Interesting triad of words, huh? Microsoft Word’s spell check thinks so. As does the spell check built into Firefox and Google Chrome (what? You think I’d use Internet Explorer?). While there may not be a single spell check known to the common man that would recognize that triad up there, still I chose to use it as the title to this blog. And in case you were wondering, yes, they are real words…technically…just not in the English language.

So what is Acta, non Verba? In its simplest form,it is three Latin words, which transliterate to action, not words. Amazing, huh? I’m expecting to receive my first Pulitzer Prize any day now. But what exactly is acta, non verba and what in the world does it have to do with this iPastor anyway? Great question and that is exactly what this post is all about. First, let me draw your attention to this verse from the NASB (link explains translation usage):

2 Timothy 1:7–8 (NASB) “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God.”

This verse cleanly summarizes the thrust of this website, to get off the couch (or pew) and into the real world where real ministry is done! Christianity today is rife with people who would prefer to throw a few dollars at a parachurch organization than get their hands dirty. If Jesus—God in the form of man—felt the way many of us do today, would He have touched a leper to bring healing (Mark 1:41), knowing full well He would be barred from entering the temple (Leviticus 13:45-46)? I feel pretty secure saying that He would not have. Those of us who know Christ came to this earth to die and be resurected to atone for our sins, should have a spirit “of power and love” like 2 Timothy 1:7 said above. This site is dedicated to lighting a little fire under your feet to get you doing more action, and less talking about it!

Now the final part of the riddle is that symbol appearing at the end of the title. This symbol (‽), called an interrobang, is an interesting punctuation mark which denotes questioning as well as exclamation. The interrobang sums up the basic reaction people have when confronted with their own acta, non verba moment, when they have to decide they are done talking and ready to act. Go back to the verse from 1 Timothy above again; it is time to begin acting like blood-bought, born again followers of Christ. It is time for us to quit acting like other so-called Christians who go to church just to hear some good worshiptainment and an uplifting message about something relevant (i.e. entertaining) to their life.

So, what do you think? Is your life acta, non verba‽ Are you living in a radical way for a radical God? I’d love to know what you think, and what you are doing. Leave a comment!