Sunday, July 29, 2012

IF we call ourselves “Christian” - God has called us to be radical.

Radical as we stand for truth against a hostile world, radical as we defend our faith in the public sector, radical in our life choices, our life styles ----

RADICAL.!!.

We see fans with spiked hair and painted faces in support of their favorite sports teams - radical.

We hear Muslims threatening retaliation against perceived attacks on their beliefs - radical.

We watch as homosexual advocates march or picket in support of their deviant lifestyles - radical.

We see, we hear we watch, but…

Radical Christianity is what God desires, albeit demands of us His followers.  He has called us, equipt us and expects us to be radical - for Him, because of Him. If we have truly died with Christ, if we carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in us, we must be radical - there is no other way.

Webster defines radical:

As an adjective - of or going to the root or origin; fundamental: a radical difference.

Thorough going or extreme, especially as regards change from accepted or traditional forms.
 

As a noun - a person who holds or follows strong convictions or extreme principles; extremist.

God’ Word is clear, it is eternal and it does not change -

- we are called to be radical:


“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:6-7

A radical Christian hears the radical call of Jesus and although he may not completely understand, he obeys.

Matthew tells us:

“While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” - radical.

Matthew continues:

“…and going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him” - radical.

Paul' was passionate for his LORD:

“To me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” Philippians 1:21-24 - radical.
 

If we are rooted and grounded in Christ, we must be radical. The call of Jesus is as demanding for us to today as it was for His disciples two thousand years ago:

“Jesus said to his disciples, ``If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”
Matthew 16:24

Radical.!!.

2 comments:

  1. Amen sister! He doesn't call us to sit on the sidelines and be passive, we must seek every opportunity to speak His truth, to be kind, to help others, to bring glory to Him. We are in a battle for souls, this isn't a call for the faint at heart. We must understand the risks, we could very well lose our lives for His sake, which would be gain for us. The kind of Christianity we see in America is anything but radical; it is phony, it is weak and it is not of God. The power of God is only unleashed when His people are totally surrendered to His will. There isn't time to worry about careers, bigger homes, nicer cars; all this is DUNG! We are called to be separate from the world, not running after it and its fleeting pleasures. Our minds are to set on things above; this obviously is not the case in America. May our gracious Lord work in us, refining His own and strengthening each one. May He sever the ties to this world and bring us to a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be a 'disciple' of Christ.

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  2. amen and AMEN.!!.

    RADICAL.!!!.

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