What are we here for?

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why are we here?” or “What are we here for?” I used to ponder questions with illusive answers, but for some considerable time those particular questions to me seem irrelevant. That said, there’s nothing wrong with wondering if humanity has a purpose, or maybe had a purpose, until it went so far off the moral track that any purpose would be impossible to uncover. I assume that one of the characteristics of being human is wondering why we are here. I began thinking about Noah and his awareness of the chaotic world about him. “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”[1] God was sorry that he had created man and decided to destroy every trace of humanity, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”[2] I guess Noah was the proverbial “one in a million”. It also sounds like Noah was the odd man out in his society when God called him to be odder than odd; he was told to build a boat too big for any waters anyone had ever seen. I doubt Noah understood what it was that he was doing. If Noah thought he was different to other people before God called him, after, when doing what he was told, it would have been evident to all that he’d lost more than his marbles. After a while he came to understand what he had to do; one, was to warn people of impending doom, and the other, to build a big boat.

When we are wondering about what we are here for we must recognize that there is no need for a saver of the human race; that’s been done. We need to also accept that there is no need for another Saviour, that’s Jesus. We will have to settle for lesser appointments than either of those that have already been taken. What we have been given is citizenship in God’s kingdom. That is exceptional when we think of it, because Jesus is the King. For citizens wanting to know why we are here, the answer carries significantly more weight. Believers can look back to apostolic writings to read and hear the words of Jesus explaining the kingdom of God. The kingdom was very important to Jesus, it was his mission. Many of his parables define the nature of the kingdom. Jesus’ teaching in general addressed characteristics of the kingdom. A distinguishing feature of the kingdom is love. God’s love, Jesus’ love, and citizens’ love. If we are in God’s family and are ruled by Jesus, we must grow in love. Nearing the time Jesus would leave the world he spoke to his disciples, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”[3] Love is not something that would be nice to have, it is a critical requirement. Paul said that love validates every action or behaviour. Jesus wasn’t suggesting that if the disciples got around to it they should try exercise love; it was a command. Through loving acts and behaviour people at that time would have connected them to Jesus.

I remember as a teenager feeling that I belonged in the Church I attended. That Church was populated with people who were loving and accepting. Much if not most of my time was spent with other young people of the Church, and I attended every service. Later in life I learned that my parents felt they had been replaced by a group they knew nothing about. I have come to realize that most Churches are places of comfort for their members, a place to enjoy one another’s fellowship. A large Methodist Church I frequently passed by, had a sign saying; “Charity begins at home –but cannot stay there.” Of course love begins in the home, and good works in the Church, but neither of which should remain where they started! In my situation I enjoyed receiving love and acceptance and took that Church to be my second home. My story is not unique, I believe it is actually quite common. Churches in decline need only to look at their programs to find the reason they are losing members. Churches that try to be everything for everyone, end up doing nothing for anybody. At the outset of Christianity assemblies were for encouragement and remembrance. Some gatherings may have shared meals, but for the most part, gatherings were a brief escape from worldly pressures. The greatest part of any believer’s influence was, and still is, on the sphere of their social interaction. The Church has become an end in itself, granting love and acceptance to members only. It has produced generations of crippled Christians, unable to function outside its walls. Instead of equipping people with a faith that is portable, and that would remain with them wherever they journeyed, people have been warned not to locate in a town where that particular Church has no presence. It seems that Jesus’ teaching hasn’t been fully grasped, or maybe it has been completely disregarded.

Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.[4]

The first part of this section of scripture suggests, that if the cycle love exists only in and around Church membership, members are doing no more than people who ignore or defame Jesus. People in God’s kingdom do not live isolated from the world, they live in it. Jesus prayed on behalf of his disciples, “I do not ask you to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”[5] Spiritual family time is important, it is a time of encouragement and support needed to go back out into the world as emissaries of God’s love and grace. Believers are to represent the kingdom of God, not by attending Church, but by living as children of God in the world. The world is in a pretty bad state right now, and in this critical time people are leaving the Church in droves. Why? Because the Church has failed its membership. That’s not to say there aren’t any Churches that provide support, there obviously are. But, the vast majority of Churches are more concerned with maintaining the status quo than they are meeting needs of people. God our Father, and Jesus the King, provide security and promise that no Church can match. Believe it or not, I am not against Church in general, but I am against any Church that puts itself ahead of Jesus, or its programs ahead of the teachings of Jesus. There is only one legitimate purpose for a Church and that is to support and encourage citizens of the kingdom of God; beyond that lies institutionalism and failure.

It’s time that believers accept that there is no other path to God than through Jesus. That’s it! No institution, no organization, and, no Church. You don’t need to be a member of a Church to have the blessings of the kingdom, but you do have to be in Jesus. Church should be a place of comfort and nurturing, a place where people are refreshed and strengthened to walk in the spirit. A place that glorifies Jesus as Saviour, and supports hope, and not focused on attendance and how much money is needed to pay the mortgage. In the parable of the soils, the third and most dangerous place for plants was among thorns. “…the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” The worry of the world is what encumbers most Churches; those with real-estate, staff, and costly programs. The kingdom of God does not have earthly wealth or debt.

love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

What it takes to be children of God is considerably different to what it takes to be a Church member. Membership requires conformity to a Church’s doctrines, to its programs, and to give money to its cause. Children of God are encouraged, to love enemies, to do good, to lend, expecting nothing in return from anyone. While Church membership and being a child of God are different, it cannot be said that they are mutually exclusive. Children most often reflect their family’s values, and that’s what children of God must do; those values are found in the teachings and life of Jesus. I can’t be sure, but I wonder if in some cases people want to feel good rather than do good. That might be one area the Church has failed its members; preaching a feel good gospel, or, being active in Church work will make you feel good. What Jesus taught his disciples in the passage I’ve focused on basically points out the difference between feeling good and doing good. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” “If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you?” “If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you?” If you only associate with people who go to the same Church as you…? Doing those things can make you feel good, but feeling good isn’t necessary the doing good Jesus spoke of. Jesus taught in synagogues, not exclusively or even a lot, most of his teaching was done to groups both large and small among common people. I have heard congregations boast of the Professionals and Wealthy people in their membership. James spoke to a situation similar, “Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”[6] In a time when “super heroes” fill screens of theaters and television, we need to have a super hero, but not some comic-strip character or elite athlete –we need to have Jesus as our Super-Hero.  

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[1] Gen 6:5 

[2] Gen 6:8 

[3] Joh 13:34, 35

[4] Luke 6:31-36

[5] Joh 17:15-17

[6] Jas 2:5   

Zaccheus

…there was a man called by the name of Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector and he was rich. Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way. When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, "Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house." And he hurried and came down and received Him gladly. When they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, "He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."[1]

This is an intriguing account of a man whom contemporaries would have thought no less despicable than Shylock in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venus. Most commentators present Zaccheus as a person of considerable faith seeking Jesus; that concept is, I believe, far from reality. Tax collectors were despised, and this guy was the Chief Tax Collector. Zaccheus was a creepy little money grubbing outcast, and yes, he was curious to see who Jesus was. He was small and couldn’t see above the heads of those lining the route Jesus followed. It may also be that other spectators blocked his way preventing him from seeing Jesus and his entourage. Zaccheus was resourceful, he ran down the road and climbed a tree; not the most dignified act for a man of wealth. To the horror of all, Jesus invited himself to be a guest in the home of Zaccheus, taking opportunity to state his purpose, “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Chances are that from time to time we struggle with the notion that, Jesus died for us, as much as anyone else. Most people at one time or another have wrestled with “unworthiness”; the feeling that I am not good enough to receive God’s love or blessing. After Jesus made a statement that it’s really, really, difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom, his disciples asked, “Then who can be saved?”[2] The rich person who had just left their company, in their eyes, had all the right credentials of a worthy candidate. It didn’t make them feel very secure when Jesus said a person of wealth who had kept the law diligently was excluded from the kingdom. Zaccheus was rich, and probably thought that the prophet from Nazareth would see him in the same light as all religious leaders. Most Jews disliked Zaccheus because he was the chief tax collector, and tax collectors were traitors in their minds. However, Zaccheus was on Jesus’ list of people who needed saving. Based on the account of Zaccheus one doesn’t have to worry if he or she is good enough to make the “saving” list. The question seems to be, are we bad enough? Just in case you feel a need to rush out and be very bad to get on the list, you don’t have to worry, we are already bad enough and need saving. My point is this, Jesus didn’t set the bar high to make people work to achieve a required state of “goodness”; that’s a human issue. Jesus removed the bar, there is no standard to be achieved, no chasm to leap over, not even an entrance examination –there is only an invitation.

