"For in him we live, and move, and have our being..."

If Not For Trouble,

2025-03-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

How much of the Bible would have / could have been written if not for trouble and difficulty?

The Bible, consisting of 66 books (39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament), is deeply intertwined with themes of conflict, opposition, and the struggle between God’s will and forces that resist it—human, spiritual, or natural.

Stories often hinge on conflict—without it, many events wouldn’t occur or be recorded. Opposition reveals God’s power, justice, mercy, and plan for redemption. Without it, these attributes might not be as fully expressed.

The KJV Bible has about 783,137 words. Roughly 70-80% involve conflict, disagreements, trespass, wars, rebellion, exile, or judgment.

Trouble is a reality.

Trouble is the context and setting for the work and ways of God being revealed and known.

The wisdom and principles of the Word of God speak to our reality. The difficulty is where we grasp the truth of the grace of God.

The Earth is different from the other planets in our solar system. Our ecosystem has all manner of elements that create chaos and challenge. From droughts to floods, from winter and summer, from the mountain peaks to the deepest valleys, the vast distinction provides the context of everything in nature. It is the only planet that can sustain life. It’s perfectly tuned.

It’s true for our spiritual journey and growth in faith.

The Giants demonstrate the source of our victories.

The difficulty demonstrates the beauty of God’s grace.

The conflict highlights the benefits of peace.

Moral failure and sin reveal the amazing nature of deliverance and salvation.

It is the challenges of this present life that will provide the context of what hope we have and will experience in the ultimate promise of our salvation.

The super, incredible, fantastic, amazing, and wonder-filled promise in Romans gives us hope in whatever we may face.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

This is why the Bible was written, that we might read of the trouble and difficulty that is common to all peoples. We read how God worked in their lives, and we can have assurance that God is working in our lives.

^“4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15

I don’t understand so much about what happens in our world. The chaos, the difficulties, the freak accidents, and the unexplainable events that cause so much pain. Many things I don’t understand. There are many that have philosophical and theological explanations. These oftentimes are of little comfort in the moments of anguish.

There is a reality: trusting, hoping, praying, and crying out to God in these days and nights of darkness, we will experience the strength that will sustain us.

When we get to the other side, we will know, “I would not have made it if not for the Lord.” “It could have been so much worse.” And of course nothing makes us appreciate the good and God in our lives than those unexpected difficulties to give us a proper perspective of what really matters.

We choose to be thankful and grateful or hopeless and bitter.

When we read the Bible, we see this illustrated time after time; their trouble and God’s working speak great wisdom and inspire faith that endures.

Let me encourage you, trouble, if it helps us to be more thankful, prayerful, merciful, and helpful and to live a life of Godliness; these things drive us to a greater spirit of faith and devotion to the Lord.

It could be, many of us would never be saved and live a saved life if not for trouble. If you didn’t live for God in trouble, you would never have lived for God without it.

Trouble sharpens the mind and teaches the wisdom that only comes through these things.

I do not believe that God orchestrats every tornado, car accident, or health event. We live in a world of chaos, and many factors are beyond our control. The choices of others are one of many natural and spiritual influences by which we are affected.

However, through it all, there is w

^“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:3-5

This a simple warning we observe in scripture, and if you live long enough, will observe this time as well.

God rains down mercy on the just and the unjust and causes the sun to shine on the same. God, it is not his will that any should perish, but that all would repent.

Some people will never be saved, not because of predestination, but a character trait that refuses to have a submitted, obedient, desire to do right. You see this in scripture: no matter what God gives and promises, they are hardened to do wickedness.

Others it is in trouble that they will humbly repent and cry out to God.

Their response will ultimately determine their final destiny. Not for the lack of mercy but for the lack of humble repentance and submitted trust.

I believe this scriptural wisdom should speak to all of us and if we heed it, your trouble will produce a treasure that could only be given to you by God.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14

May we all humble our heart, bow our heads, surrender our souls and determine in our minds, “I will return to the Lord and live for him for the salvation of my souls and by the grace of God, my example will encourage others to follow in those same acts.”

In Jesus Name.

Scott A. Phillips

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21

The Loves of Jesus

2025-02-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

You have seen the practice. Pulling petals from a daisy, “He loves me. He loves me not.” It could speak of the fickleness of mankind. Jesus is not like us. He loves us 100%, so much he would die for us.

Jesus loves people.

Jesus loves restoration.

Jesus loves reconciliation.

We must seek to mirror the love Jesus has for those he loves.

He loved us/them enough to die for us, them.

Jesus demonstrated this in a series of three parables. I suggest it’s really three parts of a whole. These speak to a different kind of lostness.

The Lost Son,

The Lost Sheep,

The Lost Coin,

Our Lord Jesus Christ died to save us from our sins.

Our Lord Jesus Christ took stripes on his back for our healing.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified to Death so that we might live a victorious life.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected, and we might rise again one day!

If Jesus did all that for us, the opportunity for us is simple.

Jesus loves me. I am one of His loves. You are one of His loves.

We should live in a way that honors and celebrates the Love for us by being faithful, obedient, and diligently seeking to bring him Joy.

Oh How He Loves You and Me!

He gave His life, what more could he do, Oh How he loves you and me!

Thankful.

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott A. Phillips

The Difference Between Praise and Worship

2025-02-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

Praise and Worship.

These two words are often used interchangeably; however, in scripture, one is superior to the other.

All worshippers praise God.

However, not all praisers worship God.

It is valuable to understand three things about praise.

Praise is natural.

The scripture plainly and in numerous passages describes the things within nature that demonstrate and actively participate in the praise to the one true God.

" Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice." Psalms 96:11-12

All of Creation is involved in the continual praise of the Creator. The blossoming of the rose and the glistening dew on the grass. You can hear the hoot of the owl or the moo of the cow; all are praise to their creator.

These are all give voice and witness in the Creation Choir of Praise!

Praise is Mandatory

Jesus was admonished to silence the praise of the throng on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He looked at them and said, "If these hold their peace, the rocks will cry out."

What I know praise is going to be done. The heavenly host and nature itself are created, and their very existence is an echo of praise.

One day, the scripture tells us,

"every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess, "JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!"

You either praise him now or praise him later, but you will honor Jesus one way or the other.

Praise requires no virtue.

Praise is natural and mandatory. Therefore, praise requires no virtue.

Why?

We praise God for our health, wealth, and wisdom. We praise God for our families, homes, and material blessings. We testify of his healing, provision, and protection.

We do this because of what he has done. Stop, look, and listen.

Praise issues out of the mouths of athletes, rock stars, and politicians.

Elvis and Dolly Pardon are some famous old examples. Anybody can praise God.

Kanye and other modern examples continue this illustration. Anyone can praise God, either consciously or otherwise.

Praise does not equal character or integrity.

You believe in one God, you do well, the demons believe and tremble.

Anyone can praise God.

Everyone should.

Worship is an invitation.

God is looking for “True worshippers.”, not the fickle acclamations.

Jesus gave us a description of what God is looking for.

”But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23 & 24

Worship is different.

Worship is an element that is only reserved for the sincere and devout. Worship is not for the weak in heart or timid of mind. Worship is not possible for the carnal or selfish. Worship is something entirely different from praise.

All worshippers praise God.

However, not all praisers worship God.

The first time this word is mentioned in the Bible is instructive and compelling.

God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham rises early the following day and takes all the things he needs and begins to journey to the place God showed him to go. When he gets close, he leaves his servants and tells them, "We are going yonder to worship. We will both come back"

What was Abraham about to do?

He was about to give God the one thing that was important and valuable to him. The proof of his faith, the essence of his hope, and the fruit of his lifelong journey with God. God was asking him to sacrifice it to him in worship. Read, Genesis 22:1-5

True worship is an act of Surrender.

Abraham journeyed with an understanding that he was surrendering his hope, faith, and dreams into the hand of God.

True worship is an act of obedience.

Abraham proceeded to fulfill the command of God without question or complaint. We may not be able to accomplish this as easily. We may grumble and complain, but if we can find that place of absolute obedience, this is where we enter into worship.

True worship is an act of sacrifice.

Sacrifice is a critical component in seeing the benefit of worship.

Without sacrifice, there is no worship.

We must recognize, Abraham KNEW that he was not going to lose Isaac.

When you sacrifice something to God, it still belongs to you.. but it is in the Lords hand.

This act of obedient, submitted, sacrificial worship MOVED GOD to swear to Abraham.

" By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." Genesis 22:16-18

It is impossible to overstate the significance of this moment. The benefits God swore on that fateful day are still at work today thousands of years later in our world today.

My salvation is more abundant because of what Abraham did in obedience.

From Promises to a sworn oath. Because you did what I asked, I will do more than I promised previously.

When you are willing to enter the presence of God with more than praise.

When you are willing to enter the presence of God with more than a song.

When you are willing to go beyond, you will see the unimaginable blessings of God.

Worship is the ultimate privilege of humanity.

I believe that it is the true worship that the Father seeks.

It is that song the angels can't sing.

"the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:12-13

There is a reserved place of worship for you.

A place in the heart of God where you are desired.

It is the space that can only be occupied by you.

You have a song, no one else can sing.

You have an offering to give that no one else can give.

You have a light that no one else can shine.

Beyond the veil of flesh, the riches and glory of his Holy Spirit await you.

Shall we go yonder to worship?

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott Phillips

I Knew It!!!

2025-02-03T09:37:00.000-08:00

The life of Abraham is filled with many examples of faith. One of the outstanding moments demonstrates his view of Jehovah God.

Jehovah asks him to do something that seems unspeakably challenging.

His response? "Abraham rose up early in the morning,"

We don’t read of hesitation or doubt. He goes straight to the place the Lord shows him. When he gets there, his directions to those who went with him demonstrate this view of God.

Remember, God has asked him to do what might be the hardest request God ever asked anyone up to that point.

"Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you." Genesis 22:1-2

After a quick journey, he tells them, "Stay here with the stuff while we go yonder to worship, and we will be right back."

They are climbing up the mountain with all the elements for sacrifice; Isaac did not perceive that he was, in fact, the sacrifice. He asks his father Abraham about it, and the response, again, demonstrates an amazing understanding about Jehovah.

"My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:"

The two of them reach the place, the altar is built, Abraham binds Isaac and places him on the altar. He draws his knife back to sacrifice Isaac, and listen,

"Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son."

And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, "Abraham, Abraham:" and he said, "Here am I." And he said, "Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me."

It is not written in the text, but I know what Abraham thought.

"I knew it!"

Abraham had absolute confidence that something like this would happen. He had no question that something would happen.

"Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead..." Hebrews 11:19

Abraham knew what would have sounded like an unspeakable sacrifice, "Something good is going to come from this."

I Knew It!

Often, the first confirmation pales in comparison to the ultimate fulfillment.

