radical by matt jaggers & jon rothon

7/28/2019 RADICAL by Matt Jaggers & Jon Rothon

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1st Edition


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How To Use*

This booklet is to help you get to know

God more. Each section will take youinto a deeper relationship with Jesus.To do this effectively, meet once a weekwith at least one other person anddiscuss your answers to the questions

on each study. Also spend timeencouraging and praying for eachother. Take advantage of this bookletand let God do what He needs to so youcan become more like Jesus.

LEARN : SHARE : APPLY

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the

wise seeks knowledge.(Proverbs 18:15 ESV )

Written By: Matt R. Jaggers

Edited By: Alyah Campbell & Jon RothonArt & Design By: Jon Rothon

For PDF File contact:Email: [email protected]
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+18%3A15&version=ESVhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+18%3A15&version=ESV


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The Radical Christian*

R Relationship

A Attitude

D Devotions

I Integrity

C Commission

A Accountability

L Love


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It begins with RELATIONSHIPTheres a story of a man who stood at the pearly gates

of Heaven. As he rang the bell to open the gates, SaintPeter came to the window. So your time has come? SaintPeter asked. But before I let you in you must give me theanswer to this question. Uneasy about his capability toanswer, the man asked if he could have an easy question.Saint Peter paused and after some thought he asked,

What is the name of Gods son? Hesitating toanswer, the man began to ponder and even began to sweat.But after a moment he answered. I know, its Andy!!Andy? How did you get Andy? Saint Peter asked. You

know, from that song: Andy walks with me, Andy talks withme.

Judging by this mans answer, he probably didnt makeit through the gates of Heaven. Why? Because he did nothave a relationship with Gods son, he didnt even know thename of Jesus. We are told in the Bible that God desires to

have a relationship with us. Since the very beginning withAdam and Eve, God has desired to have a relationship withall mankind. However, we humans have made a mess of itall by deciding to turn away from God.

When you have friends, it probably means that you talkto them once in a while. When you have a best friend, it

probably means you talk to them a lot. How, then, can anyof us say that Jesus is our best friend if we barely talk toHim throughout the day? A relationship with Jesus mustfirst begin with prayer and reading the Bible.

To live a radical Christian life, prayer and scripture are necessary.

God sent His only Son to die for us. Why? So He couldmake a way for us to have a relationship with Him. Its whatHe wants. God did not tell us to try to work our way intoHeaven. He does not need our hard earned good deeds.He wants a friendship.


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A FRIENDSHIP WITH GODIf you feel that you dont have a friendship with God

then dont wait any longer. He wants to know you and showHimself to you. God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us so thatwe can live with Him and know Him forever. If you want toknow Him then start by praying the following prayer:

Lord, I thank you for sending your Son Jesus to takemy place for my sins. I am glad that you want to know meand show your love to me. Please forgive me of my sins. Igive my heart to you and I want to live for you. Thank-youJesus for being my friend, AmenDay 1Read 2 Timothy 1:8-12

Why do you think some people might be ashamed of beinga Christian?

How would this affect their relationship with God?

In (vs. 9) we are told that we are not saved by our works.

How then are we saved?

Paul states in (vs. 12) that he has known whom he hasbelieved. What would make Paul so sure that he knewJesus?

What could you do to know Jesus in the same way?

An important step as a follower of Jesus is baptism. This isa public confession that you are following Him. Talk to yourYouth Pastor or Pastor for more information about beingbaptized


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Day 2Read Philippians 3:4-11

Paul writes that if we could be saved for what we do then hehad done it all (vs. 4-6). What had he done?

Do you think you have done enough good things to besaved?

The great thing about being saved is that it is not based onanything we can do. How then can we know we are saved?Take a look at (vs. 9).

What does Paul consider worthless? Why?

How can we know Jesus better and grow in our relationshipwith Him?

After reading this passage, read it again as a prayertowards God. Meditate on these verses and ask God what itmeans to know Him.