Years ago I read an illustration by someone that went roughly like this; a man fell over the edge of a cliff, but was able to grab hold of a tree root to prevent falling to his death. Another man ran to the edge, reached over and took hold of the victim’s free wrist and tried as hard as he could to pull him to safety. Finally the rescuer spoke to the other and asked if he believed that he could be pulled up to safety, to which the victim answered, “Yes.” “Then”, said the rescuer, “let go of the root!” Jesus is our rescuer, he has a firm grip on us and is working to pull us to safety. In the case of the rich young man alluded to earlier, the root he was hanging on to was his wealth –he just couldn’t let go. It is imperative that we let go of whatever it is that inhibits our complete trust in Jesus. As long as we hang on to roots from our past we are unable to fully reflect God’s love and grace in our lives.

There is no long, complicated, theological thesis on how to let go of roots. There is no process of consultation to go through to achieve letting go. Reclining on a psychiatrist’s couch is not going get you where you want to be. The only way to let go of the past is as Nike’s trademark says, “Just do it!” “Just do it!” Sounds simple, and if it was, I’d hopefully have got rid of more baggage many years ago. Paul speaks to the quandary we face trying to balance forgiveness and the need to feel remorse. “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”[3] Some part of the need for remorse is self-flagellation in keeping with the concept that one must pay for sins committed. Sometimes it just doesn’t feel right to be happy, when you haven’t done anything to deserve it. I get the theory of God’s forgiveness, and I believe he loves me, although I don’t exactly know why. God promised in scripture, “I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.”[4] God sees me in Jesus, others see me from an external perspective, but I look out through a blur of memories some good, and others not so good. Paul was able to put memories of negative experiences behind him, and he had some bad ones. Paul focused on pressing on toward his goal, not looking backward.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.[5]

There is a small matter that has to be dealt with before one can let go of baggage; maybe not so small. We have to submit to God, and accept his gift of forgiveness. Meaning, we need to get our egos out of the way, since they are the biggest stumbling blocks to becoming the person God wants us to be. The scripture speaks of joy, and Jesus talked about an abundant life, either of which can come only when we accept God at face value, which means pushing our egos to the side. That’s what it means to believe.

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.[6]

Those who went to Sunday school may remember the account of Naaman the leper. He had been told that he could be healed in Israel. He was a prominent soldier and leader. Upon arriving in Israel Naaman was frustrated that the king couldn’t help him, and finally ended up outside a prophet’s house. To further insult him, the prophet didn’t even appear, he sent his servant out with a message to dip himself in the muddy Jordan River.  Naaman was extremely angry and upset that he had been treated like a commoner, and didn’t intend to do anything the prophet told him to do. Naaman fortunately had wise servants, “…his servants came near and spoke to him and said, ‘My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” Naaman was falling over his ego, mad and frustrated, and would have left the same way as he came if not for the advice of his servants. In essence his servants told him, “Just do it!” My response may not be the same as Naaman’s; it might be fear, but whatever it is, I need to accept what God offers, and believe.

