Heart of the Matter ESPRESSO

Live from Salt Lake City, Utah, this is Heart of the MatterTGNN’s original show where Shawn McCraney deconstructed religion and developed fulfilled theology. ESPRESSO! where we do all we can to worship God in Spirit and in Truth. I’m Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion., your host.

Show 24 553
Striking the Root – part V
June 13th 2017

Upcoming Event

Those of you who live in the Logan Utah area on up to Preston Idaho, this may of be of interest to you. On Wednesday, June 21st 7PM I am going to be speaking in a home outside of Preston about Mormonism, Christianity, and a relationship directly with the Lord. I will be bringing up all of our books for those who desire them and will have food and a Q and A afterward. ALL are welcome – of any stripe, shape or ilk. The address is

That’s Wednesday, June 21st 2017 from 7 to 9 PM – join us if you are from that area.

Evangelical Christianity and the Good News

Evangelical Christianity generally takes a couple pretty standard stances relative to the Good News. Some say that God elects those who will receive it here by faith – and the rest are damned to burn in hell forever. And the others say that people have to choose God – and if they don’t (again, in this life) they will burn in hell forever.

While I do not preach another Good News I do preach another view of its application to the world. See, I believe that God through Christ has had the total victory over sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace. and deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God. and that all people will be ultimately reconciled to Him at some point in time.

When we consider the Old and New Covenants we might see them as two different economies or administrations. The first administration operated under the Law of God. While this Law was perfect, human beings were not – therefore none were (or could) be made righteous by obedience to it. In the second economy, there was an administration that operated under God’s grace through faith on His Only Begotten Son.

While these were two very different administrations they both had the same goal – to bring or lead humankind to God . . . first through the Law, and second by faith in His Son. We might liken this change of administration to the changing of American Presidents where one is Republican and the other Democrat. Where the goal for each of the respective Presidents is the same (to govern and lead the nation) their respective administrations are different. Same with the Old and New Testaments.

Dispensation and Fulness of Time

The Greek word translated “dispensation” (in the KJV of the Bible is oikonomea) and from this word we get the English term, economy. Scripture speaks of different economies as different dispensations. For example, we frequently read of when people operated or lived under “the Law.” But Paul, speaking of his work among the Gentiles, said in 1st Corinthians 9:17 that “a dispensation (oikonomea) of the gospel is committed unto me.”

Is there a culminating dispensation – in other words a final dispensation that will exist and never change? If so, when will it arrive (or has it arrived already?) And what are some of its characteristics?

We read in Galatians 4:4
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

In this passage the “fullness of time” comes from the word (oikonomea – dispensation) and it came when God sent forth His Son to do two things – one, to “Redeem them that were under the Law,” (the Nation of Israel as God) and so that “we might receive the adoption of Sons” (that is, all others could receive the adoption of Sons into the Kingdom of GodGod’s spiritual reign—fulfilled and present, not political or future.).

What else did Jesus coming in the fullness of time accomplish? Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:10

“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times (which began when Jesus was born according Galatians 4:4) he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”

Some people might suggest that all does not mean all here, that “in the dispensation of the fullness of times” God did NOT “gather into one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth, even in Him.” But I would suggest that scripture says otherwise – that the total absolute victory has been had by Christ and

Reconciliation in Christ

All things in heaven and earth are gathered into one . . . in Him. None excluded. This is NOT universalism. Hang with me, now.

Philippians 2:9 says,

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him (Jesus), and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Colossians 1:20 reads, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

Then speaking of this dispensation/economy/administration the Apostle Peter wrote in 1st Peter 1:20 (and speaking of Jesus) said:

“Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times (oikomenea) for you,”

The Dispensation of the Fullness of Times

From all of this I think it is safe to conclude the following:

• That the dispensation of the fullness of times began when Jesus was born of a woman.
• That the purpose of this dispensation was to redeem those born under the Law AND to open the door for all souls to become Sons of God through Faith on Christ.
• That this dispensation or administration would end when Jesus returned with reward and judgement on His own (which occurred in 70 AD).
• That this wrapped up all that that economy or administration was about,
• That all things (at His coming) were then reconciled to God through Him, whether on earth or in heaven.
• And that while God has certainly reconciled all things to Himself by and through His Son, with Christ being the first-fruits of all of God’s creations (as James 1:18 says, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”) all human beings, being drawn and called to Christ by the Spirit, can choose to become Sons and Daughters to God – if they are willing, if they want the light over the dark, if they are humble seekers of truth.
• But most notably, there is a big difference between being part of “all things reconciled” to God, and becoming a Son or Daughter through Christ.

Becoming Sons and Daughters to God

• That becoming a Son or Daughter to God through Christ means that while on this earth people live their lives as Christ lived His

  • By faith
  • By the Spirit
  • In and through agape loveSelfless love marked by patience, mercy, and humility—central to living in spiritual liberty.
  • Selflessly
  • Sacrificially, and
  • Not of this world

• And that all people will, in fact, reap what they have sown in their lives with those sowing to the Spirit (through Christ) reaping to the Spirit (in the hereafter) and those who have chosen to sow to their flesh, reaping to their flesh in the hereafter;

• that those who were first (here) will be last there and those who were last here – because of their devotion to Christ) will be first there. And finally,

Membership in the Family of God

That being “Christ’s by Faith” makes us members of the Family of God, which is very different (again) from just being reconciled to Him by the victorious works of Christ. This is what caused Paul to write in Ephesians 3:14:

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

This is NOT a description of all people in heaven and earth reconciled to Him – in fact, it seems to be a description only of the few (relatively speaking) who have pursued God through Christ by sowing, as His true Sons and Daughters, to the Spirit and not to the flesh. And with that let’s move on with our striking at the Root – Part V.

