2die4: The Dangerous Truth about Following Christ

This is a very good book to make you question how you are living your life for Christ. This is an excellent read for high school and college level students. It is very easy to understand. Highly recommend it for all ages!

So, do you hate Ryan Dobson? Hmm? It IS the popular thing these days. After all, a lot of people hate his dad, Dr. James Dobson. Know why they are hated? Probably because it is the popular thing to do, therefore a lot of people hate these guys. Guess what? I love these guys, and I love what they do for Christ's Kingdom! Ok? Let's just get that straight. Dr. Dobson has something to be proud of in Ryan. I'm proud of the man, and I've never even met him! So, he basically challenges us to get a life. WOW, or OW?! I say WOW! Following Christ is, as he puts it, "2 Die 4!" Isn't that awesome? I guess it isn't to some people. There are a lot of people out there deceived by Satan. Hey, the thought crosses your mind, "Who cares if I don't follow Christ?" The answer is Satan does. Because the fact of the matter is that he hates your guts. Satan doesn't want us to live an abundant life. But Jesus does. Jump out of the airplane and skydive with the Savior! Why? Because there is real potential to actually die! Ryan makes an interesting point about our enemy. He says, "Satan doesn't care whether he hooks you one way or another. He'll claim a person's life anyway he can." While you think about that, feed on this. Satan is a loser. Jesus Christ is The Winner! Dobson also talks about our dying to self. What a challenge! And not an easy one at that! It isn't easy to give up our old sin nature, that takes a lot of guts. But when you do it you honor God. This was amazing! I really enjoy Ryan's writing, and I really appreciate his "In your face" approach, because he makes us look in the mirror. You scared yet? No, following Christ isn't the easiest thing in the world, but it is worth it! In closing, I've used the following illustration before, and it won't hurt to use it again. This is about the Christian who was out with the atheist on a duck hunting trip. The atheist happened to ask the Christian, "What's the difference between you and me?" Well, no sooner did he ask that, and 2 ducks hit the air and the hunter raised his gun... BOOM! BOOM!! One hit the ground dead, the other was wounded and was flapping around like crazy, doing what he could to survive. The Christian looked right at the other fellow and simply said this, "See those ducks? I'm the wounded duck, and I just keep a'strugglin' along, day by day. But you, sir, are the dead duck." Folks, without Christ, we're nothing but dead ducks. And living the abundant life means that we're probably going to be flapping about sometimes, just struggling through. I say it's worth it!!! Do you have the guts to rise up?

Don't be surprised when people give Ryan's book a bad review. Ryan shares the true Gospel that is not popular and certainly not something you hear on TBN or in most churches today. Many today have given in to an Americanized and politicized gospel of health, wealth, and prosperity. Ryan will challenge young and old to consider the cost and take the cross seriously. The Gospel is not just mercy, grace, and forgiveness... it is death, suffering, and sacrifice. Foolishness to those perishing, but to those being saved it is the POWER of the living God (1 Cor. 1:18). If you are tired of a self-serving gospel that leaves you empty and unsatisfied, get an abundant life... it is truly 2 Die 4! I also recommend reading: Mere Discipleship: Radical Christianity in a Rebellious World The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church

I really enjoyed this book. Great perspective. Quick read but full of truth. I bought this book because I had to read it again. The first time I read it, I borrowed it from a friend who recommended it. I just had to own my own copy.

This is a good quick read like another review said. Which, is great. Especially when trying to reach those in younger generations. I was impressed that Dobson was pretty much to the point with everything. Lots of good scripture references and points to meditate and ponder on. I haven't made it through the suggestions for small group leaders so I can't comment on how well the book will work in that setting, but my hunch is for a short term study it would be pretty good.