As we begin this 40-day journey down the radical road to the cross, let us understand that the church must get back to biblical holiness and once again pick up our swords. This journey will be about reading God’s word and then doing what it says to do. Right now the Rock is following the One Year Daily Reading program. At this point the radical thing to do is actually believe the bible but not only that, speak out what the bible states. Change your life in order to measure up to the word. For example Genesis tells us that God created the earth in six days and then rested on the seventh. Many Christians do not even believe this. But if you were doing your daily reading you would have read a verse in Exodus31 that talks about the Sabbath. Exodus 31:15 “For six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, holy to the Lord. 17 It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.” As far as I now a week is a week. So why are so many Christians not able to accept the word of God as truth. There is so much in scripture to believe. Lets get radical and actually believe it. Radical also means standing your ground. On Sunday I preached about the abomination of homosexuality. Yesterday I saw an article that Crossroads Communication was getting in trouble for saying homosexuality is a sin on their website. We are not promoting hate but the truth of God’s word. We do not promote hatred towards an individual but towards the sin. We definitely cannot deny it is a sin. As I said on Sunday we also cannot deny gossip is an abomination either.
When we get radical and start believe the bible is more than a book but a sword that defeats our enemies, maybe we will start using it. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Not only does this apply to us, which is the big reason people do not read the bible, but it also applies to those we come into contact with. If we believe the bible is powerful against our enemies then we would use it. We do not even have to say anything, just share the scripture. The bible will bring understanding and truth to any situation.
So tomorrow when Lent starts, read and believe. Get radical! If you put some of the definitions of radical together it is interesting. One definition is basic- Let’s get back to the basics. Another is pervasive – present everywhere Psalm 139: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? . Another is favouring major changes- that’s obvious. Another is a life of excellence - Titus 3 “This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” Another is removing the disease source- Psalm 103:3 “who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, and finally growing from the root- Isaiah 11:1 [ The Branch From Jesse ] A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” So when we get radical and get back to scriptural holiness, we will see changes in our own lives and the community around us.
Please be in prayer for revival during this time of Lent. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you sin in your life and then confess and be transformed.
