First Name Basis

Opening

As he sat in the back of the church pew, listening to the pastor's words wash over him, he couldn't help but feel like something was missing. He had grown up in this church, his parents had been married there, and his grandfather had even served as the pastor for over 40 years. But despite his deep roots in this community, he felt like he couldn’t take it any longer.

It wasn't until he started to question his own assumptions and challenge the patterns that defined his life that he began to see a new way forward. He realized that he had been living his life within the confines of his comfort zone, never venturing out into the unknown, never taking risks or pushing himself to grow. And it was only when he started to break free from those patterns that he began to truly see what being a believer was all about. It was more than just what he thought about God, but it was about the lifestyle that God designed for him to live.

Making it personal was the key for him. He had to confront his own fears and doubts, his own biases and assumptions, in order to see the world with fresh eyes. He had to be willing to be vulnerable, to open himself up to new experiences and new people, in order to truly embrace the radical life that God was calling him to.

So he took a deep breath, stepped out of his comfort zone, and embarked on a journey that would challenge him in ways he never thought possible. God taught him in the process of preparing for his very first sermon that He knew him before he knew himself. Therefore, anything that he would encounter or face, God would always be with him. As it says in Psalm 139:13-14, 'For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.'

Known Before We Knew

Before we even had a chance to introduce ourselves to the world, God knew us. He knew us in the deepest, most intricate ways imaginable. He knew the color of our eyes, the shape of our face, and the sound of our laugh. He knew our thoughts before we could articulate them and our fears before we could name them. He knew us before we knew ourselves, and He loved us just the same.

The complexity of the human experience is staggering. Every moment we spend on this earth is an opportunity for growth, learning, and discovery. We are made up of countless components — physical, emotional, spiritual — each one interwoven with the others in an intricate dance that shapes who we are.

Our bodies alone are a testament to the incredible design and creativity of our Creator. Every breath we take, every beat of our heart, every blink of our eye is a marvel of engineering. The human body is composed of trillions of cells, each with its own unique function and purpose. Our brains alone are home to over 100 billion neurons, each one constantly firing and transmitting information. But our bodies are only one part of the equation.

Our emotions, our thoughts, and our spirit all contribute to the complex tapestry of our being. We are capable of feeling joy and sorrow, love and hate, hope and despair. We can create beautiful art, write profound poetry, and build magnificent structures. We are capable of incredible acts of kindness and profound acts of evil.

In the midst of all this complexity, it can be easy to feel lost or insignificant. But the truth is, we are each fearfully and wonderfully made. We are each unique, with our own strengths and weaknesses, passions and fears. And yet, in the midst of our uniqueness, we are also connected — to each other, to the world around us, and to the God who created us.

When we realize that we are known and loved by our Creator, we can begin to see ourselves and others in a new light. We are not accidents or mistakes; we are each here for a purpose. We are each called to use our unique gifts and talents to make a difference in the world around us, to help bring about God's kingdom on earth.

As God created us with unique strengths and weaknesses, He also designed us with limitations and comfort zones. These limitations and comfort zones can be helpful for our personal growth, but they can also hold us back from achieving our full potential. When we remain within our comfort zones, we may miss out on opportunities to challenge ourselves and grow.

Life, in the same vein, is a complex tapestry woven with different threads that all come together to create the beautiful and intricate design that is the human experience. It is a tapestry that is so complex, so intricate, that even the most brilliant minds in science, philosophy, and theology can only scratch the surface of its mysteries.

Consider the human body, for instance. It is a miracle of design and function, with countless systems and organs working in perfect harmony to sustain our lives. From the beating of our hearts to the firing of neurons in our brains, every aspect of our existence is a testament to the divine intelligence behind our creation.

But life is not just about our physical bodies. We are also complex beings with emotions, thoughts, and beliefs that shape our experiences and interactions with the world around us. Our upbringing, cultural background, and life experiences all play a key role in shaping who we are and how we see the world.

