The Good Of The Father (Come And See) # 2112

 

Now Jesus, being turned and gazing at them following, is saying to them, "What are you seeking?'  Yet they said to Him, "Rabbi (Which, being construed, is termed "Teacher"), "Where art Thou remaining?"  He is saying to them, "Come and see,"  They came, then, and perceived where His is remaining, and they remain with Him that day, it was about the tenth hour

Johns Account 1: 39-41, Concordant New Testament 

I have been involved in more than a few ministries in my time.  From Promise Keepers conventions to classes of Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God series.  Both of these were seen as crucial ministries during my time in the church.  Yet, the funny thing is that neither has ever brought me closer to knowing the truth of Christ Jesus within me than the revelation of the Father in me.  I think back to the days when the apostle Paul received that same revelation within him in the days following his Damascus road experience.  That it was when it pleased the Lord that He revealed in Paul the living spirit of Christ {Paul to the Galatians 1:15-16}.  I can say that my experience definitely mirrors that of Paul.  It is Jesus who invited those following Him by simply inviting them to "Come and see" {Johns Account 1:39-41}.  He never once invited them to a conference gathering (If they had those back then).  He never encouraged them to join in the study of a book in order to see Himself revealed unto them.  What Jesus DID do was to invite those who were curious to come and see for themselves His daily life.  To witness His presence and His ministry of the gospel.  I have not seen many Christian based ministries at all which tout the love and welcoming which Jesus offered to these early followers of His.  What I have seen in my own time in the church is far too many theology based programs disguised as ministry.  Of course, there have been a few exceptions.  A good friend of mine once engaged in a sports ministry which brought the message of the gospel to more than a few countries around the world.  He used his love for sports and Jesus to spread His message to others.  What strikes me about my friends endeavor is that his message was not church based, but speaking to others about the love and forgiveness of Christ.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how it is that this revelation I have received from God could be spoken to others.  The fact is, there are millions of people in this world who hunger to know Jesus on a more personal level.  Imagine a world where everyone knew and understood the truth of our life within  Christ Jesus {Johns Account 14:20}.  I truly feel that this is where the Father is leading His children.  But how?  Simple, the invitation to come and see.  Come and see the love and acceptance of Jesus.  Come and experience His love without the condemnation so often found within the confines of the mainstream church.  I have a Christian friend who seems to minister to others by means of reminding them of their own future in hell if they refuse to follow Jesus.  I feel that he doesn't attract too many followers with that rhetoric.  A simple Google search of the passage which we find in John 1:39-41 reveals Jesus' invitation to others to "Personally encounter Him."  Wouldn't you love to personally encounter Jesus?  Well, come and see.  James makes it clear that if we draw ourselves closer to the Lord, that He will in turn draw near to us {James to the twelve Tribes 4:8}.  I feel that this is a big reason why Jesus invites us to come and see Him for ourselves.  But how is it that those desiring to see Him will have that opportunity?  Well, it certainly won't come from those within the church speaking to us as condemned sinners.  That message doesn't sell when it comes to intimately knowing Christ within us.  How the world WILL come to know Jesus more intimately is through those who already know Him in that way.  While I don't see it as an official church endorsed ministry, I have my own group of gym goers which I speak of Jesus with on a regular basis.  Not of condemnation, but of the love and acceptance of Christ.  All are welcome, come and see.  

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 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (A Letter To Rome) # 2111

 

What, then, shall we declare?  That we may be persisting in sin that grace should be increasing?  May it not be coming to that!  We, who died to sin, how shall we still be living in it? 

Paul to the Romans 6: 1-2, Concordant New Testament 

Long before the conception of the holy Roman Catholic church, Rome was the epicenter of one of the most powerful civilizations ever known.  The Roman empire stretched from English Isles in the West to the nations of the middle East.  Whoever coined the phrase "All roads lead to Rome" certainly knew what they were talking about.  Against this backdrop of world domination, within this Roman territory a movement was growing.  A movement based on the teachings of a man from Nazareth in the nation of Israel.  Indeed, word of the teachings of the man Jesus had reached beyond the borders of the nation of Israel to the nations beyond its borders.  One of the loudest of these voices came from one who spent the early part of his life persecuting the followers of Jesus.  The man Saul had made a career out of doing the bidding of the leaders of the Jewish religion.  On the day his life would change forever, he was on a mission to deliver any followers of Jesus unto the chief priests in Jerusalem.  Yet God had different plans for Saul.  For on that day, the persecutor Saul became the apostle Paul, one of the staunchest defenders of the gospel of Christ Jesus we will ever know.  But these words of Paul written in his evangel do not have many fans withing the church itself.  For Paul writes to the truth of the Lord Jesus, and that truth often contradicts the message given by those within the church.  Where the church speaks to the lie that sin has separated us from God, Paul points out that Jesus Himself "Died to sin once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Paul writes, correctly, that Jesus has given Himself for the forgiveness of sin.  He also provides a defense for those within the church who will continue to keep the sin issue alive.  To these he speaks to the truth of "We, who died to sin, how shall we continue living in it?" {Paul to the Romans 6:1-2}.  I have a friend who will bristle at the very idea that sin has been dealt with.  What about our bad behaviors and decisions?  Are they not the very essence of sin?  As Paul proclaims, why do we continue living in what Jesus has already dealt with?

I consider Paul's letter to the church in Rome to be one of the best rebukes of sin which we will find in the scriptures.  Not only that, it is Paul who introduces us to our one true identity in Christ Jesus.  Our identity in Jesus?  Yes!  For it is Paul who speaks to the truth of Christ living within him {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  Tell me, if Christ lives within us, how is it that sin can flourish?  This is, of course, the nature of the truth of sin spoken of by Paul.  Whenever someone speaks to me about the separation theology preached by the church, I remind them of this letter written by Paul to those in Rome.  I can imagine that those in Rome reading this letter of Paul also were taken by surprise by his words.  For those within Roman society were more akin to the gods of altars and statues than the truth of the Lord Jesus.  However, there was at this time a burgeoning church of the followers of Jesus in Rome itself.  It is to these that Paul writes his famous letter.  He reminds them of the truth of the words of Christ Jesus.  He also reminds them of the truth of who they were IN Him.  The truth that sin no longer has a dwelling place in their lives.  That through the innocent sacrifice of Jesus, that the sin debt has now been paid in full {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  But these words of Paul are not just a letter to the church in Rome, but to all believers in Christ Jesus.  A reminder of the truth which we find in Him.  A contrast to the false words coming from the church.  Paul contrasts the condemnation spoken by those in the church with the freedom which we have in Christ.  

