Unsanctioned Community

 

Sects and denominations have absolutely nothing to do with the true church.  Denominations are ALL man-made systems, structured contrary to the ways of the spirit of God, and they are ALL the prison houses of Babylon.  The church is a people related to God by Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.  They are a people born from above, born free.  And yet, many of the Lord's precious people sit in Babylon.  Unto them our blessed Lord speaks today:  "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye RECEIVE NOT OF HER PLAGUES" {Revelation 18:4}.  

J. Preston Eby 

We come from all walks of life.  Businessmen, contractors, students and factory workers.  Some have chosen the Lord in their life while others have not.  Still, we find common ground to come together more than a few times each week for fellowship and exercise.  Many a well intentioned believer might not see a gathering at a local gym as "community," but a community it is nonetheless.  These same believers will point to a gathering at a local coffee shop as community sanctioned by the church, yet a group of people gathered together in community at a local gym cannot possibly be that, could it?  To put a better light upon this question, we need to distinguish what it is we refer to as community.  While I was in the church, community to me always meant a gathering which was endorsed by the church leadership.  Small groups, home groups and men's groups all represented accepted examples of church community.  The first time I saw someone bend these rules was with a dear friend of mine who took to doing his private bible study time at a local coffee shop.  Well, eventually, he introduced himself to more and more people and his community grew.  Today, he still maintains close relationships with many of those he introduced himself to in that coffee shop ministry.  Now, I'm not at all sure if his coffee shop community was endorsed by the church leadership, but to me it doesn't matter anyway.  For through this community many people came to a deeper understanding of the Lord Jesus, myself included.  So it is that I don't worry too much if what I refer to as my gym community would itself be sanctioned by some pastor or otherwise ambitious pulpit pounder pushing some church agenda.  For there is a sense of freedom which comes with authentic community.  We're not beholden to church rules nor are we worried if we will be accepted by the remainder of the so called "congregation."  

Now all those who believe were also in the same place and had all things in common.  And they disposed of the acquisitions and the properties, and divided them to all, forasmuch as some would have need.  Besides persevering day by day with one accord in the sanctuary, besides breaking bread home by home, they partook of nourishment with exultation and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor for the whole people.  Now the Lord added to those being saved day by day in the same place. 

Acts 2: 44-47, Concordant New Testament 

One of my favorite passages when it comes to the community of Gods children is found in Acts 2.  Here, the physician Luke gives us an example of the workings of the early church of the believers in Christ Jesus.  Many who have read and enjoyed this passage may have yearned for a day when their church could function in such a way.  Well, we can, and we have!  My friend's coffee shop community is but one example of the Lord's people gathering in His name and not within the sanctioned rules of the church.  Luke tells us that these early believers had "favor for the whole people."  They were not only concerned with those who were believing, but those who were outside of their community as well.  Our gym community (commonly referred to as the gym rats) is a cross section of the community.  Not everyone is a believer.  However, the gym rats know where I stand in my faith and more than a few have begun asking questions of my faith.  This is authentic community!  This community might not be sanctioned by any church, but we are also free of the burdens of church acceptance and rules.  In my opinion, church rules and standards only serve to choke off the true meaning of community, which is people gathering together.  How many of us have been in those church gatherings where nothing ever happens until announcements are read leadership introduced?  This IS NOT community.  I believe that Luke would have felt the same way.  God does not desire for people to blindly follow the rules and regulations of man made religion.  What the heart of the Lord does delight in is His people gathering together in Him, whether that be in a coffee shop or a local gym.  

And we may be considering one another to incite to love and ideal acts, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves, according as the custom of some is, but entreating, and so much rather as you are observing the day drawing near. 

Hebrews 10: 24-25, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~

Monuments To Old Men

 

"The true church does not need fine temples or halls, ritual performing priests, Sunday school quarterlies, robed choirs, tax-exempt status, seminaries or denominational hierarchies."

J. Preston Eby 

I have an old church friend who recently traveled with his wife of many years to Europe to visit a few of the old cities of the "other" continent.  Every now and then he would send pictures of one ornate cathedral or another which they visited in their travels.  These man made temples are indeed fabulous examples of architecture and construction from their time.  They are also totally unnecessary in the realm of the true believer.  Having spent most of my life in the church, I get how someone might see the church as the be all end all of the Christian world.  All too often, the focus seems to be on the biggest and most flashy building to draw in a new generation of believers.  All too often, the focus seems to be directed on the next best church program designed to bring one closer to the Lord.  Again, all of this is unnecessary.  Now, I fully realize that I may receive some pushback from those in the church who feel justified in defending their faith.  I get it.  I once counted myself among the zealous defenders of the faith.  It was my duty, so I thought, to set anyone straight who dared question the Christianity I believed in.  Well, the most it ever got me was into my share of arguments.  Is this the way in which Jesus ministered?  By shouting down those who defied the faith of the religious authorities?  No, for Jesus Himself defied the religious authorities of His day.  Jesus knew that the true heart of the believer rests not in ornate monuments to old men, but in Him.  Jesus taught that He was the One true path unto the Father {John 14:6}.  The way to the Father is not paved in the stone arches of man made temples, but through Christ Jesus.  Jesus is the way to God.  All of the rituals and church ceremonies I ever was involved in never brought me closer to Jesus or the Father.  What they did do is give me a sense of guilt that I wasn't doing enough to please God.  Sound familiar?  How many Sunday sermons have you endured where the pastors message was how you could be "like" Jesus?  Have you ever yearned for a closer, more intimate relationship with Him?  The apostle Paul tells us that this is indeed possible.  Paul tells us in Galatians that it is Christ Jesus who lives in us {Romans 6:8, Galatians 2:20}.  I consider this to be the truth of Jesus today.  Yet you will rarely find this truth spoken to in the ornate churches we hold so dear.  Could these indeed be the white washed tombs which Jesus spoke of {Matthew 23:27}?

