Affirmations

9Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12‘I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 18: 9 - 14 NKJV

I sent a message out to a few friends this week in which I lamented those thoughts and words of others who might not like me.  For the most part, this was meant to be a affirmation that it is not the judgements of others that will ultimately define me, but my love and faith in Christ Jesus.  I cherished one of the responses from a dear friend..."you are loved!"  See, there are many times in the hustle of the work week where my thoughts of love and being loved by others give way to thoughts of condemnation.  Who are you to think you are above me?  You're nothing but a sinner like me!  Now, let me say that I will never see myself as being better than others, that's not how my mama raised me.  That being said, there will certainly never be a shortage of those around us who will take each and every opportunity to speak to us words of condemnation and doubt.  I have a co worker who will refer to people such as this as haters, I would tend to agree.  I will agree that there are those voices out there that will stop at nothing to bring others down.  I would also agree that there are those thoughts within each of us which will promote doubt and feelings of low self worth as well.  So, what is it that so often draws us into feeling less than worthy?  I love the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector we find in Luke 18, and have turned to it often when I'm feeling low.  Two men, both men of authority in their culture.  Two men, both seemingly could be looked down upon by those around them.  The Pharisee, seemingly full of all sorts of righteousness, offers up a prayer thankfull that he was "not like other men!"  He proceeds to ramble off all of the supposed virtues of a righteous man, tithes and fasting.  How could such a man be seen as anything but righteous?  Then we have the hated tax collector, for even in his day the people had a low opinion of men of his occupation.  Did this tax collector go through his own list of virtues?  Could he ever match the righteousness of the religious Pharisee?  Apparently he didn't feel he could as he immediately prayed with remorse that God would "be merciful to me a sinner!"  It was Jesus Himself who tells us that it was this tax collector who went away justified.

Those days when everything around me tells me I'm no good.  That I'll never be worthy.  Why would I even try?  I struggle with affirmations, with assuring myself that I, indeed, am important to all I meet.  He has not only called me His son, but free of any and all condemnations as well.  I am Scott, also known as Jesus!  Some days are diamonds, some days are coal.
~Scott~

A dear friend responded to my message on affirmations with very encouraging words.  Speak what God says, anything else is a lie!  Amen brother.  There are some who have gotten into that habit, through journals or scripture reading, of speaking daily affirmations into their conscious minds each day.  I get it.  Good messages in, good feelings out.  I would be the first one to tell anyone that the more possitive messages we can speak unto ourselves each day is a good thing.  The more we focus our thoughts upon good things, the end result will be obvious to anyone.  My question would be, why do even need affirmations?  The truth of Christ Jesus is that it is Jesus Himself who lives through us today {Galations 2:20}.  This is the best affirmation that anyone could ever have!  Jesus is there with us each step of the way.  There isn't a minute which goes by that Jesus is not intimately involved in the lives of those who trust in Him.  Everything we experience each day He experiences through us.  What affirmations do you think Jesus would speak to us each day?  Well, I believe that He spoke through my friend earlier this week.  You are loved!
I have a friend who has made claims that he will only associate himself with those who lift him up possitively.  Now, while this might narrow his circle of friends, I agree with what he is saying.  I mean, who wants to be around a bunch of neagative people?  Trust me, I've been there and it aint no cake walk by any means.  Maybe that's why so many of us need our daily affirmations, to combat the negative influence of those gloomy people around us.  Yet those who trust in Christ Jesus can walk in His confidence each and every day.  I know from where my strength comes.

20“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who jwill believe in Me through their word;21“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22“And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23“I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. 24“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
John 17: 20 - 24 NKJV

~Scott~

The View From The Cheap Seats

48“However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: 49‘Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the LORD, Or what is the place of My rest? 50Has My hand not made all these things?’
Acts 7: 48 - 50 NKJV

I used to sit among the elect.  Yes, I was indeed one of the chosen few who walked with pride into Gods house each and every Sunday.  I would greet my fellow brethren, bask in my good deeds and take my seat among Gods chosen few.  Here we would praise God and listen intently to a few passages from His word.  This is just what good christians do....right?  I mean, we can run rampant through a hectic week but we ALWAYS make our way into Gods house on sundays.  I once had a friend who would even ask me each monday if I went to "Gods house" on sunday.  Over the years it got to be that I not only associated the church building with God, but also that God Himself was limited to the walls of "His" church.  I would like to think that christian teachings have changed over the years, but I still hear others refering to their church as Gods house.  Now, this may be in jest for some, but believe me there are those in christian circles who take this stuff seriously.  So, is the church indeed Gods house?  Well, I would point out that the church is definately where we hear and are taught about God, but is He limited to His house?  The physician Luke did not think so, as he tells us in Acts that God does not dwell in "temples made with hands" {Acts 7:48}.   So, do you still believe that the creator of all we see can indeed be limited to a certain building or area?  Good luck with that.  Yet, as we file into Gods house each sunday there are those who continue to believe that they are the elect few who are in our Lords  good graces.  I used to wonder what God thought of all of my friends who made no secret of the fact that they did not feel obligated to attend church each week.  Oh, I would often pray over them that God would find it in His heart to forgive their trespasses and return these lost sheep into the Shepherds fold.  In my mind, it was these lost souls who had ignored the Lord.  It turns out that it was I who could have learned something from them.

26For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galations 3: 26 - 28 NKJV

I can't remember when I started to see the church from the cheap seats, but it wasn't too long after my mothers illness.  By "cheap seats" I mean that I started seeing church from the outside looking in.  Yes, I have become one of the wandering flock who may have somehow forsaken God and stopped gathering with the Lords elect on sundays.  I still run into friends from the church who tell me that they continue to pray over me that God will forgive me and lead me back into fellowship in Gods house.  Forgive me?  Do they know of some secret sin I've commited by not attending church?  Is God mad at me?  If He is then I would be the first one to fall on my knees and beg His forgiveness.  I'm not proud enough to admit when I am wrong.  Then again, what sin is there that has not already been covered by the blood of Christ at the cross?  It's funny, but instead of the guilt I was so sure that I would feel within myself by not attending church, I suddenly felt a freedom I have never felt before.  By seeing church from the cheap seats, I have come into a relationship with Christ Jesus which I never heard talked about among Gods flock in Gods house.  By looking at church from these cheap seats, I have come to the realization of my life in Christ Jesus {Galations 2:20}.  I have come to the realization that my faith and salvation does not depend on the sunday church services I miss but on my faith in Christ Jesus.  There is no sermon or church that can get me a pass into heaven.  I cannot work my way into my own salvation {Ephesians 2:8}.  I will say that the view from the cheap seats is far better than from the front row.

8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,9not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2: 8 - 10 NKJV

~Scott~

Listening To Jesus

3“Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4“And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds aof the air came and devoured it. 5“Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. 6“But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. 7“And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop.8“But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” 9And He said cto them, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Mark 4: 3 - 9 NKJV

