(#30) Radical, by David Platt

Started:  11/16/2015
Finished:  11/20/2015

"The challenge is for one year, and it involves five components.  I dare you over the next year to...

1.  pray for the entire world;
2.  read through the entire Word;
3.  sacrifice your money for a specific purpose;
4.  spend your time in another context;
5.  commit your life to a multiplying community."

"After spending a week around precious children who eat a small cup of porridge a day, the question I have come back to Birmingham asking God is why he has blessed me when others have so little.  And this what God has shown me: "I have blessed you for my glory.  Not so you will have a comfortable life with a big house and a nice car.  Not so you can spend lots of money on vacations, education, or clothing.  Those aren't bad things, but I've blessed you so that the nations will know me and see my glory." ~p.84

"Being a part of a community of faith involves being exposed to the life of Christ in others.  Just as we are identified with Christ and his church in baptism, we now share life in Christ with one another.  So to whom can you deliberately, intentionally, and sacrificially show the life of Christ in this way?  This is foundational in making disciples, and we will multiply the gospel only when we allow others to get close enough to us to see the life of Christ in action."  ~pp.98-99

"This is the unavoidable conclusion of Matthew 10.  To everone wanting a safe, untroubled, comforatble life free efrom danger, stay away from Jesus.  The danger in our lives will always increase in proportion to the depth of our relationship with Christ."  ~p.167