Comments on: Book Review: Holy Discontent

By: GUNNY HARTMAN

GUNNY HARTMAN — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 21:30:12 +0000

“everything we are discontent about is everything God is discontent about and that’s not necessarily the case”

This is our concern, dude.

Folks in church look around and get discontent about something, assuming their thing is now the most important ministry or need or whatever, at least in God’s eyes.

Now, if you don’t share that desire (whether it be to serve in the soup kitchen or go to Zimbabwe or vote Republican or be in the prayer ministry or whatever), then you don’t really love Jesus.

By the way, if you folks don’t show up to the Fellowship of Reformed Churches conference on 11/17, then you don’t love Jesus … and the terrorists have already won.

By: Darryl H.

Darryl H. — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 16:23:58 +0000

I’d say that, as with most seeker sensitive authors, this book has some content that could be helpful to a true believer. Only problem is, the negligence of these seeker friendly authors and pastors to actually deal with the unconverted souls of their readers and listeners leaves the material devoid of any true power to accomplish its actual goal.

I’m reminded of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 4:19-20 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant but their power. For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.

The power of the Gospel is found in truth- the whole truth. And the truth of this matter is that the fruit in our lives comes directly from being connected to the vine. We can’t produce truly “good” works apart from Him. And we can’t truly be a part of Him unless we are first regenerated. And we will not be regenerated unless we are exposed to the truth of the Gospel. So, preaching to lost people about making the world a better place by doing things FOR God or even in the name of God becomes an empty endeavor.

By the way, I couldn’t help but laugh when you provided a link to buying Popeye cartoons. Very funny.

By: Brent

Brent — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:59:53 +0000

I agree and that’s why I tried to point out that the book would have been much more powerful had Hybels developed the full Biblical and theological framework. There’s much right about what he says but there’s also much missing.

By: Chris G

Chris G — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:36:48 +0000

It’s funny, I went to one of Hybels’ Leadership Summits a few years back. That is where I must have picked up the phrase, “Holy Discontent.” Because I use it all the time. However, like you say, I use it in the context not just of Ephesians 2:10 but in the context of Ephesians 2:1-10. Does that make sense?

Basically, I completely agree with your review. But I also want to point out that the phrase is actually very helpful pastorally when it is put into a theological context that includes Gen 1-2, 3, and the cross.

Thoughts?