The Good Of The Father {Knowing Him) #1974

 

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 

Growing up, my dad was a mystery figure to me.  having left his family when I was young, I never really got to see him involved in my life.  Yes, I would see him off and on during brief visits, but I never really knew him.  Obviously, growing up without a father had a profound influence in my life.  So many social advocates have decried the trend of families without fathers over the years.  In my opinion, the ease and simplicity of divorce has added to this increase.  I recall asking a good friend of mine how it is that he and his wife have lasted in their relationship for over fifty years.  His response?  Divorce was never an option.  Amen!  Fast forward to today, and I've been in discussions with a Gym Rat buddy who has confided in me his relationship woes with his own wife of many years.  He has even taken steps to find companionship elsewhere.  Despite all of this, he has often wondered why it is that God cannot find for him someone who loves him.  Hello!  To my friends credit, he has remained with his wife for the benefit of his son.  Again, I wish that my own father had done that as well.  Despite that fact that I have never really known my earthly father and the damage that has caused, I know in my heart that I have a wonderful relationship with my One true Father in God.  I fact, Jesus has spoken to my knowing of the Father in the book of John {Johns Account 14:20}.  Jesus has proclaimed that we will "know" the truth of our life in He and the Father in that day.  But, for me, that day took me over fifty years before my own eyes were opened to the truth of my life in Him.  As with the revelation of the Father, nothing He will reveal in us is on a schedule.  The apostle Paul speaks to God opening his eyes to that truth of Christ in him in Galatians.  As Paul proclaims, it is only "When it delights God" that He will reveal the truth of His Son in us {Paul to the Galatians 1:15-16}.  All I can say is that at least I have come to know my true Father despite never knowing the one I have in the flesh.  

Now we all, with uncovered face, mirroring the Lords glory, are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the spirit 

Paul to the Corinthians (2) 3: 18, Concordant New Testament 

I can honestly say that I have grown in my relationship with the Father farther than I ever could have with my own father.  For our human relationships will often face the pitfalls of feelings, emotions and opinions.  I have known far too many people who have become estranged from relationships with their own families due to trivial arguments and grudges.  But I do know this, God is faithful.  He has proclaimed that he will never leave nor forsake me {Deuteronomy 31:6}.  The writer of Hebrews speaks to this truth as well {To the Hebrews 13:5}.  Not only has He promised that He will always be with me, He has opened my eyes to my union life in Himself and His Son.  My life is in the Father.  I would suggest that knowing this truth would be a life changing revelation for all of the Lords children.  For we are all created in His likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  Despite the truth of our life lived in God, far too few believers are aware of this truth.  Their eyes have yet to be opened.  Complicating this is the fact that many believers continue to be fed the false teachings of the mainstream church separation theology.  The church has continued to speak to the lie that it is our sin which has separated us from God.  The truth we find in the scriptures, especially in the evangel spoken by Paul, is that Jesus perished on that cross for that sin of ours.  That debt has been paid.  Paul speaks to the fact that Jesus has died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  We live our life in the Father, knowing that we are free of that which once enslaved us {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Boss) #1973

 Lift My yoke upon you and be learning from Me, for meek am I and humble in heart, and you shall be finding rest in your souls, For My yoke is kindly and My load is light 

Matthews Account 11: 29-30, Concordant New Testament 

I've always been one for a good air show.  Some of the best pilots in the world belong to the United States Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team.  Every year these aviators perform dozens of shows not only across the country, but around the world as well.  They are our ambassadors of naval aviation, showcasing not only their own abilities but the performance abilities of their aircraft.  Since 1986, the Blues have flown the McDonnel Douglas F/A-18 Super Hornet.  I've had the opportunity to not only see the Blue Angels perform, but to study a bit of what it is they do as well.  Their precision flying is made that much more remarkable when one takes into consideration that the undivided attention of five of these six pilots is centered on the number one aircraft throughout the performance.  This is the Blue Angel lead pilot, or "Boss."  As they go through their flight maneuvers, each pilots attention is centered upon the Boss' F/A-18 aircraft.  As close as they fly together, to become distracted in the middle of one of these maneuvers could mean disaster.  Nothing has illustrated this more than a crash involving four United States T-38 Talons of the Air Force Thunderbirds in 1982 over Indian Springs Nevada.  While practicing a line abreast loop, all four of the Thunderbird diamond formation, their attention undoubtedly glued to their flight leader, crashed into the desert.  This is part of the danger associated with this type of flying.  The other day I was in a conversation with a fellow Gym Rat when I made the suggestion that one should always keep the Lord Jesus in our thoughts.  In other words, our thoughts should always be centered upon our life in Him.  Jesus speaks to this in the book of Matthew where He proclaims that we should "Lift My yoke upon you and be learning from Me" {Matthews Account 11:29-30}.  There is no question that we do well to remember just who we are and what our own identity is in Christ.  Like those pilots flying in their close formation maneuvers, our eyes should be on our "Boss" Jesus {Johns Account 14:6}.  We realize that Jesus is the very source of our existence {Johns Account 1:3}.  

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

Paul to the Galatians 2: 20, Concordant New Testament 

There is no doubt that the apostle Paul made Jesus the center of his life after his "Come to Jesus" moment on that road to Damascus.  Paul's attention was not focused on the world or his former teachings of the Jewish faith, but upon Jesus.  Indeed, we can learn much from the life lived by Paul.  It is Paul who contradicts the centuries old separation theology paradigm spoken by those in the mainstream church.  The theology which speaks to our sin separating us from the presence of God.  This is the lie spoken by the church.  For Paul speaks in Romans to Jesus "Dying to sin once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  This wasn't simply Paul coming to this realization about himself, but speaking the truth of the evangel of Christ for all to hear.  Pau's eyes were set upon Jesus.  In recent years, I have come to the realization that my own eyes have been opened to this truth as well.  Just as flying for the Blue Angels takes years of practice, so it is with the revelation of our life in Christ which Jesus speaks to in the book of John {Johns Account 14:20}.  Indeed, Paul spent years in the synagogues of the Jewish faith before His encounter with Jesus on that dusty road.  My own upbringing was centered upon the teachings of the mainstream church.  Growing up, I feared losing my own salvation if I didn't "Fly right."  It wasn't until years later that my life in the Father was revealed unto me {Paul to the Galatians 1:15-16}.  When Jesus spoke to taking His yoke upon us, I believe that He was referring to keeping our focus on Him.  No matter what it is that we're going through, it is made less stressful when we keep our eyes upon the true purpose of our life, Christ Jesus. 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (That Image Issue) #1972

 

Religion has actually convinced people that there is a invisible man living in the sky watching everything you do, every minute of every day.  And the invisible man has a special list of ten things he doesn't want you to do.  And if you do any of these ten things, he has a special place, full of fire and smoke and burning and torture and anguish, where he will send you to live and suffer and burn and choke and scream and cry forever and ever until the end of time!  But he loves you.  He loves you, and he needs money.  He always needs money.  He's all-powerful, all-perfect, all-knowing and all-wise, somehow he just can't handle money

