This gets a hearty Amen from me! Because I was there (at least on the political side, and to some extent the theological side).

Why do I have to become acquainted with every new and or modern day theologian and where they side. I’m sure there are some inspiring professors but they are just men with some academic insights. Then we have guys like Al Mohler and others who need to maintain a high cultural profile for whatever reason. I’m leery.

I’m ultimately pleased to have been let down by essentially all men in the political and religious sphere. The failings of men are abundant and now we are somehow compelled to keep a running tab of everything under the sun, including moral failings and strange views. And don’t even get me started on the philosophy trip many are on. This is the new things Pilgrim is speaking of. An intellectual perspective and spin on matters we should have long since confirmed. God’s Word lays it all out. Why do we need some limited perspective from more than a century ago (pre-Reformation) to get back on track?

As far as Christian Nationalism, it’s merely derogatory. It’s ultimately an unintentional symbol of a preoccupation with politics as well as an intentional slander of/against civil ethics and morality. There’s also a fear that more men will flock to Jesus as the essence of all that is true and good. For many it’s a mere means or quest to secure freedom and Liberty….for a blessed few it is forgiveness, deliverance and salvation.

I know Canada has it bad and we are even growing numb here in America. But these things are a refining fire. Separating the wheat. Some days I’m a begger and other days I’m my own utter demise…. But I’m hanging on for dear life. Finally I’m starting to fear God again…..more than anything else. What else is there that won’t disappoint? This is obvious now more than ever.


Originally Posted by Pilgrim
All this new terminology and new ideas which seem to occupy your thinking reminds of what Paul experienced at Mars Hill...

Quote
Acts 17:18-21 (ASV) 18 And certain also of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, What would this babbler say? others, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took hold of him, and brought him unto the Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by thee? 20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. 21 (Now all the Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.)
To me, the similarities are two: 1) Far too many professing Christians spend time in the thinking and things of this world which in the vast majority of time are frivolous and even detrimental to their minds and souls. And, 2) The antidote is simple. Paul focused his entire life on the "old paths"; the Gospel and the inspired written Word of God which brings life and spiritual health to every believer. If these people spent even half the amount of time contemplating on the revealed truth of God which they do on every fad, new idea, trend, etc. which dominates this world, they would have far more profit and become far wiser and know that such things should be avoided. They are Satan's distraction and are meant to distract, diminish and even destroy those who belong to Christ.

As a side note, the majority of seminaries are guilty of this same trap. Professors and students alike spend countless and dangerous hours teaching and learning "new things" rather than focusing upon what God has written and established throughout centuries which bring freedom in Christ and separation from this dying world. Theses and dissertations MUST be a new 'perspective' on an old truth which in essence distorts that truth and/or contain something which no one else has dreamed of before. Uniqueness is NOT beneficial but conformity to the image of Christ which the Spirit works in every true believer. We are to be like Him. That is our goal and which should consume our every thought, word, and deed as individuals united to our Head who is all and all.

Last edited by Anthony C.; Thu Aug 04, 2022 4:22 PM.