Radical with David Platt

When you hear the word “worship,” what comes to mind? Your favorite worship songs? A certain feeling or vibe on Sunday morning? Unfortunately, we often put ourselves at the center of Sunday morning rather than the One who should be the focus of our worship. In this message from Mark 11:15–19, David Platt urges us to make sure that God is at the center of our worship. God-centered worship changes not only our heart posture in corporate worship but also the way we live our lives. Explore m...

Our culture takes the covenant of marriage very lightly and downplays the seriousness of divorce. In our own attempts to find happiness and fulfillment, we’ve sought out what we think is a better way. However, based on Matthew 5:31–37, we see that Jesus has a very different view of marriage and divorce. In this message, David Platt points us to God’s design for marriage—a design that is better for us and that brings him glory. Gratefully, for those who have rejected a biblical view of marriag...

Whether it’s stories of the early church or Christians who are suffering for the sake of the gospel today, we sometimes wonder, “Is it possible for us to have that kind of faith today?” In this message from Acts 7:54–8:4, David Platt explains why he thinks the answer is yes. With the martyrdom of Stephen as an example, we can see what it looks like to live—and die—in order to make Christ known. God has chosen to use suffering and persecution to spread his gospel to the ends of the earth.&nbsp...

In our day, we’re told that you need to “live your truth.” You need to be the authority in your life. And this isn’t a new thing: ever since Satan’s original temptation in the garden, man has been tempted to look to some authority other than God. But as Matthew 5:17–20 tells us, true life is found in submission to the loving authority of Jesus and his Word, and in leading others to Jesus. In this message, David Platt points us to the authority of Scripture and its witness to Jesus Christ. We ...

It can be tempting, particularly in an election season, to think that the most important things going on in the world have to do with political leaders and political parties. We can even be tempted to use the world’s tactics when engaging the culture. In this message from Matthew 5:13–16, David Platt highlights Jesus’ exhortation to be salt and light and to let our good works lead others to glorify God. In a world corrupted by sin, people’s greatest need is the gospel, and the church ha...

Believe in yourself. Promote yourself. Be true to yourself. Satisfy yourself. According to the world, this is the good life. But this is precisely the opposite of what it means to live as a citizen of God’s kingdom. In this message from Matthew 5:7–12, David Platt helps us see the radical, upside-down nature of what it means to live the good life according to Jesus. While followers of Jesus may be weak and maligned in the eyes of the world, the promise of an eternal kingdom, along with God’s ...

What happens to people who never hear the name of Jesus? Would a good and just God really send them to hell? In this message from David Platt from Romans 1–3, we’re reminded that all people, without exception, stand condemned in their sin and deserving of God’s just and eternal wrath. That’s why it’s so crucial that we understand the urgency of getting the gospel to them. Better yet, we need to ask the question, “How might God use me to help spread the gospel to those who have never heard?” A...

Is being an “expert” in religion yet lacking reverence and respect for God’s Word possible? According to Isaiah 66, it’s entirely possible. Like God’s people in the Old Testament, we too need to be reminded of God’s awe-inspiring character as it is revealed in his Word. In this message, David Platt urges us to consider the weight and value of God’s Word, reciting Romans 1–8 from memory. God’s greatness should compel us to hear, believe, memorize, meditate on, and live according to his Word.Ex...

Jesus has given the church the task of making disciples of all nations. Many Christians view this as a task for pastors, missionaries, or other specially gifted Christians, but the Great Commission isn’t just for a select few. In this message from Matthew 28:16–20 from David Platt, we’ll see that every Christian has a part to play in making disciples in their own neighborhood and among all nations. Yet, this is not a mission we came up with or that we carry out in our own strength. We go in t...

God is described as a Father of the fatherless, and he tells us that true religion involves caring for orphans and widows. In this message from Psalm 10, David Platt urges us to put our faith into action by caring for the most vulnerable among us. However, we care for the vulnerable not out of guilt or because we have it all together. We care for the vulnerable because God, by his grace, has come to us in our brokenness and brought us into his family through the gospel. Explore more cont...

It’s not popular to talk about hell today, and even some Christians seem to be turned off by the topic. However, in his love and mercy, Jesus warns us of God’s eternal and just judgment of sinners. In fact, we hear more about hell from Jesus’ earthly ministry than from anywhere else in Scripture. At the same time, Jesus also tells us of the love of God that results in eternal life for all who believe in his Son. This message from David Platt from John 3:16 helps us see the only two options fo...