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

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The Bondage Of Sin) # 2110

 

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 the 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, reckon 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 

Growing up I was a huge fan of the sci fi series Battlestar Galactica.  I recall one episode titled The Long Patrol where the warrior Starbuck has crashed on a planet inhabited by a penal colony.  The residents of this penal colony have been forced to pay for the sins of their ancestors by being housed in cells while being forced to brew the same adult beverage their ancestors did, with the profits going to their captors.  Near the end of the episode, Starbuck discovers that there the cells which house the prisoners are unlocked.  The only thing which keeps them imprisoned, it seems, is tradition.  I was thinking of this old TV show the other night as I was in a text conversation with a Gym Rat friend.  This man is an old school, church theology based believer.  Being such, he cannot or will not accept the scriptures proclaimed by Paul in his evangel which assure us that Jesus Himself has freed us from the bondages of sin.  It seems that he is stuck in that old building without locks on the doors.  He is able to walk free at any given time, yet he continues to wallow in his captivity.  For all intents and purposes, he remains a slave to the sin which once defined him.  Paul is clear in his letter to the Romans, we are to "Reckon yourselves to be dead, indeed, to sin" {Paul to the Romans 6:11}.  Sadly, far too many believers are just like my Gym friend, they follow the teachings of the mainstream church which continues to proclaim that our sin remains a vital issue in our lives.  Not only that, but that sin has actually separated us from the God Who created us.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  

When we live within the bondage of sin, we believe that despite Jesus having given Himself for our sakes to take away the sin of the world, that we must seek forgiveness continually for the sin we still continue to commit each and every day.  Like residents of that fictional penal colony, we accept the same punishments which our ancestors adhered to.  This cycle has been repeating itself over and over again for thousands of years.  Have we forgotten that Christ Jesus willingly gave Himself to take that punishment we continue to believe is ours?  That He Who knew no sin died for us {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  For its part, the church has been doing its best for centuries to hold believers in the bondages of sin.  This has NEVER been the Fathers intention for us.  The very reason by which Jesus has been dispatched to take away the sin of the world is testament to this truth {Johns Account 3:16-17}.  Those within the church know and celebrate the death of Jesus on the cross, but they refuse to practice what they preach.  To listen to them is to believe that Jesus has left sin remaining after His death.  I know this because of my conversations with more than a few church going believers.  It seems that there are far too many who continue to choose to live within the bondage of that which Jesus has already put to death {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  If they were to accept the truth of the freedom which has been given them, they would then be able to escape that bondage and walk out of the unlocked prison they live in.  For Jesus has died that the chains which once bound us would be broken.  THAT is living free in Christ.  

Yet God is commending this love of His to us, seeing that, while we are still sinners, Christ died for our sakes

Paul to the Romans 5: 8, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~

The Good Of The Father (Under New Management} # 2109

 

Now at their being affrighted and inclining their faces to the earth, they say to them, "Why are you seeking the living among the dead?"  He is not here, but was roused.  Be reminded how he speaks to you, while still being in Galilee

Lukes Account 24: 5-6, Concordant New Testament 

I've seen a few signs around town lately which proclaim "Under new management."  When I see signs lie these I immediately think of one thing, that the old is gone and that someone new has taken over.  I think that it's safe to say during this Easter season that we, too, are under new management.  This has been assured us through the work of Christ Jesus on the cross.  One of my favorite passages of scripture comes as the women arrive at the empty tomb of Jesus early that morning.  There they encounter the angels, who inquire "Why are you seeking the living among the dead?" {Lukes Account 24:5}.  For these women, who only a few days before had more than likely witnessed the death of Jesus on the cross, this had to be a confusing question.  Jesus is alive?  Not only is Jesus alive and well, but our life is now lived within Him {Johns Account 14:20}.  For all intents and purposes, we're now under new management.  That which was, is no more.  I was reminded of this the other day when a good friend forwarded me a video from the self-proclaimed "Worlds most outspoken bible scholar" Martin Zender.  In this video, Zender goes over the uselessness of the so called sinners prayer.  Why is this important?  Because this goes to the core of why Jesus Himself, being innocent, was made the sacrifice for what we had done {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  So, if Jesus has died to take away the sin of the world, why do we still need that prayer of the sinner?  Are we still to be seen as sinners in the eyes of God?  After all, those within the church will repeatedly quote the words of the apostle Paul and proclaim that ALL have indeed sinned {Paul to the Romans 3:23}.  But this is where their knowing of the scriptures often ends.  For they ignore the words Paul in the following passage which proclaims that we are no longer sinners, but "Justified gratuitously" through the grace of Christ Jesus {Paul to the Romans 3:24}.  We're under new management. 

As far as the new management sign goes, I would omit that entirely.  Those within the church will have us believe that our sin needs to be managed.  That it has somehow separated us from God.  Both of these statements are lies spoken by the church.  For how can we manage something which Jesus has already died to {Paul to the Romans 6:10}?  Will Jesus tell us that we need to manage our sin?  Where in the scriptures is it written that Jesus requires this of us?  It isn't, because Jesus has already done away with it!  We no longer live in what was, but that which is.  What remains is the forgiveness and grace of the Father.  Those within the church would have us believe that Jesus intentionally missed a few sins before dying on that cross.  That despite His sacrifice, sin still remains.  Martin Zender comments that Jesus should very well have recited the sinners prayer as He hung on that cross.  That way, there would have not been any sin left which to forgive, right?  It doesn't work that way.  For Jesus Himself is that propitiation for that which once convicted us {First Epistle of John 2:2}.  As He hung on the cross, He proclaimed "It is accomplished!" {Johns Account 19:30}.  Jesus knew and understood that His purpose here on earth had been fulfilled.  There was nothing more for Him to do.  Sin has been put to death through the sacrifice of the innocent {Paul to the Romans 6:11}.  We no longer need that sin management because there is no longer any sin to manage.  What remains is to live within the forgiveness and love of the Father. 

And He is the propitiatory shelter concerned with our sins, yet not concerned with our only, but concerned with the whole world also 

First Epistle of John 2: 2, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The Jesus Scam) # 2108

 

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 perceive that Christ, being roused from among the dead, is no longer dying.  Death is lording it over Him no longer, for in that He died, He died to sin once for all time, yet in that He is living, He is living to God.  Thus you also, be reckoning yourselves to be dead, indeed, to sin, yet living to God in Christ Jesus our Lord

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

It's usually hard for someone to understand just why it is that I left the mainstream church.  They just don't seem to understand what I've come to see.  That the theology of the church speaks to the forgiveness freely given by Jesus as though it were a scam.  There was one Easter Sunday morning where I was sitting in the church I had been a part of for more than a few years.  The pastor had just finished the traditional Easter message, that Jesus was crucified on the cross to take away the sin of the world.  Not only that, but He was risen three days later, very much alive.  Yet at the conclusion of his message, the pastor asked the congregation that if anyone had unresolved sin issues, to come forward for prayer.  That was the last time I ever stepped foot in a church.  The Jesus scam was alive and well.  But what is this Jesus scam you ask?  Well, think back to the early days of the mainstream church, where the church leaders decided that the forgiveness of the Lord could be used for church profit.  Wait, the freely given forgiveness of God used for the profit of the church?  Yes, and it's already been done for generations.  The early church leaders decided that they could institute the practice of indulgences into the church.  What are indulgences?  Indulgences are fees paid to the church for the forgiveness of sin.  If you felt that your bad behaviors or bad decisions were amounting to sin, then you could pay a fee to the church with the assurance that this sin would be wiped away.  The Jesus scam in full effect.  For its part, the church would preach, and continues to preach today, that it is sin which has separated us from God.  Of course, back in the day all one would need to do is pay a simple indulgence fee and they would be right once again with God.  

