Book Review: Radical by David Platt (yes, again)

Yes, I’ve already written about the audio book version of Radical, and I gave it high praises. But I couldn’t be content with just the audio, so I got the print version too. I highly suggest you get one or the other (or both)!

The remarkable thing about Radical is that the subject matter should be unremarkable to me as a Christian because the challenge to die to self and to really live sacrificially is an echo of the words of Jesus. David Platt based his book on what the Bible says Christ demands from His followers. He doesn’t attempt to minimize or rationalize the hard statements about leaving your family, selling all your possessions and giving to the poor, or taking up our crosses and literally dying for Him. As radical as it may sound, it is not any more stringent than the Bible’s description of what the Christian life should be like.

Platt has a pastor’s heart for the people of God, and he seeks to see God lifted up and truly worshiped in His church. Unlike others who would offer a new method or strategy for church growth and a dynamic impact on the world, Platt returns again and again to the Words of Christ as our standard and the Holy Spirit as our guide. Real Christianity isn’t defined by the Sunday morning status quo, and Radical challenges believers to walk in the Spirit surrendered to God.

Radical challenged me greatly and it is bringing me back to the Word to seek the real definitions of sacrifice and faith instead of the ones I’ve manufactured to make my life more comfortable. Whereas others struggle with Paul’s words in Romans 9 or the admonitions in 1 Peter, I find, confirmed by this book, the challenges presented by Christ are much more difficult to deal with on a personal level.

Buy the print version on Amazon.com.

Check out a sample chapter from the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."