True love is always costly. In the greatest display of love in all of history, Jesus laid down his life on our behalf. In this message from John 3:14–16, David Platt highlights the magnitude of Christ’s love for us and invites us to gaze upon the cross. Jesus points us back to Numbers 21 where we see a picture of his gracious, substitutionary death for sinners. By recognizing the extent of our rebellion, we begin to grasp the undeserved love of God in Christ.Explore more content from Radical.

It’s difficult to think of anything more difficult than being asked to give up your only child. Yet this is what Abraham is asked to do in Genesis 22 as he lays his son, Isaac, on the altar. In this story, we not only see Abraham’s remarkable faith in God; we also get an unforgettable picture of the love of God that we read about in John 3:16. This is the God who gave his only Son so that all who believe in him might have eternal life. In this message, David Platt points us to God’s love in s...

In this message from John 3:16, David Platt unpacks some parallels between Hosea’s love for Gomer in the book of Hosea and Christ’s love for His people. Just as the story of Hosea offers a captivating picture of unmerited, captivating love, even more so does Christ’s work on the cross.Explore more content from Radical.

We’re in a spiritual war and Satan is actively working to destroy us by tempting us to sin. And one of the scariest things is that we often don’t even realize it. In this message from David Platt from Proverbs 7, we’re reminded to stay alert to temptation and to fight it in the power that God supplies. The good news for those in Christ is that our victory over sin is assured because of what God has accomplished in the gospel.Explore more content from Radical.

The church has an obligation to seek and pray for godly leaders. So, what does a godly leader look like? In this message from Numbers 20:1–13, the sin of one of Israel’s greatest leaders, Moses, helps clarify the kind of leadership the church needs (and doesn’t need). We need leaders who are compassionate, who submit to God’s glory, who trust in God’s plan, and who know they have a responsibility for God’s reputation. These qualities are only possible as Christ indwells and empowers church le...

Sin has devastating effects on our lives and our community. In this message on Joshua 7:1–26, David Platt continues to encourage us to recognize the weight of sin in our lives. He shows us that sin doesn’t just impact our life, but actually impacts those around us. He pleads with us to repent of our sins and look to the Lord. Explore more content from Radical.

How would you describe your work? Boring? Frustrating? All-consuming? If we’re honest, many of us can find our work to be discouraging, even if we’re doing something that we generally like. However, in this message from the book of Proverbs, David Platt reminds us of God’s original purpose in our work, as well as the motivation that knowing Christ should give us. While the effects of sin in the world often make our work feel frustrating rather than satisfying, those who are trusting in Christ...

As followers of Jesus, we often say that this world is not our home, but is that reflected in the way we view our money? Do we spend our resources on that which will matter for eternity, or are we primarily focused on temporary comforts and pleasures? In this message from David Platt, we’ll learn from the book of Proverbs a wise approach to money, an approach that helps us flourish under God’s design. Neither guilt nor greed should motivate us, for the gospel frees us to use our possessions t...

To people who like to think of themselves as independent and self-sufficient, Jesus’ words, “I am the vine,” can be humbling. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing. But for those who are trusting in Jesus, abundant, supernatural life is available! Jesus wants to produce his life and fruit through us, his branches. In this message from John 15:1–11 from David Platt, we are encouraged to come to Jesus continually so that he might bear fruit in and through our lives for the glory of God. (Thi...

We need a radically God-centered perspective of sin. Sin has affected our lives and leads us to the mercy of God. In this message on Joshua 7:1–26, David Platt calls us to change our view of sin.Explore more content from Radical.

We have sought leaders without conviction, devised salvation without dedication, manufactured worship without humiliation, and created a god without retribution. In this message on Exodus 32:1–6, Pastor David Platt reminds us of the sin that we corporately confess.Explore more content from Radical.

We often approach the book of Revelation as a book to be deciphered. However, believers in the first century found more hope in this book than cryptic messages and symbols needing interpretation. In this message on Revelation 22:6–21, David Platt challenges us to move beyond simply interpreting the book for knowledge, and to instead practically apply this final passage to our lives as we await the return of Jesus Christ.Explore more content from Radical.