I debated quite a bit on the title for this page.  I finally decided on the Jesus scam because this is exactly what the church is practicing.  While they proclaim that Jesus died for the sin of the world, they do not practice what they preach.  Instead, they speak to the lie that sin continues to be the issue in the lives of believers.  That their sin has indeed separated them from God.  To illustrate this point, they point to the words of the prophet Isaiah who has proclaimed that "Your iniquities have separated you from your God" {Isaiah 59:2}.  Of course, this was years before the death of Christ Jesus on the cross.  Years before He shed His blood for the forgiveness of that sin condition.  But the forgiveness of God has never built a handsome church building.  The forgiveness of God has never stuffed the church coffers with money.  For this the church needed a way to a steady revenue stream.  They found it with the institution of the indulgences created for mans forgiveness of the sin of mankind.  This is what the Jesus scam is in a nutshell, mans forgiveness of sin.  Man stepping into the realm of the Father and declaring that he has the power to forgive sin, and that forgiveness comes at a price.  But the forgiveness offered us by the Father comes free of charge.  For Christ Jesus has paid that price with His blood {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  But free forgiveness never built a church.  

For the One not knowing sin, He makes to be a sin offering for our sakes that we may becoming Gods righteousness in Him 

Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5: 21, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (He Who Knew No Sin) # 2107

 

For the One not knowing sin, He makes to be a sin offering for our sakes that we may becoming Gods righteousness in Him

Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5: 21, Concordant New Testament 

When we understand the sin of man, we understand that someone needed to die.  Somehow, there needed to be a death, a sacrifice in order to cover that which we had done in the eyes of the Lord.  Anyone familiar with the writings of the old testament knows that the priests of Israel would offer up sacrifices for the misdeeds of the people.  We know that Abraham also offered up his sacrifice upon the deliverance of his son Ishbak (Isaac).  For His part, Jesus made no friends among the leaders of the Jews when He drove out the moneychangers from the temple, who were there to exchange money for the animals the people needed for their sacrifices of atonement {Matthews Account 21:12-13}.  So it is that mankind needed a sacrifice to atone for our sin.  Not just any sacrifice would do, this sacrifice needed to be guiltless, sin free.  The death of the innocent needed to cover the sin of the many.  This was accomplished through Gods dispatching of His Son Jesus {Johns Account 3:16-17}.  For it is through the willing sacrifice of Christ that the sin of the many has been blotted out forever {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  In the eyes of the Father, that which once convicted us has been washed away by the shed blood of His Son.  Interestingly enough, this is celebrated as one of the truths of Christian theology.  That Jesus came, suffered for many and gave His life to the death of sin {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  We also believe that Jesus died but once to accomplish this.  Jesus Himself, on that cross, declares that what He has been sent to accomplish has been done as the Father willed {Johns Account 19:30}.  This is the truth which those within the Christian religion accept and celebrate at this time each year.  Indeed, we celebrate this truth, but we do not practice it. 

It is no secret that those within the mainstream church continue to proclaim that it is our sin which has separated us from God.  I have written on this practice many times.  My question has always been, if we celebrate the death of Jesus as one of our core principals of the Christian faith, why do we continue to falsely believe that sin continues to be an issue in our lives?  Did Jesus somehow miss a few sins as He hung on that cross?  I find that difficult to believe.  So do those in the church, which is why they continue to preach that He died for the forgiveness of sin.  They proclaim it, yet they don't practice what they preach.  The apostle Paul speaks in his evangel that Jesus gave Himself to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  The apostle also reminds us that we're to consider ourselves "Dead, indeed, to sin" {Paul to the Romans 6:11}.  Indeed, He Who knew no sin has accomplished what He has been sent to do.  So, either we believe what the scriptures have declared or we don't.  There is no room for lukewarm belief on this matter.  Do you believe that Jesus has died for your iniquities?  That He is the propitiation of that which once held you captive?  Or, do you trust in the lie of the deceiver who will proclaim that sin remains?  This brings another interesting aspect into this conversation, what is sin?  If Jesus has died to take away the sin of the world, what is it that the mainstream church continues to wring its hands over?  Bad judgement?  Bad behavior?  Wicked thoughts?  These ARE NOT SIN.  These are simply man following the lead of his flesh.  When we trust in the knowing of our life lived within the Fathers love, we can be confident in proclaiming that sin is not the issue {Johns Account 14:20}.  For Jesus has given Himself for the death of sin.  He Who knew no sin became the death of many. 

Seeing that Christ also, for our sakes, once died concerning sins, the just for the sake of the unjust, that He may be leading us to God; being put to death, indeed, in the flesh, yet vivified in the spirit

Peter to the Dispersion (1) 3: 18, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Living Separate) # 2106

 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 

Paul got it.  Paul wasn't like so many of our so called luke warm believers of today.  He knew in his heart that he wasn't alone in this life, that the spirit of the Lord Jesus is the epicenter of all who he is.  In essence, Paul WAS Jesus.  He speaks to this is his foundational passage we find in Galatians.  That I am no longer, that it is Christ Jesus who now occupies this vessel of mine {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  Paul definitely wasn't living separately from Christ.  Jesus was right there in the thick of it with him.  We could learn a lot from the life of Paul.  First and foremost is living knowing that we are not alone in this life.  Knowing that each and every decision and event is not simply ours alone.  For to know that we do not live separate opens up a whole new understanding not only of who we are, but how we now live.  I hear a lot of once united couples declaring that they now live separated.  Not divorced necessarily, just separated.  I see this as a life lived in limbo.  The same can be said of far too many believers today who live in the delusion that they are separate from God.  This is the lie spoken by the deceiver.  The lie spoken to Eve that if she were to take of the forbidden fruit that her eyes would be opened and that she would "Be like God, knowing good and evil" {Genesis 3:5}.  The trouble is, the eyes of too many believers have not been opened.  They continue to live within the lie that they are separate from God.  One of the verses those within the church spit out in order to prove this point comes from the words of the prophet Isaiah, that "your iniquities have separated you from your God" {Isaiah 59:2}.  When someone reminds me of this passage, I ask them one important question, what about Jesus?  Isn't Jesus the One who came to erase the sin of the world?  Isn't it Jesus Who took our iniquities upon Himself at the cross {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}?  

In all my time in the church, I was never introduced to a life lived within the love of the Father.  However, I was in fact reminded at every opportunity of my sinful life lived outside of Him.  Again, those within the church will point to scripture to emphasize their teachings.  They recite the words of Paul which we find in Romans, that ALL have sinned and are wanting of the glory of God {Paul to the Romans 3:23}.  This is that hill they die on!  However, they cringe at the context of the following passage, that we are now justified "Through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus" {Paul to the Romans 3:24}.  Yes, we all were once sinners, but we're now redeemed through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus.  While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us {Paul to the Romans 5:8}.  So, apparently in spite of our sin condition, God loved us enough to dispatch His Son as the propitiation of our sins.  Not only that, but it is Christ Jesus Who has spoken to the truth of our life lived within the Father {Johns Account 14:20, Johns Account 17:21}.  It is Jesus Who speaks to the truth that we do not live separate from God.  It is those within the church who continue to preach the lie that we do.  Who are you going to trust, God or misguided men?  Has God ever lied to you?  Has He ever revealed to you something which wasn't true?  As far as I'm concerned, if the Father has spoken it, I believe in it.  Therefore, I believe in my heart that I now live within the love of the Father, not within the lie of the deceiver.  