George Carlin 

I've said it before, and I'll stand by what I've said.  Believers today don't suffer from a sin issue, they suffer from an identity issue.  Somewhere along the way, we've become lost as to who it is we are in the Father.  I was reminded of this issue once again the other day in a conversation with one of my Gym Rat friends.  This young man was lamenting the fact that he was in prayer too many times each day, yet he still felt guilty of his own sin.  I get it.  I grew up in that same old mainstream church separation theology, so I know what he's talking about.  I have friends who have grown up in the mainstream Christiann church who feel the same way.  Like I said, we have an identity problem, not a sin issue.  I have a friend who continues to hold onto the narrative so many people have spoken to him that he is indeed a mean son of a bitch.  Why?  How is it that the Father sees him?  If you listen to the sermons coming out of the church, our sin is always before us.  Therefore, we need to constantly be in prayer seeking His forgiveness.  Why?  Whenever I'm asked about this my response to that person is typically, what about Jesus?  Did Jesus give Himself on that cross for nothing?  Did Jesus die only to have the Lord's children continually worry over their sin?  I would say no.  However, it seems that I'm in the minority in that opinion.  In my post the other day (#1971), I attempted to illustrate just how it is that the Father looks upon His children.  Sadly, many self proclaimed believers probably would not comprehend this truth.  So, how is it that the Father sees me?  What does He see when He looks upon me?  Well, first off, He sees His son {First Epistle of John 3:1}.  I would also suggest that when God looks upon me, He sees Christ Jesus as well.  For it is Jesus who has spoken to our union life in He and the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  This is not something I am digging up out of thin air, this is the WORD which has been revealed unto us.  No amount of scripture cherry picking can take away from the fact that my life is now in God the Father.  

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 

The struggle which many believers face today is that between the truth of the scriptures and the word spoken by those within the mainstream church.  I've commented before that a lie, spoken often enough, soon becomes seen as the truth.  Sadly, this is what we've seen in Christianity over the years.  The theology spoken by the church has been that our sin has separated us from God.  Nothing could be further from the truth!  The apostle Paul, in his letter we find in Romans, speaks to the truth that Jesus has indeed died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  In His dying breath on the cross, Jesus Himself proclaimed "It is accomplished!" {Johns Account 19:28}.  Jesus did not give Himself that we would worry over our sin and fate.  Jesus died to free us from that penalty {Paul to the Galatians 5:1}.  This is the freedom we find in Christ.  Now, knowing this I again ask the question, how is it that God sees you?  As a condemned sinner?  Well, if you adhere to the false teachings of the mainstream church, you might just believe that bag of lies.  But Jesus has spoken the truth to us of our life in the Father.  Paul has revealed to us through his evangel the truth about sin which the church will never speak to.  That Christ Jesus has given Himself for our sin {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  Make no mistake, WE needed to perish, not Jesus.  Jesus is the innocent blood sacrificed for our iniquities.  So, how is it that God sees you?  I am of the opinion that if I were to come to the Father seeking forgiveness for my sin, He would smile and proclaim, what sin my son?  And THAT is the truth of our identity in the eyes of the Father.  

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Through The Fathers Eyes) #1971

 

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

First Epistle of John 4: 8, Concordant New Testament 

I read of some interesting recent comments from retired Supreme Court justice Anthony Kennedy the other day.  In response to much of the political discourse in this nation in recent years, Kennedy encouraged others to remain calm in the face of those with differing political views.  I found this surprising coming from a retired justice.  In his time on the bench, I'm sure that Anthony Kennedy has heard plenty of cases involving our first amendment rights to free speech.  To be honest, my first thought when I read of his comments were of the words we find in the First Epistle of John.  It is here that we are reminded of the one true nature of God, that is love {First Epistle of John 4:8}.  So I thought to myself, what if all of the Lord's children began to see each other in the way which the Father sees them?  Of course, one would have to know ahead of time the truth of how it is that God sees us.  How is it that God sees you?  How does He see me?  The apostle Paul speaks to our image, mirroring the Lords glory, in the book of Corinthians {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 3:18}.  In other words, this is how the Father looks upon us.  Not as a sinner, and definitely not as one in constant need of His forgiveness.  For through Christ, that debt has been paid in full{Johns Account 3:16-17}.  So, in all reality, we can assume that God sees us as His loved children created in His likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  As Paul has proclaimed, we all mirror in appearance the glory of God.  But there's a hitch to that knowing.  Not everyone has the same vision as those who see those around them not as sinners, but as Gods loved child.  We see them every day in all aspects of life.  Those who degrade and demean others.  Those who, through their words and behaviors, treat others with something which seldom resembles the love of the Father.  Their eyes have yet to be opened to not only who it is that they are in the eyes of the Father, but how He sees those around them as well.  The truth is that this is the key to displaying the Fathers love to others, to understand how it is that God sees them.  How will we treat one we see as a sinner?  Well, if you are a hardcore mainstream church member, you might see people such as this being in need of Gods punishment, not His mercy and love.  This, of course, is one more lie spoken by those in the institutional church.  

Now we all, with uncovered face, mirroring the Lords glory, are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the spirit

Paul to the Corinthians (2) 3: 18, Concordant New Testament 

Notice that in Paul's words which we find in Corinthians, he references "We all" in his description of those mirroring the appearance of the glory of God.  That's you and me, friends.  THIS is how God sees His children.  THIS is how God looks upon you.  I think that if I were in that audience listening to Anthony Kennedy that day, I might have asked him one simple question.  That being, how do you think God sees you?  For if we look upon ourselves as condemned sinners, that is exactly how we will see Gods opinion of us as well.  If we see ourselves as sinners, that is how we believe God looks upon us.  This is fundamental to our own image of ourselves.  A good example of this comes from my days lost in the addiction of pornography.  In my many visits to local strip clubs, I did not see the women working there as children of God.  I did not see them as mirroring His glory.  This is the very false image of women given by that industry.  Not as children of God, but as someone to be condemned for their behaviors.  This is what makes it so difficult for us to see those around us as God sees them.  For our own self image and biases get in the way of seeing their true image revealed in the Father's eyes.  We can see this in everyday life in how we look upon homeless people, illegal immigrants and those of differing political opinions.  Where is the love of the Father in these situations?  Our prayer should not be that these people would come to God, but that we would see them through the eyes of the Father.  

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The Fathers Will) # 1970

 

Trillions and trillions of prayers every day asking and begging and pleading for favors.  'Do this' 'Gimme that' 'I want a new car' 'I want a better job'.  And most of this praying takes place on Sunday.  And I say fine, pray for anything you want.  Pray for anything.  But...what about the divine plan?  Remember that? The divine plan.  Long time ago God made a divine plan.  Gave it a lot of thought.  Decided it was a good plan.  Put it into practice.  And for billions and billions of years the divine plan has been doing just fine.  Now you come along and pray for something.  Well, suppose the thing you want isn't in God's divine plan.  What do you want Him to do?  Change His plan?  Just for you?  Doesn't it seem a little arrogant?  It's a divine plan.  What's the use of being God if every run-down shmuck with a two dollar prayer book can come along and fuck up your plan? 

