Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure. (I Peter: 1-2)
It’s nice to have a document that is so powerful that even its salutation is packed with dynamite. Now apparently Peter is addressing Hebrew Christians who are in a (the) physical diaspora, separated from the land of Israel and sojourning in a foreign land. Even though I want to address the sequence of being chosen, developing sanctification and being required to obey, I couldn’t pass by the alien part. Could this not be taken as a typology; namely that Christians are in the world, but are not a part of it? Of course, this is not an original thought, but I wonder how many of us think of ourselves in this way? Not many, I fear. This topic, of course, could easily take up several blogs (books), but that is not the reason for this entry. So let’s get to the sequence:
We are chosen. Talk about books! Somehow, I don’t think that I have the answer to the debate generated by this concept. Let’s just say that God has determined that some are chosen. In anyone’s life it is a done-deal, or it’s not. One cannot work at being chosen. One cannot improve on his or her degree of being chosen. It seems to be a one-time event.
Peter goes on to indicate that we are required to obey Jesus Christ. Now that is a powerful concept. If not many Christians have an alien mind-set, it seems reasonable to conclude that not many Christians have a mind-set of obedience to this man we call Lord. That discouraging observation aside, let’s just simply let it pass that we are chosen by God, and we are to obey Christ. One is a privilege; the other a requirement. But, there’s something in between. Peter determines that we are in a Spirit-driven process here described as sanctification. Consider this: To be chosen is to receive a privilege. To obey is to receive a requirement. To be sanctified is to undergo a process. That’s what is in between being chosen and being required to obey. We will spend our entire life undergoing that sanctifying process.
W. E. Vine (Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, III, pp 317-318, Zondervan, 1952) says this:
Sanctification, is used of (a) separation to God,... (b)the course of life befitting those so separated. This sanctification is God’s will for the believer…and His purpose in calling him by the gospel…it must be learned from God as He teaches it by His Word…and it must be pursued by the believer, earnestly and undeviatingly. For the holy character, hagiosune… is not vicarious, i.e., it cannot be transferred or imputed, it is an individual possession, built up, little by little, as the result of obedience to the Word of God, and of following the example of Christ.
Vine indicates that sainthood is not an attainment. We are all saints, however, the process described above clearly indicates a life-long process. It is a process that sets us apart as a mind-set. We are a called-out people; we are not a religion. This sanctification process is ever giving us an alien mind-set. Again, it seems reasonable to conclude that most Christians do not think of themselves as separated-out, chosen and obedient servants. Rather, most of us think of ourselves as religious personalities living a religious life-style and doing good things in the living out of our lives. More sobriety needs to be realized in our lives, and especially as the world culture that surrounds us continues to escalate into the insanity that appears to be winning the day.
We are chosen as a gift.
We are being sanctified as a process.
We are required to obey as a result.
We are a called-out people, not a religion. Let’s act like it!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Kenzi Cried Again
Sorry baby. Death always wins in this world. You and I have to cry some more, I guess. Just finished reading the book of James. He wrote about the history of the world in a strange way. Here’s what he wrote:
Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (James 5:7-8)
This tired world has gotten a lot of rain over the years. I don’t think that there is much more rain waiting out there. We’ll probably cry together some more. Let’s both be patient and let’s always be there for each other. I am always so glad that you are there for me when I cry, and you know that I am always there for you when you do.
Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all the tribes of the Earth will mourn over Him. (Rev.1:7)
And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. And on either side of the river was the tree of life…(Rev 22:1-2)
No more death baby, no more death! Some people think that we Christians need to be nice to the world and it will be nice to us. Bad people won’t do bad things any more. I just think that we need the Lord to come back, don’t you? It won’t always be like this.
And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the kid, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze; Their young will lie down together; And the lion will eat straw like the ox. And the nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. (Is. 11:6-9)
OK Death, you win for now, but your day is coming too. Pain is ours for now, sweet baby, but not for long. Sorry for kinda writing like an adult, honey; I just didn’t know how to put it any other way. I just really need for Him to come back and get us. Until then, let’s be faithful to Him, love our family, kiss Holly on the nose for being a great mamma and spit in Death’s face. Luv ya baby. GPR
PS: Love His Coming baby; love His Coming. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!!!
Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (James 5:7-8)
This tired world has gotten a lot of rain over the years. I don’t think that there is much more rain waiting out there. We’ll probably cry together some more. Let’s both be patient and let’s always be there for each other. I am always so glad that you are there for me when I cry, and you know that I am always there for you when you do.
Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all the tribes of the Earth will mourn over Him. (Rev.1:7)
And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. And on either side of the river was the tree of life…(Rev 22:1-2)
No more death baby, no more death! Some people think that we Christians need to be nice to the world and it will be nice to us. Bad people won’t do bad things any more. I just think that we need the Lord to come back, don’t you? It won’t always be like this.
And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the kid, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze; Their young will lie down together; And the lion will eat straw like the ox. And the nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. (Is. 11:6-9)
OK Death, you win for now, but your day is coming too. Pain is ours for now, sweet baby, but not for long. Sorry for kinda writing like an adult, honey; I just didn’t know how to put it any other way. I just really need for Him to come back and get us. Until then, let’s be faithful to Him, love our family, kiss Holly on the nose for being a great mamma and spit in Death’s face. Luv ya baby. GPR
PS: Love His Coming baby; love His Coming. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!!!
Friday, March 21, 2008
On John R. Franke
I have been attempting to read a Generous Orthodoxy (Zondervan, 2004) by Brian McLaren for over a month now. Finally, I believe that I will start. As alluded to in previous articles, I am intellectually wrestling with the current thrust in the Church toward an ecumenical-like dialogue (conversation ) with world culture; a dialogue that also implies a concomitant thrust away from a firm adherence to Scriptural absolutes. To what degree is that true? We Christians wish to appeal to world culture, and rightfully so, but a question begs to be asked: at what price should we dialogue? Will we join a world headed toward an eschatological and violent end, or will we be salt to the inhabitants of that same world? Actually, the adherents of this emergent thrust are more inclined to have the conversation with fellow Christians, and of course, it is in this arena that we are the most susceptible to Scriptural deviance. So join me as we pursue the contents of this book, and let us do so by addressing some of the comments made by John R. Franke in the forward to the book:
Dr. Franke says this concerning the dialogue between liberal and conservative believers:
Residents of the liberal and conservative precincts of the church are engaging in respectful and constructive dialogue across the metaphorical divide that has separated them for nearly two centuries…(p, 13)
The question that needs to be answered as we peruse the book would be along the lines of something like this: Will a simple “no – you are wrong” be an acceptable response in this “respectful and constructive” dialogue? By implication, are there any absolutes allowed in this conversation?
Dr. Franke continues as he alludes to the leanings away from modernism to the more thoughtful and liberating ideas of postmodernism by saying this:
This rethinking has resulted not in irrationality, as is often claimed by less informed critics of postmodern thought, but rather in numerous redescriptions and proposals concerning the understanding of rationality and knowledge. These postmodern ideas produced a more inherently self-critical view of knowledge than modernity. (p. 14)
To be rational, have knowledge, and to possess introspection before adopting a belief system is a good thing. Are the adherents of postmodernism implying that those who went before did not so introspect? Hopefully, as we progress through this conversation
we will not become so humanistically self-critical that all substance will be muted beyond understanding.
He continues:
In response to this situation, “post-liberals” and “post-conservatives” have sought to move in the direction suggested by generous orthodoxy through a nonfoundationalist conception of the Christian faith. They can be identified by some common characteristics and commitments, such as strong ecumenical interests, a desire to move beyond the liberal/conservative divide, and a willingness to think through old questions in new ways that foster the pursuit of truth, the unity of the church, and the gracious character of the gospel. (p. 15)
Questions abound here. By inference, post-liberals and post-conservatives are a good thing. How would these post-liberals and post-conservatives describe a nonfoundationalist conception of the Christian faith? Does this concept frighten anyone? What are strong ecumenical interests? Does such a scenario suggest apostasy? With what church should we unite with? The man-made cultural church, or the called-out remnant of the Church? What is the gracious character of the gospel? With a humanistic bent, one would be tempted to put the concept of evil as non subject matter here. Well, I’m further in the hole here. I started out wanting to understand Brian’s book, but now am forced to read Dr. Franke’s book Beyond Foundationalism: Shaping Theology in a Postmodern Context as well.