Death will be replaced by life. In the presence of God, there will be no more sin, sorrow, sickness, and separation. For eternity, we will glorify God with people of every tribe, tongue, and nation. In this message on Revelation 21:1–22:5, Pastor David Platt reminds us that we live between two worlds as Christians.Explore more content from Radical.

Is your love for the Lord growing cold? Do you remember a time when you were more intentional about loving and serving other believers, more serious about fighting sin, and more eager to tell other people about Jesus? Have you become casual about eternal realities? In this message from David Platt from Nehemiah 13, we’ll see the danger of spiritual carelessness among the people of Israel. It’s a danger that we need to be aware of today, particularly in light of the subtlety and seriousness of...

With so many views on what will happen before Jesus returns, how do we know which one is correct? Can we know for certain what Revelation means when it talks about the millennium? In this message on Revelation 20, pastor David Platt teaches us that while there is debate on what will happen before Jesus returns, we know that Christ is in control and reigning now. While there is uncertainty, there is also comfort in knowing that the enemies of God are defeated, and will be finally destroyed whe...

Man-centered worldliness will ultimately be overcome by God-centered worship. God is faithful and true. Christ is the Messianic warrior. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Let’s revere, rejoice, and be ready for his coming. In this message on Revelation 19, Pastor David Platt teaches us to bow before the splendor of God and behold the supremacy of Christ.Explore more content from Radical.

The book of Revelations is filled with analogies that point to God’s glory and the hope we have only in Christ. In this message on Revelation 17–18, Pastor David Platt emphasizes the importance of loving God and not the world. He shares two implications for Christian lifeExplore more content from Radical.

How do we worship God in his wrath? In this message on Revelation 15–16, Pastor David Platt teaches us how to worship the sovereign and powerful Lord. The book of Revelation is a series of apocalyptic visions filled with prophetic pronouncements written as a congregational letter. These visions include various symbols and numbers (which often lead to various interpretations). These visions are arranged cyclically, not chronologically.Explore more content from Radical.

As we think of the greatness of God and the massive number of people around the world, it’s easy to feel small and insignificant. Even Christians can start to feel as if God doesn’t know or care about the details of our lives. However, as David Platt points out in this message from Nehemiah 7, the God who redeems us knows everything about us—and he cares for us! Followers of Jesus can find their identity in Christ and take comfort that they are in a long line of believers who, over centuries,...

We are ordinary believers doing extraordinary things with God's Word for God's glory making disciples and multiplying churches knowing that the cost is great believing that the reward is greater. In this message on Revelation 12:1–15:4, David Platt reminds us that when we fight our sin, we fight from a place of victory, not for it. Explore more content from Radical.

We live in a culture that says, “Live your truth,” but deep down, we know this isn’t how life, or spiritual truth, works. We all live based on certain objective truths. When it comes to questions about religion, we all need to ask two questions: (1) Is this true? and (2) Is this truth worthy of my life? In this message from John 14:1–6 from David Platt, we’re invited to respond to Jesus, who claimed to be the truth—and he rose from the dead to prove it. Our eternity hinges on our response. Ho...

You may or may not view yourself as a leader, but almost everyone has some kind of influence on those around them. The question is, “How are you leveraging that influence?” In this message from Nehemiah 5:19–24 from David Platt, we’re challenged from the example of Nehemiah to see our influence as a responsibility before God. We want to point others to Christ and lay down our lives for their eternal good. In the end, followers of Jesus don’t live for their own rights or for the opinions of me...

Have you ever been unfairly criticized or slandered? Have you faced opposition for the sake of the gospel? Do you ever feel as if trying to be faithful to the Lord has made life more difficult for you? If so, then you’re in good company. In this message from David Platt from Nehemiah 4, we’re encouraged not to be deterred from pursuing God and his mission in the face of opposition. We should expect opposition in this world as we seek to carry out God’s will according to his Word, but our ulti...

What motivates you in the work you do? What does the way you work say about you? Who are you ultimately working for? Given the amount of time most people spend working during their lives, those are important questions. In this message from David Platt, we’ll see not only the way work played a role in God’s redemptive purposes in Nehemiah 3, but also the way in which God designed work from the beginning to be for our good and his glory. Though our work is often difficult and unsatisfying due t...

