Just A Little More Time

"So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom.  The rich man also died and was buried.  And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.  Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.'  "But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things and likewise Lazarus evilthings; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.  'And besides all this, between us and you is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.'  "then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my fathers house, 'for i have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.'  "Abraham said to him, "They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.'  "And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'  "But he said to him, 'if they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'"
Luke 16: 22-31 NKJV

Not one of us knows the minute we will pass either into Gods glory or that place of torment.  This is why it is imperitive that we recognize the truth of the life and resurection of Jesus Christ.  The concept of heaven and hell are well known even to those who do not follow Jesus.  Everyone at some time or another feels that they are indeed "good enough" to enter into our Lords presence when their time here on earth is done.  And so it is that many are of the belief that our lives here on earth are but temporary.  In the big scheme of things, there is yet another destination on our journey.  Where will we end up?  Every religion, from Buddhism to Christianity has laid claim to that "Other" place that we travel to once our time here is complete.  It's no wonder that so many people have so many different ideas of where we will end up.  However, there is no return receipt for this journey, for once we pass over, we began a new phase of our existance.  What will our "Afterlife" be?  In Luke 16, Jesus related a parable of a certain rich man and a beggar who both died and crossed over upon death.  The beggar was comforted, while the rich man was in torment in flames.  Now, this should be a distinct reminder to those who are even flirting with christianity.  I believe what Jesus was trying to get across to all who would listen here in this passage is that there is definately a destination for the good and evil among us.  Not only that, but we have been warned of this fate already.  How is that?  Well, as Jesus tells us when the rich man requests Lazarus to visit his brothers, "They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them."  Indeed, if someone will not heed the warnings of the prophets of the Lord or His very word, they will most assuredly not hear one who has been raised from the dead.

He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.  And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
1 John 5: 10-12 NKJV

My mother, who recently passed, was a lifelong christian who loved her Lord with all of her heart.  In retrospect, I have not met anyone who had such a reverence for the Lord as she.  And why not, for whenever she came across a situation she seemed to struggle with, her very first inclanation was to go to her Lord in prayer.  She would so often tell me of that old couch in our house in Minnesota where she would be on her knees in prayer.  I believe she could have worn out the carpet in this little area.  It was just natural for her, if there was a difficult situation to be faced, she was on her knees!  Now, did she pray so often because her youngest son was a constant source of worry with his hijinks?  One can only speculate as to the validity of this statement.  Yes, my mother loved her Lord dearly.  In her later years I would often wonder if that fire was still there as she struggled with health issues.  As so often happens in the circle of life, her son would minister to her, just as she had done as I was growing up.  I recall a evening not long before she passed as she lay in the hospital.  For some reason, one I cannot recall, but I began to sing "How great thou art" for her.  This was one of her favorite hymns she often sang to me as well.  If I carried any doubts as to where her heart was, they were eased as she squeezed my hand and smiled and said, "God loves you."

~Scott~

Version Two

And so it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being."  The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.  However, the spiritual  is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.  The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.  As was the man from dust; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are heavenly.  And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.
1 Corinthians 15: 45-49 NKJV

A dear friend of mine is always heckling me as to the inferiority of my trusted Android mobile operating system.  Of  course, as he puts it, the trusted I Phone is so much better.  However, I tend to disagree.   And so the debate rages on.  This isn't the first time that people have debated the benefits of various computer operating systems, and it won't be the last.  For me, I tend to stick with what works best for me.  For my friend, he is loyal to a outdated system it seems.  I would suggest that as followers of Jesus, we also are running on a new operating system.  A system found to be true in Christ.  See, our very first system was corrupted so long ago in the garden by a sin virus.  The funny thing about viruses is that often in order to remove them, a total reprogramming is needed.  So it was wih us.  Now, we'll never know just what the environment was like in the garden of eden, but that's why we have scripture.

The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed.  And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food.  The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 2: 8-9 NKJV

And so there we  were, in the midst of our Lords garden, the very crown of His creation.  Life was good, just Adam, Eve and the Lord in His creation.  We can assume that God communicated daily with His creation as they walked in the garden and tended to  it.  The original version of the software was operating as intended.  Of course, as we all know, the longer a software version performs, the better chance of it being infected with a virus.  And so it was with Gods creation.  Somewhere along the line, the original version became infected.

Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will surely not die.  For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."  So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate.  She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.  Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.  And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.  Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?"  So he said, "I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself."  And He said, "Who told you that you were naked?  Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?"  Then the man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate."  And the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?"  The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."
Genesis 3: 4-13 NKJV

And so we see just how our original operating system was corrupted.  For after our Lord had created Adam from the dust of the ground, and Eve from Adam himself, He declared His creation "Good."  Our Lords creation, formed by the spoken word of the creator of our original operating system, was good.  No defect, no faults or errors.  All was good in our Lords eyes.  Enter the sin virus.  As with any software virus, the virus must first be introduced into the system it is seeking to corrupt.  Now, I could get into all of the nonsense of how it was Eve who followed the temptation of satan which ultimately led to our original operating system being corrupted, but I lament the fact that Adam did nothing to stop her.  And so the virus was introduced.  Now, what did God do immediately folowing the corruption?  He went in search of Adam of course.  I'm not foolish enough to believe that God did not already know of satans hijinks beforehand.  For I'm of the opinion that the entire fall of mankind into sin, just like His creation, was planned by our Lord God.  Why?  So that we may know that difference between the darkness and the light.

If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  But if we walk in the light as He is in the light,, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  But if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1: 6-9 NKJV

I believe that in order for us to fully appreciate our Lords forgiveness and salvation, we first needed to experience the darkness of sin.  It is through this contrast which we are able to see the true love and grace of our Lord who has cleansed us of all iniquity through His Son Jesus.  I also believe that anyone who purchases a Apple product gets just what they deserve.

~Scott~

Happy Wife Happy Life

And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.  Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.  And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called woman, Because she was taken out of man."  Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Genesis 2: 21-24 NKJV

A co worker of mine has a saying to those who give him a hard time for the amount of time and money that he spends on his wife.  Whenever someone brings this up, he'll simply say "A happy wife is a happy life."  Of course, I can see his point as domestic harmony is pretty essential in any marriage relationship.  For those who have traveled down the road of marriage, life ceases to become about "Me" and suddenly becomes about "We."  Some don't handle this transition all too well.  Depending on who you ask, the divorce rate in our country is between 40 and 50%.  So, what is that difference between a marriage which endures the test of time and one that falters at the very first signs of trouble?  Well, being a christian, I feel we can draw strength from our Lord in times of strife.  However, my co worker is not christian and he and his wife have been together for over 25 years!  Happy wife, happy life.  On the flip side of that same coin, my dear pastor friend has been married to his lovely wife for over 50 years.  So, we can see that both christian and non christian alike are capeable of strong marriages.  I'm just saying that the faith and strength of God makes the road a bit easier.  Now, before the anti God crowd hangs me from the highest tree, please understand that religion does not essentially equate a strong marriage.  But, if you insist on doing away with me, please leave no witnesses.  Is it strange for a christian to advocate marriage without God involved?  Possibly, but understand that far from pointing out the effectivness of non faith based marriage and families, I am simply putting focus on tthe individuals involved in this union.

Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man to not touch a woman.  Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.  Let the husband render to his wife the affection due to her, and also the wife to her husband.  The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does.  And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
1 Corinthians 7: 1-4 NKJV

Please take notice of the apostle Pauls instruction here in 1 Corinthians 7 to "Let the husband render to his wife the affection due to her."  Happy wife, happy life.  Now, I can just hear the screams of the womens rights groups  of today as Paul tells us that "The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does."   Of course, this flys in the face of the very agenda of those who claim to be supporting "Womens rights."  However, please remember what I've said that in the marriage relationship the "Me" has now become the "We."  I believe that this was the point that Paul was trying to drive home here.  For  when paul advises us that "The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does.  And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does," I believe that he was refering to the ultimate union  of two people in marriage.  Gone is that idea that we only serve ourselves for we now serve another as well.  Happy wife, happy life.

For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is also the head of the church; and He is the savior of the body.  Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so  let the wives to be to their own husbands in everything.  Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that he might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.  So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.  For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.
Ephesians 5: 23-29 NKJV

I can think of no better example of a loving marriage than what Paul gives us here in Ephesians 5.  For if anyone raises the protest of Pauls claim of "The husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church," then they do not fully understand just what he was getting at in this passage.  It is with the total, unselfish love of Christ that he gave Himself for us on the cross.  And it is with this total, unselfish love that Paul calls on husbands to love their wives.  Happy wife, hapy life.  What better example of unselfish love can one see than in Pauls call that "Husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.  For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church."  It seems  sort of strange that, as a christian, I would see one of the best examples of a marriage relationship in a non believer.  Happy wife, happy life.

~Scott~

A Worthy Example

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.  Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed throuugh the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who cannot who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let uus therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4: 12-16 NKJV

In my post "Those Old Shoes" I attempted to make the point that people may not know just what we are going through unless they experienced it for themselves.  Then, hopefully they will see the extent of your struggles.  However, why do we even seek such confirmation from others?  Trials that are endured are personal to those who experience them.  Often we seek the confirmation of those around us perhaps to verify the struggle that we face.  For if we are facing struggles in our own life, then assuredly others around us have faced the very same condition.  We can rest assured that those around us have shared in our trials, for Jesus made the claim that all who follow Him would indeed face such times of temptation and trial (Matthew 10:22).  For we know in our hearts that we who follow Christ will endure hardships in our lifetime.  That's a given.   Knowing this, is there a example of just how we should handle these situation?  Well, interestingly enough, there is.  The apostle Paul tells us in Hebrews 4 of just such a example of good report.  He is none other than Jesus whom we serve.  As Paul claims, Jesus was "In all points tempted as we are, yet without sin."  Knowing this, can we truly claim that Jesus does not know what we are going through?  Indeed, there are some who make the mistaken belief that Jesus Himself never endured the very same trials which we are.  This is a dangerous thought.  For all one needs to do is look at Hebrews 4.  Now, I could never be like Jesus, I've already failed in that attempt even before I was born.  However, what Jesus does provide for us is an example of just how to handle the situations which we face.

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.  You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
Hebrews 12: 2-4 NKJV

Think you're having a tough time?  Consider the scourging endured by Christ.  Do you at times feel as if you are all alone in the trials which surround you?  Refresh your memory of that image of a innocent, sinless Jesus nailed to the cross.  You are not alone in your struggle!  If we feel that we are alone, then we forget the trials and crucifiction of Jesus.  The only crime of our Lord being His claim of the truth He was sent to proclaim.  For this He was put to death.  For US He became sin in our place.  Yes, Jesus is a perfect example for us to follow.  We can never be as He was, sinless and perfect without sin.  However, from Him we can see a example to follow in our time of need.  We have also not resisted in our trials to the point which Jesus did.  We have not shed our very blood in our struggle, but we can learn He who has.

~Scott~

Reactionary

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.  For the flesh lusts against Spirit, and the Spirit lusts against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things you wish, But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Galations 5:  16-17 NKJV

I was brought up to believe that the God who loved me was constanttly on the lookout for those who would slip and fall into sin.  Once this happened, God would react accordingly.  More often than not, I was taught, this would include Gods  instant judgement which could include withholding blessings or opportunities as well as bringing discomfort in my life.  All of this was done, I was told, because my Lord was totally displeased with my behavior, and so He reacted to my behavior.  I accepted this as fact, who was I to question God or His motives?  Never mind the fact that this God whom I served loved me enough to send His very Son into the world in order that I might be saved {John 3:  16-17}.  The teaching that sin ran contrary to God was the rule of the day.  Of course, I was simply a sinner saved by Gods grace, so God spent ALOT of time bringing me back into line.  Following this thinking, my God became to me less of a loving Lord to one of anger, revenge and reaction to our sin which we would inevitably fall into.  For as a sinner saved by grace, how could I not spend my life in that vicious cycle of sin and revenge.  My action and Gods reaction.

For he who has died has been freed from sin.  Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more.  Death no longer has dominion over Him.  For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.  LLikewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6: 7-11 NKJV

One thing that opened my eyes to this flawed teaching was the voices of pulpit pounders telling those assembled that we were simply sinners saved by grace.  How could this be?  How could a God who loved me, who gave His only Son, provide for my salvation and yet still dole out His judgement on me day after day?  If indeed I was saved, then something inside of me continued to bring out behaviors in me that ran contrary to what God desired.  Action and reaction.  It is in Galations 5 that we see the apostle Paul bring this to our attention.  If Paul knew of this struggle, then perhaps it had been around for awhile?  For as Paul claimed, our Spirit lusts against our flesh and in turn our flesh lusts against our spirit.   Action and reaction.  But what is our flesh?  This inner part of our very being that so often looks to fulfill its own desires?  Can we control it?   Well, obviously if we were fearfully and wonderfully made, then God must have had a reason for giving us this flesh in the first place.  And if this flesh of mine is reactionary, responding to influences, then could it not respond to Godly influence as well?  Action and reaction.  Our flesh, that part of us which not only represents our earthly vessels we refer to as our bodies, also contains our emotions as well.  It also must be understood that it is our flesh that is that part of us that is mostly influenced by the outside, fallen world that surrounds us.  So, if that part of us which responds to outside influence desires something, it seems logical that it would do whatever it could to obtain it, even if it went contrary to what our Lord desired.  Action and reaction.  Now, I still have misgivings about that teaching which claims that we are yet sinners saved by grace.  For if God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, why would He do so only to punish us?  We can also see in Romans 6 that we who are alive in Jesus are now dead to sin!  If we are dead to sin, we are in Christ and not in sin!  Seems logical enough.  And yet I am still Gods creation flesh and all, reactioanry.

