Are You A Radical Christian?

On occasion I have been called a "radical Christian." Since those who called me that held different Biblical beliefs than I did I paid no attention. Today for some reason the word "radical" popped into my head and I thought I'd dive into a dictionary, check it out and see if perhaps there was some truth to the accusation.

Turns out the word is an adjective. An adjective modifies a noun or a pronoun by describing, identifying, or quantifying words. An adjective usually precedes the noun or the pronoun which it modifies.

Webster's defines the meaning of the word radical as...

Definition 1. "of or going to the root or origin; fundamental: a radical difference."

So a radical Christian would be one who goes to the root or origin of Christianity. Okay, I'm a radical Christian. I believe in going directly to the Bible, to the teachings of Christ and the New Testament church and not to the teachings of men set forth hundreds and even thousands of years after the first century. It is relatively easy to be a radical Christian in this regard, anything set forth, church or teaching, after the first century can be immediately dismissed and rejected by age alone.

Here's what the Bible says about those additions...

And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” Matthew 15:9

And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ Mark 7:7

which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? Colossians 2:22

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 1 Timothy 4:1

Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. Hebrews 13:9

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 Peter 2:1

Definition 2. "thoroughgoing or extreme, especially as regards change from accepted or traditional forms: a radical change in the policy of a company."

Here is yet another definition of radical that describes and identifies my Christianity. I absolutely reject anything that changes the original church and teachings of the Bible. Speak where the Bible speaks, be silent where the Bible is silent. I accept no creeds. Creeds containing less than the Bible are rejected because they contain less than the Bible. Creeds containing more than the Bible are rejected because they contain more than the Bible. Creeds that contain the same as the Bible are rejected because we already have the Bible.

Definition 3. "favoring drastic political, economic, or social reforms: radical ideas; radical and anarchistic ideologues."

This describes my Christian beliefs to a "T" and once again firmly puts me under the "radical Christian" banner. I pray the denominational world would leave all their teachings of Calvin, Smith, Wesley, Luther, Rutherford, White, Eddy and all the other following of men and return to the teachings of the Bible. I pray the denominational world would leave their unholy titles and their pomp and circumstances and return to being simply Christians.

Definition 4. "forming a basis or foundation."

A radical prayer from a radical Christian, come back to the original foundation.

Definition 5. "existing inherently in a thing or person: radical defects of character."

Again the definition fits. Christ only, the Bible only. No conventions, no synods, no Vaticans, no councils. The Bible only.

The Bible church of Christ believes if we carefully follow the Bible we can carry on the 1st century church Jesus built even into the 21st century and beyond to the end of time. The church Jesus built is every bit as fitting today as it was back then. When Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 (KJV) "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" he was saying two important things. One thing he was saying was he would build his church and the second thing he was saying is nothing can prevail against it or change it. If we compare a church of today with the church of the Bible and it is different, it will not be the church Christ established because it has been changed, or prevailed against.

By studying the scriptures we can worship and serve God according to His will. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17 King James Version)

We invite you to come back to the Bible and join us in simple first century worship according to the pattern set down by God Himself for all of the centuries to follow.

If we can be of service in any way please contact us.

Marv Walker
706 816-7190