Hot Topics: Religions, Radical
Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it.” And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.
1 Kings 18:25-29 (ESV)
(Re: Elijah and the Prophets of Baal’s “cook-off”…
in front of King Ahab, Queen Jezebel and the people of Israel)
Some Muslims are religious extremists. So are some Christians (in radical cults).* In almost all cases, hateful killers (whether in word or the actual deed)...
Believe they're doing the work of their Lord.
Jesus warned us of them, but nevertheless…
He also encouraged us to REJOICE in times of slander and persecution, as we follow behind Him faithfully.
We might as well face this physical fact. As a man, Jesus was radical, too!
He was Earth's top Revolutionary. Yet His passion turned the opposite way, moving us wholeheartedly toward love.
As we try our best to copy Jesus, instead of taking lives, we renew them... which includes giving our own, when needed. (That’s a rare and radical strategy.)
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
What should we do right now, in this “mean” time?
Live courageously. God has us covered! If we cower, the enemy (Satan) moves unhindered in our territory.
Love uncommonly, even when it’s hard, because God says, love never, ever fails, and our King’s love trumps every game of hearts.
Encourage others and uphold the weak. If we don't, bullies may sway or nab them in the Thief’s plan to steal, kill, and destroy.
Radical good defeats radical bad, every day, every time– no matter what. Our Almighty Father has stacked “the deck”. (The King of kings beat the king of this world!)
Hot Topics: Religions, Radical (Part 56)
* Westboro Baptist Church in KS:
* Inside 5 of the most infamous cults in American history - ABC13 Houston
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!