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Day 3Read Ephesians 3:8-12

God had a plan to show Himself to us and bring us back toHim. This plan was to send His Son to take our place and die forthe sin that we have done. The Jews were the first people to betold about this plan because God chose them as His people. But,now we can all know God as our friend through Jesus.

What was the message Paul had for us (the Gentiles)?

What was Gods plan?

How can we come into Gods presence without fear?

Set aside a time each day where you can meet with God.Start off with meeting for 5 minutes just to pray.

I commit to set aside time from _________ to ___________tomeet with God.

Stay committed to this time and get to know God!!


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The Attitude of a ChristianHave you ever met someone who really irritated you?

Maybe you found them annoying because they talked toomuch or maybe they didnt see things the way you saw

them. Who knows, it could have just been how they looked.If this has happened to you, the chances are, you could bethe one with the problem.

God made us all unique, and with that uniquenesscome differences in each person. Unfortunately,differences can sometimes rub others the wrong way. But

God provided a solution for this problem. The solution iscalled Humility!!

Humility can be defined as to be more concernedabout others than yourself. Sounds impossible, doesnt it?Well think of it this way; imagine you wanted to watch yourfavorite T.V. show at 5:00 pm, you rush into the family room

at 4:58 pm to turn on the T.V. but instead you enter theroom to the horrific sound of your brother watching thenews channel, as it is part of his homework assignmentfrom school.

You now have two options. Make a fuss and get him tochange the channel, or be more concerned for him than

yourself and, in humility, either sit down and watch thenews or read a book (which is probably better thanwatching any T.V. show). I am quite sure that God wouldrather see you choose the latter of the two options.

Humility seems to be an unfair solution, but really if we allwalked in humility the world would be a completely differentplace. Your home will become a completely different home ifyou choose to walk in humility. It is not something that comesnaturally because, as human beings, each of us tend to lookout for the number one person, ourselves. Put an end to beingirritated or annoyed by others; walk in humility.


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MORE FOR YOUR ATTITUDEDay 1Read Philippians 2:1-4

What does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition?

Why do you think it is so hard to be more concerned forothers than yourself?

What could you do to change your attitude to one that walksin humility?

How can you show that you are interested in what otherpeople are doing?

Pray that God will help you to walk in humility!


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Day 2Read Philippians 2:5-11

In (vs. 5) we are challenged to have the same mind as

Jesus. What does this mean to you?

Take a moment and read (vs. 8). Think of how Jesus tookyour place, even though He had done nothing wrong He

died as a criminal. How would you feel if you stood at thecross as Jesus was dying?

The good news is that because Jesus is God, death couldnot hold Him and He has risen from the dead (vs. 9).What are you to do now? (vs. 10-11).

Begin your day in humility

Thought to Ponder:

Jesus was God, yet he humbled himself and became aman so that we could have eternal life. Yet, as people westruggle to be humble towards another person!!


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Day 3Read Ephesians 5:1-2, 15-18

How does God want you to live your life? (vs. 2)

Are there people that you feel you dont love?

Do you think that God wants you to love them?How can you start showing a little love to them?

Maybe (vs.16) can help you in loving others. What does itsay? What are some good things you can do?

In (Vs.18) Paul tells us to let the Holy Spirit fill us and leadus. What does that mean to you?

If you trust in God and desire to do His will, then listen to theHoly Spirit and He will show you what to do to help

others and to walk in Humility.


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Devotions: Your Bible, Prayer and ConsistencyHave you ever wondered what it would be like to meet

Jesus in person? I have. Ive wondered if I would recognizeHim. Would You? If He spoke to you, would you know His

voice? The first study talked about a relationship with God.This relationship can only grow as you spend time with Godby reading your Bible and spending time in prayer. Thistime with God is called devotions.

THE BIBLE: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Whenyou build a model you usually use an instruction book (at

least I hope you do). God has given us an instruction bookfor living. Sure, it has some instructions, but dont think ofthese instructions as silly rules that make it impossible tohave fun. The instructions we find in the Bible are for ourbenefit. These instructions protect us from unhealthylifestyles, improve our economy and protect us from harm.As you spend time reading your Bible take some time to

memorize different parts that stick out to you.