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[1] Luke 19:2-10

[2] Mat 19:25 

[3] Php 3:13, 14

[4] Jer 31:34

[5] Eph 3:14-21

[6] Joh 1:10-13

The Renascence of Christian Thought

You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.[1]

I have been putting down thoughts on the above scripture for several days; writing, deleting, and writing again. I may refer to it later, but right now my mind has wandered into a different field. I picked up a book by Jim Palmer that’s been on my shelf for a few years, but never opened. Some of Palmer’s early comments made me to think about my own religious journey. I won’t bore anyone with details, except to say that I have moved from conservative legalism to a personal walk with Jesus. My view on the institutional Church is that it has become a substitute, replacing a life in Christ. My current views are the result of moving from knowledge-based Christianity to faith-based Christianity. In the past the Church has been dominated by academics and knowledge was power. The combination of knowledge and charisma vaulted many teachers to an elevated status. Knowledge-based Christianity is actually an oxymoron considering Jesus’ attitude;

At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will."[2]

The apostle Paul was blessed with an impediment;

…to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.[3]

I’m sure Paul’s issue was more severe than anything I have thought worthy of divine intervention. Due to my prosaic background I view the section in which Palmer describes a paranormal experience as plainly weird. He’s not Paul, and he hasn’t been “caught up into Paradise”[4]. Generally such events I classify as “out of mind” experiences. The rationale behind my explanation of unexplained events comes from my interpretation of scripture. This is where things for me get complicated; I claim to have moved away from knowledge-based Christianity, and yet my attitude to unexplainable events is based mostly on my religious teaching. In reaction to Pentecostal “Spirit” led experiences the group I associated with came close to negating any Spirit activity. For clarity I need to insert my beliefs on the role of scripture in our lives today: Despite the meaning of its title, the “Bible” is not a book, it is the compilation of sixty-six books. It has more in common with a library than a single book. The convenience of having the sacred scriptures together in a single volume is offset by the confusion that causes. The sacred books are connected by a common theme which is the account of God’s creation, man’s failure to live within the constraints of paradise, God’s promise of redemption, its plan, execution, and completion. That is the revealed story of God from beginning to end. Concerning the ancient writings Paul referred to events which happened times past saying, “These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come.”[5] Paul recognizing early Christians were living in the end of the age pointed out that God had left principles to be followed in the examples recorded. The end of the age or the last days of the Jewish era was the backdrop to the birth of Christianity. The promise of a new covenant was made in antiquity and brought to fruition in Jesus. His mission was to teach that the kingdom of heaven was near, his death was the ultimate sacrifice required for man to gain entrance into paradise. God poured his Spirit upon the human race establishing his covenant of grace, initiating a new era of hope. The fledgling kingdom was given birth in the shadow of the temple and all that majestic structure stood for. Judaism could not accept that its kingdom was in decline, or that it was being phased out. The period of writings, making up the so called “New Testament”, was a period of transition from the material kingdom of Israel to the spiritual kingdom of Israel; from Jesus’ death to the destruction of the temple. That was a unique time, a time of great conflict, a time of miracles and wonders confirming the truth of the gospel. Jesus told his listeners that some would live to witness the end of the age;

For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.[6]

                                                                                                                                               