The church has been tasked with reaching the next generation with the gospel and with reaching the nations with the gospel. Both of these aspects of the church’s mission have eternal implications, and both can feel overwhelming. In this message from Nehemiah 2 by David Platt, we’ll see that the great work God has called us to is possible, but only with the good hand of our God working in and through us. As we seek his face and rely on his power, we are strengthened and sustained in the great ...

As followers of Christ, we have the amazing privilege of spending time with the living God and talking to him in prayer. However, time with God was never meant to remain an experience for isolated individuals. As the body of Christ, the church was meant to be with God together. In this message from David Platt from Acts 2:42–47, we get a glimpse of the many blessings that come from gathering with our brothers and sisters in Christ as the church gathers. We were designed to experience God toge...

David Platt unpacks the central point of Revelation 8-11. Instead of speculating about the future, this passage should fuel fervent prayer for God’s coming kingdom and embolden us to fearlessly proclaim the gospel. In this message on Revelation 8–11, Pastor David Platt teaches us that the purpose of Revelation is not to promote speculation about the future, but to compel action in the present. Explore more content from Radical.

God is ultimately sovereign over evil. Satan can do nothing apart from divine permission. Suffering is always used to fulfill divine purposes. Men and women are morally responsible for evil. God will save men and women who trust in him and live for another world. In this message on Revelation 6–7, Pastor David Platt reminds Christians that we will stand in heaven at the end of tribulation. Explore more content from Radical.

In the life of a follower of Christ, suffering can either push them into compromise or press them into adoration of the triune God. In this message on Revelation 4–5, David Platt teaches us that the triune God is worthy of our full devotion and praise, especially in the midst of suffering. In beholding the glory of the triune God, we are compelled to receive salvation, empowered to escape temptation, and enabled to endure temptation. 1. Explore more content from Radical.

Are you afraid, discouraged, disappointed, or depressed? Do you feel exhausted or alone? Have you found yourself dealing with self-pity and self-condemnation? Have you ever reached the point where you wondered whether life is worth living? In some form or another, the prophet Elijah dealt with these very issues, but he wasn’t the only one. God’s people have experienced these trials throughout Scripture and throughout history. In this message from David Platt from 1 Kings 19:1–18, we’ll see wh...

If Christ were to speak to the Church today, what would he say? In this message on Revelation 2–3, Pastor David Platt teaches us that Christ desires his church to define themselves by their pursuit of him. By doing so, the church can stand in a world that offers competing desires.Explore more content from Radical.

If you had the opportunity to talk to the Creator of the Universe, would you take advantage of it? The answer to that question may be obvious, but, sadly, many Christians forfeit the privilege of talking to God in prayer regularly. In this message from David Platt from Matthew 6:6, we’re encouraged and invited to be intentional about talking to God and spending time with him through prayer and fasting. Amazingly, the One we pray to has made it possible to call on him as our Heavenly Father by...

Jesus is present among us, possesses us, protects us, and has a purpose for us. As Christians, we ought to fall down in worship and rise up as witnesses. May his glory continually captivate our imagination. May his grace supernaturally empower our devotion. May his gospel radically compel us on mission. In this message on Revelation 1:9–20, Pastor David Platt called us to endure in the power of Christ and lead others to salvation.Explore more content from Radical.

The book of Revelation was not written to create confusion for the Christian, cause division in the church, or promote speculation about the coming of Christ. In this message on Revelation 1:1–8, Pastor David Platt reminds us that the purpose of Revelation is to point us to the coming Christ. Revelation was written to give unshakeable hope to suffering Christians, encourage unwavering holiness in a seductive culture, refute deception in the church, and fuel mission among the nations. Historic...

As Christians, it can be difficult to grow in prayer. The basis of our confidence in prayer is twofold: the God we pray to and the Gift he gives us. In this message on Luke 11:11–13, Pastor David Platt reminds Christians to turn to the Lord in prayer and fasting.Explore more content from Radical.

In a world corrupted by sin, none of us is immune from suffering. This is true for both unbelievers and believers. Following Christ doesn’t exempt us from life’s trials and even painful tragedies. In this message from David Platt from James 5:7–12, we are exhorted to patience in the midst of life’s pain. By God’s grace, we can endure faithfully because we know that pain and suffering don’t have the last word. We look forward to the day when Christ returns and there is no more pain and sufferi...

