Unashamed with the Robertson Family - Ep 460 | Jase Admires the Masters Caddies & Phil Calls God a Friend

Episode Date: April 13, 2022

Jase shares a story about the 2022 Masters Golf Tournament, and Phil jokes about faith. Al and Phil discuss fear and its place inside a friendship with God, and Jase explains the difference between God knowing your heart and theologically correct behavior. Al discusses Abraham being called God's friend, and Jase takes a look at how everyone can see pride from afar, except the prideful. Watch the Unashamed overtime show, only on BlazeTV: https://BlazeTV.com/Unashamed - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am unashamed. What about you? So, Jay's, I'm at the Southern Lair, Elise and I are down here at Gulf Shores this week, and I was totally immersed in the Masters this weekend. Of course, you know, Tiger was having his first round since the accident and all that. You know, that was kind of the main storyline going into the Masters, but then old Scotty Sheffler from Texas, he kind of stole the show.

And I didn't realize until Saturday, I didn't know that Teddy, who we know well, is Bubba's former caddy, was owned Schephler's bag. And I mean, they said his name, and they mentioned they were in a Bible study together, and I was like, that's Teddy. Ted Scott.

Yeah, Ted Scott. We always go to him, Teddy, but I mean, super, super good guy. And then when Jim Nance is talking about them in Bible study together. I was like, that's what they need to be talking about on the golf coverage. I mean, I thought that was pretty awesome. I was pretty surprised they mentioned that several times, which, I mean, look, if you got

people that love Jesus and they're out there at an event that I love, yeah, I've been to the masters a couple of times, just the place is exciting. Now, I mean, in this time of year, there's always, of course, as a believer, I'm thinking about the resurrection because you see all these things after winter that are springing up and as Phil always says I mean what department in seawater designed all that right but it really makes me think about the resurrection which is resurrection week is is coming up that we celebrate but I think you bring up some good points because I mean just a few weeks ago you know he sent me a text which I I didn't know. It seemed weird. But he was like, yeah, I mean, it was kind of like he was asking

me if I needed a golf lesson or anything. I was thinking, I'm too far gone on that. There's no help here. I'm going to play golf in months, which I did play for the first time yesterday in six months. The master's got you fired up, didn't it? I guess it did. And Willie wanted to play. So it's like, I think it's been years since Willie and I actually played together. Yeah, because he had made the vacation last couple of years, so I haven't played with him in at least two years. You know, I thought we both hit the ball pretty well. We kind of looked like, I mean, I started to say we kind of looked like Tiger Woods. I mean, we shot about the same score, which was cool, but he was from the master.

But we couldn't putt very well. And, you know, when you haven't played those little things. but you know i've never really been a big fan of tiger woods uh just because we're talking about yeah just just the yeah the character things but i i tell you i was uh inspired that when he did the interviews and they said how would you sum up how you feel now after this because it is incredible for this guy to have that you know have a wreck like he did and now be back playing golf but when he said thankful i thought okay yeah i mean i that inspired me i thought you know and we know from reading the bible i mean difficulty and challenges and suffering it does produce

a humility and you you look at that process and a perseverance and so i mean i i thought his attitude uh is better so i was kind of halfway reading i also thought he was the last interview i saw him do he was he was very humble because she asked him she kept saying you know why are you so determined you know what do you have that other people don't have you know she kept making it about him and he kept saying well it's the people around me he said there's people well the team yeah yeah so i just thought that was pretty humble to recognize that it wasn't him um you know that he was recognizing other people so i mean i guess he's matured more but i'm like you i mean i very much admire his ability on the golf course

course, but have never, you know, much care for everything else. But now some of these young guys like Schaeffler, I mean, they seem to be the real deal in both. Well, to get back to Ted Scott. So, you know, I sent him a long text last night after he's over because then I felt like I was invested in this. I'm like, I know this guy. Right.

