Come And See

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  Then He said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."  They immediately left their nets and followed him.  Going on from there, He saw two other brothers James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets.  He called to them, and immediately they left their boat and their father, and followed Him.

Matthew 4: 18-22 NKJV 

What was it about Jesus that would draw four fishermen to drop what they were doing and follow Him?  These four men who made their living on the sea had never met Jesus, although they may have heard whispers of Him in the countryside.  And yet, without even knowing who this Jesus was, these four men dropped everything and followed Him.  All Jesus had to say was, "Follow me."  Of course, these were just four out of the twelve men whom Jesus would gather unto Himself to share life with Him and learn from the Messiah that they might later preach His gospel.  I am of the opinion that the fates of these twelve men were decided long before they were born.  For even before time began, our heavenly Father had carefully orchestrated a great act of redemption for His children.  It is the same invitation which Jesus must have given to those he encountered who were indeed curious about He who had done great things in Gods name, "Come and see."  Indeed, this is the same invitation which Christ Jesus gives to we today who have not taken that all important step to open their hearts to Him, "Come and see."  There are many who are curious about this son of a Jewish carpenter, curious enough to inquire as to just what He is all about.  What will we tell those who ask who this Jesus is?  

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.  When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some doubted.  And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  Amen.

Matthew 28: 16-20 NKJV 

This "Great commision" which Christ gave unto His disciples after His resurection is often used by those in the church as a example that we are to make diehard modern day disciples of Jesus.  Few realize that one of the definitions of the word disciple is "Follower."  In fact, I would suggest that Jesus would have us make followers of Him through all the nations...the great commision.  Yet we often struggle with just how to do this.  Do we create a multi million dollar ministry empire in order to bring the gospel of Christ to all the nations?  Do we drill into christians that it is our God given duty to create followers of Jesus?  Do we simply approach others around us with the very same invitation which Jesus Himself gave, come and see.  Not that there is anything misguided about traveling the world to preach the truth of Christ Jesus, but what do we tell those who are indeed curious about the Son of God?  I believe it is not a lecture or a sermon, but an invitation.  Come and see.  Come and see Him who calmed the waves.  Come and see Him who, while we were yet sinners, became sin on our behalf that we might be saved.  Come and see the one who loved us despite our sin condition that He would give Himself as a sin offering.  I for one have often struggled when faced with the opportunity of telling others about Jesus.  It seems it is easier for me to write about Him than to talk about Jesus.  Either way, my answer is almost always the same when someone is curious enough to ask me why it is that I follow this Jesus.  Come and see.  

~Scott~ 

~Come and see, Clavius~ 

Bringing Men To Jesus

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the scripture says, "Whoever believes on 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 shall 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.  ForIsaiah says, "LORD, who has believed our report?"  So then faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 10:10 - 17 NKJV 

There was once a mighty movement in this country.  This movement stretched from shore to shore and often involved thousands of men reaching out to God.  There was also a time, so it seems, that this movement excited me that so many christian men would gather to celebrate our heavenly Father.  However, like most movements, this one fizzled out after awhile.  For awhile, the Promise Keepers mens conference movement seemed to energize a good number of christian men.  What was truly exciting about these conferences was the diversity of those who attended.  Fathers came with their sons.  Best friends came together.  Office and factory workers brought their coworkers and bosses.  Students brought friends and teachers.  Many heeded the very same call which Christ Jesus Himself had given to several fishermen He encountered in Galilee, "Come and see."  For one weekend, thousands of men would gather to be in the presence of their brothers in Christ and to be uplifted with the gospel of Christ Jesus.  I personally remember attending two of these gatherings.  What struck me most about the conferences I attended were the altar calls for men in spiritual need to come forward to give their lives to Christ.  At the time, it seemed like we were really on to something.  Many, including myself, had visions of a spiritual revival in our nation.  So what happened to this movement which seemed to have so much promise?  Well, in many respects the issues which seemed to have doomed the promise keepers movement are the same issues still facing mens ministry today.  

"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 

I have recently had the honor of learning and assisting my friend Dennis in that ministry which Christ Jesus has placed upon his heart.  To say that Dennis has a heart for reaching men with the truth of Jesus is a understatement.  For in the process of participating in his organization, I have come to grow in Christ Jesus myself.  It is also through my service to Dennis and his ministry that I have come to realize the shortcomings of the mens conference movement.  Traditionaly, we men have not been known to be very involved in reaching out to other guys with the gospel of Jesus.  Yes, I speak for myself as well.  Now, to gather with other guys and talk of sports and hunting, that we can do!  A conference atmosphere where a man is asked to sit through numerous teaching "sessions" simply is not the way to reach out to christian or non christian men.  However, if someone were to come up with a hunting trip oriented around the teaching of the truth of Christ, I believe it may just be successful.  We know that the disciples of Jesus were not made to sit through hours of teaching sessions.  No, these men did guy stuff, they traveled and shared life together with God in the flesh.  Some were fisherman, and they indeed fished with Jesus.  Of course, Jesus also took each and every opportunity to teach His disciples what He wanted them to experience.  After all, these men were the ones who would be the preachers of the early gospel of peace.  So, what is it that we can learn from the Promise Keepers movement in our continuing effort to reach men for Christ Jesus?  Well, I hate to say it, but we need above all to keep those who we are called to reach out to interested in the message we bring.  In this arena there is no room for the communion, offering and fire and brimstone sermons of the traditional church service.  The fact that most men attend church in deference to their wives should give us a clue as to where we must be headed.  By engaging men in their environment I believe that we can reach those who would not hear the truth of Jesus which we find in Galations 2:20.  May we take this message to the hunting blinds, the football games and the auto repair shops.  It's here where men typicaly gather.

~Scott~ 

~Learning and growing in the presence of the pastor~

The Body Of The Bride

For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the savior of the body.  Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let wives 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 ant 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.  For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.  "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."
Ephesians 5: 23 - 31 NKJV

I would pose one question to those who are married out there.  How is it that you view your mate?  Whether you've been married for years or for a short time, how is it that you see that person whom you promised till death do you part?  As of yet, I have not had that experience of taking a wife, but I hold out hope in Gods timing.  I have, however, been very blessed to have a few christian brothers in my life who have managed to defy the odds with many years of marital relationship.  My friend Dennis, for example, recently celebrated fifty years with his lovely wife Shirley.  From this man I have received one of the most important peice of advice every single person should hear.  For when I asked Dennis just what the secret to a long marriage was his answer was short and to the point.  He simply told me, "In our day, divorce was not an option."  Brilliant!  Definately words of wisdom.  However, I digress.  The very reason I posed the question of how one views their mate was to illustrate one of the important truths of Christ Jesus.  In Ephesians 5, the apostle Paul tells us that husbands "Ought to love their won wives as their own bodies."  How deep of affection is that?  I can only imagine the quality of marriages in our country if only more people clung to this belief.  However sound advice Pauls advice was, I believe there was a reason for this teaching.  For it is also in Ephesians that Paul lays out the case for the followers of Christ Jesus being "Members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones."

"Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Isreal and with the house of Judah - "Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD.  "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Isreal after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."
Jeremiah 31: 31 - 33 NKJV

So, what is with these references in scripture of our Heavenly Father being a "Husband" to the Isrealites and we being as the body of Christ Jesus?  Well, most of this may be discussed in another page after a few conversations with a dear pastor friend of mine.  However, it is my opinion that it is these references which represent the close relationship we are to have with our heavenly Father and with Christ.  For it is also in Ephesians where Jesus is told as the head of the church and the savior of the body.  We should also be aware that the church is known in scripture as the body of Christ Jesus, and He ultimately gave Himself for her.

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.  For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and all have been made to drink into one Spirit.  For in fact the body is not one member but many.
1 Corinthians 12: 12 - 14 NKJV

So, if we are to hold fast to our belief in Gods word, we who have accepted Christ Jesus are all one member of His body.  For as Paul tells us, we are all members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.  For it is Jesus who nourishes and cherishes His body.  And it is Jesus who is the savior of that body.

~Scott~

Family Ties

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!  Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.  Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.  And everyone who has this hope in Him, purifies himself just as He is pure.
1 John 3: 1-3 NKJV

Family has always been a big thing in our society.  In fact, in many other parts of the world, family in THE thing.  For ones family can decide not only their characteristics, DNA and behaviors, but also their wealth and whom they will take as a mate.  Family relationships can be both endearing or troubling.  A old friend of mine once had a joke about family visits.  He would smile and say that family are like fish, they go bad after a few days.  In other words, feel free to visit, just don't get too overly comfortable in your stay.  Now, I would never advocate such treatment of inlaws,but one must understand that my friend never had a good relationship with his parents.  That being said, it's certainly true that most of our formative years are spent in the presence of our families.  It is through these relationships where we ourselves learn about healthy relationships.  Our families are also our source of well being in our younger years.  For when we were afraid, hungry or in need, did we not go right to our parents for security?  Indeed, family can be a strong influence.  Coming from a single parent home, I also learned that family can also be a source of pain and sorrow for some.  One of the most difficult things for me to accept has been the habit of some to refer to our heavenly Father as "Daddy."  Of course, I now realize that however difficult it was for me to accept this practice, it was based on truth.

For as many are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.  For you did not receive the spirt of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Romans 8: 14-17 NKJV

What is this truth of "Daddy" God?  Well, we are told more than a few times in scripture that we who have accepted Christ Jesus are indeed children of God.  And not only that, but the apostle Paul tells us in Romans eight that if we are indeed children of God, then we also share a divine joint inheritance with Christ Jesus.  For we are now joint heirs of our heavenly Father with Christ Jesus.  I've never had much difficulty understanding the Sonship of Christ Jesus to our heavenly Father, this is pretty much a no brainer.  Where I got tripped up was in the realization that I myself am a heir to heaven with Jesus.  Indeed, this was a position which I felt was only reserved for Jesus.  One can see now just how much difficulty I happened upon upon hearing others refer to God as Daddy.  However, I'm sure that I was not alone in feeling this way.  Yet, I also now realize that beautiful truth that I now possess in my heart, that I have a inheritance with my Father in heaven.  And as far as family goes, our heavenly Fathers family is one of love.  A love which God showered upon us to ensure our salvation while we were still sinners {Romans 5:8}.  THIS is our family heritage.

~Scott~

Gods Leading

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.  But he who enters by the door is the shpehred of the sheep.  To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.  Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."  Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the words He spoke to them.  Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.  All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.  I am the door.  If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.  The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.  I am the Good Shepherd.  The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep."
John 10: 1-11 NKJV

Much has been preached and written about how we as christians are to follow our heavenly Fathers leading.  For if we are to make a habit of doing this, then each and every decision we make will follow into His perfect will for our lives.  However, there is often confusion as to where to turn for Gods voice.  In my own experience, I have often waited for that discreet, whispered leading of my own conscience.  As one might expect, I more often than not ended up waiting a LONG time for Gods answer.  Of course, in our microwave speed society, this does not work ou too well for many a christian.  How can we go before God with a demand of, "Lord, I need a answer NOW!"  Of course, it is a wise person indeed who realizes that our Lords timing has nothing to do with our own.  For with God one day may well be a thousand years {2 Peter 3:8}.  Knowing this, can we assume honestly assume that our Lord will heed our instant call to action and do as we request of Him?  It is indeed a arrogant christian who will hold fast to this belief.  Taking this approach, our situation changes the focus from He...to me.  It is my humble opinion that all too often we end up waiting for our Lords whispered response until such time when our focus returns to Him and not ourselves.  I can't really blame too many people for taking this approach, we're living in the "Me" generation after all.  Far too many peoples conversations are laced with "I" and "Me" as the primary importance.  Well, news flash people, we're not the only humans on the planet.  Then again , when each of us faces their own mountains before us, it is very much a personal matter.

"But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.  "The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.  "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.  "As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.  "And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd."
John 10: 12-16 NKJV

Is there a special approach one needs take in order to bring our requests to God?  No, for through Christ Jesus we now have a advocate to our heavenly Father.  Through Christ Jesus, we are granted the right to dwell in our Lords presence.  Also, through Christ we have a devine inheritance and have received the right to be forever known as children of God {John 1:12}.  And so, as children of our heavenly Father, we now have access to bring our very requests unto our Lord.  Make no mistake, when the time comes when we bring our requests unto God, He does not file them away to be dealt with later.  For our heavenly Father loves His children dearly, and placing their wants, desires and needs on the back burner would not show His love toward us.  Therefore, I believe that whenever the time comes when we are left waiting for our Lords response I can only give one peice of well earned advice...keep waiting.  For it is in His own perfect timing that our heavenly Father will reveal His plans to us.  There have been plenty of times in my own life where this advice would have been well served instead of jumping the gun and doing things on my own.  I am not shy nor embarassed to admit that my timing sucks and Gods is better.  For this must indeed be our focus whenever we bring our requests to God.  It is not me, but He.  Knowing this, we can be at peace knowing that the creator of all the universe, to who we are now divinely related, has our best interests at heart.

