The Good Of The Father (A God Who Hates) # 2191

 

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

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

I shared a video of outspoken Christian scholar Martin Zender to a friend the other day.  The video in question spoke to the love of the Lord, and how Gods desire is that all of His creation would be saved.  Unfortunately, this didn't end well.  My friend, who is a regular church attendee, dismissed this video in part because it did not speak to the punishment of the wicked among us.  I get it.  To be honest, I am usually pretty careful to whom I send these videos to for that very reason.  There are times that I get tired of hearing the criticism of my beliefs.  Of hearing how God is a vengeful and hateful God instead of His true character of love and grace.  But, this is where the mainstream church has brought us.  They've spent thousands of years corrupting not only Gods true intentions, but the minds of His children as well.  Indeed, I question a religious belief which claims to accept the existence of a God of love while at the same time claiming that this same God will send His creation into eternal punishment.  Is this an act of love?  I think not.  Yet this continues to be the misguided belief of many within the mainstream church religious system.  I know the system all too well, for I was once a part of it myself.  Yes, I once condemned those who behaved badly as deserving of the damnation of an eternity in hell.  Of course, I also lived in fear that if I didn't act according to the desires of God that I myself would be condemned as well.  This is what I was taught to believe.  So it is that I can cut my friend a bit of slack here, because I'm well aware of the preaching he endures each and every week from the pulpits of the church.  This is the churches idea of who God is.  A loving, graceful God who will condemn you to eternal punishment if you don't do what He tells you.  Again I ask, is this the personification of the love of the Father?  I would say no, as I now know the truth which speaks to love being the Fathers one true character {First Epistle of John 4:8}.  

When I speak to love being the true character of God to someone who attends church every week, I get a mixed response.  Yes, God is love and is merciful...but.  But what about those who openly defy His laws?  What about those who know about Him but continue in their wrong behaviors?  These area just a few of the objections those within the church will find to justify their own version of who God is.  Forget the truth that one day ALL will bow before the Lord Jesus {Paul to the Philippians 2:10-11}.  Does this sound like a God who will banish His children into the eternal punishment of hell?  Here's a deeper question, if indeed God is love, is there even a hell awaiting us?  Or, is the threat of hell simply something the church has used for generations to get the people to fall in line?  Is that threat of hell something the church has used to keep their pews full?  I believe that this is entirely possible, knowing that those within the Christian religious system have already misled us.  In the film Come Sunday, bishop Carlton Pearson is removed from his church for daring to speak the blasphemy that there is no hell.  I have a few Christian friends who refuse to watch this movie because they feel that it goes against the teachings of the church.  Well, they're right about that.  But I believe that Carlton Pearson was onto something.  I believe that he received the revelation of the Father which revealed to him the truth of His love for His children.  This is also the same revelation of the Father which I myself have received.  This is also the same revelation which converted the apostle Paul on that road to Damascus {Acts of the Apostles 9:1-5}.  Is it beyond the Lords capacity to reveal Himself unto His children?  I'd say no to that.  I also believe that, as in Paul's case, that He will reveal Himself unto others that they will speak His truth into the world.  This is why I do what I do, to speak to the God of love.  

For thus God loves the world, so that He gives His only-begotten Son, that everyone who is believing in Him should not be perishing, but may be having life eonian.  For God does not dispatch His Son into the world that He should be judging the world, but that the world may be saved through Him 

