Book Review: Risky Gospel by Owen Strachan

Comfort is what people seek at times. When comes to following God, some Christians will only do what is comfortable. Take witnessing for example. Some Christians will say they witness with their life and not their words. The problem is witnessing with their life is more comfortable then using words.

The Christian life has never been one of comfort. I believe it was C.S. Lewis who said, "If you are looking for a religion that is comfortable, I would not recommend Christianity." However, there are some Christians who take risks for the glory of God such as leaving the country to be a missionary or plant a church in a city that corrupted by crime. Christians are called to trust in a big God who will comfort us in our discomfort as we follow him.

In his book, Risky Gospel, Owen Strachan says, "We're saved to plunge headlong into a life of God-inspired, Christ-centered, gospel-driven risk. We don't know when the Master is returning; we don't know what may come of our efforts. We're not guaranteed any earthly results. But we are called to work while there is still time" (pg. 30). Risky Gospel is a call for Christians to embrace a growing, vibrant faith that risks everything for the glory of God. Strachan talks about building our identity in Christ, working for the glory of God in our jobs, raising our families, as well as taking risks that could lead in failure. Strachan said, "Christianity isn't foremost about fun or adventure or extreme sports. It's about following Christ, which may mean hardship and even death." (pg. 65).

What amazes me is some Christians will read other books that talk about your best life now or your entitlement because you a child of God. Risky Gospel, thankfully, is not one of those books because it talks about having faith in God when there are no guarantees. As a personal testimony, I know about taking risks. One of the last things I ever wanted to in ministry was to build a youth ministry from the ground up. Yet God, in his grace, allowed me over three years ago to do just that. I went in with no guarantee of success but I knew what God was calling me to do and I took that risk. There have been hardships as well as some successes.

If you are looking for a book to make you comfortable in your walk with the Lord, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a book that will challenge you to take risks for the glory of God, this is the book for you.

Thanks Booksneeze for letting me review this book.