Bought And Paid For

 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 noticed a physical trainer make the outlandish claim online that the hard work you put in at the gym is the price a man pays for every smile and kind word from women.  Now, as far fetched as his claim may sound, there is a segment of fitness nuts out there who will swear by his theory.  That's just the way it goes.  Every now and the there is some motivational guru who comes along to reinvent the wheel.  Sorry, I just don't adhere to his line of thinking.  Simply because I know that my identity as a man does not lie with the muscles or nutrition I work so hard on, but in my identity in Christ Jesus who is in me.  Yes, it feels good to do well in my exercises and to begin to see the transformation of my efforts, but that's not how this game is played.  The apostle Paul reminded the believers in Corinth of just the same thing in 1 Corinthians.  Paul reminds the Corinthians that the physical body they inhabited was indeed a temple of the Holy Spirit and not something which they could call their own {1 Corinthians 6:19-20}.  Indeed, Paul reminds them that there was a price paid for their mortal bodies.  That price has been paid in full by Christ at the cross.  Dare I say that there is absolutely nothing we can claim about our own bodies.  For whatever we feel that it is which we have paid the price for, Jesus has already been there and done that so we wouldn't have to.  Now, I don't mind the idea that my efforts are improving my health and overall confidence, that's a good feeling in itself.  But am I really providing for who I really am?  No, Jesus is in charge of that score.  Basically what this comes down to is that realization of who it is we are.  Is my identity tied to this flesh and blood body I inhabit?  Again, Paul had other ideas.  Paul believed that it wasn't his own self which he was tied to, but Christ who was in him {Galatians 2:20}.  

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who love, 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."

Galatians 2: 20 NKJV 

I remember how shell shocked I was when I first was introduced to the scripture of Christ Jesus in me.  This was radical thinking!  I remember thinking to myself, 'No wonder Paul was persecuted!'  So, I get it when there are others who cannot seem to grasp the belief that Jesus could reside in a mere man.  But am I a mere man?  Is that where my identity lies?  Well, Paul tells us in Romans that we are not in the flesh but in the spirit {Romans 8:9}.  It is this spirit identity that remains when our time on earth is done.  It is this spirit identity by which we were created in Gods very image {Genesis 1:27}.  Can we make the claim that our flesh body was bought and paid for by Jesus?  Perhaps, but I believe that Jesus was more interested in preserving what mattered...our spirit identity.  For it is the Spirit identity of Christ which lives in us today.  I know, a lot to handle right?  Let me just say that the traditional teachings of the mainstream church have not helped us in our understanding of Christ in us.  However, that does not mean that it's not a reality.  It simply means that there are those who have not yet received the Lords revelation of Christ in them.  I once counted myself among that crowd.  So it is that I continue to work on my strength and health, in the knowledge that I have been bought and paid for by Christ Jesus.  

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.

Romans 8: 9 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Plug And Play Life

Anxiety in the heart of a man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.

Proverbs 12: 25 NKJV 

I'm not much of a electronics wizard.  I know my limitations and part of that has to do with most things electronic.  Granted, there are a few things that I can manage to fight through, but most of the time I need a thorough set of instructions to guide me through.  These are what we call "plug and play" people.  We are more than comfortable having to simply plug our devices in and have them work well for us.  The trouble is, most devices today seldom follow the rule of the plug and play life.  More troubling is that life doesn't always grant itself to plug and play simplicity.  If only that were true.  Can you imagine having a life that no matter what the situation, that you could simply "plug" yourself into it and do just fine?  Well, it certainly is possible once we understand what, or who, we need to plug into our life.  I'm not talking about some Rick Warren self help miracle here.  No, this is simply the realization of who it is we really are on the inside.  Once we have this realization within us, the plug and play life can become a reality.  But what is this realization?  Perhaps we need some assistance from the apostle Paul.  For it was Paul who first described our true identity in Christ Jesus.  In Galatians, Paul describes living in the knowing of Christ Jesus in you {Galatians 2:20}.  Of course, this wasn't something that Paul himself was born with.  No, this revelation came unto Paul after his Damascus road experience.  On that day, Paul's life changed forever.  He may have encountered the Spirit of Jesus on that dusty road that day, but his own realization of Christ Jesus in him took a bit longer.  When it came, however, Paul was quick to give credit where credit was due.  Paul explains that it was the Lord Himself who revealed Christ IN HIM in the fullness of time {Galatians 1:15-16}.  Of course, Paul did not become a expert at the plug and play life right away, that took many hours of thought and realization of the man he really was.  Only then could he have the knowledge of the plug and play life.  

"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."