PRAYER: Prayer is also a big part of your walk with Jesus.Simply said prayer is meeting with God. It is talking to andlistening to God like you would to your best friend. You canpray while walking to school, in your classroom, whileworking or playing sports. God hears our prayerswhenever and wherever we are. However, it is important tofind a quiet-time each day just to meet with God. Jesustalked to His disciples about finding a closet where theycould pray. This time of prayer will help you hear from God.

As you begin your own time of devotions start off bymeeting with God for five minutes. As you becomeconsistent with this time then begin to spend ten minutes indevotions, then fifteen, then twenty, then half-an-hour.Read Gods instruction book and spend time talking to Himand listening to Him.


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TIME OUT WITH GODDay 1Read 1 Timothy 4:7-12

What are we told to stay away from?

What do you think that means?

Paul told Timothy to train himself in spiritual fitness. Whatdoes this mean to you?

In (vs. 8), Paul states that if we train ourselves in spiritualfitness, we will have a reward in this life and next.If Heaven is our reward in the next life, what is our reward inthis life?

Timothy was a young man, maybe even a teenager. Paultells Timothy to be an example to all believers. How was heto be an example?

Do you think that God would want you to be this kind ofexample?

Ask God to help you be an example to other believers.


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The Thought of IntegrityA young man walked into a store to buy a few items.

After purchasing the items at the till, the young man lookedinto his hand to see that he had been given five dollars too

much. Immediately, he walked back into the line-up andwaited to return the extra change he had been given.This is integrity. To do what is right even when people are

not watching you. In our society, we are pressured to thinkthat whatever a person believes is okay to do is right for himor her. However, this thinking does not line up with what theBible has to say regarding what is right or wrong.

Have you ever heard of the Ten Commandments?

Exodus 20 relays to us what God expects of us. He loves us somuch that he even gave us a list that will protect us from harm,disease, and unnecessary pain. It may sound like a list of dosand do nots but I like to think of it this way: Our way or GodsWay. Whose way do you think is best?

When we practice integrity, we are walking in Gods way.Integrity does not only refer to stealing, but to what we think,

watch, and do. What kind of thoughts do you think about inyour mind? What do you watch on T.V.? What do you doduring your spare time? Integrity deals with every part of ourlives.

Are you willing to let go of your ways and the worldsways to do what God wants you to do? There is a right and awrong way, and the Bible clearly shows us the difference. It isyour choice to accept the difference and do what is right. It isnot easy to do everything with integrity, but with God, allthings are possible (Philippians 4:13). Show people that youare different. Do everything with integrity.

What in the world is integrity?Integrity n: adherence to a code of values.

(The Merriam-Webster Dictionary).


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Day 3Read Matthew 15:17-20

What did Jesus say comes from the heart? Are these things

good for you? Why?

Read Philippians 4:7-9

What will Gods peace guard?

How can you help to guard these things?

Do you believe that what you think about affects you?Why?

If you let your mind dwell on negative or bad thoughts, you

will produce those thoughts. What does God want you tothink on?

How will this help you?

Pray that God will help you to think on good things and toguard your heart and mind!


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COMMISSIONED TO TELLDay 1Read Mark 16:15-20

What is the Good News? (Romans 15:1-9)

Who should you tell the good news to?

Jesus said that His disciples would do great miracles, suchas healing the sick. Does this apply to you? Why?

When telling others about Jesus, you should tell them whatGod has done for you. Write out at least 5 things God hasdone for you.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Pray that God will give you courage and love to tell othersabout Jesus.


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Day 2Read John 16:5-15

Jesus said He would send the Holy Spirit (Comforter,

Counselor). What would the Holy Spirit do for the world?

