Awakening The Sleeping Giant

Prosperity (not the prosperity gospel): God's Blessings in Every Calling This morning, one of my students popped into my office, buzzing with the kind of infectious excitement that reminds me why I love what I do. He was sharing his journey into entrepreneurship, a new business venture he and a friend are launching. But what struck me most wasn't the business plan or the potential for success; it was his unwavering conviction that God has been actively blessing their efforts every step of the way. This conversation resonated deeply because I believe it touches on a misconception that often lingers within the Christian community: the idea that if you're truly "on fire" for Jesus, your calling must be in full-time ministry, and that's where God's blessings will primarily flow. Now, as the voice behind "Radical Faith: Beyond Belief," a blog dedicated to exploring the depths of faith and the power of God's work, I am certainly not discounting th...

Amidst the Chaos, a Cry for a Savior:  Recognizing Our Deepest Need It's hard to deny the sense of unease that permeates the world today. From conflict and division to a seemingly endless stream of unsettling news, it can feel like we're witnessing a decline in basic human decency. For those who hold onto the belief that humanity is inherently good, recent events offer a stark and perhaps uncomfortable counter-narrative. It appears, with increasing clarity, that self-interest often trumps genuine concern for others. We see it in countless ways. The fleeting allegiances driven by media trends, the rapid shifts in public opinion that seem to lack a foundation in critical thought. One day, a product or idea is lauded, the next it's condemned with equal fervor. This susceptibility to external influence raises questions about our individual autonomy and our capacity for reasoned judgment. Furthermore, the erosion of trust in established institutions is palpable. Once-respected c...

The Justification Trap: Why "It's Not Wrong" Isn't Enough As I've engaged in conversations about the biblical model of church versus the prevalent North American model, a fascinating pattern has emerged. Those who've been immersed in the traditional church often respond with a similar tone – a tone of justification. And that, in itself, is incredibly telling. Think about it. When was the last time you tried to justify something? Or, conversely, when did someone try to justify something to you? Take a moment. Really think about it. (Cue the Jeopardy theme...) Alright, let me guess. It was something wrong that was being justified, wasn't it? That's because the right doesn't need justification. It needs teaching, clarification, and perhaps even defense, but never justification. Justification implies a need to defend something that is questionable. And this brings us to the common responses I hear: "Well, it's not wrong , is it?" "B...

The Thrill and the Terror: Why Our Faith Falters There's a peculiar tension woven into the fabric of faith. It's a feeling that simultaneously excites and terrifies, a push and pull between the known comfort and the unknown possibility. Faith, in its purest form, is a fascinating thing. It exists in that space before the tangible evidence appears, a confident knowing that something will work out, even before you take the first step. Think about it. Until you actually step out in faith, you're operating in the realm of speculation. You might hope, you might wish, but you don't truly know . Yet, when faith takes root, that "knowing" precedes the outcome. It's a conviction that settles deep within, a quiet assurance that transcends current circumstances. So, the question begs to be asked: if this inherent knowing exists within us, why do we so often hesitate? Why do we cling to the shore of the familiar instead of diving into the deep waters of faith? I beli...

Loving Like Jesus: An Intentional Choice  The hum of daily life can be deceptively soothing. Wake up, work, eat, unwind, sleep, repeat. It's a rhythm many of us fall into, a current that carries us along without much conscious thought. We let the world pass us by, our lives a series of autopilot actions. Intentionality? A rare commodity. But is this truly living? Or are we simply existing? For those of us who follow Christ, this question cuts even deeper. We are called to something far greater than a mundane existence. We are called to reflect the very image of God, to bring Him glory through His Son, Jesus. But this calling won't manifest through passive acceptance. It demands intentionality. Imagine approaching each day with the deliberate purpose of reflecting Jesus. What would that look like? How would it change your interactions, your decisions, your very outlook? When we consciously choose to live as ambassadors of Christ, something remarkable happens. People notice. They...

The Mirror Test: Does it Reflect Jesus? I was recently chatting with a student I'm discipling, and a familiar question bubbled up. It's the kind of question that echoes through every generation of Christians, a timeless struggle with a radical, counterintuitive answer. You know the drill: "Is it okay if...?" "Can I do this...?" "Is it wrong to...?" Church leaders across the globe are often quick to respond with a simple "yes" or "no." But I'm here to suggest that this isn't a "yes" or "no" kind of question. In fact, it's a question that demands a shift in our entire perspective. Think about it. The New Testament proclaims our freedom in Christ. We're told we're free from sin, not in the sense that we never slip up, but in the sense that we're no longer condemned by it. Jesus himself distilled the entire law into two commands: love God and love people. Now, before you think I'm advo...

