Sin And Change

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.  Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
Romans 6: 6 - 12 NKJV

Our weekly Sunday morning table discussion once again traveled into a interesting topic.  For what started out as a question of how God views our behaviors, eventually morphed into a topic of do we really need to change ourselves.  It is indeed a interesting question, of just how exactly our heavenly Father sees our various behaviors.  I truly believe that God can be pleased or grieved depending on our own behaviorchoices.  Keep in mind that our behaviors are just that, our choices.  We can choose one or chosse another.  This is what started our discussion unto this topic this morning.  The traditional church view has always been that if we engaged in certain behaviors which were questionable, that we indeed needed to change something about ourselves and our behavior to bring ourselves back in line with our Lords perfect will for us.  This is where Dennis tossed a spiritual monkey wrench into this very idea.  For to say that when our behaviors are wrong or misguided that we somehow need to change ourselves could not be farther from the truth.  For as the apostle Paul tells us in Romans 6, our old sin nature was indeed put to death by Christ on the cross.  Indeed, as Paul claims, "Consider yourselves to be dead indeed to sin."  So, if we who have accepted Christ are indeed dead to sin, what do we need to change?  Now, this isn't saying that sin has been eradicated with the death of Christ.  Far from it, for it indeed still has a presence in this world we live in.  The fact that we ourselves are dead to the sin nature which once enslaved us does not diminish sins influence at all.  It's still out there.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who live in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free ffom the law of sin and death.  For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8: 1 - 4 NKJV

So, returning to the question which was brought up this morning, if a follower of Christ engages in behavior which they have been TOLD is against God, do they need to change?  In fact, getting deeper into this discussion, what is it that tells us that certain behaviors are against God?  Are these requirements which tell us which behaviors are right or wrong not part of the law which Christ Himself put to death?  Indeed, the original "law" consisted of ten laws, ten commandments.  How then did we end up with over 600 laws and requirements governing godly behavior?  I'll tell you how, mankind found out that they couldn't adhere to the original laws, so we created more laws to cover other behaviors.  A trend which continues with government even to this day.  This is the message we have heard from the church, that "sinful" behavior is not godly.  So, if a follower of Christ Jesus enters a strip club and lays down money to watch women undress before him, does this indeed change who he really is?  Does he need to change?  NO!

"I have been crucifed 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

Likewise, does a man in Christ who spends his money on the chance that he might win more nullify his inheritance in Jesus?  NO!  Now, on the other hand, are there consequences for our choices and behaviors?  Absolutely, but our behaviors can never and will never change who we are in Christ.  That man who finds entertainment in a strip club may discover that he has forsaken more money than he intended, this is a consequence of his behavior.  The constant is that our old sin nature, our "old man" has been put to death with Christ Jesus and no longer exists.  How can we change something that is dead?

~Scott~

The Christ Life

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 Corinthians 6: 19 - 20 NKJV 

I've been giving a lot of thought recently on just what it means to live the Christ life.  Indeed, living the Christ life is a catch phrase uttered in church by sometimes well meaning pastors, but I do believe that there is truth to this thought.  Although it is a difficult thing to wrap our mortal minds around, we who have accepted Christ Jesus are already living the Christ life.  For if we are to accept the words of the apostle Paul, the very Spirit of Christ Jesus now dwells within us {1 Corinthians 6:19}.  Indeed, it is Christ Jesus Himself whom Paul claims already dwells within us.  So, what does this mean as far as living the Christ life?  Well, are we indeed seperate from He who is within us?  Do we now live for ourselves, or do we now live AS Christ Jesus who is in us?  Indeed, we may continue to live our lives in the very same way, but something about us has changed.  Not physicaly, but in our spirit, which is indeed our very likeness of God {Genesis 1:27}.  As Paul tells us, however, we were purchased at a price.  That price being the very life of Christ Jesus.  This is why Paul stakes the claim that we are indeed no longer our own, but are now under the ownership of God.  Now, before someone raises a stink about the very concept of being "Owned" by someone, we do well to remember that God was simply reclaiming what was His from the begining.  For God indeed created us and the universe, so I believe that makes us His very creation.  This is how it was from the begining when God formed us from the dust of the ground {Genesis 2:7}.  Are we foolish enough to believe that we ourselves are the masters of our own environment and person?  For we are not independent, but created and dependent on our heavenly Father.  

"If you love Me, and keep My commandments.  I will then pray the father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells in you and will be in you.  I will not leave you orpahans; I will come to you."

John 14: 15 - 18 NKJV 

Therefore, the Helper whom Jesus Himself told us about, has come to reside within us.  Indeed, that Helper is Jesus Himself.  And so, the case that I present is that we who have accepted Jesus are already living the Christ life.  We do not need some pastor to ensure us of what it is we already have.  Which begs the question, just what is the Christ life?  What is it that we who now walk as Jesus are living?  For is Jesus is indeed within us, everything that we see, taste and experience we now do AS Christ Jesus who is in us.  This is indeed a bombshell experince for those who are, as I was, enslaved by pornography.  For once Christ Jesus has come to dwell within us, it is not only our own eyes which are viewing those images on the computer screen or magazine, but the very eyes of Christ Jesus.  Make no mistake, it grieves Him that we would engage in this behavior.  For it is Jesus who only wants the best for us.  It is Jesus who gave Himself to pay the price to bring us back to Himself.  For we are not our own, but are under new ownership.  To live the Christ life is not simply a catch phrase, but the reality of living each and every day as Jesus.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who 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 

~Scott~ 

The Call

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto rightousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the scripture says, "Whoever calls 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 will be saved."

Romans 10: 9 - 13 NKJV 

It's really something that I can't put a time frame on.  I'm guessing it happened in the midst of some situation where the only option was to continue on my current life path or heed the call of Jesus on my heart.  Indeed, others have often asked me if I recall the moment that I accepted the reality of Christ Jesus in me.  Now, I had "asked" Jesus into my heart at a young age, but I do not recall just when.  However, I'm sure that it was at a point in my life where I was ready to allow Him in.  The interesting thing about our so called conversion from a life in the world to a new life in Jesus is that God does not make this a requirement for His children.  That choice belongs ultimately to us.  In the end, that is the deciding question, will we chosse to accept Christ or not?  Why does God choose to do tings this way?  Well, Ibelieve that our Lord wants for us to be free to make this choice for ourseles without His pre conditions.  There is a unique perspective of the one who makes his choice because he prefers to and the one who is forced into his decision.  For being forced to make our choice is not a choice at all.  For is a slave given the chance to choose their freedom?  Yet, God provides us with that opportunity to choose the world or to choose Jesus.  To choose life or choose the world.  Why?  Well, my friend Dennis is fond of saying that one cannot know the good unless they know evil.  That one will not recognize darkness unless they also see the light.  

