Greetings
Brethren,
Where are the
real Christians that are of this earth? Would Jesus Christ the Son of God the
Savior of humankind be welcome in most churches today? Is the FreedomJournal welcome?
We are not trying to compare our role with that of the Messiah. However we seek
to make the point that those that follow Truth are not welcome among most of
the so-called Christians today. However, God has a remnant everywhere.
Nevertheless, the people of God are seldom found among the Brethren in most
church houses.
Peace and Love,
Carl Patton
writing for the FreedomJournal realizing that the crisis of the Church and
Christianity looms all around us October 1, 2002 in the year of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ.
RACE AND GOD (BLACK NOR WHITE)
PART 8: REVELATION OF HISTORY & THE DESCRIPTION OF JESUS
In the name of Jehovah God, Master of the universe,
Ruler of the earth.
Glory be to God
the Father and Creator of all humankind. Father God we are grateful today for
your Son Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We are also grateful Father for the
Holy Spirit. So we give thanks for the simple things in life. Our food,
clothing, shelter, transportation and the air we breathe. Father as we stay in
prayer we beseech you for repentance. We uplift you Father and pray for Faith
and Patience, and as always Father we pray that you will increase our Faith.
Before we
continue further in the scriptural revelations taken from the 1st Chapter of
Revelation, we need to set the historical table. As noted previously the Book
of Revelation reveals symbols and predictions concerning the histories of
humankind.
"FreedomJournal
who will bear the burden of Truth? Is Truth a burden? Why has humankind
disregarded the Truth of God and moved by human understanding? Is the way of
Truth simple and uncomplicated and the way of lies, and deception a complex
list of things contrary to common sense that reveals a maze of ignorance that
flirts with stupidity?"
Truth you are
correct in your assessment of the ways of the world. Yet what is most
distressing is that the ways of the world have been brought into the church.
There are certain facts of history that have great impact on the predictions
and prophecy of John in the Book of Revelation. The Bible and the record of
secular history note that the Roman Empire was at the height of its power
during the time of Christ and the Apostles. For your thought and mediation was
there a significant change in the concept of Christianity when it reached the
geographic regions of Europe i.e. Greece and Rome?
Meanwhile, the
Roman Empire prospered in the ways of Colonialism, Imperialism and religion.
Religious persecution resulted as religion became a state affair. The government protected and regulated
religion under the direction of the Emperor. The record shows that the religion
of Rome was pagan and heathen and the people worshiped idols and were devoted
to idolatry. Other religions for example Christianity were tolerated as long as
they did not interfere with the state religion.
Initially
Christianity, Christ and the Apostles were tolerated. During the early days of
Christianity, the religion that was gradually making a transition from Judaism
was considered as insignificant and the political leaders in Rome paid little
attention to it. Meanwhile Christianity grew in numbers and began to have a
great impact on many people. The Roman Empire thus felt threatened and began a
campaign of persecution.
Persecution of
Christianity eventually led to corruption and manipulation of the religious
leaders. Meanwhile, corrupt religious leaders sought to consolidate power.
Pagan Rome held back this effort of consolidation but things would soon change.
By the beginning of the 4th century Emperor Constantine the Great was on the
throne. He converted to Christianity and endorsed Christianity throughout the
Roman Empire. For your thought and mediation. If Constantine thought that
Christianity (for example he allegedly saw a cross the symbol of Christianity
in the sky during a battle) sanctioned warfare did he heed the scriptures? Is
this an indication that something was wrong in the initial acceptance of
Christianity by the Romans?
With the
acceptance of Christianity (or a Roman brand of Christianity) the results were
a union of church and state. The Emperor was over the government and the Bishop
was over the church. Both leaders resided in Rome. They were now joined in
mutual interest and took away the power of the church leaders on the local
level.
This unholy union
produced a period of apostasy or Dark Ages for 12 centuries. Paul calls this
period "the falling away." During this unrighteous period they
virtually took the Bible from the common people. Also, everyone in religious
and civil matters had to bow to the rules and dictates of Rome. The Emperor and
the Bishop who eventually took the title Pope rendered this power jointly.
BRETHREN ARE WE
STILL IN A STATE OF DARKNESS? ALTHOUGH WE HAVE THE BIBLE FEW PEOPLE ACTUALLY
READ AND STUDY THE BIBLE KEEPING GOD FIRST. WE NOTE HERE THAT IT IS VIRTUALLY
IMPOSSIBLE TO BE MISLED BY THE MULTITUDE OF FALSE PROPHETS IF THE PEOPLE WOULD
ONLY READ AND STUDY WHAT GOD HAS SAID AND NOT WHAT MAN HAS SAID.
The record shows
that this unholy period continued until the time of the reformers and Martin
Luther. The reform movement gave the Bible back to the people in the languages
of the people. This resulted in the dismantling of the union of church and
state.
From this brief
outline of history and the move to corrupt the Church and Christianity we can
see how and why a campaign arose to promote a White Jesus. So with further
rationale as why a White Jesus we can better ascertain why a Black Jesus.
Cont. Part 9: Letters To the Seven Churches &
Jesus
carl@freedomjournalpress.comcastbiz.net