Radical?

I did a word search on the word ‘radical’ just out of pure curiosity. The kind of words to describe radical were of the likes: far reaching, extreme, extraordinary, revolutionary, and so on.

Pastor and author, David Platt, wrote two books since 2012 called, Radical and Radical Together. The essence of both books is taking back our American faith and aligning it with what Jesus actually said. It is vital for us as believers to evaluate how much of Christianity today is American and how much is biblical. There is a big difference.

I was reading Radical when this quote stuck out to me: “ There is never going to be a day when I stand before God and He looks at me and says, 'I wish you would have kept more for yourself.' I'm confident that God will take care of me.” 

This statement is radical. This statement is also true. We will all stand before God someday. Romans 14:10 says, “Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”

I agree with Platt and Scripture, there will never be a day when you stand before God and wish you would have kept more for yourself. Jesus’ whole life consisted of giving, all the way to the point where He gave His own life. How radical would it be if we lived selfless lives that worried more about the needs of others than ourselves all the time?

What can you give to bless others today? This is an investment you won’t regret.

Team Charger Challenge.

"Big Red"

When I was in high school I had a red Ford F150 truck. This truck soon got the nickname of “Big Red” so you know it was a pretty boss truck. When I first got it I was in love with it. I decked it out with car mats, cd holders, and cleaned the inside and outside all the time. All of my friends thought it was great so we took it everywhere. Overtime the truck became less exciting and things started to go wrong with it. It also had over 200,000 miles on it. One night I wrecked it and ruined the front of it. I got a replacement fender that was black so you can imagine it didn't match the red at all. It was actually pretty embarrassing. So eventually I went from loving the truck to pretty much not wanting to drive it anywhere.

Revelation 2:1-5 says, "I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars.  You also possess endurance and have tolerated many things because of My name and have not grown weary.  But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.  Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place — unless you repent.”

This is a sobering part of scripture because it looks like this church (Ephesus) has it all together. It starts of praising them saying they don't tolerate evil, their discerning, experienced persecution for Christ's sake and so on, but that they also lost their first love. This is a church that started off in love with Christ at first and then just like the truck, lost it over time because of let downs, difficulties, more appealing things, and just life in general. It's kind of crazy that they were still doing all these good things, but they lost their awe and love for Christ.

We all know how it felt when we first started following Christ or when we felt so in tune with him. I want to strive for that all the time. I know it's tough at times but I want Christ to renew himself to me so I can take it with me everywhere. I don't ever want my relationship with Christ to become like my truck!

In John 6:67, Jesus says to his disciples, "you don't want to leave too do you?". Their response is great - "to whom shall we go?" ...there's no better place to be!

Thanksgiving Edition

We all have a lot to be thankful for today. Not only today, but everyday. For many today was full (no pun intended) of family, friends, food, and football. If you haven't counted your blessings already today, I would encourage you to do that before the day is over. Chances are it will take you quite a while! Most importantly, let's stop to thank the One who allows us to have these blessings. Scripture says all good gifts come from the Father above. 

It is easy to get caught up with the festivities of the day to the point where we miss why this day exists. Here are some verses out of Psalms for you to meditate and think on. The reality is that this day is intended to be a day of worship. Let's start by thanking the creator of the day and all these good things. Share these blessings with others as well!

Psalm 31:19 

"How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you."

Psalm 95:1-6 
"O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker."

Psalm 100 
"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."

Psalm 107:1 
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Psalm 145:7 
They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Team Charger Challenge

Got Faith?

O

n Monday November 12, Team Charger Challenge traveled to Sellersville, Pennsylvania to visit Faith Christian Academy. It was a short, but great time with the students and faculty. We lead a twenty minute chapel, which brought about a lot of excitement for the school. This time allowed us to get acquainted with them and them with us. Eric Flick closed with a short challenge out of James 4:7. It says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Team Charger Challenge will be traveling back to Faith on January 7^th and 8^th for a segment of their spiritual emphasis week. We are excited about having a blast with this school, but also being real in a way that will glorify God.

You can find more out about faith: http://www.my-fca.com/

Until next time,

Team Charger Challenge