"There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day.  ""But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich mans table.  "Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.  "So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abrahams bosom.  The rich man died ans was also buried.  "And being in torment in Hades, he lifted 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 evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.  "And besides this, between us and you there 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: 19 - 31 NKJV 

In Luke 16, Jesus gives a excellent illustration of that choice we are all faced with.  The choice of choosing God or the world.  Make no mistake, the rich man indeed had that opportunity to choose God while still alive.  Suddenly realizing, once we our eternity has arrived, that it's not what we expected is the wrong time to make this choice.  As Jesus claims, we have Moses and the prophets to guide our choice in the right direction, but ultimately that choice is our own to make.  Not to be crude, but will we choose life, or death?  More than a few people have asked me when I made that choice.  Honestly, I do not recall that sepcific moment.  What I do know is that I made my choice for Jesus.  If there is one peice of advice that I would give others in the same situation is to choose wisely.

~Scott~ 

A Royal Priesthood

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are not the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
1 Peter 2: 9 - 10 NKJV

Like many people, I've often suffered from the gloom of self doubt and a poor self image.  Somehow, I became a slave to the belief that if I were not a certain personality, have money or obtain a healthy weight that I was one to be scorned.  The worst part of this lie was that I believed that it was indeed somehow all of my fault.  Yes, the lack of money, influence, genetics and health was all part of my sins I had commited.  Unfortunately, along with this self doubt came a realization, however false it may have been, that God could never be in the presence of a sinner such as myself.  And so the vicious cycle continued.  Of course, this flew right in the face of what Christ Jesus has already accomplished for us.  The fact that, as christians, we are often given two competing messages concerning our very salvation makes this spiral a hard thing to overcome.  For from the pulpits we often hear that we are but sinners saved by grace and are reminded of our constant need of our Lords forgiveness.  While t is true that we who have known Christ Jesus indeed once walked as the others who are in the world do, the truth is that we no longer share this heritage with those who have not accepted Christ.  We are now part of another family, a royal lineage through Christ Jesus.  It is important to realize that the gift which Jesus provided for us at the cross was not only one of forgiveness of sin, but of a new life in Him as well.  For through Christ we no longer come before our heavenly Father as sinners, but as children of God.

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.
1 John 3: 1 - 2 NKJV

Indeed, if we were to come before our Lord seeking forgiveness for our sins, our heavenly Father would surely say, "What sin, my child?" For what sin of ours is there which Christ Jesus has not forgiven us at the cross?  Indeed, Christ took our sin upon Himself when He was nailed to the cross {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  Of course, that means ALL sin, not just some.  So, whichever pulpit pounder may tell us that we are lost because God cannot be in the presence of sin, we can proudly say to him, "Sir, my Lords presence is already within me!" {Galations 2:20}  As the scripture tells us, "What manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!"  And not just children, but heirs as well.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.  For you did not receive the spirit 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 feeling of unworthiness can survive once we know the truth of our lineage with Christ Jesus?  For we are no longer in the world, but in Christ.  And Christ is indeed worthy!

~Scott~

But For God

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).
Ephesians 2: 1 - 5 NKJV

I found myself listening to a local radio pastor the other day, which is becoming increasingly rare for me.  However, something about his message got me thinking.  It was apparently a study of the begining of Ephesians 2, because he spent a good deal of time on it.  The fact that we were once children of wrath, dead in our sin nature which we inherited.  For if this were all there was to this story, we would be without any hope.  But for one thing.  But for God.  We who once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, but God.  We who once followed the very ways of this world, but God.  We who once walked according to the prince of the power of the air, but God.  BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy.  But God, because of His great love with which He loved us.  But God, who made us alive together in Christ Jesus.  We who were once dead, but for God.  A friend of mine asked me recently to focus more on our future in Christ than on our condition before His sacrafice.  This is true, but I feel that there are indeed many others out there who still feel they have no hope.  Indeed we have no hope, but for God.  For our future in Jesus is much more joyous than that which we once shared with those around us.  That was our past, and indeed we now live for our future.  A future without guilt or condemnation.  That was nailed to the cross with Jesus.  What remains, what our future holds for us, is living our lives as Christ Jesus {Galations 2:20}.

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

This is the joy in which we now live.  The "Old man" has died and has passed away, what now is alive is our new creation in Christ Jesus.  Contrary to popular belief, we no longer need to come to our heavenly Father seeking forgiveness for our iniquities.  For this was accomplished by Jesus Himself on the cross at calvary.  I may be mistaken, but I have not found reference as to any sins which Jesus may have somehow forgotten to take upon Himself.  So, what we are left with can only be described as the greatest redemption stories of all time.  How we were condemned, guily, but for God.

~Scott~

A Lesson In Love

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who oves 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 

I got a text this past Saturday from my friend Dennis, who was in Hood River, Oregon for his grandsons wedding day.  Granted, I had known that he was going to be on a road trip, so we figured that our weekly Sunday morning discussion breakfast would take a back seat as our leader would be absent.  So I thought.  As my phone blew up Sunday morning came a message from Dennis with the question for the morning, "Just what is love?"  Keep in mind, he had just celebrated his grandsons wedding, so I guess it was a appropriate question to consider.  So, along with another brother we climbed the hill Sunday morning, and talked.  And so that question Dennis asked is, what is love?  Can we indeed fall in and out of love?  Is love something we ourselves control and invent?  If this is true, do we choose to love God?  Despite the fact that He first loved us?  Well, as the apostle John tells us in 1 John 4, "Love is of God."  So I guess we now know where love originated, now how do we manifest what our heavenly Father has given to us?  Do we simply show our love to those who are kind to us?  Do not even unsaved people do that?  I feel that it is pretty obvious to see our Lords love for His children.  In that while we were lost in our sin condition, that God loved us enough to send His only Son to die that we might be saved {John 3: 16-17}.  If we are looking for the one true definition of love, we need only to lift our eyes to God for the answer.  We are all the beneficiaries of our heavenly Fathers love towards us.  

