Christian Living

ON THE ALTAR OF HOPE

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
03/31/23
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PROLOGUE

I happened to be raised in a time when anger was simply a metaphoric figure of speech. No further action was needed. Life’s freedoms of speech were built around America’s faith-based patriotic ideals. In other words, in my younger life, our mindset never considered anger as a way of life.  It was just an emotion.

My, how American society has so quickly changed, with respect to its economy, relationships, politics, and biological processes! A case in point is its basic outlook on religion. Notice that I didn't mention Christianity, which is a completely different ball game.

Religion, in today’s culture, takes on a totally new form, depending on where one may live and breathe. Some may hug a tree. Some may worship the climate. Some may worship certain animals. Some may stick to idols, and on and on. But all seem to bring up the metaphors of social injustice and discrimination.

From the beginning of time, we humans are born with inherited sin, in need of a Redeemer. We now often turn to other things, finding certain religions to satisfy our consciences and our needs. We will chase anything that absorbs our heart and imagination more than the real God. We are continually looking for something or someone to satisfy our longing for contentment.    

Not so, with the true Christianity. As a result of Pentecost, we see in the Bible book of Acts, the mindset of the newly-founded first Christian church. (Acts 2:41-47) These were simply people of the day like you and I, who were dedicated to the message of Jesus. That brings me to the real problem of today’s America, the anger that infests our society.  

Did you know there is both good and bad anger? According to the internet, “sometimes anger can be good for us, if it is addressed quickly and expressed in a healthy way. In fact, anger may help some people think more rationally. However, unhealthy episodes of anger - when you hold it in for long periods of time, turn it inward, or explode in rage - can wreak havoc on your body.”

Yes, believe it or not, anger is a normal reaction and can even be healthy, if we deal with it in a positive way.

So, unless you have been hidden under that proverbial rock, you are probably aware of the struggles of our great Republic of America in today’s evil-generated world. We are faced with a fight for good versus evil, and for our providential faith-based Constitutional freedoms, as opposed to the power of socialistic control. In my opinion, American culture is now fostered by intense negative anger.

According to Dr. David Jeremiah, “It’s hard out there, like the world is ripping apart at the seams. Sometimes it feels like our hearts can’t take any more hurt.  But no matter what the world throws at us each day -- anxiety, fear, confusion, temptation -- we have a choice on how to respond.”  

In other words, there's allways hope. Hope in our living Creator, hope in the gospel, hope in the Bible, hope in the country. And, hope in the people. Now let me get on with my blog, my dream, vision, or simply an explosion of my internal temperament. I shall label the blog. “ON THE ALTAR OF HOPE"

I was just about to the point of pulling my hair out, if only I had hair, which now had been missing in action for what seems like a lifetime. What right do those young whipper-snapper Bible college students have of challenging this old tried and true Bible professor anyway?  That’s when it started, and almost ended too quickly.

I was home at last, from another grueling week at the Bible College. I was about to indulge in a big double dip homemade hot fudge sundae, when a mysterious person appeared in my man cave. He looked like a living ghost, dressed in old-fashioned clothes, and it was as if I could see right through him.

Not only that, I seemed to be able to read his mind. I knew where we were going, I just didn’t know the reason for the trip. So, grabbing me by the wrist, away we went, up and away, through my man cave window into the wild blue yonder, then landed quickly in the past.

It was an all-too familiar scene, The landscape showed a calm, misty fog. Appearing through the mist was an unbelievable scene, even for this old-time religion professor.

A group of people were all gathered in the middle of nowhere, kneeling around an old homemade altar, draped at one end with the Christian flag, and the other end, with the American flag. Some were singing, some praying, and others just waiting there for something to happen.

Suddenly, as if by divine direction, the group was surprisingly joined by a host, of what appeared to be chosen angels, to many to count. All dressed in pure white robes. Blending in with the group, the angels too began singing and praying in glorious praise and worship.

Seemingly as if being rehearsed, one suddenly emerged from the group of heavenly hosts, as the leader. Standing at attention, this leader opened a big family Bible and began reading from (1 Peter 2:13-17). Concluding with (Titus 3:1-7) Afterwards, this leader concluded his Scripture reading with a short commentary. 

“Remember, as followers of biblical principles, you are a very special people elected by God, redeemed from the world and no longer depend on the world. Thus, you are to be law-abiding citizens. If the law of one’s government violates the revealed will of God, then of course, you must obey God, rather than man. God, has redeemed you from the world and you longer depend on the world. So, do your faith-based patriotic duty."

As a conclusion, this leader commenced leading all the others, including the kneelers in America’s National Anthem followed by the Pledge to the Flag.

It then looked as if the occasion had concluded, but not really. Mysteriously, the kneelers too were waving big family Bibles. The entire scene turned into one big grand revival service. Waving Bibles everywhere, mixed with a display of patriotic American flags. This unusual move seemed to prompt the crowd to all join the leader, as he opened his Bible and began reading.          

^“if my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (I Chronicles 7:14)

"Wow, how powerful!'", I thought. 'Does this mean that it’s all up to us now?  We Americans, who believe in a God-fearing patriotism must make a decision, must make a choice, must take a stand. Our living Creator has given us a command with a promise.'  

Now, I know what is happening. To be sure, however, I must talk with my strange tour guide to be sure of my mission, for he seems to be on top of it all.  However, as I looked around he was gone, suddenly disappeared out of sight. So was the complete scenery of long ago.

I was back in my man cave. It was as if it all had never happened. My big double-dip hot fudge sundae was still awaiting my challenge. The only thing that was different was my Bible lying open on my side table, as if to calling me to arms, to battle. I suddenly heard my Alexa speaker blaring out that old familiar Christian battle hymn, “Onward Christian Soldiers.”  The entire scene almost made me stand at attention and salute.

Nonetheless, I had better things to do. Picking up the phone, I made the call. “Pastor, pastor, are you there? Please pick up. We need to make plans, to organize the troops, there’s work to be done."

There’s an enemy to conquer.  ^"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12) 

There’s a battle to be won.  "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:13-17)

EPILOGUE

In my Prologue I alluded to the fact that anger could be habitual in today’s American culture. That anger could represent good or bad behavior. So, I ask you. How many times have you been angered today, this week, this month?

Do you actually remember what caused such anger, how long it hung around, and its final results within your life? OK, you need to dwell on such questions. Here’s just a few Bible proverb examples.

• Proverbs 29:11 - A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.


• Proverbs 19:11 - Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

My final suggestion Mr. and Ms. America! Take the Bible book of Proverbs. Pick a month of 31 days. Read, and concentrate on one chapter of Proverbs daily, for the month, making notes each day for future reference.  Praying along as you read. It will do wonders for your soul, believe me. For I’ve been there and done that. Amen!

Please visit my web page below 

The Message (ccrobey.wixsite.com)