This complexity extends beyond the individual level to our relationships and interactions with others. We are social creatures, and our relationships with family, friends, and community shape us in profound ways. Our interactions with others are not just about the exchange of ideas and emotions, but they also influence our personal growth and the trajectory of our lives.

God never intended for us to navigate this world alone. He designed us for community and gave us the ability to influence and inspire each other. When we come together, we can encourage each other to step outside of our comfort zones, to take risks, and to pursue our God-given potential. By using our gifts and talents to serve others, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that goes far beyond our individual lives.

All of these ripples span out together to form waves of life’s impact, with each wave representing a different aspect of our existence. And just as an ocean is not complete without every drop, our lives and impact are not complete without each of these aspects coming together in harmony.

It is through this complexity that we see the hand of God at work in our lives. Every aspect of our existence, from our physical bodies to our relationships, is a testament to God's love and care for us. He has created us with incredible intricacy and attention to detail, with each aspect of our existence serving a unique purpose in His divine plan.

As we embark on this journey together, we must keep this complexity in mind. We cannot reduce our understanding of the human experience to simple formulas or easy answers. Instead, we must embrace the depth and richness of our existence and seek to understand the complexities of ourselves and others.

Only by embracing the complexity of our existence can we fully appreciate the beauty and wonder of God's creation, and understand the purpose for which we were created. As His children, we are called to live our lives in a way that brings honor to Him and illuminates His love to the world. Our ultimate purpose is to glorify God and make His love known to others, pointing them towards a relationship with Christ.

But how can we do this if we don't fully understand ourselves and our place in the world? By seeking to understand the intricacies of our existence, we can begin to see how God has uniquely created and gifted us for His purposes. We can begin to understand the passions and talents He has placed within us and use them to make a positive impact on the world around us.

As we seek to understand ourselves and live in a way that honors God, we also have the opportunity to lead others to Christ. By illuminating His love and grace to those around us, we can show them the transformative power of a relationship with Christ and help them discover their own purpose and meaning in life.

So let us embrace the complexity of our existence, because our creator knew us before we knew anything.

Embracing a Life of Purpose & Impact

Reflecting on the complexity and purpose of our lives, it is natural to feel a sense of discomfort. The idea of growth, while exciting and full of potential, can also be daunting and uncomfortable. It requires us to step outside of our comfort zones and challenge the patterns and habits that have defined our lives. But in the discomfort of growth, we find the potential for transformation and the opportunity to fully live out the purpose that God has for us.

When we are faced with discomfort, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual, we often try to avoid it or push it away. But it is in these moments of discomfort that we have the greatest potential for transformation and growth. When we step out of our comfort zone and challenge ourselves, we open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities that can lead us to become the person that God created us to be.

It is in these uncomfortable moments that we are forced to confront our fears, doubts, and limitations. We are challenged to push beyond what we thought was possible and to tap into strengths and abilities that we never knew we had. This is a strength unimagined, invisible, and only hoped for, which has to be divine by description alone. We may stumble and fall along the way, but with each challenge we overcome, we become stronger and more resilient and more radical.

To truly embrace a radical lifestyle, one must first grasp the radical essence of the gospel. From the very beginning, the message of Jesus was countercultural and challenging. He preached a message of love and justice, of mercy and compassion, that went against the prevailing attitudes of his time. It made everyone willing to hear the gospel consider their own lives and then jump out of their comfort zones.

One of the most radical aspects of Jesus' message was his call to love our enemies. In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus says, 'You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.' To be honest, this is one of the hardest things to do.

This call to love our enemies is not just a challenging moral principle, it's a radical call to action. It asks us to break down the barriers between us and those who are different from us, to see beyond our differences and embrace the common humanity that we all share. It requires us to confront our own biases and prejudices, and to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every human being.

Another radical aspect of Jesus' message was his call to serve others. In Mark 10:45, Jesus says, 'For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.' This call to serve is not just a call to do good deeds or perform acts of charity, it's a call to a radical reorientation of our lives. If you like to be pampered and always catered to, then this isn’t the job for you.