And have been with him many times. And he loves Jesus. And the fact, yeah, they want it. Well, he's the caddy. And I said, do you know. when I see him the text, which he hasn't, text me back. I'm sure he's busy, but I'm like, oh, so now you're big shot me, you know. I was going to send him a text, James, but I was going to wait at least a couple of days

because I figured they had post-masters school. I sent him one last night. You know, an ironic twist of fate. I was on the way down here. I was listening to the masters yesterday on my radio because I would play golf. So I was just seeing where they were at. Well, this morning when I was driving down here, he was actually being interviewed on the same station. And so it was pretty cool.

So I said, well, I guess it hit me that. He's probably pretty busy right now. You know, everybody's asking him. But it was a really good interview. But what I loved about the whole situation is so he thinks he's retired. But he meets this guy at a Bible study. And Bubba and Teddy part ways. Who knows what the story is behind that?

I never asked. But they're like, we're still friends. We're just not going to be in this relationship. So Teddy comes out of retirement. He gets with this guy for you non-golf fans. Nine, they've been together nine tournaments. And I think they've won four of them. Four. Yeah.

So he has his first win. And I've learned something about the PGA tour. If you can win like multiple times. times in a short period of time. He was the number one player in the world going into the Masters, and then he wins it. But because, and they asked him point blank why he hired him. He's like, I wanted a Christian on my, on my bag to help me. And so now, so I sent Ted Scott a text.

I said, do you realize, because I heard him say this, you're only the second caddy and the history of the Masters to win with different. Two different players. I mean, you're, you're shaping history now. Of course, he hasn't responded to that yet. Maybe he didn't. He's just having a CELO. But I was just excited, you know.

I mean, I'm like, people who are unashamed, I mean, that's the name of our podcast. People are unashamed that they're followers and lovers of Jesus and kind of put in the order on their faith and family and friends because that's what Shephyr said a few times. it is really nice to see them win something like this. And I think, because they can't really find one thing on a reason why he's beating everybody. But I'm like, well, I think it's his perspective. I mean, he's got the talent. And he's a big strong, strong guy, but he has the talent.

He's good at a lot of different things in golf. But I heard Ted say today about him, it's like his brain on the course, his perspective. That's good. Well, I know where he's getting that. piece from. Well, he had a really interesting moment he was sharing. I think it was afterwards, I'm not sure. Sheff where I'm talking about, but he said he had a moment. And I think it was the night before the Sunday. It was Saturday night. And he said he was like just in tears. He was crying. And he was just like, I don't, I don't know that I'm ready for this moment, you know,

meaning that if he wins, you know, it puts him in a different place. And everybody's wanting a piece of my guess is what he meant. But anyway, he was doubting. You know, that he was ready for it. And his wife said, what are you talking about? She said, God has prepared you for this moment. I mean, he wouldn't have you here if you weren't ready. And he said that at this press conference. And he said, you know, it just calmed me down. And she was right. You know, I embraced it because the Lord put me here is what he said. And again, I just, my respect, I was like, wow, this, you know, to have that, that big microphone in the moment, you know, because it goes and, you know, comes and goes. Because they kept.

comparing him to Spieth, Jason, I thought about it. You know, Spieth, about three or four years ago, he was just like him. He's winning all the tournaments, you know, nobody could stop him, this kid from Texas. And then he just fell off the map for like three years. I think he changed his golf swings, which is what they usually do. They win, and then all of a sudden they start changing everything. Yeah. You know, golf is such a nerve.

I don't see the downside of your faith in God. Lord God just did a little ball in the direction. God put your hand on this little ball and curve it to the left or right. It is so silly the game itself. Whether God would participate in that or not, I have no idea, but he did win it. I mean, you think about the concept. And he is godly. You dig 18 holes.

You dig 18 holes because I like digging into dirt. and you get some clubs and you take those round ball and you try to get it in the hole in less attempts with your sticks than the guy you're playing with. I mean, and that took off. That made it. Yeah. And it's been around longer than about any other game.

And these guys are stars. I mean, they're famous. They were, I heard him telling a story about Tiger Woods because they were, because he's kind of like me. people he's won them over with his new attitude and all and and it's not like he's Superman anymore i mean i noticed he was using that golf club more for a cane just a walk than he was hitting it and uh so yeah you just kind of sympathize with the guy but i was hearing him tell the story about how polarized an individual he was i mean he's like because everybody knows who he is i mean you

You got fame and then you got this kind of fame. And this reporter was telling a story about he was at an event one time and he saw two guys standing next to each other. One of them had a, he's a 50-year-old man, he was guessing, had like a tiger suit on. He came to the event. Just think about where are you at in your life where you're 50? And you say, you know what I'm going to do?

