Beyond Evangelical | The Blog of Frank Viola

Official Blog of Author & Speaker Frank Viola. Digging below the surface and moving beyond the shallows in today's Christianity.

There Really is More to the Christian Faith

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“Launch out into the deep …” Luke 5:4

“Deep calls unto deep ….” Psalm 42:7

 

Hey. I’m Frank.

I’m the WSJ and CBA bestselling author of Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, From Eternity to Here, and God’s Favorite Place on Earth.

I write about radical discipleship and give practical advice on the common struggles that we Christians face today.

My work has been described as provocative, iconoclastic, uncovering “the hidden obvious.”

Some people think I need a brain transplant. Others say I saved their spiritual lives.

You can check out my blog articles, podcasts, and books — then decide for yourself.

 

Join an uncommon tribe of readers and get plugged into The Deeper Journey.

Once you subscribe, you’ll get my weekly UNFILTERED articles which are emailed every Thursday.

You’ll also receive these two books as gifts as well as my Next Reformation audio seminar.

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If the form below doesn’t show up on your browser, SUBSCRIBE HERE.

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The Truth (and Lie) About Being Vulnerable

Welcome to another Thursday UNFILTERED blog post, the only blog that thinks Just Friends is the best comedy ever made, or close to it.

First, if you are one of those sad souls who has post-election woes right now, READ LAST WEEK’S ARTICLE. It should cure you within hours.

We live in a day where there’s a lot of high talk about the glories of being vulnerable. So much so that some people even boast about it.

“Look at how awesome I am. I just got vulnerable. (Applause please. Back pats warranted too.)

Of course, no one verbalizes that. But this prideful mindset is behind much of so-called “vulnerability” today.

Vulnerability is a two-edged sword. It has a dark side that few talk about.[Continue Reading…]

Election Madness

Welcome to another Thursday UNFILTERED blog post, the only blog that says what it really thinks, without trying to appease anyone.

Okay, so I was ready to publish a new article today on the subject of vulnerability – the truth and lie about it.

But since we have yet another presidential election just around the corner in the USA, and many “Christians” have thrown their emotions headlong into it (with some losing their hearts and minds), I thought I’d address the subject.

I mean, over the last week, we’ve had a number of celebrity preachers and authors weighing-in on who to vote for – or who not to vote for. And what each said has roiled a segment of the Christian population.

I’ve been asked the question myself, so I’m featuring my unconventional and timeless answer today. Don’t skip the supplemental audios at the bottom of page I send you to. They treat other critical aspects of the issue.[Continue Reading…]

Why You Shouldn’t Offer Unsolicited Advice

Welcome to another Thursday UNFILTERED blog post, the only blog that never gives unsolicited advice.

Last week, I talked about a major problem that sabotages relationships. If you’re having trouble with any relationship, you’ll want to check it out. And perhaps read it twice.

Based on the response, the problem I addressed is far bigger than I thought. So thanks for all the feedback.

Before we get into today’s subject, I want to talk about the current pandemic.

I don’t know about you, but it’s now hitting close to home. I have a very good friend who caught COVID along with his family. And it’s been difficult for them.

According to a recent study, depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide are on the rise since the pandemic.[Continue Reading…]

This is Sabotaging Your Relationships

Welcome to another Thursday UNFILTERED blog post, the only blog that’s willing to walk over broken glass (like Bruce Willis in Die Hard) to meet more Millennials who are spiritual warriors, serious about living for Jesus Christ.

Let me give you one of the ingredients for sabotaging your relationships. I’m talking about ANY relationship, whether it be with your girlfriend, boyfriend, friends, husband, wife, children, parents, co-workers, acquaintances, and all your virtual social media “friends.”

The great relationship sabotager I’m speaking about is called OUTCOME DEPENDENCE.

What is outcome dependence?

Outcome dependence is doing something for someone else in order to achieve a certain outcome.[Continue Reading…]

Praying With a Hate-Filled Heart

Welcome to another Thursday UNFILTERED blog post, the only blog that’s been living in a parallel universe all throughout 2020.

I marvel in disbelief when some professing Christians I know tell me they pray to God every night, yet live their lives are full of anger and hatred toward people they disagree with politically (or theologically).

Let me give you an example.

Demetrius Splitkin lives in the United States. He’s older than most of you.

Demetrius loves his country, and he’s a news junkie.

Mr. Splitkin tells his friends, “I pray every night to God that ____ will win the presidential election in November. If not, this country is going down the tubes!”[Continue Reading…]

The Rest of 2020

Welcome to another Thursday UNFILTERED blog post, the only blog you need to survive the zombie apocalypse of 2020.

We have three months left in this tremulous, pernicious year of insanity for which many of you have developed a febrile, perfervid hatred.

For me, while difficult on some days, 2020 has been a complete reset.

It’s not been the hellscape it’s been for so many others.

I make no predictions for the rest of the year except that it’s not going to be dull or mellifluous. (Btw, I don’t think the Lord is going to return this year, but I’d certainly welcome being wrong.)

If you have experienced pain, suffering, loss, adversity, or crisis this year – a financial crisis, a health crisis, or a relationship crisis – I want you to know that my next book addresses all of this in some unique ways.[Continue Reading…]