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~ 

The Good Of The Father (Gods Army) # 2105

 

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 3: 15, Concordant New Testament 

I know a guy, a gym friend who has made it his habit to attempt to argue certain things about Christianity knowing that it will trigger a reaction from some people, myself included.  I recall back in my church days how I felt that it was my duty as a follower of the Lord to defend Him against any who would disparage His word.  However, the only thing this ever accomplished were arguments and hurt feelings.  Indeed, I have even known friends who have stopped talking to me due to their own views of the scriptures not aligning with what I believed.  While I regret that these brothers and sisters in the Lord have chosen that path, I also stand firm in the truth of the Father spoken in the gospels and the evangel of the apostle Paul.  The apostle Peter sums it up best in his attempt to illustrate how it is that we're to engage in discussions of this nature.  Peter speaks to our being "Ever ready with a defense for everyone" concerning our expectation, yet with meekness and fear {Peter to the Dispersion 3:15}.  Notice that the apostle never mentions that we engage in heated arguments.  Notice also that he never mentions that we're to disregard those who do not agree with our viewpoint, only that we conduct ourselves with meekness and fear in our discussions.  Obviously I could have learned this lesson earlier in life.  I certainly would have avoided more than a few tense arguments along the way.  To the best of my knowledge, Jesus never angrily confronted anyone in order to speak to them the truth we have in the Father.  What he DID do is approach those who needed to hear His words with meekness and kindness towards those around Him.  Instead of arguing His point, Jesus invited those who were curious to "Come and see" {Johns Account 1:39}.  

A few years ago I came across the question I wish I would have asked earlier.  Dos God really need us to defend Him?  Does the creator of all which we see truly need our help in defending His words and actions?  My own knowing of the truth of my life in the Father has not come from winning some argument, but from the revelation of the Lord.  I would dare say that no religious argument has ever resulted in the conversion of another into knowing the truth of the Father.  Paul has spoken that his own knowing of Christ Jesus in him came "When it delighted God" {Paul to the Galatians 1:16}.  I believe that it is not up to us to somehow convince someone to realize the truth of the Lord in us.  However, I believe that He will definitely speak through us to bring about that result.  At the end of the day, it is not we who are doing the converting, but the Father Who is speaking and working through us.  Knowing this, is it God who is arguing His case, or have we simply forgotten who we are in Him?  I would choose the latter.  The truth is that we can listen or read the words of the gospels, but it is only by the revelation of the Father that we will come to know the truth of our life in Him {Johns Account 14:20}.  Those whom the Father draws unto His Son will be raised up in that day {Johns Account 6:44}.  

No one can come to Me if ever the Father Who sends Me should not be drawing him, and I shall be raising him in the last day 

Johns Account 6: 44, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (His Eternal Love) # 2104

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor messengers, nor sovereignties, not the present, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord

Paul to the Romans 8: 38-39, Concordant New Testament 

I recently shared a conversation with a gym friend who had suffered the loss of a child through suicide.  What struck me about this conversation is just how much it led me into a deeper understanding of the love of the Lord.  As I offered to pray for my brother for Gods help in his grief, he shared with me what so many well meaning believers have been led to believe.  That suicide is considered a sin, and that those who commit the act are akin to being a murderer.  Are we not destroying what the Lord God has lovingly created?  At this moment, I was reminded of the words of the apostle Paul as he laid out all which will never separate us from God {Paul to the Romans 8:38-39}.  In fact, I ask the question, what can ever separate us from Gods love?  We're told that he who does not love does not know God, because He is love {First Epistle of John 4:8}.  I consider this passage to be one of the key verses to truly knowing God.  That His love transcends everything.  Paul was correct in his letter to the church in Rome that there is absolutely nothing which will ever separate us from the love of the Father, including that most desperate of acts of suicide.  As I assured my friend in that moment, God has not abandoned his son, and that he can look forward to that day when they will be reunited once again.  But let's continue this topic of the love of God.  As Paul has proclaimed, there is nothing which will ever separate us from the love of God.  If we are to agree with this, then we are to agree that not even sin will separate us from the love of the Father.  What?  You mean I haven't been separated from God by my sin, which the church continues to tell us?  No, not ever!  As Paul has said, there is NOTHING which will ever separate us from the love of the Father.  

I grew up in a church theology which spoke to the fact that I lived here in a sinful world and that God dwelled in heaven.  This was the separation between myself and God.  This, of course, is the separation theology which continues to be preached by those within the church.  Of course, this belief not only ignores the truth spoken by Paul in his evangel, but the truth that Christ Jesus gave Himself for the forgiveness of our sins, to take away the sin of the world {Johns Account 1:29}.  That Jesus is that propitiation of that which we were once guilty {First Epistle of John 2:22}.  How can we be found guilty for that which Jesus has died to {Paul to the Romans 6:10}?  So, what is it that will ever distance us from the love of God?  It is for this reason that I see the separation theology spoken by the church to be an outright lie.  Believe me, I have faced much push back for speaking this belief.  But I am speaking the truth of the love we find in the Father.  The world may condemn us, but God never will.  He has found us to be innocent through the blood shed by His Son on the cross.  That ship has sailed.  What remains is we who have been redeemed and reconciled unto the Father {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:18}.  This is exactly why Paul has proclaimed that we consider ourselves "Dead, indeed, to sin" {Paul to the Romans 6:11}.  In our times of heartbreak, we can be assured that the love of the Father covers all. 

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

First Epistle of John 4: 8, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (No Relation) # 2103

 

Nothing, consequently, is now condemnation to those in Christ Jesus,  Not according to flesh are they walking, but according to spirit

Paul to the Romans 8: 1, Concordant New Testament 

A good friend sent me an article the other day which asked the question, why is it that men dislike being in groups?  Well, let's first address the elephant in the room in that women are more relational than men.  Therefore, I'm not shocked when I hear that men are not inclined to participate in church small groups, it's not in our DNA.  I can speak to this from the experience of having been involved in more than a few small groups in my day.  Does this mean that men are not relational?  Not at all, we're just not designed to be as relational as our female counterparts.  Think of a group of guys gathered around a TV watching a football game.  Think of a group of friends gathered together at a bar shooting the bull.  It's not that we're non relational, we just often prefer to be that lone wolf.  But how does this play out in the church setting?  Well, I can recall being involved in more than a few accountability groups where I came away feeling much unlike a good person and more like that condemned sinner.  Has anyone ever felt that way?  I would say that accountability groups are designed not for accountability, but for accusations.  Sure, we can sugar coat it and say that we're in it for the accountability, but what happens when someone eventually opens up in true accountability and is immediately accused of being weak in their faith or commitment to the Lord?  Yes, this has happened to me in a few of these groups.  I came away feeling not like a valued friend, but as someone who had been condemned by others.  By definition, being accountable consists of taking responsibility for our own actions.  If I mess up, I fess up.  I have no issue with this part of being accountable to others.  What I DO take issue with is the practice many well meaning Christians take in response to someone admitting their faults.  It seems that pointing the finger of accusation is the most common response to someone who admits their faults.  Tell me, is this how God has approached our own failures?  

