FREE EBOOK for JuLY 2023

Reactivity

How the Gospel transforms Our Actions and Reactions

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Used with permission. In partnership with Crossway.

Read Chapter 1

Author

Paul David Tripp Reeves (DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a pastor, award-winning author, and international conference speaker. He has written numerous books, including the bestselling daily devotional New Morning Mercies and Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens. His nonprofit ministry exists to connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. 
Digital media and technology have brought about significant changes in the way people interact with one another, shaping their actions and reactions. Unfortunately, in the realm of social engagement, criticism, outrage, and controversy have become dominant, and it is disheartening to witness that many Christians have also been swept up in this chaotic tide. This stands in stark contrast to the teachings of Jesus as recorded in John 13:35, where he emphasised that love for one another would be the distinguishing mark of his disciples.

In light of this concerning trend, Paul David Tripp provides invaluable guidance to believers, urging them to approach digital media and technology from a gospel-centred perspective. Tripp points them towards a biblically grounded framework for communication, encouraging them to consider how God intends the church to engage with the world and with fellow believers. By wisely reflecting on their interactions and striving to be shining examples of love and grace, Christians can serve as beacons of light in an age tainted by toxicity.

Reflections by Readers in Malaysia

Paul Tripp appeals for a reexamination of our actions and reactions within various communities while reminding us of our identity as ambassadors of our loving and gracious God. He shows us that how we engage and respond to one another, especially in the current fast paced social media, indicates the true values we still adhere to. 
Reactivity points to God’s creation for our identity, to the Fruit of the Spirit as God’s value system, Redemption by Grace as God’s purpose and calls us to eavesdrop on eternity to see the truth of our destiny.
— Maureen
Reactivity by Paul David Tripp is full of solid gospel counsel on how we respond to others with wisdom, love, respect, and humility. Tripp directs us to God’s overflowing grace as we interact in a culture prone to outrage. Many of his applications focus social media behavior, but every believer (whether active online or not) can benefit from the biblical principles he lays out for our heart and communication with others.
— Rebecca
Paul Tripp calls out the realities of Christians online interacting in ways that are as abrasive and disparaging as those of non-Christians. Though he is particularly focused on social media, his book applies equally well to any relationships Christians find themselves in. The application of Tripp’s call to live out a life of compassion, mercy and truth-telling-in-love is easy to bridge to the real-life relationships we live with. We all need regular reminders of what it means to lay down our lives and our pride in order to love others as ourselves and this book is that excellent reminder.
— Karen
Additional Resources

1. "Reactivity: Rethinking with Social Media" Podcast with Paul Tripp
In this podcast series, Paul Tripp advises believers to approach digital media and technology from a gospel-centred perspective. He emphasises the importance of using a biblical framework for communication and sheds light on how God desires the church to interact with both the broader culture and fellow believers. Tripp urges Christians to exercise wisdom in their online interactions and serve as positive influences amidst a culture marked by negativity. The podcast consists of 8 episodes. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Youtube.

2. Social Media: A Battle of Narrative - An Article by Jevon Gasali
This thought-provoking article delves into the complex world of social media and its impact on our lives. Drawing parallels to Eve's encounter with the forbidden fruit, it examines how our interpretations of the narratives we consume online shape our self-worth, beliefs, and actions. Highlighting the constant battle between the truth of the Bible and societal pressures, the article urges readers to be mindful of the narratives they engage with and seek a deeper understanding of their true identity and worth. It serves as a powerful reminder that social media can either amplify or distort our perception of reality, emphasizing the need to navigate it with discernment and a firm grounding in God's word.

3. The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World - A book by Brett McCracken
In a world flooded with addictive information, Brett McCracken presents the "Wisdom Pyramid." Drawing inspiration from the food pyramid, it guides us to prioritize enduring, trustworthy sources like the Bible, while moderating consumption of unreliable ones such as social media. By reorienting our lives around God, we can find true health and wisdom in an era of toxic media.

READ CHAPTER 1 HERE

Stand a chance to win a physical copy of "Reactivity" by Paul David Tripp!

To enter this giveaway, simply repost our post on Reactivity on Facebook or Instagram and tag @gospelcitynetwork.

We will select the winner at random and notify them after the giveaway closes on 14 August.

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