Finally he says this:
Generous orthodoxy does not so much specify a particular point or position as it establishes a spacious territory defined by certain distinct boundaries in which there is space to live, move, and breathe while exploring the wonders and mysteries of the faith.
Dr. Franke has written far more in his brief introduction than is addressed here. These are just some of the many questions that have intruded upon my life while reading it. But, here is the one question above all others: Just what will those certain distinct boundaries be? Hopefully, they will show up somewhere in Brian’s book. What boundaries will the emergent/postmodern community establish as concepts that cannot be violated? If I say no – you are wrong, can I still be a part of the conversation?
More, much more to follow.
Dr. Franke says this concerning the dialogue between liberal and conservative believers:
Residents of the liberal and conservative precincts of the church are engaging in respectful and constructive dialogue across the metaphorical divide that has separated them for nearly two centuries…(p, 13)
The question that needs to be answered as we peruse the book would be along the lines of something like this: Will a simple “no – you are wrong” be an acceptable response in this “respectful and constructive” dialogue? By implication, are there any absolutes allowed in this conversation?
Dr. Franke continues as he alludes to the leanings away from modernism to the more thoughtful and liberating ideas of postmodernism by saying this:
This rethinking has resulted not in irrationality, as is often claimed by less informed critics of postmodern thought, but rather in numerous redescriptions and proposals concerning the understanding of rationality and knowledge. These postmodern ideas produced a more inherently self-critical view of knowledge than modernity. (p. 14)
To be rational, have knowledge, and to possess introspection before adopting a belief system is a good thing. Are the adherents of postmodernism implying that those who went before did not so introspect? Hopefully, as we progress through this conversation
we will not become so humanistically self-critical that all substance will be muted beyond understanding.
He continues:
In response to this situation, “post-liberals” and “post-conservatives” have sought to move in the direction suggested by generous orthodoxy through a nonfoundationalist conception of the Christian faith. They can be identified by some common characteristics and commitments, such as strong ecumenical interests, a desire to move beyond the liberal/conservative divide, and a willingness to think through old questions in new ways that foster the pursuit of truth, the unity of the church, and the gracious character of the gospel. (p. 15)
Questions abound here. By inference, post-liberals and post-conservatives are a good thing. How would these post-liberals and post-conservatives describe a nonfoundationalist conception of the Christian faith? Does this concept frighten anyone? What are strong ecumenical interests? Does such a scenario suggest apostasy? With what church should we unite with? The man-made cultural church, or the called-out remnant of the Church? What is the gracious character of the gospel? With a humanistic bent, one would be tempted to put the concept of evil as non subject matter here. Well, I’m further in the hole here. I started out wanting to understand Brian’s book, but now am forced to read Dr. Franke’s book Beyond Foundationalism: Shaping Theology in a Postmodern Context as well.
Finally he says this:
Generous orthodoxy does not so much specify a particular point or position as it establishes a spacious territory defined by certain distinct boundaries in which there is space to live, move, and breathe while exploring the wonders and mysteries of the faith.
Dr. Franke has written far more in his brief introduction than is addressed here. These are just some of the many questions that have intruded upon my life while reading it. But, here is the one question above all others: Just what will those certain distinct boundaries be? Hopefully, they will show up somewhere in Brian’s book. What boundaries will the emergent/postmodern community establish as concepts that cannot be violated? If I say no – you are wrong, can I still be a part of the conversation?
More, much more to follow.
