Senior pastor Brady Boyd draws parallels between the early church at Corinth and today’s culture to illustrate how Christians can stay true to their beliefs and live a loving and faith-filled life—demonstrating a new way to interact with the modern world.
Lead pastor of New Life Church Brady Boyd encourages us to look beyond the archetypical pitfalls Christians historically have fallen victim Instigators hold an “us-against-you” outlook towards anyone whose beliefs differ from theirs; Isolators go into holy hiding and choose to associate exclusively with those who think like them; and Integrators slide so seamlessly into the surrounding culture that they become ingrained in it.
Instead, as Boyd illuminates here in Remarkable, Paul the Apostle proposes a new approach, one centered on God’s wisdom rather than societal temptations and popular culture. Through Paul’s teachings, Boyd shows us how we can not only learn to hear the Word, but also live it, reclaiming the peace, the freedom, and the joy that we lost by imitating the modern world. Remarkable reminds us that by embracing the vision Paul held for followers of God, we can begin leading truly remarkable lives by letting love guide us every step of the way.
Brady Boyd has done it again with his masterful, engaging and meaningful writing. This is all about how Christ-followers can live ‘remarkable’ lives that make a positive difference in the world.
Here are 5 things that stood out to me:
1. Every person is created in the image of God – regardless of color, creed, gender, socioeconomic status or citizenship. When you disagree with someone, ask: “Help me understand your perspective. What am I missing?” or “Tell me your story.” 2. Acceptance, kindness and forgiveness are the trifecta of a gracious life. “May we exude graciousness at every turn, remembering that we too, were lavished with grace. May we radiate the warmth and compassion of Jesus, who once took in our messiest messiness and said, ‘You are welcome here.'” 3. Inviting God into our painful places is when healing begins to seep in. 4. The first step in obtaining wisdom is admitting that I am not the source of wisdom. (Do I stop and seek God for wisdom before I make decisions or answer questions?) 5. Stay plugged in to the unparalleled power Source.
Another great book from Pastor Brady Boyd. I previously read Addicted to Busy by him and so I was eager to read Remarkable, his latest book. It challenged my thinking on some hot political topics right now like immigration but he really did teach me how to be a remarkable father, husband and overall person.