Radical like Jesus: 21 Challenges to Live a Revolutionary Life

by Greg Stier

You are meant for more. God has called you to live a radical life for Him ― one that makes a lasting impact on this world. Like Jesus did.

But how is this possible?

There’s never been anyone in history as radical as Jesus. From the way that He prayed, to how He interacted with sinners, to His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus was a revolutionary. It’s just who He was. As His followers we are called to be like him. It’s not just something we should aspire to, it’s a reality that we must strive for every day. We can live as Jesus did – be radical like He was – because as Christians, Jesus lives in us and wants to live through us. When Jesus lives his life through us, we begin to do the things that He did.

And that’s what Radical Like Jesus is all about – putting into practice the rhythms, activities and actions that Jesus modeled throughout His life.

Radical like Jesus is meant to challenge you Every chapter ends with a Radical Like Jesus Challenge . Some will truly stretch your faith, and all of them will help you live like Jesus lived. Take these challenges individually or do them as a group and you’ll never be the same.

Live your life on mission. Become radical like Jesus.

Genres: Christian, Faith

224 pages, Paperback

Published August 20, 2024

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gets into 21 areas that we need to be radical like Jesus. The author shares personal and compelling stories to drive home each point. It reads as if Tony Robbins were writing it if he were a Christian, so very motivational in a slightly off-putting way, but still beneficial even though it won’t be one I reread.

[Alaina Bennetts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this to take your relationship with Jesus to a deeper level and read it along with someone to mentor or get mentored. SO GOOD!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radical Like Jesus is like a manifesto of sorts for anyone who claims to follow Christ. If Christians are to model their lives after that of Jesus, we will not be able to remain complacent or comfortable, but rather we will put into practice the habits and rhythms that Jesus himself did. The book as a whole won me over; I admittedly was skeptical of the "21 Challenges" part. But Greg Stier is the kind of person with so much passion and energy that you can't help but be drawn in by what he has to say. I loved so much about this book, including:

-Short chapters, with each ending with a practical challenge matching that chapter’s topic
-The overall simplicity of the challenges; though some are rated “hard,” none of them seem impossible or out of reach
-Numerous Scripture references that anchor the author’s argument
-The accessibility of the writing, making this book great for those new to the faith AND more mature believers
-The author’s emphasis on evangelism, which was rooted in Christ’s power at work in us

My only critique was the introduction, which felt a little like humble bragging. In spite of that, I do think the author has a genuine heart for Christ and wants to spur others on to action.

I give a hearty recommendation of Radical Like Jesus for any Christian, especially a new believer or those feeling “stuck” in their walk. The 21 Challenges are a call to put action to our belief, which in turn builds up our faith in Jesus.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

[Jeff Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a challenge to live a Christian life that accomplishes something, this book fills that category. This book is designed to be a 3 week motivator to stretch out of the norm and take steps to walking in Christ-likeness.
This book has 21 chapters, between 8 and 12 pages each. They start with a story - most of them autobiographical. It then deals with the subject, giving Biblical illustrations (mostly from the life of Jesus, as you'd guess from the title of the book). It concludes with an assignment, with the difficulty level of each of these.

I've read several challenges on living a more revolutionary, life-changing life. One distinction of this one is having a short 21 day format (a similar book, "Pray & Go" by Thom Rainer, is a 30 day exercise). This book is also full of humor and humility on the author's part (including when he had an argument with his wife prior to a Bible study and was rebuked for his part). While similar, this book has no connection to David Platt's classic "Radical" and it's follow-up "Radical Together."

If this book looks like something you want to tackle, go for it.

[adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has taken me ages to read but that’s because I kept taking breaks while reading, I’m probably gonna restart the book from the beginning now!

This book was truly incredible. Greg Stier came to speak at my church last fall, and gave out free copies of Radical Like Jesus. His sermon that day was intriguing and inspiring, so I was super excited to start reading his book (and listen to the his podcast—also called Radical Like Jesus).

It didn’t disappoint! Stier leads the reader through 21 chapters filled with stories and insights, ultimately ending with a challenge intended to help the reader become more, well, radical like Jesus.