Johns Account 3: 16-17, Concordant New Testament Translation

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (How I See Jesus) # 2190

 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

The other day I had someone ask me about Jesus.  Well, not entirely about Him, but how it is that I saw Him.  See, he has heard me speak of Jesus on more than one occasion, so I guess that he was curious as to how I viewed Him in my life.  We've had a few discussions over church and faith issues, so I pretty much knew where it is that he stands in his beliefs.  But, he wanted to know where I stood, so I told him.  Contrary to his church ideology which preaches that Jesus is separated from the Lords creation, I explained that the Father had revealed to me the truth of the Lord Jesus in my life.  Much like Jesus was revealed unto the man Saul on that road to Damascus {Acts of the Apostles 9:1-5}, the Father has revealed to me my life within His love.  My friend was a bit confused over this explanation of my faith.  A sinful man within God?  How is that possible?  I quickly reminded him that anything, anything is possible with God {Matthews Account 19:26}.  I have always wondered if Jesus spoke these words we find within the book of Matthew because He knew that there would be those who would not understand His message.  His own apostles wondered, "Who, consequently, can be saved?" {Matthews Account 19:25}.  Who indeed.  Because my friend has been seeing Jesus through the lens of organized religion, and not that of the His Father in heaven.  Yes, this is that very same lens which distorted my own view of Jesus for so many years.  I grew up drinking the same church religious kool aid which condemned me despite the truth that Jesus has given Himself that I would be free {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  This is the same religious system which acknowledges the sacrifice of Christ Jesus yet refuses to abide by its benefits.  The truth which speaks that we have never been separated from the Father Who created us {Genesis 1:27}.  The truth, as Paul speaks in his evangel, that it is Christ Jesus who we now live for {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  In fact, it is these words of Paul which first introduced me to the truth of my own life within the Father.

In many ways, my conversation with my friend opened the door to share with another how it is that they can experience the same revelation of Christ within them as I have.  Despite speaking against the organized church propaganda which has been preached for thousands of years, there are still those who, like my friend, seem willing to hear the message of my own experience.  I don't condemn and warn of the pitfalls of their sin, but remind them that it is through Christ Jesus that they have been made free {Paul to the Romans 6:10-11}.  That they no longer live a life defined by sin {Paul to the Romans 6:2}.  This has indeed been one of the lies spoken by those within the church, and the effects of it have devastated so many lives.  Every day, I see those who, like my friend, live a life of fear of losing their "Reward" of an eternity in heaven.  That their sin, which has angered God enough to turn His back on them {Isaiah 59:2}, would someday cause Him to discard those He professes to love into hell.  This is the same fear I grew up with.  I remember praying often that God would forgive me and accept me into His presence.  Never in my life did I realize that I already lived within His love.  That's not what the church taught me to believe.  I would only break the bonds of the lie spoken by the church through the revelation given to me by God.  That I didn't need to fear that He would stop loving me {First Epistle of John 4:8}.  That I had no need to fear an eternity apart from Him {Paul to the Corinthians (1) 15:22}.  Through my own experiences, I can empathize with the struggles my friend is having in his faith.  While I can never flip the narrative spoken by those within the church, I can continue to speak the revelation which the Father has given unto me.  My prayer is that my words will lead to others experiencing the same love of the Father that I have.  

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 (The Atonement Lie) # 2189

 

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

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

When I look at the word atonement, I think of one thing, guilt.  That I must atone for something I have done.  Ironically, this is a major part of the teaching and preachings of the church.  That man has sinned and that he will one or another make atonement for those sins, most likely through suffering an eternity in hell.  This is what I was taught growing up in the church.  I had a discussion gym friend the other day on this very issue.  He was annoyed at how many times he has been told to pray for the Lords forgiveness for his sin.  "Hasn't Jesus bled and died for my forgiveness already?"  The truth is he's spot on, Jesus has indeed already died to sin {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  The apostle Peter, in his dispersion, speaks to the truth that Christ Jesus "Carries up our sins in his body on the pole" {Peter to the Dispersion (1) 2:24}.  That's right, Jesus BECAME that sin which we once carried on the cross.  Not only that, but the apostle Paul speaks to the truth that we ourselves perished with Jesus on that cross {Paul to the Galatians 2:20, Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  That our old sin nature which we once carried with us is no more.  We've died to that.  So, tell me, what is it that we still need to atone for?  What sin is there that remains which Christ Jesus Himself has not suffered and died for?  It is for this reason that I speak to the church teaching of atonement for sin as a bold faced lie.  This falls in line with the same lie spoken by the church which proclaims that it is our sin which has separated us from God.  How is it that we could ever be separated from He Who created us in His likeness {Genesis 1:27}?  Yet this is the lie which continues to be preached from the pulpits of the church.  Some might, and indeed have, asked me why it is that I hammer this point so often in my posts.  Well, those within the church have been speaking to this lie for thousands of years, so I guess I'm trying to make up for lost time by speaking the truth which we have in the Fathers love.  Every day I run across people who have been fed the lie for so many years that they've come to believe it as being true.  That God has distanced Himself from His beloved children.  I get it.  I was once fed that same lie as well.  