~Scott~

That Wild Card

Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of  God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wive for themselves of all whom they chose.  And the LORD said, "My spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years."
Genesis 6: 1-3 NKJV

There is that within each of  us, a part of our inner being which is totally unpredictable.  It is this part of our being that often follows prompts from other outside sources.  This is that part of us which more than anything desires to have things its own way.  Nobody but a true gambler could enjoy a wild card.  For a wild card is unpredictable, unstable and often dangerous to others.  Websters defines the word 'Wildcard' as "A playing card that can have any value, suit, color or  other property in a game at the discretion of the player holding it."  As you  can see, a wild card is a unpredictable card used solely at the discretion of the person holding the card.  Why do I bring this up?  Well, that random part within us is like our very own wildcard which we use to satisfy our own desires.  It is in Genesis 6:3 where God, pained over mans wicked behavior, reveals this unpredictable part of our nature.  As our Lord laments, "My spirit will not strive with man forever, for he is INDEED FLESH; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years."  Yes, although we were created in the very image of God, we still are indeed flesh.  Yet our flesh is yet just a small part of our existance.   For as God is trinity in that He is Father, Son and Holy Spirit so man is threefold also in that we are composed of Body, spirit and soul.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 NKJV

Now, I don't claim to know all there is to know about the flesh relationship within us, which probably will delight a certain friend of mine.  However, from what I've come to learn, it is that wildcard nature of our own flesh which seeks to satisfy our own desires.  Of course, this will surely run against that spirit of Christ which resides in those who have known Jesus.  It is a well oiled machine that will have all parts running in harmony with each other.  For the christian, when our body, soul and spirit are all in unity with the one who created us, then we will be in harmony with our Lord Jesus.

And you He made alive, who were dead to trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit  who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our own flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.  But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (By grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2: 1-6 NKJV

As you can see from Ephesians 2, we all once lived according to the lusts of our own flesh.  In fact, we were once children of wrath as all who do not know Jesus are.  So what happened?  Jesus Christ happened!  For it is through our Lords love and mercy which we who were once lost in the desires of our own flesh, are now alive through Christ Jesus.

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5: 7-8 NKJV

I'm not much of a gambling man, I like a sure thing.  For this reason, in my heart I chose Jesus.  No longer do I need to go through life alone, for He is with me.  Yet I still have that wild card within me.  The ultimate goal is to have our own flesh in submission to our Lord Jesus who is within us.

~Scott~

God For Hire

"For as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:  TO THE INKNOWN GOD.  Therefore, the one whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: "God made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.  Nor is He worshipped with mens hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.  And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and this has determined their preappointed times and the boundries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each of us.
Acts 17: 23-27 NKJV

I wonder just what it would be like if God wasn't as He was.  What if our Lord, instead of having His everlasting love and grace, actually put a price on His provision for us?  What if God actually kept a ledger documenting each and every thing that He provided for us?  I'm not just talking about the simple things like our very life and every breath we take, but also for something even greater.  Imagine if this ledger of Gods even included that which His very love and mercy has provided for us.  What would that price for your salvation be?  What would that price of having His only Son within us come to?  Who would be able to afford such extravagence?  Would God become just something the rich would be able to afford?  What would happen to the needy and good hearted among us?  Would God, because He was now only concerned about what we could repay for His blessings, simply ignore those who needed Him the most?   And how would we then pray?  Would God include this on His ledger?  What cost would be incured by coming to God in prayer?  What would be the cost of having God on our side?  What kind of world would we have if so many of Gods children KNEW they could never afford His love and grace?  Would not God cease to be a God of love and mercy and simply become the God of the highest bidder?  And what of the men of scripture?  Would Moses, Noah, Abraham and young David have been able to afford the blessings and opportunities that God provided to them?  Can you just imagine God coming to Noah before the flood and asking, "Hey, Noah, I'm going to destroy the earth with a flood!  How much will you give Me to save yourself, your family and all those animals?"  Would ol' Noah be able to afford the cost of this God for hire?

"However, the most high does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: Heaven is my throne, And the earth is my  footstool.  What house will you build for me?  Says the LORD, Or what is the place of My rest?  Has my hand not made all these things?"
Acts 7: 48-50 NKJV

I think of this possibility of a God for hire and I think of waking up in a cold sweat each day!  I'm not a wealthy man, for everything I have has been given to me by a loving God.  What would I have or be without You, Lord?  I'm sure that each and every christian out there would be able to tell me that it is but by the mercy of God that they have certain things or have endured such circumstances that they could not have without Him.  Where would our bank accounts be if we were financially responsible for the blessings that God has given us?  Fortunately for us, this is only a hypothetical question.  However, there are some in christianity today who see it as much more than that.  Oh sure, they'll put a christian mask on it, but it's still based on a flawed idea nonetheless.  I'm speaking of the christian idea of serving God.  The reason I see this as a flawed idea is because we HAVE MADE it a flawed idea.  Like so many other christian traditions, man has created a false idea.  What does it mean to serve God?  Well, we can refer to God for that answer.    

"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  The lamp of the body is the eye.  If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.  But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.  If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!  No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and desppise the other.  You cannot serve God and mannon {material possesions}.
Matthew 6: 20-24 NKJV

I believe that the very mistake that we as christians make in our idea of serving God is that we will ever be able to compensate Him for all He has done for us.  There is NO price that can be put on all that His love for His children has provided!  For once we entertain the idea that we need to compensate our Lord for His blessings, God ceases from being a God of love and mercy and simply becomes a God for hire.  So, why do we continue to tie the attitude of serving God into a mindset of our repaying God for His provision?  The scriptures are pretty clear, it is our Lords LOVE, MERCY AND COMPASSION for His children that is the reason for His provision.  I've seen nothing in scripture where God has asked for a financial repayment for any blessing He has provided to us.  So, this idea of serving God?  Well, I believe that the true idea of serving God is simply keeping our focus on Him.  We serve Him by recognizing all He has done and seeing Him as the very reason we live.  Our worship and reverence are our service to Him.