In countless ways, our culture tells us that wealth is the key to happiness. Even among Christians, the pursuit of money and comfort and ease can be a major blindspot. We live as if this world is all there is. However, as David Platt reminds us in this message from James 5:1–6, there’s a deceptive danger attached to worldly wealth. While money isn’t inherently evil, we can begin to live for things that are temporary while ignoring the things that will matter for all of eternity. Even if we do...

Over 3 billion people in the world today have little or no access to the gospel—we refer to them as the unreached. It’s easy to look at this staggering number of unreached people and label it as a missions problem, but this is a problem that actually runs deeper. This is a discipleship problem. In this message from David Platt based on Matthew 28:18–20 and Revelation 7:9–10, David Platt helps us see the massive number of unreached people as a discipleship problem. Every follower of Christ sho...

God delights in revealing himself to those who are bold enough to bother him. God invites us to bother him anytime about anything. In this message on Luke 11:5–10, David Platt teaches us to view this parable through the perspective of the man in need.Explore more content from Radical.

In this message from David Platt from James 2:14–26, we see the difference between dead faith and living faith.Explore more content from Radical.

When we pray, we should make our desires whatever God desires. In this message on Luke 11:2–4, David Platt teaches us that our desire for God is the heart and secret of prayer. Christians can remember that God gives us protection amidst temptations and perseverance amidst trials. Explore more content from Radical.

According to James 1:26–27, it’s entirely possible to practice a kind of religion that is acceptable to man but not to God. The danger of deception is real, and God graciously warns us against deception by telling us what true religion—the kind that pleases God—looks like in our speech, our care for the vulnerable, and our conduct. In this message, David Platt challenges us to put our faith into action, particularly as it involves caring for the vulnerable. This is not an option but an obliga...

Why do we pray? Are we desperate before God? Do we recognize our great need for the Lord? In this message on Luke 11:1, David Platt reminds us that the power of people who connect with Almighty God is unstoppable. Pastor David Platt helps refocus our minds on the importance of a personal relationship with the Lord.Explore more content from Radical.

How can we receive, remember, and obey God’s Word? In this message on James 1:19–25, David Platt encourages Christians to view God’s Word with the right perspective. He challenges us to receive God’s Word humbly and wholeheartedly, remember the Word intentionally and continually, and obey God’s Word gladly and immediately.Explore more content from Radical.

Revelation 7:9–17 gives us a picture of a great multitude from every tribe, people, and language gathered around God’s throne to sing his praise for his salvation. Sadly, though, over 3 billion people in the world today have never even heard the only message—the gospel—by which they can be saved and join in such a song. In response, David Platt forces us to ask the question, “Does this reality even bother us?” We put a lot of time and resources into our worship music, even dividing over...

Superficial faith is always possible, but saving faith always perseveres. As Christians, the Bible teaches us that we can have the assurance of eternal salvation. When we are saved, we are always saved. In this message on 1 John, Pastor David Platt teaches us how the present truth of Christ affects our life. Explore more content from 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.) Explore more content from Radical.

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 r...

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 peo...

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 an...

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 p...

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 followin...

Sometimes our culture talks about faith as if it’s a way to achieve our own dreams. But faith is more than self-centered positive thinking. Faith is humble and dependent on God, and it leads us to prayer and patience in suffering. Faith lives in light of Christ’s coming. In this message from David Platt from James 4:13–5:20, we see that genuine faith perseveres through the trials and difficulties of life. It may face obstacles and setbacks, but by God’s grace and power, true faith lasts...

Some Christians say that the way to be a light to the world is to look more like the world. However, the book of James has a very different message. We’re told to live by a wisdom that is very different from the world’s wisdom, and we’re told that friendship with the world and its sinful ways is rebellion against God. It’s by humbling ourselves before God and receiving his grace that we are enabled to live lives that please God. In this message from James 3:13–4:12, David Platt points us to t...

How can a God who is infinitely holy, just, and good show mercy and grace to sinful and rebellious people? How can a Just Judge let the guilty go free? In this message from Mark 15:1–20, David Platt points to the cross as the answer to these questions. By sending his Son in the flesh to bear his wrath against sin, God provided a substitute for guilty people like us. God’s justice and his mercy met at the cross, and as a result, all who trust in Christ can be freed from the penalty and power o...

