Should we be surprised that some of the most bad behaviors we witness each day come from people professing to be "Christian?" I don't find it too surprising, since we live in a fallen world and Humans are a sinful lot. Most of the world, however, seems to hold Christians to a higher standard than most everyone else. Time and again in scripture, we are warned that as believers we will face persecutions. Yet, we are surprised when they come. I've witnessed many a professing christian partake in bad behavior, and I myself have been guilty of this as well. The question is, should we, as christians, be held to a higher standard than non beliebvers?
"And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." This is the first commandment. "And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself." There is no other commandment greater than these."
Mark 12: 30-31 NKJV
Now, I don't know about anyone else, but I've been known to love myself and hold myself with high regard in the past. Yeah, how arrogant right? Here's the kicker, we're COMMANDED to love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves. Think about that, loving that pesky co worker with the same high degree that we hold ourselves? Loving our overbearing boss with the same high standard that we hold for ourselves? Most of us cherish ourselves and, in most situations, put our own interests above anyone elses. Can we show the selfless love that this scripture is calling for to others? How much would we change the world around us by doing just this? Instead of christiand being seen as pushy, preachy, arrogant, two faced and rude, we could be seen as loving, caring and thoughtful. Isn't this showing the true nature of Christ within us? How many others could we lead to Christ by focusing on doing this? Why would Christ reference this if not to have us put it into practice? Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus interacting with those around him with love and compassion. In the few occasions he did show anger, he did so to rebuke those whose behaviors were hurting other people. There's no record of anyone else in scripture referring to Jewish religious leaders of the day as a "Brood of vipers." However, these were the same peoople who were burdening the people. Think of a few of the people whom Jesus comforted, a tax collector, a adultress and a thief just to name a few.
And when the scribes and pharisees saw him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to his disciples, "How is it thathe eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?" When Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
Mark 2:16-17 NKJV
This is a powerful statement from a man who the world recognises as being one of the most gentle and caring people ever. Are we willing to show this level of selfless kindness today?
Monday, August 10, 2015
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Here Comes The Law!
"For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For he who said 'Dot notcommit adultry,'' also said, 'Do not commit murder.' Now if you do not commit adultry, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law"
James 2:10-11 NKJV
Alot has been said and written these days about "old" and "new" covenants in the bible. Basicaly, the "old" is that which was given by God to Moses and the Isrealites, Gods chosen people. For me, it was fuzzy where the "New" covenant began, but through the assistance of a few faithful men, I believe that the new covenant begins with Christs death at the cross. A portion of Christs teachings, therefore, were in the context of speaking to those who were still under the old law of Moses, but that is another discussion entirely. The old law laid out commandments, instructions of "what not to do." We've all read the ten commandments and its echo of "Thou Shalt Not." Well, this was the old law. I'm wondering if Charlton Heston knew the difference? So, basically, the law given by God to Moses was a list of instructions to the Jewish people. The old law pointed out mans sin, but did nothing to wipe away that sin. It wasn't until Christs death on the cross that the atonement came. See, under the law given by God to Moses, mans sin REQUIRED a blood sacrafice, which is what was achieved at Calvary. In fact, to this day, devout Jews worldwide adhere to the old law given by God to Moses! If we, as citizens, take a piece of candy from a store without paying for it, we are stealing. Yes, it was only a small item, but stealing is stealing under our legal system! See any resemblence to James 2:10 there? Break ANY part of the law, and you're BREAKING THE LAW! So, how can a system of laws save man who's sin is always in front of him? We have a sinful nature, and a system of laws given to point out sins DOES NOT bring about freedom from sin. Now, what if God used the Old Law to set up the new covenant? The Old Law, given by God, stipulated that sin required a blood sacrafice. Centuries later, through his son at the cross, that sacrafice was satisfied. Jesus was that final sacrafice for mankinds sins.
