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Risky Gospel: Abandon Fear and Build Something Awesome
How do you access areal, thriving, vibrant faith? You trust a big God, and you start living like he’sreal. It’s time to put our comfort and ease and false security on the line. Ifwe know God is real, let’s pray as if he’s actually listening. If we know he’sgood, let’s reflect that goodness in the world. When our problems feel big,let’s lean on the One who is bigger. Is that risky? “Sure,” says Owen Strachan. “Embraceit anyway. It’s literally the only way to live.”
240 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2013
20 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Owen Strachan
44 books139 followersDr. Owen Strachan is Provost and Research Professor of Theology at Grace Bible Theological Seminary (GBTS). Before coming to GBTS, he served as Associate Professor of Christian Theology and Director of the Residency PhD Program at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS). He holds a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, an MDiv from Southern Seminary, and an AB from Bowdoin College. Strachan has published fourteen books and writes regularly for the Christian Post, and Thoughtlife, his Patheos blog. Strachan hosts the
City of God
podcast. He is married and is the father of three children.
You can also connect with Strachan on Facebook.
You can also connect with Strachan on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 20, 2013
There is a seed of courage hidden (often deeply, it is true) in the heart of the fattest and most timid hobbit, waiting for some final and desperate danger to make it grow. – Tolkien
Centuries of peace have made hobbits fat and timid. The same holds true for most Christians. We forget that we are part of a cosmic battle, we live as though we are in a time of peace; yet Jesus is establishing his already-not yet Kingdom on this planet and we have important roles to play in that battle. What Christendom is missing is a sense of risk…
In his most recent book Owen Strachan attempts to awaken that courage in our hearts by pointing us to “Gospel Risk.” Gospel Risk means “trading in small things that produce a shallow defeated life for the life shaped by the gospel, one devoted to God and his glory.” (66) In essence it means investing in God-honoring, kingdom expanding pursuits like evangelism, our spiritual walk, family life, church, and our public presence.
Strachan starts off by painting an all to real picture of what the typical Christian’s life is like… It is stressed, it lacks boldness, it stays in the neutral zone, seeks to keep expectations low, is afraid of change, and overall lacks real-kingdom building endeavors. Now don’t read this as being a rehash of David Platt’s radical – Strachan is an anti-Platt – I says that “ordinary life” (think the 2.5 Kids, a dog, and 2 cars) can be just as risky as the “radical” life. Just because you live a typical middle class American life doesn’t mean you can’t take risks for the sake of the kingdom.
Where do we get the power to take these sorts of risks?
Strength comes from the goodness of God (216)
Strength comes from the power of Christ’s cross and resurrection (216)
Strength comes from the Holy Spirit who lives in you. (216)
Where do we take these risks? Strachan devotes one chapter to each of the following “risky” areas:
Spiritual Disciplines
Family Life
Work
Church
Evangelism
Public Witness
Pro’s
This book is timely – Working with college students I constantly see students “playing it safe,” which for a college student means being unambitious about their walk with Christ, their careers, and even their dating relationships. I see this especially in young guys; they seem to coast through life with no sense of direction. In fact I have a couple of college students in mind that I know should absolutely read this book.
Grounded in our Identity in Christ – Reading a good amount of gospel-centered stuff I have noticed that many gospel centered authors tend to over-emphasize the fact that we are still broken, jacked up sinners but that isn’t the case with Strachan. Yes we are sinners, but even more fundamentally we are new creations. “We are reconciled to God. This is our fundamental identity.” (54) “You are not only a new creation. You are not only freed from sin. You’re a conqueror through Christ.” (56)
Extremely Practical – Usually I shy away from overly practical books/sermons in favor of things that move the affections. But Strachan does a fantastic job of moving the affections and embolden us while also giving practical ways we can grow in our boldness.
Con’s
The Chapter on Public Witness - I have no real qualm with the general message of this book however the chapter on Public Witness is a bit shaky in my opinion. At times Strachan seems to align himself with the “moral majority” type of political engagement that most young evangelicals have disavowed. Although he doesn’t take it that far, he calls for Christians to act as a moral preservative in society by writing local papers, participating in campaigns, petitions, sponsoring Christian candidates, etc. (191) I’m glad he points out that Christianity is not a private religion, but its not a civic religion either. I can’t imagine Paul writing to his local tetrarch asking him to pass a law that designates food that is sacrificed to idols. I don’t imagine our brothers and sisters in China petitioning for changes in public policy either. His position doesn’t ruin the book for me though, I think we are too cowardly in our public witness, we need boldness, but the boldness we need looks a lot different than the boldness he is describing.