George Carlin 

I got to thinking of the will of the Lord this week in relation to the words of Jesus which we find in John 14:20.  This is the passage where Jesus speaks to our union life lived in He and the Father.  Now, of course this fly's in the face of the separation theology found in the mainstream church which preaches that it is our own sin which has separated us from God.  In my opinion, Jesus blows this false preaching out of the water with His declaration of our union life in Him.  You might ask, how are these words spoken by Jesus related to the will of the Father?  Well, a good friend reminded me the other day to view this in the context of the words of the apostle Paul which we find in Galatians 1:15-16.  It is here that Paul describes how his own realization of his life in Christ came about.  Did Paul pray that his eyes would be opened to the truth of Christ Jesus in him?  Probably not.  See, the man Saul was a Pharisee dead set on the persecution of the followers of Jesus.  In fact, as he walked the road to Damascus that day, he carried with him letters from his Pharisee buddies against the followers of Jesus in Damascus.  He came to persecute, not to see Jesus revealed in him.  But God had a different plan for Saul.  In an instant, in what I call Saul's "Come to Jesus" moment, Saul came face to face with the One he had been persecuting {Acts of the Apostles 9:1-5}.  For all intents and purposes, the man Saul had ceased to exist.  What remained now was His servant Paul.  What can we learn from Paul's Damascus road experience in relation to our own knowing of our life in Jesus?  Paul himself proclaims that "When it delights God, Who severs me from my mothers womb and calls me through His grace, to unveil His Son in me" {Paul to the Galatians 1:15-16}.  Paul's eyes were opened to the truth of his life in Christ Jesus not because of the prayers he offered up, but according to the will of the Father.  That's right, God decided that time and place to call Paul unto Him.  So it will be with us as well.  

To whom God wills to make known what are the glorious riches of this secret among the nations, which is: Christ among you, the expectation of glory

Paul to the Colossians 1: 27, Concordant New Testament 

Could Jesus could have very well proclaimed that it is only by the will of the Father that our own eyes will be opened to the truth of our life in Him?  Sure, but I believe that He has already done that.  For when Jesus proclaimed "In that day," He was referring to that moment when God will reveal our life in He and His Son.  Our eyes will be opened, in that day.  This is by the desire of the Father.  He decides when to reveal His Son in us.  I've been through many Sundays of mainstream church sermons, false separation theology teaching and countless prayers for forgiveness.  However, it wasn't until God decided to open my eyes to my life in Him that I came to realize the truth of Christ Jesus in me spoken by Paul {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  Were there others praying that my eyes be opened to His truth?  Most definitely.  Yet I believe that something too many Christians miss is that our prayers do not supersede the will of the Father.  Yes, we can pray for whatever our desires are, but it is the desire of the Lord which will come to pass.  Make no mistake, God never does anything out of spite or anger, so we can rest assured that He has only our well being in mind {Paul to the Romans 8:28}.  We can also be assured that it is His desire that we know the truth of our life in Him.  This is in accordance with the words of Jesus in the book of John. 

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 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (In That Day) #1969

 

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 

translation can be a funny thing.  While the bible has undoubtedly been one of the most translated scripts of all time, there have still been more than a few things which have been lost in that translation over time.  I was reminded of that fact this week as we once again poured over the meaning of Jesus' words on our union life in the Father which we find in the book of John {Johns Account 14:20}.  To the casual reader, Jesus is speaking that there will come a time where we will indeed know the truth of His life in the Father as well.  Pretty simple, right?  Well, I thought it was as well until we began to unravel parts of the translation of that passage.  The question now is, how well do we really know Jesus?  Do we know Him casually as our Savior who died on that cross?  Or, do we know Him intimately as being the very source of our life {Johns Account 1:3}?  Lost in translation is the Greek word Ginosko, which by definition means to know.  However, this definition goes a lot deeper than simply knowing someone.  For the word Ginosko refers to a "Deep, intimate knowledge that involves personal experience, relationship and understanding."  I mentioned the marriage relationship as an example of this kind of Ginosko knowing the other day.  Indeed, a husband and wife may well have developed that deep, intimate knowing of one another.  I would say that very few of us can attest to having friendships which fit into the Ginosko category of knowing someone.  I have been blessed with a few in my life.  But how does this Ginosko level of knowing fit into our life in Christ?  Well, taken in context, I believe that when we read the words of Jesus in the book of John, that we indeed see Him referring to an intimate "Knowing" of He and the Father.  In other words, "In that day you will "Know intimately" that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.  We will have that intimate knowledge of our life in Christ, in that day.  Jesus' disciples wondered where He was going, and He told them, "I am coming to you" {Johns Account 14:18}.  That He and the Father should be coming unto them and making Their home in them {Johns Account 14:23}.  So, how well do you know Jesus?  

To whom God wills to make known what are the glorious riches of this secret among the nations, which is: Christ among you, the expectation of glory

Paul to the Colossians 1: 27, Concordant New Testament 

I would agree that the Jesus spoken inside the mainstream church is different from the Christ Jesus we will come to know in that day.  I have often referred to this as the "Two gospels."  One spoken by the apostle Paul in his evangel and the other spoken as the separation theology of the mainstream church.  One knowing Jesus casually while the other speaks to a deeper, more intimate knowing of Jesus.  One proclaiming that our sin has indeed separated us from the presence of God while the other speaks to the truth of Christ dying to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Would you say that Paul, having been raised in the Jewish synagogues, had a more intimate knowledge of Jesus that the Pharisees of his day?  I would say so.  We see this reflected in the evangel spoken by Paul.  That it is Jesus Who lives in Him {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  There is no question that Paul knew Jesus in that Ginosko, intimate way.  Which might be confusing for some people because Paul had never met Jesus in person.  However, Paul did EXPERIENCE the presence of Jesus on that road to Damascus that day.  There can be no doubt of that.  From that point on, Paul grew in his own personal knowing of his life in Christ.  Indeed, in that day Paul KNEW that Jesus is in the Father, and he in Christ.  In that day, we will know Him intimately.  I cannot predict when that day will come, as it is different for everyone.  But rest assured, for those who seek Him, in that day you will know Him. 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Kings Of The Congregation) #1968

 

"Take heed to yourselves and to the entire flocklet, among which the holy spirit appointed you supervisors, to be shepherding the ecclesia of God, which He procures through the blood of His Own

Acts of the Apostles 20: 28, Concordant New Testament 

It used to be, back in the day, that to enter the pastoral ministry was viewed as a noble endeavor in ones life.  Indeed, a dear friend of mine once answered the call to serve from the pulpit of a small local church.  His motive was to speak the gospel of Christ Jesus, and perhaps to shepherd his flock as well.  I haven't spoken to him much about his early days in the ministry, but I can guarantee that he and his wife did not commute to and from church in a private jet funded by the contributions of his congregation.  That would have been, wrong.  Why do I even mention this?  Well, not too long ago I came across a website that listed nine Christian big name pastors who had purchased for themselves private jets for their travels.  The list includes such well known pastors of the faith as Kenneth Copeland, Jesse Duplantis, Joyce Meyer and Pat Robertson.  Now, if anyone can tell me that purchasing these luxury aircraft from the church funds donated by their congregations is a good idea, please leave a comment.  More and more, in recent years, some have seen the pastoral ministry not as service to the Lord, but as a revenue stream.  One has to wonder, how is it that God sees the actions of these kings of the congregation.  I want to be clear, not every pastor is so indebted to the almighty dollar, but the few that are give the Christian ministry a black eye.  The apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy that "The root of all evils is the fondness for money" {Paul to Timothy 6:10}.  I'm guessing that the kings of the congregation either forgot this teaching or willfully choose to ignore it.  Whatever the case may be, I would say that their focus is not on the well being of the ecclesia of God, but on their own personal gain.  The physician Luke writes in Acts that church leaders "Take heed to yourselves and to the entire flocklet, among which the holy spirit appointed you" {Acts of the Apostles 20:28}.  If we understand anything about the Lord, we know that these men have been appointed unto leadership by the Father for the teaching and well being of His ecclesia family.  I believe that a few of these men have failed in that regard.  