Most Christians can understand looking to Abraham as an example of what it means to live by faith. But it’s surprising to hear of a notoriously sinful lady named Rahab get mentioned alongside one of the heroes of the faith. What makes Rahab like Abraham, and how does Rahab’s story give us hope? In this message from James 2:25–26, David Platt helps us see the faith of Rahab—a faith that risks everything out of trust in God’s sovereign lordship. Regardless of our background or the sin in our li...

Scripture is very clear about the fact that we are saved through faith in Christ and not by our own works. This is a major emphasis in the apostle Paul’s letters. However, the book of James says that good works are necessary in order for our faith to be genuine, saving faith. So how do we put these two truths together? In this message from James 2:20–24, David Platt helps us see that Paul and James don’t contradict each other. Rather, they complement one another in the ways they talk about th...

If we assume that the Christian life should be carefree and filled with uninterrupted joy, we are likely to be shaken when reality hits. The truth is, in a fallen world, faith can be hard and our burdens can be heavy. Gratefully, Jesus knows life in the real world, and he knows what we most need—his grace and his power. In this message by David Platt from Matthew 11:30, we hear Jesus call the weary and heavy laden to himself to find rest. He reminds us that his yoke and his burden is light.&n...

What did Jesus mean at the Last Supper when he said of the bread, “This is my body,” and of the cup, “This is my blood”? That may sound like a strange question, but it’s one that Christians before us have had to answer at the cost of their lives. The question of whether the bread and the wine actually become Christ’s physical body in the Lord’s Supper became one of the central issues of the Reformation nearly 500 years ago. At stake was the gospel of God’s grace. In this message from David Pl...

Did you know it’s possible to have a kind of faith that is not saving faith? The Bible says that even the demons believe and tremble before God, and yet they don’t have saving faith. According to James 2:14–19, faith that doesn’t produce works is “dead.” True, saving faith rests in Christ for salvation, but it inevitably produces the fruit of good works, including helping those in need. In this message, David Platt challenges us to consider whether our faith is genuine. Genuine faith acts.Exp...

What does true Christianity look like? Many people are happy to go to church, or even identify with Christ, so long as it doesn’t cost them anything. Their “faith” doesn’t seem to affect the way they live or the way they view those in need. In this message from James 1:26–2:13, David Platt challenges us to look at how true faith is described in the Bible rather than taking our cues from culture or common practices in the church. True faith produces love, and this love should be evident in the...

It’s good for us to read and hear God’s Word on a regular basis, but merely hearing or agreeing with the Word isn’t the end goal. True faith obeys God’s Word. In this message from David Platt on James 1:19–27, we see that true faith receives God’s Word humbly and then responds. Our obedience will never be perfect in this life, but true faith, the kind that is produced and sustained by God’s grace, is evidenced by the works it produces.Explore more content from Radical.

We cannot escape trials and suffering in this world that is still broken by sin. It’s in the midst of these difficult times that our faith gets tested. The question is, “How should we respond?” In this message from James 1:1-18, Pastor David Platt helps us see how true faith perseveres in the midst of trials. By trusting in God, we can endure, and even rejoice, in life’s most difficult seasons.Explore more content from Radical.

How much thought do you give to the offering when your church gathers each Sunday? Is it a significant part of your worship, or is it merely a routine that you go through? In Mark 12:41–44, Jesus uses the seemingly insignificant—yet sacrificial—gift of a poor widow to challenge many of our practices and assumptions about giving and money. By God’s grace, our approach to giving can change when we realize that God already owns everything, including our money, and that giving to him is a privile...

Who do you say that Jesus is? An important historical figure? A revered religious teacher? While all kinds of answers have been given to that question, the Bible teaches clearly that Jesus is Lord, God come in the flesh. In this message from Mark 12:35–40, David Platt helps us see the significance of Christ’s lordship. If we confess Jesus as Lord, then our lives should look different from the world and it should shape our message to the world. The One whom we proclaim as Savior is the One to ...

What are you living for? Money, health, career, reputation, or comfort? These things aren’t inherently bad, but they were never meant to be truly and finally satisfying. Sadly, many professing Christians seem to live for these things while sprinkling in some religious devotion here and there. However, based on Mark 12:28–34, Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is what we were created for, and it’s what Jesus saved us...