The thing about speaking a lie is that if it is spoken often enough, it becomes seen as the truth eventually.  This is what has happened to the teachings of the church.  What has been lost in all of this is the truth which we have in the grace and forgiveness of God.  Paul has spoken to the truth that we do not live under the condemnation of the law, but within the grace of the Father {Paul to the Romans 6:14}.  If we indeed still needed to atone for sin, wouldn't Paul have mentioned this?  But Paul takes this further when he speaks to the truth of our death with Christ Jesus to sin.  That "We, who died to sin, how shall we still be living in it?" {Paul to the Romans 6:2}.  Knowing this truth, what is it that we still need to atone for?  This is the question I asked of my friend.  I can understand his frustration, as I said, I've been there.  I've sat alone in prayer many times, asking God why He still condemned me if Jesus had forgiven me.  I know in my heart that there are still many believers out there who utter this same prayer every day.  My prayer is that they will receive the same revelation of the truth which He has given unto me.  It's this truth which I continue to speak to in these posts I write.  Yes, there continue to be those who are critical of my belief in the truth, but the truth has yet to be revealed to them.  This is the same revelation which was revealed unto the man Saul on that road to Damascus {Acts of the Apostles 9:1-5}.  This is the truth which I speak, the truth of my life not separated, but within the love of the Father.  The truth which Jesus Himself speaks to, of our life lived within the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  I believe that this is the truth spoken by Jesus which will set us free {Johns Account 8:31-32}.  

Jesus, then, said to the Jews who believed Him, "If ever you should be remaining in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will be making you free" 

Johns Account 8: 31-32, Concordant New Testament Translation 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Finding Jesus) # 2188

 

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

I heard a discussion question from a podcast of a good friend the other day.  That question asked, have you found Jesus?  At times, I have joined in these podcasts as time allows, and we seem to have a good following.  However, if I were to join in, I probably would have answered that question pretty quickly.  Because I have indeed found Jesus.  I found Jesus after many years of toiling within the theology of the mainstream church and its traditions and rules.  in fact, I truly believe that God waited until I was removed from the church before He revealed unto me just where I might find His Son.  My first glimpse into where I would find Jesus came from a passage from the apostle Paul in Galatians.  Paul points out that it is Christ Jesus who now lives within him {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  Jesus within sinful man?  I can imagine the discussion that I would have with some church people on this idea of where to find Jesus.  In fact, I have had a few heated discussions with those within the church who think that they know where to find Him.  They await the coming once again of the Lord Jesus.  They see Him as separated from the Lords children, watching over His creation while seated beside the Father in heaven.  This is what the separation theology of the church teaches us.  That the sin of mankind has separated us from the presence of God.  These are the words spoken by the prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament as a warning to mankind {Isaiah 59:2}.  Those within the church often point to this scripture as proof of the lie which they preach.  I call this separation theology a lie because it speaks to a false teaching not only of who it is that we are in the Father, but that we must somehow "Find" Jesus.  Jesus has made it perfectly clear that we do not choose Him, but that He has chosen us {Johns Account 15:16}.  So, we might be on a quest to find Him, but He has already chosen us to abide within Him.  That's exactly where I was not so many years ago.  This is where many believers are today in their lives.  Looking for someone they already have.  This is what Paul was speaking to in Galatians.  Paul understood that his life was not walking in the flesh of his body, but within the love of the Father.  THAT'S where you will find Jesus. 