The initial answer was there before Abraham; there was a ram whose horns had held him there. The provision was in waiting. If you think through the miracles involved in this single part of the miracle, it is awe-inspiring.

"Behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns:"

Wow. I knew it!

"And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen."

With the quick response, the lack of delay, and the urgency to obey, Abraham embodies that divine quotient we must allow the Word of God to quicken in us.

Abraham already had a revelation. "This is going to work out."

However, after this moment, he had a greater revelation.

"In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen." The Provision of God Will Be Seen In the Mountain.

What is even more glorious to consider is, in addition to the ram caught in the thicket, the eventual fulfillment of this prophetic proclamation. Let me tell you something, you will only see a ram in the thicket if you place yourself in the thick of it. You must position yourself in faith for anything to take place. However, look at what we know today that Abraham could only see through a glass darkly?

The Lamb of God takes away the sins of the world from where the Ram was seen.

God provided himself as a sacrifice.

Who could have ever imagined that God would manifest Himself in flesh to be crucified by His own people to save those same people from their sins?

However, if you look at all of the Messianic Prophecies and if you could get each person in a room together to reflect on the proclamations of faith they made, I can hear them all saying with emphatic praise, "I knew it!" Praise the Lord! I did not know how, I did not know when… but I knew it!

Yeshua (ישוע) - Derived from "Yehoshua" (יהושע), where "Yeho" is a shortened form of "Yahweh" and "shua" (or "shua" from "yasha") means "to save" or "salvation."

Jehovah becomes salvation! That is what the Name of Jesus Means!

Abraham, if he was able to look down from heaven and see the passion of Jesus Christ and all that unfolded, I can see him looking back at all of the rest and all together they proclaim,

Ha ha ha! I Knew It!

What happens next is what the Lord has a way of doing when we will trust him every step of the way.

"And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice."

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Friends, Romans, and Countrymen, All of you Saints and Aints,

Write it down, never forget,

What sounds like sacrifice is the preparation for an opportunity to participate in a miracle.

Ha Ha Ha

On this morning meditation, I am filled with Joy and thanksgiving!

I have had those moments where I, with fearful anxiety, obeyed God, to later walk away with a sense of relief, "I knew it!"

This morning, something stirs within me, to declare again,

I know it!!

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott A. Phillips

I was in Islamabad this morning.

2025-02-03T09:35:00.001-08:00

I was in Islamabad this morning.

Ok, I was in Islamabad for just a moment. I heard what I would think the music would sound like. I heard laughter and rejoicing in a church service.

If you find that hard to believe, let me explain.

I manage several FB pages.

I have close to 200K total followers.

Before the algorithms changed, I would get HUGE numbers from those pages. I could post to these pages at one time and get 10K or more interactions on the same post. Some things would get over 100K. Today, pages get almost no traffic without paying. Today, maybe 500/1000 are high ranges. Usually from 20-50.

I still get messages from all over the world. I have sent countless to https://globaltracts.com/

This morning, I saw a request for a teacher to come and teach for a man who is an overseer for 30 congregations. He asked if someone spoke the languages of the pastors could come teach them. After some searching, I sent him the name of a Missionary for India.

I clicked his page, and after going through his page, I found other ministers. One was in Pakistan, I clicked on his page.

I saw many wonderful images. Finally, I saw this picture. A picture of the New Year’s service at a UPC church in Islamabad.

Wow.

My heart rejoiced. My faith was strengthened.

Rarely do we perceive just how LARGE a WORK God has done and is doing in our world.

Even when you don’t see it, He’s working.

Some have suggested that what God is doing today is not as great as the book of acts events.

I suggest every day around the world, God is working through believers. Local congregations and individual believers, it is beyond our comprehension to fully understand how GREAT and Wonderful things God is doing.

The God of Today and the Church of Today is not a shadow of the Book of Acts.

The Church of today and it’s believers are the book of Acts in action.

If we preach, believe, and act upon those promises, the Holy Power of God is still doing today what he DID way back then.

WOW.
In Him, By Him, Through Him!
Scott A. Phillips

Excuses or Expectations

2025-02-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you meet someone whose thinking is on the wrong level? It's challenging to relate to people who have had different life experiences. Life has a way of causing us to relegate our thinking to survival concepts.

However, I think it goes without saying: we must change our mindset.

It is our natural response to respond at the level we are confronted.

Raise the level of the encounter.

“And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” Numbers 13:30 & 33

We all are faced with this paradigm challenge. Iron sharpens iron. Diamonds are not dulled by iron.

Too often, lame expectations meet lame excuses.

In this story you have two classes of people.

Both recognize the size of the promise, One saw through the eyes of faith, the other measured the challenge by the wrong measure.

Grape Eaters Or Grasshoppers.

Grape Eaters saw themselves enjoying the sweet juice of victory. The other saw themselves ground underfoot of a size 23 boot.

The Majority Saw the Boot Grinding them into the dust.

The Minority could see themselves sitting in those houses they had not built.

They saw themselves eating fruit from trees they did not plant.

They saw themselves drinking from wells they had not dug.

Lame expectations will relegate you to settle for the crumbs of mediocrity.

God deliver us from this victim mentality—the Poverty Mindset.

Ephesians 4

²³And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

²⁴And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

²⁵Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

²⁶Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

²⁷Neither give place to the devil.

Lay your hand on your head!

In Jesus Name, Deliver me from stinking thinking.

Deliver me from Negativity Syndrome.

Baptize My Mind with the Power of the Holy Ghost.

On the way to prayer meeting,

A lame man who they had passed how many times. He is asking for a handout. These guys did not have money, so they just learned to ignore him.

However, something had changed just a previous chapter.

God had changed the way they saw themselves.

"Silver and gold have I none." Imagine that—the apostles, with Pentecost behind them, faith burning in their hearts, yet the golden steed had not arrived. So often, we can fall into these lame excuses and never go any further.

"Silver and gold have I none."

That can become the crux of our conversation.

We might position ourselves at beautiful gates where people go to worship, looking for money, but with lame mindsets, we can't enter the house of God.

Often, people bring their bodies to the temple, but their minds linger outside at the gates. The carnal mind cannot understand the things of God, so while we reach for the mighty God, we plot and scheme with plans of silver and gold, reasoning this is how we'll reach the world.

If I only had money I could have Revival. I could reach our city if we could afford a Billboard.

Silver and Gold have I none. STOP IT.

"But such as I have, give I unto thee!"

Peter and John said, "Silver and gold have I none…."

Stop worrying about what you don't have and realize and say,

“SUCH AS I HAVE GIVE I UNTO THEE!”

We can spend our lives worrying about what we wish we had and not use what we do have. You have a power that can transform lives. It doesn't require a degree, certificate, training course, position, or title. All it requires is for you to let your lame excuses get an apostolic infusion to start doing what you can do.

I GOT IT! I GOT IT! There is something about the Power of the Holy Ghost, I can’t Explain it but I got it! OH I got it!

WALKING and LEAPING and PRAISING GOD!

The transformation of the Minds of the Apostles was a contangion of Life Changing Possibilities.

A Lame Man becomes a Leaping Man!

A Beggar becomes a Praiser!

Following this encounter, the lame man walked, leaped, and praised God into the temple. The result was that multitudes were added to the church—about five thousand men. Imagine trying to teach them all Bible studies.

We need our lame thinking to be lifted to a new level of faith and expectation.

The great miracle we need is not for the lame to start walking but for our lame thinking to be elevated to a new level.

We need to fix our vision on those things we can influence.

Lift them up, pull them up, drag them up, and walk them into the presence of the Lord.

"And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, 'Look on us.'"

"Then Peter said, 'Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.'" Acts 3:6

Meditate. Chew. Savor.

^“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark 16:16-18

What is Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost?

2024-11-13T05:56:00.000-08:00

This blog has moved,
https://scottaphillips.substack.com/p/what-is-blaspheme-against-the-holy

I saw a question someone asked about what is “Blaspheming against the Holy Ghost.”

They referenced hearing what two theologians said it might be. I have included my response below for you, as it might be interesting and edifying.

A good rule of thumb, if someone calls themselves a theologian, whatever they are saying is probably wrong.

Why? Because often, they are more philosophers steeped in the tradition of adhering to a certain preferred set of "thinkers" and "thinking." They've so focused their study on the nuances of scripture that often, nothing is absolute. Especially what the scripture says—it's all up in the air; some say this, some say that. What is left is uncertainty. Yet, in the end, what the scripture says is actually what it means.

Interesting, intriguing, and maybe plausible. At its root, it's philosophy. All of this often distracts from the simple meaning of the text.

Apostolics are the anomaly in this world of theology because, as a whole, historically, we have rejected the ambivalence and sometimes the hostility towards the actual written text.

I have consumed a lot of theological conversations and writings over the 35 years of being a serious student of scriptures and looking for answers.

Think of the Jews and their tradition, which is 95% of Christianity. They, as a group, reject absolute truth.

Most people out there, those I have enjoyed listening to, talk a lot of great stuff, but when you get to the nitty-gritty of scripture, they very often hold in higher regard what they think, or what some other person said about that scripture, than what the scripture actually says.

To the actual definition of blaspheme, it refers to the sin of specific blasphemy against the Holy Ghost.

What does the word blaspheme mean?
What does 'against the Holy Ghost' mean?
What is the context?

"Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation."

It was in response to those accusing Jesus of casting out devils through the power of the devil.

Strong's has a line that mirrors what you thought it was:

"of those who, by contemptuous speech, intentionally come short of the reverence due to God or sacred things."

I believe we would all do well not to mock or be too quick to be critical of what is a work of the Holy Ghost.

A simple way to define a thing is to read the actual text and, if need be, dig down into the meaning of the actual words. Specifically, look at the context of the scripture locally and how it fits into the Biblical narrative.

What are some examples?

I think a few potentially exemplified this:

Cain
Lot
Korah
Hophni and Phinehas
Saul
Balaam
Ananias and Sapphira, specifically, failed to hallow what was happening when they conspired to lie for clout.

Every one of them was very close to the righteous but failed to reverence, were flippant, and God judged them harshly.

If you were to study each of these, you see a spirit and attitude that ranges from ambivalence to hostility.

I believe a sense of "fear" concerning the things of God is proper and should be something we seek to communicate.

Let me tell you what I think “blaspheme against the Holy Ghost is.”

When a person who has received the baptism of the Holy Ghost walks away from God and mocks, denies, and becomes an enemy of the work and people of God.

That person will never feel conviction or a need to repent again because of this sin; there is no more grace that would draw them or call them to repent.

I suspect very few have committed the sin of blaspheming against the Holy Ghost.

However, it is a tool the devil will use to keep them in a perpetual state of condemnation.

My rule is, “Do you feel bad for what you did? Do you want to repent of it? If so, that is a testament that God is still dealing with your heart, and if he is dealing with you, he is drawing you to repent so he will forgive you for what you have done. You have not committed the unforgivable sin.