~Scott~

The Invisible Enemy

For he who has died has been freed from sin.  Now  if we died with Christ, we believe that we should also live with Him {Galations 2:20}, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more.  Death no longer has dominion over Him.  For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but tthe life that He lives, He lives to God.  Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6: 7-11 NKJV

I read a article today.  Well, I glanced at it actually before I found I disagreed with his premise alltogether.  I'm not  surprised, there are few modern authors out there who, I feel, can hit the nail on the head as far as the essence of manhood is concerned.  John Eldredge, Andrew Farley and Wayne Jacobsen come to mind immediately.  But this guy Neal Kennedy?  Never heard of him until now.  Mr. Kennedy was the individual who wrote the article which I perused for a short time.  The article "11 Ways For A Man To Keep Himself Pure" I believe missed the point on a key issue, our sin.  Now, I've touched on this topic from time to time in my previous writings, but todays article got me to thinking of this issue once again.  It is my belief that men today are suffering from three basic issues which are readily accessible pornography, the 1960's self independence movement and a lack of understanding as to who they are in Christ.
It's no big secret that we  men especially are more often than not to be the ones who will fall into the temptation of pornography.  Sure, women fall into this trap as well, but with men it has reached a epidemic.  In fact, Mr. Kennedy mentioned a condition which I was aware of but never knew had a official title.  That condition being Porn Induced Erectile Dysfunction (PIED).  This is of no surprise to me, as my generation and that which followed have suffered from the ready availability of pornography to the masses.  Make no mistake, this is a big money industry worldwide.  People talk of drug cartels and gangs but don't  mention the porn cartel industry.  It is just harmful, if not more, than other gangs in this country.  For with the click of a mouse, men can now access thousands of pornagraphic images and movies to feed their spiraling addictions.  "So what," critics will say, "It doesn't really hurt anyone!"  Huh?  If pornography does not hurt anyone, then why did someone go to the trouble of creating a disorder connected to it?  The truth of the matter is that pornography damages our perception of just what a Godly intimate relationship with another can be.  In fact, far from being intimacy at all, I find it to be simple selfishness, with our only goal being the fullfilment of our own selfish desires!
I have a saying i use when describing the seeming downfall of our morals in our modern society.  That saying being "It all began in the 60's."  I don't feel I'm too far off base in this observation either.  For the 1960's brought us free love, indiscriminate drug use and that movement called womens liberation.  I'm sure that there are more than a few in my generation who agree with this.  The scary thing is that the young hippies of the 1960's grew up to become the teachers and professors of todays public schools and universities.  I see this as a social revolution from within.  Don't like the way your kids are being taught in school?  That's the 1960's folks.  Of course, we've all heard the grumblings of the modern woman who complains that there are "No good men left."  Well, excuse me miss womens lib, but you're now reaping what your sisters before you sowed!  Men these days have been conditioned to be passive beyond all else.  There are more than a few womens rights leaders out there who see my gender as violent, selfish and abusive.  Of course, there are certainly men out there who display these traits, but they are a minority.  I find it truly offensive that men these days have been labled as such.  Where have all the good men gone?  Nowhere, we've just been reconditioned to be passive wimps for fear of offending some liberal womens rights activist!

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV

Here's a question for you einstein, how does one fight a enemy he's already defeated?  Did the allies fight the Germans and Japaneese twice in World War two?  Did Custer die twice at Little Big Horn?  NO!  Yet, looking at Romans 6 we see the apostle Paul telling us to "Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin."  Now wait a minute, if we who are in Christ Jesus are indeed dead to sin, then why do we engage in it?  Believe me, I've asked this very same thing myself.  The truth is, we ARE indeed now dead to sin but alive in Christ Jesus!  The truth which Paul refered to as the "Great mystery among the gentiles" is revealed to us in Galations 2:20.  We can be assured that we now live AS JESUS who is in us.  That being said, it is whatever we see, taste or experience now that we experience as Jesus Himself.  He is in us, He lives through us.  So, that pornography you're looking at when you think nobodys watching?  Well, Jesus is seeing it through your eyes!  Is this what we want to experience with Christ?  We can rest assured that we no longer live in sin, for sin is an enemy which has been wiped out by the death of Jesus Christ.  We are not sinners saved by grace, but a new creation in Jesus.  Our "Old man" being put to death and replaced with our new identity in Christ.  Why do we continue to fight a defeated enemy?

~Scott~

As Christ

In the begining was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the begining with God.  All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.  There was a man sent from God , whose name was John.  This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all through Him might believe.  He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light.  That was the true light which gives light to every man coming into the world.  He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.  He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.  But as many as received Him, to  them He gave the right to become chilfren of God, to those who believe in His name.
John 1: 1-12 NKJV

What is it to live "As Jesus?"  I didn't know too much of this concept until a dear friend of mine brought it  to my attention.  Oh, I've heard many a pulpit pounder make the claim that we all need to be more like Jesus, but to actually live as Jesus is a foreign concept to many a christian even today.  And so we continue to live in that belief that we are somehow living seperate from our Lord and savior.  Yes, he's there among us, but at a distance.  There is heaven and there is earth, Jesus just happens to be looking down upon us from His domain in heaven.  Of course, we have reason to trust in this as there is plenty of scripture which makes the claim that Jesus, upon His resurection, was received into heaven to be seated at the right hand of His Father.