What will the Holy Spirit do for those who trust in Jesus?(vs.13-15)

For the next few minutes pray and ask God to fill you withthe Holy Spirit. Take time to let God speak to you.

Day 3Read Acts 2 (The whole chapter)

Who is the Holy Spirit given to? (vs. 17,18)

In this chapter, Peter received the Holy Spirit and toldthe people about Jesus. But, before Jesus died, Peterdenied Jesus three times. Why do you think Peter was ableto stand in front of thousands of people and preach aboutJesus?


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3. Only go on the Internet to do a specific task, do not roam the net.4. Have someone keep you in prayer and encourage you through these

steps.

These are only some steps you can take to use the Internetwisely. But in any situation whether it is gossip, money, stealing, andlying or control use steps to overcome the temptation and ask someoneyou trust to keep you accountable.

BE ACCOUNTABLEDay 1Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens afriend.

What does this verse mean to you?

What are some areas that you struggle with?

Write out some questions that your accountability partnercan ask you, so that you will be challenged not to fall in thatarea.

1.

2.

3.

Read 2 Corinthians 13:5-9

Test yourself and ask what areas you need to grow in andask your accountability partner to help you.

Pray and ask God to show you what areas in your life needto be given to Him. Take time to listen to Him and do whatHe tells you.


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Day 3Read Hebrews 10:23-29

What is the hope that you have? (vs. 23)

What are some ways you can encourage your

accountability partner? (vs. 24). Use these ideas toencourage them often.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

What happens if you continue to live in sin?

If you continue to sin do you think you are insulting whatJesus has done for you? (vs. 29).

Pray that God will give you strength to overcom etemptation. Be honest with your accountability partner andmake sure you can be someone who others can trust.


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The Power of LoveOkay, okay, just to make this clear! This is not some

sappy, mushy gushy type of love. Go watch a romancemovie if thats what your looking for! This is a completely

different kind of love. It is love that on your own you canthave, because it involves loving everyone, even those whohate you and make your life miserable. Are you ready?

Everyone knows its easy to love people who are niceto you. But, how about your arch enemy who tries to doeverything they can to make your life miserable? Think

about Superman. Who was his arch enemy? Lex Luther, ofcourse. Now, imagine this Superman episode where LexLuther tries with all his might to destroy Superman. Ofcourse as usual, Lex fails and is taken to prison. But wait,this time its a little different. Superman, first of all givesLex a big hug and as he takes him to prison, Supermangives Lex his email address just in case there are any

problems while in prison. During this imprisonment Lex andSuperman keep in touch and become good friends allbecause Superman showed Lex some love.

Whoa, hold on for second. How can anyone expect youto be nice to those who hurt you!! Well, to tell you the truthit is tough, but Jesus told us to love everyone, even ourenemies (Matthew 5:44-48). You need to ignore yournatural instinct to get revenge on those who make fun ofyou or hurt you. Its time to show them something different.

The power of love can change the hardest person. Have you everseen Remember the Titans? If not you need to watch it. Think aboutthe part where Julius and Gary begin to work together and becomefriends instead of hating each other. What a difference it made for therest of the team. The difference was that they began to show love.

You can make a difference in those around you by going againstthe flow. Instead of hating others let God work in you and help you lovethem.


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What a difference that can make in your school! In your home! In youryouth group!! God is love and when you walk in love you are showingGod to others!!!

LOVE GOD, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOURDay 1 Love GodRead 1 John 5

Are you a child of God? How do you know?

How do we know if we love God? (vs. 1-2)

How do we defeat this evil world?

What do you have if you have Gods Son?

Read John 3:16 and Thank God for what He has done foryou.

Pray that God will help you to show His love to others.


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Day 3 Grow in LoveRead 1 John 4:16-21

What word describes who God is?

How do you know if you live in God and what will happen if

you do live in God?

Why should we love others?

If you hate someone, can you still love God? Why?

Read 2 Peter 1:5-8What are the steps to having genuine love foreveryone.

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2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.


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radical by matt jaggers & jon rothon

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