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according tot 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 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 heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in 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 not that of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Ephesians 2: 1 - 9 NKJV 

We do well to take notice of what the apostle Paul tells us here in Ephesians 2, that while we were lost in our trespasses and sins, God made us alive in Christ Jesus.  This is love, as God is also love.  In a world filled with thoughts of "getting even" with those who do us wrong and "Putting people in their place," we seem to have lost track of the very love which saved us from our own condemnation.  For as Paul tells us, we were all once "Children of wrath, just as the others."  The one difference which seperates us from those who continue to walk in their trespasses and sins is that we have chosen to accept the love which our Lord has bestowed on us.  Not that we deserved it, but that God has indeed shown us His nature by loving us when we were dead in our sins.  For our Lord is not a vengeful God, but one who is rich in love and mercy.  So, is love indeed what we have made it, a simple feeling of affection?  Would that love we have created pass the test when it is placed side by side with our Lord who is Himself love?  I think not.  For unless God is the center of our love, we simply have an emotion of affection.  Indeed, my prayer is that the newly married couple will know the true definition of love which God has blessed them with.  They have a pretty good mentor already.  

~Scott~ 

~On The Clackamas River Trail~

Our Reason To Hope

For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and nt of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29: 11 - 12 NKJV

I learned this morning of a man who recently lost his job due to cutbacks.  He is more of a aquaintance at this point, but a friend of a few friends of mine.  Someone I hope to get to know.  Of course, as when something such as this happens, he is not the only victim, for he has a wife and three children to provide for.  Now, someone losing their job in this Obama economy is certainly nothing unusual, we've all seen it.  However, it is how we handle these situations as christians that is the subject of this post.  I've certainly been involved in my share of circumstances where my first reaction was to stop and cry out, "Why me Lord?"  I'm sure that is where our friend finds himself this weekend.  It is certainly at times such as this where the prince of the power of the air (satan) loves to come knocking to remind us once again that we have not hope at all, that all is lost.  Of course, this is contrary to the hope which we have in Christ Jesus.  As our heavenly Father replied to the prophet Jeremiah, His plan is not for evil, but to give His children and a hope.  We should expect nothing less from Him.  However, from my own personal experience, this is often easier said than done.  So, how is it that we should approach a brother who has fallen into a tough situation?  Well, I believe that this is not the time to toss scripture verses and lectures at someone, for this is a time for encouragement and not condemnation.  That being said, there are more than a few scripture verses we can draw upon which show us our Lords presence in time such as these.  Jeremiah 29:11 is but one of these.  We can also get deeper into this thought by asking, what is our hope in times of trouble?  Of course, as christians that simple answer is Christ Jesus, our hope of glory.

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.  Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.  For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8: 24 - 28 NKJV

In Romans 8, the apostle Paul gives us some golden advice for those times in which we are forced to endure setbacks.  For indeed, as Paul tells us, "Why does one still hope for what he sees?"  In fact, he is absolutely right, for is hope defined as waiting for something we already know will happen?  No, I would argue that this is expectation.  If we know something will occur, we expect it's occurance.  However, if we are unsure of something in the future, we indeed hope for our favorable result.  It's that simple.  We can either expect or hope for a result.  Now, is our trust in our heavenly Father strong enough to indeed turn our hopes into expectations?  For we know that it is not our Lords intent to do bad to His children, but that he enjoys in providing for us.  THIS is our reason to hope.  knowing full well that our Lord does not have harm, but well being in store for us.  Does this mean that we will always find this  life easy, certainly not.   But we must know in our hearts that despite what is happening all around us, our heavenly Father is orchestrating good for us.  That is what He does.  We hope for what we cannot see, indeed we wait eagerly for it.

~Scott~

When We Gather

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10: 24 -25 NKJV

My friend Dennis related a story recently of playing golf with a friend whom he had not seen in awhile.  Well, one of the first questions his friend asked him was one we've all heard from time to time, "We're you in church Sunday?"  Now, as a pastor, Dennis is more than capable of having a discussion on the virtues and responsibilities of christians, so I am quite certain that he can handle such a question when asked.  However, his story got me thinking on just how we view our church "fellowship" these days.  We all know that traditional template of christianity, of how we do our duty and march to church each and every Sunday.  Well, except in the summer, when vacations seem to take importance.  Don't get me wrong, for I've heard the question often enough as well.  All too often, I see it as a invasion of privacy.  I guess I shouldn't, but somehow when someone asks me if I was in church on Sunday I immediately start to think that they have an agenda.  Like I was some lost sheep of Gods flock in need of saving.  Is this how Dennis saw his friends inquiry?  Only he knows that answer.  I'm just speaking for myself.  So, what is that requirement that we christians march dutifully into our Lords house each and every Sunday to fill the pews with believers?  Is there such a requirement?  Many well meaning christians will point to the author of Hebrews 10 that we "Not forsake" our gathering together?  But does this scripture have the very meaning of meeting in a physical building or temple?  Before getting into this question we must ask ourselves, is our Lord confined to a building?

Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; "for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:  TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.  Therefore, the one whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: "God, who 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 worshippd with men's 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 has determined their preappointed times and he boundries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him, though He is not far from each one of us; "For in Him we live and move and have our being, as some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'
Acts 17: 22 - 28 NKJV

Is God indeed confined to our churches and synagogues?  As the apostle Paul told the men of Athens, "God does not dwell in temples made with hands."  Now, does that mean that God cannot be present in our worship services and gatherings?  Of course not, but we do our heavenly Father a disservice by limiting Him to the structures which we have created to honor Him.  Indeed, our houses of worship are "His" house, but as we do with our own dwellings, we come and go as we please.  God does the same.  But back to the original question, what requirement is there that we fill our local church each and every Sunday?  I cannot find one.  Now, we only benefit ourselves by attending church as far as fellowship with fellow believers.  It is in this manner that I believe that we should not forsake our gathering together.  Fellowshp is a good thing.  When we look at the early church, they did not just come together on Sunday mornings but shared life togeher.

Now all who believed were gathered together, and had all things 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

Of course, the society we have today is far different from that of the early church, but the idea remains the same.  For I believe that we are not a group of congregations, but one community in Christ Jesus.  Our own Sunday morning gathering, our square table talk, is one we look forward to during the week.  The three men who constitute this group are truly men in Christ Jesus who have come together to know more about Him.  Above all, that is what's importannt.