Monday, March 17, 2008
An Old Friend
Just ran across an old friend that I had not seen in a while. It was good to see him again. Here he is:
My son, if you will receive my sayings,
And treasure my commandments within you,
Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will discern the fear of the LORD,
And discover the knowledge of God. (Prov. 2:1-5)
One of the thoughts that has pursued me lately is the perception that most of us in the Christian community can agree on a Biblical truth, but seldom dwell on the proactive activity that this passage may require of us. Consider the above:
Now we all want spiritual knowledge and discernment. But - how badly do we yearn for such a process? Do we cry and lift up our voice? Is such knowledge and discernment so important to us that we would search as if for silver to obtain them? Such promises are not ours by osmosis. The fear of the LORD, and the knowledge of God are not ours by default. They are to be agonized over - or so it seems to me.
By the way, I’m embarrassed by how long it has been since I have been into the Book of Proverbs.
My son, if you will receive my sayings,
And treasure my commandments within you,
Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will discern the fear of the LORD,
And discover the knowledge of God. (Prov. 2:1-5)
One of the thoughts that has pursued me lately is the perception that most of us in the Christian community can agree on a Biblical truth, but seldom dwell on the proactive activity that this passage may require of us. Consider the above:
Now we all want spiritual knowledge and discernment. But - how badly do we yearn for such a process? Do we cry and lift up our voice? Is such knowledge and discernment so important to us that we would search as if for silver to obtain them? Such promises are not ours by osmosis. The fear of the LORD, and the knowledge of God are not ours by default. They are to be agonized over - or so it seems to me.
By the way, I’m embarrassed by how long it has been since I have been into the Book of Proverbs.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Anger, Frustration, or just A Watchman Upon the Wall?
Am I an angry man, a frustrated man, a watchman upon the wall, or some combination of all of the above? The thought surfaced when I received the comment below regarding my Peace, Peace post (diatribe?). This individual wanted to ascertain my denomination, and then noted my inclination toward “anger”. Hopefully he/she did not imply that one caused the other. I’m not sure how this post is going to evolve. I was sufficiently sobered by the implication of anger that I thought I would do more than respond to the comment, but would expand any comment with an entire post. So here it is:
First of all, let’s deal with the denomination. I have been a member of the Freewill Baptist, German Baptist, Foursquare (licensed), Assemblies of God (licensed), and First Christian denominations. Further, I have been a member of some independent churches. Thirty eight years is a long time folks. In all of these congregations, with one exception, I have found the pastors to be solid in the faith regarding the essentials. I have no problem with denominations disagreeing with each other on nonessentials. Further, no denomination, school, or church has forged my belief system (or inner passion such as anger). Whatever wrestling is churning within my inner nature is due to observations of world conditions, dormancy within the Church, good exegesis, the approaching world-insanity, and the arrogance of the Church (as I see it). As an aside, you may have noticed that I have not noted (in my profile) the local congregation that I currently attend. This deletion is due to the controversial nature of this site. I do not feel that I have the right to expose my church to whatever mud may be slung at me by various outrageous statements that I may have made. Perhaps I will ask for their permission as the site progresses. I even delayed using my name. It was only after I asked permission from my family did I append it to this site. I have decided that whenever I am under another person’s authority such as my pastor, elder, Sunday school teacher (whenever I am changing diapers), etc., I do not have the right to expose them to whatever may be controversial due to my world-view, especially when they may disagree with me. Not so with this site!
With this site, the only inhibition that may constrain me is generated whenever I suspect that my words are not those that would be appended as from the Lord. Whatever shots that I may take across my bow because of “outrageous” statements, statements that would normally cause me to edit my thoughts, will be self-absorbed. With all of the integrity that is within me, I engage in combat before the Lord knowing that I will ultimately answer to Him for every word and thought that I generate. This is how I think. This is my ministry unconstrained by public opinion. All other ministries that I engage in are under someone’s authority, and I will not violate that authority whenever I feel that my opinions exceed their spiritual ethos. Again, not so with this site!
