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Archive - Spirit of the Word - Covenant Eschatology - Introductory Note - New Stuff
"Persecution or Retribution?"Hi gang,
I was just reading an interesting post on the carm board from a young man who takes the handle of "*****." ***** seems to feel that a wave of persecution is coming soon to the church and he was pleading that we who embrace UR not assume a spiritually proud position that "WE are not like those other Christians" so that we wind up as taking part with the persecutors instead of suffering with our brethern. (I hope I'm saying this right, because I'm trying to sum it up quickly.)
To be honest, his post struck a chord in my old ticker, because I really DO identify with my fellow Christians, however wrong their understanding and representation of God's character may be at some points. However, the fact is, I still know wonderful Christians who ARE NOT pharisees who do not yet embrace this glorious full gospel of UR. And what a treasure they have been and still are in my life!
However, another thought I'd like to put out for discussion is this: If indeed a wave of persecution IS coming to the church, would it be rational to CALL it that? I really feel that much of what is called "persecution" will be RETRIBUTION coming from the world that has endured the abuse of a message of hate that calls itself love. Just think a moment. How many of the loudest opponants of Christianity were once chewed up and spat out by the church because they were divorced and remarried, or failed to overcome their alcholism or sexual problems by a given deadline--or failed to conform to certain trivial agendas such as "dress codes"--and you name it?
I'm willing to take my share of any flak that may come, however, because in my ignorance I perpetuated much of the spiritual abuse that the world has endured from the church. There IS a sense in which ignorance is no excuse. I mean if you walk in front of a truck on purpose OR by accident, you will STILL get smushed, right?
Signing off...
I wouldn't be at all surprised to see a MEGA-WAVE of flak hit the church (and by that I mean as it exists visibly and organizationally) in a few years. However, I don't think I could honestly call most of that flak "persecution." I believe it will be RETRIBUTION.
God help us all!
Love and prayers,
CharlieP.S. I haven't even mentioned the slick, streamlined POLITICAL "church" with it's double-speak about legislation to save all the unborn babies for an ENDLESS "lake of fire" when they grow up... Nor have I mentioned the sheer hatred for gays, and the "God helps those who help themselves" white-middle class agendas and all of the hype and dishonesty about finances that have been rife in visible Christianity. Robbing widows and poor uneducated and lonely people by "faith hype" and veiled threats about "eternal rewards" etc... Won't it be a sheer miracle if retribution DOES NOT come at some point?
Spirit of the Word - Covenant Eschatology - Introductory Note - New Stuff