The apostle Paul has spoken to the practice of condemning others in his letter to the church in Rome.  That "Nothing, consequently, is condemnation for those in Christ Jesus" {Paul to the Romans 8:1}.  Paul also asks, who is it that condemns us?  Is it Jesus?  He Who is also "Pleading for our sakes" {Paul to the Romans 8:34}.  Therefore, if Christ does not condemn us, who is left?  Nobody except those in the flesh who surround us.  One thing I've learned is that when others accuse us of something, they feel convicted of it themselves.  The true meaning of a group centered on accountability should be to uplift and never to tear down.  For this is the desire of the Father.  As Jesus has proclaimed, we are to love one another {Johns Account 13:34-35}.  The apostle John takes this a step further when he claims that those who do not love have not known God, for God is love {First Epistle of John 4:8}.  The Father has graced mankind with His one true love nature by dispatching His Son to be that sacrifice for us {Johns Account 3:16-17}.  What has man done but to condemn others?  Again, who is it that condemns?  Is it God?  No!  I would say that accountability is not accountability without the forgiveness and grace granted us by the Father.  The forgiveness which we are free to give unto others if we choose to.  Accountability grows the individual in the Lord, it never condemns. 

Who is the condemner?  Christ Jesus, the One dying, yet rather being roused, Who is also at God's right hand, Who is also pleading for our sakes? 

Paul to the Romans 8: 34, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The Works Of God) # 2102

 

You are the light of the world.  A city located upon a mountain can not be hid.  Neither are they burning a lamp and placing it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it is shining to all those in the house.  Thus let your light shine 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: 14-16, Concordant New Testament 

The question was raised the other day of what it looks like watching the Father work through His creation.  Although definitely exciting to witness, we must also be aware of the truth of our life in Him in order to realize that He is indeed working through us.  Now, this might seem like a foreign concept, especially for those who adhere to the separation theology spoken within the mainstream church.  Yet Jesus has proclaimed that we do not live apart from God, but that we live our life within Him {Johns Account 14:20}.  Without this knowing, one might not grasp the concept of the Father working through us.  Granted, Gods reach is not so short that He cannot work His will through His creation, but in order to be witnesses to His works, it helps to have the revelation that our life is lived in Him.  In fact, it has been said that the world will know the Lord through the works and lives of those who already know Him.  I believe that is true.  I also believe that this is what Jesus was referring to when He proclaimed "Let your light shine before men" {Matthews Account 5:16}.  Yes, let His light in you shine before men, that they may perceive your ideal acts and should glorify your Father Who is in the heavens.  We see this referenced in Johns account as well, that the "Light" is the light of men {Johns Account 1:4}.  Through my years in the church, I heard many stories of those who marveled at the works of the Lord in their lives.  Yet they always stopped short of that realization of God working His will through them personally.  Yes, I was among that crowd once as well.  For it wasn't until I had stepped away from the teachings of the church that my life in Him was revealed to me.  That my sin had not separated me from Him, but that through Jesus' death on the cross God has reconciled me once again to Himself. 

Jesus has proclaimed that those around us will "Perceive your ideal acts and should glorify your Father Who is in the heavens" {Matthews Account 5:16}.  That those around us will see the works of the Lord done through us.  In my time, I have been witness to many moments where I have seen the Father working not only through myself, but through others as well.  Granted, I have been more in tuned to seeing His works in others since my own revelation of my life in Him.  That is why I say that others may not perceive the works of the Lord in those around them until they have their own realization of their life lived in the Father.  I say this from my own personal experience.  While I was still in the church, I looked for the works of the Lord apart from myself.  I had been taught that my life and that of the Father were forever separate due to my ever present sin in my life.  I now consider this to be one of the lies spoken by the church.  The truth of the Father tells us that Jesus has been dispatched to die on the cross for the forgiveness of sin {Johns Account 3:16-17}.  The apostle Paul speaks in his evangel that Jesus has died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  That we should reckon ourselves to be "Dead, indeed, to sin" {Paul to the Romans 6:11}.  The truth of the scriptures reveal to us that sin is no longer the issue, but you probably will never hear that proclaimed within the church.  I know I didn't.  Not only has the Father taken care of the sin issue which once held us in bondage, but has reconciled us to Himself once again.  I see this and I glorify the Father Who is in heaven. 

"I am the grapevine.  You are the branches.  He who is remaining in Me, and I in him, this one is bringing forth much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing 

Johns Account 15: 5, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Mind Games) # 2101

 

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 

Perhaps you've heard the old phrase, just because something appears to be true doesn't mean that it is.  Well, this could be said of Christianity as well.  There are those who claim that we have been separated from God by our own sin.  However, there are also those who have accepted the truth of Christ Jesus which leads into forgiveness for said sin.  Beneath this false belief is the lie of Satan the deceiver.  This is the same lie which he spoke unto Eve in the garden, when he falsely claimed that she could "Be like God, knowing good and evil" {Genesis 3:5}.  Not knowing any better, Eve accepted the lie of the deceiver as fact.  Unfortunately, it is this very lie which has overtaken many followers of Jesus over the centuries.  The false belief is that we are our own selves, totally independent from God.  Tell me, can that which has been created ever be separated from He who created it?  We know that we have been created in the likeness of the Father {Genesis 1:27}.  We also know that it is God Who has breathed into us His breath of life {Genesis 2:7}.  I see this as God imparting Himself into His creation.  So, again, how is it that we could ever be separated from God Who has created us?  By the lies spoken by the deceiver, that's how.  The apostle John speaks to this deception when he proclaims that those who are not hearing the truth have chosen instead to follow the "Spirit of deception" {First Epistle of John 4:6}.  Indeed, I have run across many so called believers who have made that choice to follow the lies of the deceiver instead of the truth which has been spoken by the Father.  One of their biggest stumbling blocks is sin.  Now, the apostle Paul in his evangel is very pointed in his description of the current state of sin.  It is Paul who has spoken that Christ Jesus has given Himself to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Not only that, but that we who have placed our trust in Jesus should "Be reckoning yourselves to be dead, indeed, to sin {Paul to the Romans 6:11}.  Yet rather that accepting the liberating truth we find written in Paul's evangel, they choose to accept the lie.  For his part, Satan is more than happy when they do.  

It's been said that the very definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting a totally different result.  One could also apply this message to those who follow the lies of the deceiver as well.  You seek relief from what you continue to see as sin?  You're told that this relief comes in the form of continually seeking the Lords forgiveness for that which He has already forgiven you for?  It is this which you have accepted as truth.  You've accepted the lie of Satan as fact.  The truth is that the deceiver cannot change that which has already been accomplished.  He can never change that which the Father has already accomplished through the death of His Son on that cross.  However, what he CAN do is to convince Gods children that He has abandoned them.  That even though He has provided for their  complete forgiveness, that He has in fact turned His back on His own creation.  Is it, then, any wonder why he is referred to as the deceiver?  For he has succeeded in his deception of the followers of Jesus.  He has succeeded in convincing many that the sin which has been put to death by Christ Jesus is still alive and well in the lives of every believer.  For it's part, the mainstream church facilitates the lies of the deceiver by continuing to speak to their validity.  Instead of speaking to the truth of sin which we find in Paul's evangel, those in church pulpits continue to speak the lie.  The apostle refers to this as the spirit of deception, and I have seen many be deceived.  