There was a interesting article out there this week that caught my attention.  The author was lamenting a certain argument which he and his spouse once had.  Being described by the author as particuarily "viscious," both partners fought to be in the right.  However, unlike many self help marriage articles out there, this was not the point of the article.  No, the point of this piece seemed to center around a...baby monitor.  Not just the baby monitor, but who it was that might be listening to the baby monitor.  For if anyone were to be listening to this particular baby monitor they would be treated to a front row seat to the viscious fight between the parents.  Now, I'll admit that my very first thought upon reading this article took me not to interpersonal relationships, but to my own truth in Christ.  Yeah, I know that we're told in Galations that it is Christ Jesus who lives through us today, that wasn't my issue {Galations 2:20}.  My issue was, just like that baby monitor, who is it that is listening in to all that I say and do daily?  Are they christian?  As you can imagine, we can never be certain who it is that will be listening in to those conversations we are having.  I'll admit that there have been time swhere I have overheard conversations between two or more supposedly christian people which didn't sound all too...righteous.  I get it.  I'll admit that I have been involved in a conversation ot two which didn't end up too righteous as well.  At that point, it seems that I was more interested in arguing my point than even worrying about what others were hearing from me.  After all, I'm a christian and God is the only one I need to answer to...right?  So, let me toss a hand grenade into this conversation.  As I have been in the middle of one of these strong language arguments, are those listening in seeing Jesus?  My guess is not so much.  I know, one of the first arguments I'll hear is "Scott, you're NOT Jesus!"  Then, upon hearing this I'll jump right into another argument.

3Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2: 3 - 4 NKJV

So, how is it that I can carry that Spirit of Christ within me and not be Jesus?  Believe me, I've had numersous conversations with those who disagree with this claim.  In fact, i was one of those nay sayers before I came to that realization of Christ Jesus in me.  How is it that I, sinful man, could be Jesus?  Well, as I came to find out, that old man I once was no longer exists in the eyes of the Lord {Romans 6:6}.  Crucified with Christ at the cross, all that now remains is Jesus...and me.  Remember also the flack Jesus received when He rightfully called Himself the Son of God.  Was He wrong for proclaiming this?  Of course not, and I am not in error for proclaiming Christ Jesus in me.  But I digress.  The question remains, when others listen to me speak, are they hearing Jesus?  When they see me, are they seeing Jesus?  Of course, I will claim that they are...on both counts.  Even in my darkest moments when my actions or words are not too Godly, it is Jesus who is living through me.  The reality of who I truly am does not change.  As I thought this over I came to yet another realization...that we all need a baby monitor at times!  The sobering reality is that the world around us will never see God but through those who have known Christ.  It is Jesus Himself who came in the form of a common man that those around Him would see the Father.  This is the question which Philip asked of Jesus {John 14:8}.  Little did Philip know that he had already seen the Father through Jesus.  So it is with the world around us.  If anyone were to question us and ask us to show them the Father we could say with assurance...I AM Him!  You recall, of course, when Jesus proclaimed to Philip that if he had seen Him then he had indeed seen the Father {John 14:9}.  For those listening to me at my most inapropriate moments...you are hearing Jesus.

7“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” 8Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?10“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
John 14: 7 - 11 NKJV

~Scott~

The Haves And Have Nots

43“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,How do you typically react? 45“that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46“For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Matthew 5: 43 - 46 NKJV

I've had a few discussions lately with different people about blessings.  Not surprisingly, I've gotten more than a few different responses when I have asked them to define or to describe the blessings they've received.  Well, one person claimed that it is because of her own goodness to others that God has blessed her.  Yet another said that his daily scripture reading and tithing have brought him into the christian reality of the "haves."  That is, those who have been abundantly blessed by their heavenly Father.  When I listen to these people tell of how richly they have been blessed, I always ask that question which seems to always have them stumbling for an answer.  So, if you, being righteous, have been blessed by God for your behavior, how is it that He has cast His blessings on the unrighteous as well.  Usually I will get a blank stare when I ask that question.  So, how is it that God would so richly bless one who is so blatantly unrighteous?  Well, to that question I have a simple answer.  Because He is God.  It's as simple as that.  Not only that, who am I to question He who provides the blessings in my own life?  What if I don't receive enough?  What if He is late in His provision?  Are we to suddenly place human characteristics upon God and assume that He is somehow withholding His own blessings out of spite?  I don't think so.  Yet this is exactly what so many people do each and every day.  There was a time when I would become angry with God when I thought that I deserved more from Him.  I mean, we've all thought that we deserve more blessings at one time or another right?  After all, we're christians and we deserve so much more than those other non believers!  But there's a catch to that line of thinking...God doesn't work that way.  He never has.  Take Job for instance.  By the authors own admission, we are told that this man Job was blameless and upright, a fine example of a Godly man if ever there was one.  Then Jobs life was thrown into a tailspin as God "allowed" satan to aflict His servant with trials.  Job lost his fortune and ultimately his family while the God he served seemingly stood by and watched him suffer.  Through all of his troubles, one thing Job never did was cast blame upon God.

