The Good Of The Father (The Gospel Of Grace) # 2184

 I am marveling that thus, swiftly, you are transferred from that which calls you in the grace of Christ, to a different evangel, which is not another, except it be that some who are disturbing you also want to distort the gospel of Christ 

Paul to the Galatians 1: 6-7, Concordant New Testament Translation 

I have written many times of what I consider to be the lie spoken by the church.  That being the mainstream church's reliance on continuing to preach the relevance of sin in our lives.  Despite the truth spoken by both Jesus and the apostle Paul to the contrary, those within the church continue to preach what Paul referred to as a "Different evangel" {Paul to the Galatians 1:6-7}.  To be fair, the evangel spoken by Paul in the gospels is one of the evangel of grace which we have through Christ Jesus.  But the different evangel, the one preached from the pulpits of the church, is an evangel of more than a few things.  Those being of fear and condemnation, which run contrary to the grace which we have in Jesus.  All too often, when Jesus speaks of the grace which we have in the Father, those within the church will speak to the lie that sin is what separates us from God.  These are the ones which Paul described as wanting to distort the gospel of Christ Jesus.  That being His spoken evangel of the grace which we have in the Father {Johns Account 1:16, 1:14}.  So, if we indeed have the evangel of the grace of God the Father within us, why is it that we are so quick to revert to the different evangel spoken by the church?  Well, Paul wondered that very same thing.  Paul marveled at just how quickly those of his day could avert their attentions from the evangel of the grace of Christ Jesus to another different evangel.  I have seen this unfold in my own life in my interactions with other so called believers.  These same believers will admit to knowing of the grace we have in Christ, while at the same time adhering to the different evangel preached by those within the church.  Well, as my momma used to tell me, you can't have it both ways.  We must either adhere to an evangel of grace or the different evangel of conviction spoken by the church.  And, as the old Sesame Street TV skit used to proclaim, one of these things isn't like the other.  

Growing up in the church, I had always been always exposed to the different evangel of the mainstream church.  So much so that I came to see this as the true gospel of Christ.  Of course, this was the only teaching and preaching that I was exposed to for most of my life, so you can cut me some slack on that.  Unfortunately, this is the same place which many church going believers find themselves in today.  Admitting to the grace of God, yet following a different gospel preached by those who clearly desire to distort the true gospel of the grace of Christ Jesus.  This more than any other reason is why I continue to be so hard on those leaders within the mainstream church.  For either they don't know any better, or they do know but refuse to speak the truth of the evangel of grace.  The consequences of this are far reaching in the lives of those who desire to know and follow Jesus.  For they are taught that the grace of God somehow does not cover their offenses.  That we must continue in prayer each and every day for the Lords forgiveness.  Friends, that debt has been paid in full through Jesus!  The Father has given the right of judgement to the Son {Johns Account 5:22-23}.  Therefore, it is not God Who judges us for that which the Son has already died to {Paul to the Romans 6:6-11}.  It is Christ Jesus who became that sin which the different evangel continues to accuse us of {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  Jesus became that sin offering for our sakes.  As the evangel of grace tells us, there is now no condemnation for we who are in Christ Jesus {Paul to the Romans 8:1}.  And here's a hint, we're ALL in Christ Jesus!  Jesus speaks directly to this in the gospel of John.  He is in the Father, we are in Him and Christ is within us {Johns Account 14:20}.  So, tell me again if the alternate evangel spoken by those within the church truly speaks to the truth of the grace which we have in Him.  In my opinion, it's just another lie spoken by the church.  

For sin shall not be lording it over you, for you are not under the law, but under grace 

Paul to the Romans 6: 14, Concordant New Testament Translation 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Judgemental Jesus) # 2183

 

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-knowing, all-perfect and all-wise, somehow he just can't handle money 

~George Carlin~ 

Have you ever noticed that there are indeed two gospels?  We have the original gospels spoken by Jesus and penned by His followers.  Then, we have the gospel which is spoken and taught by those within the mainstream church.  Granted, while these two gospels may seem similar, they are radically different.  I'll admit that the gospel spoken by those within the church is correct in that they use the same scriptures, but I believe that is where the similarities end.  For the gospels spoken by Jesus within the scriptures speak of the freedom which we have in Him {Johns Account 8:36}.  Yet while the scriptures speak of freedom in the Son, those within the church do anything but that.  Sure, they may speak the words of the scripture, but their message to us is something altogether different.  For while Jesus speaks of freedom, those within the church speak of our bondage to sin.  While the apostle Paul lays out his case for the defeat of sin through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, those within the church either know not his words or ignore them entirely.  For it is Paul who speaks to the truth we have in Jesus that He has died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  That we should "By no means to be still slaving for sin" {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  Yet one of the lies spoken by the church is that we are indeed still slaving for sin.  In fact, not only do we need to continue to be in fear of sin and its consequences, but it is that very sin which has separated us from the God Who created us in His very likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  Of course, the church will point to the scriptures to validate their false claims.  One of the main passages used to illustrate God turning His back on His loved children is found in the book of Isaiah {Isaiah 54:8}.  However, they refuse to mention the truth that God has spoken these words to His prophet in the OLD TESTSMENT.  That's right, these words given to the prophet Isaiah were given in the days before the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  Let me tell you, a lot has happened since then. 

The truth is that those within the church have chosen to preach a gospel based on fear over the truth of the gospel of freedom spoken by Christ Jesus.  This is why I refer to there being two competing gospels.  Think I'm off base here?  Listen to any sermon spoken by a church pastor and you will more than likely hear him speak of living in fear of the consequences of our sin.  That if we fail to behave in a way approved by God that what awaits us is an eternity in hell.  Tell me, how does this mesh with the truth which we have in the evangel spoken by Paul?  How does this mesh with the words spoken by Jesus Himself, that if the Son sets us free that we shall indeed be free?  Well, it seems that those within the church see this freedom which we have in Jesus as being conditional.  We're free, if we seek His forgiveness continually for that sin which we continue to live within.  We're free, if we continue to hold to the traditions and edicts of the church.  Again, how does this jive with the gospel of forgiveness and freedom spoken by Jesus?  The fact is that it doesn't, it never has and it never will.  This is why the alternate gospel preached from church pulpits is a false one.  Yet when I attempt to illustrate this false church doctrine to other so called believers, I'm accused of cherry-picking scriptures and spreading a false doctrine.  For speaking the truth of the gospel of Jesus, I'M the blasphemous one.  Well, so be it.  Part of the reason for writing this page is to open the dialogue of the truth we have within the love of the Father with others.  Of course, this is another truth which the church continues to ignore.  That being the truth of the life which we have within the love of God {Johns Account 14:20}.  This is another truth you will never hear preached from any church pulpit.  But those within the church are just fine preaching of a Jesus Who is more judgemental than forgiving.  