Conclusion
If you are tired of living like a fat timid hobbit and want to go on the adventure that you were created by God for, this book provides some great encouragement to do just that….
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Centuries of peace have made hobbits fat and timid. The same holds true for most Christians. We forget that we are part of a cosmic battle, we live as though we are in a time of peace; yet Jesus is establishing his already-not yet Kingdom on this planet and we have important roles to play in that battle. What Christendom is missing is a sense of risk…
Risking what we hold dear for the sake of the Kingdom will awaken seeds of courage in our hearts.
In his most recent book Owen Strachan attempts to awaken that courage in our hearts by pointing us to “Gospel Risk.” Gospel Risk means “trading in small things that produce a shallow defeated life for the life shaped by the gospel, one devoted to God and his glory.” (66) In essence it means investing in God-honoring, kingdom expanding pursuits like evangelism, our spiritual walk, family life, church, and our public presence.
Strachan starts off by painting an all to real picture of what the typical Christian’s life is like… It is stressed, it lacks boldness, it stays in the neutral zone, seeks to keep expectations low, is afraid of change, and overall lacks real-kingdom building endeavors. Now don’t read this as being a rehash of David Platt’s radical – Strachan is an anti-Platt – I says that “ordinary life” (think the 2.5 Kids, a dog, and 2 cars) can be just as risky as the “radical” life. Just because you live a typical middle class American life doesn’t mean you can’t take risks for the sake of the kingdom.
Where do we get the power to take these sorts of risks?
Strength comes from the goodness of God (216)
Strength comes from the power of Christ’s cross and resurrection (216)
Strength comes from the Holy Spirit who lives in you. (216)
Where do we take these risks? Strachan devotes one chapter to each of the following “risky” areas:
Spiritual Disciplines
Family Life
Work
Church
Evangelism
Public Witness
Pro’s
This book is timely – Working with college students I constantly see students “playing it safe,” which for a college student means being unambitious about their walk with Christ, their careers, and even their dating relationships. I see this especially in young guys; they seem to coast through life with no sense of direction. In fact I have a couple of college students in mind that I know should absolutely read this book.
Grounded in our Identity in Christ – Reading a good amount of gospel-centered stuff I have noticed that many gospel centered authors tend to over-emphasize the fact that we are still broken, jacked up sinners but that isn’t the case with Strachan. Yes we are sinners, but even more fundamentally we are new creations. “We are reconciled to God. This is our fundamental identity.” (54) “You are not only a new creation. You are not only freed from sin. You’re a conqueror through Christ.” (56)
Extremely Practical – Usually I shy away from overly practical books/sermons in favor of things that move the affections. But Strachan does a fantastic job of moving the affections and embolden us while also giving practical ways we can grow in our boldness.
Con’s
The Chapter on Public Witness - I have no real qualm with the general message of this book however the chapter on Public Witness is a bit shaky in my opinion. At times Strachan seems to align himself with the “moral majority” type of political engagement that most young evangelicals have disavowed. Although he doesn’t take it that far, he calls for Christians to act as a moral preservative in society by writing local papers, participating in campaigns, petitions, sponsoring Christian candidates, etc. (191) I’m glad he points out that Christianity is not a private religion, but its not a civic religion either. I can’t imagine Paul writing to his local tetrarch asking him to pass a law that designates food that is sacrificed to idols. I don’t imagine our brothers and sisters in China petitioning for changes in public policy either. His position doesn’t ruin the book for me though, I think we are too cowardly in our public witness, we need boldness, but the boldness we need looks a lot different than the boldness he is describing.
Conclusion
If you are tired of living like a fat timid hobbit and want to go on the adventure that you were created by God for, this book provides some great encouragement to do just that….
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 26, 2014
OVERALL: The first 3 chapters of this book are great. The rest of this book belongs on the shelf alongside hundreds of other books describing how Christians should live faithfully.
My experience with this book was highly tainted by my level of expectation. As I consider the merits and faults of this work, I'm finding that many of my frustrations lead back to my expectations.