2My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,3knowing that the testing of your faith produces apatience. 4But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1: 2 - 4 NKJV

It's funny, but whenever I bring up the example of Job to those who question Gods provision they often give the same response that Jobs friends did, that Job somehow had done something to anger or upset God?  Really?  How is it that this man who was well known for being righteous could have offended God?  We're not told of any of his iniquities in Gods interaction with satan.  In fact, it is God who inquires of satan "have you considered MY servant Job?"  By all accouts, Job was the last one many christians would consider to receive such treatment from God.  Then we ask ourselves, if God would do Job like that, what will He do to me in my own iniquities?  Is nobody save from the vengeful hand of God?  Well, before you go condemning yourself remember that God NEVER once allowed tragedy upon Job out of revenge for his own bad behaviors.  Believe it or not, this is the cornerstone to understanding the haves and the have nots.  All too often we filter Gods actions through our own human understanding, which is precisely the wrong thing to do.  Our God of the new covenant is not the God of fire and brimstone we see in the old testament.  Christ Jesus put that to death at the cross.  The new covenant we now live in is one where we are surrounded by the love of our heavenly Father.  In fact, it is He who lives through us today {Galations 2:20}.  We do well to remember that there is NO partiality with God.  Therefore, there are no have and have nots.  There is simply our heavenly Father lavishing His love and provision upon His creation.  Trust me, our Lord knows exactly what we need and He will never withhold that which gives Him joy to provide.  Who am I to argue with that?

“Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32“For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.He knows we need them. 33“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 5: 30 - 33 NKJV

~Scott~

The Man Jesus

14But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,15and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3: 14 - 15 NKJV

I once asked one of the sunday school kids I used to work with a interesting question.  This particular child was, for lack of a better word, a hell raiser at his early age.  Prone to everything from disrupting class to running like a gazelle through the hall, we certainly had our hands full with this one.  Then one sunday morning I took the opportunity to ask him a simple question.  "Son, if you be just one person who would you like to be?"  Of course, I was expecting him to mention someone like Tom Brady or some other action oriented individual, but his response surprised even me.  "I want to be Jesus, because Jesus can do anything!"  I'd never felt more proud, maybe all of our teaching was paying off.  So, what in the world would put in a young childs mind to make him want to proclaim that he wanted to be someone like Jesus?  Well, all of the lessons we had taught him aside, I believe that what this young lad saw in himself was a glimmer of who he truly was inside.  Knowing what I know now, my first response to him would have been "but you already ARE Jesus."  Indeed, we are told in Galations that our old self no longer exists, having been replaced by Christ Jesus who now lives through us {Galations 2:20}.  Is this the Jesus which my young friend saw within himself?  Perhaps, or he could simply be telling me what it is I wanted to hear.  I prefer to think that Jesus Himself was showing him who he was.  Indeed, this is how any of us will come to that realization of Christ in us.  It's how the apostle Paul came to his own realization {Galations 1:15-16}.  Granted, we can pray all day long that God would open our eyes to who it is we truly are, but it is by His own revelation to us that we will come to that realization.  This realization can come at a early age or, as it did for me, after the passing of years and many questions.  I was fortunate to have the advice and wisdom of a dear friend to guide me in my quest to know the man Christ Jesus.  Far from the Jesus I learned about in church, the man Jesus I now have come to know is much different.