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

Johns Account 8: 36, Concordant New Testament Translation 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Where Hate Begins) # 2182

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

First Epistle of John 4: 8, Concordant New Testament Translation 

One of the questions people often ask me is, how is it that God can allow such hatred in the world?  I agree that God is the creator of all that we see, of the heavens and the earth {Genesis 1:1}.  There is nothing that has ever passed His notice.  However, when we start talking about hate, we need to see it for what it truly is, and its very origins.  See, hatred does not come from God.  We're assured of this when the apostle John reveals to us the one true nature of God, and that is love {First Epistle of John 4:8}.  It is out of His love for us that He created us in His likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  It is also out of His love for us that He dispatched His one and only Son to once again reconcile us unto Himself through Him {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:18}.  I ask this question, what has the Father ever done out of His outright hatred for us?  The flood in the days of Noah?  Was that hate, or did God grieve for His children despite their wickedness?  So, we can be assured that hate DOES NOT begin with God, or within the Father.  So, where does it start?  Well, I believe that hate actually begins when mankind fails to see his neighbors for who they truly are in the eyes of the Father.  We have an easier time believing that we ourselves are within the love of God while seeing those around us as wicked and evil.  And God could never love the wicked among us, right?  Wrong!  Far too many Christians have taken upon themselves the responsibility of the judgement of God when they condemn those they see as wicked.  I have known a few self-proclaimed believers who steadfastly condemn those they view as wicked to the tortures of hell.  But is this our arena in the first place?  I was always taught that God is the only and ultimate judge.  It is God who condemns.  Yet mankind has taken this responsibility upon ourselves for thousands of years.  We condemn those around us while we speak of the love and mercy of the Father.  Hypocrites all!  Can there be any doubt whatsoever where hate has its origins?  

It is Jesus Himself Who has commanded us to love our own neighbor as we love ourselves {Marks Account 12:31}.  But how is it that I can love someone who, in my eyes, shows disrespect and unbelief towards the Lord?  Well, at the end of the day, who must they ultimately answer to?  That's right, God is the ultimate judge, not me.  God is the one Whom we turn to for justice.  I believe that the reason for Jesus calling on us to love our neighbor as ourselves is because He KNEW who we truly are in the Father.  He illustrates this point by proclaiming our life lived within the love of God {Johns Account 14:20}.  Of course, Jesus wasn't picking and choosing whom He was speaking of, but revealing to us that WE ALL live in union with He and the Father.  Jesus in the Father, we are in Christ and He is within us.  THAT is the truth of who we are in God.  And if we know the truth of who we are in the Fathers eyes, it becomes easier to love those around us.  When we see Gods children as being within His love, hate becomes something of the past.  Are there many people who actually hate themselves as much as they dislike others?  Yes, there are those who dislike the life choices they've made and therefore hold a bad self-image of themselves, but even these people have never known the truth of who they are in the Fathers love.  So, as you see, when we do not know the truth of who we really are in Gods eyes, judgement and hate become the order of the day.  There are many well meaning Christians out there who have never known a life within His love.  Therefore, they only see wickedness and unbelief and not the image of who they really are.  For their part, those within the mainstream church preach that the wicked are deserving of the punishment of hell.  This is what I was taught growing up.  That the Godly would be rewarded and the wicked punished.  Yes, while this is pointed out in the scriptures, who is it that hold the ultimate authority over such decisions?  Jesus Himself warns us of pacing that judgement upon our neighbor, lest we be judged in the same way we see others {Matthews Account 7:2}.  It is important to recall the words of the apostle John, that "He who is not loving knew not God, for God is love."  Do you really know God?  

"Do not judge, lest you may be judged, for with what judgement you are judging, shall you be judged, and with what measure you are measuring, shall be measured to you" 

Matthews Account 7: 1-2, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Living The Lie) # 2181

 

Now, when the full time came, God delegates His Son, come of a woman, come under law, that He should be reclaiming those under the law, that we may be getting the place of a son.  Now, seeing that you are sons, God delegates the spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" 

Paul to the Galatians 4: 4-6, Concordant New Testament 

This morning I pose this question, who is it that you are in the Lord?  The answer which you give will tell me a lot about how it is that you see God in your life.  Do you see God as some distant entity Who sits in heaven while judging the unrighteous?  Or, do you have a more personal connection with Him?  Far too many Christians claim that they're seeking a closer walk with God, while not having any idea what that means.  For their part, those within the church have never sought to introduce believers into a true communion with God.  In all honesty, my own perception of God radically changed only after I had been outside of the church and their teachings and theologies for a few years.  I believe that God has brought me to this place in my life in order to reveal my life within His love.  In the same way, the Father brought the man Saul to his own Damascus road experience in order that God would "Unveil His Son in me" {Paul to the Galatians 1:15-16}.  I have zero doubt that had I remained as a loyal church goer that I would not have come to know God as I now do.  How is it that I now know Him?  Well, I now have the intimate knowing of a Lord that I share my life with.  I do not live a life separated from Him, but within Him {Johns Account 14:20}.  This is Who God is to me.  Now, there are plenty of nay saying believers out there who will scoff at this so called radical belief that I have.  A belief that sinful man can not only be in the presence of, but live within God.  This isn't something that I pulled out of thin air, but the knowing I've attained through His revelation within me.  You cannot accept the revelation the man Saul experienced and expect that the very same truth of Christ Jesus within us cannot be revealed to another.  The scriptures speak to this truth.  

Aside from a few scattered Old Testament verses, the truth of our life within the love of the Father is clearly spoken of throughout scripture.  Jesus Himself speaks to the union which we share with He and the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  He also speaks to the truth that "I am going to make ready a place for you" {Johns Account 14:2-4}.  The common Christian religious belief is that Jesus is referring to our place in heaven in this passage, but I disagree.  Because those within the church continue speak to the lie that heaven is something we earn and not the free gift bestowed by the Father {Paul to the Ephesians 2:8-9}.  This is why I believe that Jesus has spoken the truth that the Father "Will be coming to him and making an abode with him" {Johns Account 14:23}.  Our place was never meant to be outside of the Father, but within Him.  The only voice we will hear which contradicts this truth of our life within the Father comes from those within the church.  That should tell you something.  Do we accept the truth spoken by Jesus, or do we continue to believe in the lie spoken by the church?  That, in a nutshell, is the choice we have.  Trust in the religion of mankind, or in the spoken word of God.  I have chosen to follow the Father and not the words of man.  For that, I'm deemed to have radical beliefs.  But I take heart in the truth that those who opposed the teachings of Jesus considered Him a radical as well.  Those within the church will speak to the lie that sin has separated us from God, but nothing could be further from the truth.  Paul speaks to the truth that Jesus has died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Sin is no longer the issue we face.  The issue we face is quite simple, do we accept God for Who He is, or do we accept the false teachings of the church?  I refuse to live that lie. 

Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone should be loving Me, he will be keeping My word, and My Father will be loving Him, and We shall be coming to him and making an abode with him." 

Johns Account 14: 23, Concordant New Testament Translation

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Gods Reconciliation) # 2180

 For in Him the entire compliment delights to dwell. and through Him to reconcile all to Him (making peace through the blood of His cross), through Him, whether those on earth or those in the heavens

Paul to the Colossians 1: 19-20, Concordant New Testament Translation 

I have said for quite some time that one of the greatest lies spoken by those within the mainstream church is that mankind has been separated from God due to their sin.  To illustrate this point, they often point to a scripture found in the Old Testament book of Isaiah in which the prophet proclaims "Your iniquities have separated you from your God."  Now, I would say that this passage of scripture has a leg to stand on were it not for one important factor, what about Jesus?  Indeed, the prophet Isaiah spoke these words unto the people of Israel long before the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.  Keep in mind, that a lot happened between the time of the prophet until the days when the Lords only Son came to redeem sinful man.  Not only to redeem mankind, but to reconcile all to Himself through the blood of His Son {Paul to the Colossians 1:19-20}.  So, what did Paul understand that those within the church to this day either do not or will not admit to?  I believe that the old apostle understood what I have come to know as the truth of the Lord Jesus.  The truth which speaks not only to forgiveness, but to the ultimate death of our former sin nature {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  The truth which speaks to the fact that we ourselves have died together with Christ Jesus that sin would no longer define us {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  These aren't simply the personal introspective thoughts of Paul, but of what he knew to be the truth of his life in Christ.  A life no longer defined by sin.  As he proclaims, "We, who died to sin, how shall we continue living in it" {Paul to the Romans 6:2}?  Paul understood that the truth we have in Christ centers not only on forgiveness, but on Gods reconciliation of His children unto Himself.  Why would He even do this if we were still considered lost in our sins?  If this were true, would our reconciliation to God even be possible?  I think not.  Therefore, the restoration of the Lord's children cannot even be made possible without the redeeming work of Christ Jesus on the cross.  Paul knew this to be true.  