As soon as it was day, the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, came together and led Him into their council saying, "If you are the Christ, tell us."  But He said to them, "If I tell you, you will by no means believe.  And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go.  Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of  God."  Then they all said to Him, "Are you then the Son of God?"  So He said to them, "You rightly say that I am."
Luke 22: 66-70 NKJV

It is interesting that the same belief that many harbor today was of the same path many held in Jesus' time.  How could a mere man be higher than all others?  In Luke 22, the Jewish leaders who questioned Jesus also refused to believe His claims.  It was these who would eventually lead Christ to His crucifiction.  It seems that today we christians have evolved from an attitude of reluctance to one of acceptance.  We see the prophesy and scriptures concerning Jesus, and many believe.  We do well to believe in Him, but is that enough?  Indeed, to believe in Him is key to the life that He now offers us.  A life lived THROUGH Him and AS Him.  This is where many well meaning christians lose their way.  For years of teachings have given us the belief that Jesus is in heaven, looking down on us in love, but seperate from us nonetheless.  This is where my new realization of Christ began.  For I knew the story, Jesus born of a virgin, crucified on a cross then in turn resurected and received into His Fathers presence.  But there's more to it than that, for God did not intend us to be seperated from our Lord.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV

The game changer for me came with the revelation of the truth of Galations 2:20.  It is this which the apostle Paul called the "Mystery among the gentiles" {Colossions 1:27}   It was indeed a mystery for me, as well as for others.  It is the this truth of Galations 2:20 that brings us to a closer, more personal relationship with Christ Jesus.  For myself, I always felt seperated from my savior, knowing that he was in heaven, but still distant from me here in the real world.  The calls from pastors for me to "Be more like Jesus" I viewed as more of a condemnation on myself, a goal I could never reach no matter how hard I tried, prayed or tithed.  However, as I've discovered, not only can I be more like Christ, but I indeed now live AS CHRIST.  For as Paul tells us, it is no longer I who live, but CHRIST LIVES IN  ME!  I now walk, see and live, as Christ who is in me.

~Scott~

Suffering For His Sake

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christs sufferings, that His glory is revealed you may also be glad with exceeding joy.  If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other peoples matters.  Yet if anyone suffers as a christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
1 Peter 4: 12-16 NKJV

It's one of the most common complaints I hear from believers.  Many a christian is tempted, forsaken and ridiculed by those who do not know Jesus.  I would suggest that this is common in our  interactions within a fallen world.  For where there are ungodly people, there will be ridicule for those who put their trust in Christ Jesus.  If this were not the case, then the apostle Paul would not have given us the warning found in 1 Peter 4.  Paul considers these persecutions as a "Fiery trial" in which we who trust in Jesus will partake.  We do well to remember in our hearts just how much Christ suffered in our place on His journey to the cross.  This He did for us.  I recall the very first time I saw the Mel Gibson film The Passion Of The Christ, and how shocked and hurt I was at the scenes depicting the scourging and crucifiction of Jesus.  Through this film, it was brought home to me.  I'd like to think that this was a major point of Mr. Gibson producing this film, to bring home the suffering of Christ.  Often as christians we treat the scourging and crucifiction of Jesus far too lightly.  This was His suffering which He endured, this was His shed blood!  As I watched this story unfold on the movie screen, my heart broke for Jesus!  For the first time, I bore witness to the punishment Christ endured on our behalf.  Make no mistake, Jesus did not deserve this torture.  For even the Roman official Pilate deemd Christ as "Innocent blood" as Jesus was brought before him by those who persecuted Him.  However, as Pilate sought to free the innocent Christ, the shouts for the crucifiction of Jesus grew louder!

Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mouurn, For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the poor in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5: 3-12 NKJV

It can be exceedingly difficult for we as christians to be joyful while those around us ridicule and persecute us for our beliefs.   Yet, this is exactly what Jesus called us to do in His sermon on the mount in Matthew 5.  Make no mistake about it, at this point in His life Jesus knew what His ultimate destiny was!  He knew His fate, yet he walked each day closer to that cross.  Why would Jesus endure such punishment at the hands of sinful men?   For one simple reason, you and I!  For without the selfless sacrafice of Jesus there can be no remision of sins, and no salvation.  This was the ultimate selfless act.  What the world sees as our empty worship and adoration of a prophet long ago dead, we see as happily rejoicing in the love Jesus bestowed on us while we were yet sinners.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.  In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4: 7-11 NKJV

We love Him because he first loved us.

~Scott~

A Fire Within

Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all of those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.  And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of thieves.'"
Matthew 21: 12-13 NKJV

Some people find it amusing while others find it apalling.  Our emotions of anger can be useful as well as destructive.  Personally, I've sometimes found it amusing to watch someone come unglued for no reason at all.  Did the person displaying their anger find it funny?  Probably not.  Of course, anger when used the wrong way can be extremely destructive.  From domestic violence to violent crime, the news is filled each day with those who are angry at one thing or another.  Like the rest of our emotions which God has given us, our anger can be used for good as well as evil.  Most of us are all too familiar with the wrong side of anger.  In the past week here in Portland, one perosn was killed by police in a domestic violence situation.  One other man was arrested after firing a AK-47 assault rifle at officers.  Again, yet another domestic violence situation.  My dad, once a deputy sheriff himself, would often say that domestic violence calls were the worst he and his fellow officers could be called to.  All too often, the very person they were there to help would turn against them as they tried to arrest the other party.  Of course, law enforcement in our communities see the wrong side of anger in people each day.  The wrong side of anger on full display.  Now, you may ask yourself, is there a "right" side to our emotion of anger?  Well, Matthew 21 we see what many have refered to as Jesus' "Righteous" anger at the money changers in the temple of God.  Was Jesus' first reaction to overturn the tables of these scoundrels?  Did He first consider relating to them some kind of parable, as He so often did, to teach them the error of their ways?  We can only speculate on this point, for scriptures only tell us that He went into the temple to throw out the money changers.

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
James 1: 19-20 NKJV

Did Jesus' wrath in the temple produce the righteousness of God?  Whatever His intentions were, I'd say that He got His message across.  One might ask, was Jesus' anger at the money changers right or wrong?  Well, first one would need to fully understand just what these men were doing in Gods temple.  See, the money changers were just that, exchanging currency for the purchase of "clean" animals for sacrafices to be offered by the people of Isreal.  Keep in mind that the law required a sacrafice to be a "unblemished" animal for a sacrafice.  Yet another law requirement to be followed by the people.  So, in essence Jesus was right, these men had turned His Fathers house into a den of thieves with their little side business.  This is why I see Jesus' actions here as righteous anger.  In essence, anger with a cause.  For Jesus did not seek to harm anyone, only to protect the sanctity of His Fathers temple.  There could be no more righteous cause than that.  So what of that anager which we see each and every day?  The anger which we ourselves may engage in?  Whether or not we see our anger as justified or not, it is not for us to judge.  I'll put another idea out there, when we allow our anger to burn against another person, are we not judging that person?  I'm sure we all know the teaching of Jesus in the sermon on the mount concerning judging others.

