THE OLD TIME RELIGION....

THE OLD TIME RELIGION… Many funny images play on mind when one thinks about the concept ‘old’. It could be an old flame, old song, old rhythm, old school, old life, whatever thing it is, some feelings of nostalgia mixes with appreciation for old experiences. Whether pleasant or not, the devotion of time for the thought is always the same long as it is in the past tense. Various events explaining old pictures usually play on one’s mind bringing their near-life performances on thoughts. Howbeit, the original state of anything is mostly given a positive reception than when reordered… The originator of an idea approves of the condition in which it was created and would have none of its revised variant. When God gave specifications to Moses on rules regarding worship, He insists that any altar built to Him be in a natural state, made either of earth or simple stones. "The altars you make for me must be simple altars of earth. Offer upon them your sacrifices to me ….Build altars only where I tell you to, and I will come and bless you there. You may also build altars from stone, but if you do, then use only uncut stones and boulders. Don't chip or shape the stones with a tool, for that would make them unfit for my altar. Exodus 20: 24 & 25 (TLB). None of the stones are to be dressed; they are not to have any embellishing. The sacredness of the pure state is also evident in the command to sacrifice a year old lamb without blemish - …“Take a male goat for a sin offering, a calf and a lamb — both a year old and without defect — for a burnt offering,”… Leviticus 9:3 (NIV) The faith in God as of old… Abraham had faith in God and it was counted unto him for righteousness. He left his country, his people and his father’s household to move to a foreign country that he never had a clue about. He refused to calculate the implication of sacrificing his only son. For this, he became the ‘father of faith’. This kind of faith that makes one to just take the first step without seeing a reality of any stairway! It does not insist on knowing the future but trusts in God, keeps going and living like a stranger in a foreign land while looking ahead for an everlasting city… The faith of our fathers! Living faith as of old- It helps the beloved to closely walk with God. Enoch walked with God for 300years in the midst of the perversions of his time without wavering in his faith! His uprightness pleased God that He decided to have him in heaven without death. This kind of undiluted faith made Noah to act on God’s warning- he spent many years building an ark to save his people from flood. The unbelieving people of his time treated his action with contempt. All those who had rejected God were totally unprepared when the flood came and swept them away. It was an ‘unreasonable’ faith…. as of old. Moses’ parents perceived him to be an extraordinary child- they realized God’s purpose for his life and kept him from death… risking death itself. Moses gave up his royal prestige and wealth because he saw a glorious future of reward- Israel walked through the Red Sea. Whatever made a ‘defenceless’ multitude believe that a shout would bring down a fortified city wall was old faith! I see people analysing that instruction if it were to be for year 2013. The devotion as of old… Joseph would have had sessions with Mrs Pharaoh but he would rather be imprisoned for not compromising. Daniel would not defile himself with the king’s meet nor did he fear for his death verdict! Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were left with no option of life if they disagreed with King Nebuchadnezzar’s order. ...“if you do not worship it (this image), you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” Daniel 3: 15 (NIV).When Queen Esther resolved to see the king at an ‘awkward’ time, she risked a death decree, but turned out to be a signatory to the death warrant of the hunter of her soul. The Shepherd boy (David) ignored that he was not equipped with physical war kit, he aimed at Goliath, having on mind that …“but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” 1Samuel 17: 45 (NIV). Old Old times that brides were stoned to death for not staying virgin; little wonder Joseph wanted to secretly put away Mary when she was found with a child. Cultural values have been perverse; many cannot afford to remain chaste till marriage. It is now ‘old school’ to hold a value that earns the upholder of the practice, much honour and God’s rewards. That love as of old… The disciples were devoted ….to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer... many amazing things and miraculous signs happened through the apostles…believers kept meeting together, and they shared everything with each other...The believers had a single purpose and went to the temple every day. They were joyful and humble as they ate at each other's homes and shared their food. At the same time, they praised God and had the good will of all the people. Every day the Lord saved people, and they were added to the group. Acts 2:42-47 (GW) That religion as of old… It is a winning principle; it is the champion’s recipe. Lord, like you did as of old, right from creation, brood over our lives. The fiery furnace of life’s battles loom but we arise on the pedestrian of faith and absolute confidence in our God. Give us that old time religion; it is good enough for us… ayanfeLAMPROS NOTE: NIV (New International Version) TLB (The Living Bible) GW (God’s Word) Phone Contacts: 0802 828 6163, 0803 5100 530.