Galatians 2: 20 NKJV 

So, what is this knowing of the plug and play life?  Well, start off with the basic question, do you know Christ Jesus in you?  For until we understand this truth of our own identity, we will not understand the plug and play life.  Living with the knowledge of Christ in us means that we understand that it is Jesus Himself who we live as.  It is Jesus who became us, not the other way around.  Knowing that we live as Christ who is in us is the key to living the plug and play life.  Once we understand this fundamental truth we can plug Jesus into any situation we might ever face in life.  The plug and play life can be useful for good times and bad both.  Imagine coming across a stressful situation and knowing that you can simply live life as Christ who is in you?  Wouldn't that be a stress relief?  Imagine living a life not having to worry or stress over what is going on around you.  The plug and play life.  This only comes from the knowing we have that we live our own lives as Christ who is in us.  Until that time we're simply fumbling around with the electronics of life.

~Scott~ 

The View From The Other Side

 

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the unveiling of the sons of God. 

Romans 8: 18 - 19 NKJV 

This past week has indeed brought it's share of difficulties into my arena.  However, lest I cry too much into my own beer, I also realize that I am not alone when it comes to the trials and tribulations of life.  Yet I can honestly say that the view is much better once we've come through the other side of our ordeal.  I was thinking on this very thing this morning, of how we may be able to avert a good deal of the struggles we face were we only to have the right view of our situation.  First of all a quick question, how many of us, when trouble comes, immediately see our situation from the perspective of having already come through it?  Not too many I imagine.  Yet, we can agree that knowing how it is that the Lord is with us in our trials can be very good for our confidence.  Have you ever felt alone and adrift as you battle life's storms?  I have.  After all, these are indeed treacherous waters we are wading into.  These storms seldom sink ships, they scuttle believers!  I believe that the concept of our faith is key to this discussion.  As I was going through my latest ordeal I never once wavered about exactly who was in charge over my life.  That being my heavenly Father.  Where I floundered was the course of events I would endure until I saw the calm of the other side.  I could not perceive that through the hell of my own situation, God was confidently walking through it with me.  See, God knows the end game.  He knows when and where each turn of our lives will take us.  He is, as they say, our all in all.  The trouble is, all too often we're not so sure that what we see in front of us will end for our good.  Even though we're told in scripture that ALL things work to the good for those who love Him {Romans 8:28}.  Do you love the Lord?  

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "be of good cheer!  It is I, do not be afraid."  And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."  So He said, "come."  And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.  But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"  And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"  

Matthew 14: 27 - 31 NKJV 

Why did poor Peter doubt?  Here Jesus has offered him the opportunity to participate in a miracle...a life lesson if you will.  Then Pete, taking his eyes off of the prize, sinks like a ton of bricks.  Peter could not see the other side through the storm raging around him, despite being offered the safety of the hand of the Lord.  How many of our own life battles resemble Peters struggle?  When we come to a place where it seems that we just can't go on, all too often, like Peter, we cry out to Jesus for help.  Of course, from our limited understanding and vision, we often see the waves continue to crash against us and not see the outstretched hand of the Lord Jesus.  It may do us good to realize with some degree of confidence that Jesus is always closer to us than we realize.  The apostle Paul reminds us of this as he speaks to the truth of Christ in us {Galatians 2:20}.  Paul realized that it was no longer he that was important, but the Spirit of Christ Jesus in him.  Knowing this truth, how difficult and frightening do our own troubles look?  Can you envision a vulnerable Jesus who gave Himself up for you {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  A Jesus who, despite being perfect in every way, became each and every flaw that you have?  That's right, because it is Christ Jesus who has become all that we are.  As we go through life's storms, we do so as Christ who is in us. 

Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12: 8 - 9 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Drive By Ministry

 

But even if we, or an angle from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.  As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you that what you have received, let him be accursed.  For now do I persuade men, or God?  Or do I speak to please men?  For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

Galatians 1: 8 - 10 NKJV 

I recall a pastor some time ago relating in a interview how it was that he kept his flock engaged in his sermons each week.  His response?  "Well, I just find new and more interesting things to tell them."  I refer to such thinking as drive be ministry in honor of our news media.  The late Rush Limbaugh nicknamed the media "Drive by" for good reason.  For all too often a news crew will come into the scene of a news story, put their unique spin on the events and then bail before the dust has settled.  Has anyone ever witnessed a drive by ministry?  I have.  These are ministries that will tell people what they want to hear regardless of it it's scriptural or not.  I have known more than a few pastors in my life who spoke not to the gospel but to what people wanted to hear.  Being a pastor is a tough gig, I get it.  You're expected to mind the family business (church doctrine) all the while towing the line of traditional teaching.  Yet every now and then you need something "extra" to keep your audience interested.  I've seen everything from pastors riding motorcycles into the morning service to putting their own spin on the gospel.  All in the name of, as the apostle Paul claimed, 'speaking to please men' {Galatians 1:10}.  Now, I also admit to sleeping through my share of Sunday sermons as well.  What is it about the bible that makes us yawn in boredom?  Perhaps it is all of the "Thou shalt" stuff from the old testament?  For me, the old testament always seemed kind of mundane, almost dreary.  It was guaranteed that if pastor was preaching a series of sermons on the old testament that I would get a free nap during the service.  Then something incredible happens.  All of that prophesy which was spoken of in the old testament by a pastor whose sermon we slept through suddenly comes to life.  The new testament brings us new and exciting news.  