~Scott~

The Essence Of The Leader

~Field Marshal Erwin Rommel~ 

Then Jesus spoke to the multudes and to His disciples, saying, "The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.  "Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.  "For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.  "But all their works they do to be seen by men.  They make their phylacteires broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.  "They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.'  "But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.  "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.  "And do not be called teachers; for One is your teacher, the Christ.  "But he who is greatest among you will be your servant.  "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.  "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  for you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.
Matthew 23: 1 - 13 NKJV

I've lost count of how many books, articles and videos I've seen on how to be an effective leader.  It seems that every Tom Dick and Harry in the public spotlight has at one time or another produced something they feel is a major breakthrough in the practice of being a good leader.  I recently was told of a "Leadership" bible written by John Maxwell which a few friends claimed was indeed a good read.  When I asked why, all they would say was, "It's John Maxwell."  Now, in all fairness, John Maxwell has made a career of doing leadership seminars and corporate presentations.  I know nothing of his christian faith.  It is for this very reason that I declined to purchase his reference leadership bible.  Is the bible meant to be a leadership reference?  Perhaps, but we are told that Christ Jesus Himself instructs us to not call anyone "Teacher," or "Father."  For indeed we have One teacher and One Father in our heavenly Father and in Jesus.  So, yes, in this respect I believe that scripture can be a good reference into leadership.  However, what more perfect example of leadership can be found than in the One whom we now follow?  In Christ Jesus we have each and every example ever needed for the vision of a good leader.  For Jesus does not lead us from behind, but from within {Galations 2:20}.  It is our pride and arrogance which prompts us to place ourselves above others in that leadership role.  For as Jesus tells us, "For One is your teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren."  Knowing this as truth, where does that put Mr. Maxwell?  Where does that put anyone who claims to be our superior?  Are we to follow men, or Christ Jesus?

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.  For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?  Listen, my beloved brethren; Has God not chosen the poor of this world to berich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
James 2: 1 - 5 NKJV

I've watched the recent childish antics of athletes taking a knee or remaining seated at games while our nations national anthem is played.  While I personaly consider such actions disrespectful to those who have fought and died for the very freedom these simpletons are exhibiting, I also realize that they are also taking on their shoulders a huge responsibility.  Are the actions these athletes are taking effective leadership?  I would disagree.  I believe that there is a time and place for protest, and this is not it.  Forget the fact that the very man who started it all, Collin Kaepernick of the NFL's San Francisco Forty Niners, feels it's his right to protest against the economic conditions afforded to african Americans in this country.  This would be a valid protest were not Kaepernick raised in rich affluence, given plenty of athletic opportunities AND now has a income somewhere in the range of 19 million smackers a year!  This is not leadership, but pure hypocracy!  Nevertheless, many so called concerned athletes have followed Kaepernicks lead and kneeled during the playing of our countrys anthem.  Following the hypocrite pied piper.  As I've said, THIS is not leadership.

"Be an example to your men, in your duty and in your private life.  Never spare yourself and let your troops see that you don't in your endurance of fatigue and privation.  Always be tactful and well manered.  Avoid excessive sharpness or harshness of voice, which usually indicates the man who has shortcomings of his own to hide.
~Field Marshal Johannes Erwin Eugen Rommel - The "Desert Fox"~

As is often the case, we can all learn much from those who have been thrust into that position of leading under fire.  For I would rather follow a man who had endured and suffered the same conflicts that I have than someone who simply read about it in some how to manual.

~Scott~

Christ Man

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no onger 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

What is it like to live in Christ Jesus?  I've written quite a few times on the very truth of Christ who walks with those who have chosen to accept Jesus.  I have been blessed to work alongside my friend Dennis in his ministry to tell the truth of Jesus and to help men grow in that truth of Christ Jesus.  This is the truth which the apostle Paul told of in Galations 2:20.  Not only have I referenced this verse often, but it is one of the core scriptures of our ministry to share the truth of Christ.  Before becoming involved in this ministry, my view of Jesus was simply one of a sinner on one side of the plain and Jesus on the other.  Sadly, this is a view which is perpetuated often in christianity.  However, as I've learned, nothing could be farther from the truth.  For as Paul tells us, it is no longer we who live, but Christ LIVES IN US.  Each of us, every day now have that opportunity to live our lives as Christ Jesus.  There is no seperation.  Jesus is not simply in heaven watching over us ready to interceded at the appropriate time.  It's much better than that, for every step we take we now take as Jesus.  I can honestly say that I understand the difficulty some may have in understanding this concept.  I get it, I've been there.  Those who have come to know me know all too well the struggle which I've had to come to that realization of "Christ in me."  In essence, it is akin to deprograming a message which the church has put out there for generations.  Although this has a lot to do with our struggle to accept the truth of being a true "Christ man," it is not the only obstacle in our way.  For the very concept of "Being Jesus" was once foreign to me.  Yes, I understand the struggle others may have with being Jesus.

Knowing this, that our old man was crucifed 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.  Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
Romans 6: 6 - 12 NKJV

Recently, Dennis asked me to focus more on the future of our walk as Christ men than on the sin which once defined us.  Of course, he's absolutely right in saying this.  For by continuing to focus on our past sin, the Christ man continues to get stuck in the cycle which we were once caught up in.  The cycle of sin and asking our heavenly Fathers forgiveness.  Of course, this cycle never ended.  However, what is it that Paul told us about that life which we once led?  Only that our "Old man was crucified with Him."  Who was this old man, just the sin nature we were once born into.  It is also that sin nature that, through Jesus, no longer defines us.  The very truth of the Christ man is that he walks, lives and breathes as Jesus.  What of the sin baggage we once carried with us?  Well, simply put, it is dead to us.  Put to death on the cross by Christ Jesus.  What remains is the Christ man we who have accepted Jesus have become.  Now, do we still sin?  Of course we will, but the Christ man is no longer defined by his sin nature.  When speaking of the Christ man, I mention those who have accepted Jesus as being Christ men.  For this is the choice that is presented to us.  Jesus has become sin and given Himself for us all {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  This is the truth, that ALL have been redeemed by Jesus.  However, many have not come to this realization as of yet.  It is this which is the focus of Dennis' ministry, that all would come to the realization that we indeed live as Christ Jesus.  This is the essence of the Christ man.

~Scott~

~Christ Men~ 

Who can this be?