I feel like I’ve grown so much in my faith since hearing Stier’s sermon at my church, and this book was an amazing help to my journey so far. I’m sure I’ll be re reading this over and over and continually getting new things out of it.

Highly recommend this book to any believers looking to grow in their faith in practical and challenging ways.

[Jacob Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Jesus and how he changes lives. Knowing Jesus is the most important goal that we could ever have. The reality is that knowing Him changes everything. But sometimes we fail to connect the dots between our head knowledge and what knowing Jesus can (and should) look like in our lives. This book helps break down some of that and makes taking steps with Jesus much more tangible. Even so, it's not as about the challenges as it is about Jesus. Which is why I think everyone should read this book.

[BJ Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greg Stier is the founder of Dare2Share, a youth ministry resource. I actually read a portion of one chapter in my Christian Living class and some of my students remembered him actually preaching at one of the local churches. So apparently his reach is international and has made it all the way to the Philippines. Honestly, before reading this, I didn't know who he was.

Anyways, This book doesn't really have chapters but rather, challenges. Each of the twenty-one chapters in the book is built around a biblical principle or idea. After explaining the principle in an engaging manner with relevant illustrations, Stier will then issue a challenge. The reading and action combined are intended to first change your mindset and then change your habits. I could explain what some of those challenges are, but you would be better served to head over here see them for yourselves and then try and do them. This book is a good read, but it isn't just meant to be read... it is meant to be lived out.

[Joshua Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! Every Christian should read it. Specifically, this should be a message series, Bible study, and/or a campaign for every church and/or youth group. Super good, solid, basic info about being and making disciples.
There is a website associated with the book that includes a bunch of cool free resources.
I liked this book so much that I read it twice in one week!

[Candace Hershberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! My daughter read it and encouraged me to to read it too! As I read I realized I went to dare to share at my high school back in 2000. I lead a girl to the Lord with the principles Greg lists here and I am so grateful for this full circle to see my teenage daughter now being directed to do the same! Hallelujah!!!

[Taylor Varin · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 this book is so good, helps you understand the Bible a lot better not just mentally but emotionally. So powerful and has channel he’s to help grow your faith and to help others know and find theirs. Definitely recommend and a easy read👏🏽✨

[Kimberly Sjoberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The 21 challenges allow you to take action on what Jesus is telling you through his word. So many times we get focused on reading and memorization, but we don't actually act on the scripture. Highly recommend this book for every Christian

[Michael L. Brinkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a tool to get you started making disciples?

This book does a great job of hitting the main points of being a disciple and then giving you challenges to help you help others follow Jesus too. It is all about learning to follow Jesus and His way of life daily.

[Brandon Marchetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greg gives some amazing life applications at the end of each chapter, and I would say that is what makes the book worth it. The stories are fun, and the purpose is clear. Greg provides an easy read that follows up its information with steps to respond to that truth.

[Ashton Swift · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite devotional/inspirational book yet. Have already told 4 people about it! Highly recommend!

[Bob Wylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good challenging book for young believers.

[Micah Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for those who are going through the basics of what it really means to follow Jesus

[Danny Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book comes out August 20th (Happy Birthday Greg!) but I just wanted to make a plug for this book early. All proceeds will go towards training up and gospelizing the youth to reach other youth with the GOSPEL. Greg is the real deal, I’ve read all his other books and I’m so excited to read and apply this book: Radical Like Jesus. I’ve been in youth and college ministry for almost two decades and I believe we are at a inflection point in history and with this book and by God’s grace and power our generation can make a huge impact for Christ if we start to live Radical Like Jesus. Our ministry group will most definitely be using this book as our discipleship material and using the challenges to do this together as we share the gospel in our community. Greg is an amazing story teller, and I can’t wait to read and also hear from his podcast with the same name. So thankful for how God saved him and his family and how he continues to be faithful to his calling. If you want to check out more resources for yourself or your ministry Greg offers pretty much everything for free at Dare2Share.org so check it out and then read the book and let’s do the challenges together!