Early Christians lived at a time the collated “NT” was not in circulation. In their assemblies they read the ancient scriptures and any religious document that might come into their possession, some of which today are not accepted as part of the canon. Paul taught his readers that the ancient scriptures included vital examples, and I believe the same is true of writings from the mid-first century. All sixty-six books offer principles and examples applicable today, but not regulations. Everything that Jesus taught and died for is in place, he brought the kingdom of heaven to earth, and opened the way for people to enter the kingdom. I pity people who are still waiting for the end of the age, they are missing out on the hope and security that are in the kingdom of God. From when the teaching of the gospel began on the Day of Pentecost with Peters address to fellow Jews up to the end of the Jewish era, there were two primary responses to the good news; one was antagonistic from traditional Jews, the second was from those who followed Jesus. The disciples of Jesus were excited and eager to share what they believed was the new and better way. Jewry opposed and persecuted all who accepted Jesus as Messiah. Judaism had been in place for almost fifteen hundred years, it was established and permanent. Christianity was the upstart, the new thing, and would eventually die out and be forgotten. Christianity didn’t die out, instead for three hundred years under frequent persecution it flourished. In the fourth century Constantine deemed it necessary to bring Christian factions together for the sake of the Empire. That he did, giving bishops in Rome authority to unify Christianity and maintain peace. That initiative gave birth to the Roman Church which exercised its given power to dominate the Christians throughout the world, stamping out opposition to its control. Every Christian Church has its origin in the Roman Church. Every Church, but not every Christian. Over the past forty years or more a grassroots Christian movement has been growing in spite of the institutional Church. The desire to serve Jesus and God without the encumbrance of Church faces the same opposition as the first Christians in the end times of the Jewish nation. A greater obstacle to be overcome is the long history of the Church and its many offsprings. Some would-be renascence Christians fail to find the freedom in Christ because they cling to traditions of the Church and are unable to move forward toward simple Christianity.

Back to Palmer’s strange experience. I believe we live in the time when faith, hope, and love, govern our relationships with God. As children of Abraham we live by faith and not by sight. This being true my response to unexplained experiences needs to reflect that which comes to us through principle and example not dictate. There is no doubt in my mind that the miracles and wonders prophesied by the prophet Joel ceased at the end of the age. Paul gave notice that tongues, prophecy and miracles would pass away. There is no principle indicating that all unexplained events or experiences are figments of imagination. Therefor a more appropriate response would be to consider if an experience was constructive and honoured Jesus, or detracted from spiritual life. John left a principle regarding the unexplained; “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”[7] In a time when there was demonic activity, and when the power of God was demonstrated in miracles and wonders, John’s advice was very necessary. It is important that we follow his example.From a few sources recently I have come across statements to the effect that, “we need to accept God’s plan for us rather than designing a plan for God.” I grew tired of mission pleas based on, “God has called me…” or, “God has a plan for me.” I suspect that any call that was heard was the echo of personal desire. Do what you want and ask God’s blessing, but don’t presume to tell God what he has said. Jesus charged his apostles to preach to all nations. Redemption and forgiveness of sin had not been available until Jesus’ death. He told his apostles to go far and wide and spread the good news, and he gave them the timeframe in which it had to be done. The charge to people following the end of the age, was not to go hither and yon, but to live in a manner which would bring glory to God. I’m not sure that God has a plan for everyone other than we all live reflecting his love. For me it’s important to remember that God doesn’t need me, but I definitely need God.

It looks like I have wandered back to the first quotation:

You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

There is a degree of specificity in the words of Jesus, since he was instructing his disciples. Jesus was in the world as the “exact imprint of God's very being,”[8] his disciples would be expected to represent Jesus to all people after his departure. They would live the message of Jesus for all to see. They would be spiritual seasoning in the absence of Jesus, and take on themselves the mantle of light radiating from God through his son. John said that Jesus was the Creator and “the light of all people.”[9] Later in his vision of hope John recorded, “…the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.”[10] Jesus told his disciples that they were the light of the world, they bore the message of life, and the light of the logos would illuminate the world wherever they took the gospel. Believers are lights in the world, not in the same way as Jesus, not in the same way as the disciples who were the first to proclaim the hope of paradise. Our task is to let the love and grace of God radiate from our lives to those about. Reflecting God’s love through living is not a simple task, it can be easier to inundate ourselves in religious programs, or, devote ourselves to Church activities. The feedback from being involved in Church activities is more tangible than that received from “just living” as a follower of Jesus. “Just living” is more time consuming, more deliberate, and less noticed than being in the flow of Church activities. One of the most profound acts of love by Jesus gets very little attention, the theology of the cross overshadows his mundane act of house-keeping:

When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" From that hour the disciple took her into his own.[11]

