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...