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers.  And they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.  

2 Timothy 4: 3 - 4 NKJV 

It is Paul, in a letter to his counterpart Timothy, who warns us of those who will turn the gospel from food for our soul to something the masses desire to hear.  Are you bored of hearing of how God hates sin?  Well, just hire a pastor who won't speak to it.  Tired of hearing of those lame ten commandments?  Yep, hire a pastor who doesn't talk about it.  If you fall into any of these groups of people, then you indeed have itching ears.  You want to hear the preacher talk about stuff you care about.  About how God blesses people who go to church and don't sleep through sermons.  About how God favors those who pray the right way and tithe when their supposed to.  Yeah, let's have more of that.  If this is your preference, I bet there's a out of work pastor out there who's more than willing to earn a steady paycheck speaking to whatever it is that you want to hear.  Not my thing.  It is my belief that the scriptures are there for a reason, and that reason is not to earn the satisfaction of man.  I don't have itching ears, I have yearning ears.  Except if you're a pastor doing a hour long sermon on the parting of the Red Sea.  In that case, wake me when you're finished.  

~Scott~ 

Can Anything Good Come Out Of Nazareth?

"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."

Galatians 2: 20 NKJV 

How is it that you see Jesus?  Do you stick to the old teaching line we find in the church?  That the Jesus we know today is Holy, exalted and well worthy of our praise and adoration?  If this sounds a lot like a praise and worship tune you're right.  For centuries we have been exalting the deity of Christ with our adoration and praise.  Now, there is nothing at all wrong with this as Jesus is indeed holy.  But does this depict the Jesus which we should be knowing?  Suppose that you were to meet the man Jesus on the street, would He look holy and exalted?  Did Jesus indeed resemble the Son of God when He walked the earth?  No!  In fact, a few of His early followers wondered, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?'  Indeed, those who knew Jesus did not see Him as holy or exalted, but as the son of the carpenter Joseph.  And Joseph?  Well, he had more than a few rumors swirling around town about he and his wife.  So, you could say that Jesus was simply a regular guy who did not attract too much attention from His appearance.  I have gotten frustrated too many times that the original authors of our biblical texts would not include any scriptures referencing the growing and maturing Jesus.  Like many people, I want to know who Jesus was.  What were His quirks?  Was He a wild kid growing up?  Did He try His parents patience more than a few times?  I would have to say that as a young child that Jesus was pretty much a normal kid.  Indeed, if He had shown anything special one would have noticed and written about it, right?  So, why do I mention all of this?  What is my interest in knowing the kind of person that Jesus is?  Well, because knowing the man Jesus blows a hole in the entire church teaching of who Jesus is.  They claim Jesus is holy and deserves our praise and worship.  I say that Jesus is just like me.  What?  How can the ordained Son of God ever resemble a sinner?  That's a good point, if you continue to believe that sin is the issue.  However, as the apostle Paul tells us in Romans, we are to consider ourselves 'dead to sin,'  Yet if we are dead to sin wouldn't that make us like...Jesus?  On the contrary, it would make Jesus like us.  

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 should 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 know a few Christian friends who simply cannot handle making the proclamation that they are anywhere near what Jesus is like.  I get it.  I've sat in the halls of mainstream church teaching for far too many years, so I know exactly what they're going through.  We are to believe that Jesus is the holy Son of God and should be treated as such.  I don't dispute this.  Yet, can anything good come out of Nazareth?  I would say that the man Jesus is all which we need.  That is, holy and exalted as well as sharing the same flaws which I have.  Now, before you cast me out as a heretic, consider what we're told about the man Jesus.  Paul reminds of of the most important point, that it is Jesus who is in us {Galatians 2:20}.  That's right, Jesus shares all who we are as a human of Gods creation.  Also, it is Jesus who willingly became sin that He might share this vessel of a body with us {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  In other words, Jesus became me.  Not only that, but He did it of His own free will.  That is why I can confidently say that I am Jesus.  Of course, a more proper proclamation would be Jesus...is me.

And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Colossians 2: 10 NKJV 

Through The Killing Fields

 

"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."

