THE ALIENS HAVE ARRIVED

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

1Peter 2:9

Aliens. Foreigners.  A perculiar people. Forgive me the confusing title on a Christian Blogsite – but I did get your attention. It’s not a completely obscure word to those who live in this world.  But the meaning that Christ implied is quite different than Hollywood’s or NASA’s.

I sure miss the olden days! The times are getting tougher and the wickedness in the world continues to darken our way of a worry-free life, something most of the younger generation knows nothing about.  Even the most reverent of Christians cannot escape the wickedness touching their lives somehow.

Back in a day, mutual respect was earned, widely understood and practiced.

It’s a foreign planet now. Each of us are spoon-fed fear, sickness, perversions, violence and shocking coldness on a daily basis as normal behavior, and mainly as entertainment. 2 Timothy 2:13

Let that sink in a moment.

Despite our best efforts, we also can’t get away from politics at all unless we do the unthinkable – unplug from social media all day (the panic- how can anyone reach out to  us at all hours of the day). Constant political follies have done significant damage to our once united country. People are down-right NASTY to each other over mere different opinions.

What’s missing nowadays and where did we go wrong?  I can only fully answer that in what would take about 10 more posts – but I won’t.   The best summed up in top 3 would be lack of accountability to some deity, lack of respect, and this next item.

Be Holy

HOLY is now a foreign concept, a word that’s rarely spoken or revered in this current climate:

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

1Peter 1:15-16

The God of the Holy Bible, God of all Believers’ forefathers in the faith, have repeatedly pointed out the Holy Reverence of Him, a huge difference compared to other ‘gods’.  Just look up the word ‘holy’ in your concordance (varies among modern versions). My recent search in the KJV reveals 546 times. Odd that it’s not even spoken often in modern churches anymore either. Not enough anyway, for the level of importance. (2Timothy 4:3-4)

I’m not saying that people have always been holier than saints before this last 100 years. We have all seen bad things in our lifetimes.  Plus, all those wars. But just as the Lord had forewarned us what would come as the time to his Coming gets closer – the violence of men and depravity would increase. The carefree safety and innocence is a lost concept compared to when I was a kid (not that long ago).

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2Timothy 3:1-5

There is no such thing as any of the above mentioned trouble in Heaven. It’s without blemish, fear, sorrow, or suffering. No sin is allowed inside for that reason.  And the filth and sin of the believers in Christ are forgiven through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ’s life. (2Corinthians 5:18-19,21)

While we are here we appear to be different, boring, meak, and now we are labeled ‘stupid’ by many because we don’t comply to the world’s low standards of behavior and thought. That’s to be expected as we live out different values than the world. (1Peter 4:4)

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

1Peter1:14a

Be strong. Don’t give in. We are called to be foreigners – aliens – in this turbulent world on purpose, as Ambassadors for Christ. (2Corinthians 5:20)

I also notice and have experienced the increase of spiritual assaults against Christians in the form of persecution, illness, job loss, financial hell and depression (1Peter 1:6).  It’s all a Christian can do these days to stay joyful and Prozac-free, and not be bogged down with worry and sorry like the rest of the world.  Daily, we need to read the Word and do spiritual battle to keep our hopes up and our lights shining bright.  I struggle with this as well.  And I have to be reminded constantly from 1Peter 1:13:

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

Thankfully life won’t always be such a struggle. There is a great Hope that is coming to us sooner than we think. (Romans 8:18)

 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

1Peter 1:24-25

During the difficult times I’ve been through in the last couple years, I am very thankful to friends and family who have reminded me to keep my eyes on Christ, the prize and the redemption that draws near. It can be a struggle some days but reading this chapter in 1Peter, James, Philippians, Colossians and the Psalms had been a lifesaver! I urge you to read on as well. Often, with prayer. Be that peculiar alien, that different one because people are watching.  Don’t stop hoping and don’t stop believing. (2Timothy 3:14)

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:16-17