"Judge not, that you be not judged.  For  with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.  And why do  you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, 'let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?  Hypocrite!  First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Matthew 7: 1-5 NKJV

So, how can I be angry at someone when I have my own issues to deal with?  As Jesus put it, I should first deal with my own back yard before telling someone they should mow theirs!  Sound familiar?  Are we angry at that person who cuts us off in traffic?  Well, how's my own driving?  Are we angry at someone for the way they treat us?  How do we ourselves treat those around us?  Remove that plank, then we will see clearly enough to help others.  I recently found myself harboring some pretty angry thoughts against a good friend of mine.  Now, I consider this man to be a close brother to me.   Of course, my own pride has also played a part in this situation.  My anger at my friend has, in my mind, made him into a fallen sinner due to his behaviors.  However, not once did I turn my gaze unto myself to see just what issues I was dealing with.  I was that hypocrite Jesus spoke of.  How do we handle our anger?  I believe we can find a good start in James 1.  As James tells us, we should be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath.  For in this we will simply listen, not speak out of anger.

~Anger is a weapon only to ones opponent~

~Scott~

Stake Your Claim

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"
Matthew 7: 7-11 NKJV

There was a craze among christianity a few years back which almost seemed to me to demand our Lords blessing.  This "Name it and claim it" attitude seemed to permeate more than a few congregations, often encouraged by pastoral staff.  The basis of this belief was that one would pray to God, seeking a blessing of one sort or another.  It was thought that such bold confidence would somehow drive God to produce what we ask Him for.  Of course, this required a certain unwavering faith on our part.  For how could God provide what we've asked for if we do not believe that He can?  I've heard of people, christians, asking God for  everything from new cars to healing of illnesses.  The trouble is, if the blessing requested did not materialize, said person would immediately feel as if God was displeased or somehow withholding His provision until  they produced "Just enough" faith to push Him into action.  Does this not seem arrogant to anyone but me?  Does our Lord put requirements on His blessings?   From my experience He either allows blessing or does not.   However, one thing that is undeniable is that God DOES provide for our basic needs.  One scripture that I've seen used more often than not in the name it and claim it game is found in Matthew 7.  Here, in Jesus' sermon on the mount, Christ assures those listening that God would indeed provide for their daily needs.

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?  Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?  So  why do  you worry about clothing?  Consider the lillies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  Therefore do not worry, saying, 'what shall we eat?' or 'what shall we drink?' or 'what shall we wear?'  For after all these things the Gentiles seek.  For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things."
Matthew 6: 26-32 NKJV

I'm curious if our Lord has ever promised to make us wealthy?  Not that I can tell.  No, but He does promise to provide for our basic needs.  For as Jesus tells us "For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things."  So, why do we struggle continually with bringing requests for wealth before our Lord?  Is this not our own desires?  Believe it or not, whether we find ourselves rich or poor, God still provides for our needs.  That does not change.  What does change is our own minds when it comes to our requests of God.  One day it might be a better job, the next it may be a fancy new car.  Would we shock ourselves if we asked God, just once for something within His will?  How about asking God to reveal His Son in us?  How about asking Him how we might bless others with our surplus?

Where do wars and fights come from among you?  Do they not come form your desires for pleasure that war in your members?  You lust and do not have.  You mmurder and covet and cannot obtain.  You fight and war.  Yet you not have because you do not ask.  You ask  and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
James 4: 1-3 NKJV

Here, in James 4, James gives us a answer as to why our requests for blessing may not  have been answered to our satisfaction.  For as James warns us "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures."  Is asking for that new car asking amiss?  I'd have to say so.  Now, that's not to say it's wrong to ask God to provide a replacement vehicle to replace one that is needed.  THAT is not asking amiss.  I would suggest that before we approach God with our wish list, perhaps we should ask Him just what He wants to accomplish through us.

Big Jim was no ones fool he owned the towns only diamond mine
He made his usual entrance looking so dandy and so fine
With His bodyguards and silver cane and every hair in place
He took whatever he wanted to and he laid it all to waste
~Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts~ Bob Dylan


~Scott~

More Valuable Than These

For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would  even dare to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5: 6-8 NKJV

O how many times I've felt the shame of condemnation.  I wasn't good enough.  I couldn't measure up.  I'd  never amount to much.  On and on it went.  Of course, this in turn fed many a feelings of low self esteem.  I would bet, however, that I was not the only one who had these feelings of personal destruction.  Many people have had these issues of self worth, often influenced by their experiences and surroundings.  Now, contrary to popular belief, this does not make them lower than a snakes belly!  One truth I have learned through my many battles is that my feelings about myself DO NOT actually determine how others see me.  But just where do these feelings of low self esteem come from?  And are these feelings a accurate description of who we really are?  For the most part, most of my low opinions of myself revolved around how I BELIEVED others saw me.  Of course, those around me more than likely didn't feel the way I thought they did, but that's exactly how I felt.  Yes, I know there are others out there who have been down that very same road, and it's my hope that this offers them encouragement that these are ultimately false beliefs.  Do you see yourself as a sinner?  Well, in Romans 5 the apostle Paul tells us that despite all of this, our Lord loved us enough to send His Son to die for us!  Still have low self esteem after realizing this truth?  Ok, now ask yourself, just who are you?  Who resides within you?  Is it not Jesus Himself?

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is NO LONGER I WHO LIVE, BUT CHRIST LIVES IN ME; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV

If indeed Christ is within us, how can we dare have feelings of low self worth?  Are we not now intimately connected with Christ?  For when we believe the lie that we are not worth much, we are in effect saying that Jesus is not worth much also.  We are now connected, we now live AS CHRIST who is within us.  I highly doubt that our Jesus, Lord of the universe, would ever feel inferior to anyone or anything.  And so it is with us.  I will also toss yet another log on the fire here by suggesting that it is arrogant of us to even assume that we are truly independent enough to hold onto such feelings o flow self esteem.  Are we truly independent?   Did God not create each of us?  How independent can that be?  Of course, the only one who can be  truly independent is Him who was there from the begining.  I'm sure most of know that answer.

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  But rather fear Him who is able to destroy bith soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold fr a copper coin?  And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Fathers will.  But the very hairs of your head are numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10: 28-31 NKJV

There is no guarantee that we will not have feelings of low self worth from time to time, but we do well to realize that which Paul called the "Mystery among the gentiles."  That mystery is our truth, which is Jesus Christ in us.


~Scott~

Him We Preach

For with the mouth one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the scripture says, "Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame."  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.  For "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."  How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?  And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach unless they are sent?  As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!"  But they have not all obeyed the gospel.  For Isaiah says, "LORD, who has believed our report?"  So then faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10: 10-16 NKJV

There is a scripture tucked away inside the book of Romans.  This passage holds the promise that "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."  I used to believe that all I  needed to do to be saved from the certain death of hell was to believe that Jesus died on the cross for me.  My mother never lost an opportunity to let me know that God loved me.  In this I am fortunate.  From a young age my heart was guided to the truth of the Lord.  However, what of those today who are lost?  What of those who have not received the truth which I have within my heart?  Is their fate now sealed?