I'm going to go buy a tiger suit. This is the golf pro you're talking about? Yeah, well, this is a golf fan supporting Tiger. And he went and bought a tiger suit that was kind of spandexy and goes to a tournament and watches and roots for this guy. And he said, he was standing beside a guy who had a sign that said, anybody but tiger. And he just kind of made him stop and pause and is like,

where are we out in our culture where 50-year-old men are doing this over, hitting a ball in a hole. Well, Jason is kind of like, I guess dad is that big because I was speaking a few years ago in Muscle Shows, Alabama, and the events going on. I mean, I hadn't gotten to speak in. I look in the back and I see people out there taking pictures with somebody. And I look, and so I kind of walked back there to see what was going on because it looked like Dad.

And there was a man, probably in his 60s, that looked just like Dad, except he was short. He was like 5-8 instead of, you know, six-two. And, but he had your beard. He had the bandana. He had the sunglasses. He had the camo. I mean, he had it down. Exactly.

And he was taking pictures of people as you, I guess. I mean, because people are like, is that your dad? I was like, no. He's not here with me. He doesn't travel with me. But so, so, see, dad, you've got your, what would make a man want to look like Phil Robertson and take pictures? You know, you'd need some, that's why they have.

a lot of high dollar psychiatrist running around on planet. No, it's actually more believable to do that, though, Al, because basically all you have to do to look like that is just, just do nothing. Yeah. That is true. It's a little, it's less effort than the tiger suit. I'm saying, if we're going to go psychiatrists,

if you're wearing a spandex tiger outfit to a golf course because you support one of the golfers, I think there's we need to look inside what's what's going on inside between your ears. I just I just overlook such as that. I overlook it. I don't pay careful attention. Well, I've said we should, my whole point for that and the reason people that are not golfing, they think it's silly. And that's, I'm not going to argue about that.

Nope. But when you have a team that all of a sudden, who are both believers that are unashamed about it, and they win four out of whatever, nine tournaments, and he wins his first major, and they just seem, when they have put their faith and trust in a person who got his body out of the ground, when they have that perspective,

in contrast to a game being skilled at and being great at putting a ball in the hole of the ground, that's the contrast with me. That's why I root for it. And for the first time, my wife actually watched and was excited because she loves her some Ted Scott. I mean, and look, the first time we met, you going to take a break for this story? Yeah, let's take a break. The first time we met, Bubba had come.

He just, I met him on social media back when I was on social media. And he said he was coming down. And so he did. Well, he brought Ted. And so they were at my house. And so it's, hey, how you doing? So that's when we did the Harlem Shake. Yeah, the Harlem Shake, whatever.

Bubba wanted to do it. So I flew in from out of town. They were there. But I'll never forget this. Because you never get, what's the saying? You never get a secular opportunity to make a first impression. So I was telling them where they were going to sleep, you know, in my house. And we were going through all this.

Well, Ted goes up upstairs. That's where he was staying. But he came back down and he just said, hey, I just wanted to let y'all know about me. And he gave a five-minute speech about who he is, what's important to him. Of course, it was all about Jesus. Yeah. And he just went back up to his, you know, to where he was going to sleep. And Missy and I looked at each other and I said, no, I like this guy.

I mean, he just, I don't know, I was like, we can be friends here. I mean, I thought, he has results that are positive. Well, right. But I'm saying, by the way, he's a Louisiana boy, too. He's from Lopoulous. Oh, is that right? But when your first impression is to let somebody that you just met know about your faith and who you are, I mean, I just could not have been more impressed. So I think he has always been friends.