A scripture that I think puts a point on this discussion.

Jude 1

¹¹Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

Context,

⁵I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

⁶And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

⁷Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

⁸Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

⁹Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

¹⁰But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

¹¹Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

¹²These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

¹³Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

¹⁴And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

¹⁵To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

¹⁶These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

¹⁷But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

¹⁸How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

¹⁹These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

²⁰But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

²¹Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Diamonds are NOT forever. Diamonds are created and disappear under similar conditions.

2024-08-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

Diamonds are NOT forever. Diamonds are created and disappear under similar conditions.

A short video on YouTube sparked this. A link is posted below this writing.

Diamonds are created when carbon atoms bond under intense heat and pressure, forming a crystalline lattice structure.

In the same conditions, diamonds will evaporate into carbon dioxide gas.

Yes, the same conditions that create diamonds can cause diamonds to disappear.

I did not know that. Interesting.

Diamonds are one of the most valuable stones.

The Cullinan Diamond, one diamond, is valued at over four hundred million dollars. Of course, it cannot be purchased because it is priceless.

One man, Patrick Wells, found it in a cave; he thought it was nothing but a crystal. However, it was discovered to be a diamond. That diamond was given to King Edward VII in 1907. It now includes the British royal family's Crown Jewels and has been faceted into a series of items, including the top portion of the Sovereign's Sceptre with a Cross.

The transformation of carbon into a priceless stone.

This reminded me of this scripture that speaks of us being “lively stones.”

”Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5

Our value is not in ourselves, but because of the grace of God and His mercy has transformed us into something that even the God who created everything places value upon us. The Bible communicates that a faithful saint of God is a jewel and precious thing in His eyes.

How precious? Jesus purchased us with His own blood. The church, the collection of believers, is given many extraordinary titles and names.

The branches of the Vine that is Jesus.

The sheep that belong to the Great Shephard.

The Body of Christ, of which He is the Head.

There are countless others that could be included.

Our value is undeniable individually. However, being included in the King of Kings Royal Family Crown Jewels increases our inherent value exponentially. We are a part of the whole.

We are saved by grace through faith.

Grace is offered to all. “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”

When we in faith respond to His grace through repentance and faith, the work of Salvation begins. God has a plan and a finished work in mind. However, it is incumbent upon us that we never cease to yield, cooperate, submit, and humble ourselves to this graceful working as clay does in the hand of the potter.

As Paul said, “Not all have obeyed the Gospel…” That obedience to the Gospel begins; however, I suggest the scripture paints a very clear picture. We are never free to cease obeying the Gospel of Grace. We are not saved by works or our goodness; however, we are judged and measured by our work. Read Jesus’s pleading for repentance to the seven churches in Asia.

Yes, God has predestined His Church. However, we as individuals have a responsibility to be faithful, diligent, humble, honest, and accountable to our savior to keep ourselves unspotted from the world and live a life of holiness and service to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

In this light, let us consider the opening statements.

Diamonds are created when carbon atoms bond under intense heat and pressure, forming a crystalline lattice structure.

In the right conditions, diamonds will evaporate into carbon dioxide gas.

The same conditions that create diamonds can cause diamonds to disappear.

Jesus alludes to this reality in one of those warnings to the church.

“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” Revelation 3:5

Our salvation is precious. It happens in a moment we will never forget. Sadly, many will ultimately be lost, and it will happen in a moment they were unaware. Like a thief in the night, accountability will come, and you will lose the most precious thing.

Humbly, honestly, in faith-filled repentance,

These seem like perfect words to end this,

Psalms 51
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

²Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

³For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

⁴Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

⁵Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

⁶Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

⁷Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

⁸Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

⁹Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

¹⁰Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

¹¹Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

¹²Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

¹³Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

¹⁴Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

¹⁵O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

¹⁶For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

¹⁷The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iiVxaOn0H_k

The Kings Mule

2024-05-29T06:45:00.000-07:00

Blog moved to https://scottaphillips.substack.com/

5/29/2024

My wife, Becky, often reads her Bible in the mornings while she drinks her coffee. She will sometimes mention something she is reading to me. We have recliners that position us to see one another.

A few days ago, she looked up from her reading and asked me, “Are you in a box?”

I answer, “I can come out of my box.”

Often, our conversations start like this.

She then mentioned Absolom riding a mule. She commented, “It seemed odd he was riding a mule.”

A few days go by, and a similar opening conversation about a box, and she mentions a mule again about the time that Adonijah had declared himself King,

I ask her to read it to me,

^“Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king.
and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:”

Why would the king ride a mule?

This prompted me to search and found that the following,

”Then all the king’s sons got up, mounted their mules, and fled.”

The Kings Mule.

Mules have many characteristics that make them desirable.

They have bigger ears than a horse.
They have greater endurance.
They are more surefooted.
They are more patient and less prone to panic.
They live longer.
They have harder hooves which makes them great for rocky terrain
Preferred by Armies for military service.
Their skin is less sensitive and more resistant to sun and rain
They can survive on a rougher diet.

Mules are valuable, especially in challenging environments.

So here is something to consider.

God is not looking for a showhorse or a racehorse.

Are you willing to be the King’s Mule?

Mules are known for being very stubborn.

If you are going to be successful in living for God, you will have to develop a very strong sense of what you are unwilling to do and where you are reluctant to go.

May Jesus find a place to ride on you.

In Him, By Him, Through Him, and ON ME!

Ride on, King Jesus!

Scott A. Phillips

You Can't Tell Me That's Not God

2024-04-10T05:25:00.000-07:00

"You Can't Tell Me That's Not God!"

Prayer is an invitation to God's possibilities. God, in His infinite wisdom, may choose to answer in ways we don't expect or we would not choose; however, He does answer prayer. His timing and methods may not align with ours, but His responses are always for our ultimate good.

However, so very often, we can see God's work revealed in great relief.

Often, it is in the smallest of things, in the incremental ways. Life can be maddening because of all the little ways things break against us. In the same way, life can demonstrate such peace and purpose in the smallest of ways.

"When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." Proverbs 16:7

What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Another definition of relief.

Relief - the state of being clearly visible or obvious due to being accentuated in some way.
"the setting sun threw the snow-covered peaks into relief"
a method of molding, carving, or stamping in which the design stands out from the surface, to a greater ( high relief ) or lesser ( low relief ) extent.
noun: high relief; noun: low relief
"he cast them in relief from molten metal"
a piece of sculpture in relief.
a representation of relief given by an arrangement of line or color or shading.

GEOGRAPHY

difference in height from the surrounding terrain; the amount of variation in elevation and slope in a particular area.
"the sharp relief of many mountains"

Relief, in its various forms, is a recurring theme in our lives. It can be the peace that comes from a resolved conflict, the joy of a long-awaited answer to prayer, or the comfort of knowing we are not alone in our struggles.

When you see this kind of relief, you will be prompted to say, "You can't tell me that's not God!"

The Main Danger of the 'Hyper-Grace' Message: Error Through Overemphasis

2024-02-26T03:41:00.000-08:00

I saw this article and thought it was worth sharing here. written by Bert M. Farias

The teaching of grace can build up or tear down the church. (George Hodan)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the great German pastor and theologian, was asked in 1943 how it was possible for the church to sit back and let Hitler and the Nazis seize absolute power. Bonhoeffer's reply: "It was the teaching of cheap grace."

His firm answer fits the modern day and can greatly aid the Church in narrowing the broad way of destruction, which similar winds of doctrine are paving today. Apparently what he was saying was that the teaching of cheap grace resulted in passivity within the church that greatly diminished human responsibility, and allowed the enemy to move in.

What can the Western Church learn from this?

Isn't it interesting that now in our day there are winds of doctrine blowing again which are producing this same type of passive and irresponsible behavior?

With courage and conviction I must tell you that if a certain course correction is not made in regards to some of these winds of doctrine, it could shipwreck the faith of many professing believers and contribute to the death knell of vibrant Christianity in the West.

The ministry gifts that Jesus gave to the church (Eph. 4:11) bear the primary responsibility of equipping the saints for works of service so that the body of Christ may reach maturity and will no longer be children tossed to and fro by "every wind of doctrine."

"Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth" (Eph. 4:14, NLT).

Winds of doctrine are clever and tricky because there is often truth attached to it. Winds of doctrine are very common when a particular truth is taken out of context or twisted until it actually becomes a lie, or is overemphasized at the expense of other equally important truths.

Avoiding the Ditches

Someone once said that if an aircraft leaves New York City with a destination marked for Alaska and the flight course is off by a few degrees upon departure; if not corrected at the offset it could wind up in Los Angeles. This is the effect that winds of doctrine produce. It is not the 95 percent truth that will take the body of Christ off course, but the 5 percent error that will potentially run some into the ditch.

One wise old maestro repeatedly warned his students: "When it comes to doctrine, stay in the middle of the road and you will avoid the ditches. Avoid extremes, excesses and abuses of doctrine."

This is what I've witnessed in regards to what many refer to as the "hyper-grace" message—many truths overemphasized at the expense of other equally important truths. These so-called "new" truths are not new nor are they "revolutionary" as some say. They come around about every 20-25 years or once every generation.

The message of what Bonhoeffer called "cheap" grace was around in the 1930s and '40s. Finis Dake called it ultra-grace. Today it's called "hyper-grace." These winds of doctrine toss immature believers to and fro through overemphasis or clever lies that sound like the truth. Sadly, even preachers sometimes get caught up in these winds. It is a characteristic of immaturity.

Here's an example from a book of one of the leading proponents of "hyper-grace."

In this book he compares what he calls the "mixed grace" message with the "hyper-grace" message.

Mixed grace is grace + effort; you're saved by grace and kept by works.
Hyper-grace is grace alone; you're saved by grace and kept by grace.

Now what is wrong with that comparison? There is actually truth in both statements, but because the book is emphasizing the hyper-grace message it de-emphasizes the other perspective. Here he rightfully declares that we are saved and kept by grace, while minimizing the importance of effort and works. The Scriptures, however, have so much to say concerning the importance of our works, the truth of it being so obvious, that it is ridiculous and an insult to true Christian intelligence to elaborate on it in any great depth here.

It is like asking, "Does obedience save you or keep you saved?" Yes and no. We're saved by grace through faith, but faith without works is dead. Actually, imbalances constantly occur when we isolate certain Scriptures at the expense of the sum counsel of the Word.

For example, by isolating the following Scriptures we could conclude that we are indeed saved by works and obedience.

"You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only" (Jam. 2:24).

"And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him" (Acts 5:32).

"And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him"(Heb. 5:9).

But the middle-of-the-road truth is that works and obedience are outflows of an inward grace and faith. They are evidence of our salvation.