The Two Primary Ways

Thus far we have discussed two primary ways in which the religious few seek to manipulate and own the many in the faith. This is how we have laid out the chart: (show Board illustration here)

HIM and HIS VICTORY

• Scriptural Precedent
• The Wonderful Effects on all.

Religious Precedent

• The Horrible Effects on All

Experienced Through . . . (Described as . . .)

The result

(Described as . . .)

The Result

1. The Good News
   “Come, buy without money free of price”
   “all the world”
   Gratitude
   Freedom
   Love and Joy
   More . . .
   Not enough . . .
   Maintenance of . . .
   Always Bad News, somehow, in the end.

2. Unburdening of Cares

Come unto me and I will give you rest.
Yoke is easy, His burden light
Freedom!
Liberty!
Dead to the Law!
Sin is overcome!
The prison doors are open!
All mankind is free!
Death is overcome!
Hell is cast away!
Satan is in the Lake of Fire!
He has already come!

Oh, no, this is not true! (see what they have done? They have taken the victory out of Jesus hands and then applied all the fears that He beat back upon all people!)

True Humility

“Become as Little Children”
“Weak things of the World”

Death to Pride

This is a tell-tale sign of those who have genuinely been regenerated by the victorious life and acts of Christ Jesus – humility. It seems to be based on the fact that genuine believers understand that He has, in fact, done it all on their behalf – that without Him they would be lost and broken, and that in the presence of the living God no flesh has any right or ability to boast over anything. This is the response all biblical characters tend to have when they have truly been introduced to God – awe, humility, fear, trembling, and an ego that is broken into shambles.

Jesus said in Matthew 18:4: “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Later Jesus taught in Matthew 23:11: "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." This is not some pretend servant – it’s an honest to goodness servant/slave who toils for others. Jesus said in Matthew 23:12: “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”

James wrote:

6 Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

The Apostle Peter added in 1st Peter 5:5-6:

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.

Of course, there is one of my favorite verses, probably because it speaks to my personal…

Humility and God's Use of the Lowly

heart so readily, which says

1st John 2:16 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.

Remember these words. (Repeat)

1st John 2:16 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.

It is one of the amazing results of the Gospel in the lives of arrogant men – it reduces out pride and levels us to the dust of humility before God and Man. In this state of mind and heart God uses us, as broken vessels, not as strong.

Wisdom and Foolishness

This caused Paul to write in the first chapter of Corinthians the all-familiar words:

1st Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

That no flesh should glory in His presence. And since He is present everywhere, no flesh has the right to EVER… glory… or boast.

But organizations can hardly help themselves from gloating over the mighty when they grace them with their presence. And not only do they gloat but they promote the mighty into places of responsibility that are otherwise not available to “the common man,” to the “weak things of the world,” to “the base and despised.” It’s the way of man – we can hardly help ourselves. We adore the accomplished, the famous, the educated and the wealthy.

God's Choice of the Lowly

From governing boards of deacons and elders to boards of regents to our Reverends and Pastors we have more and more allowed ONLY – ONLY, the accomplished in the ways and things of the world. The writer of Hebrews describes some of the Old Testament people God used by saying:

Hebrews 11:36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

Of course when the Word of God was made flesh and dwelled among us He personally chose twelve educated, articulate, wealthy, astute men of the world to be His disciples, right?

Of course not. And the most ardent faithful courageous followers of Him also seemed to have been the most lowly in terms of the world – Harlots, sinners, adulterers, Samaritans, lepers, the lame, with only the occasional Centurion, Pharisee or scribe.

What happened? Several things.

1st, we started playing church.
2nd, we started focusing on money.
3rd, we forgot that His body is made of the weak and not the strong.

The Intellectualization of Faith

Becoming “wise in our own eyes” due to education, research, strategies, M Div’s and PhD's.

5th we began to think the Gospel is known intellectually rather than by the spirit where intelligence is irrelevant. 6th this pushed us into becoming a body of scribes instead of a body of slaves, where every jot and tittle is presently debated. 7th And we began to war against flesh and blood politically and then inter-denominationally. 8th We have presently chosen to fortify the body intellectually and materially rather than through humble approaches to God because these things have weight and play in the world – but the things of the Spirit do not.

Before long churches started becoming schools and even colleges and universities and then the elements of the world mixed in with the Gospel and the Gospel became associated with business models, educational and academic degrees, intellectualism and all the rest.

Loss of Genuine Humility

And once again, where the Victory of Christ produces sincere, broken, not of this world genuine humility, this has been taken over by the few who reworked his central message then reassigned it back upon the many with very few even realizing what has gone down. Instead most look at their degrees, and their money, and their material campus’s established using Jesus' name and actually allow themselves to think that God not only LOVES all that is in their world, the lust of their flesh, the lust of their eyes, and the pride of their lives but he is also the AUTHOR of it!

(beat)

Bwahahahahahahahahah! (Beat) Ahhhhhahahahahahahaha! (beat) Oooooohoohoohoohoohohohohohoh

The Fear of the Lord

Proverb 8:13 says it well:

“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.”

God is spirit, and seeks all who worship Him in SPIRIT and in TRUTH. One of the ways that the few have stepped in and manipulated the many is they have made the lie of materialism a truth, the lie of intellectualism acceptable, and have turned away from the very things God has chosen:

“the foolish things of the world”
“the weak things of the world”
“the base things of the world, and the things which are despised . . .”

These are the things God has chosen but many churches have hailed and promoted the very opposite.

Let’s open up the phone lines:

SPOT

NO CALLS WRAPPING IT UP