James 2:10-11 NKJV
Alot has been said and written these days about "old" and "new" covenants in the bible. Basicaly, the "old" is that which was given by God to Moses and the Isrealites, Gods chosen people. For me, it was fuzzy where the "New" covenant began, but through the assistance of a few faithful men, I believe that the new covenant begins with Christs death at the cross. A portion of Christs teachings, therefore, were in the context of speaking to those who were still under the old law of Moses, but that is another discussion entirely. The old law laid out commandments, instructions of "what not to do." We've all read the ten commandments and its echo of "Thou Shalt Not." Well, this was the old law. I'm wondering if Charlton Heston knew the difference? So, basically, the law given by God to Moses was a list of instructions to the Jewish people. The old law pointed out mans sin, but did nothing to wipe away that sin. It wasn't until Christs death on the cross that the atonement came. See, under the law given by God to Moses, mans sin REQUIRED a blood sacrafice, which is what was achieved at Calvary. In fact, to this day, devout Jews worldwide adhere to the old law given by God to Moses! If we, as citizens, take a piece of candy from a store without paying for it, we are stealing. Yes, it was only a small item, but stealing is stealing under our legal system! See any resemblence to James 2:10 there? Break ANY part of the law, and you're BREAKING THE LAW! So, how can a system of laws save man who's sin is always in front of him? We have a sinful nature, and a system of laws given to point out sins DOES NOT bring about freedom from sin. Now, what if God used the Old Law to set up the new covenant? The Old Law, given by God, stipulated that sin required a blood sacrafice. Centuries later, through his son at the cross, that sacrafice was satisfied. Jesus was that final sacrafice for mankinds sins.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Gods Creation
In the begining God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1
From the begining, we see our God speaking words to create something from nothing. How many of us can make that claim? On a rcent walk across Gods creation the topic came up between Dennis and I of creation and Gods presence within it. Of course, I'm of the belief that, if God indeed created all that we see, and we're assured that he did, that his imprints on his creation go far beyond what we can see. Are we to believe that, if God created all that we see, that he stopped short of having his fingerprints, his very DNA, upon all that he created? I feel we would be foolish to dispute this. So, in ALL that holy God created, his presence remains just as he remains in us.
"All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name."
Selah (Consider this!)
Psalm 66:4 ESV
So, if "all the earth" worships our holy God creator, we should assume a powerful, intimate connection between God and all that he created? I'm of the belief this is the very case.
"Then God saw everything that he had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day"
Genesis 1:31 NKJV
We've all heard that inspirational phrase, God doesn't make junk? Well, for those of you who don't believe that, here's proof! God created the earth and everything in and around it, and it was VERY GOOD. Not only does that include the heavens, stars, universe and all that we see, but you and me as well! Yes, think about that the next time satan begins to make you feel like you're worthless, God created you VERY GOOD. Oh, also remember that God created your enemy satan as well, so he has dominion over him! My friend Chuck has a saying, "When satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!" From scripture, we all know satans final destiny...utter defeat! So, despite what satan tells us, his fate is sealed. You could say he's attempting to take as many of Gods people out before his demise. Take heart, God does not want anyone to perish, but to come to salvation through Christ.
Genesis 1:1
From the begining, we see our God speaking words to create something from nothing. How many of us can make that claim? On a rcent walk across Gods creation the topic came up between Dennis and I of creation and Gods presence within it. Of course, I'm of the belief that, if God indeed created all that we see, and we're assured that he did, that his imprints on his creation go far beyond what we can see. Are we to believe that, if God created all that we see, that he stopped short of having his fingerprints, his very DNA, upon all that he created? I feel we would be foolish to dispute this. So, in ALL that holy God created, his presence remains just as he remains in us.
"All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name."
Selah (Consider this!)
Psalm 66:4 ESV
So, if "all the earth" worships our holy God creator, we should assume a powerful, intimate connection between God and all that he created? I'm of the belief this is the very case.