Here's another one of his comparisons:

Mixed grace says forgiveness is maintained through repentance and confession.
Hyper-grace says forgiveness is a done deal; in Christ we are eternally forgiven.

Once again there is truth on both sides, but the error is spawned from overemphasizing one at the expense of the other. The aircraft is off course by 5 degrees in both statements.

For example, if all a believer does is repent and confess his sins and never learns to stand on God's grace and Christ's righteousness, he will have a tendency to develop a guilt-consciousness and will never be able to take full advantage of his position in Christ.

On the other hand, if forgiveness is a done deal, and we are eternally forgiven for our past, present and even future sins, then repentance and confession become unnecessary. Over the course of time you can readily see where that will lead you. Soon every carnal man would be doing what is right in their own eyes and ensuing spiritual anarchy would result.

Here's one more:

Mixed grace tells us to be holy because without holiness no one will see the Lord; so watch yourself.
Hyper-grace says, "in Christ you are holy so be who you truly are."

Again, there are truths in both statements, but the way the mixed grace sentence above is presented insinuates that it is wrong to "watch yourself." But the Bible admonishes us to watch ourselves.

Examine yourself (2 Cor. 13:5).

Judge yourself (1 Cor. 11:28-31).

Take heed to yourself (1 Tim. 4:14).

Cleanse yourself (2 Cor. 7:1).

Although some of the truths of the hyper-grace message are actually sound positional truths, the error through overemphasizing one and minimizing the other creates an imbalance that is potentially dangerous.

Here's the problem:

The "hyper-grace" message emphasizes the God-side of redemption while nearly refuting and dismissing the man-side. It rightly brings emphases to what God has wrought in us through the grace of God in Christ, but it de-emphasizes the human side and responsibility of walking it out.

The Bible is a mixture of positional truths and the practical application of those truths. We need both. The apostle Paul tells us to put off the old man's deeds and put on the new man. He exalts the finished work of Christ in the heavenlies, but he also instructs us on how to practically live out that truth in our earthly walk.

Why do you suppose Paul gave that kind of instruction to born again, Spirit-filled people if it was just supposed to happen automatically? And the other New Testament writers followed the same pattern, often reminding these early saints not to sin, lie, steal, commit adultery and fornication, to make their calling and election sure, to maintain good works, etc. The epistles are full of such admonitions.

Even though God through His grace was working in the believer to will and to do of His good pleasure Paul reminded them to work out their salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12-13).

What some advocates of hyper-grace call the mixed grace message is simply the God-side and man-side of our redemption and sanctification.

Sanctify Yourself

It is true that God has already sanctified us. It is true that Jesus Christ is our sanctification (1 Cor. 1:30). That is a high and lofty positional truth expounding on the legal aspect of our sanctification. But the Word also tells us to sanctify ourselves and reminds believers of their personal responsibility to apply that sanctification to their lives. That is called the vital or the experiential aspect of our redemption and sanctification.

So in essence, what I've observed in the "hyper-grace" teaching is error through simple overemphasis of one glorious truth at the expense of an almost complete dismissal of another equally important truth. We need the mixture of the God-side and the man-side of our sanctification.

Paul was sanctified and separated from his mother's womb (Gal. 1:15), but he also sanctified himself lest he be disqualified (1 Cor. 9:24-27). The imagery in these verses is that of a Grecian Olympic athlete who trained rigorously for 10 months to compete in the games. That doesn't sound too effortless to me, and yet when we yield to the inward grace it seems effortless. That is understood.

Because Paul sanctified himself he admonished Timothy to do the same (2 Tim. 2:21-22). "Purge yourself" is a part of the language Paul uses—yet another example of the man-side of our sanctification. The problem has been that we are asking God to do many things for us which He tells us to do ourselves.

Of course He supplies the grace and the Holy Spirit to help us, but He will not do it for us. The Holy Spirit is a Helper, not a doer. There are perhaps hundreds of examples in the New Testament of this sort of cooperation that exists between God and man, and between grace and works.

I think it's high time in the body of Christ to heed the wise old maestro's sound wisdom: "Avoid the ditches, and stay in the middle of the road."

In doing this, you will not be tossed by winds of doctrine, and the grace of God won't be received in vain (2 Cor. 6:1).

Bert M. Farias, revivalist and founder of Holy Fire Ministries, is the author of several books including the newly released My Son, My Son—a beautiful father-son journey co-written with his son Daniel for the purpose of enriching and empowering parents to train their children in God's ways. He is also the co-host of the New England Holy Ghost Forum, a school of the Spirit. Follow him at Bert Farias and Holy Fire Ministries on Facebook or @Bertfarias1 on Twitter.

The Pit

2024-02-25T04:24:00.000-08:00

Bitter circumstances do not determine the outcome. Our response, by the grace of God can produce the best results.

In scripture, David was of little value or consideration to his father compared to his brothers. He was ridiculed, belittled, and dismissed by his brothers. He became the most hated man of the King and an outlaw on the run.

He even was considered crazy by Achich, King of Gath.

He was mocked and shamed by his wife.

No one living in those moments would predict that David would become one of the most formative characters of Judaism and Christianity.

David had his flaws and failures that undermined his life. And yet, Jesus the Son of God, manifested in the flesh, was called "The son of David."

What does that mean to us? Everything can be against us, yet our response to all of these things can cause the most bitter things to become sweet. God can take our response, add grace to the mix, and make the low places high. He can transform our ashes and make them beautiful. He can give us the Oil of Joy for all reasons we can mourn.

What is this distinction? It's not based solely on what God offers or can do. It is based on how we respond to bitter, sad, hard, disappointing, and tragic circumstances.

We live in a world of shattered dreams, wounded hearts, and broken toys.

However, a beautiful opportunity is given to all of us.

David shows us the way. When humility, hunger, and hope are rooted, resting in the God of our salvation.

Bitterwaters.

Jesus came to make them sweet. It's not a guarantee. I can not say Jesus will make them sweet. I can say Jesus can make bitterwaters sweet. It's not based on what Jesus can do, because Jesus can do anything.

However, if we tap into the best possible outcomes, it will rest in our ability to cry unto the Lord.

Watclisten/ feel what David says in Psalms 40.

This chapter is from David who was in a horrible pit, even miry clay.

”I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.”

Watch what happens. “He brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.”

That is quite a praise report. However, it does not stop there.

“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.”

It does not stop there.

Trouble in one season leads to multiple seasons of revelation, appreciation, and praise that can be instructive to others.

David learned something because of the horrible pit and miry clay.

Let me tell you something.

The God that was with you before the pit will be with you in the pit.

He will bring you up out of the pit.

He will give you a song because of the Pit!

It does not stop there.

God will show you something about you in the pit.

What does he show you? I need Jesus.

God will show you something about him in the pit.

I got you.
God will bring you up out of that horrible pit, out of the miry clay!

Listen to the observations and revelations from a man who was in the Pit.

^“Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.”

^“Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

His commitment grows,

^“I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.”

It does not stop there!

“I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.”

All of these things David learns and proclaims to us is because of one thing.

The Pit.

A perspective with a specific benefit. Learning to look up.

Looking up!

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott A. Phillips

Faith lives here!

2024-02-16T04:41:00.000-08:00

Faith. A gift God has given you.

It’s essential that you pick it up and wear it like a watch or a pen or a hat or a shield.

We have all left our cellphone somewhere and felt disconnected. I suggest leaving your faith is the cause of greater distress, we don’t know it.

Faith.

That internal desire to look up when the world is falling a part. Faith, searching for the silver lining in the darkest of clouds. Hope that springs forth when it seems all is lost.

The ability to believe in something different than what you see. Further, faith will cause you to make decisions for your life that seem to be in direct contradiction to your circumstances.

Faith will reach up toward heaven when the gravity of this present world seems to become a force that will keep you pressed to the ground.

God in his gracious nature when he imprinted himself in the soul of every child of Adam and Eve. It is found in the folds of the brain or in the beating of the heart; maybe it’s the crimson-red blood flowing from your head to your toes.

I don’t know. I do know this.

Faith lives here.

You should say that aloud so you can hear yourself say it.

Faith lives here.

Amid pain and disappointment.

Faith lives here.

As long as I can breathe in and out.

Faith lives here.

People spend their faith on all sorts of things. Most often, faith is spent on things of no and even negative value. People use faith to gamble, to chase after vanity, to become a success, and even to become famous.

That is faith at work that separates us from the animal kingdom.

The desire to rise.

However, there is an investment that when we catch a vision for it, our faith takes on new meaning and value. Faith reaching out to the father of our faith, wow.

Breath in. Breath out.

Faith lives in me.

However, my prayer is this morning, “I want to put all my faith in God.”

I want to sow my faith into the plans and hands of God.

Where will God lead me?
What would God have me to do?
Who could God use me to encourage today?

Today could be when faith begins to mean more to you than ever before.

Faith is like a seed. God has given everyone the seed of faith.

However, when you sow that seed into good, godly, kind, loving, honest, and worthy things, that faith brings a harvest, and the result is that you have more faith.

Faith grows in quantity, quality, clarity, and weight.

There is a point where faith transitions from a hopeful feeling into an absolute knowing confidence that is unshakeable.

That does not happen overnight, but it does happen. Sometimes in the times where some would wonder how you have any faith at all.

I believe in Jesus for today!

What are your challenges, questions, pains, burdens, hurts, confusions, addictions, and sins?

Jesus is going to help me today.

To put aside what is harming me.

To pick up what God can use to help me.

Faith lives in me.

And my faith is,

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott A. Phillips

https://youtube.com/live/u0LNpzQM-PM

The God of Everything!

2024-02-16T04:38:00.000-08:00

What was the source of conflict among the religious leaders of the Jews that motivated them to reject, conspire, and collude to crucify Jesus?

The Deity of Jesus. When Jesus declared and was declared to be the son of God. When Jesus told people that he was before Abraham with the language claiming to be the “I AM”.

This so offended the totality of the religious leaders of both liberal and conservative Judaism. Sadducees were the elite leaders, and the Pharisees were, as a whole, a much more common group of Jewish leaders. Both groups hated Jesus.

These religious leaders, through persuasion and public spectacle, manipulated many of the ordinary people and gained permission from the Romans to see Jesus die the death of the condemned. Why? Because they rejected any hint of the legitimacy of Jesus being Messiah. On the days leading up to the Passover, Jesus was crucified, died, buried, and resurrected.

Fast forward to Pentecost. The first message to the Jews concluded with Peter declaring to the Jews, “That same Jesus you crucified is Jehovah and Messiah!”

That declaration brought the conversion of over three thousand Jews on one day.

From that time, the belief in Jesus being the Messiah and Jehovah spread throughout the known world.

As Christianity spread from the Jews to the broader world of non-Jews, Gentiles, the uniqueness of Christianity gained many more adversaries.