Not many should become teachers, my brethren, being aware that we shall be getting greater judgement 

James to the Twelve Tribes 3: 1, Concordant New Testament 

When I speak of the kings of the congregation, I do so knowing that these men were trained up in their beliefs at some point.  Indeed, it is in the halls of our seminaries and universities where the modern day Pharisees practice their trade.  I joke with my former pastor friend of his time spent in Pharisee school prior to beginning his ministry.  Although we might joke about this, we both know that it is a serious and real issue confronting the Christian faith.  For what is taught in these seminary pastor factories is not the truth of the revelation of Christ Jesus spoken in the evangel of Paul, but a theology which continues to preach the idea that man has become separated from God through his sin.  This is but one of the lies spoken by the kings of the congregation.  Paul assures us in Romans that Jesus has died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  That our old sin nature was indeed crucified with Christ that "The body of sin may be nullified" {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  I would say that either these kings of the congregations have forgotten the words of Paul spoken in Romans 6, or it simply doesn't fit the separation theology narrative of the church.  Either way, what it does represent is the image of the hierarchy of the mainstream church.  That some in church leadership are deserving of a certain celebrity status.  My question is, how is this beneficial to the well being of the ecclesia of God?  Are these hierarchal kings not walking that fine line between seeing themselves just as important as the Father in peoples lives?  Is this not the very behavior which Jesus called out the Jewish Pharisees of His day for?  To value their own image and reputations over the well being of the people {Matthews Account 23:5-7}?  How is it that a luxury jet speaks to the revelation of our life in Christ Jesus {Johns Account 14:20}?  One thing is for certain, I wouldn't make for a good pastor in the modern day church. 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Brood Of Vipers) # 1967

 

"Serpents! Progeny of vipers!  How may you be fleeing from the judging of Gehenna?" 

Matthews Account 23: 33, Concordant New Testament 

Jesus was not too kind the Jewish religious leaders on that day.  In fact, in modern parlance, He went off.  This from the Man who had walked the countryside speaking of love and forgiveness?  Now here He was trashing the church leadership of His day?  Many modern mainstream churches use these scriptures found in Matthew as they speak to the "Manliness" of Jesus.  As proof somehow that Jesus was indeed a Man.  Growing up in the church, one thing I never wanted to happen was for Jesus to speak to me in this way.  Therefore, I believed that if I lived my life in the right way that Jesus would always treat me in a loving way.  Again, this is all part of the separation theology preached by the mainstream church.  But let's put these words of Jesus into context.  Was He adamantly raising His voice against sinners in general?  No, Jesus was bringing the very deeds of the Jewish Pharisees to their attention.  Jesus was reminding them of the harsh ways in that they had treated the Jewish people.  Because of this, He was NOT happy.  The Pharisees were big on tradition and the following of religious rules.  From admiring the greetings of others in public to insisting on cleanliness, these Pharisees ruled their synagogues with an iron fist.  They demanded compliance in the name of tradition.  I began thinking this week of these passages from a different angle entirely.  What would Jesus have to say of those pastors which we at times blindly follow today?  Would we hear Him speak "Woe to you pastors?"  Would we see the same vigor in His attitude which He displayed that day when confronting the Pharisees?  I believe that we just might, and here's why.  Jesus was angered at the Pharisees over their overt righteousness and strict adherence to the traditions of their religion.  More often than not, these traditions had done more harm than good for the people of Israel.  THIS was why Jesus became upset, because of the suffering incurred by these Pharisees.  It is interesting that the scripture which we see just before the passages of the woes to the Pharisees is one spoken by Jesus on humility {Matthews Account 23:12}.  

"Take heed to yourselves and to the entire flocklet, among which the holy spirit appointed you supervisors, to be shepherding the ecclesia of God, which He procures through the blood of His own

Acts of the Apostles 20: 28, Concordant New Testament 

I have spent enough time within the mainstream church to have seen the acts and behaviors of its own leadership.  This was not the reason that I walked away from the church, however.  The reason that I walked away from the Christian church was due to their message of the separation theology.  That despite the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, that my sin was ever before me.  But, that's beside the point.  The fact is that I see the same issues within the mainstream church of today which Jesus became angered over with the Pharisees.  The strict adherence to religious traditions.  The raising up of their church leadership to celebrity status.  Add to that the false message of the separation theology and I believe that Jesus indeed would have decried the pastors of today.  I believe that the false messaging of the church is the most harmful to its congregations.  It is this counterfeit gospel of Jesus which goes against the evangel spoken by the apostle Paul in the New Testament.  The church is big on preaching the presence of sin in our lives.  That it is sin which keeps us from fellowship with God.  This is a lie.  Paul speaks to the fact that Jesus has died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  That our old sin nature has been crucified with Jesus {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  The truth of the evangel spoken by Paul is that we are not separated from God as the church would have us believe.  On the contrary, Jesus speaks to our union life in He and the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  The apostle speaks to our pastors as being appointed by the holy spirit to shepherd the ecclesia of God {Acts of the Apostles 20:28}.  Many of todays church leaders do well to remember this. 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (A Counterfeit Gospel) #1966

 

For not ashamed am I of the evangel, for it is God's power for salvation to everyone who is believing - to the Jew first, and to the Greek as well

Paul to the Romans 1: 16, Concordant New Testament 

What is it about the revelation of Christ Jesus in your life that you recall from a sermon you heard this past week?  In fact, can you even recall a sermon where the pastor spoke to your life in Christ?  I have been out of regular church attendance for some years, so I am at a disadvantage as to the happenings in the church.  Yet when I was a regular in the pews on Sundays, I cannot remember too many sermons where the pastors spoke to my life in Christ.  I've heard plenty of sermons on the ills of society and plenty of "Thou shalt not" sermons spoken in my time.  This is all fine and good, but what about Jesus?  Isn't church the place where one would go to learn the truth of the gospel of Christ?  You would think so.  If I was aware that I indeed needed Jesus in my own life, I would seek out a solid local church that I might learn the truth of His gospel spoken to the world.  Sure, we have the scriptures, but I want to hear His word spoken.  One of the issues with the modern mainstream church is that they have been overcome by a counterfeit gospel.  Like a fluff piece of journalism, modern sermons seem to spin in the direction of what people want to hear instead of what they need to hear.  And what they need to be hearing is Jesus!  In my previous post I spoke of the importance of the church speaking to the ills of society.  While I still believe that this is important, it IS NOT the revelation of Christ spoken by the apostle Paul in his evangel.  For Paul speaks to our own life in Jesus {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  That Jesus is not simply One Who sits in heaven and judges our wrong behaviors.  The reason that the mainstream church does not speak to the truth we find in the evangel of Paul is that they have gotten off message.  The message now is that sinful man cannot be in the presence of Christ Jesus.  Therefore, the best which we can ever hope to do is to "Be like" Jesus.  The truth of Paul's evangel does not speak to our imitating Jesus, but that we ARE Christ in Whom we now live our life {Paul to the Romans 6:8}.  Jesus Himself speaks to our union life within He and the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  Jesus did not give Himself that we should "Be like" Him, but that we would know our life is in Him. 