Terrific. He's in a terrific position to point people to Jesus, the Son of God. Well, exactly. I've been on a mania golf course. I was fixed to say with that little lead in, that's pretty good. It'll lead right in. In other words, when we're in 2nd, Corinthians chapters 5, a lot of people misunderstand this. I looked up the definition because about three times,

reconciliation, reconciled, and reconciliation is brought up. So I looked it up in Webster's, old Noah Webster, the father of education way back in his dictionary. Now I looked up the word reconcile, and it simply means, and what the apostle Paul is talking about in 2nd Corinthians in chapter 5, he's talking about the friendship one has with God after not being friends at all. It's sin separate us from God. So the definition of reconcile is to make friendly again. You said to make friendly again, you're not at war with God anymore.

To win over to a friendly. attitude. He said to win over, they're won over and now when they were enemies of God because of their evil behavior, they've now become friends. Jesus alluded to it in Matthew chapter 14. Let's see where he said, I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I've called you friends. That's John 15. John 15, yeah.

I've called you friends for everything that I learned from my father I've made known to you. You didn't choose me. I chose you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. And then the father will give you whatever you ask. And my name, this is my command, love each other, whether he guides God, the golf balls into the cup or not. I don't think he does. But I know this.

I need to be praying a lot more. Yeah, I'd rather be his friend on the golf course or off of it than his enemy. But I think this is brought up because these eye-op in texts in 2nd Corinthians 5 leading into this discussion about us being God's people being friendly friends with God. The last statement that's made, he talks about our bodies leaving the tent. And the Holy Spirit is given to us as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come, which gives you great strength by you on the earth. Therefore, we're always confident, know that as long as we're at home in the body, this is verse 6, we're away from the Lord.

We live by faith, not by sight. We're confident, I'd say, prefer to be away from the body and be at home with the Lord. it'd be better for us just to move out where God's friends, immortality is theirs at the door. But there is fear involved because we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. So we need to choose the proper path and we need to keep our friendship steady with God because he died for us and was raised from the debt. Because each one to receive what is due to him for things done. while in the body, whether good or bad.

So in lieu of that, to make compatible, to make contentment, we started this out about being comforted by God, by knowing that. So we live by faith because we've been reconciled to God. And since then, verse 11, 2nd Corinthians chapter 5, since we know what it is to fear the Lord. There's nothing wrong with being motivated by fear when you say everything, my life's going to be an open book before God. Every mistake that was ever made, constant mediating works there.

We became friends of God. Our sins were removed. We're under grace. So our ambassadors, he's going to end up by saying that. He says, we've been reconciled. He says that repeatedly, God has reconciled us to himself through Christ, verse 18, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation to go forth. So we know what it is to fear God, and we know greater than that, he shows us anyway, and we're his friends as we go forward. So my final take, Jay, as you'll like this one.

My final little take on that is we don't go around doing good. to be saved. God's already solved that problem, removed our sins and reconciled us to himself, guarantee us we can be raised from the dead. We go around and do good because we are saved. Exactly. Big difference.

Yeah, I agree. Well, this is a place that I like to hang out. And, you know, to go back to the golf illustration, they've made this tradition. They call it a tradition like no other, the masters. The pageantry involved and the history, when you look at it from a worldly point of view, it puts so much pressure on people

because of what's involved here. See, we chase ducks and follow Jesus. Your buddy, he chases little balls. Yeah. Little white balls. But you say, so you got one bunch, They follow Jesus and they chase ducks. There's another little group.

They chase little balls on the court. The point is, are they ambassadors for Christ or not? Well, that's what I was going to read. It's pretty cool thinking, really. When he gets down to 16, he says, so now we regard no one from a worldly point of view. You know, I think that's the difference. That's what got my attention because when they ask him the questions and on what matters and different things and just a little subtle comments that I heard during the week of watching it.

I mean, his wife didn't even know he was number one in the world. I'm like, does she not even know that? He's like, because he's like, well, she don't care about that. Well, don't feel like the Long Ranger, honey. I don't know he was the world's greatest pair too. She's his wife. He told her and she was like, oh, that's great, you know. Yeah.

He was like, only he didn't know. Good night. I'm married to the best conference in the world. Well, great. Now, okay. Well, let's go eat something. Which is big, but it's not. No, it's, but my point is you have, when you, when you look at this section, I mean, because there's a lot to kind of unpack here.