When entering the Paganistic world with a multiplicity of Gods, the polythiestic world with dozens and hundreds of dieties.\

Paul stood on Mars hill and used the graven image, “To the Unknown God,” to declare to them, The God of Everything.

^“For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” Acts 17:23-28

Paul declares to them, Jesus is the God of Everything.

Jesus is not the God of the moon or the sun. Jesus made the moon and the sun.

Jesus made everything. Jesus made everyone. Jesus is available to everyone. Everyone can experience Jesus.

E V E R Y T H I N G

This speaks to the original Shema of the Jews.

^“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:” DEUTERONOMY 6:4

- notice, not a period, but a colon.

What does a colon mean? The singular nature of God is the root cause for what follows.

^“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” DEUTERONOMY 6:5

THE GOD OF EVERYTHING REQUIRES YOUR DEVOTION TO BE UNDIVIDED AND COMPLETE.

While meditating on this, I did a Google search, “The God of Everything.” The third listing was a link to “The Goddess of everything else.”

I had a moment of clarity.

When we are unwilling to give the One God everything, we are, either by intention or, by default, giving devotion to a spiritual reality, The worship of an unintentional diety, opening the door to darkness.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matthew 6:21-23

A singular focus in our devotion connects us to the Spirit of the Living God. However, a divided focus speaks to the true devotion and homage to the God of everything else that gives us over to darkness.

This should persuade us to challenge ourselves to fully and completely surrender everything about us to the God of Everything.

For those dealing with internal conflict and confusion, let me suggest something to you.

^“Delight yourselves in God, yes, find your joy in him at all times. Have a reputation for gentleness, and never forget the nearness of your Lord.
Don’t worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

Just some thoughts this morning,

To the God of Everything!

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott A. Phillips

I dealt with this topic during our midweek service. The above is my attempt to write out the extemporaneous message that I had with no prepared notes.

A Tophet?

2024-01-28T20:29:00.000-08:00

Originally written, Sep 2 2004 12:22AM

(Twenty years later, the observations are even more poignant.)

A Tophet?

I attended an engaging seminar the other day on "The Archeology of the Bible." It was a 14-week class. Below is the application I made in my mind. I doubt I preach this; however, I have been meditating on this for my benefit and thoughts.

A Tophet? What is a Tophet?

A Tophet is a cemetery erected for the purpose of burying the ashes and bone remains of the children that were offered as burnt sacrifices to Baal, Ashetroth, and Molech.

I learned about this for the first time from a local archeologist who teaches at a Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. He showed us the slides of a Tophet they excavated in Carthage. He explained to us that the Phoenician empire was made up of the people who inhabited the land area that would become the promised land in the Bible.

The religion practiced by the Canaanites was the same as those in Carthage. In this cemetery, they excavated a 20' square and uncovered layer upon layer of cemeteries where children were buried for six hundred years. He estimated that the original cemetery was two football fields in size and that it was estimated that in a given year that up to 100,000 children were sacrificed a year in this local area. You do the math.

Over 36 million children are buried in a cemetery outside of one town. How many children were murdered in the worship of this demon god?

This demon worship and accompanying sacrifice of children facilitated hedonistic sexual immorality that illuminated the need to feed, raise, and care for the children born.

Sounds familiar.

The ancients did this to manipulate their gods for favor and fertility. Interestingly, God knew these people and what kind of people they were and, therefore, warned Israel,

"Don't do like they do; don't sacrifice your children to demon gods!"

God did not want them to learn their murderous habits produced by their wicked sexual proclivities.

We know from history that Israel assimilated these heathen and unspeakable practices to the point that they would worship Jehovah and Baal. On one hand, they would carry the Torah, and on the other, a screaming child to be burned alive to appease some evil spirit.

Scripture points out that the reason that God rejected the Jews and ejected them from their promised land is that they followed the heathen in this and many other things Jehovah God expressly commanded them not to do.

False religion and its curse always fall on the heads of the children.

In this context, the Ten Commandments were given to the Hebrews upon leaving Egypt and before entering the promised land—the land where these worshippers of demons were sacrificing their children.

^“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” Exodus 20:4-6

Iniquity in all of its power and weight is suffered most significantly by the progeny of the righteous gone bad. While many have not tasted the dregs of sin and fail to appreciate the sheer evil of its depths, we can be guilty of dangling our children too close to the warmth that comes from a fire that can destroy them.

Idle words become thought patterns, and a little allowance becomes lifestyles of indifference. We see it all around us in our society and churches: an indifference toward goodness and stretching for what is thought to be benign.

The demons worshipped today are the spirits that glorify convenience and personal preferences.

I am sure that when Israel first began to entertain the thoughts of Baal worship, it was not placing their children over a belching pot of fire into the outstretched arms of a brazen Baal. However, little by little, slouching toward Sodom, the people of God became even eviler than the Philistines they were sent to eradicate. God, being Righteous, could not let his people get away with what he had judged other people for, so he judged them.

What are we building in the age of affluence, unprecedented technology, and spare time?

Memorials and Altars to the one true God, or are we digging the graves of our heritage by indulging in the appetites of self and entertainment?

As the lines of acceptability have been pushed so far that everything is acceptable with little exception, where will we dwell?

We that live in the Cities of the Plain? Will we be like Abraham, who chose the mountains of separation, or, like Lot, set our tents toward sodom until we sit in the gate with those who will be marked for destruction?

The critique of the Muslims is accurate when they decry the obvious wicked nature of the West and its excess.

It is interesting how God would use our enemies to bring us to repentance.

Seems this is the method he has used in the past.

God help us train our children in how they should live. What to love and what to hate.
To love righteousness and hate wickedness. To engrain in their spirit that there is but One Lord, One Faith, and One Baptism. To drill in their mind the things that will hold them in the storms of temptation that will come, that they will be able to survive and thrive as torches of truth as the world is sure to plunge into greater darkness.

I pray for wisdom to raise righteous men in an unrighteous world.

To raise God-fearing men in a fearless religious world. To raise a generation that still has a memory of a praying father and mother. Their future depends on how I live my faith.

I am Building an Altar for my Children! Not to sacrifice them but to sacrifice myself for their preservation and protection.

In Him, By Him, Through Him.

Scott Phillips

#baalgate

Why are some things not sin any more?

2024-01-24T07:40:00.000-08:00

https://scottaphillips.substack.com/p/why-are-some-things-not-sin-anymore

((I recognize the graphic is provocative. However, it illustrates just how perverse the modern morality of so many in Christianity today.))

^“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20

Just a decade ago, in the Christian world, there are things now given honor and approval for that was an unspeakable shame in times past. Decade after decade, the line of acceptability has slipped us into a time where there is no difference between the lifestyle, entertainment, attire, or beverage of choice between wiccans and “Christians”.

What happened?

People as a whole became and are becoming more and more ignorant of what the Bible says. People are choosing to be ignorant, or they are ignoring what the Bible says on the subject at hand.

As it was in the days of Jesus.
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19

How many things are standard practices in the life of the average Christian that the Bible forbids explicitly and tells us that God will curse those who do it?

How many things does the Bible say, “If you do these things, you will not go to heaven?”

I have no doubt some reading this question have no idea.

Why do you not know? It starts with who you are listening to and reading about what it means to be a believer and follower of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said this,
”Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Matthew 15:14

Why would Jesus say, leave them alone? Because Jesus is not going to harass you to do something you don’t want to do. Jesus is going to let you have exactly what you want.

This is not an uncommon theme.

^“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 3:3 & 4

If you are hungry for truth, Jesus will lead and guide you into a progressive understanding and revelation of truth anchored in scripture.

If not, Jesus will give you every opportunity to be comfortable in your tradition and culture that loves to sin. If you only want to feel justified and comfortable in your sin, Jesus will let you have exactly what you want.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

God will let you have what you want.

If you want someone to lie to you and comfort you in your sins, you will have it.

If you are hungry for more, that is an invitation that God is motivated to answer.

Read the following verse really slow and meditate on each word. It is a summary of the human condition. God does not need to send you to hell. We do that all by ourselves. We judge ourselves. We condemn ourselves.

^“The activities of the lower nature are obvious. Here is a list: sexual immorality, impurity of mind, sensuality, worship of false gods, witchcraft, hatred, argumentive strife, jealousy, bad temper, rivalry, factions, party-spirit, envy, drunkenness, unrestrained sexuality and activity and things like that. I solemnly assure you, as I did before, that those who indulge in such things will never inherit God’s kingdom.” Galatians 5:19-21

How many of you have been comforted with words like these:

Nobody is perfect
Jesus loves you no matter what you do
We all sin every day,
Only God can Judge me!

That is pretty comforting while you keep on drinking, partying, lusting, and selling yourself, your soul, life, and children in pursuit of doing what you want to do. All while ignoring or enjoying ignorance of what the Bible says on the given subject. If you can justify it, “Let’s Party!”

That has sadly become what modern Christianity is. Blind preachers are leading blind people.

Ouch.

The backsliding of Christianity started a long time ago. At some point, the great compromise was drinking and getting drunk. Now, everyone is drinking and getting drunk. Today, few have any problem with “Christians” drinking and being drunk.

Another one is the modesty and gender distinction debate.

What’s wrong with showing a little knee? God don’t care what you wear!

Today, every crack and crevice of the human body is displayed by people who doubtless are unaware or have forgotten the Bible curses specific attire.

Who cares what you wear? If you read your Bible, God cares about every part of you and your conduct, attire, and appearance.

Edit 1. (I include at the end.).

Here we are.

The slippery slope of Christianity has slipped so low that we wonder if we can slip any deeper into darkness.

If you want to understand this concept fully.

In 1 Kings 22, the Bible states, "So now the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours. The LORD has decreed disaster for you". In this verse, Zedekiah, the leader of 400 prophets who spoke in favor of Ahab, strikes Micaiah in the face, claiming God speaks through him. As a result, Ahab orders Micaiah imprisoned until he returns from battle, unharmed.

Why are some things not sinful to “Christians” anymore?

People have been deceived, often willingly, because they love to sin.

“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12

If you genuinely love God, do you think it is reasonable to consider what the Bible says about a life that lives in a way that honors what God loves and avoids what God hates?

Your answer to this is a glimpse into your eventual destination in eternity.

Jesus will give you what you want.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

When was the last time a believer heard a message that would bring conviction and sober consideration of what you love and live for?

If you don’t want to know what you are doing wrong, sadly, you are on a road to misery and torment.

Hear the words of the Apostle Peter to you.

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

1 Peter 1:14-17

You can’t wrap excrement in a nice shiny wrapper and call it a candy kiss.

In the same way, you can’t wrap up sin and iniquity and call it approved and holy in Christianity.

Iniquity is doing what you want even though you know better.

Listen to the sobering words of Jesus.

Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:22-24

How do I know what iniquity is? Jesus defined it in the following verses. If you care, click and read it for yourself.

