Episode 26 reveals a new problem the teachers must face. It emphasizes the need for the spiritual religion of Jesus and offers guidance for how to function in such a difficult environment.

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Transcript
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The Future of the Teachings of Jesus

15. A Second Major Problem the New Teachers Must Address

Teach the Kingdom Using the Example of Jesus (Ep. 26)

 

The new teachers face another major problem.  Because of the hold that radical secularism has on our society and its economic, political, and even religious institutions, it is evident that the revival of Jesus and his true teachings will be forced to function in a hostile environment. However, secularism and its destructive results are not the only major challenges we face. Radical changes in the social order are presently taking place all over the world and this is resulting in very complex, chaotic, and confusing times for all.

A new and ever-changing social order. In the twenty-first century after Christ, we find ourselves not only in the midst of an increasingly more acute war between godless secularism and spiritual religion, but also in a time of ever-changing social conditions. Mechanical inventions and the dissemination of knowledge are modifying civilization. Society has left the peace and tranquility of established tradition and is on the march towards a new planetary destiny. The social order is no longer settled and relatively fixed; the stability of the past is gone, and we live in a time of constantly changing social conditions. This new and oncoming social order will not settle down complacently for a long, long time, perhaps even a millennium. The human race must become reconciled to an on-going procession of changes, adjustments, and readjustments.

Time of transition. This procession of changes, adjustments, and readjustments signify the fact that we are living in a time of world-wide social transition. The world is undergoing a major transition from one phase of civilization to another, from one level of culture to another. Such times of transition are inherently dangerous. There is much that can go wrong. We have left the stability of an established social order as we move step by step into an unknown future filled with ever new changes and challenges. We live in psychologically unsettled times and are forced to carry on our lives amid the sociologic rip tides of the transitions of a scientific era. We are called to endure continuous economic changes, disruptions, and upheavals. We must survive the moral crosscurrents of a constantly shifting social landscape. Many are anxious, restless, fearful, uncertain, and unsettled.

The great need for religious based morality and spiritual guidance. At such dangerous times of social transition and never-ending change each individual needs to carefully scrutinize their charts of morality and observe their compass of religious guidance. Genuine spiritual religion is desperately needed to function as a forceful influence for moral stability and spiritual progress amid the ever-changing social order and never-ending economic adjustments. Religion is called to act as wise guide, experienced counselor, and spiritual pilot in these complex and confusing times. Religion must make clear and vigorous restatements of its moral mandates and spiritual precepts to guide and stabilize society in this new ever-changing environment.

Institutional religion is relatively powerless to provide leadership. Unfortunately, institutional religion is relatively powerless to provide leadership in this world-wide social reconstruction and economic reorganization. This is because institutional religion has become an organic part of the social and economic systems that are destined to undergo change. Institutional religion cannot reconstruct society until it has reconstructed itself and being so much a part of the established order, it cannot reconstruct itself until society itself has been reconstructed. Only the real religion of personal spiritual experience, the religion of Jesus, can function positively and effectively in the present crisis of civilization. We must look within for the spiritual guidance, moral clarity, and strength we need to see us through these chaotic times.

A second major reason for the new revelation. The fact that we are living in the dangerous times of transition from one level of culture and civilization to another means that a return to Jesus’ religion of individual spiritual experience is even more needed. We need a rebirth of Jesus’ kingdom, the rule of God in the hearts of believers, not only to counter the dominance of secularism and its evil fruit, but also to stabilize and guide us through the uncharted waters of continuous social change and upheaval. These two great modern problems should inspire and energize true followers of Jesus to redouble their efforts to bring about a return to Jesus and his teaching to look to God within for guidance, help, and comfort.

The new revelation must go forth in a secular world undergoing constant change. What does this ongoing social change mean for the new revelation of Jesus? Basically, it means that we must undertake and pursue the spiritual regeneration of others in an environment not only of an established and hostile secularism and ever growing evil, but also amid the dangers and chaos of ever-changing social, economic, and political conditions. A very difficult task indeed! But we must remember that such times of darkness and confusion are ideal times for the light of a new divine revelation to appear.

First, clearly and courageously face world conditions and look to Jesus. To successfully function in such challenging conditions, we do best to first clearly and courageously face the difficult world conditions in which the new revelation will occur. As in many aspects of our life we should look to Jesus’ life and teachings for trustworthy guidance. He taught with great courage; he was fearless in his proclamation the new gospel of the kingdom while facing the opposition of established religious authorities and the Roman rule. He also carried out his religious mission, which was seen as a threat by the established power elite, with great wisdom. Jesus cautioned his disciples, “I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be you therefore as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves.” (Mt. 10:16) He also sought to proclaim his gospel without directly challenging the established social, political and religious order. For example, he admonished his disciples to, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” (Mt. 12:17) And we should remember that although he urged his followers to co-operate with the established authorities whenever possible, he also taught believers to stand strong when called upon to defend righteousness.

Trust in God’s care, pray for guidance, and exercise love and forgiveness. Jesus lived by faith and trusted in God’s over care no matter the situation. He maintained unbroken prayer and communion with the Father and always sought His guidance in the conduct of his mission. His life was dedicated to doing His Father’s will even when it meant his submission to death on the cross. His prayer in life and as he faced death was, “not my will, but yours, be done.” (Lk. 22:42) And we must remember that Jesus taught forgiveness of those who trespass against us and proclaimed love as God’s greatest commandment.

Be of good cheer. In our work to bring a new revelation of Jesus it is good to also remember that Jesus was not a man of sorrows but rather taught us to, “be of good cheer” (Jn. 14:33) and even to, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad.” (Mt. 5:12) In so far as possible we should live and teach Jesus with joy and good cheer. And we may be encouraged and heartened by his promise that, “great is your reward in heaven.” (Mt. 5:12)

 

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