Under the Old Covenant administration, the individual watchword was “obedience”.
God was the nation’s sovereign under the guidance of a Divinely selected King and dynasty, along with a divinely ordained teaching order, explicating a written covenant.
Then, things changed and, radically, with the institution of the New Covenant and promised through Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
Under the tutelage of the Old Covenant, God dealt with Israel as with children whereas with True Israel (Galatians 6:16)
God now deals with spiritual adults.
No longer are we, the members of the New Covenant, provided detailed and specific guidelines for various circumstances; but, in their stead are three adequate guidelines: 1) Love God, 2) Love your neighbor and 3) utilize the former administration as principled examples ( 1Corinthians 10:11 & Romans 15:4).
Such are the parameters for New Covenant believers in any governmental context.
Pearcey Report
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Eye of the Red Tsar
Want a good read?
Sam Eastland’s Eye of the Red Tsar is one you will not put down, once begun.
I began the book without reading the data regarding his historical research, suspecting as I read, “this man has done his homework”.
Having read on this era for 40+ years, I was amazed at his insights and attention to detail. So much, so, I couldn’t put the book down!
His conclusion has me waiting for the sequel!
Pick it up.
I suspect he is going to develop for us a side of Stalin we haven't considered, yet will give evidence of what some theologians designate as God's Common Grace manifest amongst the worst of us.
A concept we generally seek to deny and or avoid
Sam Eastland’s Eye of the Red Tsar is one you will not put down, once begun.
I began the book without reading the data regarding his historical research, suspecting as I read, “this man has done his homework”.
Having read on this era for 40+ years, I was amazed at his insights and attention to detail. So much, so, I couldn’t put the book down!
His conclusion has me waiting for the sequel!
Pick it up.
I suspect he is going to develop for us a side of Stalin we haven't considered, yet will give evidence of what some theologians designate as God's Common Grace manifest amongst the worst of us.
A concept we generally seek to deny and or avoid
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Shades of 1984
Wow! has it been that long since a posting on my part? Call me Bob van Winkle.
I haven't been asleep, though I wish that were the case: simply dormant and/or frustrated.
We are one step away from war on three fronts, as per Orwell’s plot.
Currently, we are engaged in six wars: Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Yemen and the “global war on terror”.
Odds are, the man on the street paying the bills, hasn’t the foggiest as to the count.
Given the present state of our educational system, he/she couldn’t locate 2/3rds of the locations on a map, if asked.
Nor could a goodly number of our politicians, as history demonstrated prior to the launch on Afghanistan back in the day.
We have become a nation governed by the military/industrial complex, manipulating behind the scenes those ostensibly elected to represent us.
This is simply a new look for Junta.
We lost the republic a long time ago, proving Franklin right.
Now, what?
Reminds me of the scene in the movie Dr. Zhivago where the folk are being transported in the railroad car along with a “convict” chained to the bunk. Only the convict recognizes Freedom. The system has to chain him, whereas the rest acquiesce with the system’s dictates.
Once upon a time, those comprising the nation displayed a flag saying "Don't tread On Me". Seems to me, we have "advanced' to the place where our flag is a doormat saying "Walk on Me".
Shamgar! Where are you?
I haven't been asleep, though I wish that were the case: simply dormant and/or frustrated.
We are one step away from war on three fronts, as per Orwell’s plot.
Currently, we are engaged in six wars: Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Yemen and the “global war on terror”.
Odds are, the man on the street paying the bills, hasn’t the foggiest as to the count.
Given the present state of our educational system, he/she couldn’t locate 2/3rds of the locations on a map, if asked.
Nor could a goodly number of our politicians, as history demonstrated prior to the launch on Afghanistan back in the day.
We have become a nation governed by the military/industrial complex, manipulating behind the scenes those ostensibly elected to represent us.
This is simply a new look for Junta.
We lost the republic a long time ago, proving Franklin right.
Now, what?
Reminds me of the scene in the movie Dr. Zhivago where the folk are being transported in the railroad car along with a “convict” chained to the bunk. Only the convict recognizes Freedom. The system has to chain him, whereas the rest acquiesce with the system’s dictates.
Once upon a time, those comprising the nation displayed a flag saying "Don't tread On Me". Seems to me, we have "advanced' to the place where our flag is a doormat saying "Walk on Me".
Shamgar! Where are you?
Monday, April 18, 2011
A Stimulating and Valuable Resource
Legion are the questions popping up in the believer's mind.
Max Lucado has done admirable service in sharing with nus the questions to which he has been exposed in his ministry, and his responses in his volume: Max On Life.
Admittedly, your particular theological response might be somewhat different, but the response Max provides is a stimulus to each of us.
As I read, I thought, Wow! That is surely helpful. I might express it somewhat differently, but, on the whole I resonate with Max!
This is a tool which bears being placed alongside some of the other psychological offerings, while given priority of place, in my opinion.