Galatians 2: 20 NKJV 

It is a desperate time into which many believers have walked.  Alone and afraid with nothing but defeat nagging at their every thought.  Our journey through life's minefields can be one of grief, fear and terror.  Seldom do we see the victory waiting for us on the other side of the valley.  This is where fight or flight meets faith and all too often it's a battle we lose.  As humans, when a crisis arrives we're programmed to do one of a few things, to face our situation head on or to run from it as fast as we can.  Hence the term fight or flight.  I faced such a situation this past week.  although not a life or death struggle, it still left me with more stress than I would have liked at the time.  The fact that our stress invokes many negative physical responses to our bodies is no secret to me.  A few days into my minefield of a week, I recalled a sermon I had once heard on our dependence upon others.  I'm not sure what made me think of this sermon, and I'm certain that at this point it matters even less.  However, the focus of the pastors lecture was the importance of our faith in Jesus over our dependence upon others.  I'm sure at the time that I had listened to this sermon and filed it away into the outgoing file of my brain, never to be thought of again.  However, for some reason I recalled this message.  The underlying message?  Men will often disappoint us, but Jesus will never let us down.  A good thought to remember as we're skipping through another of life's minefields.  When everyone else has abandoned us, it is Jesus who became our identity who reminds us of who we really are.  The apostle Paul reminds us of our identity in Galatians.  We are, for lack of a better explanation, Jesus.  

"When I go home, people say to me, 'why do you do it, Hoot, what are you some kind of war junkie?'  "I won't say a goddamn word, you know why?  Because they won't understand why we do it.  They won't understand that it's about the guys next to you, that's all it is."

Sgt. Norm Hooten 1st SFODD "Delta Force"

Operation Gothic Serpent, October 3-4 1993, Mogadishu, Somalia   

It's something we've all felt or experienced.  Depending on someone whom we hope will be our guide as navigate another of life's minefields.  Some end up well and strengthen the bond between two brethren.  However, there are also times when such episodes don't end so well for those involved.  Yes, I've been involved in my fair share of both.  Comedian Chris Rock once said, 'You know, you probably won't get arrested if you just use common sense.'  However, many of us also already know that trust in others also at times turns out badly.  That's how things go.  So, what are we to do when another minefield rises to meet us?  Run?  Well, my advice would be to keep walking into that minefield.  Yes, keep walking into that minefield, all the while never forgetting who it is that you are.  You are the vessel of the living Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.  Remember this the next time you feel that you are somehow facing life's pitfalls alone.  

~Scott~ 

Cats And Dogs

 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 

1 John 4: 20 NKJV 

There is a interesting analogy out there concerning dogs, cats and the people who care for them.  See, a dog sees his human master caring for him and thinks to himself, 'This human feeds me and cares for me, he must be God.'  The cat, on the other hand, sees his caretaker caring for him and thinks to himself, 'This man feeds me and scratches behind my ears, I must be God.'  Having owned both cats and dogs, I can envision why someone would think this way about each.  However, having known my share of people, I can see just how different people emulate the attitudes of out beloved pets.  Yes, some people will show grace and thankfulness while others choose the road of arrogance.  I'm sure that many of you have seen these traits in others you have come across.  As I was thinking of this comparison this week, I also remembered just how God has freed us from the scrutiny of our own behaviors.  The apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians, reminds us that we are to no longer judge others by the flesh {2 Corinthians 5:16}.  So, what does one think of when they hear the words flesh?  Bad behavior?  Sin?  There may be a very good reason that we feel this way about this part of our being.  Through my time in scripture study and fellowship I've come to understand that which we refer to as the flesh is a part of us which can and is often influenced either way either by good or bad.  Our flesh is, as they say, neutral.  Is this how you want to be known?  Not me.  While Paul reminds us how we are not to view those around us, he also reminds of of our one true identity in Galatians.  As Paul tells us, it is Christ Jesus who lives in us who we identify ourselves as.  You are no longer a sinner saved by grace...you are Jesus!

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

2 Corinthians 5: 16 NKJV 

I'm not so sure that I would like to be known as that guy who yells at people he is mad at.  I don't want others to see me in this way.  No, I'd rather they see me for who it is I really am...as Christ who is in me.  I have a few Christian friends who have a real difficult time proclaiming that they are Jesus.  I get it.  As Christians, we have been force fed a lie for thousands of years.  That we are nowhere close to being near to God, that we are simply sinners saved by the grace of the Father.  This is the church narrative.  Anyone who has grown up in the church can attest to this teaching.  About the only truth to that storyline is that we are indeed saved y the grace of the Lord, the rest of it is bunk.  I find it difficult to believe that God would have such a heartless feeling towards His children He has so lovingly created in His image {Genesis 1:27}.  In fact, we're told that Gods very nature is love {1 John 4:8}.  Knowing these truths, it is easy to see through the fog to who it is we, and those around us, truly are.

