It left me thinking......

[Willie T]

An interesting little book I just finished ended with these thoughts:

This book was not written attempting to convince everyone to follow a path of radical Christianity. However, for those being stirred or led to grow deeper in their faith, it can be a helpful resource to understand some of the difficulties that may be encountered.

Some may have been offended by the strong description of denominations. However, if we apply biblical measurement criteria (people becoming Christ-like) to churches, would there be any that could hold their head high?

It has been said that the two most productive areas in which to tell people about Jesus are hospitals and prisons. The two least productive areas might be country clubs and night clubs. Maturing in truth allows one to see past the superficial things of this world to things of eternal value.

There are endless “Christian” teachers who would tell you what you should do. However, Christianity is less about us doing and more about God working through us. The radical Christian is encouraged to grow in bible knowledge and discernment so that he can avoid the fruitless paths some would direct him towards, and rather be led by the Spirit of God.

Many, perhaps most, other Christians will not understand the desire of a radical Christian to dig deeper and draw nearer to God. Some may actively oppose your seeking and questioning. Nothing is to be gained from arguing with those who follow a different path. Rather those few you encounter who also seek are a rare and treasured encounter.

Jesus told Pilate that those who were “of the truth” would hear his voice. This is because Jesus is truth and his words are truth. This is the resonance that helps the radical Christian sift through all of that which is called “Christian” to find the occasional “nugget” of truth that he can retain.

Like a prospector, the radical Christian searches for that which is of value. He may scour books, videos, tape messages, sermons, or any source of teaching or exposition that would help him grow in understanding the bible and drawing nearer to God. As he matures, the radical Christian grows in discernment and can avoid taking in the “fool's gold” of that which is not of the truth or love. The time to seek the Lord is too precious to waste in arguments.

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. — Titus 3:9

Many wars have been fought and lives lost as “Christians” have disputed regarding various doctrines over the centuries. While the radical Muslim may wish to kill those with whom he disagrees, the radical Christian rather seeks those from whom he can learn. If the reader has made it this far, he has probably gotten past a common Christian reflex of blasting anything with which he disagrees. This type of “bunker” mentality is common in those who have not matured. They often see allegiance to a group or brand as “faithfulness” rather than striving for Christlikeness. They may see themselves on the defensive or as Christian “warriors” to combat error. Sadly many Christians fall into the trap of self-righteousness. One of the symptoms of this condition is smugness and contempt for others.

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: — Luke 18:9

In a way, one can see Christianity as under attack in the world today. However, the battle is the Lords, not ours. The goal of radical Christianity is to draw nearer our Lord and Savior, to be filled with the love and truth that is in Jesus, and having matured to bear fruit in service and ministry to others.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. — Jeremiah 29:13

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. — John 15:8-9

 

[gadar perets]

The battle is indeed "the Lord's", but doesn't he use believers to fight many spiritual battles, especially when false doctrine is being taught? The book seems to suggest we should not "combat error".

 

[Episkopos]

Amen! More actual testimony...less opinions.

 

[Nancy]

"Many, perhaps most, other Christians will not understand the desire of a radical Christian to dig deeper and draw nearer to God. Some may actively oppose your seeking and questioning. Nothing is to be gained from arguing with those who follow a different path. Rather those few you encounter who also seek are a rare and treasured encounter."

I would say "most". It is difficult to find a fellow Christian to really seek God with as, they seem to go just so far and leave off there, and you can actually see some stiffen up and close down at a certain point in a discussion...and, there goes yet another one who has no interest in seeking Him further. It is so frustrating! Why such little interest??!
And yes, you are right...not a thing to be gained from arguing...Good post.

 

[stunnedbygrace]

I would be interested in knowing the name of that book, Willie.

 

[Willie T]

It is entitled Radical Christianity, and I have tried hard, but I can't find the name of the author. It is only 78 pages long, (in MS Word Format) and I can send anyone an e-mail copy of it if requested. As I said, it is very short, and is largely Scripture.

 

[stunnedbygrace]

Hmm...I once read a book by that name. I will pm you my email, in case you don't still have it. Thanks Willie.

 

[stunnedbygrace]

"Many, perhaps most, other Christians will not understand the desire of a radical Christian to dig deeper and draw nearer to God. Some may actively oppose your seeking and questioning. Nothing is to be gained from arguing with those who follow a different path. Rather those few you encounter who also seek are a rare and treasured encounter."

I would say "most". It is difficult to find a fellow Christian to really seek God with as, they seem to go just so far and leave off there, and you can actually see some stiffen up and close down at a certain point in a discussion...and, there goes yet another one who has no interest in seeking Him further. It is so frustrating! Why such little interest??!
And yes, you are right...not a thing to be gained from arguing...Good post.

I need to learn when to walk away from a discussion. It takes a lot to make me give one up. #stubborn?