~Scott~

In The Footsteps Of Jesus

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 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: 6-11 NKJV

It's been pretty popular in the church for some time now that we should stive to "Be more like Jesus."  I'm guessing that the reason for this teaching is to get people to strive to be more holy in their sinful lives?  For indeed we are indeed sinners saved by our heavenly Fathers grace.  Is it not true that God cannot stand sin?  Obviously His children need to continually come before His throne of grace in order to seek His grace and forgiveness.  It is this merry go round that many a christian has been stuck on for generations.  I was there once as well.  Hearing that mantra each Sunday from the pulpit pounder that I was yet a sinner who needed to strive to seek my Lords forgiveness often left me with a heavy heart.  Instead of being uplited and encouraged, I often left church feeling the weight of the sin which they said I still carried.  One turning point for me came during a Easter Sunday service, where the pastor gloriously announced that Christ Jesus had indeed died to free us from our sins.  What?  Was this the same guy who just a few weeks earlier had browbeat me for still being a "Sinner saved by grace?"  What had happened in two weeks to change this reality?  Indeed, why would I continue to come before my heavenly Father seeking forgiveness for something that did not exist?  Although it was far from a epiphany for me, it started me to thinking of this part of the church teaching.

"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

I mentioned the forgiveness merry go round that many christians seem to be stuck on.  If you consider what it is we as christians  are being asked to do and compare that with the truth of Christ Jesus, we will begin to understand the error of this way of thinking.  Don't feel bad if you do not grasp this right away.  You are not unholy or lack knowledge, like me this truth simply has not been revealed unto you until now.  In fact, it is this very truth Of Jesus which the apostle Paul refered to as the "Mystery among the Gentiles."

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.  To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
Colossions 1: 26-28 NKJV

Well, if Paul indeed had refered to this truth of Jesus as a mystery, I'm assuming that those in his day had as much difficulty accepting it as we do.  Who could blame us?  For this is what we have been raised to believe.  Now, to lay yet another truth on you I'll present to you that which was revealed to me in that Easter Sunday sermon so long ago.  Indeed, if Christ Jesus became sin in our place {2 Corinthians 5:21}, in order to cleanse us from our sins past, present, and future, what is the need for us to continue to come before our heavenly Father to confess our transgressions?  What transgressions do we continue to carry?  Did Jesus make a mistake and only wash away part of our sins?  The logical answer would be that the sacrafice of Christ Jesus eliminated any and all sin from our once sinful lives, period!  Of course, this is only part of the glorious truth of Christ.  Yes, our sins are indeed forgiven, but what of the sin nature which were born into?  It is my belief that this is where the hangup over the truth of Jesus begins.  For not only did the death of Jesus wash away our sins, but our "Old man," our old sin nature was also put to death with Him.  For indeed if our old nature had not been eliminated, it would still need to be dealt with.  However, through the love and mercy of our heavenly Father, we who have accepted Jesus today walk AS Jesus {Galations 2:20}.  There is no need for us to "Be more like Jesus," for we already live today AS Christ Jesus who is within us.  Whatever we feel, sense and experience, we do as Jesus.  How glorious the freedom to know that we are alive in Him!

~Scott~

My Case For Donald Trump

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.  Do you want to be unafraid of the authority?  Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.  For he is Gods minister to you for good.  But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is Gods minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.  Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.  For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are Gods ministers attending continually to this very thing.  Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customes to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
Romans 13: 1-7 NKJV

This has been coming for some time now.  Those who know me have been asking me just when I would lay out my support for the most dangerous man in America.  See, I am a proud member of that "Basket of deplorables" which Hillary Clinton feels is the cause of her lackluster campaign performance.  Of course, seldom does she look inside herself or her extreme policies, or her obvious corruption to see just why the tide is turning against her.  I used to feel like I was out there on an island all alone in my support for the Donald, but lately I see plenty of others who have shrugged off the shackles of the democrat party propaganda machine and have seen the truth of what they stand for.  Yes, this piece has been coming for awhile.  I have had numerous conversations with a few friends during this rambunctious political season, but we try to keep it civil and in perspective.  Well, except for my friend Dennis, who seems to relish his role as the devils advocate in his unweilding support for Mrs. Clinton.  Truth be told, he dislikes her as much as I do, but so enjoys pulling my chain.  I wish this were the same for most American voters.  Sadly, however, the veil of todays democrat party still obscures their ability to see them for who they really are.  So, on what do I base my support for a Donald Trump presidency?  Well, for one living the past eight years under a Barack Obama dictatorship.  Now, I'm no fan of Jimmy "peanut" Carter nor his administration, but even he was not as flagrant and wicked as the shmuck with car doors for ears who currently resides in the white house.  In my lifetime, I have never heard a sitting United States president utter those treasonous words of "I have a pen and a phone" when asked how he planned on subverting a few silly articles of the constitution which he disagreed with.  For the primary duty of the president of these United States is to defend the constitution, not destroy those parts which he does not agree with.

"The thing with Obama is that he can't be bothered and there is no hand on the tiller half the time.  That's the story of the Obama presidency.  No hand on the f*cking tiller!"
~According to Edward Klein's book Blood Feud, Hillary Clinton went into a booze fueled rant about president Obama at Le Jardin Du Roi~

So, it seems that I'm not the only one with a dislike for Barack Obama.  For Bill and Hillary Clinton both have a deep seated hatred for our community organizer in chief.  In fact, Bill Clinton is on record telling a friend at one time that "50 years ago this guy (Obama) would be serving us cocktails."  Indeed, there is no love lost between the Obamas and the Clintons.  If I had my way, we'd let both of these political mockeries simply destroy themselves so we would be free of them at last.  How euphoric a thought that is.  However, going down that road does not explain my support for Donald Trump.  So, what is it about Trump which caused me to stand behind his presidential bid?  Like I said, the policies of Barack Obama over the past eight years have gone a long way to sway my vote.  However, I've been critical of the democrats all of my life.  Why?  Because I am a American who still believes in freedom, opportunity and living in peace.  It's been said by many a anti Trumper that a Trump presidency would bring civil unrest.  From who?  From what we've seen so far this election season, it is not republicans and Trump supporters who are rioting in the streets, but the democrat black lives matter front group and those fighting to keep failed liberal policies in place.  And what of opportunity?  You know, the land of the free.  What opportunities have the democrats given to the poor and impoverished of this country?  The dilapitated inner cities of Detroit, Chicago, New York and Baltimore give grim testimony that democrat ruin most everything we trust them with.
We now must ask ourselves, are we indeed better off than we were eight years ago?  In my humble opinion,we're definately not by any means.  I look at whatever political rally that Hillary Clinton may wheel her walker into these days and I don't see the overwhelming support which her media lapdogs claim that she has.  I listen to her talk, cough and cackle, it does nothing for me.  On the other hand, I see the Donald Trump rallies and I see enormous crowds turning out in support of something new.  Making America great again is striking a chord with the people of this country.  This is not the America of black lives matter protests and street violence.  This is the America of peace, justice and opportunity.  This is not the America of demonizing those who put their very lives on the line for this nation in order to defend us from the evils of mankind.  I have one simple solution for a ending to the so called "senseless" police shootings of late.  Obey the law and you won't get shot genius!  How about this, when a officer tells you to do something, DO IT!  This more than anything is what is behind my support for Donald Trump, because Trump stands for that America I know.  Now, if you are intent on following the marching orders of the party which brought us the Klu Klux Klan and overwhelming inner city poverty, then feel free to vote democrat.