For, passing through and contemplating the objects of your veneration, I found a pedestal also, on which had been inscribed, 'To an unknowable God.'  To whom then, you are ignorantly devout, This One I am announcing to you.  The God who makes the world and all that is in it, He, the Lord inherent of heaven and earth, is not dwelling in temples made by hands, neither is He attended by human hands, as if requiring anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all. 

Acts 17: 23-25, Concordant New Testament 

Ask yourself this question, what is it that you can provide God?  Your attention?  Your faith and belief?  Your undying love?  What ornate building ever brought you into a deep relationship with the Father?  What temple brought Paul, the spokesman for knowing Christ in us, to his own realization?  Well, let's contemplate what Paul recalls of his own conversion.  It is Paul who describes his own realization of the indwelling Christ as "When it delights God" {Galatians 1:15}.  This is the same way in which I realized the indwelling Christ Jesus in myself.  It was not brought about by a church program or ritual.  It was not brought about by my striving to "Be more like Jesus."  No, it was the Fathers intimate timing which brought me to a knowing of His Son in me.  My knowing of Jesus in me had nothing to do with fancy man-made churches or programs.  My own knowing was brought about by others in the one true church of the Lord Jesus.  That is, those who believe and have come to know Him.  As Christians, we all too often get the word "Church" misconstrued.  To many, church refers to the fancy building, the rituals and programs, the loud music and hierarchies of authority all wrapped up into one God approved bundle.  To me, church is the ecclesia, the body of believers in which Christ Jesus is the head {1 Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 1:22-23}.  Of course, there will always be those within the monuments of old men who vie for attention with Jesus.  

And subjects all under His feet, and gives Him, as head over all, to the ecclesia which is His body, the compliment of the One completing the all in all.

Ephesians 1: 22-23, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Alternate Gospel

 

Now faith is an assumption of what is being expected, a conviction concerning matters which are not being observed. 

Hebrews 11: 1, Concordant New Testament 

Maybe you've been there.  You've read the scriptures and thought that you understood the word.  That is, until another so called gospel was introduced to you.  As a young believer, this is the position I often found myself in.  It is, I believe, the position many Christian believers often find themselves in.  They've read and feel that they understand the bible, only to have a monkey wrench tossed into what they believe by a pastors Sunday sermon.  You've read that God sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  Yet this alternate gospel will preach to you that we need to continually seek the Lords forgiveness.  You've read that your salvation is a gift from God {Ephesians 2:8-9}.  Yet the alternate gospel tells us that it is by our own efforts (tithing, serving and church attendance) that we can affect our own salvation.  So, my question to you is this, who is it that you trust in?  Do you trust in the honest word of the Lord?  Or, do you place your trust in an alternate man created gospel?  For most of my Christian life, the alternate gospel was indeed the be all end all.  I viewed salvation as a gift received from the Lord.  However, I also believed that I could lose that gift if I did not perform in a way which pleased the Father.  Contrary to the scriptures, my salvation had become a competition.  These days I describe adhering to this alternate gospel as akin to running on a hamster wheel.  Those who accept it are constantly performing in the hopes that God will deem them acceptable.  The apostle Paul warned early believers of alternate gospels {Galatians 1:6-9, 2 Corinthians 11:3-4}.  Paul knew and understood that there would be others claiming to be the true word of the Lord.  One of these was indeed Paul's former masters in the Jewish church.  He confesses that the gospel he spoken to him after his conversion was not a gospel spoken according to man {Galatians 1:11}.  The apostle John calls upon believers to "Test the spirits, whether they are of God" {1 John 4:1}.  That is, do I trust in the word, or in a separate gospel originated and spoken by man?  

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are of God, for many false prophets have come out into the world.  In this you know the spirit of God: every spirit which is avowing Jesus Christ, having come in flesh, is of God.  

1 John 4: 1-2, Concordant New Testament 

When we get down to the nitty gritty of the alternate gospel, I believe that we are able to determine which one is the one true gospel spoken by the Father through His Son Jesus Christ.  I have never known the Lord to be a liar, so I have faith in knowing that what He has promised me is true.  We are told that Christ died on the cross carrying the sin of all mankind within Him.  The debt is paid!  The alternate gospel demands that we continue to seek forgiveness for something which Christ Jesus has already bled and died for.   Paul speaks to us that our salvation is the gift of the Father, and that nothing we can ever do will ever change that {Ephesians 2:8-9}.  The alternate gospel preaches to us that our actions here on earth will have a direct effect on our own salvation.  I don't know about you, but I trust the scripture over the claims of the alternate gospel.  In my heart, I have never known God to take away something He has promised.  Some might find my words harsh, but I believe that the alternate gospel is designed to make believers live in fear of God.  We live in fear of His angry punishment.  We live in fear of Him disregarding His misbehaving children (Through the judgement of sin).  Remember, Christ Jesus paid our sin debt at the cross.  It is the work of Christ on the cross that flies in the face of the alternate gospel.  It is also through the work of Jesus on the cross that all believers may find freedom in Him.  

If ever, then, the Son should be making you free, you will be really free. 