Now we all, with uncovered face, mirroring the Lords glory, are being transformed into the same image, even as from the Lord, the spirit

Paul to the Corinthians (2) 3: 18, Concordant New Testament 

The church is big on speaking to our sin nature and how it is that which keeps us from a true relationship with the Father.  But what does the evangel of the apostle tell us?  Paul speaks to our life together in Christ {Paul to the Romans 6:8}.  As far as the issue of sin goes, Paul speaks that it is something which has already been dealt with.  Paul speaks to sin not in the present, but as something which has been eradicated in the past.  Indeed, that Christ Jesus has died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  The sin which Jesus gave Himself at the cross has been wiped away.  That debt has been paid in full.  With His dying breath Jesus has proclaimed "It is accomplished!" {Johns Account 19:30}.  The death of Jesus set the stage for our union life in Him, not that we should imitate Him.  We no longer need to worry that our sin is keeping us from fellowship with God.  The true gospel of the apostle Paul assures us of this.  Yet the mainstream church continues to speak to the counterfeit gospel of the separation theology.  That sin and God cannot be among each other.  While I agree on that premise, I also know that through the work of Christ Jesus on the cross, that we have been freed of the bondages of sin {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  When we look in that mirror, we do not see the face of a defeated sinner, but the very image of Christ in Whom we live. 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (From The Pulpits) #1965

 

Herald the word.  Stand by it, opportunely, inopportunely, expose, rebuke, entreat, with all patience and teaching

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

A new question has been offered up this week.  That being, is it the job of the mainstream church to speak out against the immoral issues of our society?  Or, as I commented to he who asked that question, is it the duty of the man created church to speak out against the wickedness of men in our society?  I'll use as an example my time which I spent in the pews of the church.  I recall the outcry the church faced when they proclaimed that the union of marriage was one between one man and one woman.  This came at a time when the state of Oregon was considering an amendment which would allow marriage between same sex couples.  Well, you would have thought that our church pastors had just been convicted of some violent crime.  There were protests outside the church as a few vocal members in the community voiced their disapproval of the moral stand which the church was taking.  However, eventually the same sex marriage amendment passed and the public outrage faded.  This is but one example of what I witnessed during my time in the church when it decided to speak out against what was morally wrong.  Make no mistake, this is the pushback which each and every church will face when they speak out against the evils of society.  I believe that those who believe in traditional morals and doing what is right outnumber those who argue against it in this nation.  It's just that those who would speak out against morality and traditional values seem to have a louder voice.  They definitely have the mainstream media on their side as well.  So, is it the duty of the church to speak out against what we would consider to be the evils of society?  I would say yes.  The apostle Paul spoke to young Timothy that he should "Herald the word.  Stand by it" {Paul to Timothy (2) 4:2}.  I agree with this.  Of course, there will be times when the word spoken by those in the church will butt heads with that which the world considers to be right in its own eyes.  More than likely, the church will come out of these times with a black eye or two on its own reputation.  People may choose to leave the church over the decision to speak out against what is wrong.  But which is more important in the eyes of the Father, proclaiming His truth or filling those pews on a Sunday morning?  

For if I should be bringing the evangel, it is not for me to boast in, for necessity is lying upon me, for it were woe to me if I should not be bringing the evangel 

Paul to the Corinthians (1) 9: 16, Concordant New Testament 

It is Paul who speaks that it is necessary for him to be bringing the evangel of Christ Jesus to the world {Paul to the Corinthians 9:16}.  Is it also necessary for our churches to be bringing that same gospel unto the world?  I would say yes.  Paul was not ashamed of the evangel of Jesus which he spoke.  He did not speak words that others would listen to just in order to get more people to hear him.  Paul wasn't concerned about the quantity, but the quality of his evangel.  He told it like it is.  Sadly, there are in the mainstream church today those church leaders who will speak not to the evangel, but to what people want to hear.  Paul warned Timothy about those who would raise up "Teachers in accord with their own desires" {Paul to Timothy (2) 4:3}.  We've all seen churches such as this before.  Forsaking the word in favor of what man desires them to preach.  This is not the true evangel of the Lord.  This is the church congregation choosing what they want to hear.  Indeed, there will be those who do not want to hear what the evangel proclaims of the evils of our society.  Some of these may be embarrassed by their own life choices and do not wish the spotlight upon them.  Others still might chafe at the idea that the church "Morality police" would put restrictions and requirements upon them.  This is all predictable, as we have been created in the Fathers likeness with that freedom to choose for ourselves {Genesis 1:27}.  God does not want robots following without feeling or emotion.  What the Father desires is for His children to come to Him willingly.  At the end of the day, we're tasked with choosing that church which speaks the truth of the evangel of Christ Jesus and not what man desires.  

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

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

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (God And Politics) #1964

 

Let every soul be subject to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except under God.  Now those which are, have been set under God, so that he who is resisting an authority has withstood God's mandate.  Now those who have withstood, will be getting judgement for themselves, for magistrates are not a fear to the good act, but to the evil.  Now you do not want to be fearing authority.  Do good, and you will be having applause from it.  For it is God's servant for your good.  Now if you should be doing evil, fear, for not feignedly is it wearing the sword.  For it is God's servant, an avenger for indignation to him who is committing evil

Paul to the Romans 13: 1-4, Concordant New Testament 

I recently saw a video of conservative activist Charlie Kirk calling out churches for not openly coming out against the wickedness of society.  Now, from what I can see from his own words and thoughts, Kirk is indeed a Christian believer.  He has made a name for himself for going onto college campuses to challenge students on conservative and religious issues.  To each his own.  But is Charlie correct in saying that our pastors should be decrying the wickedness of our society from the pulpits?  Well, how would the apostle Paul have answered that question?  We already know, because he speaks to the subject of governing authorities in the book of Romans.  Paul speaks to our being under the authority of those who God has appointed here on earth {Paul to the Romans 13:1-4}.  Now, as a Christian conservative I am no fan of the administrations of Obama and Biden.  However, I also realize that these men were appointed by the Father when they were for the purpose of leading this nation.  Nothing ever escapes Gods notice.  You think that our houses of worship should be taking a more active role in calling out the open wickedness we apparently have seen in our society?  Remember, it is God who, knowing what will come to pass even before it does, has still placed those in authority who we might not agree with.  We know from scripture what the Lord's position is on abortion.  We know just what His thoughts are on injustice.  Is it our duty to then call out those who practice such things?  Again, Paul speaks wisdom into this argument.  It is Paul who speaks to not avenging ourselves, but to be leaving place for the Fathers indignation {Paul to the Romans 12:19}.  Indeed, if the Father has Himself placed governing authorities in office for His purpose, who are we to argue against that?  Who are we to second guess the Lord?  Not only that, if indeed there is wrongdoing by those He has appointed, is it then our duty to rectify that situation.  Or, as the apostle writes, do we make way for the revenge of the Father?  The way I look at it, it is God who placed such people in authority for His purpose, let Him complete that purpose in His timing.  

