Radical

   I've been reading the book called Radical by David Platt.  The sub-title is- "Taking back your faith from the American dream". Sounds heavy, right?? Well it's a really powerful book. In the first chapter, the author talks about the label given to him "youngest megachurch pastor in history". That doesn't sound like a bad thing- BUT his model (JESUS) was a guy who spent the majority of His ministry time with only 12 men. And when Jesus left this earth, He had only about 120 people who were really serious about doing what He told them to do. Jesus was more of a minichurch leader. Obviously He wasn't interested in attracting a huge following, and it's clear that the cost of following Him was far more than the crowds were willing to pay, but He was okay with that. He focused on the few who believed Him when He said radical things, & through their radical obedience, He turned the course of history in a new direction. The author goes on to say- "You & I can continue with business as usual in the Christain life and in the church, enjoying success based on the standards defined by the culture around us- OR we can take an honest look at the Jesus of the Bible and dare to ask what consequences might be if we really believed Him & really obeyed Him." 
  I enjoy a book like this because personally I think we as Christains have made our own rules & interpretations of the Bible to fit our lifestyle. We have watered things down.Jesus message wasn't necessarily easy- He spoke of dying to yourself, He said to be great you need to be a servant (and that doesn't sit well with a "me first" attitude). The author also talks about the underground church in different parts of the world that He has been to & these people have a HUNGER for the Word, & they risk being caught when they come together to study it. But they're willing to suffer for the sake of Christ.
  So by now if you've written me off as radical, well I can't do much about that... BUT if you're interested in reading a well written, & challenging book- you may want to pick up your own copy of it.
*Thanks to a Pastor friend, that we met here at the Haft, for sending us the book.