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
John 3: 16-17 NKJV

Most everyone knows the scripture of john 3:16 by heart, for they have seen it displayed everywhere from rallies to sporting events.  Those wishing to spread our Lords gospel are fond of this very passage.  To me, most people miss one more truth of this passage, which occurs in verse 17.  Yes, our Lord did send His only Son into the world to become our very sin, out of His love for us.  This He did "That the world through Him might be saved."  It was not Gods intention to leave anyone behind, but that all would have the opportunity to receive the gospel of His son.  So what of those who, unlike myself, have never even heard of the gospel of Christ?  Sure, they know of Jesus, but do they know His truth?  Jesus is a very recognized name, and almost everyone knows His historical value, but He is so much more than that!  Jesus is much more than good versus evil.  Jesus is much more than heaven and hell.  For it is Jesus who became sin FOR US on the cross, taking the penalty upon  Himself that we so rightly deserved.

The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.  To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of Glory.  Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Colossions 1: 26-28 NKJV

It is the apostle Paul who refered to this truth of Jesus as "This mystery among the gentiles."  I can attest that it is indeed a mystery, for despite my knowing Jesus from a young age, I did not discover this truth until later in life.  I'm sure those in Pauls day thought of it as a mystery as I once did.  So, what of those who have not known of this mystery?  As Paul claims in Colossions 1, "HIM WE PREACH!"  Paul did not make the claim that "Him I preach."  It is in Romans 10 that Paul gives encouragement to we who would bring the gospel of Jesus unto others.  I like to refer to this passage in Romans 10 as "If not me, then who?"  For if indeed all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved, who will teach them the name of the Lord?  If whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame, who will show them this man Jesus who we know?  For we who know Jesus have a unique opportunity before us, revealing this "Mystery among the gentiles" to those who will listen.  To each man we give hope.  To each we reveal that what was laid upon our hearts.  Him we preach!

~Scott~

Hidden In Plain Sight

Preach the word!  Be ready inseason and out of season.  Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

2 Timothy 4:  2-4 NKJV 

I found myself listening to a popular radio pulpit pounder the other day.  I wouuld have to admit that I agreed with a part of his message, but I also saw the flaws.  Oh, it was indeed a good message about managing our finances, and who doesn't need that?  However, the entire last part of his speech was a continuous diatribe of how as "Good christians" we should be giving healthily to the whatever church we are affiliated with.  It was at this point that I turned my radio off, disgusted by yet another church money grab.  The message begins innocently enough, telling the audience just how much our Lord has blessed us, and continues to bless us yet today.  Yet, it is here where the narrative takes a viscious turn.  For if God indeed blesses His children, which He does, then He MUST be looking for a payback, right?  Imagine, if you will, that our Lord God is sitting in heaven with a ledger marking down each and every blessing He bestows and at the very same time balancing it with just how much we give Him in return!  Does this sound like a generous, loving God?  Well, that is the message from some in the church these days.  To hear these guys talk, you would never get the impression that our Lord enjoys blessing His children.  Of course, this is not a new teaching, far from it.  For in 2 Timothy 4, the apostle Paul has a warning for his young apprentice Timothy of the false teachings that would come to light in the early church.  Paul knew the truth of the gospel of Christ, and he was exorting Timothy to be on guard against those who would pervert this message.  

"However, the Most High does not dwelll in temples made with hands, as tthe prophet says:  ''Heaven is my throne, And the earth is my footstool.  What house will you build for me?  says the LORD, or what is the place of my rest?  Has my hand not made all these things?'

Acts 7: 48-49 NKJV 

I find it interesting that the very same warning that Paul gave to young Timothy remains true today.  Many times it is not those from outside the church who we must beware of, but those within the walls of the congregation.  Of course, one of the biggest litmus tests of the truth to the gospel of Jesus is Gods holy word.  For the scripture tells us that God is love.  Would anything not exhibiting the love of Christ be considered a false teaching?  Whatever the message, we can be assured that it is our loving God who sent His Son to be sin in our place so that we would be free from the sin that plagued us.  I do not recall seeing anything in scripture where God seeks repayment for His act of selfless love.

~Scott~ 

Objection

"Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated?  But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adultries, fornications,  thefts, false witness, blasohemies.  These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.
Matthew 15: 17-20 NKJV

Common knowledge and courtesy tells us that to argue religion or politics is to get one in a bad situation.  For are there not sure to be hurt feelings in such situations?  Somewhere along the line, someone is going to be offended.  Someone will eventually take offense to something we say or do.  Here lies our issue within our  own personal relationships, especially with those who are in Christ who supposedly should know better.  Is it the fault of him who speaks the offense, or the perception of the one who hears the words?   For many people have surely been taken out of context by those who perceived a offense when none was meant.  It is certainly well known that the Jewish Pharisees continually took offense to Jesus.  His miracles and claims to be the Son of God certainly did not endear Him to these Jewish authorities.  Now, was Jesus a wicked man?  Yet, at times His very words offended many.  Was it Jesus' intent to offend others?  No, He simply proclaimed the truth.  However, as is usually the case, our Lord Jesus provides us a lesson through His teaching.  In Matthew 15, Jesus proclaims that it is indeed what comes out of the mouths of men that defiles them.  Although this may be true, is it always the case?   Are all of our words meant for evil?  Even the most wicked among us may have encouraging words at times.

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh.  Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5: 16-17 NKJV

In regards to the hurtful words of those around us, we realize that it is not of Christ that others offer words that hurt us.  No, for although our own hurtful words come from within, we recognize the Holy Spirit within us does not make a habit of hurting others.  In 2 Corinthians 5, the apostle Paul gives us  some pretty sound advice for such occasions.  As Paul tells it, we are to not regard anyone according to the flesh.  For as Jesus was once known in the flesh, we regard Him that way no longer.  What I take away from this passage is that it is our flesh within us which seeks its own desires.  It is also that flesh within us that will at times seek our own intersts over those of others.  Therefore, hurtful words may be produced by our flesh from time to time.  Of course, it is Pauls intention to not regard anyone according to their flesh, which seeks selfish desires and not Christ.  So, how are we then to regard those among us whose words often bring bad feelings?