Jesus instructed his disciples to be secretive when they, “gave alms, prayed, or fasted;”[12] adding that, God sees all things. The contrast Jesus made was between the behaviours of the Pharisees who performed their religious devotion for all to see, and what behaviours Jesus wanted from his followers. In the context of his teaching, Jesus went on to tell his disciples to have heavenly accounts into God credits secret acts of service.  I believe that renascence Christians seek to live similar to Jesus who made no alliances with any of the Jewish sects. He kept the Commandments, but not religious tradition. He lived a simple life, teaching through word and behaviour, he represented God in the world. Today, we live as citizens in the kingdom of God with Jesus is our king. We are not anxiously awaiting the results of a final judgement, we live in assurance that our lives are secure in Christ.

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[1] Mat 5:13-16

[2] Mat 11:25, 26

[3] 2Co 12:7-9

[4] 2Co 12:4

[5] 1Co 10:11 

[6] Mat 16:27, 28

[7] 1Jn 4:1 

[8] Heb 1:3(NRSV)

[9] Joh 1:4

[10] Rev 21:23 

[11] Joh 19:26, 27

[12] Mat 6:4, 6, 17 (NRSV)

Listen to Jesus

…a voice out of the heavens said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased."[1]

…a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!"[2]

He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.[3]

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me."[4]

…these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.[5]

let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead--by this name this man stands here before you in good health. He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."[6]

For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe's people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, "I am of Paul," and "I of Apollos," and "I of Cephas," and "I of Christ." Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, "let him who boasts, boast in the LORD."[7]

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.[8]

The reason for listing these excerpts from scripture; apart from them being the main theme of Bible, is that they clearly establish that Jesus alone is the source and provider of hope. These scriptures are representative of the theme of God’s story from beginning to end. Access to God is through Jesus only. There is no other way of reaching God than through Jesus. No religion, no institution, no denomination, no doctrine; absolutely nothing. Scan the panorama of religions and you will be looking at human efforts of seeking the divine, and human methods of appeasing the yearning within us to connect with the divine Creator.

As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.[9]

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.[10]

Jesus promised he would build his Israel using a word common in the LXX, and used of newly rescued Israel at the foot of Mount Horeb. Jesus came to establish the renewed or spiritual Israel – the kingdom of God. The first Israel saw the power of God in devastating plagues culminating in the death of the firstborn of those who despised God.  The first Israel witnessed the firstborn of believers saved through the vicarious sacrificial lamb. The earthly Israel made annual sacrifices recalling its redemption by the hand of God. The spiritual Israel is a celebration of life as a citizens of the kingdom of God.

You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.[11]

For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. … And it is by God's will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. … For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. ^[12]

I cannot find any supporting evidence that God acknowledges alternate routes that may be followed to come into his presence. Nor do I find that Jesus having paved the road to God through his sacrifice is prepared to allow substitute paths. So where do Churches find authority to offer exclusive practices that if conformed to will ensure God’s acceptance? There is no such authority or even suggestion of it. Jesus was adamant, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” There is only one way to the Father, and that is through Jesus. There are no agencies or intermediaries between God and man, other than Jesus Christ. Institutions, groups, or people, offering a path to God that has been modified, adjusted, or personalized, are unnecessary, and potentially ruinous to a relationship with God.

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed...[13]

Luke recorded the events on the mountain as did Matthew, but with an additional insight, “Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’--not knowing what he said.” Peter seems to have thought that the appearance of Moses and Elijah suggested equal ranking with Jesus, but that misunderstanding was firmly corrected, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” To Jews Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets respectively. God made it abundantly clear that Jesus was superior to the Law and the Prophets, and the only authority to be listened to. Jesus characterized a new and better way, not a ritualistic legal system, but a relationship based on faith and God’s grace. Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy the spiritual reality, not just a promise.