~Scott~

House Money

What shall we say then?  Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?  Certainly not!  How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?  Or do you not know that as many of us were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?  Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we should walk in newness of life.  For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurection.  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.
Romans 6: 1-7 NKJV

There is a saying among those who dabble in the world of gambling or perhaps even playing the stock market.  To be playing with "House money" is to have won enough of the houses money that even if you lose big you will still break even.  Of course, there are those who would quit while they were ahead as well.  Smart, very smart.  However, once I got thinking about this idea, I realized that there are those who play with house money in regards to our Lords grace and forgiveness as well.  Now, it's no secret that God loved us enough that while we were yet sinners that He sent His Son to become sin for us that we might be saved from ourselves {Romans 5:8}.  Unfortunately, there are those of the faith who seemingly take the grace of our Lord for granted.  For realizing that they indeed are saved by Gods grace from their sins, they continue to remain in their sinful ways.  I mean, the forgiveness of Christ Jesus wouuld ultimately forgive them, right?  Well, let's ask the apostle Paul that very same question shall we.  For in Romans 6 Paul dwells into this very same question.  As he questions if we should indeed continue in our sin knowing that the grace of Christ Jesus will abound unto us comes his answer.  Certainly not!  Why?  Well, how can one who has died to sin continue to live their life in it?

And you He made alive, who were dead in 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 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, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2: 1-9 NKJV

It may seem ok for some people who yet do not know the truth of Christ Jesus.  The very truth of Christ in us {Galations 2:20}.  To understand the truth of Christ is to undersand what it is He did for us.  Indeed, each of us was born into that sin which we carried as a result of the fall.  Were it not for Jesus, this is exactly where we would remain today.  But for the love and grace of God, we would continue to live as our old man, in the sins we once carried.  Not only did Jesus give Himself on our behalf in order that our sins would be cleansed, but it is through His death that our sin nature was also crucifed with Him.  Therefore, that old part of us has been put to death with Christ and no longer exists.  This is the truth of Christ Jesus.  However, there are those who continue to wallow in what once was.  Like the gambler playing with house money, they trust there is indeed enough of our Lords grace to cover their continued sin.  Whether they trust in the free gift that Christ has given to all or not, they nevertheless continue to live in what once was.

~Scott~

The Name Jesus

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  Therefore God has also highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2: 5-11 NKJV

Inevitably someone will ask me.  Those who know me for my religious beliefs have done so on occasion.  Those who have never met me may even question me as well.  Eventually the question will present itself.  "What religion do you follow?"  "Do you believe in God?"  Now, I personally believe that religion is a man made institution which has very little to do with God or Christ.  It is because of this belief that I often chafe at the very idea of having to explain my so called "Religion."  So, when I'm asked what religion I follow, my response is always the same.  I follow Christ Jesus!  For it is not religion that gave of itself that others might be saved.  It's not religion that created the heavens and the earth.  My focus is not on a religion which I may be expected to follow, but on the name Jesus.  For at the very name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth {Philippians 2:10}.  Are we to even to attempt to bow in the name of religion?  No, for to belong to a religion is to belong to a loose association of common believers.  To follow Jesus, however, is to follow the one who gave Himself to set me free.  Religion has not set me free.  If anything, it is the very traditions and trappings of religion which seek to restrain me.  It is not the rock and roll worship band nor the slick speaking pulpit pounder who guarantee my future with Christ.  It is the man named Jesus.

"But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?  "Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like:  "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundatio on the rock.  And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.  "But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell.  And the ruin of that house was great."
Luke 6: 46-49 NKJV

That very personal relationship which we share with Christ Jesus belongs to all who have come to accept Him {Galations 2:20}.  I see no close, personal relationship with Christ in religion.  But does one need be religious in order to place their trust in Christ?  I don't hold to that belief at all.  For if all one needs do is place his trust in Jesus in order to enjoy that relationship with Him, then anyone religious or not can enjoy that opportunity.  In fact, I would suggest that accepting Jesus is one of the stepping stones of being religious.  However, we must be careful not to confuse Christ Jesus with the trappings of religion and tradition.  It is here where the true meaning of following Jesus is often lost.  For we do not follow a "system" but a man.  A man named Jesus.  Again, it is we ourselves who have created the religious system which has come to classify those who follow Christ Jesus.  The focus must be on the man, not the system.  This is where our relationship with Christ is in its truest form.  So, for any who will ask, I am not religious, I am Christ.

~Scott~

All Of Our Yesterdays

Then the LORD your God will bring youto the land which your forefathers possesed, and you shall possess it.  He will prosper you and multiply you more more than your fathers.  And the LORD yor God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your decendents, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and all your soul, that you may live.  Also the LORD your God will put all these curses on your enemies and on those who hate you, who persecuted you.  And you will again obey the voice of the LORD and do all His commandments which I command you toady.  The LORD your God will make you abound in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your land for good.  For the LORD will again rejoice over you for good as He rejoiced over your fathers, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and all your soul.
Deuteronomy 30: 5 - 10 NKJV

One of the worst feelings in the world is to lose everything you have, or almost everything, for the sake of following a false dream.  Believe me, I've walked in those very shoes.  There have been more than a few occasions where I have shunned the wise council of others around me that I might pursue some pipe dream whose ultimate result was failure.  Of course, nobody relishes hearing that "I told you so" from those around us.  And yet when presented with that opportunity for our own riches, glory or accolades, we step forth and often stumble mightily.  Maybe we truly believe in our own hearts that we know what is best for ourselves.  After all, aren't each of us ultimately in charge of our own destiny?  Sure, if we are to believe that it is we ourselves who are truly independent beings.  However, as I've mentioned before, it is our heavenly Father who is the only one true self in  the universe He created.  Indeed, our Lord is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last {Revelation 22:13}.  For without Him there would be no us, nor anything else for that matter.  Knowing this, how can one proclaim that they alone are responsible for their own existance and destiny?  As if we alone were responsible for our own creation and environment?  Not so, for all the reasons which I have stated.  How foolishly arogant  the man who carries in his heart that belief that he alone is the center of his own universe.  It is these misguided folks whom we often refer to as arrogant, prideful or self centered.  Not a good thing to be known for.

