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Extraordinary: The Life You're Meant to Live
Satisfy your intrinsic desire to rise above the norm.
Isn’t it true that we long to see the extraordinary, experience the extraordinary, do the extraordinary? Yet, so often we settle for mediocrity when greatness is within our grasp.
Why are we drawn to stories of heroic triumph over seemingly impossible circumstances? In our fascination with adventure movies, superheroes, and tales of incredible human feats, do we reveal an inherent desire for something larger and greater in life? Maybe what we think is a need to escape or be entertained is actually a God inspired longing…for the extraordinary.
Best-selling author John Bevere reveals how all of us were “meant for more,” extraordinarily created and intended for a life that is anything but ordinary. Here is the roadmap for your journey of transformation. You are marked for a life that far surpasses the usual definitions of success or fulfillment.
Isn’t it time to pursue your extraordinary life?
Isn’t it true that we long to see the extraordinary, experience the extraordinary, do the extraordinary? Yet, so often we settle for mediocrity when greatness is within our grasp.
Why are we drawn to stories of heroic triumph over seemingly impossible circumstances? In our fascination with adventure movies, superheroes, and tales of incredible human feats, do we reveal an inherent desire for something larger and greater in life? Maybe what we think is a need to escape or be entertained is actually a God inspired longing…for the extraordinary.
Best-selling author John Bevere reveals how all of us were “meant for more,” extraordinarily created and intended for a life that is anything but ordinary. Here is the roadmap for your journey of transformation. You are marked for a life that far surpasses the usual definitions of success or fulfillment.
Isn’t it time to pursue your extraordinary life?
240 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2009
158 people are currently reading
861 people want to read
About the author
John Bevere
154 books868 followersMarked by boldness and passion, John Bevere delivers uncompromising truth through his award-winning curriculums and bestselling books, now in more than 60 languages, including "The Bait of Satan," "Drawing Near" and "Driven by Eternity." He is an international speaker and co-host of "The Messenger" TV program broadcast worldwide.
John enjoys living in Colorado Springs with his wife, Lisa, also a best-selling author and speaker, and their four sons.
John enjoys living in Colorado Springs with his wife, Lisa, also a best-selling author and speaker, and their four sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 14, 2012
This was excellent.
John writes like he speaks. He uses Scripture to support all of his assertions and then illustrates them with examples from his own or others lives. The way John uses Scripture is incredible. He reflects on multiple versions and provides the most relevant version for the point he is trying to support.
What was most significant for me in reading this book was I now have a full understanding of grace. I've been living naively believing that grace is mostly provided for salvation and ongoing salvation, ie, forgiveness. However, the core of this book is how God has so generously and extravagantly provided us with all the necessary grace to equip us to live the lives that He designed us for. So in battling sinful habits, grace is the solution. In "ruling in life", grace is the enabler. In equipping us to achieve the desires God has planted in our hearts, grace is the answer.
This is such an eye opener for me and am so appreciative of "getting it" now. How do I access grace? Faith. Living knowing that God is good, faithful, trustworthy and loves me intensely.
Sure this probably isn't news to most of you reading this, but that linkage has been a revelation for me.
How do you we live Extraordinarily? By building faith through reading His Word and allowing the Word to transform our minds and more importantly, getting it "deep within our heart."
I can't recommend this book enough. I also worked through the accompanying devotional workbook. It's one of the best workbooks I've used. It reinforces what the book says, embellishes it with more truth & examples whilst challenging the reader to respond personally to the key concepts.
Once again, I would highly recommend buying the workbook as it helps embed the material.
John writes like he speaks. He uses Scripture to support all of his assertions and then illustrates them with examples from his own or others lives. The way John uses Scripture is incredible. He reflects on multiple versions and provides the most relevant version for the point he is trying to support.
What was most significant for me in reading this book was I now have a full understanding of grace. I've been living naively believing that grace is mostly provided for salvation and ongoing salvation, ie, forgiveness. However, the core of this book is how God has so generously and extravagantly provided us with all the necessary grace to equip us to live the lives that He designed us for. So in battling sinful habits, grace is the solution. In "ruling in life", grace is the enabler. In equipping us to achieve the desires God has planted in our hearts, grace is the answer.
This is such an eye opener for me and am so appreciative of "getting it" now. How do I access grace? Faith. Living knowing that God is good, faithful, trustworthy and loves me intensely.
