Dr. Rob White - December 1, 2024
Peace On Earth?
Christ calls Christians to challenge every evil, but to do it in humility and love.
Scripture References: Luke 12:49-56
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Blog Post: “Peace on Earth? A Call to Righteous Division”
In this week’s sermon, Peace on Earth?, Dr. Rob White of the Athens Universal Life Church examines Luke 12:49-56, where Jesus declares, “I came to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already set ablaze!” This challenging passage reminds Christians that following Christ often requires confrontation with evil, even at the cost of division.
Dr. White invites us to explore the tension between Jesus as the Prince of Peace and His message that peace sometimes demands walking through the fire of purification and judgment. As Dr. White reflects, true peace cannot coexist with evil, and Christ’s followers must stand firm against injustice while acting in humility and love.
Historically, this principle has played out in issues like slavery, civil rights, and church reforms. Dr. White recalls figures like William Wilberforce, who tirelessly opposed slavery despite fierce opposition, and Martin Luther King Jr., who emphasized the need to fight evil with love. These leaders exemplify the courage to confront injustice while upholding the commandment to love our neighbors.
Dr. White stresses three key truths for Christians:
- We are all sinners, which calls for humility in our advocacy.
- Christ commands us to love all neighbors, regardless of their actions.
- God supports good, ensuring that righteousness will ultimately prevail.
To live as Jesus taught, Christians must learn to “love the sinner while hating the sin” and trust in God’s justice. This balance of love and boldness is essential for engaging with controversial issues. Whether facing divisions in families or communities, the path of faith demands steadfastness in truth and compassion.
The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder: there is no aspect of human life, including politics and governance, that lies beyond the lordship of Christ. For the church to remain relevant, it must speak truth into every sphere, reflecting Christ’s transformative power.
As Dr. White encourages, “Go out this week and be a blessing, and be blessed! For the more you are a blessing, the more you will be blessed.”