The other night I watched a video from the self proclaimed "Worlds most outspoken bible scholar," Martin Zender.  In it he lays out the truth of our reconciliation to God.  The truth that we are no longer defined by sin, but by our life in Him.  It is through Christ that this is made possible.  Jesus has provided the groundwork for our reconciliation unto the Father.  I believe that it has never been the Fathers desire that we be chained to an identity of sin.  Yet those within the church continue to ignore the truth spoken in the evangel of Paul and continue to separate mankind from God.  Make no mistake, it is not our sin which separates us from the Father, but the teachings and theology of the mainstream church.  THAT is why I refer to the separation theology spoken by those within the church as a lie.  It simply is not true!  Sure, you can hold fast to a single passage of reference in the Old Testament to prove your point, but what about Jesus?  Has He not given Himself for the death and forgiveness of sin {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}?  If you continue to believe that mankind is separated from God, you have not known the truth of the Lord Jesus, but the lies of the deceiver.  This is the same lie which the deceiver spoke in the garden, that mankind could "Be like God, knowing good and evil" {Genesis 3:5}.  The truth is, we have NEVER been separated from the Father Who created us, despite the lies spoken by those within the church.  How is it that which has been created can be separate from their creator?  The words spoken by Jesus Himself also expose the lie of the church.  For Jesus has declared the truth of our life within the love of the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  THIS is our reconciliation unto the Father.  Jesus in the Father, we are in Christ and He is within us.  If we are indeed separated from God, as the church continues to spew, why is it that Jesus never speaks to this?  Why would He not refer to us as separate from the Father?  Instead, Jesus speaks to the truth of our reconciliation unto Him.  But this is something you will not hear spoken of in the church. 

How that God was in Christ, conciliating the world unto Himself, not reckoning their offenses to them, and placing in us the word of the conciliation 

Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:19, Concordant New Testament Translation 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Jesus Was Right) # 2179

 

"I and the Father, We are one" 

Johns Account 10: 30, Concordant New Testament Translation 

Imagine for a moment that you are a member of that elite group of Jewish religious authorities we know as the Pharisees.  As a Pharisee, it's your duty to interpret and dispense the written word of God (Torah) to the people of Israel.  You are also charged with ensuring that the Lords chosen people of Israel adhere to the traditions and commandments God has set forth in His written word, which has been handed down by the prophets.  Your job is generally pretty easy, and it comes with more than a few perks as well.  You're greeted with greetings of honor in public, and the best places are reserved for you at banquets and the synagogues {Lukes Account 11:43}.  The life of a Pharisee is not bad at all.  Then, one day your world is thrown aside by some scruffy looking dude from the backwoods town of Nazareth who preaches to the people of Israel words that you find to be...blasphemous to say the least.  Not only that, but this guy has taken to performing signs and miracles in the midst of the people of Israel.  Those who have been lame have been healed.  The sick as well.  Then, word reaches you that this blasphemous man has supposedly raised a man from the dead!  The worst part of all of this commotion is that a large portion of the population of Israel has begun to listen and take heed of this mans teachings.  Some have even spoken of Him as the promised Messiah who will save the Lords people.  You and your fellow Pharisees have been of the belief that Gods promised Messiah would deliver Israel from the chains of the occupying Romans.  Something doesn't seem right about all of this.  So, you fall back on your training and rebuke this man for His blasphemous words and actions.  After all, He speaks against very the words you have been charged with giving to the people.  Then one day comes the ultimate heresy, this Nazarene boldly declares that "I and the Father, We are one" {Johns Account 10:30}.  Did He really just proclaim Himself equal with God?  What more evidence do you need of His blasphemy?  He must be silenced!  If you were that Pharisee, what would you do?  Would you scheme a way to catch Jesus in His blasphemous words?  Would you seek to discredit Him in front of His followers?  Well, the Pharisees of Jesus' day tried all that.  But, it turns out that Jesus was right after all.  

For someone who had been raised in the teachings of the Torah, it must have been difficult to swallow the words of someone proclaiming to be one with your holy God.  But, as I said, Jesus wasn't lying.  In fact, I am of the belief that He is incapable of lying {To the Hebrews 6:18}.  Therefore, we must accept the very words of Jesus as truth.  He and the Father are indeed one.  How is it possible for the One we know as the Son of the living God to be one with the Father?  Well, I take Him at His word.  We also have the words spoken by the apostle Paul in his evangel as proof of the truth we have in Jesus {Paul to the Colossians 1:15}.  Indeed, not only is Jesus one with the Father, but he is the image of God Who is invisible.  What more proof do we need?  But here's the issue which I have with those in the church.  They might accept that Jesus and the Father share a common identity, yet all the while they ignore the truth that we also share in that identity with the Father.  Jesus Himself has spoken to this truth of our union within the Father in Johns gospel {Johns Account 14:20}.  As it turns out, Jesus was right, in both cases.  Not only is He one with the Father, but we are one with Him as well.  He is in the Father, we are in Jesus and He is in us {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  This is the truth we have of our life lived within the love of the Father.  But why was it so difficult for those Pharisees to take Jesus as His word?  Well, why is it so difficult for pastors of today to accept the truth that we reside within the Father?  The common denominator here is religion.  The Pharisees were steeped in the religious practices of their faith.  They could never accept that a sinful man could ever be equal with God.  Likewise, the pastors of today refuse to accept that sinful man could ever share an identity with the Father.  To believe so would be...blasphemy.  Well, it turns out that Jesus was right all along.  

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 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (God All In All) # 2178

 

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

Johns Account 1: 1-5, Concordant New Testament Translation 

One of the most difficult concepts to accept about how we see God is in the truth that He is all in all.  That is, God is within everything and anything which we will ever experience.  That it is through Christ Jesus that all has been created {Johns Account 1:1-5}.  The reason that this concept of God all in all is so difficult to comprehend for many is in how we see Him.  Many Christians see God as some far away overseer sitting in heaven while man toils away here on earth.  For their part, the church has perpetuated this belief in that they have spoken that it is the sin of mankind that has separated us from God {Isaiah 59:2}.  Those who adhere to this belief will find it difficult to understand how God could be within all which he has created.  They will admit that He has indeed created all which we see, but that's where His involvement ends.  When it comes to the difficult times in life, they cannot accept that God could ever be involved in such things as death, injustice and world turmoil.  But the simple truth is that He HAS by His hand created everything which we will ever experience in this world.  This is laid out for us in the very first words of the scripture we find in Genesis.  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth {Genesis 1:1}.  How much more proof do we need?  He created both the heavens and the earth, that everything we see and experience in either of these is of God.  He also created us in His very likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  So, not only are the fingerprints of the Father upon the heavens and the earth, but upon us a s well.  I like to think of God all in all in the example of our earthly parents and of how each of us have received that biological DNA signature from two different people.  Not only do I carry the genetic markings of my father, but of my mother as well.  But consider this, having created us in His likeness, we also carry that spirit image of the Father within us {Paul to the Corinthians (1) 15:49}.  

