The Rambling Disciple

We currently live in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile to Christianity. Western civilization is no longer nominally Christian. While I would argue that no culture on earth can claim to be truly Christian, for a long time the western world claimed Christianity and generally followed its morals. That is simply no longer the case. While we haven't seen any persecutions like what happens in other parts of the world we are seeing a type of social persecution take place. People who take time on Sundays to attend a local congregation often must sacrifice to do so. Their child may not make the best sports team or they may miss out on social events. Being a Christian is no longer seen as a respectable thing in a lot of places, but is instead seen as backwards and even bigoted at times. Our society, in general, tends to see Christians as simple-minded, reactionary bigots who want to impose their outdated morality and anti-scientific worldview on others. The first century Ch

Imagine, if you will, living as a Jewish Christian in the first century. You grew up following the Mosaic Law and have studied the Old Testament backwards and forwards. The life of the synagogue, that shared community of faith, is precious to you. It was, for the longest time, the cohesive core of your walk of faith. You grew up waiting on the promises of God to be fulfilled. Now you've heard the good news you've been waiting for; the news the entire Jewish people have been waiting for. God has acted decisively! The covenant promises made to Abraham have at last been fulfilled! The Messiah has come! Eagerly you listen to those proclaiming the Messiah, a man named Jesus from the town of Nazareth. You listen and are astounded at his life and teaching. Truly this man was a great prophet, just as Moses promised. You listen in awe as your entire concept of royalty is turned on its head, as this Jesus assumed the throne as the promised king of Israel not by war or riches but by a