To serve others as Jesus did means to give up our own desires and ambitions, to put the needs of others before our own. It means to be willing to make sacrifices, to take risks, and to step out of our comfort zones in order to help those who are in need. It means to see ourselves not as consumers or competitors, but as members of a larger community, bound together by our common humanity and our shared desire for a better world through the building of God’s Kingdom.

A third radical aspect of Jesus' message was his call to discipleship. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus says, 'Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.' This call to discipleship is not just a call to believe in Jesus or to attend church, it's a call to a radical transformation of our lives. Challenging ourselves is never an easy task, but it is necessary for transformation. When we push ourselves beyond our limits, we open the door to growth, change, and a deeper understanding of who we are and who we are meant to be.

To be a disciple of Jesus means to pattern our lives after his, to live in accordance with his teachings and his example. It means to let go of the things that hold us back, to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and to trust in God's provision and care for our lives. It means to be willing to take risks, to make sacrifices, and to live a life that is radically different from the current conditions. All of this is challenging but it works and Jesus showed us countless times.

Jesus' radical ministry shows us that interaction with those we don't normally associate with challenges the current parameters. Take, for example, the Samaritan woman at the well. During that time, Samaritans and Jews did not associate with each other due to cultural and religious differences. However, Jesus intentionally went out of his way to engage with this woman and break down those cultural barriers. He even made a shocking request for a drink from her. Through this encounter, Jesus revealed to her that he was the Messiah, and she became a witness to her entire village. This act of radical inclusion and acceptance of someone who was considered an outsider demonstrates Jesus' message of love and grace for all, transcending the limitations imposed by the current conditions.

Lastly, Jesus' death on the cross can be seen as the ultimate act of radical love and sacrifice. He willingly gave his life for the sins of humanity, even though he was innocent. This act of selflessness and love showed that he was willing to go to any lengths to save those who believed in him. It is this message of sacrificial love that is at the heart of radical ministry. As followers of Christ, we are called to love others sacrificially and put their needs above our own.

You prayed the prayer of salvation when beginning this book, and it's all because Jesus embraced a life of purpose and impact by challenging the current conditions. Having accepted Jesus into your life, you have made a bold and radical decision to follow in His footsteps. Like Jesus, you too must challenge the current parameters in order to live a life of purpose and impact. Jesus did not come to earth to blend in or to conform to societal norms. He came to challenge the prevailing systems of power and privilege, to turn the world upside down with His message of love, grace, and redemption. By stepping outside the confines of the current conditions, you open yourself to a life that reflects Jesus' radical love and transformative power.

But in this discomfort lies the potential for transformation. It is through the challenges and struggles of life that we are refined and shaped into the people that God created us to be. As the prophet Jeremiah wrote, 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' (Jeremiah 29:11)

God has a purpose and a plan for your life, and it is through the challenges and discomforts of life that He will refine you and mold you into the person that He created you to be. So embrace the discomfort, challenge yourself to grow, and trust that God's plan for your life is good and perfect.

The world is yearning for people who understand their purpose and are rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus. His example of radical inclusion, healing, and sacrificial love provides a model for how we are called to live as his followers. As we seek to bring about change in our communities and the world, we must approach every day with a radical mindset that challenges the current conditions and puts the needs of others first. By following Jesus' example, we can make a real difference in the lives of those around us and bring glory to God. Embracing a radical mindset allows us to break free from the limitations imposed by the current conditions and truly impact our communities, creating a world that reflects God's love and compassion.

As we embrace a life of purpose and impact, we will inevitably face moments of fear and doubt. We may doubt our abilities, our worthiness, or our place in the world. We may fear failure, rejection, or the unknown. But it is in these moments of fear and doubt, we have the opportunity to truly grow and transform.

In order to overcome our fear and doubt, we must first acknowledge them. We must be honest with ourselves and with God about our struggles and ask for His help in overcoming them. We must also challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs that hold us back, replacing them with positive affirmations and a deep trust in God's plan for our lives.