I read Jonathan Parnell's positive review of this book over at Gospel Coalition. One of Parnell's major claims is that this book "will lead to a lot of building." I also read the exciting subtitle, "Abandon Fear and Build Something Awesome." These phrases gave me the sense that this was a Gospel-centered book geared towards leaders or dreamers. The first two chapters propagated that same expectation.
The book started wonderfully. In chapter one entitled, "Weak Christians: Your Stressed Life Now" he speaks into the mediocrity of Christian life.
"There are going to be moments in life, perhaps many, when it is not your circumstances that paralyze you. It is not a physical or mental inability. It is not lack of capacity. No... it will be a lack of boldness. It will be a failure to see the power of God, and risk everything in this world to gain him." (pg 2) He later says, "what we are really afraid of.. is drastic, life-upsetting action." He then mentions good intentions and with a intuitive does of realism perceives "We feel a variety of things, but they boil down to a mixture of fear, uncertainty, and boredom."
Chapter 2 is the best chapter of the book and I found it extremely helpful. Using the parable of the talents he argues "God doesn't want his people to be fearful, but faithful... Yet biblical faith isn't reckless or careless. Its trusting, confident, and fearless because it is grounded in almighty God." (23) From the parable of the talents he points out how harsh the condemnation was on the man who did not invest/risk his talent. "It's OKAY, God wants you to risk" (29). "God's awesomeness should propel our faithfulness" (28.) His main counsel is to "prayerfully, reflectively, and as wisely as you can through scriptural study and counsel from church members and leaders, you forge your strategy for using the life God has given you for his glory. Then you step up... You Risk" (31). Strategize. Plan. Act.
Chapter 3 was good as well. Here he makes what is happily becoming a familiar argument in many Christian Living books... the believer's identity is in Christ. He then makes a strong that as image-bearers, we take dominion... we build stuff (67).
So far, I find all of this thrilling and helpful. It is extremely practical to understand that because of God's faithfulness, the brevity of time, the importance of the Gospel, I can prayerfully risk failure to build something great for the glory of God. If I don't, then like the steward with one talent, it will be taken from me.
For me, my interest in this book ended here. I hate to say it. The rest of the book can be summarized like this: be faithful. Be faithful as you build a family and a vocation. Be faithful in church, your community, and your Gospel witness. Yes there are some practical helps here. How can you be a faithful witness? Befriend a widow or teach ESL (187).
I disagree with virtually nothing Strachan said. But it is simple. It seems there was a subtle shift in "Build something awesome"... to be faithful wherever you are. Yes we are to be faithful. Yes, we need to be reminded the road of discipleship is hard and narrow. But building something awesome and being faithful are different.
Perhaps this is an unfair criticism. Perhaps other readers interpreted the subtitle and opening chapters with a little less expectation than I did. Nonetheless, I'm a little disappointed.
The first 3 chapters of this book are great. The rest of this book belongs on the shelf alongside hundreds of other books describing how Christians should live faithfully.
My experience with this book was highly tainted by my level of expectation. As I consider the merits and faults of this work, I'm finding that many of my frustrations lead back to my expectations.
I read Jonathan Parnell's positive review of this book over at Gospel Coalition. One of Parnell's major claims is that this book "will lead to a lot of building." I also read the exciting subtitle, "Abandon Fear and Build Something Awesome." These phrases gave me the sense that this was a Gospel-centered book geared towards leaders or dreamers. The first two chapters propagated that same expectation.
The book started wonderfully. In chapter one entitled, "Weak Christians: Your Stressed Life Now" he speaks into the mediocrity of Christian life.
"There are going to be moments in life, perhaps many, when it is not your circumstances that paralyze you. It is not a physical or mental inability. It is not lack of capacity. No... it will be a lack of boldness. It will be a failure to see the power of God, and risk everything in this world to gain him." (pg 2) He later says, "what we are really afraid of.. is drastic, life-upsetting action." He then mentions good intentions and with a intuitive does of realism perceives "We feel a variety of things, but they boil down to a mixture of fear, uncertainty, and boredom."
Chapter 2 is the best chapter of the book and I found it extremely helpful. Using the parable of the talents he argues "God doesn't want his people to be fearful, but faithful... Yet biblical faith isn't reckless or careless. Its trusting, confident, and fearless because it is grounded in almighty God." (23) From the parable of the talents he points out how harsh the condemnation was on the man who did not invest/risk his talent. "It's OKAY, God wants you to risk" (29). "God's awesomeness should propel our faithfulness" (28.) His main counsel is to "prayerfully, reflectively, and as wisely as you can through scriptural study and counsel from church members and leaders, you forge your strategy for using the life God has given you for his glory. Then you step up... You Risk" (31). Strategize. Plan. Act.