Oh, it is. Because. Say, let me interject the verse because I love that you read that verse about the world. And I thought about it when dad said about friends. I thought about James 4.4. It's a challenge that James made. And we're going to get into this later in second Corinthians. is you adulter as people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred towards God?

Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God, which I find that is a fascinating challenge from James, but it really kind of goes into what we're talking about. And it's swirling all around us with every generation. Right. It's there. Evil. So that idea of friendship is big. Yeah.

I think it's a perspective. I mean, there's a lot of bumper-sticker moments in this section. Hey, Jay's. Let's take a break. But when he says in verse 15, he says that Christ died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised again. So, you know, you read that passage in John 15.

What stood out to me there is when Jesus said, well, you didn't choose me. Because they're sitting there thinking, well, sure I did. That's right. He said he chose you, but it's about perspective. And it's like you think about it. We were making jokes about whether, you know, God is moving the ball, which is kind of what we do with our, with having God,

sometimes when we're weak and selfish, as we're thinking, oh, please God, you know, help this ball go in the hole so I can be famous. And well, that can be kind of selfish that you're looking at it from a, oh, I choose you to help me God. I mean, kind of attitude, which is worldly. But here he says, Jesus, it's going to go back to him on a cross and the humility that he showed there. And then you saying, oh, he died for all and therefore all died, which I think verse 14 seems complex because it says Christ love compels us, which goes to your other point about we do good based on what he did.

His love compels us because we're convinced that one died for all, which is Jesus, and that's just quite a statement there, that he died for all. I mean, I've met some people that I'd say, and therefore all died, which that seems tricky to understand. So what's your thoughts on that statement? Well, I simply, when the ones who they reared their ugly head, because I quoted a Bible verse regarding a sexual sin, I gave them a Bible verse and it was quite the stir. And a lot of people canceled us during that period of time. You say, so what did you do?

I kept preaching the gospel to them. I forgave them for whatever they were trying to do. And I just pre-supported him to Jesus. Jesus died for them, and maybe they can become friends with God or not. So I didn't ostracize them, say, okay, you cross me, you try, you scrapped us for about a few million bucks there, you know, got rid of our sponsors, you know, and put us on bad mouth us on national TV. I said, yep, it happens from time to time.

Everybody would be persecuted at some point, but I love them. I don't hold it against them, and I don't want on my way. You see what I'm saying? Yeah. So my take, Jay, is that he's talking about. about the, as dad was mentioned earlier, and reconcile the word again, which means that at one point you were there and then you weren't. And the idea of this reconciliation is that you're back. And so I think it's what he means by put to death. That's when he died for all.

Therefore, we put to death the old man, the old woman. And then we're raised to life to live a new life. So that's the idea of reconciliation. Once I was there, alive apart from law, then sin springs up. Now I need to be reconciled, and that's what I have to put myself today. Yeah, when you're in the enemy of God, because you have not bowed your knee to Jesus Christ and what he did for you and giving you grace and being merciful, if you don't appreciate that, you're going to have a rough road of hoe as you live the rest of your life on planet earth. I mean, you don't need to be an enemy of God. And we are all enemies of God when we

get old enough to know better. And we sin and we die in our sins. And it's over unless God intervenes. In the case of Christian people, they accepted the free gift. And they go around knowing what it is to fear God, your life is in his hand. And you say, boy, whew. So, we know what it is to fear God, therefore we try to persuade men is what he started with. Well, yeah. But, Al, to your point, you know, I studied this pretty hard because it does seem, it seems like a strange thing to say. And the word all is what kind of makes it more difficult, because is he talking to all humanity,

all who have obeyed him, you know, right. I was wondering what you were going to say to this because I saw, you know, from a common perspective. There were some of that that said, well, it's kind of like Romans 6 when it says, when you reenact Jesus' death, barrel, resurrection, you know, it uses the phrase Paul did in Roman 6th.