Growing up in the mainstream church teaching, it was difficult for me to accept that God could be within the tragedies of life.  That He could ever be involved in such things as pain and grief.  In these times, I often would pray and ask THAT question, where are you, God?  Never once realizing that He was right where He has always been.  For with Him there is no wavering {James to the Twelve Tribes 1:17}.  If I would have known the truth of my life within the Father back then, I probably could have saved myself a lot of frustration.  The very reason that I can say that I now see God as all in all is due to how I now see my life within His love.  That He has always been an intimate part of who I am.  Of course, this fly's in the face of who those within the church tell us that He is.  That God can never be in the intimate presence of sinful man.  To this I ask, what about Jesus?  Has not Jesus given Himself that we would be free from sin {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}?  In his evangel, Paul speaks to Jesus having died so that we are "By no means to be still slaving for sin" {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  This is welcome news for anyone who has felt that they are trapped in their sins.  That the best that they can do is to continually offer up prayers for God's forgiveness.  Believe me, I've seen that movie play out far too often in my own life.  I was slaving for sin.  This is the very same place many believers continue to find themselves in today.  The truth we have in the Father is that Jesus has already provided for an end to our torment.  That Jesus has died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  This answers the question that God can and is within what the church continues to see as sinful man.  Jesus Himself has spoken to the truth of our life in the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  He has created all we experience and has created us in His likeness, He is indeed all in all.  

Now, whenever all may be subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also shall be subjected to Him Who subjects all to Him, that God may be all in all 

Paul to the Corinthians (1) 15: 28, Concordant New Testament Translation 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (In Gods House) # 2177

 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone should be loving Me, he will be keeping My word, and My Father will be loving him, and We shall be coming to him and making an abode with him

Johns Account 14: 23, Concordant New Testament Translation 

Growing up in the church, the physical building was often referred to as Gods house.  How many of you have heard someone ask you, "Were you in Gods house on Sunday?"  Indeed, the brick and mortar church buildings, temples and cathedrals we have become used to over time have always been considered to be the abode of God.  The Jewish authorities of Jesus' day revered the temple in Jerusalem as holy ground.  So much so that in the inner sanctums of the temple was what was known as the holy of holies.  This was sacred ground in which God was believed to abide, and which only the high priest was allowed to enter into.  Even here, we can see the religious belief of the separation of God and sinful man.  This was true back then, and continues to be one of the hallmarks of Christian theology and teaching.  But here's my question, what is it that Jesus proclaims of the abode of the Father?  We know that Jesus raised the ire of the Pharisees by proclaiming, "I and the Father, We are one."  In the eyes of the religious leaders of the day, Jesus was comparing Himself to God.  There could be no greater blasphemy than this.  But was He lying?  We have read that Jesus has proclaimed His own union, and ours, with the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  That not only is He in the Father, but we are in Him and He...is in us.  When we read and understand these words of Jesus, we begin to understand that the true home of the Father has never been the physical building of the church, but within those who love and worship Him.  Of course, this runs contrary to the traditions of the mainstream church.  And those who run contrary to the traditions of the church are all too often seen as radical thinkers.  I know this all too well.  For whenever I attempt to have the conversation with other believers about the truth of our life within the Father, I'm often accused of not understanding the scriptures or of cherry picking them for my own benefit.  In reality, I'm not adding nor taking away from the truth we find in scripture, only pointing out that which those within the church refuse to acknowledge.  

The scripture tells us that God finds His home within us {Johns Account 14:23}.  These are the very words spoken by Jesus Himself.  I have not found any spoken words of Jesus which speak to the Father residing within the walls of the church.  Now, we have read that God is indeed in the presence of those who gather in His name {Matthews Account 18:20}.  But this passage DOES NOT speak to God physically residing within the walls of the church.  So it is that we must accept the spoken word of the Lord Jesus of where God calls His home, and that is within those who love and believe in Him.  News flash, it turns out that Jesus was right all along.  Not only is He one with the Father, but He also dwells with us within Him.  However, the elephant in the room still remains.  Why is it that the mainstream church continues to ignore this truth spoken of by Jesus?  Why is it that those within the church continue to pursue the narrative that man has been separated from God by the same sin which Jesus has given Himself for{Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}?  Keep in mind, this is the spoken teaching of man's religion and not of the truth we find in the Father.  In his evangel, the apostle Paul speaks to Jesus dying to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  However, I am of the opinion that those within the church continue to crucify Him daily over sin He has already died to.  I'll take this truth one step further.  Paul speaks in Galatians that he (and we) have been crucified along with Jesus, that the life we once knew is no more {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  So, do you think that you're still guilty of some sort of sin?  Not according to Paul, who proclaims that "We, who died to sin, how shall we still be living in it" {Paul to the Romans 6:2}?  So much for the false church narrative that sinful man cannot abide in the presence of God.  The truth is, WE are the home of the Father. 

Are you not aware that you are a temple of God and the spirit of God is making its home in you? 

Paul to the Corinthians 3: 16, Concordant New Testament Translation 

~Scott~ 

Good Of The Father (Radical Jesus) # 2176

 Yet I am saying to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who are persecuting you

Matthews Account 5: 44, Concordant New Testament Translation 

Have you ever thought of Jesus as anything more than your Lord and savior?  While we would be correct in proclaiming this, we should also recognize that Jesus was indeed considered a radical teacher during His ministry.  Many of the Jews of His day had the idea that the coming Messiah would be a leader who would lead the nation of Israel to victory over their hated Roman occupiers.  Never once did they consider that God would desire them to pray for these same Romans.  That is, until Jesus came along and shocked the social norms of the Jewish society.  The idea of praying for ones enemies was a foreign concept to the tradition based Jewish leadership.  In their view, "An eye for an eye" was the best response to someone who had wronged you.  The radical teaching of Jesus tells us not to exact an eye for an eye, but "Anyone who slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also" {Mattews Account 5:39}.  It's understandable that there were indeed those who despised Jesus for His radical teachings, the Jewish Pharisees among them.  It was these religious leaders who clung to the traditions of the Torah in verse, but not in practice.  All too often, you could see these men in public openly going against the traditions they taught.  They seldom practiced what they preached to others.  Jesus, on the other hand, definitely exemplified that which He taught.  In fact, many of the modern church teachings of love, non-violence and humility come straight from the teachings and words of Jesus.  But how is it that these words of Jesus could be considered to be radical?  Well, because Jesus spoke against what were considered to be the social norms of His day.  For their part, the Pharisees challenged Him at every turn.  These Jewish leaders wanted more than anything to keep things the way that they were.  They despised this radical street preacher from Nazareth coming into their arena to upset the apple cart so to say.  In fact, we hear Nathaniel inquiring of Philip, "Can anything good be out of Nazareth?" {Johns Account 1:46}.  So, here we have One from the hillbilly town of Nazareth speaking a message no one had ever heard before.  The very definition of a radical. 

