Many Christians have developed a tame view of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. But in His day, Jesus was a RADICAL. He rebuked the religious establishment because it actually cut people off from the Kingdom of Heaven instead of showing them the way. Jesus was a friend of sinners. He welcomed them, walked the same streets with them, and drank from the same wells. He healed on the Sabbath, touched lepers, and embraced the prostitute. His love was accepting, cleansing, and healing. He offered Himself as Living Water, Bread of Life, the Way, the Truth, and Life itself. He told His disciples to GO into all the world and share the Good News (Gospel). He inspired them to share the power of His amazing, transformational, grace-filled LOVE. In essence, it was an invitation to the RADICAL Life. The early Church rose to the challenge as very soon they were known as, “those who had turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6). By the indwelling Spirit of Christ they too had become RADICALS.
And now the task of transforming a generation has fallen to us, this is our time. The need is great, but our God is greater. There is no new plan. It remains the same — go and make disciples. Love God and love people! We are not called to judge the world, but to embrace it with the love and light of Christ. Only Jesus can change a life. But we are called to help people make that connection. We are called to “let our light shine in such a way that others will see our good works, and glorify our Father in Heaven “ (Matthew 5:16). In essence, we are called to be RADICAL!
WHAT IF, for one Sunday, we meet and have our worship service in the Park? Host a motorcycle rally for a good cause, throw some hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, share some good music, celebrate the freedom we have in this great country and those who helped to secure that freedom, and give thanks to God for His blessings upon our Nation… Now that doesn’t sound so RADICAL. But it might make a RADICAL difference in the life of someone who would never enter a church building. It might make a RADICAL difference in the life of one who had grown complacent about their faith from sitting too long in the pews. It might remind us of who we are in Christ and the mission for which He has empowered us. It might even be fun! RADICAL —- let’s go for it!!! All in for Him!!!
In His love,
Pastor Kurt