But we cannot do this alone. We need the support and encouragement of those around us, a community of like-minded individuals who can lift us up when we falter and help us stay on the path towards our purpose. Together, we can overcome our fear and doubt and step into the fullness of who God created us to be.

As we journey towards radical transformation, let us remember that fear and doubt are natural parts of the process. But with God's help and the support of other believers, we can overcome them and step boldly into the purpose and impact He has for us. Let us encourage one another, challenge one another, and never lose sight of the transformative power of a radical life lived for Christ.

Best Friends Forever

A relationship with the divine creator is a concept that takes everyone a moment to visualize. There’s an undeniable trust and perspective built into communicating with that which you can’t physically see or touch. It’s hard enough having relationships with those right in front of us. However, in the midst of this modern age of superficiality, we yearn for authentic and meaningful connections with others. True friendship is not just about having someone to hang out with or share common interests; it's about having someone who knows us inside and out, who accepts us for who we are, and who challenges us to be our best selves.

This kind of friendship is a rare and precious gift, one that should be cherished and nurtured. And yet, cultivating and maintaining these deep connections can be a challenge in today's fast-paced and often disconnected world.

But the effort is worth it. When we find those kindred spirits who truly know us and accept us, we experience a sense of belonging and purpose that is hard to find anywhere else. These relationships have the power to transform us, to help us overcome our fears and doubts, and to inspire us to become the best versions of ourselves.

And while these friendships may begin with just one person, they often extend beyond the individual and into the wider community. Our relationships with others can have a profound impact on our lives and our sense of purpose. We are shaped and influenced by those around us, and we have the power to shape and influence others as well.

In fact, the concept of 'best friends forever' extends beyond just one person; it encompasses the entire community of believers. We are all connected in our shared faith and our desire to live out God's purpose for our lives. When we come together in fellowship and support, we can achieve far more than we ever could on our own.

When we cherish those deep connections with others, both individually and as a community, it indirectly challenges us to overcome our fears and doubts and to embrace the transformative power of true friendship. Many of us try to walk this Christian journey on our own ultimately losing the stamina it takes to finish the race. Let us never forget that we are all in this together, working towards a common goal of living out God's purpose for our lives. We no longer can just sit next to each other every Sunday and barely know each other’s name.

In the Old Testament, God introduced himself to his people through his many names and attributes. As they grew in relationship with him, they came to know him on a personal and intimate level. Jesus continued this tradition of revealing the character of God through his life and teachings, and he demonstrated the radical love of friendship.

Jesus called his disciples friends, and he modeled a deep and abiding love that went beyond mere acquaintance. He sought to know them on a personal level, asking about their fears, hopes, and dreams. He laughed with them, cried with them, shared life with them, and most importantly prayed with them.

As we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we too are called to be friends to others. This means taking the time to get to know them on a personal level, seeking to understand their unique experiences and perspectives. It means showing up for them in times of joy and sorrow, and being willing to share our own struggles and vulnerabilities. True friendship also requires compassion and empathy. Compassion is the ability to feel and respond to the pain of others, while empathy is the ability to put oneself in another's shoes and understand their feelings and perspectives. Together, these qualities allow us to truly connect with others and demonstrate the radical love of Christ.

In a world that can often be harsh and unforgiving, the power of compassion and empathy cannot be overstated. When we are willing to see others as human beings with their own struggles and pain, we can break down walls of division and build bridges of understanding and connection.

As we cultivate compassion and empathy in our friendships, we also open ourselves up to the transformative power of serving others. Jesus demonstrated this time and time again through his ministry, as he healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the broken-hearted.

When we serve others, we not only meet their physical and emotional needs, but we also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living out our God-given purpose. We are reminded that we are not here just for ourselves, but to be a blessing to those around us. Serving others requires us to be intentional and proactive in seeking out opportunities to make a difference. It may mean volunteering at a local shelter, visiting a sick friend, or simply offering a listening ear to someone in need.

To be on as many of us suffer from being able to make a difference in our own homes. We all can find ourselves in turmoil before we even leave our doorsteps looking to serve others, but unable to serve those around us. But no matter how we choose to serve, we can be confident that it is in these moments of selflessness and sacrifice that we are most fully living out the radical love of Christ.