20“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22“And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23“I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. 24“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
John 17: 20 - 24 NKJV

If there is one thing I have learned in my time in christianity it is that there are two versions of the man Jesus we hold so dear to us.  There is the Jesus we read and hear of in church.  This Jesus is very similar to the other, He bled and died on the cross that our sins would be cleansed.  Upon His death He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven and was seated at the Fathers side.  However, this is where the similarities end.  It seems that the Jesus we were taught so often in church spends His time looking down upon us from His home in heaven, forever seprated from Gods children until God calls us home.  Well, nothing could be further from the truth.  The man Jesus is in no way seperated from those who follow Him.  On the contrary, Jesus is closer to us today than He ever has been.  As Paul tells us in Galations, it is Christ Jesus who lives through us today.  In fact, the world might not even know the man Jesus if not through those who believe in Him.  Tell me, when was the last time you saw the man Jesus?  I can tell you with all honesty that I have seen Him many times.  Indeed, each time I look in the mirror I see Jesus gazing back at me.  This is not the Jesus who I was taught in church, but the true identity of the man Jesus who lives through all who know Him.  This is the Jesus who is seen daily through me in all I do.  If the world is to see the man Jesus, it will be through those who have come to know Him.


12No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 13By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
1 John 4: 12 - 15 NKJV

~Scott~

The Happy Few

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day
~Willim Shakespear    Henry V~

What would you do if you were uncertain of your own future, that salvation which you once you held so dear?  What if all of the rewards of heaven were lavished upon a chosen, selected few souls?  Would that change your feelings about the God you know, or thought you knew?  Well, there are in christian circles today those who believe that salvation is but for Gods chosen few.  So, my first question would be....how do I become one of these chosen few?  For most christians, we have been taught that our salvation is but a gift given by the grace of God.  So, is salvation given to a chosen few also given by grace?  If so, how then is this grace of God earned?  I mean, if we are now basing our eternity with Christ Jesus on something which is earned, I want to make damn sure my account is in good order!  Can anyone see the folly with this line of thinking?  If God were to give His salvation only to the fortunate and most righteous, then what of the finished work of Christ Jesus on the cross?  Is it indeed true that Jesus came that "all might be saved? {John 3:17}"  I know what you're thinking, Scotty, what's with all the questions?  Well, I'm asking because others have been asking as well.  I've also wondered early in my christian walk if I was good enough to "earn" my way into Gods good graces.  If I wasn't, then did I need to pray more?  Tithe more?  There I go again.  If there is one word of advice that I would give to someone who is questioning whether of not they are saved it would be...relax.  Be still and know that He is God {Psalm 46:10}.  For myself, I refuse to hold fast to a belief that flys in the face of the love and grace of my heavenly Father.

8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2: 8 - 10 NKJV

This idea that christians need to work out their own salvation is nothing new.  For if we live according to the law, we will constantly find ourselves seeking to "earn" our Lords good graces.  However, we can rest in knowing that the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ has made me free of the law of sin and death {Romans 8:2}.  In other words, it is Christ who has nailed to the cross the law of the requirements which were against us {Colosions 2:14}.  We no longer live by the law, but by Christ Jesus.  I cannot tell you how freeing it is knowing that there is nothing I can do to buy my way into salvation.  So, what must we do to be saved?  Simple, believe and acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ.  The apostle Paul tells us that if will only confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our own hearts that we will be saved {Romans 10:9}.  It's that simple.  We don't need to pray more, read our bibles more or anything else that we feel will earn our way into heaven.  All we need do is believe.  Believe that Christ Jesus rose from the dead.  Believe that He took all of our iniquities past, present and future upon Himself at the cross {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  Believe that it is Christ Jesus who is the one solid path to heaven and salvation{John 14:6}.  This free gift of God is not only one designated for a few of Gods chosen, but for all of Gods children.