John 8: 36, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

Strange Bedfellows

 

But we always had plenty just living his advice

Whatever you do today you'll have to sleep with tonight

You've got to stand for something/ Aarron Tippin

It's no secret that we humans have been created by the Father with the physical ability to make our own choices.  Not only that, but we know that we have been created by the Father in His very own image {Genesis 1:27}.  I believe that God did not want a creation that would blindly follow Him, but that would CHOOSE Him out of our own desire to know Him.  Indeed, there are those who continue to "hear" of the Lord and yet fail to come to Him.  That is their decision.  The reality is, they will have to live with the consequences of their decision.  The funny thing about being created with our own ability to choose is that we all too often have to live with the consequences of the decisions we make.  For good or bad, we're stuck with the results of what we decide to do.  I have made more than a few bad decisions in my time.  the consequences of many were short lived.  However, there are those wrong choices I've made where the consequences haunt me to this day.  Some might call this a learning experience, I call it another chance to do right.  Traditional Christian theology found a way a long time ago to link our wrong decisions to the love of God.  Make the wrong decision and you could face to punishment of an angry God.  However, a good friend mentioned something interesting to me recently.  In regards to the chastening of the Lord, is it punishment or is it correction?  Will God punish us in anger for our wrong decisions, or will He gently but firmly correct us?  If we put this in the perspective of our earth bound parents we get a better idea of this concept.  Now, I'm talking GOOD and non abusive parents here.  Will a parent lash out at their child in hatred and anger for making a wrong decision?  Or, will they firmly correct the child in a way that the kid will remember well?  Something as simple as touching a hot stove burner requires very little parental correction.  Lesson learned.  Any parent worth their salt will correct their child and leave it at that.  They do not lord that wrong decision over them for a lifetime.  So it is with our heavenly Father.  God may gently correct us when we make a wrong decision, but He will not hold it against us.  That reeks of judgement, and the work of Jesus on the cross has already freed us from the punishment of sin.  

Not you choose Me, but I chose you, and I appoint you, that you may be going away and be bringing forth much fruit, and your fruit may be remaining, that anything whichsoever you should be requesting the Father in My name, He will be giving it to you. 

John 15: 16, Concordant New Testament 

In the days after my mother passed in 2016, I faced a flood of memories and emotions.  One particular still haunts me every now and then.  I must have been around the age of ten and it was my birthday.  My mother always tried to make that a special day for my brother and I.  I remember that I eagerly anticipated a new bike I had been asking her for.  As I opened the gifts before me, there was no bike.  Disappointed, I sulked through my birthday dinner, not speaking to my mother that much.  Now, I know that it hurt her to see that reaction from her son, but she didn't show it.  In fact, she never brought it up again.  What she did do a lot is assure me that she loved me.  THAT is what I remember most.  The same can be said for the Father.  We might make bad decisions every now and then.  He might take it upon Himself to correct us for those decisions, but He will NEVER continue to hold those decisions over us forever.  This is part of the awesome love and grace of the Lord.  This is evidence of the finished work of Christ Jesus on the cross.  We are forgiven, that sin debt has been paid in full.  We need not worry about Gods angry punishment for that which we have done wrong.  That judgement occurred at the cross as Jesus bore our sins in Himself {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  We might carry our bad decisions with us, but rest assured that He who judges has already declared us forgiven in His sight.  

And you will know the truth, and the truth will be making you free. 

John 8: 32, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Fear Of The Lord

 

Fear is not in love, but perfect love is casting out fear, for fear has chastening.  Now he who is fearing is not perfected in love. 

1 John 4: 18, Concordant New Testament 

Imagine living your life worrying about whether you were behaving the right way.  In fear that one misstep could bring the Lord to suddenly turn His back upon you.  Imagine being so in fear of the Lord and His judgement that you doubted your own salvation.  Well, for many well intentioned Christians, this fear is a daily reality.  My co-worker is a good man.  He provides for his family, is kind to those around him and diligently adheres to the religious traditions of his church.  You would think that such a man would be a lock into the good graces of the Lord.  Yeah, you'd think.  However, if you listen to my friend for any length of time, you get the impression that he is one step away from an eternity in hell.  This is the fear in which he lives.  I can say that I can relate to his fears, as they are the very same fears I had myself while growing up in the church.  I learned that in spite of the salvation of Christ Jesus, that God is also awaiting a final judgement for those who ignored Him or His commandments.  Does anyone see anything wrong with this?  Jesus became sin for our sakes, only to have His sacrifice amount to nothing because of Gods judgement {2 Corinthians 5:21}?  So, how many times does Jesus need to be sacrificed for our sins?  Did Jesus give Himself, as the apostle Paul claims, once for all {Romans 6:10}?  Or, as church theology seems to claim, is a continuous sacrifice needed?  My epiphany moment when I walked away from the brick and mortar church came about from just such a situation.  The pastor had just finished his easter service and the story of the resurrection of Christ, when he suddenly invited all who had unforgiven sins to come forward to the altar.  How is it that Jesus could provide for my salvation only to have me lose it later?  I was done.  

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 

How is it that you see your salvation?  Is it, as Paul proclaims, the free gift of the Lord {Ephesians 2:8}?  Or is our salvation something which we must continually prove ourselves worthy of?  I believe that there is a reason why Paul instructed us to consider our salvation as the free gift of the Lord.  I believe that there were indeed people in Paul's day who, like my friend, felt the need to work out their own salvation.  But how dangerous is this line of thinking?  For if we're allowed to work out our own salvation, what becomes of the sacrifice of Christ?  Instead of glorifying God for His gift to us, we puff ourselves up for performing "good enough" to achieve our own salvation.  But what then of those who don't make the list?  Does that invalidate John 3:17, that the world may be saved THROUGH JESUS?  If you ask me, scripture has already presented to us how it is that we will be saved {Romans 10:9}.  Scripture has also proclaimed the One by which our salvation is delivered {John 14:6, Acts 4:12}.  It is through the selfless act of Christ Jesus, through the love and mercy of God that we are saved.  We could never prove ourselves worthy enough to accomplish that which Jesus already has at the cross.  Therefore, to even believe as such is, dare I say, foolish.  It has never been the Lords desire that any of His children be left behind.  It has always been His desire that all would be one with He and His Son {John 17:21}.  Gods free gift will never be taken away.  

