The Book and its Topic
The Revolution has started. Welcome to God’s Revolution!
What a book! And what an event. I am involved in a full-scale, world-wide revolt and I didn’t know about it. Here I am feeling guilty for not getting much out of old-school church – and meanwhile it is all part of God’s design.
George Barna tells this somewhat risky and unpopular story with excellence. As always, this little book is backed by some serious research and hard work. First of all, it is interesting! Then it is informative, helpful and practical. Oh, and did I mention it is small and easy to get through? My type of book!
It sheds new light on what is going on in the world (yes, George, the revolt is spreading beyond the US borders). Barna starts by explaining this upheaval. Then he takes a look at what God expects of the church (from the Bible) and he states the seven main passions of Revolutionaries (incidentally the seven attributes that made the church of Acts so successful).
Barna goes on to sketch the bleak picture of the state of the local church and its church goers, based on research by The Barna Group. In chapter five George gives us seven trends leading to the New Church, and shows how American’s experience and express their faith today versus how that will have changed by 2025.
Very importantly, Barna goes on to illustrate how exactly God is active today.
What about Jesus? He was a Revolutionary, right? Correct. George illustrates how Christ’s priorities determined his actions and how his character allowed him to succeed. It is like ‘Being a Revolutionary 101’. Learn from the Master...
Barna excellently concludes the book by looking at the effect of the upheaval on the Revolutionary. Maybe this sanctifying effect is the whole aim of the revolt? He shows that the seven traits Paul tried to teach to his epistle audience, fits in very nicely with the seven passions of the partakers in the revolt. These also form the marks of a Revolutionary.
Finally, Barna tells his readers exactly why all this matters. And it does! Trust me.
Boy, I wish this was a book summary. I want to carry on raving about this message and give you all the details.
Sadly, it’s a book review, and I’ll leave the journey of discovery for you to enjoy...
BookDisciple Power Quote
This is one of those classic examples where I had a really tough time to choose a power quote. Any one of a number would do, but this is the one that I feel has the most impact...
“The Revolutionary mind-set is simple: Do whatever it takes to get closer to God and to help others do the same. Obliterate any obstacle that prevents you from honoring God with every breath you take. Be such an outstanding example of the Christian faith that no one will question your heart or lifestyle – except those who see institutional survival as equally or more important than the alleged influence of the institution they defend.
Or, put more succinctly, the Revolution is about recognizing that we are not called to go to church. We are called
to be the Church.”
- Revolution, p. 39.
So, how does it read?
You go George! Another book that is small, short, fun to look at and hold, but life-changing. Thank you for your obedience, and thank you Lord for using this man so powerfully!
This book is easy. If you are anything of a speed reader, it's a day’s work. Normal readers will be able to devour its wisdom over a weekend. My copy has 140 pages including an appendix.
What did this book mean to me personally?
It showed me what I truly am. I do not boast, except for the cross of Jesus Christ. But I proudly admit that by the grace of God I am a Revolutionary.
SIDEBAR - Since I originally wrote this review (which I am now reposting on the new-look BookDisciple), the teaching that I received from this book and George's latest effort, Pagan Christianity, which he wrote with Frank Viola, has led me to start a gathering of the Church of Jesus at my home. Organic, natural, whatever-you-want-to-call-it - it's amazing! The Lord is using our gatherings and community to change our hearts and lives. - SIDEABAR.
Conclusion
If you are tired of going to church, and tired of seeing people going to church and then live as if they are non-Christians as soon as they leave again, join the Revolution! Or, maybe you are already part of the upheaval and need to find out more about it. Ultimately, it is a matter between you and God.
The entrance fee for membership? According to Jesus that “...is repentance, obedience, love, and service.”
Remember, as Barna says: “being part of a group that calls itself a “church” does not make you saved, holy, righteous, or godly any more than being in Yankee stadium makes you a professional baseball player.” George says that you are responsible for your own spiritual state – “...the onus is now on the believer to put up or shut up.”
The message of the book is a simple one. Love God, and “love others into the permanent presence and experience of God.” Strange, but it sounds like something Jesus once said...
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