"Then God saw everything that he had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day"
Genesis 1:31 NKJV
We've all heard that inspirational phrase, God doesn't make junk? Well, for those of you who don't believe that, here's proof! God created the earth and everything in and around it, and it was VERY GOOD. Not only does that include the heavens, stars, universe and all that we see, but you and me as well! Yes, think about that the next time satan begins to make you feel like you're worthless, God created you VERY GOOD. Oh, also remember that God created your enemy satan as well, so he has dominion over him! My friend Chuck has a saying, "When satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!" From scripture, we all know satans final destiny...utter defeat! So, despite what satan tells us, his fate is sealed. You could say he's attempting to take as many of Gods people out before his demise. Take heart, God does not want anyone to perish, but to come to salvation through Christ.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Not Your Typical Church
"However, the most high does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What house will you build for me? says the Lord, Or what is the place of my rest? Has my hand not made all these things?'
Acts 7: 49-50 NKJV
Througout history man has constructed countless temples, churches and mega churches in an effort to draw the masses in. The largest, grandest building would be sure to bring in many more believers? Let's not forget the mega sports stadium salvation rallies designed to lead thousands to God! Is our God really that impersonal to converge on a group of thousands of people to give his blessing? Do we need thousands of people shouting together before God decides to pay attention? Acts 7: 49 would say no. In fact, despite all of the churches built by mankind, are we any closer to a relationship with him? Again, I say negative. God is more into personal relationships with us than leading mass rallies of people. As a matter of fact, Christ Jesus came to be a mediator between us and our holy God. Because of this, we now have direct access to God himself. We no longer have need of a high priest to communicate with God on our behalf. At any time, we can close our eyes and talk directly with our Lord, THAT is relationship at its core. Despite all of the buildings we've built in the name of God, are we to believe that God has need of them? The creator of all mankind and the universe needs a building? Here's a radical concept, what if we just did away with the buildings and focused on our relationship with him? You know, the type of relationship Adam and Eve enjoyed with God before the fall? The kind of one on one relationships enjoyed by Abraham, Moses and David? How would you love to be called a "friend of God" as Abraham was described? Well, we have that access to God today. We have the ability to communicate directly with our heavenly father. So, instead of worrying about which church building we will belong to, let's revel in the relationship we have with him. It is our relationship that God desires more than the buildings man creates.
Acts 7: 49-50 NKJV
Througout history man has constructed countless temples, churches and mega churches in an effort to draw the masses in. The largest, grandest building would be sure to bring in many more believers? Let's not forget the mega sports stadium salvation rallies designed to lead thousands to God! Is our God really that impersonal to converge on a group of thousands of people to give his blessing? Do we need thousands of people shouting together before God decides to pay attention? Acts 7: 49 would say no. In fact, despite all of the churches built by mankind, are we any closer to a relationship with him? Again, I say negative. God is more into personal relationships with us than leading mass rallies of people. As a matter of fact, Christ Jesus came to be a mediator between us and our holy God. Because of this, we now have direct access to God himself. We no longer have need of a high priest to communicate with God on our behalf. At any time, we can close our eyes and talk directly with our Lord, THAT is relationship at its core. Despite all of the buildings we've built in the name of God, are we to believe that God has need of them? The creator of all mankind and the universe needs a building? Here's a radical concept, what if we just did away with the buildings and focused on our relationship with him? You know, the type of relationship Adam and Eve enjoyed with God before the fall? The kind of one on one relationships enjoyed by Abraham, Moses and David? How would you love to be called a "friend of God" as Abraham was described? Well, we have that access to God today. We have the ability to communicate directly with our heavenly father. So, instead of worrying about which church building we will belong to, let's revel in the relationship we have with him. It is our relationship that God desires more than the buildings man creates.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Imperfect Surroundings