  Elders and Gifts: Building a Biblical Leadership Structure A healthy church thrives on a clear understanding of leadership roles and spiritual gifts. Let's delve into the distinct responsibilities of elders and the five-fold ministry gifts, and how they work together to build up the body of Christ. Elders: Overseers and Shepherds Elders are crucial for the spiritual health and direction of the church at all levels: local, regional, and whole-body. Qualifications: They must meet the biblical qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-4. Appointment: They are appointed by the whole-body through prayer and discernment, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance (Acts 6:1-7, 14:23). Responsibilities: Overseeing the church's spiritual and practical needs. Providing teaching and encouragement. Ensuring accountability at all levels. Managing and distributing funds. Maintaining regular contact with all levels of the church. Financial support shou...

  Church: A Biblically Based Model We often use the word "church" without truly grasping its essence. Let's break down the biblical understanding of "church" and "a church," exploring how these concepts translate into practical gatherings. The Church: The Universal Body of Christ "The church" refers to the universal body of believers, all those who follow Jesus Christ. It's the global, interconnected community of people whose lives are being transformed to reflect His image. This isn't a building or an organization; it's a living organism. A Church: Gatherings of Believers in Action "A church" is the tangible expression of "the church" in specific locations. It's the natural outcome of believers living out their faith together. We can categorize these gatherings into three levels: Simple Local Church: Small groups (10 or less) meeting frequently, focused on discipleship, relationship, and obedience. Regi...

  A Call to Action: Engaging the Essentials The North American Church (NAC) is at a crossroads. Many sense a disconnect between the vibrant, relational community depicted in the New Testament and the institutionalized structures we see today. This post focuses on two crucial areas needing transformation: the building and leadership. The Building: Freedom Beyond Four Walls For many, "church" equates to a physical building. But is this necessary? Consider the New Testament model: gatherings in homes, public spaces, and wherever believers found themselves. The NAC, with its reliance on permanent structures, often limits its flexibility and outreach. Simplicity and Mobility: Small, intimate gatherings in homes foster deeper connection. Regional gatherings can utilize parks or community centers. Whole-body gatherings, held less frequently, can explore diverse venues. Financial Freedom: Eliminating the burden of building maintenance and mortgages frees up resources for ministry...

  Beyond Programs: Rethinking Church Ministries In many North American churches (NAC), ministries and programs are seen as essential tools for attracting and engaging people. But is this approach truly reflective of the New Testament Church (NTC)? The NTC didn't rely on elaborate programs to draw people. The gospel itself was the primary attraction (Acts 2:37-41), and even then, it wasn't always met with acceptance. The growth of the early church stemmed from believers' obedience to Christ, not from strategically designed ministries. If the NAC embraced a more biblical church structure, attraction-based strategies would become less necessary. The church would naturally reach the lost and integrate them into the body before Sunday gatherings. While many NAC ministries address legitimate needs, the focus should shift from organizational programs to empowering individual believers. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that God has already prepared good works for us to do. If a believer f...

  Rethinking "The Gathering": Is Our Church Focus Out of Sync? For many North American churches (NAC), Sunday morning is the pinnacle of the week, the grand event where resources and energy converge, especially during holidays like Easter and Christmas. But is this emphasis on "the gathering" truly aligned with the New Testament model? Brant Henshaw's research sheds light on where church budgets are allocated. A staggering 64% of church funds, primarily through payroll, property, and program costs, are directed towards the Sunday morning service. This demonstrates a clear focus on the public gathering as the central activity of the church. In contrast, the New Testament Church (NTC) saw gatherings as a natural byproduct of discipleship and growth. Acts 2:42-47 highlights unity, gospel proclamation, and relational depth, rather than the gathering itself, as the primary focus. The Greek word "koinonia," often translated as fellowship, reveals a deeper me...

  The Ripple Effect: What Happens When Christ-Followers Obey? Imagine a movement so powerful, it changed the world forever. That's the legacy of the New Testament Church (NTC). Their secret? Simple, immediate obedience to Christ's commands. The result was explosive gospel spread, rapid church growth, and a world transformed. This stands in stark contrast to the modern, often centralized church model with its large budgets, staff, buildings, and the unspoken pressure to fill seats. Jesus' expectation for immediate application of His teachings empowers every believer to minister, regardless of their theological expertise or social skills. Empowering the Whole Church: A Leadership Shift This model necessitates a shift in leadership structure, moving away from a top-heavy, pastor-centric approach. Think of it as a five-fold leadership, where the elders equip the saints for ministry. Here's how it flows: Elders Expect the People To: Get trained Train others Attend confer...

  Beyond the Walls: Unpacking New Testament Church Growth We often talk about church growth, but what did it actually look like in the New Testament? It wasn't about fancy programs or packed auditoriums. It was a movement fueled by action, not just information. Let's dive into the core principles that drove the explosive growth of the early church. Action Over Information: The DNA of the Early Church Knowledge was important, sure. But the New Testament Church (NTC) wasn't a classroom; it was a launchpad. Jesus didn't just want followers who knew the scriptures; He wanted followers who lived them. Think about it: "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." (Matthew 4:19) This wasn't an invitation to a seminar; it was a call to a life of active discipleship. Jesus expected His followers to go into the world, not just sit in a building. "Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew...