Radical with David Platt Radical

 It’s easy to say we trust the Lord and talk about his goodness when life seems to be going well, but when trials come our way, our faith is put to the test. What we trust in is exposed. In this message from James 1:1–12 from David Platt, we see how, by God’s grace, trials can actually serve to strengthen our faith. We can even have joy in trials—but only when God is our ultimate goal. (This message can also be found at radical.net.) 

The Bible teaches us about the three foundational components of salvation. First, justification is an event. We speak of this by saying that we have been saved. Second, sanctification is a present process. We speak of this by saying that we are being saved. Third, glorification is a future prize. We speak of this by saying that we will be saved. The grace of God undergirds every facet of our salvation. In this message on Philippians 2:12–13, Pastor David Platt teaches us that faith involves radical dependence on God’s work in our lives.

Many gospel presentations emphasize the fact that God has a wonderful plan for your life while spending little time on the problem of sin and how it is that holy God can have fellowship with people who have rebelled against him. But Scripture paints a different and much fuller picture of God’s saving work in Christ. In this message from Romans 3:21–26, Pastor David Platt unpacks the following definition of the gospel: the just and gracious God of the universe looked upon hopelessly sinful people and sent his Son, Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, to bear his wrath against sin on the cross and to show his power over sin in the resurrection so that all who have faith in him will be reconciled to God forever. Though the problem of sin may be greater than we imagined, God’s grace in the gospel is greater still.

 Sometimes God’s timing leaves us with questions or even doubts. Does he care? Has he forgotten me? Is he really working all things for my good? In this message from Romans 8:18–30, David Platt points us to the character and promises of God. Regardless of our circumstances, we can trust what God says in his Word. His love is sure, even when we don’t understand his timing. Waiting on God should cause us to grow in prayer and dependence on him. Ultimately, our waiting is for God’s glory and our eternal good. 

Jesus said that unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God. So what does it mean to be born again? In this message from John 3:1–21, David Platt points us to the words of Jesus to understand God’s sovereign work in our salvation. We are responsible for putting our faith in Christ, but it’s the gracious and powerful work of the Holy Spirit that makes our response possible. As those who are born dead in sin, we need more than moral improvement—we need a new heart. And that’s precisely what God gives us in the new birth. 

 Many professing Christians assume that because they’ve prayed a prayer or made a public profession, they are on their way to heaven, despite the fact that their lives give very little evidence of heart change. In this message from David Platt from Matthew 7:13–27, we hear the sobering warnings of Jesus. Many will call Jesus “Lord” on the last day, only to find out that they never belonged to him. Every professing Christian should examine his or her life to see if they are truly following the narrow way.