Sure this probably isn't news to most of you reading this, but that linkage has been a revelation for me.
How do you we live Extraordinarily? By building faith through reading His Word and allowing the Word to transform our minds and more importantly, getting it "deep within our heart."
I can't recommend this book enough. I also worked through the accompanying devotional workbook. It's one of the best workbooks I've used. It reinforces what the book says, embellishes it with more truth & examples whilst challenging the reader to respond personally to the key concepts.
Once again, I would highly recommend buying the workbook as it helps embed the material.
April 13, 2011
I read this as part of a Bible study. It made me look at some things in a whole new way. Especually the issue of God's grace. It doesn't just save us, it empowers us to live life abundantly. The same Jesus who died on the cross lives in me. I need to live my life accordingly.
February 21, 2023
I have had this physical book sitting on my shelves for years so I don't what made me pick it up now, but I am glad I did. John Bevere goes into depth about grace and what living a grace filled life is all about. He shares the relationship about grace and faith and many other practical Christian life issues, that when we truly know grace are no longer issues.
September 22, 2011
Extraordinary is a self-help book for Christians who are seeking the to live life the way God intended it to be lived. It urges Christians to reach beyond mediocre living and expectations. It is meant to be a guide for every Christian who has ever wondered, Is this all there is to life?
This book was not at all what I expected. I imagined it to be a book filled with encouragement and reminders of God's promises that we are more than conquerors through Him. I expected a book to lighten my load, strengthen my resolve and increase my spiritual growth. I was sadly disappointed. Admittedly, there were a few portions of the book that were helpful and a few statements that were profound. Beyond that, the book had several issues.
Red flags went up within the first few chapters when I felt Bevere was dancing around certain issues that are of utmost doctrinal importance. Somehow he managed to discuss these points while making it unclear as to where he stood on the points. But since the book is set up to where each chapter builds on the next, the truth was finally revealed.
After reading the book, this is the impression I was left with on what Bevere believes: First of all, he believes in a health-and-wealth gospel that states that God wants all of his children to be healthy and wealthy. He also believes that if a Christian is not healthy and wealthy, it is because of a lack of faith on the part of the Christian. He also concludes that with proper faith, we can accomplish anything that Jesus accomplished while on this earth. We can heal the sick, cast out demons, and make earth just like heaven. To this statement, I would love to ask why he doesn't have a full-time ministry visiting hospitals, nursing homes and asylums, but I digress. He even went so far as to say that man can and does limit God in what He can do here on earth. His proof was that God couldn't calm the storm on the sea of Galilee; He needed Jesus (in bodily form) to do that. What? Another statement that truly bothered me was when Bevere was discussing the woman with the issue of blood. He stated that Jesus had no idea what was going on until He felt His power leave Him when the woman touched the hem of His robe. That's insane. Jesus knows everything! Jesus knew that woman would come to Him before she was ever born.
In addition to the doctrinal differences, Bevere uses several versions of the Bible and often paraphrases to make the verses say what he wants them to say. I feel this is very misleading and can cause great confusion to the reader. Not only that, but Bevere has a knack for picking and choosing the verses that seem to support his point while leaving out others that would clarify the verse and give its true meaning. For example, in his chapter on faith, he used the verse in James that says, "Ye have not because ye ask not." He goes on to say how we can have anything we want if we only ask and believe. However, if he would read the very next verse in James, he would see, "Ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss." We must compare Scripture with Scripture. We cannot pick one verse or one part of a verse and use it out of context to meet our needs.
As an author myself, I dislike writing poor reviews. I know how it feels to receive negative feedback. However, as a Christian, it is my duty to point out false teachings, and this book is full of them. If you're looking for a health-and-wealth, supremacy of man resource, this is it. However, if you're looking for the truth, I strongly suggest you look elsewhere. As I mentioned earlier, there were some really good points made in the book; however, there wasn't enough to warrant reading the book.
I received Extraordinary as part of the Blogging for Books program from Waterbrook Mulnomah. The opinions expressed herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
This book was not at all what I expected. I imagined it to be a book filled with encouragement and reminders of God's promises that we are more than conquerors through Him. I expected a book to lighten my load, strengthen my resolve and increase my spiritual growth. I was sadly disappointed. Admittedly, there were a few portions of the book that were helpful and a few statements that were profound. Beyond that, the book had several issues.
