The book’s subtitle states: “taking back your faith in the American Dream.” How often do we get caught up in our lives and forget about the last time we invested in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Unfortunately what we think of the gospel message at times becomes an American version of the gospel itself. Platt challenges us to go back to the basics of what God desires from us in a simple command, GO.

Radical provides tangible ways for us to refocus our mindset towards evangelism and live the Gospel in Truth. As the book concludes, there is a great summary of what Platt explains throughout the book: “Real success is found in radical sacrifice. Ultimate satisfaction is found not in making much of ourselves but in making much of God. The purpose of our lives transcends the country and culture in which we live. Meaning is found in community, not individualism; joy is found in generosity, not materialism; and truth is found in Christ, not universalism.

 

Ultimately, Jesus is a reward worth risking everything to know, experience, and enjoy.” The book finishes with providing a one year plan of action for us all to consider how we can change this current American Dream mindset and instead bring back the true faith found in Jesus Christ alone. (Reviewed by Clint Steinke)

 

You can purchase a copy of this one in our church lobby or download it on Amazon by

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When I (Rob) was a younger pastor this book was used to speak to what I was feeling about my own life but could not put into words. I remember sitting at the dining room table and not being able to put it down. The Bible warns us that the only things that are going to last into our eternal life are those things done for Christ (Mt 6:19-21). If we believe this, how will it affect our choices, our budgets, or vocations? One imagery in the book that struck me as I read was the alarming condition of young men who are pressured to waste their lives. In his book, Piper shares the account of a young man who was just seventeen when he snuck into the European theater during WWII and found himself on the beach at Normandy. Here is a young man who sneaks himself into the conflicts of war in order to invest himself in the greater cause. We can contrast this with the current temptation within ourselves to shrink back from great responsibility and opportunity. In the end we can see that the danger of wasting our life is present at every turn.

In addition to being a great book (especially for young men who are rising to the occasion of God’s names sake) it’s also free. Just follow this link and download the e-book.    http://www.desiringgod.org/books/dont-waste-your-life  (Reviewed by Pastor Rob)

There might be no more frequently used word in the Christian church right now that the word “gospel.” Honestly, it might mean different things depending on who’s using the word. Most often in our circles people mean the invitation to accept Christ. Matt Chandler, the Pastor of Village Church near Dallas, does a great job explaining that the gospel “is not the response to the gospel (pg 82).” The gospel is explicit however. It is not something we can subtly hint at or something we can tailor for certain individual responses. If you believe that “the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,” (Romans 1:16) than this might be a good book for you. (Reviewed by Pastor Rob)

 

Find it on Amazon

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