I’m not sure if I should write this or even how it will turn out. I write to think and I have had some thoughts in my head of late that just need to get out there. I heard someone once say that eschatology, the study of the end times, is the only theological study framed by our present view of history. Eschatological theology in early twentieth-century Europe was pretty bleak but pretty optimistic in America. As World War II broke out, American eschatology turned dour, but books written after World War II were pretty upbeat about the end of days.
I was contemplating this article over lunch even though I read it before leaving for lunch and the thought came to me, "Erick how in the world do you not suffer from severe depression?" Of course as soon as I asked this in my quiet mind I heard the still small voice remind me, "You know to whom you belong and you've read the end of MY Book." Thank-you My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for saving me from whatever this world throws at me.
During a devotional I had prepared for a Men's Prayer Breakfast his morning, I used an article about Billy Graham where he was quoted as saying "I not only know who I am, but I know where I am going". And, as a Christian, I firmly believe Dr. Graham's statement. Through the grace of God and His son Jesus Christ, I know where I am going. All the political and social junk of today is no different than it has been in the past with mankind. I try to leave that to God. That does not mean for me to sit idly by and not participate in life around me. I undertake my responsibilities as a citizen to be engaged. But my main charge each day is to reflect Him and His grace to others. And when possible, share the message that through Jesus Christ I know where I am going.
Awesome article, I think every Christian should read this article and I'm glad that I read this article and that you wrote it. This article is so accurate and I really needed it, thank you.
When we die that is the end of the world for you and I. We know for certain that is almost tomorrow. Let's not worry about a day know one knows. Plenty of work just seeing how many can get on the narrow way.
In the early days of Greta, I was a political junky. I devoured news like filet mignon. I don’t watch the news and Greta is not on Fox. I am a convert to Catholicism 10 years ago. Yes, I buy crystals and beautiful jewels and make sure my Chakra is cleansed. I go to Adoration on Monday night where I fling my self before the Blessed Sacrament. Still I don’t do enough. I pray to be the best Catholic I know and a better follower of Christ. Pray for me. I leave on pilgrimage to Greece, October 11. In the Footsteps of St. Paul. Christian, pray for me.
A message delivered directly to the heart of Christians. I appreciate this. One thing I think is missing though, Christians do need the opportunity to "vent" about things together. Not on social media. Not at church. Maybe the best way to vent is to just get together for coffee or a simple meal and let it all go with the friends you know without allowing it to affect the ability to love your neighbor as yourself. Just a thought.
In the movie The Water Boy, Adam Sandler's mother use to always say that "foozball" is the devil. What she should have said was that social media is the devil. Because it is.
Well stated. I’ve been teaching in my Sunday Life Group (Sunday School) out of a book by Rankin Wilbourne called Union With Christ. Similar themes emerge. Check it out
Time was running out in the 1st century of Christianity. It has been running out ever since. There's a group of people at an intersection near my home just about every weekend warning me to accept Jesus because things are going to get very bad very soon.
So, what is prayer? How does it work? Is God supposed to take some kind of action to make Joe Biden do what you want? That seems to ignore the concept of free-will. And as we all know God does his works on earth through the faithful. So, isn't it up to you to change Joe Biden's actions? Isn't that called the democratic process these days? But your tribalism is anti-democratic and therefore antithetical to Gods ends. So, we're back where we started. The problems of this country and world are our problems, and ours to fix, not Gods.
Very good Erick! I appreciate your self evaluation and honesty, that’s not easy for any of us! I am a loyal listener and totally like your program because it makes me think and also re-evaluate . Once in awhile I initially disagree with you and that challenges me to think more deeply about that subject or situation. Keep it up man and may God bless and protect us all.
As an old classmate friend of your father, who has an M.Div and a Ph.D. in U. S. History from Emory, I have to agree with your tension. Perhaps the growing secularism and pseudo-science religion of the urban elites gives Christians the opportunity to experience First-Century dynamics. Soren Kierkegaard said, "The most difficult thing to do is to be a Christian in a land where everyone thinks they're christian." There's a tension between Grace and Truth.
It's easier to perform for an adoring crowd than before the crowds in the arena being chased by lions and men with swords. Grace, like prayer, is not something extended or accomplished by the proud. To perform and receive praise--and to do it for no other reason than to receive the praise--is tantamount to marginalization through humor; if you laugh at something you marginalize it. The monkey performing for the organ grinder is on a leash. Too many forget this.
Quiet humility is missing in nearly every aspect of our lives. Turn on any college or high school football game. Watch player reaction to any score, tackle, or meaningful play. Humility has been lost from all our games and, in my opinion, the game of life. You observe that more and more it seems that many Christians now seem driven to be "loud and proud" rather than honoring Christ and living a life of quiet humility, loving our neighbors (all of them) regardless of their political belief. In many ways establishment religion is at fault. We are asked to take sides on political issues from the pulpit and in many cases asked to "commit to learning more about white privilege and its harmful effects" as a condition of membership. Those of us with more conservative views are being forced out of the protestant church, not because of any desire to leave, but because of the intolerance of those who remain. Enjoyed the read, thank you.