How should belief in heaven to come affect the way you live on earth this week? In this message on Mark 12:18–27, Pastor David Platt asks us to reflect upon this poignant question. He reminds us that God will make all things new at the end of time. The earthly pleasures we enjoy for a time are mere shadows of heavenly pleasures we’ll enjoy forever. As Christians, we can rejoice in suffering because the indescribable sorrow in this world will one day turn into inexpressible joy. Explore m...

Almost everyone seems to have an opinion about the government, but too often we disconnect our view of the government from the teaching of God’s Word. We fail to ask questions like, What obligations and responsibilities do Christians have toward the government? Is there ever a time to disobey the government? If so, when? In this message from Mark 12:13–17, David Platt points us to some foundational truths from Jesus concerning the way we should think about our relationship to government...

We naturally want to be in control of our lives. The idea that someone else might have authority over us can feel threatening. We see this in the response of the religious leaders in Jesus’ day, and we can see it in our own lives. In this message from Mark 11:27–12:12, David Platt encourages us to see the authority of Jesus as something to be submitted to and gladly embraced. When we turn from our sin and put our faith in Jesus, we are restored to God—the One we have rebelled against. Now, fo...

Is it possible for churches to worship in ways that are comfortable, all while ignoring the lost around them and far from them, including the unreached—the over 3 billion people in the world who have little or no access to the gospel? Sadly, this is a reality for many churches. We need to realize or be reminded: God calls all believers to pray, give, and go for the spread of the gospel among all nations. In addition to reverent fear, sorrow for sin, and faithful prayer, genuine worship should...

It’s possible for churches to have people gathered, have access to God’s Word, display the outward forms of worship, and participate in a lot of religious activity and yet still miss the heart of genuine worship. In this message from David Platt from Mark 11:12–26, we’re reminded that true worship includes fear and reverence before God, confession of sin, and faithful prayer. Christ’s cleansing of the temple is a humbling reminder of the kind of worship God deserves.Explore more content from ...

If you’ve ever had your hopes dashed, lost your joy, or experienced deep grief, then it may be that you need to hear the voice of Jesus calling you like he called to Mary on that first Easter morning. Today we hear his voice in the words of Scripture, and through the gospel he offers us the very same peace that he offered to his followers while he was on earth. In this message from John 20, David Platt urges us to respond to Jesus now, while God has given us an opportunity. His claim to have ...

Though Jesus came as a king, he was not the kind of king that most people expected. He didn’t come to provide immediate political and military victory, nor did he strike people as outwardly impressive. Jesus was different than other earthly kings. In this message from Mark 11:1–11, David Platt helps us see that, despite our expectations, Jesus Christ is precisely the kind of king we need. His authority, his humility, his power over sin, his ability to give us peace with God, and his ability h...

Music has a powerful way of stirring our affections, and many followers of Christ feel a passion and excitement for God when certain songs are played. While this can be very good and biblical, have you ever stopped to ask: what if we had that level of anticipation and eagerness to hear God’s Word? In this message from the Passion conference in 2023, David Platt points to Nehemiah 8 to highlight the priority we ought to put on God’s Word, and he recites the entirety of Romans 1-8 to demonstrat...

It may sound odd to the world, but the way to greatness comes through humility and dependence. Though we often don’t acknowledge it, we are completely dependent on God for everything—from our salvation to our growth in godliness to every detail of our lives. And all of this is made possible through Christ’s selfless service to us in which he laid down his life to atone for our sins. In this message from Matthew 10:32–45, David Platt asks us to consider ways in which we need God’s grace and st...

What are you holding onto that is keeping you from the fullness of God in your life? Jesus calls his followers to radical surrender to his lordship and radical love for him. Yet, the sad reality is that many people choose the passing pleasures of sin and the comforts of this life. In this message from Mark 10:17–31, David Platt urges us to find true and eternal life in Jesus. Don’t hold back from living for him. Explore more content from Radical.

There is a constant temptation for all of us to settle for a safe, easy, comfortable Christianity that consists of casually going through motions on Sunday morning and moving on with our lives however we want to live them. But that is not biblical Christianity, and it’s not what we’re made for. In this message from Exodus 14, David Platt urges the church to pursue the Lord’s lead and not to hold back from following him. Relying on God’s Word and empowered by his Spirit, we look expectan...

