Let's Get Those DIrty Heathens!

From Pastor Bob:



Sunday, October 26, 2008

Let’s Get Those Dirty Heathens! Category: Religion and Philosophy I remember Summer Bible School in my little hometown in Montana. I must have been 8 years old. We would all line up outside the church in the morning, and then march in singing "I'm in the Lords Army." I understood my marching orders. I had sung "Onward Christian Soldiers" many times in church. This whole idea of "Christian Military" was a concept I grew up with. And, in many ways, it is a healthy concept. Except … It also lead me to be a bit judgmental and condemning. It was "Us against Them." The Righteous against the Sinners. The Believers against the Heathens. But in all actuality, it felt more like "Me against the World." It took me a few years to really understand God's love toward me. Rather, I saw my faith as a "war" in many ways. That is, until I realized that I am not at war with anyone. Jesus actually left us with these words: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 I get a lot of emails. Many of them are chain mails telling of all the horrible things the "liberals" and "heathens" are doing in our world. Again, "us" against "them." And once again, we adopt that "fight" mentality and come out swinging. The truth is this: While many of these peoples agenda's are a threat to life as we know it, these people are not a threat to you personally. They cannot take away your relationship with Jesus Christ. And the more you focus on a conflict, the less you will focus on Jesus Christ – the author and finisher of your faith. You see, it is the HOPE you have that truly leads people to Christ! Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:13-15 That verse has been my "marching orders" for a few years now. And it has worked. When someone stops me in the middle of Costco and asks me to pray for them (which has happened a few times), I know it is a better way. God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun. So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Oh, by the way, that was Romans 8:29-39 from The Message Bible. Great Scripture, isn't it? You see, your footing is sure. You have an opportunity to be an example of Christ's unconditional love to a dying world. That is more important than any agenda you are trying to fight. Now, I realize I could write for days on this subject. And I also realize I have left a lot of "holes" in my theology here - and I am sure some of you will point that out as you read this. But I hope you will understand the heart of this blog. Your personal peace and hope in God will go further in reaching people for Jesus Christ than any kind of militant "Us verses Them" mentality!

rock4king wrote:

That is, until I realized that I am not at war with anyone.

I just have to ask. What about Ephesians 6?

Eph 6:12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

How does this differ from the above post?