I am entreating, then, first of all, that petitions, prayer, pleadings, thanksgiving be made for all mankind, for kings and all those being in a superior station, that we may be leading a mild and in all devoutness and gravity, for this is ideal and welcome in the sight of our savior, God 

Paul to Timothy 2 (1) : 1-3, Concordant New Testament 

There is much wisdom to be found in the old adage that one should avoid at all costs those arguments of religion and politics.  Why?  Because there's no winner in either one.  In recent years we have seen a more vocal approach to the issues of politics in this country.  My own city of Portland has seen many days of riots in response to the immigration policies of president Donald Trump.  Now, I have nothing against those who voice their opinions on politics, I do that all the time.  However, what I don't do is spit and throw rocks at police officers, start fires and steal from stores in the name of what I'm speaking out against.  This is what crosses the line between protest and rioting.  But what are believers supposed to do in response to such chaos?  One word, pray.  For it is God Who has brought everything to pass, including the recent political unrest in this country.  This He has done for His own purpose.  We could be in prayer, asking the Father for wisdom for what He desires us to see in all of this unrest.  What is it that You are showing me through this, God?  I believe that what He DOES NOT want to show us is that we should judge and take revenge upon those whom we believe are doing wrong.  That is the Fathers territory.  My duty is to pray not only for our leaders whom He has appointed, but that His will be done. 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of the Father (O' Man!) # 1963

 

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

Paul to the Corinthians 2: 17, Concordant New Testament 

Are you a new man?  This was the question asked by a few friends this week.  Honestly, when I first heard of this my first thought was to the apostle Paul and his own description of the new creation in Christ Jesus {Paul to the Corinthians 2:17}.  But was this the original intent of the author C.C Lewis whom the question originated from?  A little history will tell us that Lewis identifies Christ Jesus as the "Origin and center" of all new men.  That God became man to produce a new kind of man {Johns Account 1:14}.  Now, this would definitely lead us into that iconic scripture of Paul.  That all who are in Christ are indeed new.  The old and primitive have passed away {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  Of course, I have always been of the opinion that this new man was just that, a physical man.  But, that's the old school separation theology of the church in me.  That is what I was raised in growing up.  For anyone who has read this page for a time, you know that I no longer hold to these teachings of the church.  I now follow the truth of Christ which we find in the evangel of the apostle Paul.  That we are not separated from Christ, but that we live our life through Him.  We are not separated from God, but live in union with Him.  Jesus speaks to this truth in the book of John {Johns Account 14:20}.  So, when I heard of C.S. Lewis speaking of the new man, my first thought went to the separation theology of the mainstream church.  I might just have been in error on this assumption.  For I have learned that C.S. Lewis, despite making a career out of the apologetics of Christianity, also had some profound thoughts on our life with Christ.  It is obvious to me that when Lewis speaks of the "New man" that he is referring to the original in Christ Jesus.  That I can be on board with.  For Jesus is the original new creation.  

"I have called Christ the 'First instance' of the new man...He is not merely a new man, one specimen of the species, but the new man.  He is the origin and center and life of all the new men.  He came into the created universe, of His own will, bringing with Him the Zoe, the new life...and He transmits it...by what I have called 'Good infection.'" 

C.S. Lewis ~ Mere Christianity 

So, in regards to the question, do I represent the new man?  Do we represent the new man of Christ Jesus?  It is without a doubt that we are connected with the new Man.  Our life is in Him.  If Jesus is the original copy, as Lewis proclaims, then we indeed the imprint of that impression.  This is indeed the "Secret among the nations" which Paul spoke of, our hope of glory {Paul to the Colossians 1:27}.  This secret is the truth of Christ Jesus among us, THAT is our hope.  I believe that C.S. Lewis was correct in saying that God became man that He would produce a new kind of Man .  A Man which all would share in.  This is our life in Christ.  But, do I represent Him well?  Are my own words and actions a good representation of Christ Jesus in me?  Paul speaks to that which he is hating, this he is doing {Paul to the Romans 7:15}.  Paul definitely knew right from wrong, but he also realized the pull of the flesh in his life {Paul to the Romans 7:18}.  I definitely know that my own heart is in Christ.  Yet I also realize that there are those times, while being in Christ Jesus, that I might not act much like a new man.  Of course, this does not change the truth of my life in Him, the only thing which has changed is my memory of who I am in Him.  I am no longer that old man, he was crucified along with Christ {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  Who I am is the exact imprint of that new Man in Whom I live.  

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Like Father Like Son) #1962

 

I and the Father, we are one

Johns Account 10: 30, Concordant New Testament 

The question has come up this week concerning the presence of Jesus in the Father.  Has Jesus ever claimed to be God?  Well, in the eyes of the Jewish Pharisees who prosecuted Him, simply proclaiming that "I and the Father, We are one" was enough to charge Him with blasphemy {Johns Account 10:30}.  But we today are not the Pharisees, and Jesus is not on trial here.  And the question remains, is Jesus akin to God?  Is He, in all respects, the same as God?  Are there indeed scripture references to back up this claim if true?  Besides the fact that Jesus Himself has proclaimed that He and the Father are indeed one, Jesus has also declared His union with ourselves and the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  As He proclaims, "I in my Father, you in Me and I in you."  Is Jesus in the Father in a hereditary sense, like I am a part of my parents?  Or, is there something deeper in play here?  Does Jesus share in the same attributes of God?  The author of Hebrews proclaims that Jesus is "The effulgence of His glory and the emblem of His assumption" {To the Hebrews 1:3}.  That is, Jesus is the exact representation of the nature of the Father.  But does this exact representation qualify Him as God?  Does a representative qualify as the original?  Has God declared that He and the Son are alike?  Indeed, God has declared "I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me {Isaiah 45:5 NKJV}.  Does this include His one and only Son as well?  I believe that it does.  For if the Father had intended that the Son would be akin to Him, He would have declared just that.  Instead, we see that Jesus is the "Exact representation" of the Fathers nature.  I'm afraid that this falls short of making Jesus as God.  Remember, it is Lucifer who once aspired to "Exalt my throne above the stars of God {Isaiah 14:13}.  Jesus has never staked Himself to such a claim.  What He has done is speak to the truth that He and the Father are indeed one.  What Jesus has done is to speak to the truth that we live in union with He and the Father.  As Jesus is in union with God, so are we as well.  Like Father, like son.  

And the word became flesh and tabernacles among us, and we gaze at His glory, a glory as of a only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth

Johns Account 1: 14, Concordant New Testament 

To say that I dodged a bullet is an understatement.  For if I were to proclaim that Jesus was indeed God, the modern day Pharisees may surely come for me as well.  Instead, I go by the words of the Father and of the Son.  That the Father dispatched His only-begotten Son for the eonian life of mankind {Johns Account 3:16-17}.  That all who believe in the Son shall not perish in the Fathers eyes.  That all who place their trust in His Son will be saved {Paul to the Romans 10:9-10}.  So it is that God CHOSE to send His Son, His exact representation, as the innocent sacrifice for our sin {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  The truth we find spoken in the evangel of the apostle Paul is that we live in union with Jesus {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  We are in union with He and the Father, yet we are not, nor will we ever be, God Himself.  I believe that this truth goes a long way in explaining the truth of Jesus in the Father as well.  He is His representation, not God.  Growing up in the mainstream church, the very idea that I could ever be in union with Christ was never spoken to.  To this day, the church does not address this truth.  Of course, this is why it has taken so many years for my own eyes to be opened to the truth of my life in the Father.  This is the part of the radical evangel of Paul which speaks to our life in Christ Jesus.  Perhaps it is why Paul referred to it as the "Secret among the nations" {Paul to the Colossians 1:27}.  That is, Christ Jesus among us, our hope of glory. 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (This Man Jesus) #1961

 

And the word became flesh and tabernacles among us, and we gaze at His glory, a glory as of an only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth

Johns Account 1: 14, Concordant New Testament 

One of the reasons that I enjoy the chosen series so much is that it shows us the human side of Jesus.  Not only that, but of the relationships which He shared with His disciples and those around Him.  I was reminded of this once again this week as I watched another scene of the series.  It seems that Jesus and His disciples had stopped for the night and were asleep in some room somewhere.  Well, the disciples were trying their best to sleep.  However, because of the snoring of Jesus, they couldn't.  It reminded me of just one more of the human attributes Jesus exhibited during His time in His ministry.  Jesus snoring?  How holy is that?  Now, the context in which I viewed Jesus growing up in the church was somewhat different than what I've seen portrayed in the Chosen series.  Jesus was seen and taught as being holy and having holy qualities.  Rarely was it spoken of that He also had human tendencies.  I recall hearing of how Jesus wept upon learning of the death of His friend Lazarus {Johns Account 11:35}.  Granted, I knew that Jesus was indeed human, but the church has had difficulty in explaining how it is that Jesus could possesses certain, shall we say, human characteristics.  I recall a certain pastor explaining that it would be impossible for Jesus, even in human form, to lust for anything.  Now, do I believe that Jesus indeed had "feelings" for those of the opposite sex while growing up?  Absolutely.  We're told that He suffered the same things as you and I have, yet without sin {To the Hebrews 4:15}.  We can readily assume that Jesus ran and played with His friends.  That He more than once got on the nerves of His parents Mary and Joseph.  This is what kids do.  Is a rambunctious Jesus seen as being holy?  Well, He was seen as being holy when He called out the Pharisees and trashed the money changers in the temple.  All too often, we celebrate these actions by Jesus, yet we cannot wrap our understanding around His other human attributes.  As the writer of Hebrews has proclaimed, He has been tried as I have in my life.  

