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.

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

https://frankviola.org/2018/10/15/join/

Don’t Believe Everything You Read or Hear

Originally published in 2012.

Several years ago, Michael Hyatt (former CEO of Thomas Nelson) responded to a rumor on his blog. In the post, Michael wrote,

“According to the most recent rumor—which I’ve now heard twice—we [Thomas Nelson] are planning a layoff for June 19th … There is absolutely no truth to it … If you hear this rumor, I would be grateful if you would help me short-circuit it. You can tell ’em it’s not true, and you heard it directly from me.”

I recall when this rumor was circulating and was saddened (and surprised) at how many Christians believed it without going straight to Michael to see if it was true or false. Here’s another example that’s much more national.[Continue Reading…]

Important Update — A Change

Originally published December 2020.

Welcome to another Thursday UNFILTERED blog post, the only blog that stands up and cheers whenever someone posts about the gospel of the kingdom on social media.

First, a “thank you” for subscribing to my Thursday UNFILTERED emails and allowing me to serve you each week.

We’re all still trying to navigate this minefield called 2020. But it will be over soon (applause).

I still haven’t selected my word for 2021. (Something I do each year.)

Here are some important updates:[Continue Reading…]

Prophetic Nonsense

Welcome to another Thursday UNFILTERED blog post, the only blog that is shamelessly addicted to playing 4D chess.

You’ve undoubtedly experienced violent withdrawals last week because I didn’t send out an article on Thursday. It was Thanksgiving in the USA, so I gave us all a break.

Apologies for the body shakes and night sweats.

I trust you also survived the consumer frenzy known as “Black Friday” (which reminds me, have you bought all my books yet?).

Before I get into today’s subject, I want to remind you that we’re slated to resume The Insurgence Podcast in January 2021 (as promised).

So if you’ve not yet done so, you can take the rest of the year to binge on all the episodes and catch up. Each of the 75 episodes build on each other and they are all relevant today.

Now, let’s talk about prophetic nonsense.[Continue Reading…]

Another Relationship Killer

Welcome to another Thursday UNFILTERED blog post, the only blog that can’t wait for this slow-moving train wreck called 2020 to end.

I have recently written on three relationship destroyers (of ANY relationship — romantic, friendship, familial, work-related, social media, etc.)

The first is outcome dependence. (This one also applies to people who have lost their marbles because of an election outcome.)

(Read This is Sabotaging Your Relationships)

The second is offering unsolicited advice.[Continue Reading…]

Everybody’s an Expert Today and So Are You

Welcome to another Thursday UNFILTERED blog post, the only blog that was created because the typical Christian blog is boring.

Social media, in all of its brilliance, glory, fakery, and viciousness, has turned everyone into an expert.

I never knew that Joe the carpenter is a high-level specialist in infectious diseases.

Did you?

Just look at his Facebook page. There’s no question that he’s an expert (at least in his own mind).

Pamela the church secretary is an epidemiologist.

Who knew?[Continue Reading…]

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…]