 

[Willie T]

I would say "most". It is difficult to find a fellow Christian to really seek God with as, they seem to go just so far and leave off there, and you can actually see some stiffen up and close down at a certain point in a discussion...and, there goes yet another one who has no interest in seeking Him further. It is so frustrating! Why such little interest??!
And yes, you are right...not a thing to be gained from arguing...Good post.
I need to learn when to walk away from a discussion. It takes a lot to make me give one up. #stubborn?

"Yes", I spend some time over at "Christian Forums" (As do about six others on here) and the attitude you mention is quite prevalent over there.

 

[stunnedbygrace]

Oh yeah...I rarely go there any more.

 

[bbyrd009]

An interesting little book I just finished ended with these thoughts:

This book was not written attempting to convince everyone to follow a path of radical Christianity. However, for those being stirred or led to grow deeper in their faith, it can be a helpful resource to understand some of the difficulties that may be encountered.

Some may have been offended by the strong description of denominations. However, if we apply biblical measurement criteria (people becoming Christ-like) to churches, would there be any that could hold their head high?

It has been said that the two most productive areas in which to tell people about Jesus are hospitals and prisons. The two least productive areas might be country clubs and night clubs. Maturing in truth allows one to see past the superficial things of this world to things of eternal value.

There are endless “Christian” teachers who would tell you what you should do. However, Christianity is less about us doing and more about God working through us. The radical Christian is encouraged to grow in bible knowledge and discernment so that he can avoid the fruitless paths some would direct him towards, and rather be led by the Spirit of God.

Many, perhaps most, other Christians will not understand the desire of a radical Christian to dig deeper and draw nearer to God. Some may actively oppose your seeking and questioning. Nothing is to be gained from arguing with those who follow a different path. Rather those few you encounter who also seek are a rare and treasured encounter.

Jesus told Pilate that those who were “of the truth” would hear his voice. This is because Jesus is truth and his words are truth. This is the resonance that helps the radical Christian sift through all of that which is called “Christian” to find the occasional “nugget” of truth that he can retain.

Like a prospector, the radical Christian searches for that which is of value. He may scour books, videos, tape messages, sermons, or any source of teaching or exposition that would help him grow in understanding the bible and drawing nearer to God. As he matures, the radical Christian grows in discernment and can avoid taking in the “fool's gold” of that which is not of the truth or love. The time to seek the Lord is too precious to waste in arguments.

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. — Titus 3:9

Many wars have been fought and lives lost as “Christians” have disputed regarding various doctrines over the centuries. While the radical Muslim may wish to kill those with whom he disagrees, the radical Christian rather seeks those from whom he can learn. If the reader has made it this far, he has probably gotten past a common Christian reflex of blasting anything with which he disagrees. This type of “bunker” mentality is common in those who have not matured. They often see allegiance to a group or brand as “faithfulness” rather than striving for Christlikeness. They may see themselves on the defensive or as Christian “warriors” to combat error. Sadly many Christian fall into the trap of self-righteousness. One of the symptoms of this condition is smugness and contempt for others.

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: — Luke 18:9

In a way, one can see Christianity as under attack in the world today. However, the battle is the Lords, not ours. The goal of radical Christianity is to draw nearer our Lord and Savior, to be filled with the love and truth that is in Jesus, and having matured to bear fruit in service and ministry to others.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. — Jeremiah 29:13

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. — John 15:8-9

if i have an objection here it might be something along the lines of directing believers into "maturing" and here a little there a little, rather than de-maturing and getting it all at once?

cant find the author? what?

 

[GerhardEbersoehn]

There are endless “Christian” teachers who would tell you what you should do. However, Christianity is less about us doing and more about God working through us.

There are “Christian” teachers who tell you Christianity is what you should do. Then there are “Christian” teachers who tell you Christianity is about God working through us.
However, they are one and the same telling you the one and same nonsense. Christianity is supposed to be the Gospel of Christ about the Gospel of Christ--in other words, is God telling us what He is doing and is doing through Jesus Christ, however, not regardless of us, but for us and our sake and salvation.

Now you are a privileged spectator realising about what is going on to your own salvation, or you more / most probably are oblivious to it all as oblivious as to your own eternal loss.

 

[Willie T]

if i have an objection here it might be something along the lines of directing believers into "maturing" and here a little there a little, rather than de-maturing and getting it all at once?

cant find the author? what?

Pretty much what I said. LOL Maybe you can find it for me? I'd like to know if he wrote other things.

 

[John Caldwell]

The battle is indeed "the Lord's", but doesn't he use believers to fight many spiritual battles, especially when false doctrine is being taught? The book seems to suggest we should not "combat error".

I think guarding against error is important, but there is a biblical context. We are to guard out hearts and guard our "assembly". What I often see is "Christians" judging the world and judging the servants of Another (both contrary to Scripture).

 

[Nancy]

Pretty much what I said. LOL Maybe you can find it for me? I'd like to know if he wrote other things.