Chapter 3 was good as well. Here he makes what is happily becoming a familiar argument in many Christian Living books... the believer's identity is in Christ. He then makes a strong that as image-bearers, we take dominion... we build stuff (67).
So far, I find all of this thrilling and helpful. It is extremely practical to understand that because of God's faithfulness, the brevity of time, the importance of the Gospel, I can prayerfully risk failure to build something great for the glory of God. If I don't, then like the steward with one talent, it will be taken from me.
For me, my interest in this book ended here. I hate to say it. The rest of the book can be summarized like this: be faithful. Be faithful as you build a family and a vocation. Be faithful in church, your community, and your Gospel witness. Yes there are some practical helps here. How can you be a faithful witness? Befriend a widow or teach ESL (187).
I disagree with virtually nothing Strachan said. But it is simple. It seems there was a subtle shift in "Build something awesome"... to be faithful wherever you are. Yes we are to be faithful. Yes, we need to be reminded the road of discipleship is hard and narrow. But building something awesome and being faithful are different.
Perhaps this is an unfair criticism. Perhaps other readers interpreted the subtitle and opening chapters with a little less expectation than I did. Nonetheless, I'm a little disappointed.
The first 3 chapters of this book are great. The rest of this book belongs on the shelf alongside hundreds of other books describing how Christians should live faithfully.
January 19, 2014
Original review posted here: http://jesusfreakhideout.com/books/RiskyGospel.asp
As I've stated in previous reviews of this nature, I tend to steer clear on nonfiction books. If done incorrectly, nonfiction tends to ramble and repeat itself, looping around again and again until the main point gets lost in the detail the author tried to squeeze into so many pages. However, if done correctly, nonfiction can have a major and lasting impact on the reader, and the author as well. I've found few nonfiction books I actually enjoyed reading. Owen Strachan's Risky Gospel is one of them.
Within the first chapter itself, Strachan outlines what he's going to say. No bushes are ever beaten about. He states very plainly that what he's presenting is nothing but the Gospel-that is, Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Many theology books I've read have attempted to present a personal interpretation (read, "clogged and confusing message") of the Gospel. Strachan sticks to the Bible, and what and who Christ was and is. His thoughts and presented truths never stray from what Christ teaches us through God's scriptures. Coming from a background where I've seen people be led astray by muddle interpretation, this honesty and straightforward clarity is completely refreshing. One point in particular I read, and I wanted to stand up and cheer: Strachan has sections about self-discipline when it comes to any area in our life. He combats the common notion that discipline is gone with the clear and obvious statement that it's not gone, it's simply misdirected. Had discipline been completely eradicated from our lives and that of everyone around us, the world would currently be in chaos. The entire book displays Strachan's precision in thinking with points such as this. Never is he vague and uncertain about what he wants to say.
Building from that precision, Strachan organizes Risky Gospel in the easiest possible way to follow. Each chapter builds up from the previous one and takes the scaffolding of truth higher. When the last page was turned, I found myself completely satisfied, yet hungering for more--exactly the effect Christ has on His followers, and exactly the effect Strachan talks about throughout the entirety of his book. This self-evident, real-life situation proves Christ far more than any high arguments could. Strachan uses the simplicity that Christ Himself taught with, which in itself refreshes this aching soul's desire for truth.
Writing style is never usually an issue if the rules are broken with artistic flair. Then the breaking of rules becomes personal style and familiarizes the reader with the author. While there were moments where I noticed comma splices or unneeded semicolons, Strachan's writing style allows for pretty smooth reading the entire way through. In the field of scholastics, such accessibility is highly underrated. I commend Strachan for his bold simplicity.
I will admit that when I read that he grew up in East Machias, Maine, I immediately had favoritism and bias. I know exactly what he means when he brings in analogies from growing up in the Pine Tree State, as I grew up here myself. This is not what swayed my opinion of him, though. Strachan's immediate and truthful representation of Jesus Christ and His Gospel is the ultimate deciding factor here. Nothing but truth is given to the reader, and this more than anything is bound to turn hearts toward and back to Christ. I look forward to seeing this book spread and become as widespread as Chan's Crazy Love or Kyle Idleman's Not A Fan. Strachan has a very lovely and simple way of relaying God's message of good news. The light is shining; all people need to do is look and follow.
