Jesus Loves You: This I Know
I was given a copy of Craig Gross’ new book, Jesus Loves You: This I Know. Craig is the founder of xxxchurch.com and the author of the book The Gutter. The book has the look and feel of a Rob Bell book, but the title takes anyone who grew up in the Church down memory-lane (just try and read it without that song getting in your head).
The overwhelming strength of the book is the perspective of stories that it offers. While it doesn’t unveil any absurdly deep theological ideas, it offers unique stories that drive home the message. The book is co-written by Jason Harper, a pastor who decided to get a one day a week job doing something that nobody liked: cable company collections in order to see if he could live out his faith just as well as he could surrounded by Christians.
Some of my favorite stories from the book included Craig’s time with Porn King Ron Jeremy (which involved a WWE wrestling event between them and a dinner at Hooters). I also loved the example of the Red Frog Crew in Australia that makes a focus of serving people lost in the gluttony week of Schoolies.
Here are a few of the quotes that stood out to me:
“I’ve asked those who doubt Jesus where their issue lands, and so many times it’s not with Him at all. It has been with rules that have replaced relationship. The issue has been interpretation of Scripture, not the investigation of a Savior.”
“That is what Jesus does. He brings purpose out of pain. He brings life through death.”
“Society demands justice; Jesus delivered mercy. People want to get; Jesus gave. People want to forget; Jesus remembered. Skeptics demand an explanation; Jesus died to deliver the definition.”
“[Ron Jeremy] said that I [Craig], as a pastor, would be more embraced by the porn industry than he would be at a church.”
September 24th, 2009 at 9:21 AM
That last statement is sad because it’s true. A guy like that wouldn’t be accepted in the church.
Zach´s last blog… Moron, pt. 2
September 24th, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Does Ron Jeremy not get that he hangs out with “the Church” all the time when he is with Craig? Defining terms is important especially when we are talking about issues like these to people like Ron who have possibly been burn by people who attend a church building…
There is a vast difference.
I wonder if metaphorical light bulbs would go off if Ron realized that the true church is sitting across the table from him…
Perhaps I’m speaking out of turn and am misinformed…it just seems like a common misunderstanding among those both in and outside the church building on what the true “church” really is as defined by scripture and what it’s purpose truly should be.
Eric Henley´s last blog… Amputee – Nate Pfeil
September 24th, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Eric,
After reading the book, I think that Ron understands that Craig is part of the Church. The problem is, people like Craig are few and far between in his life. He has far more experiences with “the Church” lashing out at him at every turn. If more Christians treated Ron like Craig does, I’m confident his view of the Church would be different.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Thanks, Jeremy…now I have “Jesus loves me this I know…” running non-stop through my head! But is that such a bad thing in the scheme of things?! ; )
Anyway, I’m excited to read Craig’s book! The first quote is a humbling truth and is what many non-believers have shared with me. As believers, it’s a hard and necessary truth to swallow, but it’s important that we understand this distinction and realize that no matter how much we modernize, spin, and spiff up Jesus, it’s really us that can be the deterrent to people coming to relationship with Jesus.
I hope you interview Craig for Off The Record!!
Romi´s last blog… Book Signing / Fundraiser for Pat Tillman Foundation
September 24th, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Hey Jeremy,
thanks for taking the time to do the review.
looking forward to the interview on here too!
September 25th, 2009 at 8:46 PM
Thanks for clarifying Jeremy…I figured he should get it as long as they have been “hanging out” what’s it been…4-5 years? =)
September 29th, 2009 at 8:00 AM
let us all remember the first person Jesus appeard to on the first day, was Mary Magdalene, whom he, Jesus, had casted out 7 demons. It wasn”t a , I don:t drink, and i don:t smoke, follower. Lord there is much to do.