One of the things I like about the region in which I live is that people are friendly.
Even strangers will strike up or join in a conversation virtually anywhere or at any time.
I was visiting with a friend at a restaurant Sunday evening.
We first discussed what had been going on in our lives since we last saw each other.
We then spoke about things like the weather and eventually moved into deeper topics including the current state of the world.
It was during this phase of the conversation that an older gentleman seated at the next table offered his opinion.
After a few minutes of discussion, we exchanged introductions.
Afterward, the older gentleman said something that stuck with me.
He said, "Face it, the Golden Age is over."
I knew exactly what he meant by that.
He meant that things were different when he was younger.
The term "Golden Age" stuck with me and I found myself thinking about it.
Perhaps the better term would be "Golden Ages".
For example, in the 1920s and 1930s the world experienced the Golden Age of Aviation.
In the 1930s and 1940s there was the Golden Age of Radio.
In the 1940s and 1950s there was the Golden Age of Television.
Since I had that conversation, I pondered the question, "When was the Golden Age of Christianity?"
Perhaps it was in Old Testament times when the prophets foretold of His coming and His purpose.
Isaiah 53:5 (NET) - He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; He endured punishment that made us well; because of His wounds we have been healed.
A valid argument could also be made that this Golden Age took place during the earthly life of Jesus.
John 1:14 (NET) - Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw His glory - the glory of the One and Only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father.
Another valid case could be made for Pentecost.
Acts 2:2-4 (NET) - Suddenly, a sound like a violent wind blowing came from heaven and filled the entire house where they were sitting. And tongues spreading out like a fire appeared to them and came to rest on each one of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them.
A case could be made for the Golden Age being the present as we currently live in a world in which many still do not know the Good News.
They are waiting for ordinary people like us to fulfill the Great Commission.
Mark 16:15 (NET) - He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."
So, when exactly was the Golden Age of Christianity?
After considering these things, I have concluded that all of time (even before the foundation of the world) can be considered the Golden Age of Christianity.
John 1:1 (NET) - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Unlike the Golden Ages I discussed earlier this Golden Age has no end.
John 14:2-3 (KJV) - In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.
The Golden Age of Christianity has always existed.
It continues today.
It has an unlimited number of tomorrows.
Welcome to the Golden Age!
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com
Even strangers will strike up or join in a conversation virtually anywhere or at any time.
I was visiting with a friend at a restaurant Sunday evening.
We first discussed what had been going on in our lives since we last saw each other.
We then spoke about things like the weather and eventually moved into deeper topics including the current state of the world.
It was during this phase of the conversation that an older gentleman seated at the next table offered his opinion.
After a few minutes of discussion, we exchanged introductions.
Afterward, the older gentleman said something that stuck with me.
He said, "Face it, the Golden Age is over."
I knew exactly what he meant by that.
He meant that things were different when he was younger.
The term "Golden Age" stuck with me and I found myself thinking about it.
Perhaps the better term would be "Golden Ages".
For example, in the 1920s and 1930s the world experienced the Golden Age of Aviation.
In the 1930s and 1940s there was the Golden Age of Radio.
In the 1940s and 1950s there was the Golden Age of Television.
Since I had that conversation, I pondered the question, "When was the Golden Age of Christianity?"
Perhaps it was in Old Testament times when the prophets foretold of His coming and His purpose.
Isaiah 53:5 (NET) - He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; He endured punishment that made us well; because of His wounds we have been healed.
A valid argument could also be made that this Golden Age took place during the earthly life of Jesus.
John 1:14 (NET) - Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw His glory - the glory of the One and Only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father.
Another valid case could be made for Pentecost.
Acts 2:2-4 (NET) - Suddenly, a sound like a violent wind blowing came from heaven and filled the entire house where they were sitting. And tongues spreading out like a fire appeared to them and came to rest on each one of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them.
A case could be made for the Golden Age being the present as we currently live in a world in which many still do not know the Good News.
They are waiting for ordinary people like us to fulfill the Great Commission.
Mark 16:15 (NET) - He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."
So, when exactly was the Golden Age of Christianity?
After considering these things, I have concluded that all of time (even before the foundation of the world) can be considered the Golden Age of Christianity.
John 1:1 (NET) - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Unlike the Golden Ages I discussed earlier this Golden Age has no end.
John 14:2-3 (KJV) - In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.
The Golden Age of Christianity has always existed.
It continues today.
It has an unlimited number of tomorrows.
Welcome to the Golden Age!
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com
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