The role of the Puritan pastor

Someone has to set the tone for all of culture to follow. Think about it: who would you have set the standard? Do you want Michael Moron (er, I mean, Moore) to do the job? Do you want Al Gore setting the stage? Is there anyone in the media, or in Hollywood you prefer?

Now, you might say: "Granted. The ones who must set the pace should be religious people." But now you must answer this question: who will this be? Do you want it to be the pope? Would you feel comfortable with Jimmy Swaggart leading the way? Would you risk your life, and the future generations to an ayatollah, or a dalai lama?

Of course not. What the world needs is men called by God, to serve His church, to set the example, and show the way. Can you think of anyone better qualified, than men who are specially appointed to bring the good news of the Gospel to the world--to change the paradigms that govern the general thought life of all men?

This is why, for instance, I am willing to make the sometimes-audacious statements occasionally made, on this blogsite. (For instance, check out the "Racism" spot, from 8/6/07.) Ideas have to change and evolve. The only question is: who will be the impetus for this?

In the past, the Puritan influence has always been for the good of all. Let us ignite another fire of progress, for the glory of Christ.

Nice pastors/Benign churches

It seems to me that most Christian people want (what I am calling) "nice" pastors, and "benign" churches. In other words, they don't want to be part of something that shakes up the established order (of sin). Instead, they want a "safe" place, where no one is offended, and where the church dares not to take on the evils of the world.

But "benign" churches, like benign tumors, don't really do anything of significance. They are *there*, but they are not dangerous. Satan has no problem at all with the existence, nor the proliferation of benign churches (and "nice" pastors).

Don't misunderstand me: God's true (or Puritan) pastors *are* to be nice. In fact, they are to be the MOST gracious persons on the face of the earth. The churches they serve are to be places of grace. Everyone (except spiritual wolves) ought to feel genuinely welcomed there. These pastors, and these churches, are to be the avant-garde of all of culture and society.

But having said all that, we must follow, not in the footsteps of the world (which is spiritual suicide), but in the footsteps of the Savior (who knew how to be both salt and light, in every situation).

When you choose a church, be careful. If you are a hypocrite, or a coward, be sure to opt for one that will not stomp on your sins. But if you are a sincere Christian--be sure you look for one that will love you (and your world) enough to minister grace to all, (after first addressing the sin need).

The Spiritual Womb

Essentially, there are ultimately two classes of people: the elect, and the reprobate. But both of these categories are conceived in sin, and are initially in complete and utter rebellion against God, His Christ, His church, and everything related to the Messiah's kingdom expansion.

But what is sometimes not understood--and which really should be--is that there *are* some "sub-categories" under these two main paradigms.

One of them is that of the already-redeemed, (those who are indeed already born again, and who have the new nature of Jesus in them).

Another is that of the formidable reprobate: those who will never be regenerated, and who are happy to go to hell. (We are not in a position to determine that any particular human being is in this class. Only God can do that.)

A third category is that of those on whom the Holy Spirit is working, (and who yet will not, in the end, be converted). These people are, at least for a time, willing to sincerely hear the word of the gospel of grace.

A fourth category, (and this is the main theme of this post), is that of the yet-unconverted, but soon-to-be converted souls. These people are, by the grace of God, in (as it were) the church's "spiritual womb." People from all nations, cultures, religious backgrounds, and ethnicities are found in this class.

What is the upshot of all this? Simply this: that it is not fair to assume that a Muslim (to use one example) is, by virtue of the fact that he is a Muslim, necessarily completely dead-set against the things of Christ. If he is in the "womb," he will, in God's good time, come to faith in the true God, and be united to the true church.