~Scott~ 

Lemonade

 

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character, and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5: 3 - 5 NKJV 

There is a old saying that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.  I always thought that that was sound advice from someone who had seldom tasted the sting of life's disappointments.  In fact, if I were to live by this advice lately, I'd be bottling lemonade by the gallons.  What else are we to do when life circumstances get in our way of being happy Christians?  If I was still in the church circle I'm sure that by now I would have been scolded that God was somehow punishing me for some sin I may have done.  Perhaps it was a bad thought from my past that riled up the Lord?  That would be believable, if sin were still an issue for me.  The apostle Paul tells us in Romans that we should now consider ourselves "dead to sin" {Romans 6:11}.  Sound advice from a man who could have sold a few jugs of lemonade himself back in the day.  So, how are we to approach those situations in our lives where it seems like there is nowhere to turn?  Again, Paul helps us out in this.  According to Paul, our struggles eventually produce perseverance, character and hope.  Not bad for feeling like we have our backs against the wall.  When we attack the lemons of life head on, not only to we make lemonade, but we sharpen our own character as a result.  Not only that, but by tackling our issues, we gain a sense of hope that maybe things aren't as bad as they first seemed.  When we finally emerge victorious on the other side of our struggle, we may do so knowing that we were not alone in our journey.  For it was Jesus Himself who walked that road with us.  Jesus?  Yes, the very same Jesus whom Paul tells us lives in us today {Galatians 2:20}.  As we all know, Jesus was well aware of the lemonade side of life.  

Considering this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christs sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12: 9 - 10 NKJV 

I consider Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 12 to be as much of a mystery to new believers as the mystery of the gentiles which is Christ in us.  Whatever does he mean that when he is weak, then he is strong?  What does he mean by saying that he boasts about the lemons in his life?  To help answer this question I defer to my own recent experiences.  During a few recent stressful events in my life, I was reminded by a good friend who continues to remain nameless (who am I kidding?  People know who he is by now!) that I was not walking through these tribulations alone.  Heavens no, for Jesus Himself was with me the entire time.  It is in times like these where we may feel that we cannot go on, but it is here also that the strength and perseverance of Christ Jesus works through us.  Why did Paul rejoice in his tribulations?  Because he knew the truth, that it never was him that made those lemons into lemonade.  It was only by the grace and power of Christ in him that Paul was able to chop up all of those lemons.  As for us, you and me, we indeed can have that very same realization when the situations arise.  The realization that we are but vessels for Christ Jesus who is in us.  What better opportunity for Jesus to reveal Himself to those around us than by working through us.  In the end, the label on that jug of lemonade will not proclaim it was bottled by us...but by Christ in us!  

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: 28 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Tradition Versus Jesus

 Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us.  He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

Colossians 2: 14 NKJV 

I've heard the question more than a few times.  Which is more important, traditions or knowing Jesus.  Now, most well meaning believers know that the obvious answer is to know Christ Jesus, but they tend to go about it the wrong way.  They tend to think that they are getting closer to Jesus by following man made  church traditions.  I grew up following such traditions, so I know a little about what I speak.  But I still ask, what does following tradition have to do with knowing the man Jesus?  For there is absolutely nothing I can see in these traditions that has brought me closer to Christ.  Not tithing, nor prayer or gathering together in church.  All have led me to follow a church paradigm and not know Christ.  What HAS brought me to the realization of who Jesus truly is is the revelation of the Father.  The apostle Paul speaks to his own revelation in Galatians.  Paul speaks to "when it pleased God" that He would "Reveal His Son in me"{Galatians 1:15-16}.  This is how we will come to know Jesus as He is.  In fact, many believers may be shocked to know that Jesus wasn't too hip on organized religion.  He often took the opportunity to point out the flaws in the religious systems of the Pharisees of His day.  His "Woe to the Pharisees" we find in scripture is but a example of how Jesus saw organized religion {Matthew 23:13-36}.  No, the gatherings which the church of the early believers of Jesus partook of were far different from the man made church services we see today.  Paul gives us a glimpse into the works of this early church in Acts 2.  Can you imagine a church service where the congregation shared what they had with those in need?  A group of believers where sharing meals and happiness go hand in hand?  No, because we have been entrenched in a religious system for far too long to know the difference.  

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions 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.  

Acts 2: 44 - 46 NKJV 

Imagine my surprise as a young believer when I was introduced to the "community" church concept.  There were home groups as well as monthly get togethers for all.  However, one key stone remained unturned, that is knowing the man Jesus for who He truly is.  Most believers who have not delved into the writings of Paul may never come across the revelation he gives us about Christ Jesus in Galatians.  It is Paul who introduces us to the truth of Christ in us {Galatians 2:20}.  Yes, Jesus lives in you today.  I know, I've heard all of the traditionalists who stick to their guns and make various claims that in their minds debunk the belief that Jesus could ever live in us.  First and foremost is our very own sin issue.  How can a holy Christ find refuge in a sinner?  Simple...we're now dead to sin.  Huh?  Paul tells us in Romans that the finished work of Jesus on the cross has freed us of sin debt {Romans 6:6}.  Our old nature was put on that cross with Christ, that we would no longer be slaves of our sin.  This is how Jesus Himself can and does live in us today.  So, are Paul's words in scripture just that...words?  I don't see it that way.  Especially when a tradition based pulpit pounder tells me to accept the scriptures he gives me, but to disregard the words of Paul which I know in my heart to be true.  For it is the revelation of the Father that has given me the knowing of Christ Jesus in me.  It is this same revelation which will introduce you to the truth of Christ in you.

~Scott~ 

A Higher Standard

 

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the richness of His grace.