Red flags went up within the first few chapters when I felt Bevere was dancing around certain issues that are of utmost doctrinal importance. Somehow he managed to discuss these points while making it unclear as to where he stood on the points. But since the book is set up to where each chapter builds on the next, the truth was finally revealed.
After reading the book, this is the impression I was left with on what Bevere believes: First of all, he believes in a health-and-wealth gospel that states that God wants all of his children to be healthy and wealthy. He also believes that if a Christian is not healthy and wealthy, it is because of a lack of faith on the part of the Christian. He also concludes that with proper faith, we can accomplish anything that Jesus accomplished while on this earth. We can heal the sick, cast out demons, and make earth just like heaven. To this statement, I would love to ask why he doesn't have a full-time ministry visiting hospitals, nursing homes and asylums, but I digress. He even went so far as to say that man can and does limit God in what He can do here on earth. His proof was that God couldn't calm the storm on the sea of Galilee; He needed Jesus (in bodily form) to do that. What? Another statement that truly bothered me was when Bevere was discussing the woman with the issue of blood. He stated that Jesus had no idea what was going on until He felt His power leave Him when the woman touched the hem of His robe. That's insane. Jesus knows everything! Jesus knew that woman would come to Him before she was ever born.
In addition to the doctrinal differences, Bevere uses several versions of the Bible and often paraphrases to make the verses say what he wants them to say. I feel this is very misleading and can cause great confusion to the reader. Not only that, but Bevere has a knack for picking and choosing the verses that seem to support his point while leaving out others that would clarify the verse and give its true meaning. For example, in his chapter on faith, he used the verse in James that says, "Ye have not because ye ask not." He goes on to say how we can have anything we want if we only ask and believe. However, if he would read the very next verse in James, he would see, "Ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss." We must compare Scripture with Scripture. We cannot pick one verse or one part of a verse and use it out of context to meet our needs.
As an author myself, I dislike writing poor reviews. I know how it feels to receive negative feedback. However, as a Christian, it is my duty to point out false teachings, and this book is full of them. If you're looking for a health-and-wealth, supremacy of man resource, this is it. However, if you're looking for the truth, I strongly suggest you look elsewhere. As I mentioned earlier, there were some really good points made in the book; however, there wasn't enough to warrant reading the book.
I received Extraordinary as part of the Blogging for Books program from Waterbrook Mulnomah. The opinions expressed herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
October 4, 2009
I admire that the author uses Scripture in this book and that he exhorts us to search the Scriptures to make sure any teaching we hear (including his) is Biblical in the full context of the Bible. I can only hope that those who read his book take this advice.
Several chapters (chapters 2, 7-10) are very good and give a balanced view of what Scripture teaches about God's love for us and His grace toward us. Other chapters (chapters 3-6) are fairly Biblical as far as they go, but they don't give a balanced view of everything the Bible says on the subject and so could mislead people into believing the Bible teaches certain things that it doesn't.
However, my greatest problem with this book starts in chapter 11. He previously defined grace as most people do: "grace is getting what we don't deserve, whereas mercy involves not getting what we deserve. (p. 82)" He also says "[Grace:] gives us the power to live in truth. (p.64)" However, in chapter 11, he re-defines grace as God's empowering all believers with the ability to cast out demons, heal the sick, create food to feed thousands, convert thousands to Christ, and otherwise bring about the conditions found in heaven upon the earth.
However, the verses he uses to try and prove that having God's grace equals all believers having the power to perform physical miracles in other people's lives clearly don't teach this, even out of context. In each example the author gives, both "grace" and "power" are mentioned, with power being the word relating to the miracles. When only grace is mentioned in his examples, it's describing the change of a believer's heart from being self-centered to having God's priorities.
The teaching in the remaining chapters (12-17) is skewed because of this incorrect redefinition of "grace." The author then picks verses on faith that he feels supports his belief that "grace" (which he takes to mean the ability to perform miracles) can be done if you have complete faith in this ability. As in, God's power resides in us (p.146) and we control God's power through believing we can do anything Jesus did. But the Bible doesn't teach this.
Simply put, I can't recommend this book due to the parts that depart from what the Bible teaches or which don't give a balanced view of what the Bible teaches. I'd recommend instead an excellent, Biblical book: "Because He Loves Me: How Christ Transforms Our Daily Life" by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick.