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~ 

The Good Of The Father (Here In Heaven) # 2100

 

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

Paul to the Corinthians (1) 2: 9, Concordant New Testament 

Part of the heresy which many feel that I have delved into is the question of when and where we will partake of the experiences of heaven.  According to the church religious leaders, those who have accepted Christ Jesus and have lived righteously are believed to be in heaven as we speak.  This would include the saints and martyrs of old.  But here lies the problem for many believers, we're told that accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior is paramount to our ascending into heaven.  But to live righteously?  This coming from those who make it a point each and every day to remind us that we are but sinners in need of a Savior.  Not only that, in the face of the reality that the Father has dispatched His Son that He would be that propitiation for our sins, they continue to preach that it is sin which keeps us from a close relationship with the Father.  How does that work?  Did God intend that sin would continue to thrive despite the willing sacrifice of His Son?  I would say no to that nonsense.  It is for beliefs such as this that I am criticized for speaking blasphemy.  But how is it that I can be accused of blasphemy if all I am doing is relating what is spoken in the scriptures?  A judgmental Christian friend of mine is quick to point out that I simply cherry pick verses to fit my own narrative.  Well, if this is true then many believers are guilty of the very same thing I am being accused of.  So, on that topic of heaven, who is it that will, or are, granted that status of being within the presence of the Lord?  One of the main promises we have of being in heaven is that we will be in the continual presence of the Father.  This is supposedly the reward of those who accept Christ Jesus and live a righteous life.  Well, I have trusted and lived my life for Jesus but, according to those in the church, I cannot "Punch my ticket" to heaven unless I live righteously.  This raises an interesting question, who is it that can be saved? 

I have realized that it is not God Who has placed such rigorous requirements upon His children in order to be rewarded with their eternity in heaven.  The apostle Paul has spoken to the truth that it is only through the grace and love of the Father by which we are saved {Paul to the Ephesians 2:8-9}.  That's it, by God's grace and that's all.  There is NOTHING which we can do in order to earn our way into heaven.  Nowhere is this point driven home than the day in which Christ Jesus declared to the two thieves crucified next to Him "Verily, to you I am saying today, with Me shall you be in paradise" {Lukes Account 23:43}.  Had these two thieves lived a righteous life?  Yet here is Jesus declaring one favored to enter into the Lords kingdom with Him.  For his part this man asked of Jesus "Be reminded of me, Lord, whenever Thou mayest be coming in Thy kingdom {Lukes Account 23:42}.  So can we say, then, that those who have believed in Christ Jesus now reside in heaven?  Or, as I have been ridiculed for believing, are we experiencing the Lords kingdom as we speak?  Do we live in the presence of God?  Jesus Himself has declared that we now live our lives within the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  There have been a few descriptions given which give us a clue as to what heaven looks like.  However, Paul makes it clear that man has not perceived what God has prepared for those who love Him {Paul to the Corinthians (1) 2:9}.  Whatever it looks like, it is clear that God has created the heavens AND the earth {Genesis 1:1}.  It is my belief that there is not much of a fine line between the two.  Rather, I believe that heaven is but another dimension to which our eyes have not yet been opened.  Does that mean that we could be experiencing the Lords kingdom without knowing it?  Absolutely!  One thing I do know, is that I do not need to compete to get there.  

"In My Fathers house are many abodes; yet if not I would have told you, for I am going to make ready a place for you"

Johns Account 14: 2, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The Church Of Jesus) # 2099

 And He is the head of the body, the ecclesia, Who is Sovereign, Firstborn from among the dead, that in all He may be becoming first 

Paul to the Colossians 1: 18, Concordant New Testament 

The question was offered up the other day, what will the church Jesus is building look like?  I believe that the apostle Paul lays this out in a few places in his evangel.  First, he speaks to the truth that Jesus is the head of the body, the ecclesia.  This Greek word, mentioned in the scripture to describe the church of Jesus, is meant to describe a gathering or assembly of believers.  Therefore, I believe that the church of Christ Jesus is, and will be, the gathering together of those who know Him.  I do not believe that this ecclesia will be like any church any of us have ever attended here in this worldly realm.  Gone will be the boring Sunday sermons, the tithes to the church corporation and the modern praise and worship music concerts.  Instead, the believers in Jesus will be assembled with one desire, to honor and praise the Lord Jesus.  After all, He is the head of this body, this ecclesia {Paul to the Colossians 1:18}.  It is Jesus Who has brought all who dwell within this ecclesia together.  Since Jesus continues to draw many into His assembly, into His church, what will it look like?  Paul speaks to the truth that all who are members of the ecclesia of Christ "Are the body of Christ, and members of a part" {Paul to the Corinthians (1) 12:27}.  Indeed, this assembly of the believers in Jesus are His body, with Christ Jesus as the head of that body.  As members of the church of Jesus, we are all connected and serve Him in spreading His gospel message as well as serving one another in the love born of the Father.  In the second book of the Acts of the apostles, we are given a glimpse into what life in the ecclesia of Jesus is like {Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47}.

I have always thought of the words we find in Acts 2 as the example of what church should be.  Free to bestow the love of the Father not only on other members of the assembly of Christ Jesus, but on those surrounding them as well {Acts of the Apostles 2:47}.  How many man created churches can claim to emulate that which we see in the ecclesia of the followers of Jesus we find in the scriptures of Acts?  I would venture to say that there has never been such a brick and mortar church with such qualities.  If there has, I've never heard of it.  But I believe that this is why the ecclesia of Christ Jesus is different from anything we've seen before.  Because when we mention the word church, we all too often think of the practices and traditions of the man-made brick and mortar churches we've become so accustomed to.  The true church of Jesus is nothing like this at all.  With each member a member of Jesus Who sits at the head of it, there is little room for the struggles of prominence and position which we often see in the churches we are so used to seeing.  No one member is more important than the those around them.  This might sound strange to many who have grown up in the man-made church.  How can a church even survive without budgets, leadership groups or structure?  Well, I believe that Jesus has done away with such things on purpose.  That is, that His ecclesia would be focused on the Father and not upon the requirements of man.  After all, He is the One Who sits at the head of His church. 