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.  Now if anyone does not have 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

Oh what power, He who raised Christ from the grave that wonderful morning.  For it was He also who not only spoke all that is seen into existance, but also gave life and breath to our mortal bodies.  As scripture tells us, "With God all things are possible."  Yet, there are those times when we give in to our doubts and mistakingly believe that there is a situation which even God cannot overcome.  It is then that we utter our words of uncertainty, "Lord, if you will."  Where is our confidence?  Is He who raised Christ from the dead so powerless that He cannot walk us through whatever it is we are facing?  At times, we may feel as much.  I have often heard many a pulpit pounder make the claim that our heavenly Father delights in providing for His children.  I am inclined to agree with this statement.  For we already know that God loved us enough that while we were still in our sin condition, that Christ Jesus gave Himself that we might be free {Romans 5:8}.  Did our Lords love and mercy suddenly end with the death and resurection of Christ, certainly not.  For we are told that our Lord is love {1 John 4:8}.  It is because of His love in which we who have known  Christ Jesus have indeed been freed from the sin which we once walked.  Now, then, what is it that we might be facing which is too hard for Jesus to overcome?  Is anything impossible for Him?

Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was.  And other little boats were also with Him.  And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.  But He was in the stern asleep on a pillow.  And they awoke Him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"  Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!"  And the wind ceased and there was great calm.  But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful?  How is it that you have no faith?"  And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"
Mark 4: 36 - 41 NKJV

Who indeed!  Imagine the fear which gripped the disciples as they were tossed about on the sea of Galilee that day.  Keep in mind that many of these men were fishermen who made their living on the very waters on which they were now being tossed about.  I am inclined to think that perhaps this storm which they now found themselves may have been stronger than any they had seen before.  Judging by the reaction of these fishermen, it must have been quite a squall.  Growing up in Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior, I have been witness to some violent weather on that inland sea.  The lake itself has claimed 350 shipwrecks with over 1,000 lives lost over the years.  The most famous of these came on the night of November 9, 1975 with the sinking of the 728 foot steamer Edmund Fitzgerald.  The "Pride of the American side" is now entombed in 530 feet of water merely 17 miles from the safety of Whitefish Bay.   One may indeed wonder, was the storm which claimed the Fitzgerald and her 29 man crew of the same magnitude of the one which Jesus and His disciples found themselves in that day on the sea of Galilee?  Of course, we'll never know that answer, but we are told that the disciples, these fishermen, feared for their lives.  Where was Jesus while this was going down?  Asleep, in the back of the boat.  Of course, once awakened, Jesus shows zero sign of the fear which gripped his friends as He calmly spoke the wind and waves into silence.  His message to His disciples?  "How is it that you have no faith?"  The fear which now gripped the disciples was now not due to the weather, but that this man could speak calm unto the wind and waves which ony moments before had been on the verge of sinking their boat!  "Who can this be?"  And so, as we walk through each day with Christ Jesus {Galations 2:20}, what is it that we fear most?  Is it weather, finances or relationships?  Is Jesus too far removed to walk us through what we are facing?  He who gave loved us enough to give Himself that we might be saved.  Who can this be?

~Scott~

Words That Hurt

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.  The tongue is set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.  For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.  But no man can tame the tongue.  It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men,who have been made in the similtude of God.  Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.  My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
James 3: 6 - 10 NKJV

There is a common saying that we always hurt the ones that we love the most.  If this be true, it is a wonder how some of us have many loving relationships at all.  It is no secret that our words can more often than not, cause irreparable damage to those relationships around us.  Words of anger have not only started fights and wars, but have destroyed sound relationships which once boasted the closest friendships.  As our Lords brother, James has spoken of these words of anger, "These things ought not to be so."  What is it within us which prompts us to immediately place ourselves on a pedestal above our brother to talk down and admonish him?  Better yet, who is it that gave us the responsibility of being both our brothers judge and jury?  Is it not our heavenly Father who judges?  I can think of no situation where our anger and pride can take the place of our Lords righteous judgement, and yet many of us continue to push this thought aside and admonish those around us for one reason or another.

For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
James 1: 20 NKJV

Make no mistake, it is our pride and our pride alone which makes us want to place ourselves in the position to judge our brother.  And this NEVER produces the righteousness of God.  How arrogant is the man who will stand by after adminishing his brother and enjoy the very feeling of "Pissing someone off?"  These things ought not to be so.  Now, I personaly know the pain and humiliation of the giving and receiving end of hurtful words.  Believe me, it is not a good feeling.  For we may feel as if we have "Gotten one over" on our brother with our quick temper, when all we may have accomplished is to drive a wedge between ourselves and our friend.  Truth be told, we may lose a few freinds as well with this behavior.

"Judge not, that you not be judged.  "For with that 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 brothers 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 ftom your brothers eye."
Matthew 7: 1 - 5 NKJV

Again, we see the warning of judging our brethren.  This time from Christ Jesus Himself.  For how is it that we can see clearly enough to judge our brother, when we ourselves have our own issues which need dealing with.  From my personal experience, when I have judged a brother of mine in some way, many times God led me to my own shortcomings.  As a corrupt judge is in no position to pass judgement, neither are we if we ourselves have fallen short in some areas of our lives.  For the plain truth is that we all have fallen short at one time or another.  Making us a not so good candadate to judge our brethren.  Some have that ability to speak gently when dealing with a brother who has in some way fallen astray.  Unfortunately, others enjoy the role of judge and jury just to piss people off.

~Scott~

Free In Christ

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us.  And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.  Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.  So let no one judge you in food nor in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sababths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
Colossions 2: 13 - 17 NKJV

My friend Dennis and I have had more than a few conversations as of late about just what it means to be free in Jesus.  Well, what does freedom in Christ Jesus mean to me?  The best way that I can describe the freedom which I have in Christ is by relating what I DON'T feel in this freedom which I have found in Jesus.  In Jesus, I don't have the condemnation of not attending a weekly gathering with like minded people in order to commune with Jesus and to hear the pulpit pounder tell me just how I need to "Be more like Jesus."  The truth is, not only am I "Like" Jesus already,  but through His resurection, I AM Jesus {Galations 2:20}.  There is no sermon which can change the fact that I now live my life as Jesus, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  My freedom in Jesus also guarantees me that I no longer need to come to my Fathers throne seeking forgiveness for some wrong doing I have done.  For it is Christ Jesus Himself who took my sin upon Himself on that cross {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  Realizing this freedom in Jesus, what sin is there which Christ Himself has not erased from our lives?  My freedom in Jesus also guarantees that my Lords love, grace and forgiveness cannot be bartered for or bought {Ephesians 2: 8 - 9}.  There is absolutely NOTHING I have done or could ever do that would procure the loving gift which Jesus has given me.  I cannot boast or show any evidence of my own efforts to achieve my own salvation.  It is a gift of love.

