Rob Bell on the Good News

This video of Rob Bell triggers some interesting questions. What was it about the early Christ followers that made such an impact.?

Was it simply that they had a message of truth that the world was eager to believe?

What was so unique about there message?

Or was it that they were living lives of truth that the world could not ignore?

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Now, I haven't done enough research to verify all the claims of this video. I wish there was some sort of footnotes to reference some of the claims.

Regardless I think this is worth considering: It was likely not simply the gospel message that we often hear preached now that changed the world back then. I doubt it was just solid preaching on truths like this:

• God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.
• But you have a sin problem that separates you from God.
• The good news is that Jesus came to die for your sins.
• If you accept Jesus' death, you can be reconnected to God.
• Those who are reconnected to God will live in heaven with God.
  http://blog.beliefnet.com/jesuscreed/2009/05/kingdom-gospel-1.html
  

I believe the above statements are true, and they are all good news. But it's not the entire good news. It was likely the way that these people became the good news to the people in their communities that made the impact. How they took care of the poor and elderly, how they defended the oppressed, how they shared all that they had, how they served each other, and sought first the kingdom of God. It was likely not just that they preached good news, but that they were living the good news. Nor was this some empty social gospel that was merely good deeds done by anonymous do good-ers. This was a group of people following the teaching of Jesus, and inviting others to join with them living under God's ways instead of the worldly ways.

Jesus claimed he was the light of the world, yet he also said we are to be the light too:

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:14-16 NIV)