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

Acts of the apostles 2: 44-47, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Seeing God) # 2098

 

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 

What would you do if you had no church to go to?  Where would you turn to hear of the Lord?  Obviously, we have the scriptures to guide us to Him, but honestly, how many of you read your bible every day?  I ask these questions because after my previous post a good friend of mine asked me where people would turn once there were no more churches.  I've been thinking of his question for a bit, and I realize that he has a valid point.  Our mainstream churches have been seeing a massive exodus of members in recent years.  How much longer can the religious system be sustained?  With rising costs of building maintenance and staff salaries, it's only a matter of time before many brick and mortar churches become extinct.  Of course, there is the internet option, but again, how many people will find the time to devote themselves to such things?  How will someone come to know the Father?  For myself personally, I didn't come to know a relationship with the Father until after I had stepped away from the theologies of the church for the final time.  It was not until I was removed from the traditions and teachings of the church that the Father revealed Himself to me.  I realize, of course, that this is how things worked out for the man Saul as well.  After years embedded in the Jewish religion, Saul was introduced to the very One that he had been persecuting, Christ Jesus.  Paul himself recounts that it was indeed in the Lords own timing that he came to know Him {Paul to the Galatians 1:15-16}.  So, how does this fit into the reality of those children of the Lord coming to know Him when there are no churches to guide them?  Well, there are a few options here.  One is that they will hear of the Father through those who know Him already.  In my own circle of gyn rat friends, I have introduced more than a few people to the truth of the Father in us.  We also must recall that the Lords hand is not so short nor limited that He cannot reach those who are in need to know Him.  My own experience is testimony to this.  The absence of a church does not mean we are absent from God. 

To better understand this truth, one needs to understand the truth of the Father in our own lives.  Jesus has proclaimed that we do not live separate from God, as those within the church are so fond of pointing out, but that our life is lived IN Him {Johns Account 14:20}.  This is the truth of our life lived within the love of God.  A life of love and not of sin.  For it is Christ Jesus Who has given Himself for sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  It is my belief that the church has relied on the lie of separation theology because of their own need to keep that sin narrative alive and well.  If people believe that they are sinful, they are then more likely to look for a church to seek Gods forgiveness for such things.  But in the eyes of the church that forgiveness never materializes because sin is the constant in the lives of all men {Paul to the Romans 3:23}.  No matter how hard try, I'm still a sinner, right?  WRONG!  For the teachings of the church often contradict what Jesus has accomplished on the cross.  That through His love for us, He gave Himself for our sakes {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  Now, if Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of sin, believe it!  Do not believe the lie spoken by those in the church that despite giving Himself for our sakes, that sin somehow survived to live another day.  This is simply not true.  As I said, once we know the truth of our life within the love of God, we will have no need for the brick and mortar church and its religious traditions.  When the Father reveals Himself in us, we can live a life in His love and not in the condemnation of the church.  

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 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Our Sunday Best) # 2097

 

"God is spirit, and those who are worshipping Him must be worshipping in spirit and truth"

Johns Account 4: 24, Concordant New Testament 

I recall one Sunday morning back in the day as I was preparing for another church service when I was approached by a good friend of my mothers who attended the same church.  As I recall, she was very worried as she had just come back from a run before church and didn't have time to change clothes before services began.  In her mind, far too many worshippers would be looking down on her "Non church" apparel, which made her pretty self conscious.  I was reminded of this episode the other night when I came across a video from some unknown pastor who was admonishing his congregation for not "Honoring the Lord" with their apparel each and every Sunday.  Apparently this padre had an issue with the partially revealing clothing of some of the youngsters in the pews.  I get it.  However, my first thought upon watching this video was something along the lines of, do we really need something else to drive people away from our churches?  It's really no secret that our churches have been shedding membership over the past few decades.  I have heard many of the reasons people give for leaving the church, from seeing it as too judgmental to having to follow far too many traditions and practices.  Remember, it is Jesus Himself who decried His woes to the Pharisees of His day for those very same reasons {Matthews Account 23:13-33}.  Jesus admonished the leaders of the synagogues of His day for placing too much emphasis on the traditions and practices of their religion while neglecting the needs of the people.  Tell me, how much emphasis would Jesus place on someone wearing jogging clothes to church on a Sunday morning?  Is this what's truly important to a church?  Or, as I believe, should we be focusing our efforts on more important issues, like a closer relationship with the Father?

I'll admit that there came a time when I personally became uninterested with the mainstream church for my own reasons.  I have not walked into a Sunday church service in over 20 years, and yet my faith in the Lord has never been stronger.  In my opinion, those within the church spend far too much time worrying about appearance and not much time concerned about substance.  Sure, a shiny new church building looks impressive, and your services might have award winning Christian music, but is this truly what's important in the eyes of the Father?  Jesus didn't think so.  In fact, Jesus never considered ones appearance to be paramount to a good worshipper.  What He DOES say is that those who worship the Father do so "In spirit and truth" {Johns Account 14:24}.  The Father is in spirit, so those who come to Him must be of the spirit as well.  True, authentic worship is the desire of the Father.  If this were not true, Jesus would not have proclaimed it.  Buildings and traditions will fade with time, but the Father will be forever with us.  Ask yourself, where is your heart?  Is your heart centered on the physical appearances of the church, or is it centered on knowing a relationship with God?  The church will tell us that a relationship with God is dependent upon His forgiveness of that sin in our life.  The Father tells us that ship has sailed.  We have already been redeemed through the willing sacrifice of Christ Jesus on the cross {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  What you will seldom hear spoken from any church pulpit is that the Father has redeemed you, and that He is waiting for you to know Him as He has known and loved you.  THAT is more important to Him than whatever clothes you wear.  

"But, whenever you may be making a reception, invite the poor, the cripples, the lame, the blind, and happy will you be, for they have nothing to repay you, for it will be repaid you in the resurrection for the just"

Lukes Account 14: 13-14, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Tommorow's Troubles) # 2096

 

You should not, then, be worrying about the morrow, for the morrow will be worrying of itself, sufficient for the day is its own evil

Matthews Account 6: 34, Concordant New Testament 

Jesus has spoken that one of the greatest commands which He has given is that we love one another {Johns Account 13:34-35}.  I am not disputing this, as we should love one another as Jesus has loved us.  However, I believe that I He could have given us another command which would come in as a close second to the first.  That being His words that we That being the words of Jesus which tell us not to worry.  So important were these words, that Jesus devoted a good portion of His sermon on the mount explaining not only the consequences but also the rewards of a life free of worry {Matthews Account 6:25-34}.  Now, even though I have read the scriptures which Jesus has spoken about the dangers of worrying, my own life experience is the best teacher that I could ever have on that subject.  So, what are a few of the dangers of a life filled with worry?  How many of you have ever literally worried yourself sick?  I know that I have.  Indeed, the stresses involved in worrying over that which has yet come to fruition can and will wreak havoc on our bodies.  Like I said, I know this from experience.  I was reminded of this this week when the worries of things yet to come once again came knocking at me door.  Instead of following the words of Jesus, I began to worry over things I could not yet see.  Again, Jesus has told me that worrying over such things is a fools errand.  So, in this case I was indeed foolish in my thoughts.  At the base of our times of worry has to be our faith and trust in the Father.  As I read over some encouraging scriptures the other day I was amazed at just how many verses mentioned the idea of trusting in the Lord {Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 55:22, Paul to the Philippians 4:13}.  I believe that these words were not spoken in vain.  That in our times of worry and dread, that we can rest in confidence that the Father will never leave us nor forsake us {To the Hebrews 13:5}.  