Some religious groups today teach that the Ten Commandments are still in effect and must govern life and religion. Some groups believe everything in the Bible is to be adhered to; others believe only the New Testament is authoritative as a guide to religious belief and activities. In his teaching on appropriate decorum in gatherings Paul made the comment, “… God is a God not of disorder but of peace.”[14] I ask myself a simple question, “Where do all conflicting religious theories come from?” The answer is equally simple – the Bible. Of course since the Bible is fully integrated and no contradictions exist, the fault lies with those who interpret or misinterpret its writings. The argument over what portion of the Bible is authoritative today is part of the issue. Do we take the Bible in its entirety, the Old Testament, or the New Testament? Therein lies the problem. Tradition insists those are the questions requiring answers, but I would suggest there is another option.

The option I believe that would bring clarity and possibly unity would be to listen to the voice on the mountain, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” Luke advised that Peter’s recommendation to build three tents venerating Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, was uttered out of ignorance. God’s command to listen to Jesus, was emphasized when the cloud lifted and Jesus was alone. It is unfortunate that this event is generally regarded as a rebuke to Peter’s presumptiveness. At the baptism of Jesus, and again on the mountain, God spoke from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased,” those were God’s words confirming his relationship with Jesus. On the mountain God added the command to listen to Jesus – only to Jesus. Jesus didn’t teach institutional life, he taught kingdom life. He had no interest in building earthly institutions, only the spiritual kingdom of God. He died not to prolong life on earth, but to provide life eternal. He said his way was simple not like the burdensome way Jews were accustomed to. He taught that each person had to take up the cross and follow in his footsteps, not programed institutional membership. Why are there so many Churches? I would say it is because people do not pay attention to God’s command to listen to Jesus. One modest principle needs to be reckoned with; all Churches, and there are hundreds of them, can’t all be right, but, all Churches can be wrong. The same principle applies to all theories and teachings.

The Bible is not a religious or Church text book. The Protestant Bible is made up of sixty-six unique writings, it is a library of separate works. There is agreement and confirmation among the authors. There are prophecies written centuries before their fulfillment recorded in writings long after they were prophesied. The entire library of God inspired works are harmonized around the theme of creation, fall, and redemption. All sixty-six accounts express the glory and love of God. The beginning of God’s story was the creation of man and banishment of humans from paradise. The conclusion of God’s story was the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, providing for the redemption of man and the re-entry of people into paradise. The timeless principles of Jesus’ teaching are primarily in the four gospels, but also elsewhere in other inspired writings. The regulations and orders in the “New Testament” are confined to the time in which they were given. From the early pages of God’s story the redemption of people, God’s special creation, can be followed to its completion in Jesus on the cross, and his glorious resurrection. God accomplished what he determined to do.

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ … through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. … But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. … Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned-- … Therefore just as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man's act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. … For just as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.[15]

Whatever Adam messed up, Jesus fixed up. Through Adam the human race was banned from paradise, through Jesus the human race can enter paradise. That concluded God’s story, the collected account of God’s love redeeming man. The balance of the so called “New Testament” provides insight into the growth and spread of the kingdom of God. The scriptures reveal human error in interpreting what was important, and the proclivity of humans to follow their own ideas. The commands and injunctions in writings after the cross were for people in the end times of the Jewish nation. The period when the kingdom of God was in its gestation phase. That was the period Jesus spoke of saying,

For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.[16]

Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen.[17]

I am coming soon…[18]

See, I am coming soon![19]

Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. And he said to them, "Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.[20]

There are as many theories regarding the end of the age as there are denominations, and likely more. There are as many doctrines, ordinances, and commandments as there are Churches, and probably more.

There are as many thoughts on God’s kingdom as there are teachers and student, maybe more.

There are as many sources of authority as there are religions, definitely more.

If we all looked to Jesus, what would the religious landscape look like? Removing the human factor would result in harmony and unity, but that is only possible if we heed the divine command concerning Jesus, “listen to him!”