Like most people, I often find that the environment around me dictates my thoughts and/or behaviour. Not only do we live in a fallen world, but we are surrounded by sinful people each day. In fact, there is no guaranteee that the friends you have, be they christian or not, will be there standing beside you tomorow. The only guarantee we have is through God, who will never leave us nor forsake us. Men may fail us, but God never will. Likewise, we cannot expect the world around us to be any better. However, one thing we can do is make our corner of the world better. Scripture tells us that a lamp is not hidden under a basket, but placed on a lampstand to illuminate the entire room. Likewise, as Christians, we have daily opportunities to let the light of God show through us. Whether it is a harsh word turned away or a word of comfort to someone who is troubled, we are Gods representatives to the world. My dear friend David recently told me when I expressed my worries about inviting a non christian to a movie screeing fearing the "preachy" intro would scare them away. "Why are you worried? He said, get out of the way and let God work" This is sound advice for anyone these days. We should not worry about whether we sound too "preachy" to someone who is hurting or in need, not only will God give us the words to say in times like this, but if we are in prayer, he will bring people into our lives who simply need to hear about Jesus. My friend David has made many contacts and friends from simply sitting in Starbucks and starting conversations with people. He is not hitting them over the head with the gospel, but HE WILL tell them about Jesus. Another good friend, Chuck, has used his platform as a family physician over the years to tell his patients about Jesus. See, we never know the impact that our conversations will eventually have on someone, perhaps they were meant to hear what we had to say. "Be ready in season and out of season" the scripture warns. We should always be prepared to share the man Christ Jesus to anyone who will listen. After all, we are Gods messangers to a fallen world.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Family Tradition
"...But lately some of my kinfolk, have disowned a few of us and me
I guess it's because, I kinda changed my direction
Lord I guess I went and broke their...Family Tradition"
Family Tradition ~ Hank Williams Junior AKA "Bo Sheevus"
Alot of us wouldn't think of country crooner Hank Williams Junior as delivering a religious message. Conservative, yes, but religious? Bo Sheevus spent a good portion of his career addicted to alchohol and drugs, which he makes famous in the same song...
"Lordy I have loved some women, and I have loved Jim Beam
And they both tried to kill me, in 1973
When that doctor asked me, son how'd you get in this condition?
I said, hey sawbones I'm just carrying on an old...family tradition"
Can you see the lesson here? Many times we get set in destructive behaviors just because we know no other way. Traditions can be passed down from generation to generation, or they can be aquired from the people/environment that surrounds us. A few years back, I found myself with a bad attitude and foul language simply because that was what I was surrounded by at work on a daily basis. It took me some time, and a few mentors kicking me in the butt, to realize and address that issue. Others have carried over addictions to alchohol, drugs, abuse and other bad issues either from upbringing or environment. For me, I was surrounded by a negative environment at work every day. That was a conscious decision on my part to engage in the negativity. So, is there a cure for this? Absolutely! If we are products of our environment, is it safe to assume that a change in our surroundings or how we look at them cann produce change? For me, it was the relationships with a few mentors that opened my eyes to the fact that what I was exhibiting was not the "True Scott" The true Scott is not a failure, addict, negative personality. When Christ is in us, WE ARE a part of him! Scripture tells us that we were crucified with Christ, we are a part of him. It is no longer our "Old Self" who defines us, but our new selves bestowed by Jesus. So, knowing this, how can we change our environment around us? We can start by developing a few relationships with fellow Christian guys/gals. Sound easy? Perhaps, but it's something even I struggle with. See, it's easier to sit on the sidelines waiting for people to come to you than it is to seek out a few brothers. How much easier would it be if we were all part of one Christian community? In a sense we are, God does not want ANYONE to perish, but for all to come to Christ! In a way, we're just building that community from the ground up :)
I guess it's because, I kinda changed my direction
Lord I guess I went and broke their...Family Tradition"
Family Tradition ~ Hank Williams Junior AKA "Bo Sheevus"
Alot of us wouldn't think of country crooner Hank Williams Junior as delivering a religious message. Conservative, yes, but religious? Bo Sheevus spent a good portion of his career addicted to alchohol and drugs, which he makes famous in the same song...