When is the last time you acknowledged that you were desperate for God? When is the last time you came to him, pouring out your heart, longing for his presence and grace and power to obey him? In this message from Isaiah 54:2, David Platt exhorts us not to hold back in our pursuit of God and in our desire to bring glory to him. As the bride of Christ, the church should not want to hold back in becoming all that God intends for us. This message is drawn from themes from David’s new book, Don’t...

We don’t usually think of boasting as a good thing. Drawing attention to our talents, wealth, status, etc., is often a sign of sinful pride. However, there is something we should boast in as followers of Christ—the cross. In this message from Galatians 6:11–18, David Platt gives us five reasons we have to boast based on Christ’s death on the cross. Justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone means boasting in the cross alone. Explore more content from Radical.

The greatest evidence of the Spirit-filled life is not dramatic signs and wonders but rather love for other believers. As Christians, we combat self-obsession and vain competition through humble confession before God. In this message on Galatians 6:1–10, David Platt warns us against self-centeredness and self-righteousness while pointing us to the marks of true spiritual community.Explore more content from Radical.

Few topics are more off-putting and offensive to non-Christians than the Bible’s teaching about hell. Even some Christians seem to be embarrassed at this topic. For many people, the idea of eternal punishment seems to be incompatible with a God of love. However, no one spoke more pointedly and arrestingly about hell than Jesus himself. And he told us this to warn us—he wants us to take heed. In this message, David Platt considers Christ’s words about hell in Mark 9:42–50 and urges us to...

Christians often talk about being “free,” but do we realize what we’ve been freed to do? Or have we adopted the world’s definition of freedom? In this message from Galatians 5:1–25, David Platt helps us understand the kind of freedom that God gives us in the gospel—a freedom that results in neither legalism nor license. It’s a freedom that enables us to live by faith in God in the power of the Spirit. With this kind of freedom, we can walk in hope and with love for God and others.Explore more...

Do you want to be “great”? Before you answer that question, it’s important to get the right definition of greatness. Sadly, the world’s definition of greatness is often polar opposite to the Bible’s definition of greatness. In this message from Mark 9:30–37, David Platt points us to Jesus’ interaction with his disciples about what true greatness looks like. With the cross before him, Jesus taught and demonstrated for us that true greatness isn’t self-serving and it doesn’t seek to gain the ap...

When we hear the word “freedom,” we usually think about having the ability to do whatever we want to do or what we think is best. However, God frees us from our sin and from the law’s condemnation so that we might live in a relationship with him and walk in obedience to his Word, even when it’s difficult. In this message from Galatians 4:8–31, David Platt highlights the freedom the gospel brings in terms of our relationship with God. We no longer live for fading earthly pleasures becaus...

In the busyness of our schedules and the pressing needs of everyday life, it’s easy for us to ignore the things that matter most—things that have eternal significance. In this message, David Platt urges us from Genesis 1:27 (and other Scriptures) to resolve to live for what really matters now and forever. We need to be able to answer questions like, “Who am I?”, “What is wrong in the world?”, “How can it be made right?”, and “How can I experience life to the full, both now and forever?”...

There may not be a greater privilege in all the world than to be adopted into God’s family, and yet this is precisely what God has done for us by sending His Son who was fully God and fully man to redeem us through the cross. In this message from Galatians 3:26–4:7, David Platt points us to the amazing reality of our spiritual adoption into God’s family through Jesus Christ. God not only adopts us through His Son, He also sends the Spirit of His Son into our hearts. As former rebels deserving...

Who was the baby born in a manger that we celebrate at Christmas? This is a question everyone has to answer, and it’s one that divides people across the world and throughout history. In this Christmas message, David Platt highlights the mystery of Christ’s incarnation based on Colossians 2:5–11. The baby born in Bethlehem was both fully God and fully man; the One through whom all things were made yet who walked among us. And it is only through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection that we ca...

Regardless of how many times you’ve heard the gospel, every Christian needs to be reminded of how God’s grace relates to our faith and our obedience. We tend to believe we can earn God’s favor by keeping his law, on the one hand, or else we abuse his grace by using it as an excuse to live how we want. In this message from Galatians 3, David Platt helps us understand the relationship between God’s grace and God’s law. The gospel reminds us that Christ has obeyed the law in our place and died t...