The Insanity of Obedience

Walking with Jesus in Tough Places

By: Nik Ripken, Barry Stricker

Narrated by: Joe Geoffrey

Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

All Christian disciples have one thing in common: As they carry the Gospel across the ocean and across the street, persecution will become the norm for those who choose to follow Jesus. How believers respond in the face of persecution reveals everything about their level of faith and obedience.

The Insanity of Obedience is a bold challenge to global discipleship. Nik Ripken exposes the danger of safe Christianity and calls listeners to something greater. The Insanity of Obedience challenges Christians in the same provocative way that Jesus did. This book dares you - and prepares you - to cross the street and the oceans with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Some of Jesus' instructions sound uncomfortable and are potentially dangerous. We may be initially encouraged by his declaration, "I am sending you out." But how are we to respond when he then tells us that he is sending us out "like sheep among wolves"? In light of the words of Jesus, how can modern-day believers rest comfortably in the status quo? How can we embrace casual faith in light of the radical commands of Jesus, which are anything but casual?

Ripken brings decades of ministry experience in some of the most persecuted areas of the world to bear on our understanding of faith in Jesus. The Insanity of Obedience is a call to roll up your sleeves...and to follow and partner with Jesus in the toughest places on this planet.

"We have the high privilege of answering Jesus' call to go," Ripken says. "But let us be clear about this: We go on his terms, not ours. If we go at all, we go as sheep among wolves." Jesus gives us himself. And he gives us the tools necessary for those who dare to journey with him.

©2015 eChristian (P)2015 eChristian

More than rocks the boat!

This book's precursor, Insanity of God, rocked the boat, but Insanity of Obedience threw me out of it.

Very convicting

Nik Ripken nailed it. Everything he says convicts me. The audio is well done and engaging. Highly recommend for all that are involved with missions, but also those who are frustrated by the lack of evangelism and passion in the western church.

Challenged me greatly!

I loved this book, but it was painful to read because it showed how short I come from being a dedicated disciple of Jesus.
It is a must read for any person interested in missions and discipleship.

Life changing

Your life will be enriched and radically changed by the truth told in this book. A must read for everyone who calls themselves a follower of Jesus.

Excellent insights on world missions.

Loved it. Nik Ripkin is a true expert on world missions. It should be required reading at Christian universities.

Tough to get through but some good content

Being honest, this book was tough to complete. I loved the narration and you can pick out some good content, but it was very repetitive and sort of...dry? I expected something compelling, maybe convicting, but it felt more like a how-to book. The few good stories used to illustrate points I had already read in Nik's other books. Good for Pastor's or current overseas workers.

challenging and important read.

I learned much about faith as an MBB, faith can always choose to share, how God uses persecution, how missionaries can cause more problems and how to better disciple. I learned how to apply it to my life here. it's making a difference in my life.

Every Believer show read this book!

Exceptional book. Will change the way you think about missions, witnessing, persecution, and your faith.

Don't expect to remain unchanged

Incredible glimpse into the persecuting of Christians worldwide. Thought provoking, inspiring and challenging. Your personal witness will never be the same.

Poses all the tough - and right! - questions

Ripken's challenges to Christians are critically important. His writing, the syntax, leaves something to be desired. The reader, too, is a little sleepy. Neither of these criticisms should discourage a thoughtful Believer from enjoying the book, however. I am a Reformed, Covenental Christian and disagreed with some of Ripken's analyses, particularly regarding baptism. Every Christian in the Western world, no doubt, will have a disagreement with at least something in Ripken's book because he challenges so many Western norms and delves boldly into topics over which Believers joined in Christ have peacefully argued about since the first century. Ripken's thought-provoking words were a great blessing to me and I heartily recommend the book.

Good book -

Not your normal book, will make you consider many biblical concepts - challenging our western thinking. Worth listening to.