What is Iniquity?

If you know what the Bible says and you ignore it, you will be destroyed.

Do you want to survive and be saved?

Be a hearer and doer of the Word of God.

How?

Abstain from sin and pursue doing with all your heart everyday to do what you know God loves. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. Romans 6:22

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18

If you don’t agree with what I have said above, that is between you and God.

Be it far from me to be a preacher that does not preach and teach uncomfortable truths.

To the preachers, teachers, parents, and leaders. Here is a sober warning for all of us to consider.

^“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.” Ezekiel 3:18-21

I think I could write about this for another two hours.

However I will stop.

God help me.

Help me to preach truth without fear or favor.

To preach the Word!

To Rebuke.

To Exhort.

To Encourage.

To comfort the saint in their faithful obedience.

To bring conviction to those who are neither faithful or obedient.

In Jesus Name,

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott Phillips

What I left out above.

I wanted to encourage you to keep reading and not stop reading.

Edit 1.

One of the many New Testament teachings that is ignored or completely discounted. Why? Because, like all sins, people love it, it’s preferable, and it’s contrary to culture.

The Bible and most of Christianity used to teach that women should wear female-exclusive clothing. Dresses. They should have long hair. It’s in the Bible. We believe it.

What do we have now? Men put on the appearance of women. Dresses and Long hair. Women are wearing pants and short hair. Everyone wants to act like there is not a direct connection.

It’s in the New Testament, and yet Christians are ignoring or ignorant.

Romans 1:26

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

1 Corinthians 11¹⁴Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? ¹⁵But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

A Revelation of Heaven

2024-01-24T06:03:00.000-08:00

“And David danced before the Lord with all his might;” 2 Samuel 6:14

The Lord said of David, he was a "man after my own heart." Does this mean that David was like God? No, it means he was a man pursuing, knowing, and pleasing God.

David had a desire to be in the presence of God.

He wrote things like…

Ps 27:4-5 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

He was obsessed to be in the Lord’s house. God loved and honored David because David loved and honored God.

Read what David said in the most famous of all the Psalms in the Bible.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalms 23:6

This is yet another scripture that highlights David's passion to be in fellowship with a mighty God.

Ps 65:4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

I wonder what kind of Giants would fall in our lives if we had such a passion for fellowship with God.

Upon becoming King of Isreal, David's first plan was to set the Ark of the Covenant in the Capitol of Isreal and Judah. David felt guilty for living in a fine house, and the Ark of the Covenant was in a tent.

When God forbade him from building, his life project was to pay for it.

One account of the estimated amount that David saved for the building of the temple is mind-boggling.

”He prepared about 3.3 million kilograms of gold and 33 million kilograms of silver for the work of the temple. At today’s prices, silver is worth $537 per kilogram, and gold $43,352. A little simple math gives $17,721 per talent of silver and $1,430,616 per talent of gold.”

17.7 billion dollars worth of silver

1.4 trillion in gold.

His number one goal was to build the Lord a house.

David stored up the substance of his life so that generations following him would build and have a glorious temple to worship.

David was a man after God’s heart.

Look at some basic instructions for those who want to be in the presence of God.

“This is how you do it!”

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalms 100:4-5

What is the outstanding characteristic of those who inhabit heaven? The only way we know is by reading the prophetic writings of Scripture.

In summation, the visions of heaven show us that Heaven is a place of worship, adoration, and praise of God.

“Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”

“In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:1-3

We see an echo of this same account in the New Testament.

“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Rev 4:8-11

“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty,”

In these scriptures, we gain an insight into what Heaven is and will be for eternity.

There ain’t no party like a Holy Ghost Party!

The Dance Floor never closes.

I suggest that there is such an unspeakable blessing we will have eternal access to: the ability to walk into the throne room of God and worship God.

The closest you will get to heaven in this world is that place of sincere and honest worship.

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” John 4:23

A significant feature of heaven is that it is a place filled with worship, praise, and rejoicing.

Heaven is inhabited by praise. A way to prepare yourself for what eternity holds is develop a pursuit of the presence of God.

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

Look at the revelation of praise the Apostles possessed.

^“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.” Acts 16:25 & 26

In this world, praise and worship are a way we invite heaven into our circumstances. No matter your circumstances.

I suggest this is what John was doing that opened the gates of heaven where John was to gain a revelation of the Great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Past, present and Future.

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,” Revelation 1:10

Even on a Prison Island, in a place of prayer and praise, John had a revelation of Heaven.

You and I have access to that same kind of peace and joy.

Do you want a revelation of Heaven?

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

A legacy recipe for those who want to live a life of fellowship with Jesus.

Thanksgiving, to give God thanks for all your blessings and difficulties.

Giving Praise for His strength and grace.

To develop the vocabulary, the words we think, whisper, speak, and shout connect us to God's divine presence. This habit is a type of brain training. To be mindful. To be thoughtful. To honor God.

Step by Step, Day by Day, Mile by Mile, Year by Year… I will make my sojourn into heaven, by keeping myself in the presence of the Lord.

The presence of God is accessed by those who are in pursuit of fellowship

Jesus gave us this insight.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Everything starts with proper thoughts, motivations, plans, and goals.

With a grateful heart...

The scripture details the deplorable description of our generation. Two of the characteristics of this Godless culture is unholy and unthankful.

“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,” 2 Timothy 3:2

One way we differentiate ourselves as the children of God is to be Holy and Thankful.

Many times, people see praise as a ritual of religion. Others see it as a tool to get what they want. Many treat God like our children treat us. If we butter God up, we think he will do what we want. That is not praise, that is manipulation. Spiritual manipulation is witchcraft. Witchcraft is doing certain things repetitively for some desired results.

The virtue of worship to God is not some ten-step plan for success. The virtue of thanksgiving and praise is simply recognizing what is. To be able to look and identify and give an honest and heartfelt recognition to the one from whom it came.

Gratitude is the emotion of thanksgiving.

I believe the one emotion required to gain access to heaven is Gratitude. Gratitude opens us to many other awesome experiences.

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

You and I can enjoy an increased level of God's presence on earth by remembering God's extraordinary grace and kindness bestowed on our lives.

Seeking the presence of heaven on earth connects us to the coming reality in eternity.

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

I am Thankful!

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott Phillips

Rebirth of Faith - https://a.co/d/hTVFwdg
Reflections on Forgiveness - https://a.co/d/1l7ntsT

Ps 100:1-5

CHAPTER 100

1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Rev 12:10-11

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Lift up your eyes

2024-01-06T19:13:00.000-08:00

As a leader, Jesus was unorthodox.

He constantly challenges norms, traditions, and the established order and hierarchy. That is why the leadership of the Jews hated him. When they questioned and criticized him, he always gave answers that left them silent.

However, what is more interesting is that he constantly challenges those closest to him. He would rebuke them, challenge them, question them, and refute their claims.

Regarding the harvest of souls, Jesus and his wisdom, ways, and working still far outstrip our minds and hearts to comprehend fully.

In a place the disciples would never go without being led there, they find Jesus talking to a woman they would have rejected. She was probably a pariah in her community and city.

However, in a short conversation with a woman of low morals, Jesus transforms her into a soulwinner. Look what happens.

²⁸The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, ²⁹Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? ³⁰Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

He begins to talk to his disciples.

³⁵Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. ³⁶And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. ³⁷And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. ³⁸I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

Jesus points his disciples to a harvest they would not have desired, prayed for or imagined. The Jews' attitude toward the Samaritans would have been similar to Jonah and the Ninevites.

A few questions to consider.

1. What would happen if we could begin to look for conversations with people that we would not normally talk to?
2. What would happen if we went to places we would not usually go?

I suggest Jesus say to you and I, “Lift up your eyes.”

Look what happens in Samaria a few years late in Acts chapter 8

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.

¹²But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. ¹³Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. ¹⁴Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: ¹⁵Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

¹⁶(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) ¹⁷Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

It is my hope, faith and prayer that this year will be a year of Harvest. I want to challenge your prayer to be fervent.

When you pray with understanding, fervent.

When you pray in the spirit, fervent.

When you worship, fervent.

Lift Up Your Eyes!

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott A. Phillips

The Spirit of Obededom - Turning someone’s misfortune into an opportunity.

2024-01-03T05:14:00.000-08:00

Twenty years ago, the Lord gave me this message while I was preparing for the upcoming service on a Sunday afternoon while preaching for Bro Steve Cannon when he pastored in Batesville, Ms. I often am reminded of this message.

One of the first things David did when he became King of all of Isreal was to fetch the Ark of God from the House of Abinadab. On the first attempt, seeing they were ignorant or unconcerned of what God required for transporting the Ark, Uzzah, the son of Abinadab, died on the journey.

And David was afraid of the Lord that day, and said, How shall the ark of the Lord come to me? So David would not remove the ark of the Lord unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite. And the ark of the Lord continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the Lord blessed Obededom, and all his household.

And it was told king David, saying, The Lord hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness. And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.

And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. 2 Samuel 6:9-15

The Spirit of Obededom

Turning someone’s misfortune into an opportunity.

Imagine with me the conflict of feelings that Obededom felt. On the way to Jerusalem, a tragedy brought the very glory of God into his home and life.

For three months. The Glory of the Lord was available to him every morning, noon, evening, and night. The Bible reads specifically that the results were so outstanding that everyone in Israel knew that the

“And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.” 1 Chronicles 13:14

The reports of his blessing was headline news.

From the neighborhood to the market and finally to the King.

”The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God.”

Read the full context.

2 Samuel 6

12 And it was told king David, saying, The Lord hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.

If I was putting in the verse numbers here, I would have divided those two sentences into separate verses. The blessings of Obededom motivated David to try again.

13 And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings. 14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

After nine months of the Ark being in the house of Obededom, David was motivated again to bring the Ark of God, the Ark of the Covenant, to Jerusalem.

It seems Obededom made a decision. If the Ark of God is moving, I am moving. I want to be where the presence of God is. He was addicted to the ministry of the presence of God.

Obededom is found in the procession of the Ark of the Covenant on its travel to Jerusalem.

Then we see him here. I would love to see what this looked like. Reminds me of the scripture when it speaks of the restoration of the tabernacle of David.

^{1 Chronicles 16:4}And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, and to record, and to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel: ⁵Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals; ⁶Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.

Obededom is listed here as one who ministered before the Ark of the Covenant.

Obededom is also listed as a doorkeeper to the Ark of God.

Obededom realized that the best place in the world was near the Glory of God. He began to pursue the Glory of God.

It seems King David and the priesthood recognized, “Obededom knows what to do with the Glory of God. He appears to be the busiest man in the Kingdom when it came to the Ark of the Covenant.

How awesome is that?

