"For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to
all men, instructing us to deny un-godliness and worldly desire and to live
sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age" (Titus 2:12).
Hey Gang: There has been a change in the way the media is
referring to those of us who are “born again Christians". Years ago
we were referred to as the "Religious Right". But today we are
more inclined to be referred to as the "Radical Right".
Now, there are those that take great offense at this moniker but I feel a kind
of pride to be referred to as ‘Radical’. I believe Jesus, my role model,
was a radical- for He was so very opposite of the religious leaders of His
day. Frankly speaking, I can think of nothing in this world that I
want to be identified with more than Jesus with His radical love
message..
The Word tells me I am only a transient here, but where I am
going, when my body has ended its tenure on earth, is 'out of sight' compared
to the bangles and beads of this world. One day I was listening to a conversation
of Bible Guru's, who were discussing heaven. I was rather surprised that they
talked of the streets of gold, the pearled walls, etc. but none mentioned the
focal point of why every Believer should look forward with great expectation to
why we should want to go there - the Lord, Yeshua, Adonia, Jesus the Son of God
will be there!
As I was pondering how I felt about being referred to as a
Radical Christian, I came across an article by Marv Rosenthal of Zion's Fire
Magazine who added a whole barn full of meat to this subject. He began by
saying, "I steadfastly pronounce myself "guilty" and willingly
take on the moniker "Radical Christian". He made the following
points:
"If believing God
intended humankind to practice monogamy within the holy bonds of a committed,
"for better or for worse" marriage union, then I, with honor, wear
badge of the Radical Right proudly".
"If believing
that American's founding fathers said what they meant and meant what they said
when they wrote the Constitution, intending that it be interpreted normally and
literally, then I with honor, wear the badge of "Radical Right"
proudly".
"If believing
that men and women are to live by the sweat of their brows and that hard work
is to be rewarded, and laziness unrewarded and a stigma, then I, with honor,
wear the badge of the "Radical Right" proudly'.
"If believing in
the concept of separation of church and state, but understanding in the context
in which it was made, it was intended to keep the state from interfering win
the religious freedom of its citizens and never to keep the Bible out of
government, then I, with honor, wear the badge of the "Radical Right"
proudly".
"If loving God,
rejecting idolatry, not taking the name of the Lord in vain, observing
one day in seven for special religious purposes, honoring parents, not killing,
not committing adultery, not stealing, not bearing false witness, and not
coveting are characteristics of the "Radical Right" then I, with
honor, stand where the "Radical Right" stands, proudly."
Soooo, my friends and neighbors, the world says
"anything goes if it makes you feel good"; Jesus said, "I will judge you by the fruits of
your life and that will determine where you will spend eternity.”
The world says "eat, drink and merry" for tomorrow we
die". Jesus said, "Unless
one is born again, they will not see the kingdom of God" (John
3:3). So I ask you this morning,
"Do you qualify to
be called a "Radical Christian?"
Blessings,
Gramps
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