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

So, are we still looking for a scapegoat?  Someone to blame for the harsh words of others?  Obviously the blame must be placed somewhere, right?  Ok, well let us refer to the apostle Paul once again.  In Ephesians 6:12 Paul lays out just who our enemies truly are.  For this is not a battle with those around us, but with those in the spiritual realm.  We cannot see this conflict, but we are certainly aware of its presence and ferocity.  As Paul tells us, THIS is ultimately what we war against.  THIS is that cause of hurtful words and hurt feelings among us.  For if we no longer regard anyone according to the flesh, then we must regard those around us according to Christ.  Created in our Lords very image, we no longer resemble  that flesh which contains our spirit.

~Scott~

Single In Christ

But I want you to be without care.  He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord - how he may please the Lord.  But he who is married cares about the things of the world - how he may please his wife.  There is a difference between a wife and a virgin.  The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both both in body and in spirit.  But she who is married cares about the  things of the world - how she may please her husband.   And this I say for  your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.
1 Corinthians 7: 32-35 NKJV

I take alot of flak from my married friends who tell me that I don't know just how fortunate I am to be single.  Usually, my first reaction is to take a look at their lives and see just where they are on their path.  Are they really that bad off?  They have another to share their life with.  Yes, along with that comes the usual life struggles, but I believe that this is all part of our Lords plan for when he brings two people together.  For the most part, the very same struggles that I  carry are also carried by these freinds of mine with the exception being that they must share and experience them with someone else.  If it is this that makes me lucky or fortunate, then so be it.   Personally, I cannot see too much of a difference in the lives of myself and my married friends except for the fact that they share their life with someone else.  Now, in 1 Corinthians 7, the apostle Paul had a different take on this situation.  I rarely have a argument with this venerable old apostle, but here I may take issue.  As Paul tells it those who are married care for the things of the world, while we who remain single care for things of the Lord.  Really, Paul?  While I am grateful for your compliment of me by saying that I care of the things of the Lord, I may tend to disagree with you just a bit.  For I know more than a few Godly christian married men who care deeply for the things of the Lord.

I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress - that it is good for a man to remain as he is:  Are you bound to a wife?  Do not seek to be loosed.  Are you loosed from a wife?  Do not seek a wife.  But then if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned.  Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.
1 Corinthians 7: 26-28 NKJV

Thanks again Paul!  Now, I would mention here that our dear friend Paul was never married, so his opinion may have been skewed just a bit.  However, at the same time I can understand his teaching here.  His warnings to those who marry to not lose their focus on the things of God are well taken.  However, as I've said, I am aware of many Godly marriages that have not lost sight of the things of the Lord.  It is here where I see a contradiction in Pauls warning.  Now, our flesh is a funny thing within us.  For even the most Godly among us deal with their flesh on a daily basis.  For it is a very Godly person who will keep his flesh in submission to Christ. There are many married, Godly people among us who serve our Lord without distraction.  So, where does that leave me, Paul?  I have a Godly heart.  I am not married, but at times I still worry over the things of this world.  I thought our man Paul claimed that this was just for those married people among us?  Point taken, Paul.

And the LORD God caused a dep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.  Then the rib which tthe LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman,  and He brought her to the man.  And Adam said:  "This is  now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called woman, Because she was taken out of man."  Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Genesis 2: 21-24 NKJBV

I find it interesting that the definition of the word woman is "From man," which is exactly what our Lord did as He created her.  For from within the body of Adam came a "Helper" compable to him.  Another thing that I also find interesting for this discussion is that our institution of marriage is not from God, but a man made tradition.  Simply put, a ceremony to satisfy not only ourselves, but those around us, that two people have been joined together.  I get it, we need something to solidify our own belief that God has brought two people together.  However, our Lord needs no such confirmation.  So, in regards to this institution of marriage, who's desires are we following?  Yes, we may love and cherish our wife/spouse, but do we really need a ceremony to solidify this?  It is not God, but society that views the union between a man and a woman this way.
In defense of my being single and unmarried, my desire still remains to seek the things of my Lord God.  Yes, there will be distractions that will challange me, but these are the very same distractions faced by those I know who are married.  I think that I will challange Pauls belief that I should remain as I am.  For despite this dissention, I remain in Christ.

~Scott~

Sinless

Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.  For he who has died has been freed from sin.  Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.  Knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more,  Death no longer has dominion  over Him.  For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God.  You also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to  sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6: 6-11 NKJV

There's an old saying we often use to describe our current life with Jesus.  That saying is that we are simply "Sinners saved by grace."  Granted, it is through the love and grace of our heavenly Father that He in fact sent His Son to become sin for us, but I believe that we do a disservice to Jesus by claiming that we are indeed yet still sinners.  For if this were still true, would it not invalidate the finished work of Christ on the cross?  Did not Jesus give His life to take on our sins so that we might be forgiven our iniquities?  How then can we then say that, after all that He went through on our behalf, that we still carry that sin label?  To make such a claim lays waste to all Jesus accomplished at the cross.  Instead, can we agree that we today are not simply sinners saved by grace, but a brand new creation in Christ?  Of course, this might fly in the face of some modern church teachings.  In Romans 6, the apostle Paul makes  his case as to just what our identity is now.  It is through the finished work of Christ "That our old man was crucifed with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with."  Notice that Pauls mention of sin in these passages proclaims our sin as "Dead."

What shall we say then?  Shall we continue to sin that grace may abounnd?  Certainly not!  How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Romans 6: 1-2 NKJV

I  challange any pulpit pounder to read Romans 6: 1-2 to me and then tell me that I yet remain a sinner saved by grace!  For if we have died with Christ, and Jesus became sin in our place on that cross, how are we yet still sinners?  Excuse me, Mr. Jesus, but thank you for bearing my sins that I should be white as snow, but I believe I'm still a sinner!  Tell me, what is that saying about the sacrafice of Jesus?  If we are indeed sinners saved by grace, then the suffering and death of our Lord was in vain.  However, we today may stand steadfast in our proclaiming that our sins no longer define us!

"I have been crucified with Christ; It  is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV

Now, if we needed any more convincing of our status in Jesus, Paul goes on in Galations 2:20 to reveal what is  our true identity.  Paul does not take this opportunity in Galations to hammer home the point that we are sinners saved by grace.  No, he reveals that instead of being yet lost in our own sins, we now enjoy sharing our very lives with Jesus.  Our sins are washed away, and what remains is a new creation born of the death of Christ.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

If indeed we are in Christ Jesus, those old things, those old sins have passed away, they're DEAD!  That's exactly what the words "Passed away" mean...the old things have passed away.   What's left is our brand new creation of Christ Jesus within us, THAT is what now defines us.

~Scott~