Be glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the LORD your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you - The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month.  The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil.  So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locusts have eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.  You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wonderously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame.  The you shall know that I am in the midst of Isreal:  I am the LORD your God and there is no other.  My people shall never be put to shame.
Joel 2: 23-27 NKJV

It is interesting that in my bible that the scriptures in Joel 2 are titled with the phrase "The land refreshed."  For Gods people, the Isrealites, had suffered greatly in their disobedience to God.  They had been driven from their homeland, enslaved and made to wander through much of their history.  There are some today who refer to this as "Brokenness."  Will God not turn His back on one who so vehemently shuns Him?  I believe this isn't the case at all.  For to hold to this belief is to not understand the very nature of God.  For the scriptures tell us that God indeed is love {1 John 4:8}.  If God is love, how is it that He will turn His back on His children?  One of my favorite parables of Jesus is that of the prodigal son.  Here was the son of a wealthy man who suddenly desired to sow his wild oats.  So he demanded his inheritance from dad and proceeded to travel to a foreign land and squander his money on the pleasures of life.  Well, as one would expect, the lad soon ran out of money and was left with little else to do but to provide for himself.  Of course, the only man hiring was the local farmer who put him to work tending and feeding his swine.  Well, this is where that "Aha!" moment comes for the boy.  For he realizes that even his fathers servants are treated better than he is, so he sets out for home with his tail between his legs.  Expecting his father to read him the riot act, the boy intends to beg upon his father to hire him as a servant.  However, in an excellent example of our Lords love for us, the boys father sees him coming and runs to greet his long lost son with a kiss.  Does the old man dicipline his son for his arrogance and foolish choices?  No, he cleans him up and throws a party for him!  As I mentioned, this is a prime example of just how our Lord thinks towards his children, even when we wander away from Him.  There was no "I told you so" from the boys father, nor is there from our heavenly Father when we return to Him.  For as the prodigal sons father anxiously awaited his sons return, so our Lord awaits our return to Him as well.  Of course, He is never far from our side, knowing that Christ Jesus is indeed within us {Galations 2:20}.  We may take it upon ourselves to strike out on our own, thinking we know what is best for us.  However, our heavenly Father is patient and loving, not wanting us to perish {John 3: 16-17}.  Not only is our Lord a God of love and forgiveness, but one of restoration as well.  No matter how much our choices may cost us, He is faithfull to provide for His children.

~Scott~

Christ By Choice

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.  Now if anyone does nothave the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.  And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Romans 8: 9-11 NKJV 

Our Sunday morning small group has recently entertained a very interesting question among ourselves.  For along with our study into the realization of  the indwelling Christ Jesus within us comes the question of just when it was that Jesus came to be in His Fathers children.  As far as I can tell, we are left with two possible scenarios for this transformation to have taken place.  First, Christ Jesus was always within us, having secured His place upon His death and resurection.  The other scenario has Christ coming to be within the believer the moment which they make that choice to accept Him as such.  Of course, we also have scripture as our guide to just when this process took place.  And so, I would suggest that we are left with but one possible answer to this question.

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 dies 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.  Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.

Romans 6: 6-12 NKJV 

Now, should anyone wonder just how I concluded that there is one possible scenario as to how Jesus came to be within Gods children, I present to you the apostle Pauls letter in Romans 6.  For it is here where Paul layed out the truth which seems a bit difficult for many a christian to accept.  This "Mystery among the Gentiles" which Paul preached {Colossions 1:27} he must have named a mystery for a very good reason.  For even though I was a christian, I did not come to this realization until it was revealed to me through scripture and my freind Dennis.  Now, did Jesus come to dwell in me the very moment which I came to this realization?  No, for I believe that He was always there, it took me to accept this realization.  How do I know this?  As the apostle Paul tells us, that our "Old man" was crucified with Christ Jesus on that cross.  That old man was our very sin nature which we were born with, the remnants of the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden od Eden.  For without Christ, we indeed would be lost in our sins, slaves to our sin nature.  However, Jesus took our sins upon Him, He Himself becoming sin in our place {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  Indeed, we are now a new creation in Christ Jesus as a result of having died to our sins {2 Corinthians 5:17}.  

Even today, I hear well meaning christians claiming our need to daily bring our sins before God for forgiveness.  Really?  Friends, if indeed our sins have been cleansed by the selfless sacrafice of Christ Jesus, what need have we to continually seek our Lords forgiveness?  For when Christ became sin on our behalf, all of our sins past, present and future were cleansed.  We are no longer slaves to that sin we once walked in.  Christ Jesus having given Himself for us, we are left with a choice.  Will we accept His sacrafice or not?  Will we accept Jesus within us or not?  Jesus has always been within Gods children, it is up to us to accept Him.

~Scott~ 

Playing Church

Now all who believed were together, and had all thngs in common, and sold their possesions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.  So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2: 44 - 47 NKJV

I read a comment on social media the other day which proclaimed, "I cannot support a church where the pastor is one of Americas millionares!"  Sadly, I would have to agree with this statement.  Now, I've done more than my share of bashing the modern church in the past, but my dislike is not directed at the people, but merely at the very system we have created for ourselves.  Yes, friends, we are responsible for what our Lords church has become.  I've often refered to the local Sunday church service as a "Dog and pony show."  I'm sure that there may be thos ewho disagree, but I do not see the need for a elaborate service, a loud praise and worship band nor the ornate buildings which house these weekly performances done in the name of God.  With calls of Getting closer to Jesus and give until it hurts, the local pulpit pounder often will lay guilt and shame upon people in order to keep his pews filled to capacity.  A full house means money in the bank.  Through my friend Dennis, I have had the opportunity to see this system from a pastors perspective.  I truly appreciate Dennis, for his heart for Christ Jesus is evident to all who have come to know him.  I remember how my mother would look forward to his gentle, straight to the heart sermons when he was still active in the church.  It is with this perspective that I view many of our modern churches.  When did church become more about putting on a show than teaching God and Jesus?  When did a pastor become more of a business man and less of a shepherd and teacher of Gods children?