So, what is it that we can learn from these radical teachings of Jesus?  Remember, it is for His radical teachings that the Jewish religious leaders had Him crucified.  These days, many embrace the so called radical teachings of this man from Nazareth.  We understand that love, humility and grace are not radical at all, but what the Father desires for us.  Yet there continue to be a few of the teachings of Jesus that we continue to see as radical in nature, inclusivity being one of them.  While left wing pundits today rage for inclusivity, it is the apostle Paul who speaks of the very definition of the word.  In his evangel, Paul speaks to the truth that "In Whom there is no Jew nor yet Greek, there is no slave nor yet free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" {Paul to the Galatians 3:28}.  While the debate today rages against gender equality, it is Paul who refused to group the Lords creation into gender identification.  The truth we find in Jesus is that we are all one with He and the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  Of course, the Jewish authorities despised Jesus for His blasphemous words that "I and the Father, We are one" {Johns Account 10:30}.  Even today, many believers scoff at the idea that sinful man could ever be one with Jesus.  When I speak this truth of Jesus to others, I become the radical.  I guess I'm in good company.  In many ways, the same religious norms which Jesus spoke against in His ministry are still with us today.  The religious hierarchies, the traditional requirements and the expectation that believers adhere to them.  But what did the radical teachings of Jesus tell us about how we worship the Father?  Not by recognizing and practicing religious traditions, but something radical indeed.  For Jesus speaks to the woman He encountered at the well that "God is spirit, and those who are worshipping Him must be worshipping in spirit and truth" {Johns Account 4:24}.  "For the Father also is seeking such to be worshipping Him" {Johns Account 4:23}.  What does these radical words of Jesus tell us about how we worship today?  Well, like the Pharisees before them, I'm sure that it would make more than a few pastors nervous.  No church?  No praise and worship music?  No tithing?  Blasphemy!  And that, is the radical Jesus. 

But coming is the hour, and now is, when the true worshippers will be worshipping the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father also is seeking such to be worshipping Him.  God is spirit, and those who are worshipping Him must be worshipping in spirit and truth 

Johns Account 4: 23-24, Concordant New Testament Translation 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Those Who Follow) # 2175

 Going, then, disciple all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to be keeping all, whatever I direct you.  And lo! I am with you all the days till the conclusion of the eon! Amen! 

Matthews Account 28: 19-20, Concordant New Testament Translation 

Websters defines a disciple as "One who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrine of another."  I have been around more than a few churches in my lifetime where discipleship was a pretty big deal.  I have a dear friend who introduced me into this concept more than a few years ago.  The church requirement for discipleship was that I complete a series of classes in order to somehow qualify for their version discipleship.  So, there's training involved in accepting the gospel of Christ Jesus?  Like many things in the church, I think they missed the mark on this one.  Believers all too often refer to the followers of Jesus as being His disciples.  But what is it that these twelve men actually did?  They followed Jesus, accepted His teachings and came to know Him as the Son of the living God {Matthews Account 16:15-17}.  Indeed, Simon had proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God, but it is definitely through His teachings that this truth was revealed unto him.  In my own life, I did not see the forest through the trees until after I had left the mainstream church.  It was only then that the revelation of the Father opened my eyes to the truth of my life lived within His love.  I didn't come to this realization through some church endorsed discipleship class, but through the revelation of the Father.  So, am I a disciple?  A follower of Jesus?  I would beg to differ on this definition.  I do not believe that I am a disciple of Jesus, but His very image.  Follow me here, we're told that God has created us in His likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  In his evangel, the apostle Paul speaks to his own life being dead and gone, "But living in me is Christ" {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  Many believers refer to Paul as a disciple of Jesus, surely based very on the definition of the word.  He believed and he followed Jesus after his Damascus Road experience {Acts of the Apostles 9:1-19}.  Up until this point, Paul could hardly be considered a disciple.  But, Christianity has accepted him as a disciple of Jesus based upon his conversion.  

I had a little difficulty in thinking of a title for this page.  I texted a friend this morning asking for help in a topic for my daily thoughts, but he is enjoying a well deserved overseas vacation so I'll cut him some slack.  I finally decided on the topic of discipleship because I have a bit of experience in the church version of this concept.  However, I'm a firm believer in the fact that words mean things, and I know that the definition of being a disciple is one that fits me.  I am a follower of Jesus.  I believe in His teachings.  But my relationship with Him goes deeper than simply knowing the words He has spoken.  I believe that Jesus is my very life.  I am in Him, and He is within me.  Jesus has assured us of this truth in the gospel of John {Johns Account 14:20}.  It seems that Paul wasn't speaking blasphemies when he proclaimed that Christ lived in him.  So, I would not consider myself a follower of Jesus, but His very image.  The image of Christ Jesus who is in me.  Now, many within the church might accuse me of taking the scriptures out of context by proclaiming this truth, but I believe in my heart that this is the revelation given unto me by the Father.  The same revelation which Jesus spoke had been revealed unto Simon.  Therefore, I believe that we should no longer refer to those who have known the revelation of the Father as disciples, but as His chosen.  After all, that is what He has done {Johns Account 15:16}.  I have been chosen and appointed by Jesus.  I understand the rules and regulations of the church, and I know that they feel the need to adhere to their long held traditions.  But I also believe that a true disciple of Jesus never follows, but lives their life within Him. 

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

Johns Account 15: 16, Concordant New Testament Translation 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (God And The DEI Lie) #2174

 

Or has not the potter the right over the clay, out of the same kneading to make one vessel, indeed, for honor, yet one for dishonor? 

Paul to the Romans 9: 21, Concordant New Testament Translation 

At it's base, the idea of DEI means that as a society and a people that we should practice diversity, equity and inclusion.  That we should accept others as they are, albeit for any and all of their faults.  That all are equal and that all should be included in whatever it is that we do.  Sounds good, right?  However, like most everything that the liberal Democrats come up with, the idea of DEI has been hijacked to fit their narrative.  They insist that those with alterative lifestyles be included and not shunned by others.  They preach the failed idea of diversity, claiming that we are all different in our own way.  Again, sounds plausible, right?  Through our human eyes and understanding, yes.  However, how is it that God sees this idea of diversity, equity and inclusion?  See, far from looking upon this idea and accepting it for what we're told that it is, I shine the light of the Fathers truth upon it.  When we do this, we see that the God has been the original founder of equity and inclusion.  It is God who has created all in His own likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  ALL are important and beautiful in the eyes of the Father.  All are included.  What the truth of the Father also reveals is that not only has He created us all in His spirit image, but that He has created us just as we are.  There are no two people who are identically the same.  Yes, even male and female, both created through the Fathers love {Genesis 1:27}.  So, not only to we have a man inspired DEI issue, but a gender confusion issue as well.  Make no mistake, this IS NOT of God.  In his evangel, the apostle Paul speaks to God molding each of us for His purpose {Paul to the Romans 9:21}.  That's right, God is the potter who has molded the clay of His creation as He has seen fit according to His purpose.  Don't be mad at God for how He created you, that is His domain.  As Paul so correctly proclaims, "Has not the potter the right over the clay?"  Who are you, o man, to argue with He who has lovingly created you according to His purpose?

Like I said, this idea of gender confusion and equity and inclusion for all has never been of God, but of man.  I would dare to say that it has been based upon the lie of the deceiver spoken to Adam and Eve in the garden that they could "Be like God, knowing good and evil" {Genesis 3:5}.  It is by this suggestion of the devil which inspired mans idea that he is separated from God.  The author Norman Grubb disputes this idea by proclaiming, "There is no independent, self-operating self in the universe, except the One Who calls Himself the I AM {Exodus 3:14} and says, 'I am the Lord and there is none else, there is no God beside Me' {Isaiah 45:5}.  As I said, it is man himself who has perpetuated the idea that sin has separated us from the Father.  No place is this more evident than in the mainstream church.  For the church has based its teachings and theology on the concept that the sin of man has separated him from God.  To this I say, what about Jesus?  Has not Jesus given Himself for the death of sin?  We see this in the evangel of Paul {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  I suppose the reason that I am able to see the DEI lie is because I have known the truth of my own life within the love of the Father.  I do not live separated from God, but within His love.  Jesus Himself has spoken to this union in John's gospel {Johns Account 14:20}.  The truth is that we have not only been created in Gods likeness according to His purpose, but that our life is IN Him, we are His handiwork {Paul to the Ephesians 2:10}.  We need not accept the DEI or gender confusion lie conceived and spoken by the deceiver.  We only need to know the truth of who we are in the Father. 

