The Ragamuffin Gospel

The Ragamuffin Gospel is one of the most notable books I've ever read. (In fact, my husband underlined many passages that stood out a couple years back, and then I went through and highlighted many more.) This is a book that helps your heart drink in the love of Jesus. As much as my head knows that I cannot earn God's approval, I found myself in a pattern of trying to "prove I was saved," then failing by falling into a sin, and then becoming depressed and unable to go back to Jesus for grace, because, "Why would He love me? Look what I did." Even though I knew I couldn't earn God's favor, I was trying to do just that, in a "backdoor," sort of way. God used this book to help me recognize this area of deception.

Anyways, back to the book. I'll just highlight a few, "Amen!" moments for me.

"Love is a far better stimulus than threat or pressure."

"The kingdom belongs to people who aren't trying to look good or impress anybody, even themselves." (It's about coming to Jesus like a child. While I know that I am a filthy sinner I have never wanted to accept that fact. In my innermost being I've wanted to reject that aspect of myself. This book helped me accept my decrepit nature and has helped me walk more plainly/honestly with Christ.)

"Awareness of our poverty and ineptitude causes us to rejoice in the gift of being called out of darkness into wondrous light and translated into the Kingdom of God's beloved Son."

"Now honesty involves the willingness to face the truth of who we are, regardless of how threatening or unpleasant our perceptions may be. It means hanging in there with ourselves and with God, learning our mind tricks by experiencing how they defeat us, recognizing our avoidances, acknowledging our lapses, learning completely that we cannot handle it ourselves. This steady self-confrontation requires strength and courage. We cannot use failure as an excuse to quit trying. Without personal honesty I can easily construct an image of myself that is rather impressive. Complacency will then replace delight in God."

Some folks look at this book as controversial. They say it's too grace based, that it contains the heresy of license to sin. I disagree. I think that fully understanding God's grace helps a believer to surrender and obey with right motive and takes us off the Hellish roller coaster of works based salvation. Further, I think books like these need to be read along with the Word of God with a hefty dose of Holy Spirit driven discernment. This book does NOT contain a license to sin, although I believe that many people will try to claim that. That is is the nature of sin.

(I think it's important to say that I have never believed in a works based salvation, in fact I've constantly refuted that untruth to many people. However, Satan gave that untruth a little twist {"You can't try to earn your salvation, so try to "prove," your salvation instead!} and I tripped right into his little hole.

Thankfully God isn't scared to go into little holes to retreive His sheep.

I recommend this book.