Exploring God’s Word with Brad Thurston

Radical Christianity

Episode Summary

Acts 18:18-23 Just how radical was Jesus? How radical was Paul and the other apostles? How radical was the early church? How radical ought we to be as Christians? It all depends on what your definition of radical is! Let's explore it together!

Episode Notes

Introduction

Just how radical was Paul?  How about the radical things God does in people’s lives – like a great deliverance from tyranny only to end up in a desert?

Definition of radical in the Webster’s dictionary:  Thoroughgoing or extreme, especially as regards change from accepted or traditional forms; forming a basis or foundation; of or going to the root or origin.

From Corinth to Antioch, end of the second missionary journey

What stands out?

1. His leadership training method is very successful: P and A are entrusted to plant church in Ephesus.
2. After leaving the Jews (for the 2nd time) he heads back to the synagogue and keeps a vow by shaving his head. The issues of culture and seeing the authority of scripture in the light of a personal relationship with Jesus.
3. Why no reports on the rest of the journey to Antioch? The reports to the senders to give an account of the growth of the church.

Accountability

Acts 18: 24-28

Paul’s third missionary journey begins with a quick introduction

A brief excursion to Ephesus with the introduction of Apollos

1. An eloquent and learned expositor 
2. Demonstrates boldness
3. Only knows baptism of John – repentance 
4. Shown a more accurate way – the Spirit

What about us and our growing relationship with God? Where do we need to become challenged to a more accurate.

“Now He also spoke a parable to them: “A person who is blind cannot guide another who is blind, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit? A student is not above the teacher; but everyone, when he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.”

Luke 6:39-40 NASB2020

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

Matthew 28:18-20 NASB2020

“So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let’s not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this: not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s or sister’s way.”

Romans 14:12-13 NASB2020

“I glorified You on the earth by accomplishing the work which You have given Me to do.”

John 17:4 NASB2020