As I've stated in previous reviews of this nature, I tend to steer clear on nonfiction books. If done incorrectly, nonfiction tends to ramble and repeat itself, looping around again and again until the main point gets lost in the detail the author tried to squeeze into so many pages. However, if done correctly, nonfiction can have a major and lasting impact on the reader, and the author as well. I've found few nonfiction books I actually enjoyed reading. Owen Strachan's Risky Gospel is one of them.
Within the first chapter itself, Strachan outlines what he's going to say. No bushes are ever beaten about. He states very plainly that what he's presenting is nothing but the Gospel-that is, Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Many theology books I've read have attempted to present a personal interpretation (read, "clogged and confusing message") of the Gospel. Strachan sticks to the Bible, and what and who Christ was and is. His thoughts and presented truths never stray from what Christ teaches us through God's scriptures. Coming from a background where I've seen people be led astray by muddle interpretation, this honesty and straightforward clarity is completely refreshing. One point in particular I read, and I wanted to stand up and cheer: Strachan has sections about self-discipline when it comes to any area in our life. He combats the common notion that discipline is gone with the clear and obvious statement that it's not gone, it's simply misdirected. Had discipline been completely eradicated from our lives and that of everyone around us, the world would currently be in chaos. The entire book displays Strachan's precision in thinking with points such as this. Never is he vague and uncertain about what he wants to say.
Building from that precision, Strachan organizes Risky Gospel in the easiest possible way to follow. Each chapter builds up from the previous one and takes the scaffolding of truth higher. When the last page was turned, I found myself completely satisfied, yet hungering for more--exactly the effect Christ has on His followers, and exactly the effect Strachan talks about throughout the entirety of his book. This self-evident, real-life situation proves Christ far more than any high arguments could. Strachan uses the simplicity that Christ Himself taught with, which in itself refreshes this aching soul's desire for truth.
Writing style is never usually an issue if the rules are broken with artistic flair. Then the breaking of rules becomes personal style and familiarizes the reader with the author. While there were moments where I noticed comma splices or unneeded semicolons, Strachan's writing style allows for pretty smooth reading the entire way through. In the field of scholastics, such accessibility is highly underrated. I commend Strachan for his bold simplicity.
I will admit that when I read that he grew up in East Machias, Maine, I immediately had favoritism and bias. I know exactly what he means when he brings in analogies from growing up in the Pine Tree State, as I grew up here myself. This is not what swayed my opinion of him, though. Strachan's immediate and truthful representation of Jesus Christ and His Gospel is the ultimate deciding factor here. Nothing but truth is given to the reader, and this more than anything is bound to turn hearts toward and back to Christ. I look forward to seeing this book spread and become as widespread as Chan's Crazy Love or Kyle Idleman's Not A Fan. Strachan has a very lovely and simple way of relaying God's message of good news. The light is shining; all people need to do is look and follow.
January 24, 2014
For me, this was the right book at the right time. I guess I would characterize Owen Strachan's Risky Gospel (2013) as a treatise on Christian spirituality and growth. But it is not just that. It is also a book that stresses the importance of a biblical worldview for all areas of life. And it is also deeply gospel centered. At its essence, though, Strachan issues a bold call to 21st century Christians to step out of their comfortable enclaves and begin to take risks for the gospel, to believe what the word of God actually says.
In the opening chapter, Strachan diagnoses what he sees as the problem, a church that is scared of confrontation and desires above all to be safe. Having observed many believers, including myself, I think he is an astute diagnostician, though if we are to be honest, it is not a difficult diagnosis to make. Having pointed out our fear, he begins to lay groundwork for how Christians might begin to risk it all for the sake of the gospel. On page 29, he wrote, "we are saved not so we can hedge our bets. We are saved to put everything on the table for God"
I appreciated several things about this book. Throughout the book, but particularly in the chapter "Risky Identity", Strachan seeks to remind us who we are in Christ. We are not just forgiven, we are new creations in Christ who are more than conquerors. In that context, he offers a bold push-back against the view that even though we are saved, we are always going to be a mess, while at the same time acknowledging that we will always be sinners.