I believe that it is possible to feel the presence of the Lord and not
experience the Glory of the Lord. Because Glory will change you. His Glory penetrates the surface and shallowness of who we think we are, and we see ourselves in the reflection of His presence and glory. Look in the Bible: when men come in contact with the Glory, they confess their unworthy state. Nothing will humble you like a fresh encounter with the Glory of God.

Look @ Isaiah 6 to see this in explicit detail.

I have heard it said many are seeking the hand of God but not his face. Another way of saying it is, that many are seeking his power, but not his glory. In his glory, his holiness reveals the lack of it in our own lives. It will cause us to repent and yet at the same time hunger for more of Him.

I have heard songs about the spirit of David, the spirit of Gideon’s three hundred men, but we need a spirit of Obededom to get a hold on us.

What would happen to us if we became obsessed with pushing ourselves into a more profound experience with Jesus? What would happen if we got a revelation of his holiness, a revelation of His glory, even a revelation of his power?

”the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God,
should shine unto them..to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

I believe that if we will get hungry, we will be filled,

If we get thirsty, we will taste of the river of God. I believe if we will seek, we will find,

If we will knock, the door will open and if we will ask, we shall receive.

The progression of revelation, with each step becomes easier, however, we must not stop when we have found,

we must not stop when we have the door opened,

but we must grasp what we find, walk through the door that is opened
and boldly ask when we are communing with our savior.

Not for clothing, cars, or cash.

If this is what we ask for, we reveal our carnality. When we find it, we will cry out and offer ourselves in the service of his kingdom.

TO get a hold on what got a hold on us.

The scripture states that we can experience in our senses the good word of God and of the powers of the world to come.

It is available.

Moses saw the Glory of God, Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted, the prophets, with all of their great experience, did not even come close to what is available to us in the Kingdom of God in this New Testament day.

Jesus said That John the Baptist was the greatest of the prophets, but the least in the Kingdom is greater than even him. (Paraphrased)

We can see the glory in a greater measure than even Moses if we are willing to walk up that shaking and burning mountain. We can traverse where angels fear to trod if we will pursue it.

So often we are satisfied being in his presence when we could experience His glory.

May God give us a glimpse of his glory and that we would follow the example of Obededom and do whatever we must do to stay as close as we can.

One curious thing I don’t know how to explain. Hundreds of years later, when Babylon came and took the precious things of the Temple away to Babylon there is this curious listing of Obededom.

“And he took all the gold and the silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God with Obededom, and the treasures of the king's house, the hostages also, and returned to Samaria.” 2 Chronicles 25:24

What does this mean? Was Obededom still alive? I tend to think that it was more like Obededom was honored to be buried in the same place where the precious things of the Temple were stored.

We can’t know, but just think of that. He was so identified with the Glory of God, that it was decided, he lived his life for the Glory of God, we will let him rest in death where he loved to work while he lived.

Selah

Hungry and Thirsting for the Holiness, Power, and Glory,

That the Lord would baptize us with the Spirit of Obededom!

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott A. Phillips

October 2003

Planning for a Surprise

2024-01-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

The unexpected expectation.

Jesus said,

"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Matthew 24:44

We are told by Paul,

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2:13 & 14

We are told to be prepared because Jesus will come in a moment when you will not have time to prepare.

Let us examine one of the most prominent of parables in relationship to the second coming of Jesus Christ.

The parable of the wise and foolish virgins,

What is the difference between the ten virgins? These five wise and five foolish pure souls?

The wise and foolish were invited, waiting with lamps and sleeping. However, the Bridegroom came at night. The lack of preparation and slumbering of these ten speaks to the fact they expected him to come during the day. In a moment of slumber, those ten slept until the call was made.

These ten had qualified themselves to be a part of the invited group. I suggest, as it applies to the church, that this purity is only possible through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. None is pure but God. However, as children of God, we have access to the righteousness of Christ through faith.

Right? However, Jesus has expectations on the pure. He will give you what you can’t have without Him. However, we must not be foolish to think he has no expectations on us to be prepared.

Let's understand some had not made the cut to be invited. They were not virgins. It's not a parable of a hundred virgins. This is speaking to individuals who choose to stay morally pure and chaste.

Half of them were prepared for the moment that the unexpected time came.

That is the only difference.

Five pure souls were lost, not because of their lack of purity but a lack of preparation.

Are you ready?

Prepare for the sudden appearance in an hour that you think not.

Jesus, help me to be prepared for the surprise.

In Him, By Him, Through Him!

Scott A. Phillips

Check out the parable to remind yourself of the wisdom and instructions of Jesus for us.

Matthew 25
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

The Gift of No

2023-12-29T07:36:00.000-08:00

No.

Thou Shall Not.

This principle was instituted in creation. In his imminent wisdom, God understood the value of establishing the No/Thou shall not in a perfect world yet undefiled by sin.

”And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 2:8 & 9, 16 & 17

Before the question was asked, he gave them the answer. NO

He gave them limits on his yes / you shall.

One of the greatest gifts parents will give their children is the gift of No.

We see this in the perfect world, from God himself to His two children.

In a perfect world, a limitation was required.

Why? It goes to the principle of division. He divided the light from the darkness.
He divided the water from the land. He divided The water in the heavens and the water on the earth.

The principle truth is there must be a binary to all things for the value to be authentic.
Even in the creation of mankind, he made them male and female. The distinction was a part of the design. In that distinction was wisdom illustrated.

Pastors and Leaders who lack the intestinal fortitude to teach the No’s of God are a curse. We must be as bold in declaring God’s blessings promised as well as declaring those things God will curse. Because No is a gift from God. If it’s in the Word of God, we must embrace His Yes and His No.

We see an attempt to erase all forms of distinction and the principle of No, Thou Shall Not from people's minds. In Christianity.

However, this foolishness and the evil it spawns is illustrated in Genesis chapter three.

What happened when they believed that the distinction, the no, had no power?

First, let's just put to rest the lie, "God will not judge you for ignoring His No / Thou shall not's." God did judge them.

God still judges us based on what we do in disobedience or ignorance.

Today, we still suffer from that original sin of ignoring, dismissing, and disagreeing with God's demand for distinction and prohibition. This propensity to resist God is hard-wired.

Every bad thing in our world today is a product of that original sin and the error in our code when we are born to ignore and minimize the no of God.

One of the first steps out of the darkness is when we recognize the logical conclusion: we are not God, we cannot be God, and we are morally broken and inferior. This acknowledgment brings us to the understanding of how deeply we need God.

All of God. Not just all of the good things he provides, but to acknowledge and understand what God in His Word forbids and has placed off limits.

It's not enough to eat every good thing in the garden AND the forbidden fruit. That is what Adam and Eve did, and on that day they did the forbidden thing: chaos, confusion, and ultimately death began to work.

From then and there, we see fear, anxiety, insecurity, scarcity, struggle, and necessity become a part of the human experience.

The consequence of sin on the human mind is seen in Genesis chapter three.

Shame, trying to cover the shame, hiding from the voice of God, and blaming someone else.

Deception and disobedience have the same consequence.

The way out of the shame, chaos, insecurity, scarcity, and necessity is to acknowledge, respect, and honor God.

In a word, "Fear God."

”The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” Psalm 111:10

One of the greatest decisions you will ever make in your life is to embrace the things prohibitions God has given you in His word. Why? Because those prohibitions are not arbitrary, but rather than are forbidden because of the moral wreckage and anarchy they cause.

Some live in sin because of ignorance. They have not been taught and, therefore lack the knowledge/understanding of what sin is. Therefore, they have no hunger and thirst for righteousness. Yet.

When one does conclude, “I am doing life wrong. I want to find a better way.” That awakening will bring them to a place of repentance and quest to know God and learn, grow, and live in a way that shows they believe in and honor God.

From that moment, it God’s will that all would progress in the following way that is explained in such a beautiful way.

Read this and recognize the progression. Focus on each step in the sequence and you will see, that each one builds on the other.

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:4-11

I’ll say YES to the Lord! I will say yes to His Will. I will say Yes to His Word!

Everything he has said NO! to I will embrace the No! I will embrace and obey those things God has forbidden, discouraged, warned, and designated as shameful or sinful.

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott A. Phillips
Pastor
Springridge Pentecostal Church
3453 Springridge Road - Raymond, Ms 39056

P.S.
The Wisdom of Job

“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.”

Read it for yourself and see the progression.

Genesis 3

⁴And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

⁵For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

⁶And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

⁸And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.

⁹And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

¹⁰And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

¹¹And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

¹²And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

¹³And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

¹⁴And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

¹⁵And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

¹⁶Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

¹⁷And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

¹⁸Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;

¹⁹In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

I Wish You A Faithful Christmas

2023-12-22T21:14:00.000-08:00

I Wish You A Faithful Christmas

The Christmas story begins and ends with faithful aged people who were doing what they were called to do.

It begins with Zacharias and Elizabeth and concludes with Anna and Simeon.

In expectation,

In faithfulness,

In duty,

They became a part of God's narrative of the miracle of the incarnation.

How were they chosen to play such incredible parts of this eternity-changing event?

Because they were there.

How is it they were there then?

Because they were there all the days before then.

So many people wonder why they don't see Jesus working in their lives.

The Answer is profound in its simplicity.

They don't understand the call of duty.

Duty can be defined as faithful service.

What permits them to be a part of the miracle?

They were there every other day when nothing miraculous happened.

It is the same for us today.

Faithful duty connects you to those miraculous moments.

Let's examine this event. The significant event is recorded in the first chapter of Luke.

Zacharias, an old man whose lot it was, to burn incense in the House of God.

The silence of four hundred years was about to be broken. He would be the first to have a prophetic supernatural experience in four hundred years.

Four centuries of silence had been the reality of the Jews.

"There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people was praying without at the time of incense.

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense."

This man and his wife had been faithful in his lot of ministry for his whole life long.

In all of those decades of faithful service, nothing significant had happened.

What some would think was the end of his life, the Bible describes them as, "Well stricken in years."

This faithful man is chosen to play a significant role in this opening scene of the incarnation of the mighty God in Christ.

Could it be the reason they were chosen? They were consistent and content in their consecration.

These two precious saints were at rest in their faithfulness.

They were not expecting anything; they were serving because it was their lot. And they embraced it wholeheartedly.

The Bible describes them as blameless and walking in the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

And on a day, like many other days before it,

Old Zach was burning incense before the Ark of the Covenant,

Interceeding for the People,

The people, the multitude of the people, were praying outside at the time of incense.

The Angel of the Lord appeared unto him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

Zacharias was afraid.

"But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

While reading and meditating on this story, I realized that at the end of this narrative, there are two more old saints of God.

Anna and Simeon

Faithful old people who were doing what they were called to do.

In expectation,

In faithfulness,

In duty,

And they became a part of God's narrative of the miracle of the incarnation.

Because they were there.

How is it they were there then?

Because they were there all the days before then.

So many people wonder why they don't see Jesus working in their lives. Why?