Several chapters (chapters 2, 7-10) are very good and give a balanced view of what Scripture teaches about God's love for us and His grace toward us. Other chapters (chapters 3-6) are fairly Biblical as far as they go, but they don't give a balanced view of everything the Bible says on the subject and so could mislead people into believing the Bible teaches certain things that it doesn't.
However, my greatest problem with this book starts in chapter 11. He previously defined grace as most people do: "grace is getting what we don't deserve, whereas mercy involves not getting what we deserve. (p. 82)" He also says "[Grace:] gives us the power to live in truth. (p.64)" However, in chapter 11, he re-defines grace as God's empowering all believers with the ability to cast out demons, heal the sick, create food to feed thousands, convert thousands to Christ, and otherwise bring about the conditions found in heaven upon the earth.
However, the verses he uses to try and prove that having God's grace equals all believers having the power to perform physical miracles in other people's lives clearly don't teach this, even out of context. In each example the author gives, both "grace" and "power" are mentioned, with power being the word relating to the miracles. When only grace is mentioned in his examples, it's describing the change of a believer's heart from being self-centered to having God's priorities.
The teaching in the remaining chapters (12-17) is skewed because of this incorrect redefinition of "grace." The author then picks verses on faith that he feels supports his belief that "grace" (which he takes to mean the ability to perform miracles) can be done if you have complete faith in this ability. As in, God's power resides in us (p.146) and we control God's power through believing we can do anything Jesus did. But the Bible doesn't teach this.
Simply put, I can't recommend this book due to the parts that depart from what the Bible teaches or which don't give a balanced view of what the Bible teaches. I'd recommend instead an excellent, Biblical book: "Because He Loves Me: How Christ Transforms Our Daily Life" by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick.
April 14, 2024
2024 Review:
I read this book for the first time in 2018 and it fundamentally shifted some things in my walk with Jesus. Now, five years later, I felt like I needed to pick it up again, and wouldn’t you know it, the same thing happened! This is a book that is filled with so much insight and challenging mind-shifts that I think I could read it every five years for the rest of my life and be deeply impacted every single time. The profound truths that John shares will challenge you, convict you, and force you confront all the life-long beliefs you’ve held that do not truly align with scripture. Can’t recommend it enough!
Favorite Quote: “Our entire Christian walk, from the day we come into God’s family until we behold him face to face, is all about believing his word over what we see, hear, or experience.”
2018 Review:
This was an incredibly challenging book that I know I need to reread at least once more before even beginning to fully process everything in it. I haven’t read any of John’s book before but after reading this one I can’t wait to get my hands on all of his other works! He is a deeply theological thinker and a great communicator of Biblical truths. This book looks specifically at the way that the Bible says our lives should look after accepting Christ in comparison to the normal Christian life today and tries to discover why there is a such a disconnect between the two. John thoroughly dissects the foundational truths of who we are according to the New Testament and then challenges us to really step out and live that way. This is a great book that absolutely everyone who wants to grow deeper in their understanding of who God has called them to be should read.
Favorite Quote: “Scripture says Satan is subtle and crafty. His strategies appear extremely normal which makes it difficult to discern it’s him. His goal is to make God’s Word appear abnormal and his wisdom normal. This is Satan’s most effective strategy.
I read this book for the first time in 2018 and it fundamentally shifted some things in my walk with Jesus. Now, five years later, I felt like I needed to pick it up again, and wouldn’t you know it, the same thing happened! This is a book that is filled with so much insight and challenging mind-shifts that I think I could read it every five years for the rest of my life and be deeply impacted every single time. The profound truths that John shares will challenge you, convict you, and force you confront all the life-long beliefs you’ve held that do not truly align with scripture. Can’t recommend it enough!
Favorite Quote: “Our entire Christian walk, from the day we come into God’s family until we behold him face to face, is all about believing his word over what we see, hear, or experience.”
2018 Review:
This was an incredibly challenging book that I know I need to reread at least once more before even beginning to fully process everything in it. I haven’t read any of John’s book before but after reading this one I can’t wait to get my hands on all of his other works! He is a deeply theological thinker and a great communicator of Biblical truths. This book looks specifically at the way that the Bible says our lives should look after accepting Christ in comparison to the normal Christian life today and tries to discover why there is a such a disconnect between the two. John thoroughly dissects the foundational truths of who we are according to the New Testament and then challenges us to really step out and live that way. This is a great book that absolutely everyone who wants to grow deeper in their understanding of who God has called them to be should read.
