David Platt Books In Order

Publication Order of David Platt Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Christ-Centered Exposition Books

Publication Order of Counter Culture Booklets Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

David Platt is an American author and evangelical Baptist pastor. David Platt held the position of senior pastor at the Church in Birmingham, Alabama, from 2006 to 2014, during which he became the youngest mega-church pastor in America. Following this, he assumed the role of president at the International Mission Board from 2014 to 2017. In 2017, Platt took on the role of pastor-teacher at McLean Bible Church. David is the author of the New York Times bestselling book Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. In 2011, he published a complementary book titled Radical Together, which further emphasizes the themes in his bestseller book.

David Platt’s book, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream, serves as a reminder for American Christians about the profound way in which Jesus called upon his followers to live. It challenges us to reexamine our lifestyles in light of Jesus’ teachings and emphasizes the transformative nature of true discipleship.

Platt highlights Jesus’ call for his followers to leave behind their sense of security, material wealth, convenience, and even family, if necessary, all for the sake of the gospel. He underscores the concept of taking up one’s cross daily as a fundamental aspect of discipleship. In this book, David Platt urges readers to critically assess how the gospel may have been adapted to suit cultural preferences.

He emphasizes the importance of aligning our beliefs and actions with what Jesus genuinely taught about discipleship. Platt also shares a compelling narrative about the journey of a supposedly thriving suburban church that decides to embrace the gospel according to Jesus wholeheartedly. The book concludes by encouraging readers to participate in what Platt calls The Radical Experiment. This is a year-long commitment to authentic discipleship that has the potential to revolutionize how we live in a world desperately in need of the life-changing Good News that Jesus brought.

David Platt’s 2010 book, Radical, brought into sharp focus the incompatibility between the Christian life and the American dream. It left an indelible impact on Christians. Many who read the first book have since embraced lives characterized by radical obedience to Christ. They’ve dedicated themselves to prayer, immersed themselves in God’s Word, and generously invested their time and resources in serving others, both locally and internationally. This second book, Radical Together, shares the stories of many such individuals.

Yet, it’s vital to recognize that one individual’s radical commitment, though admirable, may not ultimately effect substantial change. Genuine transformation necessitates like-minded Christians coming together within local churches, where each person contributes their unique talents, resources, and energy to advance Christ’s cause as part of a united body. While Radical primarily addressed individual believers, Radical Together extends its focus to churches, aiming to catalyze collective action.

In the opening chapter, The Tyranny of the Good, Platt urges churches to reevaluate how they employ their resources, facilities, and time. He contends that most churches are not investing in worthless or unbiblical pursuits but often find themselves trapped by the tyranny of the good. This means they are allocating their energies to endeavors that, while beneficial, may not be the most effective for advancing God’s Kingdom. Platt calls for churches to place everything on the table and scrutinize their ministry strategies, worship services, programs, finances, policies, priorities, and procedures before God. The objective is to identify how each church can best serve the Lord, even if it entails letting go of some excellent but non-essential pursuits that can hinder wholehearted service to God.

While Radical may have inadvertently prompted some readers to feel guilty about not living radically enough or inadequately contributing to God’s purposes, Platt addresses this concern in the second chapter, titled “The Gospel Misunderstood.” He asserts that understanding the gospel accurately is foundational because everything Christians do should emanate from the gospel.

Platt introduces two archetypes, Andy and Ashley, who both misinterpret the gospel’s essence. Andy, despite professing faith in Christ and correctly acknowledging salvation by grace through faith, fails to translate his faith into fruitful works. He lacks concern for the lost and the needy and resists discussions about radical faith. On the other hand, Ashley never feels she has done enough for Christ, leading to constant guilt and burnout. Platt argues that both Andy and Ashley have distorted understandings of the gospel, which should be a source of both faith and works. He demonstrates how a proper understanding of the gospel should motivate believers to live out their faith and respond to God’s grace.

Platt emphasizes that guilt is an insufficient motivator for sustained Kingdom work, whereas the gospel alone can provide the strength and endurance needed to accomplish God’s purposes. To access the transforming power of the gospel, Platt underscores the necessity of wholly relying on God’s revelation of Himself.

In subsequent chapters, Platt redirects the focus of churches and leaders back to where it should always have been: the Word of God. He challenges prevalent assumptions in contemporary Western Christianity that emphasize the need for programs, flashy music, and dynamic speakers for church success. Platt encourages a return to the scriptural commands and principles outlined in God’s Word, trusting that aligning with God’s plans will lead to divine blessings.

Two standout chapters in the book are “The Genius of Wrong” and “Our Unmistakable Task.” In the former, Platt underscores the immense value God places on people, making it clear that the gospel is intended not only to reconcile individuals with God but also to position the people of God as instruments through which the gospel spreads.

While some churches may resort to “manufactured elements” to attract nonbelievers, such as performances, venues, programs, and professionals, the Bible emphasizes simpler directives: loving God, loving one another, and serving those in the surrounding community. Platt highlights that God uses seemingly “wrong” individuals, sinners, to accomplish His purposes, and this apparent folly is, in fact, the genius of His plan.

The final chapter, “The God Who Exalts God,” and the book’s conclusion deliver a clarion call to action. Platt weaves together stories of individuals and churches that have embraced radical changes, underscoring the importance of God’s glory in all things. He offers a vision that he hopes will inspire churches and provides biblical encouragement, highlighting the promise of success in evangelistic efforts when driven by a passion for God’s glory among the nations.