RADICAL By: David platt

David Platt David Platt has 2 undergraduate and three advanced degrees Pastor of The Church at Brook Hills in Alabama Member congregation of around 4000 Was regarded as the “youngest megachurch pastor in history.”

Chapter 1: Someone Worth Losing Everything For His church looked very different from Jesus’ ministry Two questions: Was I going to believe Jesus? Was I going to obey Jesus? Are we ready to really hear what Jesus is saying and to believe and obey him?

Contrasting Scenes Asia North America People gathering in secret Gathering in houses Persecution and discrimination At risk of bodily harm, and losing possessions and positions “I need to know how to lead my church to follow Christ even when it costs them everything.” “Our moms and dads have been in prison for their faith, and they have taught us that Jesus is worthy of all our devotion Community event Gathering in large churches Free to worship Material abundance and success How can we expand and grow Planning bigger and better events “Sunday Christians”

Why we shouldn’t follow Jesus Luke 9:57-62 57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Radical Abandonment “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple.” “Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” “Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple” “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

What about us? Jesus doesn’t really want me to give up all that? This only applies to the few? Right? We do have to give up everything to follow Jesus. We do have to love him in a way that makes our closest relationships in this world look like hate. And it’s entirely possible that he will tell us to sell everything we have and give it to the poor.

The Cost of Nondiscipleship The cost of discipleship is high, but is the cost of nondiscipleship even greater? If we remain content in our self-indulging faith and pursuing the “American” dream instead of devoting our lives for God’s glory, will and kingdom to be proclaimed, then billions of people will never hear the Gospel

Wake Up There are more important things than hockey, football, clothes, and vacations There are billions who are suffering in poverty and/or have never heard the name of Jesus How much time and money do you spend for yourself? Now how much have you given for others?

Treasure in Heaven “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” Jesus doesn’t want us to have small temporary gain, but everlasting and overflowing treasure

Jesus is Worthy Jesus is someone worth losing everything for The riches of this world cannot compare to the eternal riches we receive in Christ The question is do we really believe this? Do we believe him enough to obey him and follow him wherever he leads us, even if it goes against what our society and maybe even church says?

Are we willing to Risk it All? Are we willing to risk it all for the billions of people today who have yet to hear the Gospel? For the 26 000 children who will die today of starvation or preventable diseases? For the marginalized in our society? For our country, friends and family?

Are you serious and ready? Commit to believe You can’t hear what Jesus has to say an then decide if you like what he has to say. You have to say yes to the words of Jesus before you even hear them Commit to obey We need to respond to what we hear, not just reflect. Compelled to take action. Not just what is he saying, but what shall I do?