As we move forward in our study of the Kingdom of Grace and Love, we find ourselves in a period of time called "The Enlightenment." This time of great introspection, and investigation would eventually inform the founders of our nation, and set in motion the framework for one of the most radical experiments in governance (USA.) The printed bible, and then the printed word spurred men, and women to think critically for themselves. Until the printed bible, very few people had access to the word of God, and it was explained to them by 'clergy.' As we know by now, even though the word of God is inerrant, the men who teach it aren't always the best of people. From the time of Christ, kingdoms, and empires continued to ebb, and flow as men, and women often used Christianity to bring legitimacy to their rule. Sovereignty over others was validated by taking scriptures out of context, and then forbidding others to read those scriptures for themselves. Cruelty and enslavement can certainly be found in Christian Europe during the time of the enlightenment, but carnality has always found a place to hide when people don't have a personal relationship with their creator.
When I asked Bro. Forest to teach us about John Locke, I wanted to make it clear that there were men who I believe were positioned by God to change the course of history, and bring about the slow march toward Governments recognizing individual worth. Our nation's constitution is a prophetic statement of how God wants men to live with one another. I say that because it is all to easy easy for Christians to focus on the 'after-life' and forget that we were left here to bring the Kingdom of God to the earth. At the time of its penning, we were far from realizing the words written on the hearts of those who put it to paper. Without knowing it, they became prophets of what was to come.
Throughout the history of the Church there have been too many times when we've been swayed from our purpose by either being too earthly minded, or too focused on the end times. We aren't powerless, and we have so many good gifts to give those around us. The Church must be the voice of grace, and love, but it must also inform the unregenerate about what is moral, and holy. History is filled with failed attempts to usher in the wisdom, and beauty of the Kingdom of Heaven. For over 1600 years from the time Christ walked the earth, the church seemed incapable of affecting great change for the better. In some instances men and women claiming to be Christians did greater harm to the Kingdom than Satan could ever do. But, all was not, and is not lost. The printing press put the word of God in the hands of ordinary men, and hope sprang anew. Within Europe, people began to see the truth of the gospel for themselves, and the 'Age of Enlightenment' began. Sadly, the great philosophers of the 'Age of Enlightenment' eventually had to come to grips with mankind's predilection for cruelty. While kings, and monarchs could be cruel, lawless people could be far worse. Amidst a time of great upheaval came John Locke. John Locke believed God to be a logical and reasoning being who gave men intellect in order for them to dwell together in societies. It was in this revelation that the seeds of our republican form of governments was sown. This would begin another period of growth in the Church, and finally men would be convinced of the wickedness of enslaving others. The prophetic words of the Constitution quietly guided men and women throughout our history toward the knowledge that the many have a duty to ensure that the individual is protected from the masses.
One day, we will look beyond the color of our skin, the texture of our hair, or the place of our birth. Till then, we move forward, ensuring that grace is given, and love is lived.
This Sunday, Pastor Tony Mincer will be teaching us about William Penn and his contribution to the founding of our great nation.