David Platt? Michael Horton?

 

[bbyrd009]

Pretty much what I said. LOL Maybe you can find it for me? I'd like to know if he wrote other things.

can you quote a snip from an intro, or forward, or the very beginning of the book? And all you have is an e right? With a title? The Library of Congress is open 24/7 i guess lol. Where'd you get it?

 

[Willie T]

David Platt? Michael Horton?

Looked them up, but it doesn't seem to be either one of them.

 

[gadar perets]

I think guarding against error is important, but there is a biblical context. We are to guard out hearts and guard our "assembly". What I often see is "Christians" judging the world and judging the servants of Another (both contrary to Scripture).

That is a matter of perspective. Those that are in sin or teaching false doctrine will often accuse the one doing the correcting of judging. The one who is correcting, however, looks at it as an act of love to help restore the wayward sinner and/or protect innocent believers from adopting those false doctrines.

 

[Willie T]

can you quote a snip from an intro, or forward, or the very beginning of the book? And all you have is an e right? With a title? The Library of Congress is open 24/7 i guess lol. Where'd you get it?

This is all I have, and I couldn't locate anything with it.

Radical Christianity
© Copyright 2019 EMS publishing

Introduction

The word “radical” in the title was selected to resonate with those in contemporary Christianity who are dissatisfied with what they find available to them in the denominational marketplace. The word “radical” is usually associated with someone whose dissatisfaction had risen to the point where change is sought. While there are many reasons to be dissatisfied, this book is primarily intended for those who seek greater truth and love than they have encountered so far.

We can contrast our church experiences with New Testament descriptions of peace, joy, fullness, abundance, and love and we can come to think that something is missing or even that we have been cheated. Modern life infuses us with cynicism resulting from exposure to the promises of politicians, insurance companies, and advertising so that we reflexively assume that what we are told is hyperbole or just plain false. When we bring this reflex to our Christian walk, it often leads us to have lower expectations. While most may accept a diminished, marginal, or partial “Christian” life that never seems able to deliver on the promises in the bible, some abandon Christianity completely, others withdraw into a life of isolation, and some even keep plugging away trying to find the right denomination, church, or video that can help them make sense of it all.

It is the intention of the writer to describe how the practice of Christianity came to be so often confused, inert, and unsatisfying. This is contrasted with how Christianity was supposed to work, and can be made to work for the individual. Starting with the ideal, an understanding of how things became as they are, can be used to tackle the subject of what can be done to overcome our present circumstances.

It is hoped that the Christian who struggles in his faith will be able, through understanding, to find a path to greater Christ-likeness (the objective of Christianity) and obtain the elusive descriptors peace, joy, and love. To this end, a wide range of subject matters will be considered to provide a context and foundation from which a broad understanding can be extracted; starting with a brief summary of a biblical view of the history of the world.

 

[bbyrd009]

This is all I have, and I couldn't locate anything with it.

Radical Christianity
© Copyright 2019 EMS publishing

Introduction

The word “radical” in the title was selected to resonate with those in contemporary Christianity who are dissatisfied with what they find available to them in the denominational marketplace. The word “radical” is usually associated with someone whose dissatisfaction had risen to the point where change is sought. While there are many reasons to be dissatisfied, this book is primarily intended for those who seek greater truth and love than they have encountered so far.

We can contrast our church experiences with New Testament descriptions of peace, joy, fullness, abundance, and love and we can come to think that something is missing or even that we have been cheated. Modern life infuses us with cynicism resulting from exposure to the promises of politicians, insurance companies, and advertising so that we reflexively assume that what we are told is hyperbole or just plain false. When we bring this reflex to our Christian walk, it often leads us to have lower expectations. While most may accept a diminished, marginal, or partial “Christian” life that never seems able to deliver on the promises in the bible, some abandon Christianity completely, others withdraw into a life of isolation, and some even keep plugging away trying to find the right denomination, church, or video that can help them make sense of it all.

It is the intention of the writer to describe how the practice of Christianity came to be so often confused, inert, and unsatisfying. This is contrasted with how Christianity was supposed to work, and can be made to work for the individual. Starting with the ideal, an understanding of how things became as they are, can be used to tackle the subject of what can be done to overcome our present circumstances.

It is hoped that the Christian who struggles in his faith will be able, through understanding, to find a path to greater Christ-likeness (the objective of Christianity) and obtain the elusive descriptors peace, joy, and love. To this end, a wide range of subject matters will be considered to provide a context and foundation from which a broad understanding can be extracted; starting with a brief summary of a biblical view of the history of the world.

ok, LoC is down until sunday night i guess, but no author listed is weird?
and "Radical Christianity" is a rather...over-used title, too, i guess, i can think of like five books with that in the title lol. Also could be so new not in the system yet i guess, you might even have gotten a proof, a snip of a proof copy?