Extreme Christianity

[Albert Finch]

Acts 26:24,25 -- Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you MAD! But He (Paul) said, "I am not MAD, most noble Festus, but speak the word of truth and reason."

 

The words 'beside yourself' mean to rave as a maniac, and it's the idea of incessant craving. Festus accused Paul of being crazy.

Modern culture is not drawn to Christianity because the little they are exposed to is not extreme enough for them.

What the world really wants to see is a Christian who is totally enthralled with who Jesus is. Our spiritual learing shouldn't be just systematic theology books but a distinguishable crazy love that goes public.

AFFIRMATION

 

I won't give up, let up, or shut up, until I get others to get up, rise up, and take up all who Christ wants them to be.

 

2 Corinthians 5:13 -- If I'm in my right mind, it's for your sake, but for God, I'm out of my mind.

 

One of the great men of God of the sixteenth century, Francis Xavier, charged the apathetic European students of his day to "give up your small ambitions and come and preach the gospel of Christ."

 

INTO ACTION

 

How can you express "crazy love" for Jesus today?

Using your imagination, what are you willing to do to advance the Kingdom of God that involves stretching, risking and pushing your limits?