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Look to Jesus, fix your eyes on him; that may sound simple, but it’s not. It is very difficult to give up traditions, or, to leave the comfort of a Church, although that is not a necessity. Even in the worst of situations there is reward that comes from enduring conforming to rituals. Why question what has been the norm since the fourth century CE? I made the choice to move away from an organized Church, it doesn’t matter which one, since they are all basically alike. My choice brought with it doubts and concerns; sometimes I feel that it would be less stressful to go and sit in a pew, or to attend a mid-week study to placate my anxiety over leaving what had been such a huge part of my life. But, on the other hand I have a peace not experienced in decades of Church involvement. I believe for the first time since I started attending Church I am beginning to understand freedom in Christ.

Therefore do not let anyone condemn you in matters of food and drink or of observing festivals, new moons, or sabbaths. These are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Do not let anyone disqualify you, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, dwelling on visions, puffed up without cause by a human way of thinking, and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the universe, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations, "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch"? All these regulations refer to things that perish with use; they are simply human commands and teachings. These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-imposed piety, humility, and severe treatment of the body, but they are of no value in checking self-indulgence.[21]

Paul’s argument was not only to Jews returning to their old way of life, it embraced any form of ritualism that undermined the freedom of living in Christ. As a believer and follower of Jesus I am in God’s kingdom; religious regulations from the Jewish era or first century Christianity are not to be imposed on my service to God. Human standards, and regulations are usually inconsistent with reality. Reaching back to the first century for directives on living for Jesus today is bound to produce difficulties in practice. The circumstances existing in the period prior to the end of the Jewish age, circa 70 CE, were unique and specific to that time. It seems that every denominations has its own process of determining what is applicable today and what was cultural and applicable to that time only. Needless to say that denominations vary in their results. All sixty-six works in the divine library apply to ancient times; customs, rules, regulations are confined to that time. What extends throughout history and time are the principles of life and service, the revelation of God’s love and grace, and the story of God. Some people need to find laws and commands from the scriptures, without them they don’t feel they can serve God. Others take refuge in their interpretation of scripture and consider it binding on them. I think I’ll take my stand on, listening to Jesus.

For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe's people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, "I am of Paul," and "I of Apollos," and "I of Cephas," and "I of Christ." Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, "let him who boasts, boast in the LORD."

The differences of allegiance in the Corinthian Christian community has been the subject of many sermons and lessons seeking to have members be more cohesive and unified around congregational programs. That however, was not Paul’s purpose in writing; the supremacy of Jesus was his concern. The supremacy of Jesus ought to be our primary concern; that belief is not communicated by preaching, or verbally, it is communicated through behaviour and life. The supremacy of Jesus in our lives is communicated through the way we interact with others. Having Jesus govern your life does not require a person to leave his or her Church. If a Church encourages kingdom life and supports Jesus as Lord of your life, it is functioning as a fellowship group. We are servants of Christ and our allegiance is to him alone. We serve our Lord and are under his rule, and not to be judged by anyone, but him.

When I consider how my light is spent

Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,

And that one talent which is death to hide

Lodg'd with me useless, though my soul more bent

To serve therewith my Maker, and present

My true account, lest he returning chide;

"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"

I fondly ask. But Patience to prevent

That murmur, soon replies: "God doth not need

Either man's work or his own gifts; who best

Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state

Is kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed

And post o'er land and ocean without rest:

They also serve who only stand and wait."
^[22]

---

[1] Mat 3:17

[2] Mat 17:5 

[3] Joh 3:36 

[4] Joh 14:6 

[5] Joh 20:31 

[6] Act 4:10, 12

[7] 1Co 1:11-13, 30, 31

[8] Heb 12:1-3

[9] Joh 3:14, 15

[10] Joh 12:32

[11] 1Pe 1:18, 19

[12] Heb 10:4, 10, 14

[13] 2Pe 1:16-19

[14] 1Co 14:33 

[15] Rom 5:1, 2, 8, 12, 18, 19.

[16] Mat 16:27, 28

[17] Rev 1:7 

[18] Rev 3:11 

[19] Rev 22:7

[20] Mar 8:38, 9:1

[21] Col 2:16-23

[22] John Milton