1There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3For 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, 4that 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

~Scott~

Speaking Jesus

19Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were eassembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”22And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
John 20: 19 - 23 NKJV

I recently posed a question to a few guys in our group.  The question was, how is it that we speak Christ Jesus to those around us?  Now, some may refer to it as speaking the gospel of Christ, but I prefer speaking Jesus.  After all, it is the very words of Christ which we find in the new testament that offer up the desires of our heavenly Father for those living in the new covenant.  New covenant living, those who live in the new truth of Christ Jesus which we find in Galations 2:20.  So, how is it that I, as one living in the new covenant, "speak Jesus" to those around me?  Believe me, there are more than a few schools of thought on this issue.  You might see them each day as they evangelize on a street corner on your way to work.  Working in the public, I come into contact with a variety of people in the course of my daily duties.  For the most part, it is others who will approach me and inquire if I am a christian.  I've often thought, what is it about me that would even give the hint to someone that I was a christian, a follower of Jesus?  Rarely when someone has approached me inquiring if I was a christian have I initiated that conversation.  Obviously, they noticed something in me for them to recognize that I was a follower of Jesus.  Now, I would say that they did not notice something in me...but SOMEONE.  For those who are a bit confused by this statement, I would refer you to the words of the apostle Paul in Galations.  For it was Paul who shared with the world the truth of Christ that it is Jesus Himself who lives through us today.

20“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

It wasn't until I read over these words of the apostle Paul and came to realize the truth of Christ in me that I began to understand our pure evangelism.  After His resurection Jesus instructed His followers to "make disciples" of all the nations {Matthew 28:19}.  Who better to carry out the new covenant gospel of Jesus than those who had spent so much time with Him?  Indeed, it was these apostles who traveled the ancient world speaking the words and teachings of Christ.  When people would meet one of these men, there was no doubt that the Spirit of Christ was within them.  Well, we today share His Spirit as these early apostles did.  I believe that this is why a complete stranger can approach me with the understanding that there is a good chance that I am a christian.  In fact, I have seen this in others as well.  So my question to my friends was this, how is it that we as followers of Christ speak Jesus to others?  Simple, we speak who we are.  If Christ lives through us, then He will be exhibited through all that we do.  That is better than any evangelism man could ever come up with.  I don't need a sunday sermon, church seminar or video series on evangelism to understand that it is Christ Jesus who ultimately lives and moves through me.  Whatever it is I experience, I experience through Him.  Whatever it is I speak, I speak through Him.  Of course, there will be others who will bring up that elephant in the room...our own flesh.  To this I answer, although our flesh is indeed a part of our creation, it no longer defines us.  We can now proclaim with confidence...I AM Jesus!

6knowing 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.7For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.10For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11Likewise you also,

reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6: 6 - 11 NKJV

~Scott~

Disenfranchised

20“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 read with some interest this weeks blog by Wayne Jacobsen titled "Franchising the faith."  I've heard Wayne be critical of the modern institutional church before, that's nothing new for him.  However, I've seldom heard him describe the church as a franchise.  See, a franchise has customers, investors and a bottom line.  Ok, maybe the church could be seen as a franchise after all.  Based simply upon my own experiences, I have seen the modern church run as a franchise corporation.  We have set up programs, conferences and video series all designed to introduce us to Jesus and bring us closer into Gods presence.  Yet, we are told that we already have that through Christ Jesus.  Indeed, the apostle Paul tells of the living Christ who lives on in us {Galations 2:20}.  There is no twelve step program we will ever need that will bring us closer to Jesus than our own realization of who it is we truly are.  We are not simply sinners saved by grace, but children of God through whom Christ Jesus lives each and every day {1 John 3:1}.  It is through us that the world will ultimately see Jesus.  For everything that we do and experience...we do as Christ who lives in us.  I didn't come to my own realization through a church seminar, but by the revelation of God.  I think of all the time and money I could have saved had I simply realized the truth of Christ in me sooner.  Yet through all of my years in the church I guess I became...disenfranchised.  If there is one thing that I have learned it's that the modern church all too often fails to bring Gods children into that knowing of their own relationship in Christ Jesus, that just wouldn't be profitable.  Ultimately that's one of the reasons I grew weary of the church.  I would hear others speaking to their own desire to step into a relationship with Jesus, but like a carrot on a stick, they seldom saw that desire fulfilled.  I became one of those searching for Jesus in vain.