For His achievement are we, being created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God makes ready beforehand, that we should be walking in them 

Paul to the Ephesians 2: 10, Concordant New Testament Translation 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Billy's Battle) # 2173

 

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 loved me, and gives Himself up for me

Paul to the Galatians 2: 20, Concordant New Testament Translation

I noticed a short video of the late Billy Graham the other day which almost made me change my view of the late preacher...almost.  I have known for awhile that Billy adhered to the separation theology of the church throughout his ministry career.  This is the belief spoken by those within the church that it is the sin of man which has separated him from God {Isaiah 59:2}.  While I believe that the old preacher indeed led many to the Lord over his lifetime, I also consider the separation theology to be one of the lies spoken by the mainstream church.  So, what is it that he said which almost changed my opinion of him?  Well, in the middle of one of his crusades, Billy Graham spoke that Christ dwells within us.  I was taken aback, fully expecting to hear the same old church song and dance.  However, through the advice of a good friend I discovered that Billy hadn't turned over a new leaf at all, but was simply exhibiting his own dual beliefs in God.  Yes, he might very well believe that Christ Jesus resides in him, but he also undoubtedly follows the church guidance that he continues to serve his flesh as well.  My friend refers to this belief as a "Dualistic" approach to Christ.  Realizing that Jesus is within us, yet still living with our sinful flesh nature as well.  In other words, they accept the forgiveness of Christ Jesus, but continue to believe that they follow the sinful flesh.  Those who follow this belief will always struggle with the two natures, Christ and the flesh.  In his evangel, the apostle Paul debunks this dualistic belief.  Paul understood that he no longer lived by the flesh, but that his life dwelled within Christ {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  Of course, to understand Paul's rationale, we need to accept the truth that we HAVE died with Jesus on that cross.  For to deny this is to believe that sin continues to have a place in our lives.  Paul is adamant that it is Jesus Who has died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  That "We, who died to sin, how shall we still be living in it?" {Paul to the Romans 6:2}.  

When we know and understand the words spoken by Paul, we realize that there is no room for a dualistic approach to life.  How is it can we continue to struggle with sinful flesh if Jesus has already put it to death?  Therefore, I believe that the old preacher didn't fully grasp what he was saying.  He proclaimed to have Jesus, but didn't understand what that entailed.  I'm not at all ashamed to danced to the church dualistic belief system.  That was how I was taught back in the day.  Anyone who has spent much time in the mainstream church can attest to the fact that there are two competing messages coming from the pulpits, Jesus and the flesh.  That we need to know Jesus, but to be wary of the desires of the flesh as well.  THIS was the message spoken by Billy Graham that day.  He was both confident in the indwelling Christ, but still fought with the flesh nature as well.  This is why believers can attest to believe in Jesus, yet still live in fear of sin and punishment.  Of how God will punish the wicked with eternity in hell.  Growing up, I always lived in fear that God would find me unworthy due to my own behaviors.  I was lost in the dualistic battle.  The words of Paul shed light on the truth we have in Christ Jesus.  That we "By no means should still be slaving for sin" {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  I challenge anyone who continues to struggle with the two natures to read the words of Paul spoken in Romans 6: 6-11.  It is here where Paul lays out the truth about sin, and how Jesus has died to put it to death once and for all.  The truth is that we no longer live with a sinful flesh nature, but within the love of the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  This is the truth we have in Him.  

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, being roused from among the dead, is no longer dying.  Death is lording it over Him no longer, for on 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 Translation

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The God Question) # 2172

 

"Teaching them to be keeping all, whatever I direct you.  And lo!  I am with you all of the days till the conclusion of the eon! Amen!"

Matthews Account 28: 20, Concordant New Testament Translation

I was reminded of a question the other day.  Not a question which I asked of another person, but one I have asked of God more than a few times.  That question is, where are You, God?  I believe that there are more than a few believers out there who have asked that very question of the Father at one time or another.  I also believe that we ask this question due to our own lack of knowing who God truly is.  Back in the day, when I would ask this of God, I had no idea who He was, or how it was that He related to my life.  All I knew of God came from the teachings and the sermons of the church.  From these teachings, I came to see God as someone Who was far distant from my everyday life.  God is in heaven, and I'm here on earth living this human life.  This is all part of the separation theology spoken and taught by those within the church.  See, I was taught that it was my own sin which had driven a wedge between myself and God {Isaiah 59:2}.  Therefore, when troubling times came, as is common in this life, I was left to wonder, where are You, God?  So, I asked Him the question.  More often than not, I failed to receive an answer, but I believe that this was due to my not knowing who I was within Him.  I believe that this is the problem for many believers today, that we simply don't know of our life within the love of the Father.  For if we knew this truth, we would never need to inquire of God where he is, we would already know in our hearts.  So, where is He?  Well, Jesus has spoken that we do not live a life separate from God, but in union with He and the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  Many Christians see the words Jesus speaks of "In that day" as some indication of a future event.  But I believe that He was referring to the here and now.  Jesus IS in the Father, we ARE in Him and He IS within us.  This is the truth of our life lived within the love of the Father.  Once we know and understand this, we never need ask God where He is.

I recall the days after my mother passed as being some of the most difficult times I had ever faced.  Up until that point, I had never faced death on a personal level.  I had been praying to God for some time that He would heal my mother and relieve her from the pain she was feeling each day.  Predictably, when she passed away, my first thought was why God had not answered my prayer, but those of all who had been praying for her.  For the first time in my life, I was angry with God.  In my mind, he had abandoned me when I needed Him the most.  That wasn't supposed to happen.  I asked the question, where are you, God?  This time, I felt His answer in my heart.  The answer was simple, she's no longer suffering.  By not knowing who God truly is, I had been blinded into thinking that He had abandoned me, something He has promised me that He would never do {Deuteronomy 31:6}.  Had I known the truth of my life within the Father at that point, it's possible that I would not have had to wonder where He was in my time of need.  But, as they say, knowledge often comes through life experience.  I believe that I had to endure this in order to understand who God truly is.  I now know that God is not some far off entity simply watching over my daily life.  That life is lived within Him.  There is nothing I will ever do or experience that He will never be intimately involved in.  In the difficult times, it is He Who guides me.  I never need to ask Him where He is, for I already know.  

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 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (What God Wants) # 2171

 

Now it is Eonian life that they may know thee, the only true God, and Him Who Thou dost commission, Jesus Christ

Johns Account 17: 3, Concordant New Testament Translation

The question was raised this week among us, what is it that God wants?  Why is it that we ask of Him, why God?  Those within the church talk a big game when it comes to recognizing and knowing His will for us, but they all too often fall short.  See, the churches view of God is one which is based upon our separation from Him.  Therefore, when it comes to knowing the Fathers will for us, their teachings are often based upon that separation theology.  I have heard the will of God described as recognizing our own sin nature within us.  Of course, this is a false teaching.  For the church either refuses to recognize or ignores what Christ Jesus has accomplished for us on the cross.  That not only did Jesus die, but that WE died there with Him {Paul to the Galatians 2:20, Paul to the Romans 6:8}.  In the eyes of those within the church, Jesus died alone, with even the Father seemingly turning His back on His beloved Son.  More false teachings from the church.  To understand what the true will of the Father is, we must first understand who He is.  The apostle John gives us a valuable clue the true nature of the Father when he proclaims that God...is love {First Epistle of John 4:8}.  Yes, above all else, God is love.  Knowing this, we can delve deeper into that question of what the desire of God truly is.  So that is what I shall attempt to do.

