Authenticity is, unfortunately, not much found in the church. As Christians, how do we know for sure we’re walking the talk, living the example, being the salt and light we’re commanded to be in the Bible? Do nonbelievers see the joy and authenticity in our lives?

Radically Real is a wakeup call to believers to look at the way we live our lives and to return to biblical Christianity. To be Fishers of Men, we must leave judgment on the doorstep. Instead of following legalistic rules, we’re charged by Jesus to reach out to those around us about our faith and meet them where they are, just like our Lord did!

Radically Real reminds believers of the high price our Savior paid for us out of His great love, gives guidance in keeping our “swords” sharp by staying in the Word and being the fire that burns brightly with the light of Christ in a dark world in need of the Gospel’s message. Christianity isn’t a cold, lifeless, ruthless set of rules that believers must endure in order to get to Heaven. To be a child of God is to have access to a vibrant, exciting and fulfilling life…if only we leave the middle of the road and make the choice to stand with our transforming Lord.

Ebook and Print versions available exclusively from Amazon:

GENRE: Christian   ISBN: 978-1-920741-02-0    ASIN: B0164EUYEW

Chapter 1

What is Radically Real?

 

You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand.  And it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

–Matthew 5: 13-16

 

There’s an old saying.  “If being a Christian was a crime, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”  It’s a question we must all ask ourselves.  Are we living as Jesus would have us live?  Are we being that salt and light that he called us to be or are we under the bushel, about to be trampled underfoot.  Being Radically Real is being unquestionably Christian.  It is the effort to be all you can be in Christ.  It is living a life consistent with the teachings of Christ.  It is about living a confident life full of the knowledge of Christ as your Savior.  A Radically Real life is a life that brings honor and glory to God.

In the Bible, Christians are referred to as the children of God.  The question is what kind of children are we?  Are we the kind of children that our Father is proud to claim? Are we on the honor roll in the lessons of life or would we be the type that cause a long stream of stress and living lives that bring shame to our heavenly Father?  Most of us, I believe live somewhere between the two points.  At our best, people see our good works and praise our father in heaven and at our worst, people look at us in disgust and say, “And he calls himself a Christian.”  A Radically Real Christian is one who may struggle sometimes but is constantly striving to bring glory to his or her heavenly Father.

 

A WORD OF CAUTION…

We refer to God as our heavenly father for a reason.  He is our father!  Radically Real is not a prescription for perfection.  All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  Even the best of us fall short frequently.  Radically Real Christians realize this and know that at times they too will fall short.  The question is, “What do we do about it when we fail?”  Radically Real Christians fall on their faces and repent, asking God for forgiveness.  They realize that they should not as Paul says, “sin so that grace may increase”.  But rather they seek to please God and bring him glory.

Some readers may look at this description and think that they are in no way shape or form good enough to be Radically Real.  Congratulations, you are beginning to catch on.  God’s standard is perfection and we are all far from it.  That is why we need Jesus, and salvation through His blood.  If you are a parent, you will understand this more clearly.  Do you love your children?  (If you are not a parent, please bear with me for a moment, I think you will see where I am going with this.)

Do you love them when they do good?  Do you love them when they make a mistake?  Do you love them when they drive you crazy?  Is there anything that could make you stop loving them?  In most cases the answer is yes I love them and nothing they could do will make me stop loving them.  That is called unconditional love.  If you, as an imperfect person, could feel that kind of love, imagine how the perfect creator of the universe must love you.  It doesn’t matter what you do God will forgive you, if you repent of it and ask him to.  His love is complete and the blood of Jesus is enough to cover it all.  Whatever you have done in your life, and no matter how long you have done it.  No matter who you are and what you have and whatever other factors you can dream up, there is one thing you should never ignore and never forget. God loves you and He desperately wants to save you.  Jesus traded the throne of heaven for a barren cross because He wants to save you.  He came that you might have life and have it more abundantly.  He wants you to be Radically Real!

The world out there is looking for answers.  The world is out there looking for people who know a better way.  The world is doing everything it can to fill a hole that can only be filled by God.  Drugs, alcohol, STD’s, crime, immorality and a host of other social ills are not the disease, they are the symptoms of a society that has turned its back on God.  The only cure for these symptoms is to return to God.  Widespread revival brought on by the Holy Spirit working through Christians serious about the Gospel and salvation through Jesus Christ is what is needed.  The world is groping in darkness for the light of Jesus Christ.  They will examine Christians closely so we have got to be ready.  We have got to be Radically Real!  Are you up to the challenge?