One of the my favorite passages on faith comes from the book of Hebrews.  That faith is our conviction of that which we have not yet seen {To the Hebrews 11:1}.  Also, that the elders of the scriptures were testified of due to their faith {To the Hebrews 11:2}.  The concordant translation of the  New Testament goes so far as to describe faith as "An assumption of what is being expected."  Tell me, what room is there for worry with faith such as this?  Jesus spoke to His disciples upon witnessing the faith of the Roman centurion "With no one in Israel so much faith did I find" {Matthews Account 8:10}.  The Chosen series has Jesus speaking to the faith of this Roman as "Bold confidence."  Indeed, who has ever worried themselves sick for having that bold confidence in what the Father can do?  I know I haven't.  I believe that this is the very reason that Jesus spoke to the dangers of worry, as He knew what it could do to us.  I only wish that I would take His advice to heart more often than I do.  Because when that rubber meets the road, my first inclination always seems to be to assume the worst that could happen.  In reality, my thoughts should be on what the Father has in store for me.  Where is He leading me?  We know that the one true nature of the Father is that of love {First Epistle of John 4:8}.  So, the Father is not leading us into any situation out of spite, revenge or condemnation.  Our discipline is not His primary objective.  He is seeking to love and to guide us into His desire for us.  I see nothing to worry about in that. 

Tossing your entire worry on him, for He is caring concerning you 

Peter to the Dispersion (1) 5: 7, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Broken Chains) # 2095

 

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 perceive 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 

There is a popular Chrisitan hymn performed by Micheal W Smith titled Amazing Grace, My chains are gone.  The words of this popular rendition of an old classic could very well describe what the apostle Paul has written of our former sin condition in his evangel to the Romans.  My chains are gone, I've been set free, my God and savior has ransomed me.  It is Paul who has spoken of our former sin condition, "For us by no means to be still slaving for sin" {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  Indeed, those chains which once held me in the bondage of sin have been broken open through the work of Christ Jesus on the cross.  Why would Paul refer to our former sin condition as slavery?  Because far too many times, this is the truth of what sin was in our lives.  That these indeed were those chains which held our former humanity captive.  You will notice that I am referring to our sin as our FORMER condition.  Indeed, this is how Paul speaks to it as well.  That our former humanity, that old man which once defined us, has been crucified together with Christ Jesus.  That Jesus has died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Yet there are many within the mainstream church who continue poke that accusatory finger of guilt in my direction.  That my false belief in the truth of the words of the evangel spoken by Paul are akin to some sort of blasphemy.  If this is true, why is Paul not seen as a blasphemer?  I'll tell you why, because even those in the church who disagree with his words would never think of messing with the written word they claim to follow.  That ALL scripture is to be seen as useful {Paul to Timothy (2) 3:16-17}.  

I have used the words spoken by Paul many times when discussing the fate of sin which he speaks of in Romans.  I referred to them many times in the years following my stepping away from the church.  Like many within the church, I was once of the belief that my sin was alive and well and something which I needed to seek the Lords forgiveness for each and every day.  I struggled with it.  I beat myself up continually for being too weak in my faith to overcome it.  It took a good deal of deprogramming before I began to realize that Christ has already taken care of that sin through His love and grace.  The funny thing about the theology of the church is that they agree that Jesus has given Himself for the forgiveness of sin, yet they continue to speak to the lie that it is our sin which has separated us from a personal relationship with the Father.  This is a lie spoken by those within the church.  Coincidentally, it is also the same lie which the deceiver spoke to Eve in the garden.  That if she were to take of that which the Lord had commanded her not to, that she would "Be like God, knowing good and evil" {Genesis 3:5}.  Eve accepted the words of Satan over the word of God.  Contrary to what many within the church have spoken over the years, Eves disobedience did not alienate her from God, that was only what she believed.  She and Adam believed in the lie spoken by the deceiver.  This is the lie which Satan continues to speak to the children of the Lord each and every day.  The truth, as spoken by Paul, is that through Christ Jesus, the chains of bondage have been broken.  

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 by 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~ 

The Good Of The Father (Soldiers Of Allah) # 2094

 In whom the God of this eon blinds the apprehensions of the unbelieving so that the illumination of the evangel of the glory of Christ, Who is the image of the invisible God, does not irradiate them 

Paul to the Corinthians (2) 4: 4, Concordant New Testament 

My first introduction to the soldiers of Allah came on Sunday, November 4th, 1979.  On that day, a mob of student protestors in Tehran, Iran climbed over the walls of the United States embassy in Tehran, taking 66 American hostages in the process.  The students, led by the muslim cleric Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, had been protesting the exhiled former leader of Iran, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.  The Shah had been toppled in a revolution led by the student protests and backed by Khomeini, who had been exiled from Iran years earlier.  For 444 days, the Americans were held hostage by these soldiers of Allah, and were not freed until the last hours of the administration of disgraced president James Earl Carter, who had been defeated by Ronald Reagan in the 1980 elections.  For 444 days, the world watched as the radical students holding American citizens hostage followed the dictates of their spiritual leader Khomeini.  To me, it seemed that these radicalized students had been blinded to everything except the instructions of Iran's new supreme leader of the muslim faith.  It wasn't until years later that I would come to see this same blind devotion in those of the Christian faith as well.  When I speak of the soldiers of Allah, I am referring to those who follow the instructions of their religious leaders blindly, no matter the costs.  However, I could also be referring to those Christian soldiers who have taken to adhering to the theology of the mainstream church as well.  In recent years, I have experienced more than a few believers who adhere to their old covenant beliefs while at the same time ignoring the saving grace of Christ Jesus.  In the words of the apostle Paul, their eyes have been blinded by God from witnessing the truth which is in Christ Jesus {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 4:4}.  I believe that although they follow a different religion, that the soldiers of Allah have also had their senses blinded to the truth which is in Christ Jesus.  The truth that Jesus has given Himself to the death of the sins of man "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  

The practice of apologetics in the Christian faith has gained in popularity over the years.  By definition, apologetics is the "Justification" of the Christian faith.  Authors such as C.S. Lewis made a career out of justifying the Christian faith to others around the world.  Yet when I think about it, does Jesus even need to be justified?  Does Jesus even need our help in anything He does?  Indeed, the words and works of Christ Jesus give testament to Who He is and what He has accomplished.  It is Jesus through whom we have already been justified {Paul to the Romans 3:23-24}.  Yes, all have sinned, but it is through the grace of Christ that we have now been found to be justified.  Yet the die hard Christian soldiers will insist that the sin which Jesus gave Himself to forgive continues to be prominent in the lives of all believers.  So much so, that man has been separated from God because of it.  As Paul has spoken, their eyes have been blinded to the truth which is in Jesus.  So it is that these modern Christian soldiers blindly follow whichever pastor or spiritual leader they deem to speak their version of the truth of the gospel.  I have seen too many fellow believers switch churches routinely until such time as they find one which "Speaks" to their beliefs.  Paul warned young Timothy of these followers, reminding him that they will "Heap up for themselves teachers in accord with their own desires" {Paul to Timothy (2) 4:3}.  This is why I place so much emphasis on the words of the apostle John who proclaims that we are to "Test the spirits to see if they are of God" {First Epistle of John 4:1}.  If His spirit within us spurs us to question a teaching, we should take notice of that.  

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 

~Scott~