So, what does God want?  I believe that the ultimate will and desire of the Father is that His children would come to know Him for who He is.  Jesus speaks to us that eonian life, our eonian life, consists of our KNOWING the Father, the "Only true God, and Him Whom Thou dost commission, Jesus Christ" {Johns Account 17:3}.  So, this is Jesus telling us the one true desire of the Father.  That we would know Him.  This, above all, is the will of God.  I can definitely understand this, for precious few believers today actually know God for Who He truly is.  As a young believer, I never knew Him as I do today.  What is it that changed all of that?  I grew up in the church, adhering to and swallowing the teachings of the separation theology.  I grew up believing that my sin separated me from the God who loved me enough to create me in His likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  Yes, I knew that He loved me, but that my own actions had caused Him to be upset with me to the point that He turned His back on that which He created out of His love for me.  Does this sound like a loving God?  It's not, it is the false image of the Father spoken of and portrayed by the church for thousands of years.  This is the image of God that I grew up with.  Knowing He loved me, but that I had let Him down through my sins.  Ironically, these were the very same sins which Christ Jesus has given Himself for {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  So, despite the truth spoken of in the evangel of Paul that Jesus has died to sin "Once for all time," those within the church will continue to treat sin as a relevant issue {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Again I ask, what is it that changed my thinking about Who God is?  Well, one Easter Sunday, as I sat listening to another prepared sermon on the resurrection of Jesus, the pastor invited all who felt that they had "Unresolved sin" to come forward to be prayed over.  I stood up, but not to go for prayer, to leave the church entirely.  The question in my mind was, how is it that this pulpit pounder could teach of the forgiveness of the risen Lord Jesus one moment, then act as if that meant nothing at all the next?  But this is the message of the church when it comes to sin.  This has never been the intention of the Father Who loves us.  His desire is not that we recognize that we have sinned against Him, but that we see Him for Who He truly is.  

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

First Epistle of John 4: 8, Concordant New Testament Translation

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (A Christian Contradiction) # 2170

 

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 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-knowing, all-perfect and all wise, somehow he just can't handle money.

~George Carlin~ 

I was listening to a clip of the late reverend Billy Graham the other day.  Now, I grew up listening to the late preachers crusades, and I'm certain that he ultimately led many to follow the Lord.  BUT, in this message, I ran across what I have come to know as the Christian contradiction.  The reverend Graham was encouraging those listening that God loved you no matter what you had done, which is true.  However, this is where he lost me.  For in his next breath, he proclaimed that God despises the sinner, and that those unrepentant of their sin would be cast into hell.  So, the messaging here is that no matter what I've ever done in my life, God still loves me.  BUT, that He despises those who sin.  And, if you sin, that hell is your ultimate destination.  This has been the Christian religious playbook for thousands of years, so I can't blame the late preacher for using it to somehow frighten people into accepting God in their lives.  Back in the days of Jesus' ministry, the Jewish authorities had many traditions and rituals which they demanded that people of the Lord follow.  So, the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree in that respect.  Yet, in His woes to the Pharisees, Jesus admonished the Jewish leaders for their treatment of the children of the Lord {Matthews Account 23:16-24}.  But what is the truth which Billy Graham and countless other pulpit pounders have either overlooked or outright ignored?  The truth is that God does indeed love us no matter what we've ever done, I agree with Billy on that point.  But to claim that God despises sinners is to ignore the very reason why Jesus was dispatched into this world in the first place.  Jesus came, because "God thus loves the world, so that He gives His only-begotten Son {Johns Account 3:16-17}.  Tell me, if God despises the sinner, why is it that He sent His only Son to redeem them?  Why not simply allow those in sin to wallow in their sins?  The truth is that God has NEVER despised the sinner, but cherished them close to Him through His love.  

The old saying is true, that if you tell a lie often enough that eventually people will see it as the truth.  This has been the reality of the Christian contradiction.  God loves you, but He hates sinners enough to banish them to hell.  Does anyone but me see the absurdity of this belief?  I believe that the crux of the contradiction is based on the churches obsession with sin.  So much so, that it is sin which has caused the Father to throw away His love for us.  Now, if God will not and cannot lie, how is it that He hates the sinner?  Has He not proclaimed that "He will not leave you nor forsake you" {Deuteronomy 31:6-8, To the Hebrews 13:5}.  Has not Jesus Himself spoken that "I am with you all the days till the conclusion of the eon! Amen!" {Matthews Account 28:20}.  Something here doesn't add up.  The truth is that God is not a God of punishment or revenge, but a God of love {First Epistle of John 4:8}.  Therefore, to say that God hates the sinner is simply ignoring who the Father truly is, and who we truly are in Him.  The mistaken belief is that our lives are lived outside of God, where sin runs rampant.  God is in heaven, while we're here in this fallen world.  But Jesus Himself has spoken to the truth that we don't live separate from, but within the love of God {Johns Account 14:20}.  But what about sin?  Well, that ship has sailed.  In his evangel, the apostle Paul speaks to the truth that Christ Jesus has "Died to sin once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Paul goes further by proclaiming "We, who died to sin, how shall we still be living in it?"{Paul to the Romans 6:2}.  Still think that God hates the sinner?  If you do, then you're probably still stuck in the contradiction of the church. 

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

First Epistle of John 4: 8, Concordant New Testament Translation

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The Ears To Hear) # 2169

 

Now possessing the fullness of faith and holy spirit, looking intently into heaven, he perceived the glory of God, standing at the right hand of God.  And said, "Lo! I am beholding the heavens opened up, and the Son of mankind standing at the right hand of God." 

Acts of the Apostles 7: 55-56, Concordant New Testament Translation

The Hellenistic Jews were livid at the words of the apostle Stephen.  As he preaches the risen Lord within the temple courts, he is brought before the Jewish Sanhedrin to answer for his perceived blasphemous words.  Instead of admitting to his blasphemy, Stephen once again preaches that Jesus is indeed the promised Christ.  Furious, the Sanhedrin orders the apostle stoned to death for his blasphemy.  As he stands before his accusers, Stephen proclaims that he indeed has seen the risen Christ, "I am beholding the heavens opened up, and the Son of mankind standing at the right hand of God" {Acts of the Apostles 7:56}.  As he faced his own death at the hands of his accusers, Stephen perceived Jesus looking and cheering him on, awaiting to receive him into heaven.  For their part, those leaders within the Jewish faith who accused him did not possess the ears to hear Stephens message of the truth that Jesus is the risen Lord they have so eagerly awaited for so long.  Of course, these were the same Jewish leaders who put Jesus to death for the blasphemy of declaring Himself the Son of God.  When we read the scriptures, we often recognize the folly of those who refused the message that Jesus is indeed the risen Lord.  How could anyone deny Christ Jesus?  Yet there continue to be those who will.  There continue to be those who, despite the best intentions of those bringing the message of the truth we find in in Christ, will not have ears to hear that message.  I have dealt with similar situations in my own life.  I currently know a man who, despite confessing to be a believer, will adamantly deny the truth of Jesus found in the gospels.  He will justify his immoral behavior with the belief that, "God wants me to be happy."  Yes, there is no doubt that the Lords desire is for us to be happy, but not in the way you might think.  Gods desire, is that we remain happy IN HIM.  THIS is the truth we have in our life lived within the Father.  

