RADICAL? Radically Tested

“Our lives could become everything that this world wants them to be “Our lives could become everything that this world wants them to be. So tolerant that they speak no truth. So comfortable that they evade their call. So religious that they cannot love. So powerless that they have no effect on this world.”

“Radical. A life tending to produce extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions within institutions, habits of mind or society.”

Hebrews 11:17-19 Abraham Tested By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death. (NIV Bible)

Work Out Word/Idea Faith/Doing Refocus on God Questioning / Doubt Discouragement

’Working out’ in the story Abraham and Isaac Word / Idea (Genesis 22:2) “Then God said, “Take your son , your only son, whom you love---Isaac---and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”

’Working out’ in the story Abraham and Isaac Faith/Doing (Genesis 22:2) “Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.”

’Working out’ in the story Abraham and Isaac Discouragement and Questioning (Gen 22:6-7) “Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

’Working out’ in the story Abraham and Isaac Refocus on God (Gen 22:8) “Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.”

’Working out’ in the story Abraham and Isaac God comes thorough (Gen 22:9-13) “When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son. ” Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son.”

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4)

We see God’s promise James 1:12-14 NIV Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

Motto of the Navy Seals: “I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.”.

I will get back up, every time.

He knew God’s goodness and obeyed immediately.

St Augustine “As I prayed to God for the gift of chastity. I had even pleaded: “Grant me chastity and self control, but please not yet.” I was afraid that you might hear me immediately and heal me forthwith of the morbid lust which I was more anxious to satisfy than snuff out”.

He knew God’s plan and obeyed persistently. Genesis 15 :4-5 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir. ” [5] He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars---if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” He knew God’s plan and obeyed persistently.

He knew the Power of God Genesis 21:2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.” He knew the Power of God

He was logical!

Work Out Word/Idea Faith/Doing Refocus on God Questioning / Doubt Discouragement

RADICAL? “A life tending to produce extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions within institutions, habits of mind or society.”

References: Slide 1: Image, taken from a social media post on Reddit by user latenightcabdriver https://www.reddit.com/r/worldnews/comments/f9a2m/a_picture_i_took_yesterday_in_tahrir_square_cairo/ Slide 2 Quote from Jon Paul Witt. Slide 3 Online google dictionary definition of “Radical” Slide 4+ 22 Images of Sir Ranulph Fiennes and story taken from www.thecoldestjourney.org Other Inspired in part by “Big God”, Merrick, Britt.