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.  He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.  All things were created through Him and for Him.  And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.  And He is the head of the body, the church,who is the begining, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Colossions 1: 13 - 18 NKJV

One of the reasons which I have become a bit of a critic of our modern church is because of what we have made it.  Do you think that the early church of the followers of Jesus had glorified praise and worship rock bands?  Do you assume that they all gathered in some ornate palace to worship Jesus?  No, for as we're told in Acts 2, the early followers of Christ gathered in their homes.  As the disciples of Jesus themselves had done, they shared life together in the company of those who worshiped God.  Now, granted, things were different then, and the early followers of Jesus were persecuted by the Romans as Jesus had been.  This is one reason they did not meet in public.  However, my point is that their worship was not about the loudest band, the biggest tithe nor the most ornate building, it was about God and those around them.  This was about community, and we've lost this true vision of church over time.  It seems now that the importance lies in the "Perception" of worship and not the actual practice of such.  For along with that big modern church come the responsibilities given to any modern business.  Weekly staff meetings become board room meetings, seeking how to keep the pews, and coffers, filled.  Is it no wonder that many have grown disenchanted with the weekly dog and pony show?  We long for the days of the community of believers, of gathering together in one accord.  I hate to admit it, but I feel the days of the little country church are long gone.  It has been replaced by the ornate mega church building.  We do well to remember that our focus is not on the building, the hip band or the feel good pastor.  For the true head of our Lords church is Christ Jesus.  For by Him all things were created, and who loved each of us enough to redeem us.

~Scott~

The Never Changing Jesus

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?"  Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13: 5 - 8 NKJV

I used to wonder to myself just how Jesus adapted to the ever changing world in which we live.  From our various political storms to whatever trials we seem to be facing at the moment, surely Jesus must be able to adapt to these changes in order to keep up with His children?  As christians, we often tend to modify Christ Jesus to whatever we may be facing at any given moment.  Are we angry at our boss for denying us a promotion?  We naturaly assume that Jesus Himself caries this anger with Him towards him as well.  Are we fearfull because of a situation we are facing?  We assume Jesus is afraid as well.  However, this could not be farther from the truth.  For as Paul tells us in Hebrews 13, Jesus is the same "Yesterday, today, and forever."  With Jesus there is no wavering in His love, caring or attitude for all of Gods children.  Although it may be natural for us to personalize "Our" Jesus to fit our own situations, it is a fact that Jesus does not adapt to us, we adapt to Him!  When one accepts Christ Jesus, it is no longer about "me," but about "He."  Whether it is by ego or simply our own arrogance, we nevertheless have that tendency to mold Christ Jesus into just how we want to see Him.  Do we want a compassionate Jesus?  Then we will see Him this way.  Do we wish for a vengeful Savior to erase our adversaries?  Well, we will certainly make Him out to be that way.  Not only is this kind of thinking dangerous, it is false and flies in the very face of the true nature of Christ Jesus.

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.  They are of the world.  Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.  We are of God.  He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us.  By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.  Beloeved, 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 holy 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: 4 - 11 NKJV

Now, if we know that God indeed is love, and that Christ Jesus was indeed the very manifestation of God, can we say that Jesus is love?  Knowing this, how then can we assume that Jesus will be upset or angry with someone who wrongs us?  Sure, their behavior may be deplorable (sorry, Hillary), but this DOES NOT change that very nature of Christ.  For as God is love, so Christ Jesus is love as well.  One of the best peices of advice a friend gave to me was that we "See others as God see's them."  Whoa!  How many of us can honestly say that we do just that?  For our emotions and feelings often are the very roadblocks to how we view others.  Those emotions and feelings are natural, created by our heavenly Father, and make each of us unique.  This is our very flesh.  Like it or not, it is all part of the package which God created.  By the way, what if that guy who cut you off on the freeway was a christian himself?  How justified now is your anger?  Will Jesus now act on your wishes and take out your anger on your brother?  NO!  All too often we forget that very nature of Jesus, who did not come to this world to condemn the world, but to save it {John 3: 16-17}.  This is my Jesus.

~Scott~

Of Battles And Wars

~The "Thousand yard stare" of one who has seen his share of brutal combat~

And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid.  Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today.  For the Egyptians whom you see today, you will see again no more forever.  "The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."  And the LORD said to Moses, "Why do you cry to Me?  Tell the children of Isreal to go forward.  "But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it.  And the children of Isreal shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.  "And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them.  So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen.  "Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen."  And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Isreal, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them.  So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Isreal.  Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by the night to the other, so that the ob=ne did not come near the other all that night.  Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD  caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided.
Exodus 14: 13 - 21 NKJV

There is an old saying out there which has many times in my own life proven be true.  When dealing with a certain situation (difficult people, trying circumstances), you can most certainly win the battle and end up losing the war.  That is, you may end up conquering one situation, only to have another overcome you.  What price do we put on those smaller victories we enjoy?  In Exodus 14, the Isrealites had just won one battle (Freedom from the Egyptians), but they still faced many more battles in this larger war.  For they still faced Pharaohs pursuing army, a journey through the desert into a unknown land and many more trials to come.  Yes, they had gained their freedom, but at what cost was this battle?  Well, the Isrealites would soon discover that their freedom from Egypt would bring hunger and thirst along their journey.  In fact, there were more than a few times when these Isrealites, despite having gained their freedom which they so desperately cried to God for, would turn to Moses and cry out, "Why have you brought us to this place?  Were we not better off in Egypt?"  Of course, it was during these times of difficulty that the Lord God of Isreal heard the cries of His people and provided for them.  Yet another battle won.  It seems that the Isrealites had at times lost focus on that big picture.  The one where God guides and provides for us through our times of need.  Hadn't He provided for their freedom from the Egyptians?  Hadn't He provided for them as they cried out to Him?  In a lot of ways, we today are like the Isrealites of old, often forgetting those times when our heavenly Father has taken us in His hands and provided for us.

Now it came to pass, in the morning watch, that the LORD looked down upon the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and He troubled the army of the Egyptians.  And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from the face of Isreal, for the LORD fights for them against the Egyptians."  Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen."  And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it.  So the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.  Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them.  Not so much as one of them remained.  But the children of Isreal had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.  So the LORD saved Isreal that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Isreal saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore.  Thus Isreal saw the great work which the LORD had done in Egypt; so the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD and His servant Moses.
Exodus 14: 24 - 31 NKJV

I want to make it clear, that when I claim that many of us often forget the good works which God has done in our own lives, I speak for myself as well.  Yes, I remember most of those major "Battles" which God has seen me through, but there are also many other skirmishes which I do not recall.  However, I can honestly say that with Christ Jesus within me {Galations 2:20}, I have won many more of these battles than I have lost.  It does seem to stand to reason, that we often recall our losses more than we do our own victories.  Any soldier, athlete or christian will admit that the sting of defeat is a tough pill to swallow.  So much so, that famed General George Patton once claimed that he wouldn't "Give a hoot in hell" for a man who lost, and laughed.  Such is the sting of defeat in battle.  Whether it is our bruised ego, or just plain losing, we often dread its consequences so.  For to admit defeat is to admit failure.  And who wants that?  My friends, we can learn a lot from those Isrealites of long ago.  For God did not ignore their cries, nor will he ignore our own.  The important thing to remember is that as with the Isrealites, we NEVER face these battles and wars on our own behalf.  We are never called upon to go it alone in this life.  For as surely as our old sin natures have been crucified with Jesus on that cross {Romans 6:6-11}, we now live and walk AS JESUS who is within us.  These are not our battles and wars, the fight belongs to Christ.

