No Scripture Required

S - "And when he was raised from death, his followers remembered what he had told them. Then they believed the Scriptures and the words of Jesus." According to John 2:22 TJB

 

O - Those following Jesus and who were closest to him did not believe because of anything recorded in the Scriptures.  They'd even forgotten much of what he told them. They did not believe in the resurrection of Jesus because the Scriptures foretold it. The catalyst for their belief did not come from theological information or religious practice. It came, and it comes, from only one source: personal encounters with the resurrected Jesus. Religion wants people to believe in the Scripture so they will believe in Jesus. Heaven wants people to meet Jesus and then the Scriptures will have their intended place.      

 

A - The life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth highlight and emphasize the reality that God's Kingdom and all religions are diametrically opposed to each other.  The polarized differences are the differences between mere human culture and God's Kingdom. Religion uses Scriptures to come to conclusions it thinks are accurate.  It builds, creates a Savior, a Jesus in its own understanding.  These two are so intensely opposed to each other that the best religion of Jesus' day will insist on and insure his unjust trial and underserved execution. Ultimately, religion will use the words of Scripture and then refuse or change the meaning.  Jesus clearly and repeatedly warns his followers of this sad reality. He invites me and the world (7.7 billion) to follow himself not a principle, plan or concept. Faith in Jesus does not come from accurate theological conclusions but from the reliance and confidence one has in his person in ongoing relationship. Jesus is to be known not just known about. Once we meet him … resurrection is a foregone conclusion.  No Scriptures required.  

 

P - God of all and God of me,

Am so very grateful that your great love for us is fully expressed and confirmed in the person of Jesus and his invitation to know you not just know about you. Am glad to be following him and loving you back.

Steve