Pastor Scott's Musings

After the miraculous events of the Exodus from Egyptian oppression, God led the Israelites into the deserts of the Sinai Peninsula. They suffered thirst and hunger. The journey required faith. However the former slaves didn't know how to live apart from their former taskmasters. They grumbled and complained along the way. At times Moses feared for his life, concerned that the people might stone him.  In every instance God provided. God delivered. Beyond the scant water and food, the Hebrews were attacked by the Amalekites. (See Exodus 17:8-16) A battle ensued with Joshua leading the fighting men of Israel against the enemy forces. The high priest Aaron and Hur accompanied Moses to a hilltop overlooking the battle. God instructed Moses to hold up the staff of God through which God wrought the plagues upon Egypt. As long as Moses held the staff up toward the throne of God in heaven Joshua and his forces prevailed. But when Moses tired and rested his arms, the Israelites began to fall...

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them;    they will be his peoples,    and God himself will be with them;    he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more;    mourning and crying and pain will be no more,   for the first things have passed away.” And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. Those who conquer will inherit thes...

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God,  who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) Today we climb the Mount Everest of the New Testament. Romans chapter 8 has the distinction of being considered the best summation of a Christian worldview. The chapter shouts hope! The letter to the Romans is considered to be Paul's best work, his magnum opus. It is the most systematic discussion of the Christian faith in the New Testament. One verse in the latter third of the chapter is a beacon for Christian hope. All things in this life God works together for good.  In order for the glorious crescendo, which is Romans 8, to be properly heard, we must work our way through the previous 7 chapters. Paul opens the letter to the Roman church by expressing his desire to visit them, for he has heard of them, but has not yet been able to come to Rome on his missionary travels. Paul declares himself an apostle to the Gentiles through Christ...

“You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life."    (John 5:39-40) Jesus went to Jerusalem for one of the religious festivals ordained in the Law of Moses. While there Jesus healed a paralytic at the pool of Bethesda. The Jews were alarmed that Jesus broke the sabbath law to do no work, even works of healing. They persecuted Jesus. Jesus told them, “My Father is still working, and I also am working.” (John 5:17) The Jews were angry enough to want to kill Jesus.  Here in this event in Jesus' life, we see division over how to faithfully live according to God's will. The Jews dedicated their lives to Torah observance, to keep faithfully every law and ordinance passed down to them by Moses. The Pharisees created a collection of more laws, called halakha or the walk, to assure in every situation the Jews would know how to live. They were totally ...

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.  (Philippians 2:12-13) It's spring and a lot of people are gong outside, even in this time of quarantine, enjoying the sunshine and doing active things. They ride bikes, walk their dogs, mow, landscape and run. Working out is essential to athletic performance. If you would do well in a sport, you must be fit. You must work out. If you would have a faith that will go the distance, spiritual workouts are essential. The Apostle Paul encourages the church in Philippi that they should continue to work out their salvation. Quite often when we speak of salvation, we talk about forgiveness of sin and entry into heaven upon our death. Faith in Christ is the key that opens the way to heaven. But Christian faith is muc...

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4) Have you ever noticed that there are two kinds of people on rollercoasters? The picture below shows them both. One type white knuckles their way through the big drop, and twists and turns of the experience. The other type throws their hands up in joyous abandon. Which kind are you? "The Beast" Rollercoaster at King's Island James is the half-brother of Jesus and the leader of the church in Jerusalem, the very first church. He writes to the churches spread throughput the Roman Empire around 50-60 AD. The reformer Martin Luther did not like the letter of James, calling it an "epistle of straw". Martin Luther's reform included the slogan "By faith alone!" Luther's probl...

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.   (Philippians 4:13) This verse is a popular one for many who have committed the words to memory. It's a mantra to whisper to your heart when facing any number of challenges. When I'm on the elliptic machine and wanting to quit, I whisper the words and push myself, leaning into the Spirit of the Lord. When I'm facing a difficult situation in life, I remember not to get anxious, but to trust in the Lord's ability to empower and provide. The so-called power verse makes just about any list of favorite verses to encourage a believer.  Of course when the Apostle Paul wrote the words he never thought the Church centuries later would be putting it on memes to encourage others in social media.  Paul wrote these words in his letter to a congregation in Philippi. The church was one of Paul's beloved congregations which he started. It's considered to be the first church in Europe. The congregation was go...