"There isn't a system humanity has devised that cannot be exploited to serve the needs of our flesh"
Wayne Jacobsen

It took me some time to realize that it wasn't church programs or somehow being more righteous that would lead me to a relationship with Jesus, but my own realization of the man I really was.  This realization didn't come from a sunday morning sermon or seminar, but from Gods own revelation to me.  As Jesus was revealed in me, it was like stepping into a brand new world.  Instead of pursuing my own relationship with Jesus, I could rejoice in knowing that He had been with me all along.  I tell everyone that the cross of Jesus is not the finish line, but the starting point of our own relationship with Him.  Jesus did not take our sins upon Himself that we would spend our lives in pursuit of something we could never accomplish {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  The very thought that a seminar or our own efforts could somehow bring us closer to our own salvation will not bring us any closer to Christ {Ephesians 2:8}.  If that were the case, many more christians might be able to work their way into a relationship with Jesus.  The carrot on the end of the stick, constantly yearning yet never achieving.  That's not the path to relationship that Jesus intended for Gods children.  We will never be able to work our own way into a relationship with Jesus.  However, we could save ourselves a lot of time and frustration by simply realizing who it is that we truly are.  Then again, that might drive the franchise out of business.

8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,9not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2: 8 - 9 NKJV

~Scott~

Daddy

18‘I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19“and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’ 20“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21“And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23‘And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24‘for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry."
Luke 15: 18 - 24 NKJV

I was thinking the other day of a old M*A*S*H episode I had not seen in a long time.  In this episode, the elite Charles Winchester had commented to one of his fellow doctors, "where I had a father...you had a dad."  This got me to thinking, what could he possibly meant by this off the cuff statement?  I mean, aren't a father and a dad pretty much the same?  Perhaps.  However, for those who have experienced the difference between the two it's quite obvious.  I'm one of those lucky few.  See, I see a father as one who fulfills all of the duties of fatherhood set before him.  He guides, leads and provides for his children just as he should, but yet there is something missing.  Yes, the child will grow up having known a father and provider, but may be lacking in other areas.  See, one can work all of his life providing for his children and yet never come close to knowing them.  So it was with my father.  Growing up in a single parent home, I came to realize pretty quickly the differences between a father and a dad.  I remember the happy times spent with my best friends family as I grew up.  I don't think of my friends family as the family I never had, I already had that.  No, this second family was more of a example of what a family should be.  I have no doubt that my heavenly Father placed them in my life for this very reason.  See, I could have lamented having been raised in a broken home, but in my friends family I found a happiness and stableness in my younger years.  It is here where I also found out what a dad truly is.  See, a dad is one who not only accomplishes the traditional duties of the father, but is one who is also more involved emotionaly in the lives of his children.

1Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of aGod! Therefore the world does not know bus, because it did not know Him. 2Beloved, 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

Over the past few years I have been privy to a unique relationship between a coworker of mine and his own children.  Now, some time ago I would have sworn up and down that this man was a prime candadite to be a father.  I have seen his bad side and the way he often spoke to his family.  Then something happened.  Over the past few years this man has grown more into the role of a dad.  Where there was once anger, now there is patience and advice for his own children.  Whether it is the passage of time or simply a more mature attitude, he is now more likely to give fatherly advice and wisdom than criticism.  By his own admission, his early years were not too pleasant in his dealings with people.  I can honestly say that I have seen him at his worst.  This is why I was surprised to see such a turn around in his own life.  I can't proclaim that I have had anything to do with this transformation, but we have had more than a few discussions on the truth of Christ in us {Galations 2:20}.  I would be the first one to give glory to Jesus for any revelation my friend would receive of the truth of Christ.  I would say that he is making the transition from a father...to a dad.
I have a dear friend who I used to attend church with who, to my amazement, took to refering to God as "daddy."  Why was I so dumbfounded by this?  Simple, look at my own childhood.  I had a father who would occasionaly show up and make a attempt at being  a dad...and often fail.  I did not know the true meaning of that term of endearment we often bestow upon our fathers.  I was too young to know my true Father.  My one and only Father who calls me son.  He is my daddy.