That, if ever you should be avowing with your mouth the declaration that Jesus is Lord, and should be believing in your heart that God rouses Him from among the dead, you shall be saved.  For with the heart it is believed for righteousness, yet with the mouth it is avowed for salvation.  

Romans 10: 9-10, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

No Christian Am I

 

With Christ have I 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 

I was notified this week of the passing of a good friend and co-worker I had not seen in a few years.  My friends son pulled me aside and explained that his beloved pops had passed away.  As I mourned the passing of my friend, I was also struck by something which most believers might totally overlook.  See, although my friend came from a Christian family, for awhile I have been unsure of his beliefs.  However, if I had only stepped aside and witnessed the way in which my friend Robert interacted with and provided for his own family, I would have caught a glimpse into the real man.  Indeed, his family are left with fond memories of his time with them.  My memories of Robert are of a good natured man who befriended me when most of the others at my new job were hell bent upon making my life miserable.  Before he was hired, I had many more bad days at work than good ones.  That all changed when I met Robert.  This was the man I knew.  Most Christians, not knowing if he was "saved" or not, might miss the subtle clues of his life which clearly point to who was shining through in my friends life.  The good natured attitude towards others.  The happy smile he most always seemed to have.   His loving relationship with his own family.  Is this not like the person Christ Jesus exemplified in His day?  Was it not Jesus who spoke kindly to others and treated those around Him with kindness and mercy?  Is this not a clear indication of the spirit inside someone?  I believe it is.  Jesus spoke to those on the Mount of Olives of letting our "Light shine before men" {Matthew 5:16}.  That light is the reality of Christ in us.  When Christ is allowed to show Himself through us, the world catches a glimpse of who it is we truly are inside.  

In this was manifested the love of God among us, that God has dispatched His only-begotten Son into the world that we should be living through Him. 

1 John 4: 9, Concordant New Testament 

A good friend commented to me this week that he found it interesting that I knew my friend Robert more from his attitude towards others than his own declaration of faith.  AMEN!  For this was indeed an attribute of Christ Jesus.  I do not recall a instance in scripture where Jesus aligned Himself with a particular faith or religion.  Those who knew and met Jesus knew what He was about.  He told all who would listen what His intentions and beliefs were.  His desire was not to prop up man made religion, but to glorify the Father.  For too long, we have judged Christians simply by what church they attend or what faith they adhered to.  This has never been the true mark of a believer.  The true mark of a believer is exemplifying the traits of the indwelling Christ.  It has been said that the world will only see Jesus through the lives of those who truly know Him.  I would agree with that.  When our light shines for all the world to see, there can be little doubt that Christ Jesus is in us.  I am proud to proclaim that I am not a Christian.  No, I am a follower of Jesus.  Jesus was not tied to a man-made religion.  Religion will present us with requirements and traditions.  I have a co-worker who is well involved in the orthodox sect of Christianity.  He endures everything from required fasting to various other handed down traditions.  This is not what Jesus came to uphold.  When we speak of freedom in Christ Jesus, we speak to the freedom FROM the requirements and traditions of man-made religion.  There is no religion which will proclaim the truth of who we truly are.  We ARE Jesus.  

Fear is not in love, but perfect love is casting out fear, for fear has chastening.  Now he who is fearing is not perfected in love. 

1 John 4: 18, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

A Love That Kills

 

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor messengers, nor sovereignties, nor the present, nor what is impending, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  

Romans 8: 38-39, Concordant New Testament

I learned something new this week.  I learned that after we die upon this earth that there is a final judgement and that those who do not pass the Lords muster will be condemned to a eternity in hell.  Well, that was the conversation I had once again with a good friend who it seems is firmly steeped in the Eastern orthodox Christianity.  I cannot lay the blame for this way of thinking solely as his feet, however, as many a believer has held to this line of Christian theology.  Growing up, this was the fear that I had, that I would not perform well enough to please the Lord and spend eternity in heaven.  My friend often relates to me that he lives with guilt that God would not see him as worthy of being saved.  As scary as this might sound, I hear it a lot from believers.  So much so that I have began to ponder this question, who would God kill?  Realizing that millions of people die on this earth every single day only adds fuel to this dumpster fire of a debate.  Yet, we're also assured that our time on this earth will be limited in length {Genesis 6:3}.  Knowing this, there is no way that we can expect to live on this earth forever.  So I ask once again, who would God kill?  This week we lost a good friend who I had not seen in a few years.  I knew him as a good man with a tight knit family.  Yet, the Lord chose to allow him to pass at this moment.  My own mother passed away in 2016, and not a day goes by that I do not miss her.  She was indeed a Godly woman who loved the Lord.  Did God kill her?  Would God purposefully kill one of His children whom He loved so much?  Would He kill someone whom He had promised to never forsake {Deuteronomy 31:8}?  This is not just me sparking a debate, this is the thinking of many a Christian believer today.  That despite promising His love for us, that God would someday find us unworthy of His love any longer and deem us forever to hell.  Is it any wonder that many believers live in guilt that they are not doing enough to please God?  It is indeed a horrible way to live.  

Fear is not in love, but perfect love is casting out fear, for fear has chastening. Now he who is fearing is not perfected in love. 

1 John 4: 18, Concordant New Testament 

Does God desire us to live our lives out in fear of Him?  Christian theology has created for us a ogre of a God who breaks His promises and brings suffering unto those He supposedly loves.  I know of this line of thinking because it's how I was raised.  Back in the day, there were very few who were questioning the teachings of the church concerning God.  I grew up learning that God loved me, but that if I didn't perform in a way pleasing to Him, that an eternity in hell awaited me.  In the same breath, many a pastor would assure me that God loved me.  The turning point for me came with the realization that I was not defined by the flesh container that is my physical body.      THIS is the temporary, finite part of our time on this earth.  This is what will someday vanish from sight.  However, as we're told, our true identity is in spirit and not flesh {Romans 8:9}.  Not only that, the apostle Paul speaks to us about our One true spirit within us, that of Christ Jesus {Galatians 2:20}.  That old man, that old creation has been put to death by Jesus on the cross {Romans 6:6}.  What now defines us is Christ Jesus who lives in us.  So, let me revisit my question, would God kill His Son a second time?  It's a good story if you can sell it.  Paul also assures us that Christ died once, for all creation {Romans 6:10}.  The works of the flesh may indeed go against the Lords standards.  Yet, we're assured that through the work of Christ Jesus on the cross that the debt has now been paid {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  Unfortunately, many well intentioned believers such as my friend continue to hold tightly to the old covenant way of thinking.  That is not our future.  Our identity is now in the new covenant through our Lord Christ Jesus.  We are His brand new creation {2 Corinthians 5:17}.  

Knowing this, that our old humanity was crucified together with Him, that the body of sin may be nullified, for us by no means to be still slaving to 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, having been 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~ 

Heaven Among Us

 

But, according as it is written, That which the eye did not perceive, and the ear did not hear, and to which the heart of man did not ascend-- whatever God makes ready for those who are loving Him.  

I Corinthians 2: 9, Concordant New Testament 

It's an iconic scene in cinema.  The iconic Joe Jackson gazes at the first baseball field he has seen in years and asks the obvious question...Is this heaven?  Turns out it was just a old cornfield in Iowa, or was it?  There has been much debate over the years as to the location of our final residence in the company of the Lord.  We're told that God has prepared a place for those who believe in Him {1 Corinthians 2:9}.  Jesus proclaimed that He was going to prepare a place for us {John 14:2}.  Yet there continues to be some debate over that location.  Here is my question, why do we even need to know the location?  Is it not good enough that we are assured of our place in the presence of God?  Are we not satisfied that we are here on this earth but temporarily?  The day will come when what the Lord has promised to those who believe in Him will finally be revealed to us.  In that day it will matter not what the location of heaven is.  All that will matter is that we will be in the midst of the Lord for a long time.  The cares and needs of this world will no longer be of concern to us.  I long for that day.  I've been asked too many times just where I think heaven is.  I have no good answer.  The fact that very few have seen the other side and lived to tell of it complicates things as well.  Sure, there have been documented instances of people coming out of near death experiences to live to tell about what they had seen, but they are not taken too seriously.  The 2014 film Heaven Is For Real follows the experience of  young Colton Burpo who survives his own near death experience and lives to tell everyone who will listen about the things he saw.  One of the most interesting scenes of the film is when young Colton describes the man he came to know as Jesus.  It makes sense, that Jesus Himself would be in heaven.  But why would others doubt the experiences of this child?  Even those who call themselves religious have cast doubt on the few stories of those who report to have seen the "other side."  

For we are aware that, if our terrestrial tabernacle house should be demolished, we have a building of God, a house not made by hands, eonian, in the heavens.  

2 Corinthians 5: 1, Concordant New Testament 

I never used to feel this way.  Growing up, one of the questions I asked most of pastors was where is heaven.  Not surprisingly, many of these pulpit pounders responded by simply saying that heaven is our eternal reward in the sky.  Really?  Why is it that we associate heaven with being above us?  Is it because of how Jesus was "lifted up" into heaven{Acts 1:9, Luke 24:51}?  Are these supposed eye witness accounts accurate, or simply fake news?  Well, if you consider that the witnesses of Jesus' day had never before witnessed a man ascending to heaven, wherever that was, you just might get a better understanding of these passages.  It is my belief that heaven is simply another dimension adjacent to our own.  One which we have yet the eyes to perceive.  Of course, one day that veil shall be lifted, our eyes will be opened and we will see heaven for all that it is.  In that day we will wonder no longer.  Yet, like a kid on Christmas morning, we wait with bated breath for the time when this mystery will be revealed to us.  Let us be content that Father has created for us a place where we will be with Him (A place aside from our current earthly home where we also abide with Him).  

For our realm is inherent in the heavens, out of which we are awaiting a Saviour also, the Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Philippians 3: 20, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

Seeing Is Believing

 

For by faith are we walking, not by perception. 

2 Corinthians 5: 7, Concordant New Testament 

I listened to a podcast this week from some You Tube influencer on health matters.  One point which he made interested me, in that he claimed that most people see only what they believe in.  That is, if you hold a certain point of view of things, this is what you will end up believing.  A good friend of mine and I have often referred to this as our "filter."  However you look at it, many people have often been mistaken about a good many things due to their filter.  A prime example of this in practice is our own Christian faith.  From a early age, I was filled with Sunday school stories of the people of the bible.  Eventually, I graduated into listening to the same stories only in sermon form from one pastor or another.  Yet the narrative always remained exactly the same no matter what.  It seems that I could have taken any story I had learned in my Sunday school years and plug it directly into a pastors Sunday sermon.  Anyone who has ever spent a good deal of time in church can attest to this.  Haven't you noticed that many Christians will argue their religious point very strongly?  They are defending a belief.  Is it any wonder that so many of those outside of the mainstream church call Christians closed minded?  We only see what we believe.  I get it.  I used to count myself as one of these closed minded believers.  Whenever someone would question what I believed about Christianity, the fight was on.  Of course, there are never any winners in arguments such as these.  The only common factor in the end is two angry or frustrated people.  One or both may feel themselves justified for their strong defense of what they BELIEVE is the right thing.  I work with a man who, although he is a wonderful man, cannot handle a conversation on Christianity and what we each believe.  Indeed, too many of our conversations have almost led down the road of religious defense.  I value his friendship far too much to prove any point I would be making.  

For the present we are observing by means of a mirror, in an enigma, yet then, face to face.  At present I know out of an instalment, yet then I shall recognize according as I am recognized also. 

1 Corinthians 13: 12, Concordant New Testament  

When you consider things, Christianity is filled with that which we come to believe in.  We believe that Christ Jesus was born of a virgin.  We believe that He was persecuted, bled, and died on a Roman cross.  We also believe that He rose three days later and was seen by many before ascending to the Father in heaven.  Yet it is this latter point which seems to divide those who adhere to the words of the apostle Paul who speaks of the truth of Christ in us {Galatians 2:20}.  In Christian theology, after His resurrection, Jesus ascended into the clouds (was it the clouds?) where He remains to this day.  But wait, where, then, does Paul get the idea that Jesus remains in us?  Doesn't this belief shatter the teaching of the mainstream church?  Which view is the correct one?  Do we follow Paul, or traditional Christian teaching?  Consider that Jesus Himself prayed that God's children would eventually come to be ONE  with He and the Father {John 17: 21}.  How is it that we can be one with Christ in the Father if we are not IN Christ?  The passage clearly states, "As Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they may also be in Us."  That seems pretty straightforward.  As children of God, it is God's desire to see us in union with He and His Son.  We cannot be in union with the Father unless we are in union with Jesus as well.  Paul takes this a step further by proclaiming that we are "hidden" together with Jesus in God {Colossians 3:3}.  This is what I believe to be true.  Of course, there are those who see and believe things differently.  My prayer is that the Father will reveal the truth of His Son to them.  

For His invisible attributes from the creation of the world, being apprehended by His achievements, besides His imperceptible power and divinity, for them to be defenseless. 

Romans 1: 20, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Jesus Question

 

With Christ have I been crucified, yet I am living; no longer I, but living in me is Christ.  Now that which I am now living in 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 

For the past few months I have been contemplating what I have come to call the Jesus question.  That is, do we follow the words of the apostle Paul we find in Galatians 2:20 when describing our new life in Christ Jesus?  Or, do we accept that it is simply the spirit of the risen Lord who dwells in us while we live our everyday lives?  The revelation occurred to me this week, that Paul has already given us the answer to this Jesus question in his iconic passage in Galatians.  That is, there is no more Paul.  Paul admits to this as he clearly states that he is living...no longer "I."  That is, the man Paul once knew is gone, replaced  by Christ Jesus within him.  Furthermore, he recognizes that the life he leads in his flesh container, he lives in a faith that is of the Son of God.  Jesus is the only living being in the flesh remains of the apostle Paul.  So, to throw another monkey wrench into this Jesus question, do we live AS Christ or do we live IN Christ?  In my opinion, there is but one answer to this question.  We, lacking any evidence of our former life (having been crucified with Jesus), now exist AS the only living being Who inhabits our flesh containers...Christ Jesus.  Now, announcing ourselves as Christ to a world devoted to mainstream church theology might seem like a foolish thing to do, but is it a lie?  Are we blaspheming the name of Jesus by claiming that we live as Him?  I don't believe so.  If anything I believe that we are opening the eyes of the world around us to the truth of Jesus.  

For you died, and your life is hid together with Christ in God.  Whenever Christ, our life, should be manifested, then you also shall be manifested together with Him in glory. 

Colossians 3: 3-4, Concordant New Testament 

Paul takes this a step further in Colossians.  Here, he describes our life as being "hid" together with Christ Jesus in God.  It is not we who are manifested in this relationship, but Jesus.  When we look at Jesus, we can rest assured that we are gazing upon ourselves as well.  So, I believe that the answer to this Jesus question is that we live AS Christ Jesus.  This takes away any notion that we are somehow living separate from Him.  Consequently, this was the lie the deceiver spoke to Adam and Eve in the garden, that we will be LIKE God {Genesis 3:4-6}.  How could Adam and Eve know that they already were like God?  It took the sacrifice of Jesus to right that ship once and for all.  This is why we can say with confidence...Jesus my life! 

~Scott~ 

If

 

And he is saying to Him.  "If You are God's Son, cast Yourself down, for it is written that 'His messengers shall be directed concerning Thee' and 'On their hands they shall be lifting Thee, lest at some time Thou shouldst be dashing Thy foot against a stone."  Jesus answered to him, "Again it is written, 'you shall not be putting on trial the Lord your God.'"

Matthew 4: 6-7, Concordant New Testament 

I can recall a few times in the life of Jesus where those around Him sought the definite proof that He was Whom He claimed to be.  The Son of God.  One occurred while He was in the midst of Satan's temptations while another took place at the cross.  I began to wonder to myself, with all the publicity which Jesus has attained in His life, death and resurrection, why is it that people would demand proof that He is Whom he claims?  I can honestly recall a few instances in my own life where my prayer began, 'Jesus, if you're real.'  I didn't doubt that He was the Son of the Living God, I just wanted to know if He was there when I needed Him.  Well, it turns out that He has always been an intimate part of me.  The apostle Paul speaks to this in Galatians {Galatians 2:20}.  Yet there are those who still seek proof that Jesus is who He says He is.  Even His own disciples once questioned His identity {John 20:24-29}.  Growing up a Christian, I was well versed in the stories and selected scriptures which spoke of Jesus.  So, I knew OF Him from an early age.  I never felt the need to question who He was.  I guess that it's for this reason that I do not understand why it is that others question the lineage of Christ.  Jesus does not need to be proving Himself to me.  

Now those going by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who are demolishing the temple and building it in three days, save Yourself!  If You are the Son of God, descend from the cross!" 

Matthew 27: 39-40, Concordant New Testament 

I believe that it is never a good way to began a prayer with Jesus with the word "If."  For by asking if we are instantly doubting the reality of Jesus.  Instead, we should approach Him with a spirit of confidence that we know who He is.  Through faith, we know in our hearts that Jesus is real.  Paul himself realized that he no longer existed.  The old man he once was had been nailed to the cross with Jesus.  In his place dwelled Christ Jesus.  Paul realized that he was living in faith that was of the Son of God {Galatians 2:20}.  This is the reality of Christ Jesus in us.  We have no need to ask Him to prove His existence, because He exists in us.  Jesus lives and feels as we do.  Would I ever broach the question if I exist?  No, because I know through experience that I live and breathe, albeit through Christ who remains in me.  I know in my heart that Jesus is Who He says He is.  I...am Christ.  

The other disciples then said to him, "We have seen the Lord!"  Yet he said to them, "Should I not perceive in His hands the print of the nails, and thrust my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will by no means be believing."  And after eight days His disciples were again within, and Thomas was with them.  The doors being locked, Jesus is coming and stood in the midst and said, "Peace to you!"  Thereafter He is saying to Thomas, "Bring your finger here and perceive My hands, and bring your hand and thrust it into My side, and do not become unbelieving, but believing."  And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"  Now Jesus is saying to him, "Seeing that you have seen Me, you have believed.  Happy are those who are not perceiving and believe." 

John 20: 25-29, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

Just As I Was

 So that. if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; the primitive passed by.  Lo! There has come new! 

2 Corinthians 5: 17, Concordant New Testament 

Growing up, I was accustomed to watching the telecasts of the Billy Graham crusades on tv.  My mother would always tune in to hear the words of the gospel spoken by the reverend Graham.  One of her favorite parts of the broadcast was the altar call at the end.  As the choir began singing the old hymn "Just as I am," my mother would sing with the music, often wiping away tears as she did.  As a result, I grew to accept that this hymn was a song about the tragedies of life.  it wasn't until I was a bit older that I took a second look at the lyrics and realized that I had been wrong in my assumption.  

Just as I am, without one plea

but that thy blood was shed for me

And that thou bid'st me come to thee

O lamb of God I come, I come 

I now see this iconic hymn as a song of invitation, of Christ Jesus inviting us into a realization of the truth of His presence.  In fact, had I the power, I would rename the song from Just as I am to "Just as I was."  For the original author of the hymn was steeped pretty heavily in the teaching of the church.  Growing up it was simply a confirmation of what I believed.  These days I can point out the verses where the author gets it wrong.  But that's not the point here.  The point is that the old man we once lived as has been put to death by Jesus at the cross {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  It is Jesus who Himself became sin that we would be free to realize our freedom in Him.  Yet, many well meaning Christians continue to see the term "Come to Jesus" as a literal invitation.  We see we need Him, and we come to Him expecting His grace and forgiveness.  Well, that's partly right.  More and more, I believe that the term come to Jesus represents the Lords revelation unto us of who His Son is.  The apostle Paul himself received this revelation upon his conversion {Galatians 1:15-16}.  Paul speaks to the revelation of God to "Unveil His Son in me" {Galatians 5:16}.  It is also this revelation which Paul speaks of as he describes Christ Jesus in him {Galatians 2:20}.  Paul came to Jesus.  Indeed, some years ago I had my own come to Jesus moment where Jesus was revealed in me.  Jesus accepted me just as I was.  

Now, when it delights God, who severs me from my mother's womb and calls me through His grace, to unveil His Son in me that I may be evangelizing Him among the nations, I did not immediately submit to flesh and blood.

Galatians 1: 15-16, Concordant New Testament 

I believe it's important to point out here that because it is by the revelation of the Father that we will recognize Christ Jesus within us, that it is also by His timing that this will occur.  God could very well have chosen to reveal Jesus in me sooner, yet He chose the exact moment which would have the most impact upon me.  For all intents and purposes, I probably wasn't ready to accept this truth in the years before my own revelation.  But the Father knew the exact moment in which to open my eyes to the truth of His Son.  Some would say that this was my come to Jesus moment.  I would call it my seeing Jesus moment.  For before that point all I knew of Him was what I had learned in church.  Sadly, the mainstream church does not speak to the indwelling Christ which Paul speaks of in Galatians.  To me, Jesus is not dwelling in heaven simply watching over me.  No, each and every day it is Jesus who experiences my life as I do.  He feels what I feel and experiences all which I do.  As I mentioned, this is not a physical coming to Jesus, but a knowing that He has always been there.  Those in the church will speak of "walking with Jesus," but I now know a life of living in Him.  This is the union life which Jesus prayed for us in the garden {John 17:21}.  The Father in Jesus and Christ in us.  I still love that classic old hymn even though I've added some new words...Just as I was.

To put off from you, as regards to your former behavior, the old humanity which is corrupted in accord with its seductive desires, yet be rejuvenated in the spirit of your mind, and to put on the new humanity which, in accord with God, is being created in righteousness and benignity of the truth. 

Ephesians 4: 22-24, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

Jesus My Life

 For you died, and your life is hid together with Christ in God.  Whenever Christ, our life, should be manifested, then you also shall be manifested together with Him in glory. 

Colossians 3: 3-4, Concordant New Testament 

It was an interesting podcast discussion with a good friend this week.  What begin with a discussion on living a "Blessed" life ended with the discussion turning to our life in Christ Jesus.  That's right, I said my life in Jesus.  I've written for some time of the belief that I have that it is Christ Jesus who lives in me.  Yet, if I follow the words of the apostle Paul, it's more than that.  For Jesus not only lives within me, Jesus IS my life.  One might get sidetracked by Paul's declaration in Galatians, but make no mistake, it is Jesus who remains {Galatians 2:20}.  How does this fit into the Christian narrative of a blessed life?  Well, it doesn't as far as I can tell.  Instead of the blessed life, we live the life of Christ.  We experience what He does.  We feel what He feels.  This is the union life Jesus prayed for us in the garden {John 17:21}.  The Father in Jesus, Jesus in the Father and our lives unified together in Them.  Of course, this puts a different perspective on seeing life as we know it.  Contrary to modern church teaching, Jesus has never been separated from us.  It is Christ in Who's life we share.  In good times, it is Jesus who laughs and celebrates with us.  In hard times, it is Jesus who goes through them together with us.  We need not ask, when difficult times arrive, 'Where are you, God?'  For we know exactly where He can be found.  Let's just say that I could have saved myself a lot of frustration had I known this truth of my life earlier.  I could have avoided the stress of feeling alone in my struggles.  I wonder, is this the reason Jesus proclaimed on the Mount of Olives that we should not worry {Matthew 6:25}?  For Jesus definitely knows the stress that comes from worrying about life situations {Hebrews 4:15}.  There is no situation we will ever find ourselves in that Jesus is not familiar with.  And, if He is familiar with the situations which we face daily, we can trust that He will guide us through our life in Him.  

For we have not a Chief Priest not able to sympathize with our infirmities, but One Who has been tried in all respects like us, apart from sin.   

Hebrews 4: 15, Concordant New Testament 

As I said, my wish is that I would have known the truth of my life in Jesus sooner.  Yet, for reasons only known by the Father, my own revelation of Christ Jesus in me came later in life.  I cannot complain all that much, who knows me better than God?  For the Lord knew the time when my spirit would be willing to receive the truth of His Son which He would reveal in me {Galatians 1:15-16}.  I have a feeling that this is the way that Christ will soon be revealed to others as well.  For contrary to church doctrine, it was never the Lords desire that any of His children would perish {John 3:16-17}.  We're all familiar with the traditional verse that God sent us His Son to save the world {John3:16}.  Yet so many people either overlook or totally ignore the following verse.   That Jesus did not come to judge the world, but that world may be saved THROUGH Him {John 3:17}.  The way I see it, the Father has been going above and beyond to ensure that ALL of His children come to know Him (What father does not want to be known by his children?).  Of course, not everyone will accept the Fathers revelation of Christ Jesus.   Not everyone will come to know the Father as I do.  However, it is written that ALL with proclaim that Jesus is Lord {Philippians 2:10-11}.  It is the Fathers desire that all discover life in His Son.  

"Do you 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.  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: 10 - 11, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

Living In The Lord

 

Now God is able to lavish all grace on you, that, having all contentment in everything always, you may be super abounding in every good work.  

2 Corinthians 9: 8, Concordant New Testament 

The first I heard of the term blessed life was while listening to some Sunday sermon on the virtues of living in the Lords will.  That is, being holy, doing right and pleasing the Lord in all we do.  Then, the pastor assured his audience, would one truly live a blessed life.  But is the term blessed life just another catch phrase for a series of sermons?  What is it like to live a blessed life.  This question has been laid upon my heart a lot in recent months.  See, I know in my heart that the Lord has blessed me with His provision and love.  But is this realization all we need to live that blessed life?  Knowing that God has provided all which we need.  After all, Jesus claimed that the Father would provide us all that we need {Matthew 6:26}.  The apostle Paul also speaks to God supplying all which we might need {Philippians 4:19}.  Knowing this, is it that far fetched that we would expect that God would provide for us?  Not at all.  Yet, if we listen to the teachings of the mainstream church we soon learn that following the Lord comes with a price.  If we behave wrongly or in some way displease the Lord, what happens to our blessings?  For the longest time this was my struggle.  I realized that I was blessed in the Lord, yet each time a crisis occurred in my life I fell back on the old church mantra that I had somehow offended God.  For this, God was withholding His provision from me.  Not that long ago I related my struggle to a dear friend of mine.  Instead of agreeing with the mainstream church mantra, he asked me a simple question...'Have you ever known God to be a Indian giver?'  That question made me rethink what I had been taught for so long about living in the Fathers blessing.  Is God a liar?  Does He go back on His promises to us?  Therefore, if He has indeed proclaimed that He will provide for our needs...He will do just that.  As humans, our thoughts are all too often scarred by the effects of our own experiences.  In my case, others had lied to me and let me down, so I unconsciously applied these experiences to the Fathers actions as well.  Why wouldn't God go back on His word to me?  Many others had done just that.  Yet this is not at all how God works in His love for us.  

Now my God shall be filling your every need in accord with His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4: 19, Concordant New Testament 

Some years ago, the Christian church was introduced by the 'Name it and claim it' philosophy.  I remember it well.  The idea was to step out on the promises which the Father had given to provide for us and begin to ask Him for the things WE desired most.  That new car, the big house on the hill or that big promotion.  After all, God had promised His provision right?  Jesus claimed that were we to ask of the Father that He would provide {Matthew 7:7}.  There were more than a few times in which I prayed for something and came away disappointed.  Each time, I came away wondering what I had done to upset the Lord.  Why was God not honoring His promise to me?  Well, the issue here was not one with the Lord, but on our misinterpretation of the scriptures.  What if the claim of Christ in Matthew 7 was less of a name it and claim it statement and more along the lines of Jesus assuring us that God is ever present in our lives and that He hears us when we pray?  Yet, the allure of God providing that shiny new car sounds so much better to us than God reminding His children that He is there for them.  Remember that He has assured us that He will provide for our NEEDS.  Is it a shiny new car that we need?  Is it the fancy house in the well to do neighborhood that we need?  We might think so.  However, we do well to consider how it is that God fulfills our basic needs each day.  Life and breath.  When you break it down, THESE are some of our basic needs.  We tend to view things from a material perspective.  Do we have food?  Do we have clothing?  A place to live?  We tend to see these as our basic needs.  But this leaves one crucial provision of the Lord out.  He has promised us life in Christ Jesus {1 John 5:11}.  This is more valuable than any car you might find.  

And this is the testimony, that God gives us life eonian, and this life is in His Son. 

1 John 5: 11, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~