I believe that the reason that so many believers continue in their search for Jesus in their lives is a two-fold issue.  On the one hand, we have been led astray by the teachings and preachings coming from the pulpits of the church.  On the other, many have not been led to the revelation of the Father as to the truth of their life within His love.  Again, Jesus speaks to this truth in the scriptures {Johns Account 14:20}.  I believe in my heart that it is the revelation of the Father which led me to know the truth of my life within He and His Son.  Jesus within the Father, we in Him, and He in us.  This is also the same revelation which the man Saul received on that road to Damascus {Acts of the Apostles 9:1-6}.  Paul is also quick to point out that it was only by the Lords timing that he was led to an understanding of his life in Christ Jesus {Galatians 1:15-16}.  Paul was not led to this truth through the scriptures, as the passages of what we today know as the New Testament had yet to be published.  The scriptures which Saul adhered to were those of the early Jewish Torah, the teachings of the law.  It is through these teachings that Saul came to view the early followers of Jesus as dealing in blasphemy.  In fact, on that day he was headed to Damascus in order to bring these blasphemers back to Jerusalem to answer for their beliefs.  But God had other plans for him.  So it is that Jesus was revealed unto this persecutor of Jesus.  This is the same revelation of the truth which the Father has given me.  I need not look for Jesus, because I already know where He is.  He is in the same place He's always been, within me.  

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

Johns Account 15: 16, Concordant New Testament Translation

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Till Flesh Do Us part) # 2187

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh 

Genesis 2: 24, New King James Translation 

If there is one thing that I am very familiar with, it's the breakup of marriages and families due to the following of the flesh instead of the spirit which brought them together in the first place.  My own father distanced himself from his family for the pleasure of following his fleshly desires.  I know a man in my gym rat community who continues in his pursuit of his fleshly desires despite the fact that he has a wife at home.  What is it about marriage that makes some people desire to seek the flesh of someone they are not joined to?  That's right, because when we take that vow to enter into a marriage relationship, we agree that we will indeed become one flesh with that person whom we are marrying.  In fact, the words "One flesh" have become deeply ingrained into our wedding vows for quite some time, for good reason.  For they serve as a reminder of just what it is that God has intended for His children.  This isn't just a religious issue, but speaks to who we are within the love of the Father Who created us in His likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  Unfortunately, many have come to see marriage as a disposable relationship.  If we find out down the road that we made a mistake in our decision to marry, we can simply abolish that union in the stroke of a pen.  But does divorce also dissolve the truth that we are one flesh with the person we married?  Some might argue that it does, that divorce is the final act.  But how does God view divorce?  Jesus was firm on this, that "Whoever should be dismissing his wife and should be marrying another, is committing adultery, and he who marries her who has been dismissed, is committing adultery."  These are the words spoken by Jesus Himself.  If anyone wonders how it is that God views divorce, simply look at the words spoken by the Son.  However, over time man has watered down how God sees divorce until it has become almost a right to dismiss a husband or wife for the simplest of reasons.  More often than not, as in the case of my own father, it is our own desires for the flesh which lead us into down that dark road. 

