Nov 28 2008
Radical Faith
Have you ever noticed following a terrorist attack the media will often describe the culprits as an extremist religious group or label the mastermind of the attack as a radical priest? I’ve always wondered why we never hear about a Christian preacher being described as a radical pastor. I’m really not sure what this would mean but it sure sounds exciting to me!
I was pretty excited recently when a radical Christian friend of mine, Lt. Gen. William “Jerry” Boykin, visited me. He has just written a book called, “Never Surrender: A Soldier’s Journey to the Crossroads of Faith and Freedom.” This intriguing book chronicles Jerry’s military career, which involved being a part of the Special Operations unit, Delta Force. Included in the book are accounts of his task force hunting Colombia’s notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar and capturing dictator Manuel Noriega in Panama. The amazing thing about Jerry’s life is how his Christian faith was intertwined with his career during his 36-years in the Army.
Jerry is a warrior of God who is not afraid to stand up for Jesus Christ. Take an assessment of your faith today. Would those closest to you describe your faith as radical, mainstream or simply apathetic?
Do you want an example of what it means to be a radical Christian? Read the account of Peter and John, who were warned by the Sanhedrin to not preach in the name of Jesus. They were beaten, yet, they rejoiced. In Acts 5:41-42, it says:
“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”
Are you willing to endure persecution for the sake of Christ? Or are you more inclined to waver in your faith when faced with opposition, ridicule and threats? We are either sold out to Jesus and willing to suffer as He did or we are not. There is no middle ground. Let me encourage you to begin today expressing a radical faith in all you do and say.
Wow! Thank you! I always wanted to write in my site something like that. Can I take part of your post to my blog?
We’ve always encouraged people to use any of our published materials. It would be nice to get a link back to either http://www.row.org or http://www.row.org/rowvotions in return. Thanks for the compliment.
Mason,
I’d love to be able to take a look at your blog site. Where might I view it? Thanks for stopping by and reading the devotions!
Blessings, KClack