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.  Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
Romans 6: 6 - 12 NKJV

My belief in Jesus used to hinge on the belief that His love and forgiveness hinged on my obedience to what traditionaly had been claimed in the church.  If I desired my Lords forgiveness, then I needed to be a "Good christian" and be devoted to weekly church attendance, commit to a regular tithe and be in service to others.  To me, this seemed more like requirements than the freedom of Jesus.  Did not Jesus give Himself to set me free?  This is the very reason why I struggled when Dennis first introduced me to the freedom which a life in Christ Jesus offers.  Was this the "Handwriting of requirements which was against us" that the apostle Paul wrote about in Colossions 2?  Perhaps, but I also realized that there were stark differences in the freedom which Jesus offered me and the life of a "Good" christian which I had been raised to believe.  For the focus of every good christian seems to be the requirements of the church, not the very truth of Christ Jesus.  Is it these requirements which Paul claimed Jesus nailed to the cross upon His death?  I believe it to at least be along those lines, others may see it as the religious law of the Jewish faith.  Whatever it is, it was contrary to our freedom in Jesus.  For a life of adhering to requirements is not freedom, but bondage.  Being confident in the truth of Christ is being confident in the freedom which He gives those who make the choice to accept the gift He offers each of us.

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 towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5: 6 - 8 NKJV

No requirements, no effort, no bondage, sounds a lot like freedom to me.

~Scott~

Freedom Of Knowing Jesus

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

Freedom, it's something we in these United States both cherish and take for granted.  One the one hand, we are assured that there are indeed freedoms which we all enjoy each and every day.  The freedom of choice, freedom of assembly and freedom to speak what is on our own hearts.  With this freedom, we rest assured that we need not fear a knock on the door in the middle of the night from the state police sent to silence us.  These are but a few of the freedoms which we enjoy.  However, I introduce yet another freedom which many have also come to enjoy, the freedom of Christ Jesus.  My friend Dennis has mentioned many times in our square table discussions the fact that we were once slaves to sin.  In fact, the apostle Paul reinforces this fact in Romans 6.

Knowing this, that 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.  Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
Romans 6: 6-12 NKJV

What is freedom in Christ?  To me, freedom in Jesus is what Paul was telling the Romans, the very assurance that the sin which once defined us has been put to death through Jesus.  No longer are we but "Sinners saved by grace," but new creations in Christ Jesus.  This is the freedom,no, the JOY of knowing Jesus.  That old man, our old sin nature, has been nailed to the cross and put to death by Jesus for us.  We need only rest assured that we are now free from it.  One interesting topic which was brought up in our Sunday morning conversation this morning was the observation that indeed our old man has been put to death, yet those old urges continue to haunt us.  To expalin this is to get into a deeper discussion, but the simple answer is that we, as Gods created in His very image, are made up of three distinct parts.  These being our earthly bodies (vessels), our spirit and our soul.  Keep in mind that it is our spirit which was in fact created in our heavenly Fathers image, not our physical bodies.  That leaves us with our flesh and our soul.  Indeed, it is our physical flesh which is neutral and suspect to the influence of the world around us.  So to say that even though we now walk as Christ Jesus who is in us {Galations 2:20}, it is our neutral bodies which are still able to be influenced by wrong urges and behaviors.  Does that mean that we have a "Sin spirit?"  NO!  For if our fleshly bodies are yet able to be influenced, our Christ spirit within us remains rock solid and unchanged.  Which begs the question, if someone is in Christ yet sins on occasion, do they need to change?  Can we change?  Does our sin affect that which Christ has put to death and replaced in us?  NO.  As Paul claimed, we must reckon ourselves to be "Dead" indeed to sin.  Our sin nature no longer defines us, but the Spirit of Christ who is within us.  This is the freedom of knowing Christ Jesus.

~Scott~

The Mistake Of Our Moral Superiority

Do not speak evil of one another, brethren.  He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law.  But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.  There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy.  Who are you to judge another?
James 4: 11-12 NKJV

I have a friend who I value not only for his pursuit of Christ Jesus,but his desire to share Him with others.  Indeed, his ministry to others has been a great gift to those around him.  For are we not indeed called to "make followers" of all the nations?  Well, the very words used by Jesus were to make disciples, but the word disciple is often translated as a follower.  But how are we to approach those who have not known the wonders of Jesus?  Better yet, how are we to approach one who already knows Jesus if we notice some area where our brother is lacking?  The old phrase of people living in glass houses not tossing stones certainly applies in this instance.  For who's to say that the very person we are rebuking cannot turn around and point out an area where we ourselves are deficient in our lives?  This is a vicious cycle that many christians get caught up in.  I've heard the comments before.  From, "Where were you on sunday?" to, "Are you sure a follower of Jesus would act this way?"  Who are we to judge our brothers?  Is not God the one who judges all?  The apostle James seemed to think so.  This isn't to say that we shouldn't attempt to correct a brother in his ways, but who are we desiring to serve when we do so?  Do we show the gentleness of Christ who is within us, or do we place ourselves as moraly superior to the one we are trying to correct?  What I have noticed through scripture, is that Jesus very seldom used condemnation or shame when dealing with a wayward person of one who he intended to bring to God.  This was not His way.  So why do we ourselves make a practice of doing such things?  For when we use guilt and shame to correct a brother, are we not placing ourselves above that person?  This is one issue I have with many a pulpit pounder these days.  Men of the cloth who will stop at nothing to fill their buildings each week.  I have often wondered just how Jesus Himself would have approached such men.  But wait, we already know that answer.

Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.  "Therefore, whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say and do not do.  "For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.  "But all their works they do to be seen by men.  They make phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.  "They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, "greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi'  "But you, do not becalled 'Rabbi'; for One is your teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.  "Do not call anyone on earth your father, One is your Father, He who is in heaven.  "And do not be called teachers; for One is your teacher, the Christ.  "But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.  "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Matthew 23: 1-12 NKJV

Indeed, Jesus had a harsh rebuke for those in authority who placed undo burdens on those of the Jewish faith.  I could possibly make the case for symilarities I see in the modern pastor and the Pharisee of Jesus' day, but that's for another time.  My focus here is how we ourselves approach a brother who we see as needing correction.  As in much of scripture, I believe we have a example to follow in Christ Jesus.  Do we issue a harsh rebuke, or do we follow the example of Christ and gently lead our brother in the way he should go?  Ultimately, it is up to us to decide which path we will take, and who it is we will glorify in our approach.  For is our intent is to place ourselves moraly above our brother, then we are missing the mark entirely.  This is not the love and compassion of Christ, and we should never act this way in His name.  Others may ask, "what if Christ is speaking through me?"  Really?  Since when was guilt and shame the chosen method of Christ Jesus for exhibiting His Fathers love?  People who live in glass houses...