"Lordy I have loved some women, and I have loved Jim Beam
And they both tried to kill me, in 1973
When that doctor asked me, son how'd you get in this condition?
I said, hey sawbones I'm just carrying on an old...family tradition"
Can you see the lesson here? Many times we get set in destructive behaviors just because we know no other way. Traditions can be passed down from generation to generation, or they can be aquired from the people/environment that surrounds us. A few years back, I found myself with a bad attitude and foul language simply because that was what I was surrounded by at work on a daily basis. It took me some time, and a few mentors kicking me in the butt, to realize and address that issue. Others have carried over addictions to alchohol, drugs, abuse and other bad issues either from upbringing or environment. For me, I was surrounded by a negative environment at work every day. That was a conscious decision on my part to engage in the negativity. So, is there a cure for this? Absolutely! If we are products of our environment, is it safe to assume that a change in our surroundings or how we look at them cann produce change? For me, it was the relationships with a few mentors that opened my eyes to the fact that what I was exhibiting was not the "True Scott" The true Scott is not a failure, addict, negative personality. When Christ is in us, WE ARE a part of him! Scripture tells us that we were crucified with Christ, we are a part of him. It is no longer our "Old Self" who defines us, but our new selves bestowed by Jesus. So, knowing this, how can we change our environment around us? We can start by developing a few relationships with fellow Christian guys/gals. Sound easy? Perhaps, but it's something even I struggle with. See, it's easier to sit on the sidelines waiting for people to come to you than it is to seek out a few brothers. How much easier would it be if we were all part of one Christian community? In a sense we are, God does not want ANYONE to perish, but for all to come to Christ! In a way, we're just building that community from the ground up :)
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Friends In Christ
Mentors are a good thing, guidance for our lives that we may not otherwise have. However, nothing can replace the relationships we develop with our own peers around us. I've been blessed to have the mentorship and guidance of four of the most Godly men I know. For this I am thankful, but what I lack are those peer to peer relationships apparently. It seems right, mentors are very needed for spiritual and life guidance, but we MUST have friends, buddies, brothers in arms as well. Phil Downer recently recounted how his comrade Crosley from Vietnam had recently revealed to him years after returning home from Southeast Asia, his deep appreciation for Phil saving his life. "Thanks for coming for me Downer" was brother Crosleys reply. See, not only did Phil save Crosleys life in Vietnam, but led him to Christ years later, saving his soul. Alot has been said in modern Christian literature about Christian men rallying around one another in "Gods army" with spiritual swords drawn ready to slay our adversaries. The use of military jargon in modern Christianity may seem offensive to some, motivating to others. The way I see it, it's all about relationship. Upon entering the military, a young man (or woman) will immediately be "torn down" by military authority in order to be shaped into the soldiers needed by our nation. This process produces in those who undergo it a sense of brotherhood, that's the goal. Can we simply develop that relationship with another man and say "hey, brother, we're in this together now"? As men, we usually will not do that. If we follow the model of my dads generation, we "go it alone", requesting neither help or assistance from anyone until we're brought low enough to where seeking help from someone else is our only option. Pride, and pride alone, can be our downfall to relationships. I know this for a fact, I've lived it. Men are strong both emotionaly and physically, and if they EVER ask for help, then you know something has gone wrong. This attitude flies in the face of what I believe God planned for us as men. Looking into the relationship Jesus shared with his disciples we see nobody in that group walking outside the community they had established. No, these men shared life with Jesus by spending their lives with him. As Jesus selected his chosen men we see a common approach..."follow me". Ultimately, at the cross, the disciples scattered, but their ministry became legendary. So, if Jesus chose community with these men, wouldn't it be safe to assume that he wants the same for us? It takes alot for a man to step out of his shell and develop Godly friendships, believe me I've struggled with this very thing! However, how can the joy of God be spread if not through the fellowship of friends?
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