In the later two-thirds of the book, Strachan explores what this "risky identity" means for the Christian life. He examines risky spirituality, risky families, risky work, risky church, risky evangelism, risky citizenship, and risky failure. Each of these represent aspects of the Christian's life where being a bold gospel witness is important. In each of the chapters, Strachan briefly established the theology behind his thinking and provided poignant examples before he moved on to much more practical advice. For example, when he exhorts the reader to develop risky families, he provides a number of practical steps that people can implement to grow that area. This is one of the greatest strengths of the book. In fact, the practicality of his writing often brought to mind specific people that I know who would benefit from certain concepts, myself included.
Their is not much that detracts from this book. By the end, the notion of "risky" felt a bit overwrought much like John Piper's "future grace" in his book by the same name, but I understand how it becomes part of the branding and central theme flowing throughout.
Strachan is a strong writer and communicator. I have been blessed to read things he has written in the past and this book is equally engaging.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers 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.”
In the opening chapter, Strachan diagnoses what he sees as the problem, a church that is scared of confrontation and desires above all to be safe. Having observed many believers, including myself, I think he is an astute diagnostician, though if we are to be honest, it is not a difficult diagnosis to make. Having pointed out our fear, he begins to lay groundwork for how Christians might begin to risk it all for the sake of the gospel. On page 29, he wrote, "we are saved not so we can hedge our bets. We are saved to put everything on the table for God"
I appreciated several things about this book. Throughout the book, but particularly in the chapter "Risky Identity", Strachan seeks to remind us who we are in Christ. We are not just forgiven, we are new creations in Christ who are more than conquerors. In that context, he offers a bold push-back against the view that even though we are saved, we are always going to be a mess, while at the same time acknowledging that we will always be sinners.
In the later two-thirds of the book, Strachan explores what this "risky identity" means for the Christian life. He examines risky spirituality, risky families, risky work, risky church, risky evangelism, risky citizenship, and risky failure. Each of these represent aspects of the Christian's life where being a bold gospel witness is important. In each of the chapters, Strachan briefly established the theology behind his thinking and provided poignant examples before he moved on to much more practical advice. For example, when he exhorts the reader to develop risky families, he provides a number of practical steps that people can implement to grow that area. This is one of the greatest strengths of the book. In fact, the practicality of his writing often brought to mind specific people that I know who would benefit from certain concepts, myself included.
Their is not much that detracts from this book. By the end, the notion of "risky" felt a bit overwrought much like John Piper's "future grace" in his book by the same name, but I understand how it becomes part of the branding and central theme flowing throughout.
Strachan is a strong writer and communicator. I have been blessed to read things he has written in the past and this book is equally engaging.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers 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.”
August 4, 2014
Great start to the book and the topic is really crucial and important. Probably why I rated this so low because it ends up missing the mark and in a way defeats it's own concept. The best part of the book is breaking through some ground that hasn't been touched upon for most "churched" people who are the obvious audience. Where it falls drastically short is the reduction of the premise of church or the results of a life that takes risks for the gospel. How the author specifically speaks on how one can serve the church reveals a broken image of the people of the church. I thought how the church was reduced to a service meeting and the regular people could find significance in holding doors open brutal to the reality of a church.
April 4, 2014
I get the sense that, like me, Strachan is tired of all the self-help books labeled “Christian Life” on the market today. Books written by celebrity pastors pretending to glorify God, but in reality only glorifies you. What the celebrity Christian leaders preach, Strachan calls a “cereal commercial” where everything just seems to get better because God can’t wait to activate the blessing. Strachan says, “But you know what intrudes? Reality. Life can actually be pretty tough, even if you are blessed to know The Lord.”
The rest of my review is here http://cliffymania.com/blog/2014/04/r...
The rest of my review is here http://cliffymania.com/blog/2014/04/r...
December 4, 2013
This book is an encouragement for Christians to step out and take a risk. This book is aimed at college age our young career people, I think. Strachan explores areas like developing gospel-driven discipline, ways to build a happy family, working for God's glory, committing to your church, and building an evangelistic witness. See my full review at http://bit.ly/IE6kIH.
August 12, 2016
Found this book interesting. Had some good quotes and things for people to think on as they read. In the end, he did show how risky the Gospel is and was able to do it in a way that makes it hopeful. Great book for new believers and old believers to read. Would recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews