Christian Works

 For in Him the entire compliment of the deity is dwelling bodily.  And you are complete in Him, Who is the head of every sovereignty and authority. 

Paul to the Colossians 2: 9-10, Concordant New Testament 

I overheard a fellow gym patron proclaim the other day that they were a Christian.  Sensing an opportunity, I also introduced myself as a believer.  The issue was that this person wasn't filled with the usual happiness found in new believers.  He mentioned that he indeed had been a follower of the Lord for some time, but that lately had fallen upon some shaky times.  He ended our conversation by saying that he still believed, but that he was a "Work in progress."  I've often wondered what this comment meant to the believer.  A work in progress?  I admit that in my younger day that I sometimes felt as if I was also a work in progress for the Lord.  The underlying feeling which contributes to this frame of mind is the idea that sin continues to play a dominant role in our lives, that sin continues to control us.  I believe in the Lord, but due to my sin nature, I'm continue to be a work in progress.  That is, I fully expect sin to control me from time to time until such time as Jesus returns for me.  Far too many believers get caught up in this lie because far too many believers are not aware of the truth of Christ Jesus and our old man.  The apostle Paul gives us a definitive oratory on the defeat of sin by Christ in the book of Romans.  Paul calls upon the believer to consider themselves to be "Dead, indeed" to sin {Paul to the Romans 6:11}.  For it is Christ who has died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Paul also proclaims that Christ was made to "Be a sin offering for our sakes that we may becoming Gods righteousness in Him" {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  How is it that we, as believers, can continue to be a work in progress for the Lord knowing all which Jesus has accomplished on our behalf?  Well, the sad part is that many believers are unaware of this truth.  It is a truth which is not proclaimed from the pulpits of the mainstream church.  Yet just because one has not heard the truth does not mean that the truth is disqualified in any way.  What it means is that some are unaware of the works of Christ Jesus on our behalf.  

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 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, 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. 

Paul to the Romans 6: 6-11, Concordant New Testament 

The belief that we are simply works in progress for the Lord gives us the false idea that we are somehow incomplete.  That God needs to somehow refine us into who He desires us to be.  People, we ARE ALREADY THERE!  Paul proclaims that we are complete in Christ Jesus {Paul to the Colossians 2:9-10}.  It is God who has created us in His own likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  God has not created us in His imperfect likeness, that we should continue to be a work in progress.  No, God is perfect, and our spirit is the perfect image of His likeness.  We are complete in Him.  To believe that we are simply a work in progress is to believe in the lie spoken by Satan in the garden {Genesis 3:4-6}.  Adam and Eve believed in the lie that once they partook of the forbidden fruit that they would "Be like God, knowing good and evil" {Genesis 3:5}.  This belief introduced the false narrative that we are somehow separated from God.  How is it that we can ever be separated from He Who created us?  The apostle John proclaims that we are not separated, but complete in union with the Father and Christ {Johns Account 14:10}.  We are not a work in progress, but complete in Him. 

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. 

Paul to the Galatians 2: 20, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

A Church On Every Corner

 For the era will be when they will not tolerate sound teaching, but, their hearing being tickled, they will heap up for themselves teachers in accord with their own desires. 

Paul to Timothy (2) 4: 3, Concordant New Testament 

People often wonder how it is that Christians solve disagreements within the church.  We're human, we have faults, how do we who are supposed to know better solve the internal disagreements within the church?  Well, one of the ways that we Christians often solve in house disagreements is to simply start another, different church.  I have been a part of a few churches in my time where an associate pastor was miffed at not receiving a lead pastor position and thereby left his church and started a new one in which he was the head pastor.  His desire was to lead a congregation, and that desire wasn't being realized in the church he was currently in.  I get it.  But when this man left that congregation, it was not just he that packed up and left.  No, following him was that portion of the congregation who enjoyed listening to this man and his teaching.  In the blink of an eye, a once large church congregation had been reduced to a small community church.  This is the model that is followed by many who become irritated with their current church.  Instead of resolving issues, they simply start a new church with leadership they agree with.  This is one main reason why it seems that there is a church on almost every corner in every town.  It seems that the days of one church per town are over, unless you live in a very small town.  I recall the church I used to attend and the rumblings and rumors which permeated the congregation from those who were not satisfied with the current leadership and teaching.  Of course, this not only takes a toll on the flock but also creates divisions within the church itself.  There will often be those who support the current pastor while others want a new pastor who they feel teaches better.  In the church I used to attend, people would often try to persuade me to accept one side or the other.  This was not what I came to church for.  

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshy, as to minors in Christ.  Milk I give you to drink, not solid food, for not as yet were you able. Nay, still, not even now are you able, for you are still fleshly. For where there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and walking according to man?  For whenever anyone may be saying, "I, indeed, am of Paul," yet another, "I, of Apollos," will he not be fleshly?

Paul to the Corinthians (1) 3: 1-4, Concordant New Testament 

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the church at Corinth, spoke of his concern for the church there.  At how quickly they had turned from the teachings of the evangel of Jesus.  These Corinthians had chosen instead to follow a teaching they desired more than the original gospel of Christ Jesus.  What happened to the church at Corinth is happening to churches around the world.  Hearing someone speak a different, more appealing message, many turn from that which they know to something new.  This is exactly why the apostle John called upon believers to "Test the spirits to see if they are of God" {First Epistle of John 4:1}.  How many of those who have become enthralled at the teachings of an up and coming young pastor have taken the time to test the spirits?  To seek out the Lord in prayer and honestly seek His guidance?  Those who leave long standing congregations claim that they have spent time in prayer over their decisions, but have they?  Or, desiring to be the centerpiece of a new up and coming church, are blinded by the attention which that brings to them?  Honestly, these are the questions I ask whenever I see an established pastor leave his congregation in order to start another.  Are you seeking to speak the evangel of Christ Jesus, or simply your version of it?  Keep in mind that whatever decision you make affects not only you, but those of the congregation that follow behind you.  But if it doesn't pan out, you can always start a new church.  

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. 

First Epistle of John 4: 1, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

Not So, Joe

 

Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, that is superior to every frame of mind, shall be garrisoning your hearts and your apprehensions in Christ Jesus. 

Paul to the Philippians 4: 6-7, Concordant New Testament 

I fell into the trap once again last night.  While watching the latest presidential debate on television my anxiety seemed to ease as the senility of one Joe Biden was put on full public display.  Now for sure, I told myself, Donald J Trump could work his magic and put our nation back on track.  It took me awhile before I realized my error in thinking.  Yet how many people watching this debate around the world were thinking the same thing?  That somehow each of these candidates on public display could somehow move mountains to right this ship?  If God has a sense of humor, and I believe He does, He would definitely find this thinking downright humorous.  That human man could do the work of God Himself.  This error in our thinking isn't new, but originated in the lush green foliage of the garden of Eden.  Here, when tempted by the deceiver speaking the lie, Adam and Eve partook of the fruit forbidden them by the Lord God their creator.  The lie which Satan spoke unto the Lords creation was that if they ate of the fruit, that "Your eyes will be unclosed, and you will become like Elohim, knowing good and evil" {Genesis 3:4-6}.  That is, eat the fruit and you will be like God.  The rest, as they say, is history.  Man, believing in the lie of the deceiver that he was indeed separated from God, continued to live that lie in his life.  This is the trap which I once again fell into last night.  Temporarily thinking that it was by one mans authority that our nation would be restored.  This has been the error in our thinking for some time.  The belief that we are separated from God.  But the dirty little secret is that despite our belief in the lie spoken by the deceiver, God has always been with us.  It is we who have separated ourselves from the Father.  It has never been the Lords intention that we be outside of His presence.  We are His children created in His likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  It is God who, taking the dust from the ground, breathed into us the breath of life that we our flesh would become a living soul {Genesis 2:7}.  How is it that that which has been created can say to its creator, "You are no part of me?"  

We are of God.  He who knows God is hearing us.  He who is not of God is not hearing us.  By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of deception. 

First Epistle of John 4: 6, Concordant New Testament 

As I contemplated my momentary lapse in thinking (Joe Biden wasn't the only one with brain farts last night), I realized that my trust in the man Donald Trump was nothing more than the believing in the spirit of error.  That spirit of error is continuing in the belief that we are separated from the Father.  I know better!  Yet I, like so many other this campaign season, have at times been too easy to believe that man is in control.  Again, this is a part of the spirit of error thinking.  For it is the Father who is ultimately in control of all that occurs.  There is nothing which has ever occurred that has gone unnoticed by Him.  So, where is it that we should place our faith and trust?  Exactly where it belongs, with God the Father!  It is God who, despite the storms which rage around us, has a plan for our life.  It is God who, in spite of the chaos and confusion of everyday life, desires to remind us that we are not separated from Him, but in union with Him {Johns Account 14:20}.  How wonderful it is to live a life in His presence.  We do not need to wait until we die and "Punch our ticket" in order to be in the intimate presence of the Father.  We're already there!  Having this realization is having the spirit of truth in our hearts.  No matter what happens this election year, the spirit of truth of our union life in Him will not change. 

~Scott~ 

When Religion Hurts

 And I hear another voice out of heaven, saying, "Come out of her, My people, lest you should be joint participants in her sins, and lest you should be getting of her calamities, for her sins were piled up to heaven, and God remembers her injuries. 

The unveiling of Jesus Christ 18: 4-5, Concordant New Testament 

Have you ever tried to talk about Jesus with someone who has been deeply hurt by the mainstream church?  This was my situation this week as I shared a few conversations with a man who I see a lot at the gym I frequent.  Recently divorced, he shared with me the trials which he had gone through in his experience.  I was all too ready to accept a good portion of his bitterness as that of the normal pain of separation, but I was wrong.  When our conversation turned to if he believed in Jesus, his bitterness soon turned to resentment.  It seems that throughout his separation that the church he and his wife had attended for so many years had become a haven for her and her children and had, for the most part, shut him out of participation in the church.  His anger at the mainstream church and those who preached a loving Jesus was all too obvious.  Unfortunately, stories like this are more and more common in Christianity.  For many, the church has become a place of anger and not love.  How does one see Christ Jesus through an experience like this?  Isn't Jesus the church?  Isn't the brick and mortar church His house?  No!  Instead, Jesus has all too often become guilty by association from the actions of those within the modern church system.  Think about it, in many churches there are those who act according to, as they claim, the will of God.  Whenever it is that we are seeking to hear from God, we often begin that journey in the church.  I get it.  I was there once myself.  Growing up, the church was my gateway to God and Jesus.  Whenever it was that those in the church hurt me, which happened every now and then, I felt as if there was something wrong with me that was causing it.  Cristians, I told myself, would not treat others in that way.  Of course, I was mistaken on that point.  In more recent years, I have come to see the mainstream church for what it is, a man created system with all of the hierarchies one might expect from a similar institution.  The author J Preston Eby takes this one step further when he describes the Lords warning to the disciple John in Revelation.  It is here that we're told to "Come out of her, My people" {The Revelation of Jesus Christ 18:4}.  God is telling His children to remove themselves from the traditional institutional church.  

"So no, I'm not too big on religion...and not very fond of politics or economics either...And why should I be?  They are the man - created trinity of terrors that ravages the earth and deceives those I care about.  What mental turmoil and anxiety does any human face that is not related to one of those three?" 

Willam P. Young ~ The Shack 

It has taken me more than a few conversations with my gym friend, but I believe that I have finally been able to break through the anger which he has held for the church for some time.  What I have told him is that the church, that brick and mortar church which we are all so familiar with, is NOT Jesus.  The Lords brother, James , proclaims that "The anger of man is not working the righteousness of God" {James to the Twelve Tribes 1:20}.  Now, I am in no way saying that Jesus is never nor has never been present in the church.  For being all in all, the Lord is indeed present anywhere we go.  Still, all too often Jesus suffers from the actions of those in the man - created church system.  People can and have mistaken Jesus for what they have experienced in the church.  I recognized this in my friend when he told me that he could not follow a God who would keep him from seeing his children he loved.  I reminded him that despite the actions of a few in the church, that the love which Jesus had for him had never wavered.  Jesus does not punish us by excluding us from his presence.  What He does do is love us enough to have given Himself for us on the cross {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  When we began to see Jesus through the lens of our own heart and not of that of the institutional church system we began to see Him as He truly is and, ultimately, seeing ourselves as we truly are in Him {Johns Account 14:20}.  

~Scott~ 

Gods Works

And His disciples ask Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents that he should be born blind?"  Jesus answered, "Neither this man sinned, nor his parents, but it is that the works of God may be manifested in him." 

Johns Account 9: 2-3, Concordant New Testament 

Have you ever wondered why it is that God does what He does?  How He allows some to prosper while other toil?  Indeed, this is one of the most common criticisms that I hear from both believers and non believers alike.  Some say that they cannot trust in a God Who would allow such suffering in the world.  Still others cling to the traditional "It's Gods will" mantra.  While the Lord may adhere to His will in so many matters, I believe that there is something which many Christians refuse to consider.  That being that God would allow some to suffer or toil that His love might be manifested in them.  In the series The Chosen, Jesus comes across a man who has been blind since birth.  Immediately His followers question him concerning the mans sin, asking Jesus if the man or his family were guilty of sin that he should be born blind.  Unfortunately, this is how many believers think when life gets difficult.  That somehow God is punishing us for our sin or unbelief.  Growing up, I was constantly reminded of the consequences of failing God.  Whenever I would be going through a difficult time, the first question my friends in church would ask is "What have you done to upset God?"  Although I may not have been guilty of anything, this is where their institutional church based thinking led them.  This is the place which the disciples of Jesus find themselves in as Jesus attends to the blind man.  In Jewish tradition, this man must have been guilty of some kind of sin for God to punish him with blindness, right?  But Jesus saw right through it.  For Jesus, this was an opportunity to manifest the Father, not to chastise the man for his sin.  Jesus responds by reminding His followers that it was not that the man sinned, "But that the works of God may be manifested in him" {Johns Account 9:2-3}.  Jesus took the attention away from sin and punishment and replaced it with the love and mercy of the Father.  Thus, the Jewish authorities criticized Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath.  

Who Himself carries up our sins in His body on the pole, that, coming away from sins, we should be living for righteousness; by Whose welt you were healed. 

 

Peter to the Dispersion (1) 2: 24, Concordant New Testament 

The idea of sin has been one that has permeated Christianity for centuries.  God, being fair and just, must have a plan for punishing those who engaged in sin, right?  Yes, God does indeed have a plan for dealing with those who have engaged in sin, but it's nothing like many Christians have come to expect.  The apostle Peter tells us that Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross {Peter to the Dispersion (1) 2:24}.  The apostle Paul proclaims that Jesus became sin on our behalf {Paul to the Corinthias (2) 5:21}.  The Lords plan for dealing with our sin was that He would dispatch His Son that He would give Himself for us {Johns Account 3:16-17}.  When we break it down, the issue isn't who has sinned, but who is able to see God at work in lifes most difficult situations.  Jesus looked past the sin issue and the love of the Father was manifested in His healing of the man born blind.  Ask yourself, where is God in the war in Israel?  Where is God in the child born with cancer?  God is where He has always been, right in the middle of all which He has created.  There have been many times in my life where I have been blind to the works of the Father by the situations I found myself in.  I no longer instinctively run to the issue of sin whenever life gets difficult.  For Paul has proclaimed that we should consider ourselves dead to sin through the work of Christ Jesus {Paul to the Romans 6:11}.  To know God on a more intimate level allows me to more closely see the works of the Father. 

~Scott~ 

Talking Jesus

 

Yet hallow the Lord Christ in your hearts, ever ready with a defense for everyone who is demanding from you an account concerning the expectation in you, but with meekness and fear. 

Peter to the Dispersion (1) 3: 15, Concordant New Testament 

The other night I saw a internet video of a Christian pastor who was speaking to the subject of evangelizing for Christ.  My first thought was that this was going to be just another mainstream church based recruitment tool.  But I was surprised when this man began speaking some of the truth of Jesus.  Yes, his message still contained vestiges of the institutional church theology, but I have come to expect that from these messages.  This got me to thinking, how is it that we tell of Christ Jesus to others around us?  How do we talk Jesus to the world?  Now, I am a firm believer that the world will come to know Jesus through those that have known Him.  That makes we who know Jesus in our hearts an important piece to this puzzle.  Better yet, how is it that I will speak of the Jesus I have come to know to others?  I'll go out on a limb and say that the Jesus that I know is different from the Jesus spoken of in many mainstream churches today.  Yet the concept is the same.  How do we speak that Jesus loves the world to someone who is going through a personal trauma?  How is it that we speak that God is love to someone who has been diagnosed with life ending cancer?  These are the challenges that we face when we choose to speak Jesus to others.  I learned a long time ago that simply throwing a few bible verses at people does little or nothing to bring someone to Christ.  People want a personal connection to God.  I have a dear friend who, back in the day, used to do his daily bible study at a local Starbucks coffee shop.  Over time, he met more than a few people who were genuinely curious in what he was studying.  He has continued to maintain more than a few of these relationships in Jesus to this day.  So, the question remains, how is it that we speak Jesus to those who desperately are needing to hear the truth of who He is.  For myself, I might have found that answer in my quest for my own better health.  

"Now, whenever they may be giving you up, you should not be worrying about how or what you should be speaking, for it shall be given you in that hour what you should be speaking"

Matthews Account 10: 19, Concordant New Testament 

Honestly, I never began to set a gym exercise habit with the intention of bringing others to Christ, it's just worked out that way.  From the beginning of my fitness journey, I began to refer to those whom I got to know at the gym as "Gym Rats."  These gym rats were guys who I began to see each and every day when I would do my workouts.  I've lost count, but I believe that our rat pack has grown now to include over 15 people!  I know from our conversations that a few of my friends are believers in Jesus.  I did not lead them to Christ, I simply found this out through our conversations.  And, here lies one of the keys to speaking Christ Jesus to others.  I do not walk into the gym each day with the intention of leading someone to Jesus.  I don't keep a scorecard to show to the local pastor.  What I do is simply be myself, to engage others in normal conversation.  Through conversation I discovered that one of my friends was a ordained minister.  Through conversation I have followed the journey of one of my brothers who has gone through multiple surgeries in recent months.  I've mentioned that I do indeed pray for him, and he has thanked me for doing so.  Jesus speaks to these moments where we may need the Father to give us the words to say {Mattews Account 10:19}.  I've found that through normal conversation, God has often given me the words to say to those I've met at the gym.  This would be my advice to someone wanting to speak Christ to someone else, start with a simple conversation!  Through conversation we get to know someone.  Through conversation the Father will open the hearts of those who need Him.  I've never been the street preacher type.  rambling off bible verses to people isn't my thing.  What I CAN do is to be myself and speak to those around me.  For it's not me who is speaking, but the Lord speaking through me. 

~Scott~ 

The Forgotten Jesus

 

In Whom there is no Jew nor yet Greek, there is no slave nor yet free, there is no male and female, for you all are one in Christ Jesus.

Paul to the Galatians 3: 28, Concordant New Testament 

Unless you've been hiding under a rock lately, you can't help but notice the wave of anti semitic behaviors directed at the nation of Israel in response to it's retribution against the terror group Hamas.  This is something we would expect to see in 1940's Germany or in some third world communist nation, but this is right here at home.  Jewish students at universities worldwide have been harassed while Jewish owned businesses have been vandalized.  All the while protestors chant for the end of the so called illegal Israeli war.  No matter where you stand on this issue, ask yourself one question, has your own view of Jesus changed?  Yes?  No?  But why in the hell would I even ask such a question?  What does Jesus have to do with anti Israel sentiment?  Well, every now and then we need to be reminded of the roots of Christ Jesus.  Jesus wasn't just a simple man born in a simple village.  Jesus was a Jewish child born unto Jewish parents in a Jewish community.  This is the Jesus we seem to have forgotten.  This week our group discussed the issue not only of the genealogy of Christ, but our own genealogy as well.  Popular Christian teaching tells us that the child Jesus grew up like any normal boy, even working with Joseph in his workshop.  We have learned that the child often attended synagogue with his parents as well.  But the church leaders often stop short of describing Jesus in His rightful Jewish heritage.  Why is that?  Now, I'm not saying that it is our race which defines who we are, but to forgo the heritage of Jesus?  That just doesn't seem right.  Many of us have seen the whitewashed depictions of what Jesus must have looked like.  The flowing perfect hair, the well trimmed beard.  Yet scripture is quick to tell us that Jesus "Had no beauty that we should desire Him" {Isaiah 53:2}.  If you were to ask me, Jesus was a average, hairy, smelly man who foraged in the wilderness with His followers.  But this does not fit the Hollywood image of our beautiful savior.  Dare I say that the traditional image which we have of Jesus is a lie.  

He shall grow up like a young shoot before Him, and like a root spread out from arid earth; He has no shapeliness nor honor that we should observe Him. 

Isaiah 53: 2, Concordant Old Testament, The Pentateuch 

Growing up, I was exposed to the whitewashed version of Jesus on a regular basis.  Every bible and movie image portrayed Jesus as a well groomed white guy.  Perhaps this was to fit our own lens of who we thought He was.  The truth is, that whitewashed image of Jesus was invented by some Christian guy centuries ago and has become accepted as the real image of the Christ.  I'm not buying it.  The apostle Paul speaks not only to our true identity but to that of Jesus Himself in Galatians.  Paul proclaims that all of those classifications which we use to describe one another, race, sex and nationality in no way define us.  We are not defined by our nationality.  What we ARE defined as is being one in Christ {Paul to the Galatians 3:28}.  Although knowing our own genealogy is important, it is also important to know that it is not who we truly are.  It is the Lord who declared the Israelites His chosen people and rose up His Son among them.  Yet Jesus did not come to save the Israelites alone, but all of Gods children {Johns Account 3:16-17}.  If you disagree with the nation of Israel and it's people, know that it is a Jewish man who holds your salvation.  But also understand that it was never Gods intent to classify His children by their genealogy.  That was mans plan all along.  

~Scott~ 

What God Wants

Perceive what manner of love the Father has given us, that we may be called children of God!  And we are!  Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.  Beloved, now we are children of God, and it was not yet manifested what we shall be.  We are aware that, if He should be manifested, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him according as He is.  

The First Epistle of John 3: 1-2, Concordant New Testament 

I recall a man who, having divorced his wife after only a few years of marriage, left behind not only her, but his two boys as well.  Thinking the the grass was greener on the other side of that fence, this man lived his life doing as he wanted.  However, as the years passed, one thing continued to pull upon his conscience.  That being what his sons thought of him.  Did they remember him?  Despite his thinking of them often, his own pride prevented him from reaching out to them, leaving him to wonder what could have been.  I thought of this the other day as I was going through a podcast with my friend and sidekick.  Our conversation turned to what the greatest desire of God may be.  Without hesitation, we agreed that the greatest desire of the Father is that He be known by His children.  This is what God wants.  Like the man who walked out on his family, our heavenly Father also desires for His children to come to know Him.  God has declared that we are His children {First Epistle of John 3:1, Johns Account 1:12}.  This seems logical, after all it is God who has created us in His own likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  We are His children created in His image.  As my friend and I discussed this truth of the Father, the question turned to what father among us does not want for his children to know him?  Yes, we can testify that our earthly fathers have a desire to feel wanted and known by their own children.  This is a known fact of our human nature.  Why would it not be so with God as well?  While God is not human, we were created in His likeness with His image as well as His desires as well.  In our hearts, we know what God wants.  If I were a father, I would definitely want for my children to know me.  Thus it is with God.  

Yet whoever obtained Him, to them He gives the right to become children of God, to those who are believing in his name, who were begotten, not of bloods, neither of the will of the flesh, neither of the will of man, but of God. 

Johns Account 1: 12-13, Concordant New Testament 

I think that it's safe to say that while we're young, it is much easier to know our parents than it is when we become older.  When young, our parents are a continual part of our growing years.  They guide us, protect us and nurture us as we navigate our way through life.  Yet it's what happens next which I believe tears at the heart of every father and mother.  Through the course of time, children grow up and began to experience life on their own.  We now see two competing desires, that of the parent wanting to be known and remembered by their children, and that of the child wanting to live their life on their own.  I recall visiting my mother in the care facility and seeing how excited she was to see me each day.  But her excitement became a bit of sadness when it was time for me to leave once again.  I can imagine that it's this way with all parents.  I have seen more than few close knit families in my time, and I believe that it is these strong bonds which balance out the parents need to be known and the child's desire for a life of their own.  How must God feel (Yes, God has feelings) when the child He gave life to does not know Him?  One of my favorite parables of Jesus is that of the prodigal son.  This kid, feeling his oats so they say, approached his dad one day to tell him that he wanted to have his inheritance that he might travel and experience the world outside of his home.  We're told that his father willingly gave this unto his son.  The boy then takes his money and hightails it to Las Vegas, or wherever it is that he went.  In his travels, the lad squanders the money his father had given to him and eventually finds himself broke busted.  Seeing no way out, the child decides that he will return once again to his father in humility and seek to work for him, as his fathers servants ate and lived better than he was.  So the child returned home once again.  Yet, when he was still afar off, the boys father saw him coming and "His father perceived him and has compassion" {Lukes Account 15:20}.  I believe that part of what Jesus was illustrating here is the Fathers reaction when one of His own children come to know Him.  His desire is not to condemn you for turning from Him, but to love you as His child.  For this is what God wants.  

~Scott~ 

The Love Of God

 

He who is not loving knew not God, for God is love 

First Epistle of John 4: 8, Concordant New Testament 

I read a commentary in my trust Charles Stanley bible recently in which the old preacher described one of the most basic human needs as our need to be loved.  When I think back upon my life, I can see this desire in action.  For I've spent an inordinate amount of time in my quest to have one person or a group of people accept me for who I am, without prerequisites.  Indeed, I've altered my appearance and behaviors all for the opportunity that those around me would accept me.  I've even considered how it is that my resent quest for better fitness is not just another attempt at gaining the acceptance of others.  I posed this question recently to a good friend who shall remain nameless and he responded that his own health journey centered around his caring for the Lords temple {Paul to the Corinthians (1) 6:19-20}.  I can be on board with that.  Yet, the quest remains, do others love and accept us?  Is it biblical that those around us would accept us?  Jesus obviously called on us to love one another {Johns Account 13:34}.  Yet, He also lamented the fact that He, the Messiah, was rejected by others {Matthews Account 10:34, Johns Account 15:18}.  Jesus tells us that in this world we shall have troubles {Johns Account 16:33}.  Whoever coined the phrase that life is never easy hit the nail on the head!  The goal for we believers should never be to befriend as many as we can, that will come on it's own when we exhibit the love of the Father through us.  My mother had the unique ability to draw people to her.  People often saw her love and compassion for others and gravitated to her.  My own memories of her in church were of her talking with her large group of friends.  That was who she was.  She never worried about what others thought of her, at least she never told me as much.  Jesus understood that if we love one another, that the one true love nature of the Father would be exhibited through us.  

Yet God, being rich in mercy, because of His vast love which He has for us (We also being dead to the offenses and the lusts), Vivifies us together in Christ (In grace you are saved!) 

Paul to the Ephesians 2: 4-5, Concordant New Testament 

If there is one thing that I need to remind myself of whenever it is that I desire the acceptance of others, is that without love I would not be who I am today.  Without love, I would be lost in my sin.  Without love, my future would be one without the Lord.  For it is by the love and mercy of God that He knew and chose me before I was even born {Paul to the Ephesians 1:4}.  God knew me before I was born.  He knew that without a savior that I had no chance.  Through His love for me, He provided His Son to give Himself for me {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  Because of His love, I am no longer in bondage to my sin {Paul to the Romans 6:11}.  The man that I am today is in direct result of the Fathers love for me.  And not only me, but for all of His children {Johns Account 3:16-17}.  Many Christians bristle at the thought of God giving salvation for all of mankind.  That all would be saved.  If God showed His love and mercy to me, will He not show it to all of His children as well?  In this is the Love of the Father.  Not that He would choose the most obedient or the most righteous, but that all would come to know Him.  It can be said that the world will come to know God through those that know Him.  Jesus proclaimed that we should "Let shine our light in front of men, so that they may perceive your ideal acts and should glorify your Father who is in the heavens" {Matthews Account 5:16}.  I believe that when we show love, that it is the Father loving through us.  The love of God for all to see. 

~Scott~ 

The Introduction

 

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it was not yet manifested what we shall be.  We are aware that, if He should be manifested, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him according as He is. 

First Epistle of John 3: 2, Concordant New Testament 

The other night I was streaming through a few scenes of The Chosen series, trying to relate the episode to life in general.  In this episode, the woman Lilith is confronted by the Pharisee Nicodemus.  It seems that the woman was all too eager to forget the circumstances by which Nicodemus had originally come into her life, when she was known as Mary.  As Lilith described it, "I was one way, and I'm not that way anymore."  Indeed, for on that day Mary was freed of the spirit which possessed her, something the Pharisee Nicodemus had been unable to accomplish.  Lilith was well aware of the way she used to be, yet it had been revealed to her that she was not defined by her illness.  It began to make sense, this message for our life today.  I am well aware of the things I used to engage in.  Some of which I am not so proud of.  But I can say with confidence that I am not that way anymore.  What has changed?  I'll tell you.  What has changed in me from that time until today is my own realization of who it is that I am in Christ.  The other night I watched a video of a priest lamenting the fact that God would curse us with the desires of the flesh to do bad things.  God has not cursed us with anything!  Did God curse me with the desire to frequent strip clubs back in the day?  Or did I, not knowing who I was in Him, choose to do what I did?  I would say that the latter is more probable.  We are all created in the likeness of the Father {Genesis 1:27}.  Yet, even though some might be aware of this truth, they do not realize the full extent of who it is that they are in God.  We know that God formed our flesh from the dust of the ground {Genesis 2:7}.  Our flesh was not a part of His original creation, but was created as a container which holds His spirit.  Would God place His spirit into something evil?  I'm more inclined to believe that we are the ones who have forgotten who it is we are meant to be.  

Now he who joins the Lord is one spirit.

Paul to the Corinthians (1) 6: 17, Concordant New Testament 

I have listened to far too many believers lament the fact that they are but sinners saved by the grace of God.  God did not create us to be sinners!  God did not create His children to be in bondage to sin.  What He HAS accomplished through His Son on the cross is the death of sin in us {Paul to the Romans 6:11}.  This is the truth of who we are in Him!  This truth does not fit the preachers narrative that God has cursed us with the desires of sin.  What we ourselves have done is to choose sin over God {Genesis 5:5-6}.  Through the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the garden, all were born into sin {Paul to the Romans 3:23-24}.  Yet, through the obedience of Christ Jesus on the cross, all are justified {Paul to the Romans 5:19}.  This is who we are in Christ Jesus.  No longer condemned {Paul to the Romans 8:1}.  This is why I can say with confidence that I am not that way any longer.  Or, more accurately, I was NEVER that way.  I simply had forgotten who it is that I am in the Father.  Perhaps this is the answer that the Pharisee Nicodemus was searching for.

~Scott~ 

Living To God

 

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.  

Paul to the Romans 6: 9-10, Concordant New Testament 

It is said that it takes around thirty days to develop a good habit.  Whether that is true or not, there's no mistaking that consistency breeds new behaviors.  When I first began my fitness journey, I agonized over the fact that an extra day of two each week in the gym would take away from time which could be spent doing something else. More often than not, what it took me away from were the behaviors which got me to where I was in the first place.  The definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.  I've lived that.  These days, when people ask me what it is that keeps me motivated to do what I'm doing, my response is that I don't want to go back to who I was before (Not caring for that temple which is of the Lord) {Paul to the Corinthians (1) 6:19-20}.  I was all about myself.  I did whatever made me feel comfortable.  Often that included things which God definitely didn't want me doing.  I never want to go back to that place.  These days I live in a new reality of walking in the Lord each day.  The apostle Paul speaks to this in Romans, albeit as he mentions the death of Christ Jesus to sin {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  I know in my heart that Jesus lives on today.  He has died that our sin would be no more, but it is His life now that I share in Him.  For as He is living, He is living to God.  As I am living, I am living to the Father in Christ Jesus.  There is no other way which I can describe my life as I am now.  I live each day in union with the Father and the Son {Johns Account 14:20}.  I believe that it is this realization, given by the Father, by which we come to know that we are living to God.  Our life, our focus, is on the Father in Whom we live.  

Now he who joins the Lord is one spirit 

Paul to the Corinthians (1) 6: 17, Concordant New Testament 

Our traditional vows of marriage speak to the truth of the two becoming one.  We're told that a man shall join unto his wife and that the two will become one flesh {Genesis 2:24}.  Paul warns that the man who joins with the prostitute will become one with her as well {Paul to the Corinthians (1) 6:16}.  So it is that when we are in union with the Father, we are one with Him.  We are living to God.  Granted, the truth of our union with the Father, despite being scriptural, is one of the most difficult truths to fathom for a lot of people.  Perhaps this is why I did not realize my own union in Him until it was revealed by God in me.  Too many times, we allow the background noise of culture and misguided church teachings to sway our own knowing of who the Father is.  I believe that in our hearts we know the truth that we walk in God (This is a topic for another time).  I have found myself more and more to be filtering my own actions and decisions through the eyes of the Father.  Knowing that I am in Him, I conduct myself as such.  Jesus knew and lived this in His life.  For Him there was no other way.  He lived to God.  This is also the knowing which I live in.  

"That they may all be one, according as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us, that the world shall be believing that Thou dost commission Me" 

Johns Account 17: 21, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Light Of Life

 

In the beginning was the word, and the word was toward God, and God was the word.  This was in the beginning toward God, all came into being through it, and apart from it not one thing came into being which has come into being.  In it was life, and the life was the light of men.  And the light is appearing in the darkness, and the darkness grasped it not.  

Johns Account 1: 1-5, Concordant New Testament 

There was a discussion amongst our group this week on what actually occurs at the moment of conception.  Recently, a video emerged of a human embryo at the very moment of conception.  Interestingly, at this very moment of life creation, there was a suddenly a light which surrounded the embryo.  A few Christian commentators have grasped onto this discovery as further proof of the moment life begins.  Now, no matter which side of the creation fence you're sitting on, it is a commonly accepted fact that at some point, that embryo becomes human life.  But the politics of the issue argue about which point this actually occurs.  Many on the liberal left have argued that life, functioning life, is not visible until months away from the birth of the child.  Meanwhile, many Christians and conservatives claim that abortions at this point are nothing less than murder.  I happen to believe that life begins at conception.  It is a scientific fact that upon conception of the human cell, development begins immediately.  Cells divide and new tissues are born.  There is activity in this new human life.  This, of course, was the desire of the Lord upon creation, that man would be fruitful and multiply {Genesis 1:28}.  Upon creating man in His very spirit likeness {Genesis 1:27}, the Father instructed His creation to multiply.  That he did.  Many are aware of the history of the Lords creation, how the flesh body of Adam was formed by God from the dust of the ground {Genesis 2:7}.  It was only after this second creation of Adams flesh body that the Father breathed into His creation the breath of life and Adam became a living soul.  But what, if anything, does all of this have to do with that moment of conception?  Well, we know from our history that each of our creations, both spirit and flesh, have the earmarks of the Father upon them.  We were first created in the likeness of God, in His image.  Then, the Father formed our flesh bodies from the dust of the ground, and through His breath of life we became a living, breathing soul.  Knowing this, we can honestly say that God is in our DNA.  Being His creation, He has been a part of us from the beginning.  

By faith we are apprehending the eons to adjust to a declaration of God, so that what is being observed has not come out of what is appearing. 

To the Hebrews 11: 3, Concordant New Testament 

I have always found it interesting that when God spoke the creation of His likeness, that He spoke of creating him in "Our image" and "According to Our likeness" {Genesis 1:26}.  Who was the other which He was referring to?  The apostle John speaks to the "Word" being toward God {Johns Account 1:1}.  Many believers understand this to be in reference to Christ Jesus.  We're told that Jesus is the "Exact imprint" of the nature of God {To the Hebrews 1:3}.  The apostle Paul speaks to all things being created by and through Christ Jesus {Paul to the Colossians 1:16}.  I don't think that it's that far of a stretch to proclaim that Christ has been with us since the beginning.  Jesus was with the Father when He spoke creation into existence.  Going by scripture we see that God spoke, and that through Christ Jesus all things came into being.  Jesus IS the spoken word of the Father.  John speaks to Jesus being the "Light of men" {Johns Account 1:4}.  I was thinking of this passage as I was working my notes for this writing.  What is it that drew me to pen this page?  The discovery of that moment of light at the very moment of human conception.  The light of men.  I believe that it is at this moment, the beginning of life, that our spirit, and that of God and the Son as well, come into being in this new life.  It is through conception that life and the transfer of His spirit are accomplished.  For nothing has been created apart from Christ.  

~Scott~ 

Let Them Hear

 

"He who has ears, let him hear!"

Matthews Account 13: 9, Concordant New Testament

I've often wondered why it is that I came to see the truth of my union in the Father while others have not.  I believe that it is the Fathers desire that all will be saved, so why have not those around me come to the same realization that I have?  Jesus proclaimed in His ministry that he who has ears, "Let him hear" {Matthews Account 13:9}.  Obviously, Jesus was aware that there would be those who would refuse to hear His message.  Jesus was also aware that there would be those who would reject Him.  When I look at the church today, I see many who have either known the truth of Christ Jesus or are so immersed in the church ideology that their ears are indeed closed.  I thank the Father for His revelation in my own life.  For if it were by the Fathers revelation that I came to truly know Jesus, will it not be by the Fathers own revelation that others will follow?  The apostle Paul, in his description of that infamous day on the road to Damascus, reveals how it is that he came to know Jesus.  Paul reveals that it is only "When it pleased God" that Christ Jesus was revealed in him {Paul to the Galatians 1:15-16}.  How can it be that one can hear the message and not know the truth of Christ Jesus?  Well, that was my life for a good number of years.  Growing up in the church, I accepted what I was taught for the most part.  It's not that I didn't believe in Jesus, it was just a different narrative of Christ.  In my mind, I believed that I knew Him.  Yet, in my heart, I wanted something more.  I wanted to know the Jesus who walked each day with His disciples.  I desired to know the Jesus His followers knew.  This is the true Jesus I was looking for.  It was also the Christ I would never find while in the mainstream church.  Indeed, it was not until I began to refrain from attending church that the Fathers revelation began to take hold and I began to hear.  

For the era will be when they will not tolerate sound teaching, but, their hearing being tickled, they will heap up for themselves teachers in accord with their own desires, and, indeed, they will be turning their hearing away from the truth, yet will be turned aside to myths. 

Paul to Timothy (2) 4:3-4, Concordant New Testament 

I remember the words of my friend Dennis when he began to speak to me about this new Jesus.  How I struggled with the possibility that Christ could ever reside in me, a sinner.  As the words of Paul were introduced to me, I began to see that reality {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  It all seemed logical, that Jesus had given Himself for me on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.  This is one of the foundational beliefs of Christianity.  How is it, then, that we continue to consider the false teachings that sin remains an obstacle in our lives?  Paul reminds us that Christ died for us ONCE for all time {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Because of the sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross, my sins past, present and future are no more.  In essence, I was no longer one of those who had ears but could not hear.  Through the Fathers revelation, my eyes and ears had been opened to the truth of His Son in me.  Yet I continue to wonder, if my ears have been opened, why do so many continue to not hear the truth of Jesus?  Of course, that is the Fathers realm.  If it is His desire that to use me to open the ears of another as mine were, then that is what will be done.  The world will come to see the Father through those who have known him.  

~Scott~   

Union Life

 

In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.

Johns Account 14: 20, Concordant New Testament 

I work for a union job, so I am well aware of the so called "Union rules."  Union rules say that those who were hired fist have developed seniority over those who were hired after them.  Union rules say that this seniority can benefit someone as far as bidding for vacation and job bids.  Since I have been with my job for a good many years, I've developed some pretty good seniority.  Still, there are more than a few with more seniority than me.  Union rules also state that everyone in the union is to be treated equally.  There will be no favoritism allowed!  This might be a good thing, although it might prohibit a persons growth within the organization.  I was thinking of these union rules this weekend as I thought of writing on our union life with the Father.  There are more than a few places in scripture which describe this union.  The apostle John speaks to the words of Jesus regarding the union {Johns Account 14: 20}.  Our union life is how we truly live as one with Jesus and the Father.  It is how we should view the life we live.  However, very few believers know this union which they are a part of.  Just a reminder to all, just because you are not aware of something does not mean that it does not exist.  You might not believe in the effects of gravity until you leap from that high place.  You might believe that carbon fuels are a bad thing, until you have to live without them.  So it is with the reality of our union life in Christ.  Growing up in the church, I was unaware that I was in union with God.  This was not something which I was taught.  Now, one might dig into the scriptures and come across those verses which describe our union life in the Father.  Yet reading these passages for the first time might not stir in us a knowing of our union life.  For how can a sinner live in union with God?  Indeed, the sin issue is the main roadblock to our knowing of our union with God.  Yet, as He always does, God has provided for the removal of that roadblock.  Through the work of Christ Jesus on the cross, we no longer need to wrestle with the sin issue.  For it is Christ Jesus who Himself became sin that we would be saved {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  It is Jesus who paved the way for our union in the Father.  

In this we know that we are remaining in Him, and He in us, for He has given us His spirit.

First Epistle of John 4: 13, Concordant New Testament 

I fully realize that many will not see nor agree with what I am saying of our union with the Father.  For there continue to be many who are still lost in the theology of the mainstream institutional church system.  I also realize that there is indeed a reason which the church does not speak to the union life we share with Christ Jesus.  My first realization of this union came from the words of the apostle Paul who speaks to his own union with Christ in Galatians {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  This was eye opening for someone who had spent so many years in the church.  Yet these words of Paul were speaking to my spirit in a way that no Sunday sermon ever had before.  The realization that I no longer needed to compete to be in the presence of the Lord.  As I began to understand more the writings of Paul, I came across the words of Jesus spoken in His prayer in the garden just before He was crucified.  Here, on the eve of His death, Jesus speaks to the union we would share with He and the Father {Johns Account 17:21}.  As I said, it is Jesus who paved the way for our union life in God.  Yes, He was dispatched by the Father to live among us, but it is Jesus who gave Himself for us.  What does it mean to live in union with the Father?  Think of any situation, good or bad, which you might find yourself in.  Do you know that you're not facing it alone?  Do you know that it is the Father Whom you live each and every day in?  THIS is our union life in God.  My mother used to have a saying that God is as close as our next breath, how true this is! 

That they may all be one, according as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in us, that the world should be believing that Thou dost commission Me. 

Johns Account 17: 21, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

My Fathers Love

 And we know and believe the love which God has in us.  God is love, and he who is remaining in love is remaining in God, and God is remaining in him. 

First Epistle of John 4: 16, Concordant New Testament 

This morning is Fathers day.  People around the nation will be taking time off to remember the men who lead and support their families.  For good reason.  There is plenty of research out there that states that a concrete family unit with both a father and mother present leads to a strong family unit.  My own experience is one of a broken family, as my parents were divorced while I was still young.  Not allowing this to define me, I was blessed through the years with the friendship of those who had solid family units.  This is where I learned the importance of a strong family.  The men in my group of friends these days also have grown strong families.  A few of them have survived over fifty years of marriage.  In a culture where marriage is seen more and more as being a throw away institution based on our whims of the day, this is indeed an impressive accomplishment.  But I think that many would agree that one cannot have a strong marriage without love.  Not only that, one cannot have a strong family without love for one another.  It is love which binds and holds us together.  It is the love my mother displayed for me that kept me on an even keel...most of the time.  Despite having left our family, I always knew that my father loved me in his own way.  In His mind, love was not something that men showed openly.  The difference here is that he was my dad, not my Father.  There's no question that the actions of my earthly father influenced my relationship with my heavenly Father as well.  Growing up, I sometimes lived in fear that God would abandon me as my own father had.  It is hard to understand the love and forgiveness of the Father when compared to the imperfectness of my human father.  But through the influence of my mother and Christian friends, I came to see God for who He truly is.  It is a God which a lot of people rarely see.  

Perceive what manner of love the Father has given us, that we may be called children of God!  And we are!  Therefore the world does not know us, for it did not know Him. 

First Epistle of John 3: 1, Concordant New Testament 

Growing up, my perception of the love of God was tied to how well I did in life.  If I went to church every Sunday and lived a life of good behavior, I had a chance to experience His love.  However, if I did not behave well or decided not to go to church, I was led to believe that the Lord would not look too lovingly upon me.  I cannot recall just how many times I would walk into church on Sunday and sharing with my Christian friends that I was going through a rough time and have them ask me, "What is God punishing you for, what did you do?"  Unfortunately, I came to learn that this is part of the paradigm of todays mainstream church.  That God is best suited to seek out our trespasses.  But we must realize that it is the love of the Father by which our sins were put to death {Paul to the Romans 6:11, Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  Through Christ Jesus, the love of the Father is shown to us.  God loved me enough to erase the old nature which I has been born with.  The Fathers love declares me His child, not a sinner!  It has never been the Fathers intent to watch over us like an overseer.  This may be true of some earthly fathers, but no my Father.  In my Fathers eyes, I am perfect in Him {Johns Account 14:20}.  In my Fathers eyes, my sins no longer define me {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  This is the love of my Father. 

~Scott~ 

Gods Free Gift

 

For the ration of sin is death, yet the gracious gift of God is life eonian, through Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Paul to the Romans 6: 23, Concordant New Testament 

Everyone who has read scripture will see that the disciples of Jesus struggled in their understanding of the message of Jesus at times.  We see in the new testament times where Jesus Himself became frustrated with their lack of understanding.  Yet His love and devotion for them never wavered.  The streaming series The Chosen has done an excellent job of depicting the lives of Jesus and His followers.  This week I was drawn to a particular episode in which Simon Peter struggled with the his forgiveness of Matthew the former tax collector.  From the series, one would see that Simon was not a fan of Matthew from the beginning.  When Jesus first called out to Matthew, Simon cautions his teacher by saying, "Do you know what this man has done?"  I can imagine that many Jews were aware of the acts of this tax collector Matthew.  But Jesus had other plans for him.  When Jesus asks Simon if he has forgiven his brother, Simon shares his struggles in doing so {Matthews Account 18:21-22}.  It's here that Jesus shares a secret with His disciple, that one does not apologize to be forgiven, but to repent.  Amen!  I read and hear a lot of the "Free gift" of the Lord in our lives.  Yet I am of the opinion that we all too often don't realize the impact of this statement.  When we ask for forgiveness from God, are we repenting?  Are we turning away from that which we are seeking His forgiveness?  The Greek meaning of the word repent is to turn around, to turn away from something.  Is this what we're doing when we ask the Lords forgiveness?  I know I wasn't.  I would pray to God for His forgiveness whenever I felt that tug of guilt on my heart.  Yet I didn't realize that with repentance comes a new direction in life.  To ask for forgiveness is only part of the equation.  

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. 

Paul to the Ephesians 2: 8-9, Concordant New Testament 

Can you imagine where we would be in life if God were to require us to repent and change our lives before offering His forgiveness?  How many would have the fortitude to do that?  Repentance for forgiveness.  Thankfully, God has already taken care of that through the work of Christ Jesus on the cross.  It is Jesus who gave Himself as the free gift of God that our sins would be no more {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  God not required that we repent in exchange for His forgiveness.  His forgiveness is His free gift to His children.  Yet how many of us fully realize the importance of this gift?  Judging from how many Christians continue to struggle with the issue of sin in their lives, not too many.  The apostle Paul has proclaimed that Jesus died to sin ONCE for all time {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Jesus has brought the free gift of God to life with His sacrifice.  The death of sin in our lives is the free gift of God {Paul to the Romans 6:11}.  We do well to remember this when we struggle, as Simon has, with the forgiveness of others.  If God has seen to forgive us, should we not do the same?  

~Scott~ 

Churches Without Walls

 

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 had 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 of the Apostles 2: 44-47, Concordant New Testament 

I would usually get a strange reaction from people who will ask me where it is that I go to church.  Being Christian, it's almost assumed that attending a local church is the thing to do.  I get it.  If I'm a believer, I need to be led.  If I'm a Christian, I need to be "Under the cover" of good Christian leadership.  Like a lost lamb, I need to be led from going astray into the world.  These days, whenever someone asks me where I go to church, I have a simple answer for them.  I am the church.  The apostle Paul spoke to this in His letter to the church in Corinth {Paul to the Corinthians (1) 12:12}.  That's right, the true church of Christ Jesus belongs to those who are in Him, not to the brick and mortar sanctuaries built up by man.  Granted, I used to be among those who filled the pews of the local church, but no longer.  These days I commune with fellow believers in our own church service.  We meet via Zoom call, but we enjoy this time as much if not more than we used to enjoy our time in the mainstream church.  It is indeed our church without walls.  The late singer Tom T Hall once sang a song titled "Me and Jesus."  Ironically, the lyrics of his song are a indication of someone shedding the borders of the traditional church and following their hearts.  I'm all for that.

We can't afford any fancy preaching

We can't afford any fancy church

We can't afford any fancy singing

You know Jesus got a lot of poor people out doing His work

Me and Jesus ~ Tom T Hall 

Those within the walls of the mainstream church will often point to a single verse to illustrate the need for believers to go to church.  The writer of Hebrews proclaims that we should not "Forsake the assembling of ourselves."  Yet, the writer also adds the caveat, "As is the custom of some" to this scripture.  As I look at the description of the early church of the followers of Jesus found in the Acts of the Apostles, I do not see an obligation to assemble in the temple.  What I do see is a group of believers choosing to celebrate Jesus anywhere they were comfortable in meeting.  Again, this is church without walls.  When Jesus called on His followers to worship in "Spirit and truth," He wasn't referring to the local church {Johns Account 4:23-24}.  That is, worship which is coming from the heart and not out of obligation to a religious system.  True worship of Jesus does not need to be choreographed, rehearsed and planned.  True worship of the Lord can be as simple as spending time with Jesus each day.  We're told that we are now in union with the Father and Son {Johns Account 14:20}.  We do not need to be in the local church in order to be in the presence of the Lord.  God is within us wherever it is that we go. The church without walls.  

~Scott~ 

The Sword Of Jesus

 

"You should not be inferring that I came to be casting peace on the earth.  I did not come to be casting peace, but a sword.  For I came to pit a man against His father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter - in law against her mother - in - law.  And the enemies of a man are those of His household." 

Matthews Account 10: 34-36, Concordant New Testament 

One of the truths of life which I ultimately trust in is that one should not argue over two specific things.  That being religion and politics.  For when we engage in these discussions, disagreements are sure to be raised.  I recall a certain Christian brother who once fellowshipped with us on our Sunday morning meetings.  From the beginning it was evident that his view of the scriptures and mine did not quite mesh.  Of course this wasn't just me, but with others in our group as well.  This man had decided that it was his duty to defend the scriptures from any and all forms of heresy imaginable.  This placed us right in his crosshairs, because the gospel we were discovering was the gospel which the apostle Paul speaks to as the indwelling Christ {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  In our brothers mind, Jesus could never be within sinful man, and he picked apart many parts of scripture in order to prove us wrong and to prove his point.  Who would have known that the word of Jesus would be causing such division among believers.  I'll tell you who, Jesus.  It is Jesus who speaks to us of the division in the world which He will bring.  It is Jesus who proclaims that a "Mans enemies are those of his own household" {Matthews Account 10:36}.  Jesus indeed knew of the division which He wrought.  He was faced with division among the Jewish sects of His day.  Not only that, there was certainly division among His followers at times.  What is it about Jesus that brings about such division among believers in general?  I have a friend that I cannot discuss my own beliefs of the gospel spoken by Paul because his Eastern Orthodox religious views fly in the face of the truth of Christ which Paul speaks to.  He lives in a world where the fear of sin is forever real.  Despite my encouragement that Christ has paid that debt in full, he continues to argue that his sins of today are keeping him from the Lord.  Again, the division of Jesus continues.  I'm not at all surprised by this, as Jesus Himself proclaimed that this life would not be easy {Johns Account 16:33}.  We can take heart, however, because we trust in Christ Jesus who has overcome the world.  

And He has protested to me, "Sufficient for you is My grace, for My power in infirmity is being perfected."  With the greatest relish, then, will I rather be glorifying in my infirmities, that the power of Christ should be tabernacling over me.  Wherefore I delight in infirmities, in outrages, in necessities, in persecutions, for Christ's sake, for, whenever I may be weak, then I am powerful. 

Paul to the Corinthians (2) 12: 9-10, Concordant New Testament 

It has been said that Jesus will be forever known as one of the worlds peacemakers.  I agree.  However, He shall also be known for pitting brother against brother and a father against his own children.  For the words which He speaks at times go against those of the mainstream church system.  The words spoken by Jesus will often go against the different man created sects of Christianity as we know it.  I have recently watched a few internet videos of a catholic priest speaking to his congregation.  Going from his own words, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was perfect without sin and that hell is a very real thing.  I take these videos with a grain of salt, as they originate from the teachings of the institutional church.  The division between the catholic faith and mainstream Christianity is another example of the division of Jesus in essence.  Each with their own view of who and what Jesus truly is.  I believe that Jesus is the very image of the Father {Johns Account 1:14, 14:9, To the Hebrews 1:3, Paul to the Colossians 1:15}.  I also believe that I myself have been created in His likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  The very words of scripture speak to us of the identity and truth of Christ Jesus.  Division comes when we attempt to manipulate that scripture to fit our own views.  

~Scott~ 

Life With Jesus

 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground.  He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.

Isaiah 53: 2, NKJV

As I've mentioned previously, I am a big fan of the Chosen series which depicts the life and times Of Christ from a perspective which many can comprehend.  I have long said that the original writers of scripture didn't do us too many favors by not giving us a more detailed glimpse into the early life of Jesus.  We know that Jesus was fully God {Johns Account 14:9}.  However, we also know from the scriptures that Jesus was a simple man Who did not have that appealing of an appearance {Isaiah 53:2}.  Granted, much of the images of what we have seen as Jesus come from early artist depictions, it is this image which we associate with Him.  Of course, that's not the point in this discussion.  What really matters, in this instance, is the flesh image of Jesus.  That is what I feel that most people can associate with.  In The Chosen, we see the human side of Him.  We see Jesus bantering among His disciples, speaking to them what they will need to know further down the road.  In one particular scene, Simon and Jesus proceed to give Thomas advice about his marriage.  This is straight out of everyday living, and I love it!  Despite being a rendition of the life of Christ, we can assume that the true day to day life of the Lord resembled something akin to this.  When we look into the Hebrew culture of the day, do we see people interacting in this way?  I would say yes.  I believe that this is why this series is so popular, because for the first time we are getting to see Jesus as...one of us.  We get to see Jesus dealing with the flaws of everyday life as we do.  This is Jesus as He truly was.  

Whence He ought, in all things, to be made like the brethren, that He may be becoming a merciful and faithful chief priest in that which is toward God to make a propitiatory shelter for the sins of the people. 

To the Hebrews 2: 17, Concordant New Testament 

As much as I love the Chosen series, those in the traditional religious paradigm have come up with a few critiques as to why they do not feel that this depiction of Jesus is worthy.  For one, in many scenes Jesus carries with him a backpack.  What place does modern technology have in the life of this Man?  Forget the fact that people have been using containers to carry things on their backs for thousands of years.  But to see Jesus doing this?  You'd think that portraying Him in this way is akin to the greatest blasphemy.  Another criticism is the scenes which depict the life of Jesus among His disciples.  I believe that many would consider these scenes to be the "Locker room talk" of the culture back then.  While not offensive in nature, it portrays Jesus as being...too human.  And this is exactly why I like this series.  This is exactly why I believe that it speaks to the hearts of so many people.  But is this really the Jesus of His day?  The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus was made "Like the brethren" {To the Hebrews 2:17}.  God did not dispatch for us a Pharisee who would proclaim His laws and edicts.  Instead, He sent forth His son, born of a woman.  Not that the Son would judge the world, but that the world would be saved through Him {Johns Account 3:16-17}.  Jesus proclaimed that the Fathers love and mercy was more important than the ritual sacrifice of the law {Matthews Account 9:13}.  This is the real Jesus.  The Jesus we can relate to.  

~Scott~ 

Curtain Call

 

Now Jesus, letting out a loud sound, expires.  And the curtain of the temple is rent in two from above to the bottom.  Now the centurion, who stand by opposite Him, perceiving that, crying thus, He expires, said, "Truly, this Man was the Son of God!" 

Marks Account 15: 37-39, Concordant New Testament 

When I used to attend church, there was definitely a priority where people were seated.  The front two rows were usually reserved for pastors, church leaders and invited guests.  Behind that were seats reserved for the school ministry classes, college and high school.  The rest was simply find your own seat.  Yet what always got to me was how the church went to great lengths to prop up a few people.  Later on I came to see this as the mainstream church hierarchy.  I thought of this this week as I went over one of the most important events in the scriptures.  That being the tearing of the curtain in the temple upon the death of Jesus on the cross.  This event was known for its symbolism more than anything.  God accomplished this for a definite reason.  See, in the Jewish temples of Jesus' day, there was a certain section which "normal, sinful man" could not enter.  The temple veil represented a barrier into the presence of God.  It marked the barrier between Father God and the wickedness of mankind.  To pass through the veil was NOT allowed.  It was the Lord Himself who commanded that the ark of the covenant would be placed behind the veil in the tabernacle.  The Lord commanded that the veil would be a "Divider for you between the holy place and the most holy {Exodus 26:33}.  These were just a few of the instructions the Lord gave unto Moses for the building of the tabernacle.  So it was that sinful man was to be separated from the presence of the Lord.  Yet, even in the days of Moses the Lords intent was to shatter that barrier.  For Gods desire was never to be separated from His creation.  This is contrary to the lie which was spoken to Adam and Eve by the deceiver in the garden.  By taking of the fruit of the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, the first couple were infected with the lie that they could be "Like God" {Genesis 3:5-6}.  The belief that they were separated from God.  This belief continues to permeate Christian teaching and theology to this day.  But, God had a plan.  He did not want His children to be forbidden from His presence.  So it was that He dispatched His Son that He would become the sin of sinful man upon the cross {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  At the cross, the veil of separation was broken.  

When, then, Jesus took the vinegar, He said, "It is accomplished!"  And reclining His head, He gives up His spirit.

Johns Account 19: 30, Concordant New Testament 

Some time ago, I mentioned to a friend that we should not think of the cross of Jesus as the end of the line, but the beginning.  The cross did not defeat Jeus.  The cross could not hold Him.  What the cross did do was put to death the old sin nature which all men prior to Christ had been born with {Paul to the Romans 3:23}.  It is Jesus who gave Himself that we would no longer be slaves to our sins.  We should no longer consider ourselves sinners, but free of that which once was {Paul to the Romans 6:11}.  That which we were told separated us from the presence of the Lord has been put to death.  The veil has been torn!  Knowing this, it is clear to understand just why God tore the temple veil in two that day.  We are no longer prevented from His presence.  On the contrary, through Christ, we are now in union with He and the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  It's no coincidence that I've never heard of this truth spoken of in the mainstream church.  For just like their hierarchy based seating, the church needs the idea of sin to keep their pews filled.  I choose not to live that lie.  Praise be to God that the veil has been torn once and for all! 

~Scott~