Radical a : very different from the usual or traditional : extreme b : favoring extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions, or institutions c : associated with political views, practices, and policies of extreme change
Liberal: favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs.
Progessive: favoring or advocating progress, change, improvement, or reform, as opposed to wishing to maintain things as they are, especially in political matters: a progressive mayor.
As a young man, I took pride in the fact that I could be described by all three of these definitions. Something very interesting happened when I was saved by Jesus Christ. I found myself stuck between two worlds; liberal and conservative. I used to say that I endorsed liberal ideas except where they supported biblical sin: homosexuality for instance. However, as the years passed, I began to truly fear the direction our nation was heading. Thirty years ago I thought that liberals were interested in helping the less fortunate and those who could not help themselves. I felt that these were biblical principles, and that liberals had good intentions. I have to question this belief now. My fear is that the liberal agenda is, and has been, to replace God with socialism. I believe that the church has allowed this to a great extent. It has let others do the work it should have been doing. As a result, our nation is looking for humans to solve its problems, and is turning less and less to God. Ultimately, that is a disaster for humanity. While people focus on food, drink, housing and daily needs, they often overlook their ultimate need: salvation.
Today, I find that the above definitions fit me still. Only now, it is to change the focus back to Jesus Christ. The church needs to proclaim salvation through no other name, and dedicate itself to the social reforms that truly promote godly love. It needs to reject any agenda, liberal or conservative that is not firmly rooted in scripture.
Action and discussion need to be brought to the forefront of the church. The church needs to become radical in its conviction to sharing Christ with a dying world. We need to become the force behind reform and change, but only as Christ would be glorified. Where can we begin? It begins with me, you and Jesus, and with you, your friends and Jesus. It starts with us. Love – Pastor Don
