RADICAL TOGETHER by David Platt whose book, Radical, made the New York Times Bestseller list has written another book which deals with contemporary ideas that are not found in the Bible. Although we use many things that the New Testament church did not have such as hymnals, modern-day instruments, church buildings, etc., the present thrust of churches to grow seems to be tied to “programs” and big, beautiful buildings.
Platt addresses the fact that churches today involve people in many religious activities but is “devoid of spiritual productivity”. Many of these activities are not bad but to quote Platt, “Are these programs and activities the best way to spend our time, money, and energy for the spread of the gospel in our neighborhood and in all nations?” We do not want something that is just good. We are stewards of the Lord and we want to use what we have to be very best that we can.
In considering the above question, Platt gives statistics that are important to consider. The real purpose of our spiritual obligation is to use God’s resources “for God’s glory in a world where millions of people are starving and more than a billion have never even heard of Jesus.” As individuals we want to follow Jesus but what is our purpose as we work together corporately? Together we can make a difference in people’s lives in many ways. As Jesus did—feed the hungry, heal the sick (in our medical way with prayer), teach about Jesus, give Bibles to those that have never even seen a Bible and many more ways.
The challenge is emphasized: Is it more important to have ball teams, fellowship get-togethers, study groups with only a little devotional, and have a big building program than to thoroughly study God’s Word and then spread that Word to all around us as well as those abroad through Christians willing to go as missionaries.
Platt mentions short mission trips as a means for Christians to see the need and then to become a part of opportunities to support and even to go for longer periods of times to help those already working in various parts of the world. So much and so many are needed.
Many feel they are not equipped to help spread the Word about Jesus. Platt erases that doubt by showing that every Christian needs to realize that it is not with his own power and ability that these things are accomplished but by the power of God and the Spirit put within us to carry us through.
Although Platt realizes that no one knows when the end of the world will come but he presents a somewhat unique idea that it will not happen until every nation, tribe, tongue, and people have heard the gospel. We want that to happen for we are living for the end of the world to be with the Lord. Radical? Yes Together? Yes I recommend this book.
God is worthy of all we have for He gave us everything—“lives, budgets, ambitions, programs, relationships, possessions, careers, and trust”. It is not about us. Many Scriptures are used throughout. “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.”
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