Favorite Quote: “Scripture says Satan is subtle and crafty. His strategies appear extremely normal which makes it difficult to discern it’s him. His goal is to make God’s Word appear abnormal and his wisdom normal. This is Satan’s most effective strategy.
May 14, 2011
An awesome book! John Bevere focuses on the heart of Christianity, Faith! Not just faith for salvation, but faith for Holy Living, divine healing, resources to meet needs, and ruling in life. He shows us God's plan through scriptures, including many, many examples in the Bible. But, we must put our hope in the God of Hope. Faith, hope, and compassion is what Jesus taught us, and that is how we should live. John B. reaffirms what the Bible teaches that we cannot do this on our own strength, but only with Christ. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13
July 25, 2011
What a wonderful book explaining God's grace and how by accepting that grace we can live in so much more freedom and loving acceptance of a God who loves us THAT much to give us unmerited favor, undeserved pardon, so that we can live more balanced, fruitful lives by embracing this concept!
January 31, 2019
This book by John Bevere is overall interesting, has many references to scripture, and can leave the reader with a sense of empowerment for his or her own life. What is very disappointing about Mr. Bevere's writing is that he dedicates a fair amount of content to talking about hunting animals. He does so mainly in the context of a story in which a man is left on an island by himself with nothing to eat or wear and virtually has no other options. However, while he goes into detail about a gun being used for hunting, he never finds it necessary to also address our responsibility as Christians to be kind to animals. Given the fact and state of affairs with factory farming which is grosly abusive while the Bible clearly speaks about the wickedness of cruelty towards animals, one would think Mr. Bevere would at least find it in his heart to mention a few words about the issue.
January 8, 2021
Existe una pregunta que preocupa a muchos creyentes: “¿Por qué no estoy experimentando más gozo, esperanza, satisfacción, intimidad, poder y todo lo demás en mi vida cristiana, no se supone que Jesús nos prometió eso?”. John Bevere presenta un convincente caso directo de las Escrituras, a favor de vivir marcado por experiencias y logros extraordinarios, justo la vida que Dios quiso para sus hijos. Esta es la guía para entender los increíbles planes de Dios y cómo disfrutar de una vida donde Él añade el “extra” a lo “ordinario”.
June 2, 2019
I would recommend this book as a MUST-READ for new believers especially...it’s so crucial to know from the beginning what doors Faith has opened to you! Also any believer who finds themselves thinking: is this it? Trust me, we’re not meant to outlast God’s Extraordinary in our lives! Read and be blessed!
September 27, 2023
Exista cateva niveluri de viata pe care orice om le poate trai:
-normal, obisnuit, avand cunostinte generale despre Dumnezeu
-in relatie cu Dumnezeu, impacat cu El
-in relatie cu Dumnezeu, impacat cu El, dar EXTRAORDINAR, accesand toate beneficiile pe care le ofera o astfel de relatie
Cartea descrie ultimul stil de viata, parcurgand etapa cu etapa avansarea spre acest nivel.
-normal, obisnuit, avand cunostinte generale despre Dumnezeu
-in relatie cu Dumnezeu, impacat cu El
-in relatie cu Dumnezeu, impacat cu El, dar EXTRAORDINAR, accesand toate beneficiile pe care le ofera o astfel de relatie
Cartea descrie ultimul stil de viata, parcurgand etapa cu etapa avansarea spre acest nivel.
November 19, 2017
Heart Wrenching & Straight To The Heart!
This book cut straight to the heart! Would like to do it again and again so that I can grasps how to deal with important issues I need to straighten out in my life...!!!
This book cut straight to the heart! Would like to do it again and again so that I can grasps how to deal with important issues I need to straighten out in my life...!!!
July 29, 2024
This book is a transformational roadmap to rise above the ordinary and pursue a life marked by divine purpose and fulfillment. John Bevere's message is clear: we are all meant for more, and with faith and determination, we can achieve it. It really enriched my life.
February 14, 2025
Phenomenal book it scripture to support the material we are extraordinary and meant to live an extraordinary life thru him. Definitely recommend to anyone looking to understand what god wants for us and how god see us.