Nevertheless empties Himself, taking the form of a slave, coming to be in the likeness of humanity, and, being found in fashion as a human, He humbles Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross 

Paul to the Philippians 2: 7-8, Concordant New Testament 

The important thing to remember when we begin to see Jesus for who he was in the form of humanity is that He is the "Exact imprint" of the  image of the Father {To the Hebrews 1:3}.  This falls right in line with our being created in the likeness of the Father {Genesis 1:27}.  Whatever people might see as being imperfections or embarrassing about their own characteristics, remember that Jesus shared in our humanity.  What were those human characteristics of Jesus which people of His time would deem as embarrassing?  habits not fit for One who proclaimed Himself to be the Son of God.  Did He suffer from certain "Digestive" issues from time to time?  Did He eat strange things?  All we're told is that He shared in our own trials, yet without sin.  I've often held the view that we're told far too little of the early life of Jesus.  We're told that He grew up and was "Staunch in spirit" {Lukes Account 2:40}.  A quick definition check tells us that the word staunch means to be "Loyal and committed in attitude."  That's all fine and good, but what were the behavioral characteristics of the boy Jesus?  Well, we can readily assume that He lived a life similar to that of other boys His age of that day.  We would likely see Jesus in the workshop of His father, Joseph, learning His family trade.  We might even see Him becoming distracted, as children do, and trying the patience of His father.  The boy Jesus would have certainly had friends that He played with.  However, we also know that Jesus was in the spirit from a young age {Lukes Account 2: 42-49}.  So, for all intents and purposes, that Holy One which we worship was indeed once a rambunctious young boy.  Through Jesus, the Father has returned to be among His children.  This is the man Jesus.  

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The Choice) #1960

 

And everything, whatsoever you may be doing, in word or in act, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God, the Father, through Him 

Paul to the Colossians 3: 17, Concordant New Testament 

I am of the opinion that far too many Christians have come to associate the consequences of our choices with the attributes of God.  Yes, I've been in those uninformed shoes as well as a young believer.  While I truly believe that for each and every action there is a reaction, I also believe that there are certainly consequences for that which we choose to do in our lives.  Is God somehow punishing you if you choose to let your car insurance lapse and therefore get a ticket?  Is He angry with you for choosing to drink too much and therefore get hit with a DUI?  I would say no to both of those scenarios.  Yet growing up in the mainstream church, the common consequences of the actions of others were all too often attributed to Gods punishment over our choices.  Now, while God may be well aware of what we intend to do beforehand, He has given unto us the free will to choose for ourselves.  We can choose to either accept or reject Christ, but rest assured there WILL be consequences for our decision.  If we choose to reject the words of Jesus, God will most certainly grieve our choice, but He will not punish us for our decision.  Jesus speaks to our entering through the narrow gate {Matthews Account 7:13-14}.  He knows that there is a choice to be made on our part.  Wide is the gate which leads to our destruction, while narrow is the way which leads to life.  My advice would be, choose wisely.  Even though God has given to us that ability to choose, He has not left us high and dry to ponder those decisions.  The apostle Paul speaks to doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him {Paul to the Colossians 3:17}.  Paul has also decreed that we walk by our faith and not by sight {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:7}.  Just because God has given unto us the ability to make our own choices does not mean that we're on an island all alone in the process.  He is there to council and guide those decisions we make {James to the Twelve Tribes 1: 5-6}.  

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: 7, Concordant New Testament 

I've come to the conclusion that the belief that God is somehow punishing us for our wrong choices comes not from the truth of the Father, but from who we perceive Him to be.  The apostle John speaks to the one true nature of God, which is love {First Epistle of John 4:8}.  Growing up in the church, I more often than not was taught a counterfeit version of the Lord.  God was indeed an angry and vengeful God.  All one needed to do was to peruse the scriptures of the Old Testament and they would eventually come across more than a few references of the Lord's vengeance {Isaiah 35:4}.  Is it, then, any wonder that far too many people have come to associate the consequences of our choices with Gods approval or disapproval?  Make no mistake, our wrong choices will not affect His love for us.  As I said, God may grieve our wrong choices, but His love for us remains.  Now, never  associate the Fathers correction with punishment.  For there are also times in our lives which the Father will correct us in a loving way.  This is not His punishment, but His love for us.  The writer of Hebrews introduces us to this truth of correction {To the Hebrews 12:11}.  In the moment, the correction of the Father may seem unpleasant, but it yields much greater things.  The truth is that God never disciplines out of anger, nor does He punish us for those wrong choices which we often make.  What He does do is gently remind us of His love for us.  

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (God 2.0)

 

Religion has actually convinced people that there is a invisible man living in the sky watching everything you do, every minute of every day.  And the invisible man has a special list of ten things he doesn't want you to do.  And if you do any of these ten things, he has a special place, full of fire and smoke and burning and torture and anguish, where he will send you to live and suffer and burn and choke and scream and cry forever and ever until the end of time!  But he loves you.  He loves you, and he needs money.  He always needs money.  He's all-powerful, all-perfect, all-knowing and all-wise, somehow he just can't handle money

~George Carlin~ 

A friend asked me the other day why I seemed so fond of quoting comedian George Carlin in my writings.  Apparently he was a bit offended that someone would characterize the church in this way.  My first question I asked him was, have you been to church lately?  He admitted that he is a so called "Off and on" church attendee.  The reason I asked him of his church attendance is because it goes directly to my point of quoting George Carlin in my posts.  See, I spent many a year in the pews of the mainstream church.  I have a dear friend who is himself a retired pastor.  So, you could say that I have a unique perspective of what a few have referred to as the "Two gospels."  Two gospels?  Indeed, not many believers have ever heard of modern Christianity described in this way.  On the one hand, we have the teachings of the mainstream church, which I was raised up in.  On the other hand, there is the evangel of the apostle Paul, which more often than not seems to butt up against the separation theology spoken by those in the mainstream church.  Most believers would seem to think that these two are closely woven into the teachings of the church, but when glancing at the evangel of Paul and what he is speaking, they quickly return to their mainstream church roots.  For example, Paul has spoken to our freedom from sin {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  However, the theology spoken within the church speaks to my sin being ever present in front of me.  So much so, that they speak to our praying for Gods forgiveness each and every day.  My response to this misguided church teaching is this, what sin did Jesus miss when He died on the cross?  For as He breathed His last, Jesus proclaimed "It is accomplished!" {Johns Account 19:30}.  Jesus has given Himself for the death of our sin {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  Not only that, He has given Himself "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Knowing this truth of the "Other" evangel of Paul, why must we continue in prayer for forgiveness?  