We died to sin, which you got rid of it. But, you know, when I read Hebrews 2 in a similar verse, seems to me, kind of made me think, I do think that it, I mean, is going to be a what you said al is going to be a practical application when when christ died for our sins whether it's looking from a futuristic thing of you being able to die it i do die the point is for everybody well that's what i think that's why in hebrews 2 9 i think there's

another element there because it says but we see jesus who was made a little lower than the angel, so he humbled himself, became a man, we know that. Now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, and we know on a cross, so that by the grace of God, he might taste death for everyone. I mean, to me, it seems like he's saying he took our place for our penalty, and so he died for all and therefore all died. That is grace. Yeah. He took my place on a cross.

I'm not sure what's wrong with that definition. What do you think? No, I think it's good. And the reason that I think it applies to those who are in him is because the next verse, because then he goes on to say in 15, and he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died for them and raised again. Well, I think he died for all. I mean, I think every person, but I think those who who recognize who Jesus is should no longer live for themselves.

That is the motivation. But you got to remember, like if you go back and look at actually the sermon I heard yesterday was about the three crosses, I guess it's the lead-in to the resurrection. Easter Sunday. But I never heard a lesson until yesterday. I thought it's fantastic about the, because we talk about the thief on the cross who put his faith in Jesus. And we obviously talk about Jesus. But we don't talk about that other guy, the unnamed guy. And that's what the sermon was about, that guy.

And it was a really, it was a really profound thought-provoking sermon. because here you got two guys in between Jesus or on the other side of Jesus, and they have two totally different perspectives in their heart on who Jesus is. But the point was he- The world's crawling with them, James. But the point is the fact that he embraced the one who recognized Jesus on who he is and what he was doing was also allowing you to entertain that if the other one would have had the same attitude, he would have embraced him too. He died, he was dying

for him right there in front of his eyes. Sure. And I think in that moment, you really see really how the world it shapes up. You have two different perspectives. I don't think it happened by accident. He had the same mindset, the one that is not mentioned. He had the same mindset as the ones who were murdered him. He was just hanging there with him, but he was. was thinking, you know, you know, you get what you deserve. He didn't think, think it through. That's why Jesus said, forgive them. They don't know what they're doing. Well, the one over there that didn't get the reward for anything, he just missed what was going on there. You know what I'm saying? Yeah. He didn't know what he was doing hanging there. Hang on. Let's take a break. Also, Jay's,

you know, that's an interesting point. And it made me think, and I hadn't thought about before that clearly, that it's one of the greatest examines. in all the Bible, especially in the days when Jesus was on the earth, of a clear choice. In other words, we talk a lot about election and I know there's a lot of debates out there about all that, but clear choice. Like, I choose him or I don't choose it. I mean, there were two guys there. One chooses him.

One doesn't. And the results are what Jesus said. One will know salvation. And he didn't say the other one wouldn't, but the implication is the other one won't because he's in his final moment. Yeah. Well, what I found interesting about the sermon yesterday, and I'd like to read it because now since we've gone down this road, I saw a lot of similarities in the wording in St. Corinthians 5 in this moment. You'll be shocked at how many similar phrases are used in St. Corinthians 5 and in Luke 23. So I'll read it. So in verse 32 of Luke 23, it says two other men, both criminals were also led out to be executed.

when they came to the place called the skull where they crucified Jesus, along with the criminals, one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, Father, forgive them, which is what you just quoted, Phil, for they do not know what they're doing. And so then they divided up his clothes by casting lots. I mean, they're gambling over his clothes for crying out loud. The people still watching the rulers even sneered. They said, he saved others.

Let him save himself if he's the Christ, the God, the chosen one. soldiers came up, mocked him. They offered him vinegar, and they're like, if you're the king of the Jews, save yourself. There was a written notice above him which read the king of Jews. Now, here's this fellow. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him. And then when you look at what he quoted, it doesn't seem that bad. He says, aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us, which is going back to the point we earlier made about this, you didn't choose me, but I chose you. I mean, he's like, hey, if you're the son of guy,

won't you save me here? Get us off of here. But he's doing it in an insulting way, and his heart is not convinced nor convicted on who he is. But the other criminal rebuked him, and look what he says, don't you fear God? which is the same thing when it says since we know what it is to fear the Lord, we persuade men. So he's trying to persuade.