September 1, 2017
Excellent content! I had many "mind blown" moments while reading this book. Have already recommended this one to a friend, and will be buying a physical copy to read over the best chapters again.
April 9, 2018
Honestly, I don't remember much of it ....
October 8, 2018
Too preachy for my taste.
November 11, 2018
A very insightful, eye-opening, heart-wrenching book on GRACE! Didn't expect much on this one but it definitely exceeded my expectations!
May 5, 2019
Bevere hits at a look at grace that NO ONE is writing about - and that simple revelation has changed my life.
Read
March 13, 2020Become Extraordinary
Great book on how to live the Christian life to the full that Christ die on the Cross to give us.
Great book on how to live the Christian life to the full that Christ die on the Cross to give us.
August 19, 2020
Oh man. This was really good. You have to pause and dwell on each chapter a couple of times, don’t fly through it.
September 20, 2020
Amazing book! Do you want to have an extraordinary life? So read that book.
December 28, 2020
Another book from a great author. This book I've given away as gifts.
July 25, 2021
Another great book to add to my annual reading list. I can’t emphasise enough how crucial this book is for everyday purpose driven living.
February 14, 2012
I had mixed feelings on this book. On one hand there were moments when I was loving this book and felt he was right on. At other moments it felt like there was just something that didn’t quite set right with me. This book is about how life is supposed to be. This book wants to open people’s eyes to the fact that “extraordinary” is how we were created to live. It was God’s plan from the beginning (loc 126). But this seems to be far from reality for many people, many Christians. It is to confront this reality that John writes this book.
I think the central premise of his book could be wrapped up in this quotation
The truth is, God not only desires you to live extraordinarily but also has equipped you to do so. (loc 148)
For those who have come to faith in Christ. They have been made alive. They are being shaped into the image of his Son (Romans 8:28-30). The message of the Gospel is not only about redemption from the penalty as a result from our sins against God, but it includes the aftermath of that as well. Being alive to God and living in a way that brings glory to Him (Gal. 2:20). The gift of salvation is all of God’s grace. It isn’t something man can boast in. It includes being made alive to God, going from enemies to sons, and as his children there are good works that he has prepared for us to do (Eph. 2:7-10). This is huge. It is easy to stop at simply explaining that the Gospel is the way that people can be saved from the penalty of their sins. That is huge. There is no denying that. But that also creates the potential of leading people to think life after that is up to them. They are saved by grace but life by effort. This is the error Paul is confronting in Galatians. He wants them to see that life after salvation is the same as life at salvation – all of God (Gal 2:15-3:5).
In relation to these ideas I was hugely grateful for the book. It was very helpful in this sense. What I think the underlying tension was came in the application he makes. It wasn’t prevalent throughout the book, but I just had a feeling it was coming and it showed up towards the end. There were two major things that I struggled with: first, It is the idea that when something you want to be doesn’t come to fruition that it is because in the “critical belief period” your faith wasn’t strong enough (loc 2580). It is the idea that is often abused that comes down to “if it is to be it is up to me.” While there are some elements of truth and the abuse in the other direction is real, this can be crippling and I don’t think squares with the overall message from scripture. The second major disagreement came in some of the areas of application. His emphasis on grace as God’s gift for salvation but also the empowering to live a life that pleases him is helpful. However, the idea that because you are a Christian you should be the most creative architect, the most exciting musician, the most successful businessman I don’t think quite squares with scripture either. Some of his applications for grace’s empowering us to live a holy life as a new creation were great (loc 1661). But others I disagreed with.
Overall, the book was interesting. I greatly enjoyed it. It was thought provoking and entertaining. So for those who are looking for a book to challenge their thinking on what life as a Christian should be this is an interesting one. It would not come as the highest recommended book on the topic but for a critical reader it might be worth engaging with.
DISCLAIMER: I received a free evaluation copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah. I did not receive any monetary payment nor was I required to write a positive review. I hope my comments about the book will help you evaluate whether or not the book is worth purchasing and reading.