~Scott~

Part Time Jesus

"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.  "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  "For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. "  But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."
John 3: 16 - 21 NKJV

I saw a story on the news the other night of a christian family struggling to fit in with their mainstream society.  Now, they seemed like a genuine family, with many of the same struggles many of us have.  However, I began to have questions as the father claimed near the end of the clip, "We definately look forward, as a family, to that one day each week where we realize just who Jesus is."  What?  Ok, not to be too overly critical, but is this Jesus of whom he speaks only a part time Jesus?  Because the Christ Jesus who I have come to know has come to reside within me {Galations 2:20}.  Indeed, it is I who no longer lives, and Christ Jesus who now resides in me.  The apostle Paul went to great lengths in Galations 2 to remind us that the very work of Jesus did not conclude with the shedding of His blood and washing away of all sin.  For this was only part of our Lords efforts to lovingly give us the gift of our salvation.  For when Jesus died, that part of us which was born into sin died with Him.  What remained that morning as the stone of the tomb was rolled away was that we were now a brand new creation in Christ Jesus.  We are no longer slaves to sin but to righteousness {Romans 6:18}.  Sadly, far too many people see Christ as only a part time Jesus, someone whom they can call on and praise whenever the mood strikes them.

"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

This idea of  a "Jesus in a box" which many have made popular is woefully inacurate.  For Christ did not become sin on our behalf {2 Corinthians 5:21} only for us to put Him in that box until we have need of Him.  The more that we treat Jesus as only a temporary solution and not our everything, the more distant He may become to us.  Of course, the truth of Jesus is that He lives within each of us.  The very reason which I keep refering to the truth revealing scripture found in Galations 2:20 is that others may come to realize the truth of Christ Jesus as I have.  This is the very thing which my dear friend Dennis has done with me in teaching me this very truth.  For I was once like that father of that family on TV, only calling on Jesus when I needed Him.  This was my own part time Jesus, waiting in the wings until I called.  Sure, I knew who Jesus was and the gift which our heavenly Father had given us, but I didn't know the truth about Him.  It was as if I was telling God, "Hey, I got this big guy.  I'll call if I need you."  Not only is this relagating God to a less important role in our lives, it is denying ourselves that freedom which comes with the realization of the truth of Christ.  And what of that freedom?  Well, for one thing, we no longer have need to come to our heavenly Father to seek His forgiveness for what we may feel we may have done.  For whatever iniquities we once carried were washed away by the blood of Christ Jesus at the cross.  This no longer makes us simply sinners saved by grace, but brand new creations in Jesus.  If I could tell that father I saw on TV one thing it would be this, "We can now cherish and live each and every day AS Christ Jesus who is in us."  I just wonder if it would take him as long to realize that truth as it took me.

~Scott~

Growing Pains

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.  Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.  And now abide faith, hope, love,these three, but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13: 11-13 NKJV

I often find myself thinking back to when, in my mind, life was easier.  When I was younger there were far too few cares to even consider.  Oh yes, we did have those things which we worried about.  Things life snow days from school, summer vacation and hockey, always hockey.  It wasn't until I was older that I realized that, despite our youth and imaturity, we still had plenty of things on our minds.  Kids are like that, they have their own way of understanding things.  Any parent will attest to this truth.  This is all a part of growing and maturing.  With only a few remarkable exceptions, very few children can understand things in adult terms.  Again, this is all a part of our growth as a person.  Parents often need to explain things differently to a child than they would one of their own peers.  This is just the way it works.  A child is not going to understand the nuances of a forty hour workweek or a home mortgage.  However, they will instantly pick up on a favorite cartoon character or the latest video game.  We adults may shrivel at having to explain something to a child in a way they can understand.  We call it condescending, immature and beneath us at times.  But wait, this is the only way a child will be able to understand whatever it is we are trying to teach them.  It is a rare grade school teacher who can not only relate to the children in their charge, but also being able to explain lessons on a level that they might retain what they are taught.  Oh, yeah, kids have short memories at times as well.  Did I mention their short attention spans?  It seems that relating to and engaging our youth is a challenging task.  However, we do well to remember that we ourselves thought as children and understood as children.

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  "Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.  "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea."
Matthew 18: 1-6 NKJV

I think that the disciples of Jesus could have avoided this schooling from Jesus had they simply not approached Him with such a selfish request as "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  It's easy to see just whose needs these followers of Jesus were thinking of.  Seeing this, Jesus offers up the perfect lesson.  Jesus' answer was pretty simple, "Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."  Any parent knows that when a child is young, they have a certain devotion to their parents.  Mom and dad are the very center of their universe.  It is also this unwavering trust which often gets our children into trouble.  However, I believe that Jesus was refering to the very trust of a child when He said that we must "Become like little children" to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Unwavering trust in God.  Unwavering trust in Christ Jesus.  How strong the faith of such a christian!  However, it is rarely this simple.  As the apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13, when he was a child he spoke, understood and thought as a child.  This is, ofcourse, to be expected.  I have had more than a few discussions lately with my friend Dennis on this topic.  As he explains it, new christians have a different understanding of the gospel than the "Seasoned" believer.  Perhaps this is just why the truth of Christ in us is often hard to accept among christians, for their maturity to understand has not yet reached it's fullness.  Is this why young christians often need to be "Fed" the word?

As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow therby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
1 Peter 2: 2-3 NKJV

As the apostle Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2, "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby."  I believe that there will come a point in our growth in our christian faith where our faith and trust will transcend our need for scripture.  For with a childlike unwavering trust and faith in our heavenly Father, we will come to know more deeply His Son who is within us {Galations 2:20}.  As a child grows and matures, we will have our own growing pains.