At the heart of true friendship is a commitment to love and serve one another, just as Jesus loved and served his disciples. Commitment allows you to break out of the box that continues to hold you from your potential. It allows you to transcend your current state and enter into a life that you envision and dream of. This radical love transcends social boundaries, cultural differences, and personal preferences. It sees the inherent value and worth of every individual, and seeks to build them up and empower them to live their fullest and most authentic lives.

In the Bible, the concept of friendship is woven throughout the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, we see examples of friendships between David and Jonathan, Ruth and Naomi, and Moses and Joshua. These friendships were marked by loyalty, mutual respect, and a deep love for one another.

In the New Testament, Jesus takes this concept of friendship to a whole new level. He tells his disciples in John 15:15, 'I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.'

Jesus' choice to call his disciples friends instead of just followers or servants was a radical move. It was a declaration of intimacy and a deep level of trust. Jesus not only elevates the status of his followers from servants to friends but also reveals the heart of God as a friend. By using the word 'friend,' Jesus was not only saying that he loved his disciples, but also that he trusted them with his most important teachings.

The extreme humility and ability to remove yourself from a capitalistic mindset doesn’t often happen in today’s world. Most people look at relationships as a way to benefit without reciprocating. We want time from people, but don’t want to give them time. We want sympathy and compassion, but don’t want to share the same. Jesus also modeled what true friendship looks like in his interactions with his disciples. He spent time with them, shared meals with them, and listened to their concerns. He was there for them in times of need, offering comfort and support.

In his parables, Jesus often used the concept of friendship to teach important lessons. For example, in the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan went out of his way to help a stranger in need, showing us what it means to be a true friend. And in the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father welcomes his wayward son back home with open arms, demonstrating the power of forgiveness and unconditional love in friendship.

We turn the disregard and count people out before we even count them in. We often discard relationships before starting them, only to start relationships that we don’t plan on seeing through. It’s only in what God shows us through His Word that we can uncover true commitment. Throughout the Bible, we see the attributes of God as revealed in friendship. For example, the faithfulness of God is reflected in the faithfulness of a friend. Just as a friend sticks with you through thick and thin, God remains faithful to his people even in their disobedience and unfaithfulness.

Furthermore, the love of God is the ultimate expression of friendship. As Jesus says in John 15:13, 'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.' Jesus himself exemplified this kind of sacrificial love when he died on the cross for the sins of humanity, showing the depth and extent of God's love for us.

As we strive to cultivate deeper friendships with others, we are also invited to experience the depth and richness of God's friendship. Through prayer, reading Scripture, and communing with God, we can come to know God not just as a distant deity, but as a friend who loves us and desires to be known by us.

Jesus not only showed us how to be a friend by getting to know us on a first-name basis, but he also exemplified what it means to be a true friend through sacrifice. In the last scripture mentioned Jesus not only spoke these words, but he demonstrated it with his own life. Jesus' death on the cross wasn't just a random act of violence, but a deliberate choice to lay down his life for his friends and all of humanity.

Through his sacrifice, Jesus offers us a new kind of friendship, one that is characterized by unconditional love, forgiveness, and selflessness. He invites us into a deep and meaningful relationship with him, one where we can experience true friendship and find purpose and meaning in life.

Jesus' sacrifice also calls us to a radical way of living, one that is marked by selflessness and generosity. As his followers, we are called to love and serve others in the same way that he loved and served us. We are called to lay down our own lives for the sake of others, just as he did for us.

In this way, Jesus' sacrificial friendship challenges us to rethink our priorities and our values. It calls us to live for something greater than ourselves and to make a difference in the world around us. Through his example, we see that true friendship involves more than just getting to know someone on a first-name basis, but it also involves sacrificing ourselves for the sake of others.

Without knowing a thing about you, I’m glad I’m your friend because you are a friend of God. Even more, I pray you are excited the moment you realize that God not only knows us by name but wants to be our friend forever!