I think the central premise of his book could be wrapped up in this quotation
The truth is, God not only desires you to live extraordinarily but also has equipped you to do so. (loc 148)
For those who have come to faith in Christ. They have been made alive. They are being shaped into the image of his Son (Romans 8:28-30). The message of the Gospel is not only about redemption from the penalty as a result from our sins against God, but it includes the aftermath of that as well. Being alive to God and living in a way that brings glory to Him (Gal. 2:20). The gift of salvation is all of God’s grace. It isn’t something man can boast in. It includes being made alive to God, going from enemies to sons, and as his children there are good works that he has prepared for us to do (Eph. 2:7-10). This is huge. It is easy to stop at simply explaining that the Gospel is the way that people can be saved from the penalty of their sins. That is huge. There is no denying that. But that also creates the potential of leading people to think life after that is up to them. They are saved by grace but life by effort. This is the error Paul is confronting in Galatians. He wants them to see that life after salvation is the same as life at salvation – all of God (Gal 2:15-3:5).
In relation to these ideas I was hugely grateful for the book. It was very helpful in this sense. What I think the underlying tension was came in the application he makes. It wasn’t prevalent throughout the book, but I just had a feeling it was coming and it showed up towards the end. There were two major things that I struggled with: first, It is the idea that when something you want to be doesn’t come to fruition that it is because in the “critical belief period” your faith wasn’t strong enough (loc 2580). It is the idea that is often abused that comes down to “if it is to be it is up to me.” While there are some elements of truth and the abuse in the other direction is real, this can be crippling and I don’t think squares with the overall message from scripture. The second major disagreement came in some of the areas of application. His emphasis on grace as God’s gift for salvation but also the empowering to live a life that pleases him is helpful. However, the idea that because you are a Christian you should be the most creative architect, the most exciting musician, the most successful businessman I don’t think quite squares with scripture either. Some of his applications for grace’s empowering us to live a holy life as a new creation were great (loc 1661). But others I disagreed with.
Overall, the book was interesting. I greatly enjoyed it. It was thought provoking and entertaining. So for those who are looking for a book to challenge their thinking on what life as a Christian should be this is an interesting one. It would not come as the highest recommended book on the topic but for a critical reader it might be worth engaging with.
DISCLAIMER: I received a free evaluation copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah. I did not receive any monetary payment nor was I required to write a positive review. I hope my comments about the book will help you evaluate whether or not the book is worth purchasing and reading.
February 27, 2017
After hearing him speak on his "Good or God?" book tour, I've become a John Bevere fan...and this book is equally as thought provoking and excellent. Page 143 (paperback version) is one I reprinted and stuck to my wall and my teens' walls for a daily reminder that we are called to live extraordinarily.
November 12, 2012
John Bevere has a wonderful talent for inspiring Christians to examine their faith. His writing is always a challenging “I dare you to go deeper” approach that will set a spark in your spirit or wake you up to what you could have.
Extraordinary: The Life You’re Meant To Have is a well-written challenge to surrender the simple in search for the fantastic. It’s an attempt to stir Christians to make use of the gifts and abilities God has placed in them. It’s a call to be more than just the average joe. Extraordinary sparks hope inside the reader and wakes up the dreams we have undermined with doubt and fear.
The first chapter perfectly expresses Bevere’s heart and purpose for writing. This chapter ends with a prayer. Each chapter is written with a very personable voice. Chapters are concluded with questions for review and reflection.
I always feel a little bad when I read books by John Bevere. Somebody worked a lot of hours to create the pages and bind them into this wonderful looking book and there I sit with my pen in hand marking it up from front to back. With notes and underlined sections all over the place, John Bevere books always end up looking more like a spirit-led journal once I’m through with them. The truth is I learn a ton with every sentence.
Extraordinary begins with the definition of the title word. To be ”beyond what is unusual, exceptional, exceeding the common measure.” If we can learn to live this book and the scriptural foundation it’s built on, we could take our world by storm. We could overwhelm them with the talents of God manifested in his children.
Personally, I received the majority of the message God had for me through this book on the second chapter. I re-read it over and over again. Boy do I struggle with concept of how deep God’s love is for me. The fact that God loves and values me whether I am viewed as extraordinary to the world or not just amazes me. It makes me want to do big things, not to gain His love, but to demonstrate the courage His love gives me.
I will be recommending this book to friends. I’ve already mentioned it to my Pastor’s wife who is now dying to read it. She’ll have to get her own copy though. Mine is too marked up with eye-opening notes.