~Scott~

By Faith

Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was ungry.  And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, "Let no fruit grow on you ever again."  Immediately the fig tree withered away.  And when the disciples saw it they marveled, saying, "How did the fig tree wither away so soon?"  So Jesus answered and dais to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt,you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and cast into the sea,' it will be done.  And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
Matthew 21: 18-22 NKJV

Faith, it is not only the anchor of our belief in God, but our very assurance that He will do as He says.  It is essential to every christian, and yet often elusive to us as well.  For even Jesus's most trusted disciples had asked of him to "Increase our faith" {Luke 17:5}.  From our local pastors, faith can often be measured in a six week sermon series.  But it is not only christians who have this thing called faith.  For the scriptures tell us that even the demons believe in God, and shudder! {James 2:19}  For what is faith but a deep seated knowledge that God exists?  Well, I say that it is more than that.  I mentioned faith being the anchor of our belief in God, and I believe this to be true.  But how do we believe in something which we cannot see?  This has been a struggle of mine as well as countless others.  I believe that in order to put our faith into perspective that we must first understand just what faith is.  Merriam Webster has defined faith as a "Strong belief or trust in someone or something."  Do we believe in God simply because we have been told that He exists?  Perhaps, but faith goes deeper than that.  When we see a clear blue sky, we have a deep seated belief that it will not rain.  So strong is our belief, that we all too often base our daily schedules around our belief that rain will not interfere with our day.  Simply put, we have faith that it will not rain.  So, what is it which gives us that "Strong belief" that God indeed does exist?  What is this which may be the very anchor of our belief in God?  In Matthew 21, Jesus's disciples "Marveled" at what Jesus had one to the fig tree.  Now, as He so often did, I believe that Jesus used this as a teaching opportunity for the men who followed Him.  How was Jesus able to pull this off?  Well, He told us.  "If you have faith, and do not doubt."  This, christian, is the real definition of our faith.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.  By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.  By faith Able offered God a more excellent sacrafice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.  By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "And was not found, because God had taken him", for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11: 1-6 NKJV

I like to refer to Hebrews 11 as "The faith chapter."  For I believe that it is here where we find yet another good example of just what faith is.  For our faith is not defined by a definition, but our deep seated belief that our heavenly Father exists.  How do we know this?  We just know.  How did those men of old know that God existed?  Yes, there were times when God indeed manifested Himself that He might be known by His children, but He certainly has never been seen by men {John 1:18}.  Now, I must add that Christ Jesus is the very "Express image of His person" {Hebrews 1:3}.  For if we have come to know Christ Jesus, then we have known He who sent Him.  Jesus being God in the flesh of man.  For God and Jesus are not two seperate spirit beings, but one.  Which brings us back to that question of faith.  How do we know that Jesus even was the very express image of God, and that He came to wipe away the sins of all?  Well, of course we have the scriptures, but I believe that it is something more than that.  I believe that every christian knows in their heart that God exists.  It is this assurance for which the elders of old in Hebrews 11 were known for.  Able, Noah and Abraham all trusted that God not only existed, but that He would do what He promised.  It is a firm foundation and a unshakable trust.  We trust in God because in our hearts we know that he exists.  For it is the spirit of our Lord which speaks His truth into the hearts of His children.  That blue clear sky does not tell us that rain will not fall, we simply trust in our hearts that it won't.  It is that basis of our faith, that we "Do not doubt."

~Scott~

The Jesus Man

~Jesus men~

"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

There has been many a book written and many a video series produced in an effort to tap into the hearts of the christian man.  It seems that to understand the heart of man seems to have become somewhat a income stream for the modern church.  "Who are these men among us, and what makes them who they are?"  It has been widely accepted in christianity that the husband be the spiritual leader of the home.  However, what of the man who is single?  What of the man who comes from a broken home?  I suggest that, despite these happenings, that the christian man should still be looked upon a a spiritual leader among those around him.  Now, here's where I believe where we as christians have fallen far short.  Yes, I believe that christian man be a spiritual leader.  However, like a soldier going into battle without ammunition, the christian men of today seem woefully unprepared for this role of spiritual leader.  We've spent far more time and effort on men being men, on men doing "Guy" stuff.  It's not like this is somehow irrelevant, for each and every man shares what we know as the heart of a man.  This is that adventure seeking, danger engaging guy who exemplifies what many see as the heart of a man.  This is indeed what author John Eldredge refered to as the wild, manly heart of a man in his best selling book "Wild at heart."  While I don't dispute Eldredge's claims that every man is a man at heart and yearns for that very danger and adventure which men have done for generations, I don't believe that this should be that focus of what a christian man should be.  For this heart of a man will come naturally, it's in our very DNA to do so.  As the wolf hunts and the fish swims, a man will eventually long for that which he has been hard wired for, adventure and danger.

One of the turning points in my good friend Craig's life- maybe THE turning point - was the day he took back his father's name.  Craig's father, Al McConnell, waskilled in the Korean War when Craig was only four months old.  His mother was remarried and Craig was adopted by his stepdad, a sour old navy captain who called Craig a "seagull" whenever he was angry with him.  Talk about an identity, z place in the story.  He'd say, "Craig, you're nothing but a seagull - all you're good for is sitting, squawking and..." (you get the idea).  When Craig was a man he learned the truth of his heritage - how his dad was a warrior who had been cut down in battle.  How if he had lived, was planning on going to the mission field, to take the gospel to a place no one else had ever gone before.  Craig discovered that his real great - grandfather was William McConnell, the first missionary to Central America, a man who risked his life many times to bring Christ to a lost people.  Craig changed his name to McConnell and with it took back a much more noble identity, a much more dangerous place in the story.  Would that we were all so fortunate.  Many men are ashamed of their fathers, "You're just like your father," is anarrow many a bitter mother fires at her son.  Many of the men I know are trying hard not to become like their fathers.  But who does that leave them to follow after?  From whom will they derive their sense of strength?
~John Eldredge from his book "Wild at heart"~

It is this section of Eldredge's book which hit me pretty hard upon reading it.  For one of the promises I had made to myself was that I WOULD NEVER be like my own father.  I was falling into the trap.  For my own father, an alchoholic and adulterer who had left our family when I was yet young, had never been much of a part of my life growing up.  In my mind, I saw that condemnation from those who knew me, "There goes Scotty, the drunk Sherrifs kid."  Did having that DNA connection to this man really define just who I was?  No, for as I grew I had yet my own battles to wage and rivers to cross.  Yet, I struggled with my own identity as Eldredge's friend did.  It is this very struggle which affects christian men today.  Who are we?  If we are indeed called to a leadership role in our faith, who is it that is our example to follow?  Is it our local pastor?  A good choice, but one that will ultimately be subject to the desires of the flesh as we ourselves are.  No, I believe that our example to follow in our faith is none other than Christ Jesus.  After all, it is Christ in whom we have heritage and our DNA {Romans 8: 16-17}.  What better example to follow than He who gave Himself that we would be free from our chains!  What better Father to have than He who loved me enough that even though I was yet a sinner, sent His own Son to die in my place {Romans 5:8}!  This is never a Father who offers condemnation or bitterness, but love and mercy.  What better example to follow in our roles as christhians.  For if we as men are yet called to be leaders of our faith, we do so as Christ Jesus who is within us {Galations 2:20}.  Not as a christian man, but as a Jesus man.

~Scott~