Here's a guy who is pretty much at the bottom of the barrel. He's being capitally punished for crimes that he's fully aware that he needs to be capitally punished for. But he's actually taking a moment here trying to persuade this guy on realizing the diet. consequences of the situation and who this is. And I want to just interject this thought that when you see fear of the Lord is not a terrorizing thing in your heart where you're just realizing the finality of it. I mean, I once said because you have a difference in the way the Bible uses fear. I mean, the number one phrase in the Bible is don't be afraid.

and here you have the I think the fifth most phrase well to the saved well in the fifth to the same most phrase is fear God yeah so it's very confusing to people who have not studied or I mean that's a confusing thing and so I came up with in my mind saying well we we fear God because we know he he knows us because we're we're scoundrels so we do fear him because we're like but then we don't fear because we know him. We know he's gracious and loving and forgiving. So there's kind of that tight rope that you walk when it comes to fear. I've always seen it, Jay, as the way I like to illustrate it is it's a maturity thing.

You know, when you're a kid, you fear your dad and maybe your mom because they punish you when you do things that are wrong because they're trying to shape you and discipline you and mature you and grow. When you get older, you don't fear them like you did when you were a child, but there's such a respect there that has grown into your maturity that you would never treat them disrespectfully. I mean, they're still your parents. I mean, I feel that way about dad. Dad's about to be 76, but I would never disrespect him in any way. Yeah. Well, and I do that because what was instilled in me right when I was a child is this is how you respect your father. And so I think in Christianity it's very similar.

We come in, we're immature, we're trying to figure it out. But as we grow in love and respect, ultimately, we have that same. So I think the word just almost shifts in meaning to something different is my explanation. Well, what I was going to say, yeah, and I agree, Al, is in verse 6 of chapter 4, I mean, he said he's confident. He said, therefore, we're confident, which doesn't say, sound anything like fear, a normal fear. How can you be confident and yet fearful? And my point is, when he got to verse 11 and he said, since we know what it is to fear the Lord, this,

this finality of death where you're standing before God, good or bad, this is it. We're all standing there. It said, since we know what it is to finally come to a point at a crossroads to eternal life. I mean, that's something, if you realize that God knows us and as bad as we've been in our life, it's okay to be a little fearful on that because of our scoundrel ways. Better a friend than an enemy. Well, right. And what he says, to make my point, is in the second half of verse 11 of chapter 5,

he says what we are is playing to God I mean this is that that famous coach who is that we are what we thought we were this is one of those moments here what we are is playing to God yeah but so we go around and think oh if I could just find God or if I could see a sign or maybe he would give me a miracle I'm telling you the greater thought, and this goes back to 1st Corinthians 8.3, God knowing us, is when you realize what you are is very plain to God every minute of every day, that moves you to think about your life and your decision-making process and who your trust. So I noticed that in the story. And life of others also. Yeah, exactly. Hang on, Jason. Let's take the last break.

So the criminal said, don't you fear God back to Luke 2340? And then he's 41, which I think this really shows his heart. We are punished justly, but we are getting what our deeds deserve. He realized what he was was playing to God in this moment. He realized this is the son of God I'm here. And God knows our heart. And people try to make this a theological discussion, and they miss really the beauty and the power of it.

I mean, this guy is repenting right before your eyes. Now, it took him being up on a cross fixing to die, which, look, there's a lot of repenting, whether sincere or not, which is God's decision going to happen, when you realize, you know what, I'm fixed to stand before eternal life. And pain has come his way as well as to Jesus.

Exactly. You know, he's being crucified himself. And he actually ignoresal. knowledge Jesus is sinless when he says, but this man has done nothing wrong. And then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. And he said, I tell you the truth. Today you'll be with me in paradise. But really the whole left. Think about that though, Jase, what made him, what made him say that? In other words, I assume that this man that's on the cross next to Jesus had never, didn't know Jesus. Probably the first time he'd ever met him was that day when they crucified him both.