Extraordinary: The Life You’re Meant To Have is a well-written challenge to surrender the simple in search for the fantastic. It’s an attempt to stir Christians to make use of the gifts and abilities God has placed in them. It’s a call to be more than just the average joe. Extraordinary sparks hope inside the reader and wakes up the dreams we have undermined with doubt and fear.
The first chapter perfectly expresses Bevere’s heart and purpose for writing. This chapter ends with a prayer. Each chapter is written with a very personable voice. Chapters are concluded with questions for review and reflection.
I always feel a little bad when I read books by John Bevere. Somebody worked a lot of hours to create the pages and bind them into this wonderful looking book and there I sit with my pen in hand marking it up from front to back. With notes and underlined sections all over the place, John Bevere books always end up looking more like a spirit-led journal once I’m through with them. The truth is I learn a ton with every sentence.
Extraordinary begins with the definition of the title word. To be ”beyond what is unusual, exceptional, exceeding the common measure.” If we can learn to live this book and the scriptural foundation it’s built on, we could take our world by storm. We could overwhelm them with the talents of God manifested in his children.
Personally, I received the majority of the message God had for me through this book on the second chapter. I re-read it over and over again. Boy do I struggle with concept of how deep God’s love is for me. The fact that God loves and values me whether I am viewed as extraordinary to the world or not just amazes me. It makes me want to do big things, not to gain His love, but to demonstrate the courage His love gives me.
I will be recommending this book to friends. I’ve already mentioned it to my Pastor’s wife who is now dying to read it. She’ll have to get her own copy though. Mine is too marked up with eye-opening notes.
October 28, 2011
Extraordinary – The Good. The Bad. The Ugly.
For this book John should have heeded some wise words from my first Camp Director. He said…
“At this camp we do two things. We have fun and we make disciples. If you mess up, then mess up on making disciples. Have fun. At least then the campers will come back next year and someone else can introduce them to Christ. If you try to make disciples at camp and have no fun, you won’t succeed at either.”
The Good:
Extraordinary focuses on making disciples. There is some great truth hidden in here. His emphasis on God’s grace giving us the power to live life differently was well done. I’ll steal some for future sermons myself – for sure.
The Bad:
John seems to be a bit hyper-dispensational, seeing Old Testament believers as unable to live the life God now calls us to live. He sees Jesus as raising the bar in the New Testament when He calls us to live a “perfect/holy” life. Maybe I’m misunderstanding what John was teaching, but it seems to me Jesus was not raising the bar, but clarifying where the bar was set. The Pharisees moved it, Christ re-set it.
The Ugly:
The book read to me like a collection of poorly organized sermons. With better editing, maybe 25% shorter, this could have been a fun, exciting encouragement of dying to self and allowing Christ to live through you. Instead it was dull. I kept putting it down, waiting a week, telling myself it couldn’t be that bad, trying again, putting it down… There were always paragraphs to mark, good content hidden in the chapters, but getting there was work. John is a better author than this – don’t let this sour you on his other books.
I received this book free from Multnomah Books for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. DanielCooley.com
For this book John should have heeded some wise words from my first Camp Director. He said…
“At this camp we do two things. We have fun and we make disciples. If you mess up, then mess up on making disciples. Have fun. At least then the campers will come back next year and someone else can introduce them to Christ. If you try to make disciples at camp and have no fun, you won’t succeed at either.”
The Good:
Extraordinary focuses on making disciples. There is some great truth hidden in here. His emphasis on God’s grace giving us the power to live life differently was well done. I’ll steal some for future sermons myself – for sure.
The Bad:
John seems to be a bit hyper-dispensational, seeing Old Testament believers as unable to live the life God now calls us to live. He sees Jesus as raising the bar in the New Testament when He calls us to live a “perfect/holy” life. Maybe I’m misunderstanding what John was teaching, but it seems to me Jesus was not raising the bar, but clarifying where the bar was set. The Pharisees moved it, Christ re-set it.
The Ugly:
The book read to me like a collection of poorly organized sermons. With better editing, maybe 25% shorter, this could have been a fun, exciting encouragement of dying to self and allowing Christ to live through you. Instead it was dull. I kept putting it down, waiting a week, telling myself it couldn’t be that bad, trying again, putting it down… There were always paragraphs to mark, good content hidden in the chapters, but getting there was work. John is a better author than this – don’t let this sour you on his other books.
I received this book free from Multnomah Books for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. DanielCooley.com
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