~Scott~

Life Light

"You are the light of the world.  A City that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5: 14-16 NKJV

Growing up, I often wondered that, with Jesus dead, how in the world were there so many christians out there who still believed in Him.  I mean, two thousand years is a long time to hold a memory of someone.  Of course, these were not only the days of my physical youth, but my spiritual youth as well.  In fact, most of what I learned about Jesus came from Sunday school classes I would attend.  This was not a bad thing by any means, for it taught me the basics of the faith I have today.  There is one song in particular which I remember singing as a child which I have thought about recently.  This childrens song, "This little light," carries a wonderous message even for adults.  I remember singing, "This little light of mine...I'm gonna let it shine."  I didn't know it at the time, but the very words of this childrens gospel song are a huge reason why others see Jesus as alive even today.  For He is within 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

I have spent much time and effort in my writing attempting to explain the very truth that we have today in Christ Jesus.  That truth is that we today live, breathe and function AS JESUS.  The fact is, Christ Jesus is our life and our existance.  For without Him we would not have our being.  Knowing this truth that Christ Jesus is such a intimate part of us, how is it that we are to share Jesus with others?  Well, as Jesus told those assembled on the Mount of Olives in Matthew 5, we are to let the "Light" of Christ Jesus which is within us shine brightly for those around us to see.  WE who have come to know Christ Jesus are that city on a hill through which the light of Jesus shines.  For it is indeed through us that others will see the love of our heavenly Father who is in us.  How many times have I heard the story of the christian who, when faced with a unbeliever, would have that person tell them, "There's something different about you."  What is this that others ultimately see in us?  THAT, is Christ Jesus.  Indeed if we live AS Christ Jesus, then He will show Himself through us.  If we are to let our light shine before others, it is not us, but our heavenly Father who is glorified.  For it is only through the love of our heavenly Father how Jesus has come to dwell within us.

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

What love, that our heavenly Father would redeem His children from the sin bondage which we once faced.  What grace, that instead of counting each and every sin against us, that Christ Jesus would take that sin upon HImself {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  This is the light of Christ Jesus which shines from us.

~Scott~

More Than A Building

For as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:  TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.  Therefore, the one whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: "God, who 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 men's 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 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 one of us, "For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'
Acts 17:  23-28 NKJV

Our discussion in our Sunday morning group this morning will center around a subject I've addressed a few times before.  I received a message from my friend Dennis late Saturday with this mornings topic, why are 31 million believers leaving our churches?  Now, that 31 million number I am not entirely certain of, but I do know that there has been a exodus from our churches over the past few years, why is that?  Well, why do people up and leave anything?  People leave movies if they are not interested.  Others leave sporting events if the end is not in question.  So, can we equate the mass exodus from our houses of worship to that of a movie or a USC football game?  Perhaps, but I feel that there is something deeper here that needs mentioning.  I can start with my own experience.  I left my own local church more than a few years ago after my mother was hospitalized.  Up until that point, my attendance in Sunday morning worship had become something seen as mandatory.  It's just what we did.  Now, the pulpit pounder would not come out and say as much, but if I had missed one too many Sundays, I would get a call from the church wondering where their lost sheep was.  It had become an obligation, not simply an act of honor and worship to God.  In my heart, I knew I desired more than what my church, or any church for that matter,  was giving me.  I would hear sermons on the love and forgiveness of Jesus, but He was rarely taught.  It wasn't until a few years later that my friend Dennis, himself a retired pastor from the same church, opened my heart to the truth of Christ Jesus.  But is the search for the truth about Jesus the very reason christians are leaving the church?  Perhaps, but I believe there's more to it than that.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangles again with a yoke of bondage.
Galations 5:8 NKJV

It is my humble opinion that a large part of the exodus from our churches has to do with just what our churches have become.  For instead of prayer and worship, we now have weekly rock and roll dog and pony shows, which are designed to appeal to a younger crowd.  Not only that, but the sermons from the pulpit pounders seem to dwell on the past and not the very hope and future of our heavenly Fathers deliverance.  Time and again, we see sermons and series of sermons on being more like Christ, living free of sin and what would Jesus do?  Really?  I guess I shouldn't be all that surprised at all, for if the pastor spoke and taught of the truth of Christ Jesus found in Galations 2:20, there would indeed be far less people in the pews on Sunday, and less income for the church itself.

"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

What a joy it would be if each and every pastor would sing the praises of the truth of Jesus we find in Galations 2:20, the truth of everyone who accepts Jesus now living AS Christ.  What freedom it would bring!  It is this freedom which the apostle Paul spoke of in Galtions 5 and "The liberty by which Christ has made us free."  Free from what you ask?  Free from bondage.  Now, recall what I said of my own experience of leaving the church I had attended for many years, of how I felt as if my very attendance had become a weekly obligation.  I truly believe that I am not the only believer who feels this way.  I am not the only one who feels that the weekly church  dog and pony show is akin to a form of bondage.  Now, when I say bondage, I don't mean slavery, but rather an expected obligation.  We are expected to attend church each and every Sunday like good little worshipers.  And what of our worship?  Do we really require a church in order to lift our praises to our heavenly Father and Christ His Son?  The truth of Christ Jesus found in Galations screams NO!  For if indeed we now walk each and every day as Christ, we have zero need to be in a church or a temple in order to find Him, He is within us.  For not only did God create all things that the church is made of, both physical and human, my God does not dwell in churches built by men, but in me.

~Scott~

Those Rare Old Times

~He did it again?~

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

I admit that the latest coments by presidential candadate Donald Trump really did not take me by surprise all too much.  By now, we all know who Donald Trump is, and we've become accustomed to his non politically correct nature.  It is this which, in my opinion, gives him part of his edge over the liberal bastion Hillary Clinton.  We seem to forget that it is Hillary Clinton who, while crying about transperency in government, took it upon herself to cow tow to wall street bankers for rich donations, while at the same time screeching that the rich were the cause of our economic issues, brilliant.  But, I digress.  What did not surprise me about Trumps latest round of foot in mouth disease was the usual suspects that calledfor him to end his campaign run.  A story about people living in glass houses immediately comes to mind.  Now, I myself have been known to go off on my share of rants which many would see as far from politically correct.  Does this make me a bad person deserving to burn in hell?  Certainly not, for my future now resides with Christ Jesus.  Now, do I know Donald Trumps position in Jesus?  No, for that is up to him and him alone, as my own decision to accept Christ was up to me.  What of those comments which I have made in the past?  Well, as the apostle Paul claims in Romans 6, this was all part of my "Old man" which has been put to death with Christ Jesus on the cross.  For I once walked as those who live in the world walked.