Why would he say this man has done nothing wrong? I mean, you think about that. He doesn't know that because he was with Jesus for 33 years. I just think. Something about him gave that guy the impression that this man didn't deserve to be on this cross. His character, the way he acted, I'm talking about Jesus. He had an encounter with Jesus. But look, and there yet was still some faith involved because you're right.

He didn't know exactly the situation, but to me it's not unlike what we go through to have this surrender to Jesus. I mean, consequences and circumstances line up where we have this encounter with Jesus being real in our lives, seeing him on a cross and then making a decision. And really these two guys represent, there's only two decisions. you either hurl insults and say, no, or you say, hey, don't forget me. I'd appreciate it if you'll help me out. I would say that he clarifies the entire chapter 5 by saying, be reconciled to God. Verse 20 right there. God made Him Jesus, who had no sin to be sin for us.

you say boy what a thought so that in him now you're friends with him we might become the righteousness of god and you end up being an ambassador as though god were making his appeal through us you're like we're just taking the place of a risen savior we just take it place and in this world we're like him You say, man, what a load dumped on us. You want to be my friend. Be my ambassador. Represent me wherever you go. Don't forget that.

Where's that verse? So when they say, get that Bible by my face, we're like, oh, I don't think you understand. I have to put the Bible in your face. I have to show you at least attempt to show you. There's a way out of here, a lie. You can get out of here. Keep the faith. and you beat death.

I was trying to think of that. Isn't there verse I was looking for it good and violent where it says Abraham was called God's friend where that word was used? I can't remember what book that's in, but I love that idea. And remember Abraham was before, I mean, he's ancient.

Oh, that's right. But the idea that he believed, you know, and I think another contrast on these two guys, Jace, was, One is kind of almost just he's so childlike and saying this man had anything wrong. That's what faith is. And to dad's point, I think a lot of people look at believers as being just naive and, you know, it's just kind of like pie in the sky you're hoping for this, you know, somebody to come back

and save you. Yeah. So they're so full of cynicism. Like people are so cynical. The idea that your life could be changed and that, you know, especially people maybe are, they know they're going to die from some things. and they're like, well, why would I turn to God now? He's never done anything for me.

But that's so cynical in its approach. And so it's just the opposite of faith, I think. And that's why it's not very pleasant. Plus, people get mad if you notice even the sons and daughters of God when some of their loved ones pass on, maybe earlier than they had hoped for. But I'm saying even when old people pass on, when they pass away, they physical death come. and we blame God because they died, but it's just not good logic.

No, right. I mean, because life should be how you respond. I mean, you have opportunity in Christ through a spirit, no matter what happens. But the whole point of this sermon, and we can talk further about it, because I never got to the point, which y'all have concluded, was this sin of pride. I mean, that's the number one problem with not seeing Jesus is pride. And pride is hard to deal with because, you know, he made a point. He said, everybody notices your pride except the person who has it.

I mean, it's like a disease that everybody's realizing you have a disease, but they don't realize they have it. That's why it's so hard to be open-minded. And he told this story about when Muhammad Ali was Cassius Clay and just was just beating the tar out of everybody on his way to being a heavyweight champion of the world. He got on a plane and the stewardess said, I put your seatbelt on. And he said, Superman don't need a seatbelt. And she said, Superman don't need a plane.

Put on your seatbelt. Which was for our stewardess to say. One of the greatest lines ever. Yeah, it was a great point because it, you know, he just was so caught up with himself, which is what my point was about the 2ndthians 5 when he said, Christ's love compels us and he died for all that those who live should no longer live for themselves. I mean, that swallowing that pride and recognizing who Jesus is, I mean, it is the biggest crossroads moment of your life. It's just hard to be open-minded enough to consider something

else besides yourself. Yeah, I think that's a great point, Jay. I want to, in our overtime segment, talk just a little bit more for you to flesh the rest of that sermon out because I had a couple of ideas that you made me think of as well. So we'll do that on the other side. Just as a reminder, we have our Unashamed overtime segment. And the way you get access to that extra 15 minutes on our podcast is BlazTV.com slash unashamed. If you want to sign up and support Blaze, but also get to hear a little bit extra. So we'll see you on the other side. Thanks for listening to the Unashamed podcast. Help us out by rating us on iTunes.

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