Author Nik Ripken to Release New Devotional on Sacrifice “The Insanity of Sacrifice"

By Hallels News Oct 01, 2019 04:22 AM EDT

Bestselling author Nik Ripken, the world's leading expert on Christians in persecution, especially in Muslim contexts, will release his first devotional this fall, "The Insanity of Sacrifice: A 90-Day Devotional" (October 1, B&H Publishing). Ripken, who has been mentored by believers in persecution throughout his 30-year missionary career, offers 90 devotionals to help readers align their hearts with God's and see the role sacrifice plays in the life of every follower of Jesus Christ.

"It can be argued that the first two books served as windows to the world where the persecution of Christians was found to be normal. 'The Insanity of God' graphically illustrates His miraculous activity among believers in persecution," Ripken said.

"'The Insanity of Obedience' dares to suggest that it's believers in persecution who model for us how to become wise partners with God in the world's hardest places. Yet, 'The Insanity of Sacrifice' is a mirror. The reader is not allowed to remain a spectator but is personally ushered into the presence of God and challenged with the cost of following Jesus. 'The Insanity of Sacrifice' is a dangerous book as it demands that we risk everything for the joy of carrying our cross as we follow Jesus."

Ripken and his wife served primarily in North Africa and the Middle East and conducted extensive research on the persecuted church and on Muslim-background believers in approximately 72 countries. His books, "The Insanity of God" and "The Insanity of Obedience," have collectively impacted over 200,000 people, and "The Insanity of God Movie" was released to limited theatres in 2016 (LifeWay Films).

Through Ripken's experience working with the persecuted church, he has seen that the methods God uses to accomplish his purposes are often difficult for us to understand. Though Christians have read about God's unusual methods in the Bible, they are often startled when they experience these ways firsthand. However, Ripken argues, nowhere do we see the role sacrifice plays more than in the activity of God.

By reading "The Insanity of Sacrifice," Ripken hopes readers will discover that their sacrifice can lead others, across the street and across the oceans, to discover new resurrection life in Christ.

"Sometimes God makes it very clear that he's at work, and you're blessed to simply be a part of it," said Taylor Combs, Associate Publisher of Christian Living and Leadership. "We've seen that in 'The Insanity of God' and 'The Insanity of Obedience," and we're humbled to continue to be a part of what he's doing through 'The Insanity of Sacrifice.'"

B&H is supporting the launch of "The Insanity of Sacrifice" with a national media campaign, content and advertising campaign, resources to help families understand practical sacrifice, church events and speaking promotion through Ripken's ministry.

For more information, visit NikRipken.com.

Nik Ripken is the world's leading expert on the persecuted church in Muslim contexts. He is a missions veteran of 30 years, having served primarily in North Africa and the Middle East. He is the bestselling author of "The Insanity of God" and "The Insanity of Obedience." He and his wife have conducted extensive research on the persecuted church and on Muslim-background believers in approximately 72 countries.