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 we all also 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.
Ephesians 2: 1-3 NKJV

So the question we will ask is, what spirit is it in which we walk today?  Are we among the sons of disobedience or do we walk in the Spirit of Christ Jesus?  One thing we cannot escape is that we all have that distinction of once walking in the course of this world which surrounds us.  This indeed is our "Old man" which the apostle Paul spoke of in Romans 6.  For before we accepted Christ Jesus, we walked according to the world.  According to that sin nature which surrounded us.  What changed?  Christ Jesus!  For it is Jesus who finally put to death that old man which we walked in for so long.  He nailed it to the cross with Him.  It is because of this very act of selflessness that we today who have accepted Christ Jesus can lay claim to the fact that we no longer live "In the world."  Those days have now come and gone.  We are no longer sinners, but new creations in Christ.  My friend Dennis recently commented to me that focusing on our past sins may not be appropriate, and he's right.  For those former acts, our former conduct, is now dead and gone thanks to the death and resurection of Christ.  As Paul tells us, we ought to reckon ourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

~Scott~

Food For Lions

So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions.  But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, "Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you."  Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.
Daniel 6: 16-17 NKJV

We've all ran across them, those people who have done their best to try our resolve and patience.  Maybe it's a neighbor or a co worker, perhaps even a relative.  Whoever it is, at times we may very well feel like poor Daniel as he was sealed into that lions den.  What was Daniels offense?  Well, he simply refused to pay homage to earthly idols, prefering instead to worship his living God.  For this crime, the king was forced to place Daniel into the company of hungry lions.  Now, I'm assuming that not very many people escaped from such a banishment.  Daniel had become food for lions.  So, how does Daniels situation compare to those which we often face?  Well, nothing besides the fact that we may at times feel as if we are surrounded by a few hungry lions seeking our destruction.  The only difference being our lions are usually other people we come into contact with.  For whatever reason, these people seem like they will stop at nothing to cause us distress.  So, what is our response to be when confronted by such challenging people and personalities?  Well, as those who have accepted Christ Jesus, we do well to remember that we do not walk in these situations alone.  By accepting Jesus, we have been assured that we walk through each and every day AS JESUS {Galations 2:20}.  Knowing this, what situation is there that Christ Jesus cannot handle?  Whatever it is we find ourselves facing, we are assured that we have an advocate who has been tempted as we are {Hebrews 4: 14-15}.  Christ Jesus, the likeness of the living God, is able to walk us through anything.

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh.  Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet 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

Knowing that Christ Jesus gave Himself that we might reside with Him is definately a help for us in times of trouble, but there is something more we should realize when dealing with difficult people.  Are these people who we are having difficulty with walking as we once did?  Whoa!  As in the pot calling the kettle black, all too often we regard those who we may be having difficulty with as simply unsaved, sinners or just bad people.  But is this who they really are?  A better way to put it might be, when we acted the same way that we now find others acting towards us, was this what defined us?  What is it that seperates we who have known Christ Jesus from those who we now spar with?  In my opinion, there is only one thing which seperates us from them, and that is one simple choice which is available to all.  That choice, is Christ.  To believe that just because one has not made that decision to accept Jesus that they are not created in Gods very image is in error.  For scripture does not make that distinction.  No, for we ALL were created in Gods image.  We also know that Jesus did not come to condemn, but that ALL might be saved through Him {John 3: 16-17}.  As christians, we do not hold a monopoly on who is and isn't saved, thank goodness.  For what if our heavenly Father used that very same measure with which we judge others to in turn judge us?  My friends, if this were the case, not too many of us would have a hope of salvation.  So, how are we to regard those who we struggle with?  I suggest what the apostle Paul himself claimed in 2 Corinthians, that we regard no one according to the flesh.  Instead, I suggest that we regard all as what we are, children of God.  I know, easier said than done huh?  However, it may not seem all too difficult when we see others through the prism of Christ Jesus who is within us.

~Scott~

Christ Confidence

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us.  And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.  Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.  So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
Colossions 2: 13 - 17 NKJV

What is it like to be confident in Christ Jesus?  Knowing that your sins are forgiven and that you indeed live out each and every day as Christ who became sin on your behalf.  That is Christ confidence.  However, there is indeed that fine line we walk between confidence and arogance.  For being confident in Jesus is good, but being arogant is bad.  For nobody seems to like those among us who seem to have a swagger and boastfulness about them.  The first people that come to mind when I think of downright arogance are certain college and professional athletes, but there are certainly others.  In fact, I myself have been accused more than a few times of being arogant.  I know a few christian brothers whom I have the deepest respect for who I have thought were arogant.  Does that mean that they are bad people?  Certainly not.  Does it mean that their confidence may be mispalced?  Perhaps.  Does there exist such a list which we can draw upon to see just which things are appropriate to have confidence in?  Not that I have yet seen.  However,  believe that scripture can give us a few guidelines.  I mentioned having confidence in Christ Jesus, can this considered being arogant?  Well, there may indeed be some who think so.  To these people I would pose a simple question, is it more arogant to place my trust in He who has redeemed me than in someone who catches a football on Sundays or a politician?  The difference between these two is that we base our confidence in Jesus not on something which we ourselves have done to earn His efforts.

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 heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding rishes of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not that of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2: 1 - 10 NKJV

I believe that the fine line between confidence and arogance is well illustrated by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 2.  For if we place our confidence in our own efforts, without acknowledging the place of Christ in the world around us, we do so in error.  For it is for Christ Jesus that all which we see was created.

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 might have the preeminence.
Colossions 1: 15 - 18 NKJV

Knowing that through Christ all which we will ever see was created, how is it that we can celebrate our very efforts and acomplishments?  For to do so, my friends, is the very definition of arogance.  We may have that physical ability to compete at the highest level, but we have indeed been blessed with these abilities.  We may have that intelectual talent to speak and to lead others, but again, we have been blessed with these abilities.  The very essence of Christ confidence is that we KNOW that it is Christ Jesus who is within us {Galations 2:20} and that we walk and live each day AS JESUS who is within us.  Whatever it is that we see, smell, taste and experience, we do so AS JESUS.  To those who relish the opportunity to glorify their own efforts, this may be a hard pill to swallow.

~Scott~

~General George S Patton Junior, definately a poster child for arogance if there ever was one~