Rad Together

Radical Together, the followup book to David Platt's Radical, challenges churches to look at their use of money, time, and energy, and whether they are using those things in the best way to serve God and to further the gospel.  Could the funds delegated to building a new sanctuary or classrooms be used better in helping house churches in third world countries?  Do we need elaborate VBS programs, or would the children of God be better served in homes of Christian believers, serving children, neighborhoods, and the communities around them?  Are we trying to draw nonbelievers to our churches with contemporary musical performances, and searching for the best professional speakers? Should we rather be using our church services to build and disciple believers, and using the church, the people of God to share Jesus?

House churches in countries where it is illegal to preach the gospel don't have the elaborate music, the large auditoriums, or the fancy day camp programs.  The Bible does not say anywhere we need those things, only to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the of the Son, and of the the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20.  God does not need wealthy people or professionals to do His work, only people who are willing to sacrifice time, money, and energy for Him, and to share the gospel because of grace given to us.

The Radical Experiment

I just finished reading Radical by Pastor of Brook Hills Church in Birmingham, Alabama, David Platt.  The book subtitled Taking Your Faith Back from the American Dream.  He poses the question, have we gotten comfortable with prioritizing ourselves with making money and having a nice home, car, and possessions, while ignoring the 4.5 non-believers? Radical Website

The last chapter of the book offers a challenge to its readers, entitled the Radical Experiment.  It is a year-long commitment with five challenges:

• Pray for the entire world
• Read through the entire Word
• To commit our lives to multiplying community
• To sacrifice our money for a specific purpose
• To give our time in another context

Click on this link for more resources and information on the Radical Experiment

A few friends and I will be starting this one year-long challenge son, after we all finish the book.