Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream

By: David Platt

Multnomah Publishers, Inc / 2010 / Paperback

Publisher's Description

WHAT IS JESUS WORTH TO YOU?

It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily...

BUT WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO LIVES LIKE THAT? DO YOU?

In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple--then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a "successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus.

Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment --a one-year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring.

My Review:
I found the book, “Radical” to be both inspiring and challenging. I had heard others mention the book and was wondering what the big deal is with this book. I had heard before, from friends that traveled and ministered in other countries that people in these countries viewed “us” Americans of having our own version of Christianity.
This book will make you think and challenge your own views of your personal faith. The book, “Radical” will make you asks the question,” Is this belief based on the bible or on an Americanized view of what the bible says.” We have seen how so many ministries today in the United States are so focused on money and desire things like the big houses, planes and building the biggest fancy church building they can, all of which has turn off the unbelievers. We need to consider what a true bible based Christian ministry really should be.
I would recommend this book for all Christians.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their blogging for books 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 225: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

SEE'S CANDY

I love See's Candy. Every year for Christmas my mom would buy a box of it from some organization selling it at Christmas time. That was long before the local Mall opened up with a See's Candy Shop. My sister and I would love stopping by the shop as we walked the Mall and would  buy a few pieces of the famous candy. Now, I live far away from a See's Candy Shop and can only dream of my favorite pieces of chocolate. If you haven't tried See's Candy give it a try.

A Time to Embrace Timeless Love Series

By Karen Kingsbury
Published by Thomas Nelson

from the publisher:
“A tragedy that could have ripped Abby and John apart just might bind them together for a lifetime.
After nearly divorcing, John and Abby Reynolds have renewed their vows and are feeling like newlyweds. Together they know they can handle the issues of their past, the questions from their children, and even the high school politics that drain the joy from John’s coaching career. But then tragedy strikes.
An accident tears at the hearts of their family and the depth of their existence. Fumbling for forgiveness and hoping for a miracle, John and Abby must remember what is important and cling to that above all else.
Together, they’re determined to move on with their lives. But is “together” enough for a future they never expected?”

My review: Kingsbury writes about real life situations. This is her second book about the characters John and Abby Reynolds. I read the first book, " A Time to Dance" and really enjoyed it. The neat thing is even if you haven't read the first book you can still read this one without feeling a bit confused, but I will warn you that after reading "A Time to Embrace", you will want to pick up "A Time to Dance."

The book "A Time to Embrace" speaks of love and commitment through good times and bad. It is about forgiveness from God, others and even ourselves. The author has us consider our faith and how it is tested during crisis.

I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to others.

The publisher provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Booksneeze for the purpose of this review.