So, am I angry? Apparently I am. Now this is interesting and perplexing. I felt some guilt when I read the comment and it’s implication of anger. It’s taken me three days to introspect and respond. Yet, here I seem to feel some guilt at being an angry man, but am discouraged by my perception of the lack of anger in the Church. Why isn’t the Church outraged by every evil violation of human-kind? Why our silence over the destruction of the YMCA library at Gaza. See A Stunning (Predictable) Silence below. Why does a non-believing Jewish man in Jerusalem have to perceive such a silence and comment on it? - and the Church remains silent! I’m angry and feeling guilty that I am angry, but feeling angry that the Church isn’t angry. Apparently I have much to learn of my inner nature.
Am I frustrated? My yes!
Do I consider myself a Watchman Upon the Wall? Yes, I fear that this is true. Now, doesn’t that sound sophomoric? Any shallow man can claim that status. I can only appeal to whomever cares that this is not a shallow position on my part. I’d rather that it were otherwise.
All right, let’s end this literary pretzel. I am somewhat angry, more than somewhat frustrated, and stuck with the task of warning my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that there is a freight train coming! I welcome anyone who wishes to explore with me in the coming months to give me your opinion. This includes my anonymous commenter who sensed my anger. I welcome your follow-up.
First of all, let’s deal with the denomination. I have been a member of the Freewill Baptist, German Baptist, Foursquare (licensed), Assemblies of God (licensed), and First Christian denominations. Further, I have been a member of some independent churches. Thirty eight years is a long time folks. In all of these congregations, with one exception, I have found the pastors to be solid in the faith regarding the essentials. I have no problem with denominations disagreeing with each other on nonessentials. Further, no denomination, school, or church has forged my belief system (or inner passion such as anger). Whatever wrestling is churning within my inner nature is due to observations of world conditions, dormancy within the Church, good exegesis, the approaching world-insanity, and the arrogance of the Church (as I see it). As an aside, you may have noticed that I have not noted (in my profile) the local congregation that I currently attend. This deletion is due to the controversial nature of this site. I do not feel that I have the right to expose my church to whatever mud may be slung at me by various outrageous statements that I may have made. Perhaps I will ask for their permission as the site progresses. I even delayed using my name. It was only after I asked permission from my family did I append it to this site. I have decided that whenever I am under another person’s authority such as my pastor, elder, Sunday school teacher (whenever I am changing diapers), etc., I do not have the right to expose them to whatever may be controversial due to my world-view, especially when they may disagree with me. Not so with this site!
With this site, the only inhibition that may constrain me is generated whenever I suspect that my words are not those that would be appended as from the Lord. Whatever shots that I may take across my bow because of “outrageous” statements, statements that would normally cause me to edit my thoughts, will be self-absorbed. With all of the integrity that is within me, I engage in combat before the Lord knowing that I will ultimately answer to Him for every word and thought that I generate. This is how I think. This is my ministry unconstrained by public opinion. All other ministries that I engage in are under someone’s authority, and I will not violate that authority whenever I feel that my opinions exceed their spiritual ethos. Again, not so with this site!
So, am I angry? Apparently I am. Now this is interesting and perplexing. I felt some guilt when I read the comment and it’s implication of anger. It’s taken me three days to introspect and respond. Yet, here I seem to feel some guilt at being an angry man, but am discouraged by my perception of the lack of anger in the Church. Why isn’t the Church outraged by every evil violation of human-kind? Why our silence over the destruction of the YMCA library at Gaza. See A Stunning (Predictable) Silence below. Why does a non-believing Jewish man in Jerusalem have to perceive such a silence and comment on it? - and the Church remains silent! I’m angry and feeling guilty that I am angry, but feeling angry that the Church isn’t angry. Apparently I have much to learn of my inner nature.
Am I frustrated? My yes!
Do I consider myself a Watchman Upon the Wall? Yes, I fear that this is true. Now, doesn’t that sound sophomoric? Any shallow man can claim that status. I can only appeal to whomever cares that this is not a shallow position on my part. I’d rather that it were otherwise.
All right, let’s end this literary pretzel. I am somewhat angry, more than somewhat frustrated, and stuck with the task of warning my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that there is a freight train coming! I welcome anyone who wishes to explore with me in the coming months to give me your opinion. This includes my anonymous commenter who sensed my anger. I welcome your follow-up.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Peace, Peace
The LORD says to my Lord:
Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.
