The Radical Question and A Radical Idea Hardcover – October 2, 2012

This really challenges the Christian that believes he is alright with God by just going along and doing his own thing. What does God expect of us?

I agree wholeheartly about the idea about being radical

Earlier this fall, I got the opportunity to review a David Platt book called The Radical Question, A Radical Idea. Two books in one! Can't get better than that! David Platt is the best-selling author of the book Radical.What is Jesus worth to you?Do you believe that Jesus is worth abandoning everything for?"In Radical, David Platt invites you to encounter what Jesus actually said about being his disciple, and then obey what you have heard. He challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated a God-centered gospel to fit our human-centered preferences. With passionate storytelling and convicting biblical analysis, Platt calls into question a host of comfortable notions that are common among Christ's followers today. Then he proposes a radical response: live the gospel in ways that are true, filled with promise, and ultimately world changing.My Take:This was a very fast reading book, but there is a lot of meat in between those pages!! It is a very convicting book! One I needed to read, and one I think we all need to read. This book shows us that the church isn't built on locations, elaborate shows, professionals, etc...but on its people. Platt relays to us that those people in the seats at the church are the ones that are meant to be active in spreading Gods Word, because when normal, every day people get involved in normal, every day ministry, those communities and the church families will change dramatically and positively. David Platt says, "The goal of the church is never for one person to be equipped and empowered to lead as many people as possible to Christ. The goal is always for all of God's people to be equipped and empowered to lead as many people as possible to Christ."I really found this book to be convicting. Since going on missions trips the last few years, I had already been convicted....but this was the icing on the cake. Why DO we make multi-million dollar churches in the states when that much money could make hundreds if not thousands of churches in other countries who are in need of Christ. I am a bit torn though...because in our culture fancy is what attracts others. So, if we have a shabby church, how many unbelievers will step foot in it. However, how can we spend so much money on a simple building? It is really tough for me to take in. Platt just really makes us take ownership of our money and how we are spending it. This book also helps us to look at more than just the financial realm of things. How about us? Are we just going to church....because we want to learn...that is GREAT....but is that it? Or are we not only going to church to learn, but also to help teach others...to lead others to church and to God??? That is THE MOST important thing for us to do as followers of Christ. We are commissioned to lead others to Him and spread the Gospel.I would HIGHLY suggest this book to anyone who is ready to make a change in how they do things within and outside of the church. This is a great book especially for leaders of the church. Check it out at [...]About the Author:David Platt is pastor of the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, and author of the New York Times bestsellers Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream and Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God. A well-known Bible expositor, David holds three advanced degrees, including a doctorate from New Orleans Baptist Theology Seminary. He and his wife, Heather, live in Birmingham with their children."I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

I've just finished reading "The Radical Question and A Radical Idea" by David Platt. It's a great, short read and seems to contain much of the "meat" of the full books he's previously written, "Radical" and "Radical Together". It seems to be a good gift idea (list price $9.99, & kind of a `Cliff Notes' version of both books at 110 small pages total) for someone who would otherwise not read an entire "book", but could really benefit from some of the thoughts/questions Platt raises. I've read "Radical", and found much of it to be a reminder of good points and challenging questions. But I'd not yet gotten to reading "Radical Together", so it was good to hear some of the thoughts presented there.In "The Radical Question", he asks "What if Jesus is worthy of more in our lives than a Christian spin on the American Dream?" He gives examples of several people who seemed to have "achieved" what the world would look at as "success", or "retirement", or some stage of life where America says it's okay to focus on ourselves. In short story format, he reveals each of them sacrificing what they've achieved to pour their lives out for the sake of others.I enjoyed his turning Bonhoeffer's statement about the high cost of discipleship into a powerful question - "What does nondiscipleship cost us?" The millions that are dying, and the hopelessness pervading our world, many people not ever hearing about the good news of Jesus Christ. It's a far greater cost than anything material we could give up. I still struggle with his reminder that Jesus calls us to "hate" even our family/spouse/children. Would I really risk their safety in the midst of persuing what I believe to be the will of God in our life? I suppose we're in the midst of that, with this adoption. Taking on the financial costs, risking our lives in traveling to Africa, forever connecting our home with those suffering in the DRC...it's a bit risky.The second "book" presents the "Radical Idea" that our Kingdom-work should be more people-focused than places, professionals, or places. He gives examples of what can happen when we worry less about creating ministries and then finding the people to fill the roles involved - and instead find the places God has uniquely gifted the people we already have for ministry in their lives. This connects with me both as a pastor AND a parent. That we would be equipping God's people to be actively involved in Spirit-sourced ministry wherever they are. That I would be equipping my daughters for a life sourced in the Spirit of Jesus, and not in fitting into any pre-conceived notion of a "pastors daughter".Throughout both "books", I did find myself wanting more. He continues to talk about disciples making disciples, which I like. But it seems if you asked him "Why make more disciples?", his answer might be "So THEY can make more disciples too!". The closest he seems to get here is something ambiguous about "making His glory known". In the first half he says, "..lets stop living as if this world is even our home." I think I'd focus more on how this world is being made INTO a redeemed and renewed home for us....and the "why" of making disciples being wrapped up on revealing Jesus as Lord already, etc...But for that, we'd need a longer book. :)So if you need a good graduation gift, or "short read" for someone who needs to hear these "radical thoughts" but wouldn't make it through a longer book.....this is definitely a great book to offer.Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.