Risk Is Right - A Book Review

A couple of months ago, I received a copy of a small book by John Piper to review called Risk Is Right. It is actually an excerpt from a book he previously released called Don't Waste Your Life.  This small little book is jam-packed with inspiration and challenge that we as followers of Jesus Christ have become too preoccupied with the illusions of security and safety.  The fact of the matter is that we unconsciously risk our lives every day when we take our cars out of the driveway or order food off of a menu.  The question is not, "Will we risk?", but,  "Will we consciously risk our lives, finances, and security in order to bring glory to God?"

This small little book is an excellent resource.  It is solidly biblical.  It is very practical.  It is an easy book to give to a young teenager, college student, or to a guy who "doesn't read very much."  It is only 51 pages so it's not intimidating.  However, the resounding message from it is that God has called us to abandon the illusion of security and live boldly and courageously for Him and His gospel.  This is not a call to "reckless living", but a call to be willing to risk, knowing that our God rewards those who risk greatly for Him.

At the end of your life, do you really want to stand before God with a large, furnished house, some money left to your kids, an empty membership on a church roll, but with nothing of spiritual value stored up in heaven simply because you were too afraid to risk what is really not yours anyway?  Get this book.  You'll be glad you did!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Crossway 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."

Around the Internet

Here are a few of the best blogs and articles I have come across the internet the last week.

Jared Wilson's Response to Jesus>Religion - There's a new video circulating around Facebook and the internet by an artist named Jefferson Bethke where he conveys why being in love with Jesus is better than just being religious.  It's very creative and thought-provoking.  It also can be misconstrued to advocate an alarming trend that we can love Jesus and live the Christian life outside of the church. While many American churches have become self-serving institutions and guardians of the moral police, it is also the institution that Christ created and that he died for. Wilson does a great job looking at some of the deeper issues raised by this popular video.

10 Thoughts on Tim Tebow mania - I love Tim Tebow.  My wife absolutely loves Tim Tebow!  She has become an NFL and Bronco fan just because of Tim Tebow.  He has become a polarizing figure in our society that reflects a larger reality of the divide between those who follow Christ and those who follow the philosophies of this world.  Nathan Busenitz wrote a very good article on 5 positive things about Tebow-mania and 5 concerns.  Very much worth a look.

If Jesus Tweeted - My friend Chad Gibbs is one of the most creative and humorous guys I know.  He has a great blog and put together a funny look at what Jesus' Twitter profile might look like.

Mark Driscoll on Rick and Bubba -Mark Driscoll has a new book on marriage and a conference tour. I have a copy of the book I hope to read and review later.  He appeared on a radio interview with Rick and Bubba.  Here is the interview and gives you a good idea of the contents of the book. Sounds like it's definitely worth a read.

Loving Movies (or anything else) more than Jesus - I saw this link on someone's facebook this week.  It's a blog post from John Piper on our tendency to elevate our love and affections for created things over the Creator. It's not overly critical, but a very positive and encouraging article. 

Piper and the Prosperity Gospel

I love these words by John Piper about the dangerous prosperity gospel that has been a staple of American Christianity for some time.  

A Fitting Tribute for a Faithful Servant

I have been profoundly influenced by the writings and preaching of John Piper.  I was just reading through some blogs from my internet absence and saw this video from the Desiring God Conference last week.  I certainly plan to get this book as soon as I can.  I only hope to be able to finish doctoral research in order to be able to actually read it.

John Piper on Mark Driscoll and John MacArthur

For any of you who are like me and have a great deal of appreciation for John Piper and John MacArthur while at the same time having a lot of excitement about new evangelicals like Mark Driscoll, here is a great answer from John Piper to a question posed about MacArthur's criticism of some of Driscoll's methods. This was a great answer and incredible insight from a guy who is close to both of these men that God is using. It's a reminder to me that we don't always have to choose sides when two people we know are having differences.

Piper on Driscoll and MacArthur - Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

A Costly Obedience

I have been reading this week in John Piper's book "Filling Up the Afflictions of Christ" about the lives of William Tyndale, John Paton, and Adoniram Judson. It's the latest in his biographical sketches in The Swans Are Not Silent series. This series is phenomenal in giving an understanding of the price paid by those who were faithful to the gospel. This particular book gives sketches of the deep price these men paid through suffering and martydom to make sure that those who didn't have access to the gospel or God's word could have that access. It reminded me that we in America have become so used to a Costless Christianity. We have no idea in the American church what it means to suffer for Christ. Ironically, we have also lost our missional passion at the same time. We have bowed down far too long at the idols of convenience, pleasure, and prosperity. We have seen our churches turn into religious social clubs. Our idea of suffering is watching Bill Maher make fun of us.

I am so thankful for men like William Tyndale who was exiled from his homeland and eventually butchered for believing that justification by faith alone mattered and that people should have God's word for themselves instead of being imprisoned to a works-based church. I am thankful for men who understood that the long-term implications of the gospel were more important that short-term comfort. While I do not pray for suffering, I do pray for an awakening in the church that the gospel is worth whatever price is demanded to proclaim it.

John Piper Sermon Jam on Suffering as a Christian

This is a clip from one of the best sermons I ever heard John Piper give. It was at the Passion '06 Conference. Listen, be challenged, bathe in the truth.

John Piper is Bad?

Now that's funny.

No, Mr. President

more about "No, Mr. President", posted with vodpod