The LORD will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying
Rule in the midst of Your enemies.
Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power;
In holy array, from the womb of the dawn,
Your youth are to You as the dew.
The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind,
You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
The Lord is at Your right hand;
He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.
He will judge among the nations,
He will fill them with corpses,
He will shatter the chief men over a broad country.
He will drink from the brook by the wayside;
Therefore He will lift up His head. (Ps. 110)
Perhaps you’ve noticed that there are many unanswered questions generated by this blog. It’s done in honesty, - honestly! I’m attempting to stimulate our Christian community to a more sobered and disciplined mind-set. Believe me, this is not a call to a conversation that will tend to dilute the absolutes of the Scripture; rather, may it be an effort that will more focus our minds toward a realization that we are not going to usher in any kind of peace in this world. Rather, this is a world that is hostile to our community, and to the (Melchizedekian) Lord whom we serve. It is His Return, and that only, that is going to usher in (demand by fiat) world peace. So, with that in mind, let’s ask some questions:
So, who is this Melchizedekian guy? Well, I think that we all know Who that is (Heb. 1:13; 5:1-6). Can’t easily run and hide from that one, can we?
Now what is this Psalm saying?
This guy has enemies, and He’s going to rule them? Really? He’s not going to negotiate?
He’s going to shatter kings and the chief men who rule over a broad country. Now that’s a tough one. Can’t we just get the religions of the World to cooperate and prevent Him from having to shatter? Well, I guess that’s not what the Psalm says, is it?
The nations: He’s going to fill them with corpses. No! It didn’t really say that did it? He’s a God of peace (only?) right?
Well, I’m being sarcastic here, aren’t I? It’s for a reason. Things are getting ugly out there beloved. There are enemies out there who do not want peace with us. They are going to be dealt with and shattered in the day of His wrath! Let’s do good out there. It’s what He requires of us, but let us also be a little more wise like serpents in the process. There are two kinds of people out there: US - THEM. Think about it.
Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.
The LORD will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying
Rule in the midst of Your enemies.
Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power;
In holy array, from the womb of the dawn,
Your youth are to You as the dew.
The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind,
You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
The Lord is at Your right hand;
He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.
He will judge among the nations,
He will fill them with corpses,
He will shatter the chief men over a broad country.
He will drink from the brook by the wayside;
Therefore He will lift up His head. (Ps. 110)
Perhaps you’ve noticed that there are many unanswered questions generated by this blog. It’s done in honesty, - honestly! I’m attempting to stimulate our Christian community to a more sobered and disciplined mind-set. Believe me, this is not a call to a conversation that will tend to dilute the absolutes of the Scripture; rather, may it be an effort that will more focus our minds toward a realization that we are not going to usher in any kind of peace in this world. Rather, this is a world that is hostile to our community, and to the (Melchizedekian) Lord whom we serve. It is His Return, and that only, that is going to usher in (demand by fiat) world peace. So, with that in mind, let’s ask some questions:
So, who is this Melchizedekian guy? Well, I think that we all know Who that is (Heb. 1:13; 5:1-6). Can’t easily run and hide from that one, can we?
Now what is this Psalm saying?
This guy has enemies, and He’s going to rule them? Really? He’s not going to negotiate?
He’s going to shatter kings and the chief men who rule over a broad country. Now that’s a tough one. Can’t we just get the religions of the World to cooperate and prevent Him from having to shatter? Well, I guess that’s not what the Psalm says, is it?
The nations: He’s going to fill them with corpses. No! It didn’t really say that did it? He’s a God of peace (only?) right?
Well, I’m being sarcastic here, aren’t I? It’s for a reason. Things are getting ugly out there beloved. There are enemies out there who do not want peace with us. They are going to be dealt with and shattered in the day of His wrath! Let’s do good out there. It’s what He requires of us, but let us also be a little more wise like serpents in the process. There are two kinds of people out there: US - THEM. Think about it.
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