RADICAL FAITH
Sharon and I just completed a driving trip that took us into Canada (briefly) and then just below the Canadian border to the Global Training Network Leadership Gathering, with numerous stops on the way and way back. The theme of the GTN conference was “Radical Faith.” Here are some of the statements that struck me:
- “God sized dreams keep us on our knees.”
- “Worry looks around; faith looks up.”
- “Worship and worry can’t live in the same heart.”
- “There is something inherently inappropriate about cherishing small ambitions for God.”
Each of these statements is worth pondering, but the one that resonated most with me was:
“What if we live as if we really believe God’s promises?”
REAL FAITH
One of the driving motives in Sharon’s and my life is to really believe and reach for God’s promises. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
The book of Hebrews highlights and connects us to the great promise given to Abraham: “I will surely bless you and give you many descendents” (Heb. 6:14). The writer of Hebrews goes on to talk about the “unchanging nature” of God’s purpose that is passed on to us, “the heirs of what was promised” (Heb 6:17).
FRUITFUL FAITH
Our application of the promises of God to bless us, give us many descendents and bear much fruit extends near and far. We want to see much fruit in our family…much fruit in our neighborhood…much fruit in our country…and much fruit around the globe.
I believe with all my heart that God wants to bless us (Salvation in Christ) and give us many descendents (mission to reach others). This is what has motivated Sharon and me over the course of our marriage and ministry. Jesus put it this way: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit…this is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples (John 15:5, 8).
We believe that by God’s grace, He is going to bless us and give us even more descendents. This is what led Linus Jr and me to write The Divine Expedition: Where Are You in the Book of Romans? This is what led Sharon and me (along with Phil and Laina Graf) to join Global Training Network. We have a God-sized dream to equip indigenous leaders to “multiply viral missional church planting movements.”
Our God-sized dream is a faith/action effort coming out of really believing in God’s promises. It keeps us on our knees. It causes us to keep looking up. It is a big ambition for God.
SHARED FAITH
We are so grateful that you too are reaching for these things together with us. Believing in God’s promises is a team endeavor. We are grateful for those who are “on expedition” with us in faith, prayers and financial support.
Because of His promises,
Linus and Sharon
On Expedition + 