Behaving Badly

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

I saw this past week that California congresswoman Maxine Waters had made a few comments about "standing up" to all members of the administration of Donald Trump.  Furthermore, she called upon all Americans to confront these people in public at every opportunity and make their lives uncomfortable.  All because she disagrees with the policies of the president.  Yesterday, I watched on tv as the latest protest in downtown Portland unfolded into yet another riot situation.  Now, I'm certainly not saying that all people are like these political hacks we see on the news on a daily basis, but I've certainly noticed that many in our society have taken to behaving badly in recent years.  Although we may notice it more in the political arena, I have experienced it in other ways as well.  I have been called a idiot, close minded and a moron all for expressing my beliefs.  Now, I just take this as part of the culture we are in, but it didn;t used to be this way.  I have listened to many a older person tell me of a more civil time in our country.  Certainly, people have been behaving badly since the begining, that's what we do.  Some call it following the flesh, I call it simply being human.  Indeed, I challange anyone to produce any person who has ever been born who has been immune from behaving badly. Now, I guess I should make the caveat that Christ Jesus, having taken the form of man, had that opportunity to Himself behave badly as those He came to save have.  That didn't happen.  See, in order to have our own sins reconciled, Jesus needed to take that burden of our iniquities upon Himself {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  One look at the life of Christ and we will notice many people behaving badly.  So badly, in fact, that the very people whom Jesus desired to save were the very ones who nailed Him to the cross.  Of course, this was all part of our heavenly Fathers devine plan.  There is nothing that escaped is notice.  So, what happened where we all have somehow turned from a loving people in communion with God in the garden to hateful, filth spewing humans?  Well I'll tell you, it all began back in the garden with Adam and Eve.  In one moment, satan convinced Eve that she could indeed "be like God" {Genesis 3:5}.  From that point on, the idea that we ourselves can be independent from God has prevailed in us all.

7Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 4: 7 NKJV

I know that it sounds silly that Gods children would ever think that they were independent from their creator, but this has been the prevailing mindset for generations.  God has simply become someone who we see in a "seperated" view.  There He is, in heaven just waiting for us to screw up so that He can ultimately pass judgement upon sinful man.  Never mind the fact that it is Christ Himself who lives through us today {Galations 2:20}.  That's right, the Spirit of Christ Jesus dwells daily with those who have accepted Him.  In this the prayer of Jesus in the garden was answered {John 17:23}.  That is, that we would be one with He and our Father in heaven.  Does this sound like a God who is seperated from His own children?  Yet this is the belief among many a christian.  I should say, that this is the belief among many christians in whom the truth of Christ Jesus has not yet been revealed.  This is the truth of Christ in us which was revealed in the apostle Paul {Galations 1:15-16}.  Yet more than a few christians are fearful that proclaiming Christ in us could somehow be seen as being wrong or blasphemous.  Ok, if that's the case, then why are we told in scripture that this is who we truly are?  Everything we do, see and experience we do as Christ who is in us, even when we behave badly.  Despite our own propensity to allow our flesh and desires to temporarily dominate us, it does not change our one true identity in Christ Jesus.   In fact, knowing this, we may just get a new perspective on our own behavior.  For it is God who not only created us for union with Him, but with our own desires as well.

14For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 16Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5: 14 - 17 NKJV

~Scott~