Ephesians 1: 7 NKJV 

One question always bothered me while I was in a mainstream church.  That is, if Jesus died to rid me of my trespasses, why do I need to still worry about them?  Yet, each and every Sunday morning I was sure to be reminded of just how bad I had behaved and that I not only needed a Savior, but that I needed to continue praying that He would forgive me.  How does that work?  Jesus gives Himself for me yet I need to keep asking Him to?  In jest I invented a saying which I would tell to a select few pastors, 'How many times does Jesus need to be crucified?'  Well, sometimes it seems that Jesus is on a never ending path to and from that cross.  Although we have read in scripture that He has provided for our salvation, we're also told that we need to keep praying for forgiveness.  Why is that?  I'll tell you why, we're our own worst critics.  Once we have the knowing in our hearts that God has provided for the washing of our sins, we can rest in assurance that we are forgiven.  That's it, end of story.  If it were that easy, right?  Well, it is.  The apostle Paul tells us in Romans that we should now consider ourselves "dead indeed" to sin {Romans 6:11}.  That's right, Paul knew that Jesus did not need to be continually martyred every time we feel guilty over our past.  What's done is done, and Jesus has paved the way for us to proclaim with confidence that we are indeed dead to sin.  But, as I said, we are our own worst critics.  Each time we feel guilty over what once was, we feel the need to pray for Gods forgiveness.  Now, I'm not one to tell someone just how they should deal with their prayer life and God, to each his own.  That being said, if it makes one feel more assured praying to the Father for the forgiveness they already own, then who am I to tell them not to?  The bottom line is, when we know in our hearts that we're forgiven, we can speak it with confidence.  

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 

2 Corinthians 5: 17 NKJV 

You will notice in Paul's reminder in 2 Corinthians of our new creation in Christ Jesus what has happened to our old ways.  As Paul tells us, 'old things have passed away.'  They're gone, forever.  Paul never mentions that Jesus left some sin unforgiven to hold over us.  For this reason, Jesus proclaimed on the cross, 'IT IS FINISHED.'  He had accomplished what He had been sent to do, and nothing will ever take that away from us.  Now, the accuser will try to convince us that we are still that sin stained person we used to be, but that does not make it true.  For there is but one truth, we are a new creation in Christ {2 Corinthians 5:17}.  Not only that, it is Christ Jesus who lives in us {Galatians 2:20}.  Knowing this, we can sit through a entire Sunday sermon on the sin of mankind and know that Jesus has provided for your forgiveness.  That old man we used to be is no more.  In his place is the Spirit of Christ Jesus who gave Himself for us.  

~Scott~ 

The Booklist Of Common Sense

 

And we know that the Son of God has come and given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 

1 John 5: 20 NKJV 

I was looking on Amazon the other day for a particular book on history and decided to check out the Christian book section as well.  Well, I have never seen so many books on common sense in my life.  It seems that the Christian book scene is chock full of books from teaching us not only how to pray but how God can bless us into being a millionaire (Yes, there's a book on that!).  This is both intriguing and disappointing in my mind.  I mean, does a believer really need a book on how to learn to pray?  For what are our prayers but conversations with the Christ Jesus who is in us {Galatians 2:20}.  I find it sad that there would be people out there who would purchase a book simply for the opportunity that the Lord would bless them with being a millionaire.  Now, I've owned a few common sense Christian books in my time as well.  However, the one Christian book that I have never grown out of is my bible.  If you are looking for a book on how to pray, speak and act in a Christian way, then the bible is for you.  For in its pages we will find the very words we need to learn and know our living Lord Jesus.  Yes, I said living.  Yes, Jesus was persecuted and crucified, but He has overcome that and His Spirit now resides in us.  The apostle Paul introduces us to this truth in Galatians 2.  As we read the bible, we are introduced to the coming Lord Jesus through the old testament, then we see His life and words in the new.  I have to say, we could do away with every single Christian fad book on common sense if we would simply follow the words of Jesus.  Want to learn how to pray, Jesus lays it out for us in Matthew {Matthew 6:5-15}.  Want to learn how to treat others?  Read the words of Jesus we find in Matthew 5 {Matthew 5:45-48}.  However, far from being a instruction manual on Christian living, the bible is actually our introduction to getting to know the truth of Christ Jesus.  The knowledge of knowing that it is He who lives in 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."

Galatians 2: 20 NKJV 

Contrary to contemporary Christian reading, you won't find it written in the bible that God will bless you with being a millionaire.  So, if that is your goal with being a believer, you will be disappointed.  However, what the bible and the words of Jesus will offer you I believe is something worth far more than anything money can purchase.  Can all the money in the world buy you the assurance that you will never need to fear dying?  I have never had a million dollars, but what I do have is my knowing in Christ Jesus that He has overcome death so that I will never need to {Romans 6:8-9}.  I don't boast a wealthy stock portfolio, but what I do have is the knowing that through Christ Jesus I am no longer a slave to sin {Romans 6:6}.  Yes, you could be a millionaire and still have a deeper knowing of Christ, that is undisputed.  However, I refuse to allow some contemporary flash in the pan author convince me that I can pray my way to financial success.  Now, that in no way means that if God SO CHOOSES to bless me, He can and will.  The reality is that it's not up to me...or you.  The reality is that God gives us breath and life each and every day of this life, all the while preparing us for our life with Him once our time here is at a  end.  That, my friends, is worth far more than money. 

"And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."

John 17: 3 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

To Motivate

 

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3: 23 - 24 NKJV 

The story goes that NBA legend Michael Jordan was at dinner prior to the start of the 1996 finals when he ran into opposing coach George Karl in the same restaurant.  Jordan was expecting a greeting from the Seattle coach, but got nothing of the sort.  In fact, Karl simply ignored Jordan the entire time.  Feeling slighted, Jordan used this moment as motivation to defeat his opponent.  The Chicago Bulls did just that...in six games.  Michael Jordan ultimately won the most valuable player award for the series.  I was thinking of this episode the other day as I went through another session at the gym.  The question came to me, what is it that motivates us?  I have to admit that I do get some inspiration whenever I hear that someone is of the belief that I can't do something.  I don't normally take it to the Michael Jordan level, but I do tend to take more than a few of these slights personally.  This can be a good as well as a bad thing.  Good in that I have motivation for that which I do, bad because it has caused conflict between myself and others in the past.  For where I see someone doubting my ability may not be anything but that same person looking out for me.  Still, I've taken far too many of these interactions personally.  So, what is it that motivates us?  Well, there will be a different answer for different people.  While Michael Jordan may have used his interaction with George Karl to fuel his championship run, someone else may have just as well forgotten about it.  These days I find myself not depending so much on what others think of me for motivation, but on the man that I know I am.  

Reputation is who men think you are.  Character is the man God knows you are.

So who am I?  For that I turn to the apostle Paul, who gives us a insight into the person we all are inside.  Paul tells us that our one true identity lies with Christ Jesus who lives in us {Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:8}.  That's right, the man that I am has never been defined by my appearance or family name, but by Jesus Himself.  The knowing of Christ in me is not something I found taught in a church sermon.  Nor in a church Sunday morning class.  Rather, my knowledge of who I am in Christ came to me the same way it came to Paul, through the revealing of my heavenly Father.  Did Jesus ever use anything to motivate Him?  Well, I believe that Jesus used His work for the Father in many ways to motivate Him in those times where He may have been feeling down.  Now, no matter what you've ever heard about Jesus, He was indeed a man and subject to human feelings and emotions just as much as you or I.  I do believe that there were times that Jesus Himself needed motivation to continue the work the Father was doing through Him.  We are told that Jesus wept {John 11:35, Luke 22:44}.  We have all heard of Jesus' rant against the Jewish authorities of His day {Matthew 23:1-36}.  So what is it that I use for motivation?  Simple, despite all that is going on all around me, I know exactly the man I am.  I am not defined by appearance, heredity nor what others may think of me.  THIS Jesus is the man who I am.  

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.  Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christs sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.  

2 Corinthians 12: 8 - 10 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Wining Gods Love

 

But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5: 8 NKJV 

As is my habit, I was listening to a early morning sermon on my way to work this week when I was nonce again reminded of my former days in the church.  The pastor reminded his listeners that in order to save those around us, we need to remind them that they are dreadful, failed reprobates on their way to a eternity in hell who need saving.  Does this form of evangelism sound familiar to anyone?  Tell your neighbor how evil of a sinner that he is before you introduce him to God?  Does anyone believe that this is effective evangelism?  If you do let me ask you this one question...when was it that God started loving you?  Did He began loving you when you first read the bible?  Did He start loving you when you were baptized?  When did God start loving you?  Well, we're told that God has always loved us.  In fact, He loved us enough to save us from who we once were {Romans 5:8}.  We are also told in scripture that Gods very nature is that of love {1 John 4:8}.  So, when did God first start loving you?  I believe that God has loved me even before I was born.  It was from His love for me that He created me in His own image {Genesis 1:27}.  Yes, even before my flesh carried me in ways that were contrary to Him, God loved me enough to breathe into me the breath of life {Genesis 2:7}.  God knew that I would run afoul of what was the right thing to do.  However, despite that, He knew me for who I truly am.  His child.  Dare I say that if I did have to compete for the Lords love and favor that I might not have fared so well.  It is because of this that I needed a Savior.  Christ Jesus was the one who took my sin upon Himself at the cross {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  Make no mistake, it is because of Gods love for me that Jesus died for me.  Gods love for me once again on display.  

For in grace, through faith, are you saved, and this is not out of you; it is Gods approach present, not of works, lest anyone should be boasting.