Jesus has spoken to those who questioned Him about the morals of divorce that, "Moses, in view of your hardheartedness, permits you to dismiss your wives.  Yet from the beginning it has not come to be thus" {Mathews Account 19:8}.  So it is that it is NOT God Who has spoken that dismissing a husband or wife is tolerated, but because of the hardness of the hearts of man.  This is the result of our following the flesh and not the spirit.  When I speak of the consequences on families brought about by divorce, I know what I'm talking about!  It is because of the actions of my father that I grew up vowing not to be like that man.  Have I made mistakes, yes.  Have I lived the life which my own father did, no.  But one thing which I do have which my dad lacked is knowing the truth of who I am in the Lord.  I'm not guided by the flesh, but by the spirit of the Father in Whom I dwell.  But how is it that we can explain the alarming rate of divorce among Christian believers?  The same cause applies in this case, those who follow the flesh and not the desires of the Father.  Some time ago, I asked a dear friend of mine, who has been married to his wife for over fifty years, how was he able to endure the years without considering divorce?  His response brought joy to my heart, in his mind, divorce "Was out of the question," Amen!  I trust this man to be following the spirit and not the flesh.  That he indeed cherishes that he shares one flesh with his wife.  Unfortunately, this is not the predominant attitude among marriage relationships today (2.4 divorces per 1,000 people).  Again, I would not base this upon a lack of commitment, but on not knowing who we are within the love of the Father.  We only need to seek the words spoken by Jesus to determine that.  For Jesus has spoken that we live within the love of the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  Jesus in the Father, we in Him and He within us.  That's how this works.  That is how we can proclaim one flesh with our partner.  This becomes more difficult when one follows their own flesh and not the one flesh of what the Father has brought together. 

Husbands, be loving your wives according as Christ also loves the ecclesia, and gives Himself up for it's sake 

Paul to the Ephesians 5: 25, Concordant New Testament Translation 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The Gospel Of Gloom) # 2186

 

Religion has actually convinced people that there is an 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~ 

I recently made a pretty important decision in my life.  A decision which I should have made long ago.  I've decided that I wasn't going to give too much credence to those individuals in my life who have grown accustomed to, shall we say, bringing negativity into my daily life.  Now, many people would say that it's not that much of a big deal, but I disagree.  Simply because of the fact that a few of those individuals that I have chosen to distance myself from are those who confess to being a Christian believer.  Think I'm off base?  Think I've gone too far?  Well, trust me when I say that I have struggled with this decision for some time, it wasn't an easy one for me.  I mean, believers are supposed to uplift each other, right?  That's what we will hear preached from the pulpits of the church.  But I've often noticed that the very preaching and teaching of those within the church can be seen as negative in nature.  But wait, how is it that the good news can be seen as negative?  Well, it depends on the translation of those who speak it.  I've had more than a few people who have questioned my use of the quote from comedian George Carlin which I often use as a precursor to my page.  But whether Carlin knew it at the time of not, he was delivering a scathing rebuke of the mainstream church we know today.  Of how congregations who have been advised to love one another instead turn to the negativity of warnings of sin and hell.  One of the individuals I have decided to distance myself from is among that crowd.  Any opportunity to discuss Jesus often turns into a condemnation of whatever sins I'm carrying with me {Paul to the Romans 3:23}.  The stark warnings of what awaits me if I refuse to repent.  Does this sound like the good news of the forgiveness we have in Jesus to you?  In my opinion, it's simply a gospel of gloom spoken by those within the church.  

A dear friend of mine recently spoke to me that the early reformers of the church never changed the doctrine of how the church views sin, only that it was forgiven by God directly, a process known as "Solo Gratia."  What Luther, Calvin and other early reformers of the church did was to exaggerate the sinfulness of man to a high degree.  Listen to any church pastor and you will hear phrases such as "Wretched sinner am I' and "sinner saved by grace."  This has been the gospel of gloom spoken by the church for thousands of years, and I want NO part of it.  My first question to anyone espousing this teaching is always, what about Jesus?  For it is Jesus Who has given Himself willingly for not only the forgiveness of sin, but that sin within us would be put to death entirely {Paul to the Romans 6:6-11}.  Yes, it is we who have perished on that cross with Jesus {Paul to the Galatians 2:20, Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  Therefore, we no longer are tagged with that monicker of sin.  That ship has sailed.  "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}.  In fact, for those who continue to proclaim the gospel of gloom that we continue to live in sin, Paul already has the answer for that lie.  "We, who died to sin, how shall we still be living in it?" {Paul to the Romans 6:2}.  Yet there are those entrenched within the false doctrine of the church who will say that I'm simply quoting verses to support my own narrative.  Well, if you read yesterday's page, you will see that it is the mainstream church which has created that false narrative, not me.  That narrative was born from the Nicene creed in the year 325.  The original intent of this council was to create a consistent theology among the various Christian churches, a narrative if you will.  This is the gospel of gloom which has been preached from the pulpits for thousands of years.  The theology which ignores the good news which we have through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus.  Well, I choose the good news over the bad.  

