WHO'S RADICAL?

Why Do People Do That?

A woman asked an interesting conversation at the conclusion of our book club meeting years ago. “Why do people do that?” she asked. “I don’t understand these radical Christians.” She’d been shopping in downtown Boise and encountered a street preacher.

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We’ve probably all seen people who stand on a box on a busy street corner and shout loudly above the din of buses, cars, and passersby. They raise their Bibles or wave them in the air like preachers of yesteryear and present a hell, fire, and brimstone message. If they’re true to the Word of God, they preach the need to repent from sin and turn to the Lord.

I glanced around the room at other book club members, wondering what they thought. Most wore smiles. Some averted their gaze and toyed with book pages. Others played with their bracelets while a few looked at their watches-perhaps hoping it was time to leave.

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Then I heard a voice speaking. It came from me! But the words definitely were from the Holy Spirit. They went something like this:

God sent His son to receive the punishment my sins deserved. Jesus Christ paid a debt He didn’t owe. And because of His death, resurrection, and ascension, He forever defeated satan’s power. And amazing as it sounds, I have the choice to turn away from Him, or live for Him and have eternal life. That’s radical love. I guess I don’t understand why we would be anything but radical Christians.

Well, our book club meeting became a prayer meeting. I’ve forgotten which book we discussed, but I won’t soon forget what the Lord said that day.

So, there’s just one question left to ask: are you a radical Christian?

That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to bring a box and a Bible down to 1st & No Way and address a crowd.

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But we’re not to be like those who waved palm branches one week and then yelled “Crucify Him” the next. We’re to share the gospel – the Good News. Some Believers are called to spread the Word in foreign countries or here in America. Some fill the pulpit of small and mega churches; some foster children; some volunteer in shelters, nursing homes, and church nurseries. Some smile at strangers or pay for their coffee, or give blankets to the homeless. All pray constantly, earnestly, diligently.

Why do God’s people do that? Because of what His radical love did for us. 

How about you? Do you know God’s radical love? If yes, share what He’s has done for you. :)

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16, NIV)