I was contemplating this article over lunch even though I read it before leaving for lunch and the thought came to me, "Erick how in the world do you not suffer from severe depression?" Of course as soon as I asked this in my quiet mind I heard the still small voice remind me, "You know to whom you belong and you've read the end of MY Book." Thank-you My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for saving me from whatever this world throws at me.
During a devotional I had prepared for a Men's Prayer Breakfast his morning, I used an article about Billy Graham where he was quoted as saying "I not only know who I am, but I know where I am going". And, as a Christian, I firmly believe Dr. Graham's statement. Through the grace of God and His son Jesus Christ, I know where I am going. All the political and social junk of today is no different than it has been in the past with mankind. I try to leave that to God. That does not mean for me to sit idly by and not participate in life around me. I undertake my responsibilities as a citizen to be engaged. But my main charge each day is to reflect Him and His grace to others. And when possible, share the message that through Jesus Christ I know where I am going.
Awesome article, I think every Christian should read this article and I'm glad that I read this article and that you wrote it. This article is so accurate and I really needed it, thank you.
When we die that is the end of the world for you and I. We know for certain that is almost tomorrow. Let's not worry about a day know one knows. Plenty of work just seeing how many can get on the narrow way.
In the early days of Greta, I was a political junky. I devoured news like filet mignon. I don’t watch the news and Greta is not on Fox. I am a convert to Catholicism 10 years ago. Yes, I buy crystals and beautiful jewels and make sure my Chakra is cleansed. I go to Adoration on Monday night where I fling my self before the Blessed Sacrament. Still I don’t do enough. I pray to be the best Catholic I know and a better follower of Christ. Pray for me. I leave on pilgrimage to Greece, October 11. In the Footsteps of St. Paul. Christian, pray for me.
A message delivered directly to the heart of Christians. I appreciate this. One thing I think is missing though, Christians do need the opportunity to "vent" about things together. Not on social media. Not at church. Maybe the best way to vent is to just get together for coffee or a simple meal and let it all go with the friends you know without allowing it to affect the ability to love your neighbor as yourself. Just a thought.
Sunday Sermon & thank you
In the movie The Water Boy, Adam Sandler's mother use to always say that "foozball" is the devil. What she should have said was that social media is the devil. Because it is.
Well stated. I’ve been teaching in my Sunday Life Group (Sunday School) out of a book by Rankin Wilbourne called Union With Christ. Similar themes emerge. Check it out
I pray daily that our leaders will be on God’s side.
Time was running out in the 1st century of Christianity. It has been running out ever since. There's a group of people at an intersection near my home just about every weekend warning me to accept Jesus because things are going to get very bad very soon.
So, what is prayer? How does it work? Is God supposed to take some kind of action to make Joe Biden do what you want? That seems to ignore the concept of free-will. And as we all know God does his works on earth through the faithful. So, isn't it up to you to change Joe Biden's actions? Isn't that called the democratic process these days? But your tribalism is anti-democratic and therefore antithetical to Gods ends. So, we're back where we started. The problems of this country and world are our problems, and ours to fix, not Gods.
Amen!
Very good Erick! I appreciate your self evaluation and honesty, that’s not easy for any of us! I am a loyal listener and totally like your program because it makes me think and also re-evaluate . Once in awhile I initially disagree with you and that challenges me to think more deeply about that subject or situation. Keep it up man and may God bless and protect us all.
As an old classmate friend of your father, who has an M.Div and a Ph.D. in U. S. History from Emory, I have to agree with your tension. Perhaps the growing secularism and pseudo-science religion of the urban elites gives Christians the opportunity to experience First-Century dynamics. Soren Kierkegaard said, "The most difficult thing to do is to be a Christian in a land where everyone thinks they're christian." There's a tension between Grace and Truth.
It's easier to perform for an adoring crowd than before the crowds in the arena being chased by lions and men with swords. Grace, like prayer, is not something extended or accomplished by the proud. To perform and receive praise--and to do it for no other reason than to receive the praise--is tantamount to marginalization through humor; if you laugh at something you marginalize it. The monkey performing for the organ grinder is on a leash. Too many forget this.
Quiet humility is missing in nearly every aspect of our lives. Turn on any college or high school football game. Watch player reaction to any score, tackle, or meaningful play. Humility has been lost from all our games and, in my opinion, the game of life. You observe that more and more it seems that many Christians now seem driven to be "loud and proud" rather than honoring Christ and living a life of quiet humility, loving our neighbors (all of them) regardless of their political belief. In many ways establishment religion is at fault. We are asked to take sides on political issues from the pulpit and in many cases asked to "commit to learning more about white privilege and its harmful effects" as a condition of membership. Those of us with more conservative views are being forced out of the protestant church, not because of any desire to leave, but because of the intolerance of those who remain. Enjoyed the read, thank you.