Because they don't understand the call of faithful service out of faith and duty to God.

I wish you a Faithful Christmas.

Standing before the Lord.

Burning incense.

Interceeding.

It is your lot in life.

Embrace it.

Addict yourself to it.

Scent your life in the incense of faithful service.

I wish you a faithful Christmas!

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott A. Phillips

The Reason for the Season

2023-12-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

New Location of pastor blog. Subscribe and receive email updates.

God’s arms are forever outstretched like an embrace waiting to be accepted.

Many words define this embrace. Grace. Love. Mercy. Truth.

Jesus is truth in its most glorious manifestation that we might be saved from the darkness, deception, and destruction that lies have produced.

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6

Truth is the greatest gift God has ever given. Truth is found within the easy reach of anyone with a Bible. Learning, meditating, and living that truth is the invitation we have all been given; it is up to us to accept the challenge and live in its limitless blessing.

It's not a question of what truth does to people but what people do with truth. Love it, reject it, speak it in love, buy it, or sell it.

Truth is not relevant but revolutionary.

Look what the world did with the truth.

Rejected it.

Betrayed it.

Denied it.

Blasphemed it

Laughed at it.

Lied about it.

Crucified it.

Buried it.

However, the truth will always be resurrected at the appointed time.

Truth is not defensive or offensive. Truth is. You can love it or leave it. Our treatment of truth reveals us.

What you love, you show. You Wear. You Speak. You celebrate.

Let it be said of us that we loved, lived, spoke, and manifested the truth in love.

Truth is Light, don't shield it.

Truth is Salt, don't sweeten.

Truth is Right, don't doubt it.

Truth is Bold; don't dilute it.

Jesus, if we are truly celebrating Him this season, we should recommit ourselves to the absolute source, nature, and virtue of truth.

Moral good and perverse wickedness are in brilliant contrast today.

We must decide whether we love truth even if it makes the world hate us. We also must evaluate what we love. Because what we love should be a litmus test we give ourselves to determine how deeply we need to repent.

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” 1 John 2:15-18

When we truly love Jesus, we embrace the truth found in the precious pages of the scriptures. Jesus our faith in Jesus is only legitimate and authentic when we fully embrace and live out the truth found in the word of God.

The contrast of Jesus the Christ and the Anti-Christ is summarized in these words from Paul to the church in the second letter to the church in Thessalonica.

^“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

2 Thessalonians 3:9-12

Christmas is undoubtedly about the wise men, shepherds, angels, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and a handful of others. However, the unwritten truth is they are but a minuscule minority of the world at large who were ignorant, unaware, and unconcerned. Add to those who, throughout his life, rejected Jesus. Mocked, lied, doubted, and conspired against him, washed their hands of him, and cooperated in the murder of him.

They failed to embrace the forever invitation of God’s embrace.

Let us determine to be a part of the remnant of those who accept the righteous invitation and commission to be a part of what might become a procession of martyrs for Jesus Christ.

https://scottaphillips.substack.com/p/the-reason-for-the-season

The Measure of Faith!

2023-11-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

(Image that Google gave me when I asked for “The world’s biggest Bulldozer?”)

Having access to a thing is different than using what we have. Having a D5 Bulldozer in the garage is different than riding and using the same D5 to terraform the world you live in with it.

Faith.

A gift from God.
The ability to see, to believe in what is not yet.
The ability to believe in what is more than improbable.

Faith for the Impossible!
Name the trouble,
Financial.
Physical.
Timing.

I believe in God that is has no limitations but Himself.

What is possible with God? Anything, Everything, Anytime, Anyplace for Anybody!

If it is in His Will, if we pray for it and obey His Word, it shall be done.

However, if it's not His Will, nothing will change that.

My faith can see the possibilities in the realm of the Power of God!

It is beyond our farthest reach.
It does not compute on our calculator.
It is often not even logically feasible.

The gift to believe in what is beyond us.

We can sing about rain amid a drought.
We can praise the Lord our Healer in sickness.
We can dance about the Lord, our provider in the midst of need.

We have the ultimate hope, because even in those seasons that what we pray and praise God for do not unfold, we have a hope that is beyond the physical.

We have a hope that is outside of time, space, and matter.

We have Hope in the realm of the supernatural and eternal.

Do I have hope in the land of the living? Ab So Lute Ly!

However, my greater hope is in the land far beyond the sky!

This morning, no matter your circumstances, there is a reality more real than what you see, hear, feel, and touch!

I have seen the miraculous in all realms of the five senses!

However, I see beyond!

I am looking for a city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Faith!

I can rest in faith.
I can sing in faith.
I can rejoice in faith.

Because that faith is anchored in the God of all creation!
My faith is rooted in the source of every good and perfect gift!
I am walking in a light brighter than the noonday sun; that glorious light whose source is the Father of lights!

Oh, they tell me of a home far beyond the skies
Oh, they tell me of a home far away
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day
Oh, the land of cloudless day
Oh, the land of an unclouded sky
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day
Oh, they tell me of a home where my friends have gone
Oh, they tell me of that land far away
Where the tree of life in eternal bloom
Sheds its fragrance through the unclouded day
Oh, the land of cloudless day
Oh, the land of an unclouded sky
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day
Oh, they tell me of a King in His beauty there
And they tell me that mine eyes shall behold
Where He sits on the throne that is whiter than snow
In the city that is made of gold
Oh, the land of cloudless day
Oh, the land of an unclouded sky
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day
Oh, they tell me that He smiles on His children there
And His smile drives their sorrows all away
And they tell me that no tears ever come again
In that lovely land of unclouded day
Oh, the land of cloudless day
Oh, the land of an unclouded sky
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise
Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day

A Simple Truth in a Nine Letter Word

2023-11-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

The universal invitation to all to join in salvation purchased for humanity by the blood of Jesus Christ.

We live in a day when the above statement is intensely contested. However, let us examine this in light of the teachings of Jesus.

John 3:¹⁵That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

¹⁶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

¹⁷For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

¹⁸He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

¹⁹And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

²⁰For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

²¹But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Jesus communicated the need to believe. If you believe, you can be saved. Faith is the foundational requirement to be saved. I believe Jesus taught many simple admonitions we must do in addition to faith. However, nothing has any effect or benefit if it is not done in faith. Faith is the catalyst that causes the Word of God to be miraculous in the life of the believer.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

Some have been taught that only those Jesus chooses can even believe. If you have not been chosen specifically to be saved, you can’t have faith. And if you have not been chosen, you have no ability to believe. So in fact the act of belief is no act at all but a predetermined programming. If you are chosen you can’t help but to choose him. If you have not been chosen, there is nothing you can do to choose him. In a word, fatalism.

This kind of reasoning ignores, in whole and part, the teaching ministry of Jesus.

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells of ten virgins. All were pure, invited, and called upon when the bridegroom came. The difference between the foolish and the wise was determined by the preparation each individually did or did not do.

The parables of Jesus visit this theme over and over. Jesus warns repeatedly if one lacks diligence, they will be lost. The parable of the wise and foolish concerning building a house on sand or stone. The difference? Not if they were chosen, but if they individually choose to hear and obey or hear and disobey.

The Apostle Paul, in Romans chapter 11, visits this same theme in the discussion of the natural and engrafted branches. Again, it points to a purposeful choice to believe.

^“20Well; because of unbelief, they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: ²¹For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. ²²Behold, therefore, the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.”

The tactic to discount this is to view the preferred text in an absolutist way and thereby discount, dissect, and disagree because it seems to disagree with their favored texts.

Here is the problem for them. They reject the simple reading of scripture and have been taught that some scriptures are more true, and therefore, any text that disagrees with their orthodoxy, what they read in the text is inaccurate or misunderstood because in no universe is what their tradition is wrong or overstated.

I contend that all scripture is true. Jesus chooses us. However, my distinction is choosing is based on our response to his universal appeal.

Many are called but few are chosen. God does choose. However, it is not arbitrary, but it is a qualification.

The universality of the word “Whosoever”.

The false charge for those who reject absolute election is to speak to compare to the error of the Universalist.

The universalists teach that everyone is saved no matter what they do.

Calvinism is a dark kind of universalism. The Calvinists teach a type of the same logic. No matter what you do, only those chosen are saved. The rest are lost, and no choice or opportunity is given.

I reject both of these errors.

The truth is very simple. Jesus died for all and whosoever believes will be saved.

That sounds a lot like what Jesus taught.

Whosoever??? Whosoever!!!

Whosoever, what a wonderful opportunity for those who will believe.

Ninety-three times, this wonderful word is in the New Testament.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:” Matthew 7:24

I reject the fatalism in those teaching a fatalistic view of God. This fatalism paints God as one who is a type of puppetmaster. Every decision, every action, every word, and every deed is programmed into the universe, and it is predetermined and ordained by God. Every terrorist attack. Every accident. Every mass murder.

I see God as the one we read in the Bible. From the very beginning, all of us are given a choice. Life and death. Faith and doubt. Obedience and rebellion.

We are made by our choices, and we make those choices. Why?

Because in his sovereignty, God gave each of us, made in His image, the ability to choose who we would serve and what we would do and not do.

That is the God of the Bible. That is the God I worship.

I pray that all would come to a true faithful obedience to a God manifested in Jesus Christ. This Jesus Christ shed his righteous blood for all who believe in Him and obey His Word.

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being..."

If Not For Trouble,

The Loves of Jesus

The Difference Between Praise and Worship

I Knew It!!!

I was in Islamabad this morning.

Excuses or Expectations

What is Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost?

Diamonds are NOT forever. Diamonds are created and disappear under similar conditions.

The Kings Mule

You Can't Tell Me That's Not God

The Main Danger of the 'Hyper-Grace' Message: Error Through Overemphasis

Avoiding the Ditches

Sanctify Yourself

The Pit

Faith lives here!

The God of Everything!

“For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” Acts 17:23-28

A Tophet?

Why are some things not sin any more?

Why are some things not sinful to “Christians” anymore?People have been deceived, often willingly, because they love to sin.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

1 Peter 1:14-17

Listen to the sobering words of Jesus.

Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:22-24

A Revelation of Heaven

“And David danced before the Lord with all his might;” 2 Samuel 6:14

I wonder what kind of Giants would fall in our lives if we had such a passion for fellowship with God.

1.4 trillion in gold.

Lift up your eyes

He begins to talk to his disciples.

Look what happens in Samaria a few years late in Acts chapter 8

The Spirit of Obededom - Turning someone’s misfortune into an opportunity.

Planning for a Surprise

The unexpected expectation.

The Gift of No

I Wish You A Faithful Christmas

The Reason for the Season

The Measure of Faith!

A Simple Truth in a Nine Letter Word

^“For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

Why are some things not sinful to “Christians” anymore?

People have been deceived, often willingly, because they love to sin.