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 

When I speak about sin in reference to the truth of the evangel of Paul, I speak from my own personal experience.  See, growing up I lived in fear of an angry God not only taking away the salvation which He had promised, but that He would not find me good enough to spend eternity with Him in heaven.  Again, this is what I learned from an early age while in the mainstream church.  God was an angry, vengeful Lord, but He loved me.  See the parallels to that George Carlin quote now?  How is it that God can love me yet be vengeful at the same time?  Isn't this a contradictory message?  The truth of the Fathers one true identity can be found in the Epistle of John.  It is here that John describes God as love {First Epistle of John 4:8}.  Love, that's all.  Once we realize this truth of the Father, the evangel spoken by Paul becomes more clear to us.  It is through love that He dispatched His Son to give Himself for us.  Make no mistake, WE were the guilty ones who needed to die, not Jesus.  The love of the Father takes away our sin once for all time.  That means our sin past, present and future.  It is also through the love of the Father that our life is now in Him.  Jesus speaks to this in the book of John {Johns Account 14:20}.  When our eyes are opened to this truth of our life in Him, it blows the mainstream church separation theology out of the water.  The truth is, we have NEVER been separated from He who created us {Genesis 1:27}.  Although those in the church might try to tell us differently.  

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The Fear Of The Lord) #1958

 

All the people were discerning the thunderclaps and the torches and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking.  And the people saw and roved about and stood afar.  They said to Moses: Speak with us that we may hear; but Elohim must not speak with us lest we die.  Then Moses said to the people: Do not fear, for in order to probe you the One, Elohim has come, and in order that the fear of Him should come over your faces that you may not sin 

Genesis 20: 18-20, Concordant Old Testament 

The people of Israel, Gods chosen people, heard the commotion up on the mountain and they wanted no part of it.  They understood full well that they were in the presence of their God, yet they were afraid of what it was that they saw in front of them.  The fire, the loud thunder and the trumpet blasts.  Indeed, God was announcing Himself to His people.  So afraid were the Israelites of God in that moment, that they begged His messenger, Moses, to go and speak to the Lord on their behalf.  Although Moses attempted to reassure the people that God meant them no harm, the optics were too much to handle.  So it was that Moses made that walk alone up the mountain to speak with the Lord.  In many ways, that fear of the Lord has somehow survived down through many thousands of years of our history.  God is way too fearsome, we need to keep our distance from Him.  The Hebrews of old went so far as to create the Holy of Holies in the temple, that place where only the high priest of the Lord was allowed to enter.  Once a year, on the day of atonement (Yom Kippur) the designated priest would enter this forbidden sanctuary to offer sacrifices to God for the sins of the people.  Even today, Yom Kippur is recognized as one of the Holiest days of the year in Judaism.  Many continue to honor the occasion by focusing on atonement and repentance.  By the way, this is part of what Jesus gave Himself to accomplish {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  For its part, the mainstream church has also been a part of the "Fear the Lord" theme through the years, although in different ways.  Growing up in the mainstream church separation theology, I was always taught to fear what God might do.  God might become angry with me if I sinned or behaved in the wrong way.  If ever I would be in church on a Sunday morning and speaking to a difficult time in my life, someone might ask me just what I had done to upset the Lord.  Why was he punishing me?  Knowing what I know today, I know that life is life, and that the Father brings us through many situations through our life in Him {Johns Account 14:20}.  We have no need to be in fear of God.  

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

First Epistle of John 4: 18, Concordant New Testament 

I recall watching the old Charlton Heston movie The Ten Commandments and being in fear of the God.  There Heston stood on that mountain with all the special effects going on all around him.  Was this really what being in the presence of God was like?  The loud thunder, the smoke and fire?  If so, let someone else talk to Him and report back to me what He said.  The truth is, it was never the Fathers intention that He should be placed in a box, away from His creation.  The Fathers true desire is that His children come to know Him and enjoy His presence.  The apostle Johns speaks to the love we find in the Father casting out whatever fears we might have {First Epistle of John 4:18}.  He is not a God to be feared, but a Father with love for His creation.  In fact, love is the primary identity of God {First Epistle of John 4:8}.  Jesus did not die on the cross because we were afraid of Gods sin punishment.  No, He gave His life for us out of His love for us {Johns Account 3:16-17}.  For some believers entrenched in the theology of the church, it might be a tough pill to swallow that God does everything out of love.  Love is what He has chosen to be.  The Father does not want us to approach Him out of fear, but out of our love for Him.  Yet if we do find ourselves in fear of Him, we can rest assured that He can and will ease our spirits to rest in His love for us.  

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (From Behind The Veil) #1957

 

Now Jesus, again crying with a loud voice, lets out the spirit.  And lo! the curtain of the temple is rent in two from above to the bottom, and the earth quaked, and rocks are rent

Matthews Account 27: 50-51, Concordant New Testament 

The death of Jesus on the cross was a dramatic event in our relationship with God.  Many things were happening as He drew His final breath.  Including the quaking of the earth {Matthews Account 27:51}.  The dead were raised {Matthews Account 27:52}.  Yet perhaps the most significant event aside from His own death was what happened in the temple of Jerusalem.  For we're told that in the moment that Jesus died, the curtain in the temple was torn from top to bottom.  Why does this natter?  Well, take a look at why the curtain was placed in the Jewish temple in the first place.  The reason for this is that the Jewish leaders long held the narrative that God cannot be approached by sinners.  The only men who were allowed to enter behind that veil in the temple was the high priest.  Once each year, on the day of atonement (Yom Kippur), the high priest entered the Holy of Holies beyond the veil to offer up sacrifices for the sins of the people.  This was the only time man entered the sanctuary behind the veil.  Again, why is this important to us?  Because with the death of His Son on the cross, God has declared that not only has the sin debt been paid, but that the Father is once again among His children without the hinderance of the veil.  The tearing of the temple veil has more than symbolic value.  For we are now free to commune with Him, which has been the Fathers intent all along.  For centuries, the Jewish religious leaders proclaimed that sinful man could never enter into the presence of God, who dwelled behind the veil in the Holy of Holies.  In an instant, God upended that narrative.  God did not step out from behind the veil, He has always been with us.  It is only the traditions of men that tell us otherwise.  

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 

The Unveiling of Christ Jesus 18: 4, Concordant New Testament 

It is my belief that the veil, having been torn in the temple upon the death of Jesus, continues to be spoken to by the mainstream church of today.  For it is the church which continues to speak to the centuries old separation theology that our sins have separated us from God.  Sound familiar?  This was the same teaching proclaimed by the Jewish religious leaders for thousands of years.  That man is sinful and that he can never approach God behind the veil of the Holy of Holies.  The author J Preston Eby takes this one step further when he references what he sees as Gods call to His children to "Come out of her," meaning the traditional church.  We already known how God feels about that line of thinking.  For if it was His intention to prevent man from communing with Him, the veil and tradition would have remained intact.  But those in the church have gone further than that, they have resurrected the veil of separation between God and His children.  Despite the death of Jesus and the paying of our sin debt, those in the church continue to preach that sin is still the issue which separates us from God.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  For instead of being separated from God, Jesus has spoken that our life in IN HIM {Johns Account 14:20}.  This is the truth which we discover in the Father.  God has always been a part of us.  It is man who needs to step out from behind that veil of religious tradition into relationship the Father.  

~Scott~