a wealth of "original" material in TLMOJ may be disappointed as most of the content and ideas can be found more fleshed out in other sources; the influence of NT Wright is especially noticeable. That being said, the strength of the book is not its originality, rather it is its presentation. Chalke does a marvelous job of presenting a holistic understanding of the Kingdom of God in a book that is easy to read and easy to recommend. He effectively introduces a variety of insights on the Kingdom and the message and ministry of Jesus. The book perhaps could have been improved if the author had credited his sources so those interested could further investigate the concepts he introduces; however, that desire could admittedly come from my own academic reading of the text. Overall I would recommend Chalke's The Lost Message of Jesus, especially to those looking for a high-altitude overview of the Kingdom of God. The book is also exemplary of an easy to read introduction into the theology behind the emerging church movement - it would be a great "first read" for someone interested in these topics. -bk

The Lost Message of Jesus

This is a wonderful book, and the author's should be praised for daring to reveal God as a loving God who grieves over our errors. Current thinking has portrayed God as vengeful, requiring a human sacrifice to appease His wrath. TLMofJ portrays God in a completely different light. After all, Jesus did not come to save us from God. The style of the book is easy reading, so it can therefore be read in just a few sittings. However the truths portrayed are beautiful, and deep.

Fantastic back to basics for even the toughest skeptic

Mr. Chalke has written a clear, concise, loving-God view of the life and message of Christ. Many non-believers will welcome the message of a smart, kind, insightful man whose only purpose on earth was to make things better for us all, with solid data to back it up. This author teaches Christ as I was taught - no judgement or condemnation, but redemption for all who seek it because he lived. This a fast, wonderful read and I bought it for everyone I know. I am not kidding.