Ephesians 2: 8 - 9 

Concordant New Testament

What would it have been like had God, knowing that we would run afoul of His statutes, simply erased man He had created and started over once again from the beginning?  Believe it or not, I have heard pastors entertain this notion.  To this I answer, would the Lords love and grace be shown were He to destroy that which He created?  Let's be honest here, it is BECAUSE God know of our makeup as people that He left creation as it is.  God knew all along that I was going to need the redemption which only Jesus could bring.  This is His love poured out upon me through Christ Jesus.  What need would we have of a Savior were God to simply toss us out and start over again?  But wait, didn't God do just that in the days of Noah and the great flood?  Not exactly.  Yes, the Lord did erase a good part of His creation, but Noah and his family as well as the animals of the earth and birds of the air were spared.  So the question still remains...when did God start loving you?  Has He ever stopped loving us?  I believe that the mainstream church has gotten it wrong when it comes to evangelism.  We feel that we need to remind others of how bad they are before we introduce them to the love of God.  How tragic this is for the new Christian.  Why not remind the new believer of the love and grace of God instead of dwelling on the sin issue?  It is sin that is the toxic concoction in Christianity today, talked about as if we still face the battle of trying to win Gods love and mercy.  Bad idea.  The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans that we who follow Jesus are "dead indeed" to sin {Romans 6:11}.  God loves you.  

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 

~Scott~ 

Something To Remember

 

"Oh, that my words were written!  Oh, that they were inscribed in a book!  That they were engraved on a rock.  With an iron pen and lead, forever!  For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth.

Job 19: 23 - 25 NKJV 

I recently came across a few old notebooks I has once used as a journal.  Normally, this wouldn't be that big of a deal, as I do tend to write my thoughts down from time to time.  Yet what made these notes different was that they were written during a few challenging periods in my life.  As I read on, I read once again of the days of pain, anxiousness and excitement in my life.  Sure, I recall these days pretty well, but as usual, time seems to fade our memories.  One entry caught my eye from a day I waited to hear back about a job application I had submitted.  I remember asking my friends at church to pray for me that I would get this job, as it would be a good opportunity for me.  I remember struggling in my spirit as I prayed that God would indeed open that door for me.  Was I praying enough?  Was I behaving right in the Lords eyes?  In my Christian way of thinking, everything had to line up in order for God to work a miracle in my life.  It pained me as I read my own words of the trauma that I put myself through while waiting for God to work.  Was God upset with me?  Had I done something wrong to anger Him?  With each passing day I did not hear about the job I wanted, I began to wonder more and more if God was hearing my prayers.  I noticed that my prayers had turned from prayers of requests to questions of why He was making me wait so long.  Yes, I know, patience has never been my strong suit.  Reading on, I read of how my anxiety affected me physically.  I read of how I came down with a few colds during this time, which I wondered was Gods way of trying to tell me something?  Finally, I came to the last page.  This page had just the date and one simple word written upon it...AMEN!  Yes, I got the job, despite all of the worry and anxiety I endured in the process.  It turns out that God wasn't upset with me at all.  It was all part of my journey with Him.  

"With Christ I have been crucified, yet I am living; no longer I, but living in me is Christ.  Now that which I am now living in the flesh, I am living in faith that is of the Son of God, Who loves me, and gives Himself up for me." 

Galatians 2: 20 

Concordant New Testament 

Many believers, myself included, have been encouraged at one point or another to do daily journaling of their daily walk.  I can't say that I am a devout journal writer, but I do find time to write when the situation warrants.  Some people have asked me, what is the importance of writing a journal?  I tell them that it is a record of our walk with the Lord.  There have been many times and many situations in my life where I wish I had written a account.  Why?  Because after I came through those situations I grew in my understanding and knowing of the Father.  When I look back now on writings I have done in the past, I see no mention of Christ in me.  That revelation came later in life.  However, what I do see is someone adhering to the church rules of exactly how we should approach God.  Back then, I came before God with my head held low in shame.  For I knew that I was guilty, I was told as much every Sunday.  My prayers were often along the lines of God, if You can forgive me, grant my request.  If He can forgive me?  It is though the finished work of Jesus that I AM forgiven!  It is also through the finished work of Jesus that I need not worry over sin any longer {Romans 6:6-11}.  What has changed in my journal writing?  For one, I remind myself that it is Christ Jesus whom I walk with each day {Galatians 2:20}.  I also remind myself that my prayers are not requests I make to the Father, but a conversation I have with Jesus who lives in me.  

Knowing this, that our old humanity was crucified together with Him, that the body of sin might be nullified, for us by no means to be still slaving for sin.  For one who dies has been justified from sin.  Now if we died together with Christ, we believe that we shall be living together with Him also, having perceived that Christ, being roused from among the dead, is no longer dying.  Death is lording it over Him no longer.  For in that He died, He died to sin once for all time, yet in that He is living, He is living to God.  Thus you also, be reckoning yourselves to be dead, indeed, to sin, yet living to God in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Romans 6: 6 - 11 

Concordant New Testament

~Scott~