For those who do not possess the ears to hear the truth, a union life within the Father is simply, blasphemy.  In their limited understanding, the truth resides in the words spoken from the pulpits of the mainstream church.  Yes, Jesus is our risen Lord, but to live IN HIM?  What blasphemy is this?  Well, it turns out that it's not blasphemy as all, but the truth spoken of our life within the Father.  Jesus Himself has spoken that our life is not lived independently of, but within the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  Has Jesus spoken blasphemy?  Well, in the eyes of the Jews who condemned Him to His death, yes.  Yet the truth of our life in Christ Jesus is well documented within the scriptures.  The apostle Paul speaks to this in the book of Galatians.  Paul proclaims that his life no longer exists, "But living in me is Christ" {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  Paul understood the truth, that the old man he once was has been crucified on that cross with Christ.  What remains, as Paul points out, is Jesus.  Yet many who follow the words and the evangel of Paul continue to have ears that will not hear the truth of their life in Christ Jesus.  I know a man who will claim that those who speak of the liberating words of Paul are simply cherry-picking verses in order to advance their blasphemy.  Really?  I thought that we have been taught that the words of scripture are true, and "above any two-edged sword" {To the Hebrews 4:12}.  I guess that only applies to verses mentioned from the church pulpits.  Before his death, Stephen proclaimed that he had seen the heavens opened and Christ Jesus standing at the right hand of God looking on with approval.  Jesus was cheering Stephen on!  Stephen was proclaiming the truth of Christ to those without ears to hear, and for this Jesus delighted in him.  How much so will He also delight is we who speak the truth of our life lived within the Father?  These are not words of blasphemy, but of the truth of Christ.  

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 Translation 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The Identity Crisis Facing Men) #2168

 

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 Translation

There have been many attempts throughout our history to determine what defines a man.  I recall the Marlboro man cigarette ads in the 70's that depicted a man as a horse riding cowboy type who smoked multiple packs a day.  Then, we were told that cigarettes were the main cause of cancer, and the definition  of the man changed once again.  The author John Eldredge penned the popular Christian book Wild at Heart, which spoke to the identity of a man as the outdoors, risk taking, care free man we at times dream of being.  But again, this fell short of the one true definition of what a man truly is in the eyes of the Lord.  Most every time someone has tried to define what a man is, it is usually based upon who the world feels that a man should be.  Tough, compassionate or wild, it seems that we can't make up our minds on what makes a man.  The apostle Paul hits the nail on the head with his own truth of who we are in Christ Jesus.  Paul does not strive to define what a man is, but who WE are.  He understood the truth, that the old man was gone, having been crucified on that cross with Jesus.  All which remains...is Jesus {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  So, in our attempts to ascertain the identity of a man, we've been missing the mark entirely.  This is why I believe that men face an identity crisis.  This is the same identity crisis which I faced not that long ago.  Believing what the world told me that a man should be.  Ignoring what the Father created me to be.  It's no secret that, as men, we are bombarded with messages about who we are and how we should act.  I have a gym friend who has spoken to the lie that he believes that women hold too much power over men.  In my opinion, we've done this to ourselves.  Instead of following who the Father has created us to be, we manufacture a false identity which is far different. 

So, who is it that God has created me to be?  Answer this question, and you're most likely on the road to discovering who it is that you truly are.  The truth is that we have been created by God in His own likeness/image {Genesis 1:27}.  He has always been a part of who we are.  Everything we are or will ever be, has been created by God.  So, is God an adventurer, as the author Eldredge sought to establish men as?   Absolutely.  Following Paul's lead, we can assume that we have never been an independent creation, but have dwelled within the love of the Father.  When we look in the mirror, we see the image of Jesus.  Jesus Himself speaks to our union life within the Father in the book of John {Johns Account 14:20}.  God has not created us to be a separate entity apart from Him.  He has created us to live within Him.  The lie spoken by the deceiver has convinced many that man is his own, separate being.  This is the lie spoken by Satan the deceiver in the garden, that man would "Be like God" {Genesis 3:5-6}.  The Christian author Norman Grubb writes about the error in this thinking.  That "There is no independent, self-operating self in the universe, except the One Who calls Himself the I AM"{Exodus 3:14}.  For their part, the church has fallen for the lie of the deceiver hook, line and sinker.  You will seldom hear of our union life within the Father preached from the pulpits of the church.  In my opinion, this only adds to the identity crisis facing men today.  The truth is that we have been created to live IN the Father and not outside of His love.  This is the truth of who we are. 

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 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (What We Expect From Satan) # 2167

 

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 Translation

There has never been a more aptly applied name.  To many believers, Satan has become known as the deceiver.  We know it, and we proclaim it.  But we all too often don't practice what we preach.  All too often, we fall for the lies of the devil without even realizing it.  The apostle Peter has spoken that the devil roams about seeking whom he may devour {Peter to the Dispersion (1) 5:8}.  He never misses the opportunity to deceive anyone.  I know that I have been the victim of his lies on more than one occasion.  The latest has been during a bout of a feeling of low self-worth, where Satan had a field day feeding me lies about myself.  That I was not important.  That my eternity in the Lord was a false belief.  That my sin had caused Him to deny me.  Lies!  It is in these moments that we need to heed the advice of Peter and be sober...watch!  For we must always be on guard for the lies of the deceiver.  Because deception is his only game plan.  Think about it, what does Satan have to offer us but lies?  Of course, a lie told often enough has a good chance of becoming truth.  Not in this case.  For our truth is within the love of the Father.  The apostle John correctly refers to Satan as the "spirit of deception" {First Epistle of John (1) 4:6}.  Nothing could be closer to the truth than that.  For this is all which Satan has to offer us.  He cannot offer salvation.  He definitely will never offer us unending love.  Everything which he has to offer is based upon lies.  He has spoken the lie that he will ascend above the Lord {Isaiah 14:13-14}.  He has also spoken the lie which speaks to man being separate from God {Genesis 3:4-5}.  I believe that this is one of the most dangerous lies of the deceiver, and one which continues to be preached from the pulpits of the church.  The lie that the sins of man have caused him to be separated from the God Who created him.  As with all of the lies of the deceiver, nothing could be further from the truth.

One of the best defenses to combat the lies of the deceiver is the truth which we have in the Father.  The writer of Hebrews speaks to the truth that God shall be "Imparting My laws to their hearts, I shall be inscribing them on their comprehension also" {To the Hebrews 10:16}.  This is the new covenant of the Lord for His children.  In other words, His desires are not only written in our hearts, but we are always keenly aware of His thoughts if we only will listen to His spirit in which we now dwell.  That's right, contrary to the lie of the deceiver, our life is not lived separate from God, but within His love.  Jesus has spoken to this truth in the book of John {John's account 14:20}.  The apostle Paul, in his evangel, speaks to his life being in Christ Jesus {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  THIS is the truth which we have in the Father.  This is who we are!  The deceiver will try to whisper in our ear that our sin has separated us from God, that God could never love a sinner like me.  In reality, it is through the love and mercy of the Father that our sin has been nullified {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  This isn't just for sins of the past, but for our present and future as well.  The truth is that Christ Jesus has died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Knowing this truth we have in the Father, we can easily counter the lies of the deceiver.  That I am created in the Fathers likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  That He has breathed into me the breath of life {Genesis 2:7}.  That I am His loved child {First Epistle of John 3:1}.  A good friend of mine often spoke a simple truth which I remember to this day, when Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!  My future is in the Father.  The future of the deceiver lies within his deception.  This is all he has to offer us.  

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 Translation 

~Scott~