Thank you, Max!
Received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Max Lucado has done admirable service in sharing with nus the questions to which he has been exposed in his ministry, and his responses in his volume: Max On Life.
Admittedly, your particular theological response might be somewhat different, but the response Max provides is a stimulus to each of us.
As I read, I thought, Wow! That is surely helpful. I might express it somewhat differently, but, on the whole I resonate with Max!
This is a tool which bears being placed alongside some of the other psychological offerings, while given priority of place, in my opinion.
Thank you, Max!
Received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Constitutional History Unadulterated
As with The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History, Nullification provides first hand understanding of this issue from the writings of those directly involved in establishing the principle.
Tom provides chapter and verse, even attaching relevant documents as appendices.
Sadly, with few exceptions, those within the Beltway nursing off the udder of this overpowering central government will continue to ridicule and reject out of hand the clear and cogent argument.
It seems the struggle is in phase two, ridicule from those who oppose. Phase one was ignoring what Tom was writing and saying. So, there is a modicum of hope. The next phase will find them fighting and then, they will lose.
Power not only corrupts, but eventually eviscerates those wielding the power. Ask Mubarak, Ghaddafi, et al.
Tom provides chapter and verse, even attaching relevant documents as appendices.
Sadly, with few exceptions, those within the Beltway nursing off the udder of this overpowering central government will continue to ridicule and reject out of hand the clear and cogent argument.
It seems the struggle is in phase two, ridicule from those who oppose. Phase one was ignoring what Tom was writing and saying. So, there is a modicum of hope. The next phase will find them fighting and then, they will lose.
Power not only corrupts, but eventually eviscerates those wielding the power. Ask Mubarak, Ghaddafi, et al.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The Terrors of the Law
Recently, a friend ask me to read Ray Comfort's God Has A Wonderful Plan For Your Life.
Now, it is to be noted I have personally been involved in Evangelical Ministries since 1964, resigning my commission in the USMC to "...hasten the coming of the Lord...".
Admittedly, my spirit resonates with the author's stated concerns relative to what seems to be the fruit of "easy believism".
But, in reading the Acts of the Apostles, I am hard pressed to find biblical justification for the author's argument. Save for those instances when an Apostle was addressing a Jewish audience, The Law was never put forth/promoted in the context of the evangelical message.
The Law was never the "tutor" to lead Gentiles to Faith. It was a Tutor for ethnic Israel.
Isaiah 8:20 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 is still the standard...not cultural experiences...nor the interpretations of those drinking at the well of Puritans.
Maybe, one ought to consider article 25 of the LBC 1644?
'Nuff said
Now, it is to be noted I have personally been involved in Evangelical Ministries since 1964, resigning my commission in the USMC to "...hasten the coming of the Lord...".
Admittedly, my spirit resonates with the author's stated concerns relative to what seems to be the fruit of "easy believism".
But, in reading the Acts of the Apostles, I am hard pressed to find biblical justification for the author's argument. Save for those instances when an Apostle was addressing a Jewish audience, The Law was never put forth/promoted in the context of the evangelical message.
The Law was never the "tutor" to lead Gentiles to Faith. It was a Tutor for ethnic Israel.
Isaiah 8:20 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 is still the standard...not cultural experiences...nor the interpretations of those drinking at the well of Puritans.
Maybe, one ought to consider article 25 of the LBC 1644?
'Nuff said
Day after day-horse-pucket!
Up front, I admit it: I am a political novice.
Still, after 60 plus years following high school, I have to admit every political administration has lied to me. OK, lied implies motive, which I am not privy to, certainly.
But, consciously misled seems fitting.
Promises, promises, promises on every campaign trail followed by the almost opposite of each promise.
Fool me once, my fault. Fool me umpteen times? Do not trust any Party endorsed politician!
I should have been informed of the likes of Lysander Spooner and Albert J. Nock while in high school and allowed to discriminate for myself. But, NO! Government knew what was best for me.
With the exception of maybe one or two current national politicians, whenever a politico opens his/her mouth my initial response is “horse-pucket”.
My strong suspicion being I will live to see, experience , the demise of this empire as it goes down the sewer of history.
Still, after 60 plus years following high school, I have to admit every political administration has lied to me. OK, lied implies motive, which I am not privy to, certainly.
But, consciously misled seems fitting.
Promises, promises, promises on every campaign trail followed by the almost opposite of each promise.
Fool me once, my fault. Fool me umpteen times? Do not trust any Party endorsed politician!
I should have been informed of the likes of Lysander Spooner and Albert J. Nock while in high school and allowed to discriminate for myself. But, NO! Government knew what was best for me.
With the exception of maybe one or two current national politicians, whenever a politico opens his/her mouth my initial response is “horse-pucket”.
My strong suspicion being I will live to see, experience , the demise of this empire as it goes down the sewer of history.
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