RAGAMUFFIN GOSPEL US EDITION PB

This book was recommended by Martin Erwin as part of the 50 years- 50 people- 50 books! series. Here is Martin's full message and recommendation:

When you were involved in GLO and in what role?

‘I studied at Tilsley College from 1989 to 1990’

Can you share a significant memory of that time?

‘GLO ran youth weekends at Castlewellan Castle in Northern Ireland in the 1980’s and I remember attending a number of these. The weekends inspired me to join summer teams, and my first was as an 18 year old, going to The Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells, led by David Prosser. This team had a profound effect on me as I sensed a calling to full-time ministry. After my studies at Tilsley, I moved to England to train with Counties in 1991. The work of GLO has had a profound effect on the direction of my life, and it has been a joy to see my daughters join GLO teams too in recent years.’

Why have you recommended 'The Ragamuffin Gospel'?

‘I first read this book in the 1990’s. It had an immediate impact on me. Many of us struggle with a sense that we never quite match up, that our Christian lives are not as strong as we would like, or that our growth is held back by struggles with doubt, sin or other life issues. The Ragamuffin Gospel is a simple reminder that Jesus loves me, that the Gospel is Good News for people like me. That it is Good News for me now, not just at the moment of my conversion. I have returned to this book many times, and it has been a balm to my soul.

'Manning was a converted Catholic Priest, a man who struggled throughout his life with alcoholism and self-doubt. His autobiography ‘All is Grace’ is also well worth reading. Quoting Francis Schaeffer, Manning writes, “True spirituality consists in living moment to moment in the grace of Jesus Christ.” He concludes, “This book is simply a commentary on Schaeffer’s statement.”’

With great thanks to Martin for his recommendation for the 50 years- 50 people- 50 books! series

A Furious Love Is Hot on Your Trail! Many believers feel stunted in their Christian growth. We beat ourselves up over our failures and, in the process, pull away from God because we subconsciously believe He tallies our defects and hangs His head in disappointment.

In this newly repackaged edition - now with full appendix, study questions, and the author's own epilogue, ' Ragamuffin Ten Years Later,' Brennan Manning reminds us that nothing could be further from the truth. The Father beckons us to Himself with a 'furious love' that burns brightly and constantly. Only when we truly embrace God's grace can we bask in the joy of a gospel that enfolds the most needy of His flock - the 'ragamuffins.'

'Brennan Manning does a masterful job of blowing the dust off of shop-worn theology and allowing God's grace to do what only God's grace can do, amaze.' - Max Lucado, Bestselling author of The Gift for All People

'I found deep comfort in realizing that Jesus loves even me, a ragamuffin, just as I am.' - Michael Card, Musician, recording artist, and author of A Violent Grace

'This is a zestful and accurate portrayal that tells us unmistakably that the gospel is good, dazzlingly good.' - Eugene Peterson, Author of The Message

Publisher : Multnomah Publishing; Revised edition (28 Jun. 2005)
Language : English
Paperback : 272 pages