It's my opinion that a situation exists today in America simiilar to the conditions in colonial New England. Back then, there were Pilgrim settlers and Puritan settlers on the coast of present day Massachusetts. These two groups differed fundamentally in that the Pilgrims (also called Separatists) separated themselves from the Church of England to worship The Almighty God as they were led by the Holy Spirit through prayer and study of the Holy Bible; On the other hand the Puritans remained within the Corporate Body of the Church of England, and attempted to 'reform' that denomination from within its structure. The Pilgrims saw the futility in undertaking such a task, and readily 'extracted' their participation from an apostate church. During the same period the Puritans (who quickly followed the Pilgrims sojourn) enthusiastically defended the Anglican Church's sovereignty, even in the newly 'acquired' colonial territories. The Puritans saw themselves as the defenders of the Faith. While the Pilgrims sought to dedicate their efforts to worship their Creator in spirit and in truth without involving themselves in clerical matters.
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My comparison does not refer to the doctrines the two groups espoused, or how they relate to modern Christian beliefs, But rather to their approach to livng a 'religious' lifestyle and their relationship to the 'world' .
There are two similar forces in christian churches today. There is a group similar to the Pilgrims of yesteryear who refuse to participate in an Ecumenical Corporate Structure that is genetically a clone, and also a member of the New Age organizations NCC and WCC; A Corporate Body that may own a copyright (Registered Trademark) of (on) its name.
The modern day Pilgrims separate themselves from these generic churches which are indistinguishable one from the other, since they believe the time has arrived for a millennium of peace and security. Had they read their Bibles prayerfully they would have discerned that it's time for the second coming of Jesuschrist to bring judgement to a rebellious and sinful world. To bring judgement and destruction to the evil doers; Not peace and security! Also, to save and remove His faithful servants from this corrupt environment.
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The Puritans of today are busy planting churches on every corner, and organizing volunteer programs to help Haiti, to help the elderly, and to feed the needy. Yet, their sermons are devoid of any redeeming truths. This social gospel is not Biblical. They lie about there awaiting mankind decades of hope and prosperity; When the signs clearly point towards a time of unprecedented destruction and chaos. Had they read their Bibles, instead of People Magazine, they would have known that Jesus is at the threshold. The Puritan's counterpart now are as lost and confused as their namesakes were 400 years ago; Since the purpose of the Lord for a Church and a faithful people are not to defend corporations, societies, real estate property, or fallible men; But, rather to be the salt of the earth. To represent the Almighty God, to love, and to worship only Him with all your might. To prepare a people for the great day of the Lord. Never has it been the purpose of God to have a group of politicians using His name to further their sinful goals, and goad others to do likewise (conform).
The Puritans and the Pilgrims are alive today.
Which group are you in?
Are you in the group that wants to "fix" the church, the USA, the world?
Or, are you instead in the group that is reforming themselves and preparing others for the soon triumphant return of the Lord?
The Pilgrims and the Puritans are back!
Arsenio..
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