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

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

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (That Church Narrative) # 2185

 

O foolish Galatians! Who bewitches you before whose eyes Jesus Christ was graphically crucified?  This only I want to learn from you: Did you get the spirit by works of law or by hearing of faith?  So foolish are you?  Undertaking in spirit, are you now being completes in flesh?  So much did you suffer feignedly?  Since, surely, it also is feignedly?  

Paul to the Galatians 3: 1-4, Concordant New Testament Translation

The apostle Paul had a question for the believers in Galatia.  Who was it that has deceived you {Paul to the Galatians 3:1}?  How is it that you have fallen away from what you once knew?  To you, whom Jesus was put to death before your very eyes {Paul to the Galatians 3:1}.  Obviously, Paul had reason to believe that these Galatians had adopted another foreign gospel than that which he himself had spoken unto them.  To Paul, that much was obvious.  His question to them was, why?  Who had filled the minds of these Galatians with another gospel, another narrative which Paul did not recognize.  I use the word narrative in a two-fold purpose.  For I believe that in the same way the Galatians of Paul's day were subverted by someone speaking a different gospel than the one which he brought unto them, that those within the mainstream churches of today also continue to speak with a clear false narrative as well.  But, first, what is that narrative?  Well, it stems from the First Ecumenical Council which convened in the year 325 at the behest of the Roman emperor Constantine.  The main purpose of this gathering of church bishops was to gain and develop a consensus, narrative if you will, of how the concept of Christianity would be brought and taught unto the world.  This is the same church narrative that is alive and well today within the church.  This is the narrative that seemingly ignores the willing sacrifice of our Lord Jesus by continuing to proclaim that sin continues to be a roadblock in the lives of Gods children.  If Paul were with us today, I'm certain that his question would be, who is it that has deceived you?  Well, those who are willing to inquire will quickly discover who it is that has deceived us.  That being the Nicene Creed which was established so many years ago.  It is now the narrative spoken by the mainstream church. 

I have a Christian friend who has a habit of pointing out that others will take "snippets" of the scriptures in order to advance their own narrative.  I'm sorry, but this is exactly where the Nicene creed has brought us.  For the purpose of those bishops who gathered so long ago WAS to create the narrative for teaching Christ Jesus to the world.  Scriptures and gospels be damned, they wanted to tell the story their way.  The result is a religion which speaks to the love and forgiveness of God, but also preaches that sin continues to be a dominant part of the life of the Lords children.  My question to them has always been, if God has forgiven us, what sin did He leave us with?  If Christ Jesus has given Himself that sin would be put to death, did He somehow miss the mark?  Not according to the Nicene creed.  For the Nicene creed speaks to the forgiveness of Christ Jesus through His death and resurrection, but also that we need to be wary of sin.  How does that work?  Again, just as Paul once spoke to the Galatians the truth of Christ Jesus, his words continue to echo to us today as well.  For it is Paul who has spoken that Jesus died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  That we, as the Lords children, died with Him on that cross {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  So tell me, what sin remains after it has been put to death by Christ Jesus?  The evangel spoken by Paul illustrates the truth of the gospel of grace we have within Christ Jesus {Paul to the Romans 6:14}.  Yet, as with the Galatians of Paul's day, many continue to be led astray by the narrative spoken by those within the church.  THIS is what continues to bewitch the believers of today.  This is what has taken over the truth of the gospel spoken by Jesus Himself.  That not only is sin still relevant, but that it is sin which has separated us from the Father Who has created us in His likeness.  This is the narrative preached by the mainstream church. 

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

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

~Scott~ 

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~