'RADICAL: Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream' By David Platt
From the back of the book:
"In 'Radical', David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple-then invites you the believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a "successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus. Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment-a one-year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring."
I want to begin by saying that I am not sure I have ever fulfilled a year goal in my life! My initial reaction to trying any of this is; I won't be able to last more than a week or two-but I really, really, really want to do this! I think my mantra for this challenge is going to be Philippians 4:13; "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength". There is no other way that I will last more than 2 weeks without His strength! Besides, I'm NOT doing this to show my power, my works, or my glory-no it's the complete opposite! I am doing it to glorify God!
As far as I am concerned sitting down to write a blog is not at the top of the priority list for this challenge. However, I wanted to take a modern approach to part five of this challenge (I will explain more on that later). I hope that by blogging I will take time to sit down and process through thoughts, feelings, ideas, insights rather than just rushing onto the next thing. I also hope to receive encouragement, other's insights, and be able to possibly make a difference in someone else's life-anywhere they may live.
The Year Challenge:
(I recommend reading Platt's book for more detailed information-he was able to put words to thoughts/questions I have had since college-and pointed out reasons why so many times attending church frustrates me!)
There are five components to this challenge:
1. Pray for the entire world
2. Read through the entire Bible
3. Sacrifice your money for a specific purpose
4. Spend your time in another context
5. Commit your life to a multiplying community
I am going to be using Operation World for a prayer guide on how to pray for the entire world. I remember as a child my mom using their book every night at dinner as we would pray for those around the world. I am going to try to use their online list but I can totally see myself breaking down and buying the book! After looking at their website I could see myself at least linking to the page on my blog but if you would like to check it out for yourself the address is www.operationworld.org.
For reading through the Bible in 2012 I am using the Discipleship Journal Reading Plan by NavPress. I did print out this since it is only two pages. The address is http://www.navpress.com/uploadedFiles/15074%20BRP.dj.pdf. I also really like that you can start at any point in the year. I am seriously considering giving up TV for the year so that I can really pour into my Bible reading the time that is going to take. I want to fill my spiritual hunger and get rid of the junk that I have been feeding myself.
As for the other 3 parts, I haven't completely figured all of that out. I really want to find a home church so that I can get involved. I also know I want to figure out my budget with the new year and actually work several 'normal' weeks at my new job to see exactly what to expect. I also may not go into lots of detail about money on my blog simply because I want to give out of a humble heart and not in a "bragging" fashion. I am also hoping that when I find a home church that they will have a missions trip that I can be a part of this year, otherwise I will need to get creative with how to spend my time in another context.
If you have read the book (even if you haven't) and you want to challenge yourself as well David Platt has set up a website with a great resource center with several links the address is http://www.radicalexperiment.org/resources.html.
Welcome, to the journey I have begun...this is going to be interesting!
