JOHN 12:32

JOHN 12:32

Monday, June 30, 2014

 

Question: "What happens to those who have never heard about Jesus?"

Answer: All people are accountable to God whether or not they have “heard about Him.” The Bible tells us that God has clearly revealed Himself in nature (Romans 1:20) and in the hearts of people (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The problem is that the human race is sinful; we all reject this knowledge of God and rebel against Him (Romans 1:21-23). If it were not for God's grace, we would be given over to the sinful desires of our hearts, allowing us to discover how useless and miserable life is apart from Him. He does this for those who continually reject Him (Romans 1:24-32).
  In reality, it is not that some people have not heard about God. Rather, the problem is that they have rejected what they have heard and what is readily seen in nature. Deuteronomy 4:29 proclaims, “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” This verse teaches an important principle—everyone who truly seeks after God will find Him. If a person truly desires to know God, God will make Himself known.
  The problem is “there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God” (Romans 3:11). People reject the knowledge of God that is present in nature and in their own hearts, and instead decide to worship a “god” of their own creation. It is foolish to debate the fairness of God sending someone to hell who never had the opportunity to hear the gospel of Christ. People are responsible to God for what God has already revealed to them. The Bible says that people reject this knowledge, and therefore God is just in condemning them to hell.
  Instead of debating the fate of those who have never heard, we, as Christians, should be doing our best to make sure they do hear. We are called to spread the gospel throughout the nations (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). We know people reject the knowledge of God revealed in nature, and that must motivate us to proclaim the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Only by accepting God’s grace through the Lord Jesus Christ can people be saved from their sins and rescued from an eternity apart from God.
  If we assume that those who never hear the gospel are granted mercy from God, we will run into a terrible problem. If people who never hear the gospel are saved, it is logical that we should make sure no one ever hears the gospel. The worst thing we could do would be to share the gospel with a person and have him or her reject it. If that were to happen, he or she would be condemned. People who do not hear the gospel must be condemned, or else there is no motivation for evangelism. Why run the risk of people possibly rejecting the gospel and condemning themselves when they were previously saved because they had never heard the gospel?

Recommended Resources: What About Those Who Have Never Heard? by Ronald Nash and Logos Bible Software.

While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/never-heard.html#ixzz367mRIBmD

FAITH INVOLVES IGNORANCE?

FAITH INVOLVES IGNORANCE?

Sunday, June 29, 2014

 

Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 By faith we understand that the ages were framed by a word of God, so that the things being seen not to have come into being out of the things that appear. [Suggested reading: Romans chapter 1]

 

  I make use of electricity constantly. Friend Artie and I laugh at electricians’ explanation in response to our expressed ignorance thereof: “Think of electricity being like water flowing thru pipes, valves, etc. with different volumes and pressures and then you’ll understand.” Are you kidding? I don’t fully understand hydraulics, which is the liquid version of pneumatics!

  Soon I’ll be backing my Mazda CX-9, a composite vehicle made up of a multitude of separate and interacting components that I don’t begin to pretend to understand . . . let alone explain, out of the garage and with my flesh and blood composite body that no scientist or medic can fully explain its complex interacting – I’ll control the vehicle from here to pleasant hilltop within sight west of my home.   

  There at Cooper Farm pavilion our congregation is having its yearly outdoor service. Pastor Paul will not be preaching a sermon. He will be answering “hard questions” previously put in writing and given to him.

  I’m confident of Pastor Paul’s competence to answer the questions presented, unless of course pal Cheri or a few other quizzical individuals are there to call out. (I’ll not detail their standing questions at this time as they’ll only distract from today’s DT topic.)

  Hebrews 11 declares that faith involves not necessarily knowing or understanding everything. It also shows us that though lacking complete comprehensive knowledge and understanding, we, as with our past elders, are to make use of that which works. Faith works. Faith facilitates. This I definitely know!

EBB4

 

PS. Do atheists and/or agnostics live by faith?

PERFECT BELIEVERS: Part One

PERFECT BELIEVERS: Part One

Friday, June 27, 2014

 

Matthew [MKJV] 5:44-48 [Jesus said] . . . be perfect, even as your Father in Heaven is perfect.

 

  I was challenged to name perfect believers as recorded in God’s Word . . . and to think about identifying a few in my knowledge or acquaintance. It was obvious the questioner meant flawless or nearly so.

  By flawless measure there has not been nor is any faultless believers. Scripture is very clear on this and I am definitely self-evident of this fact. (Rom.3:1-31; 4:1-25; Jam.2:23)

  However, “perfect” is in God’s Word, and though some of you like DT’s short and sweet, there are other fellows that like topical study in response to questions asked. So, for them here is a perfect in-depth study from ISBE (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia).  EBB4

 

Perfect; Perfection

pûr´fekt, pẽr-fek´shun (שׁלם, shālēm, תּמים, tāmı̄m; τέλειος, téleios, τελειότης, teleiótēs):

 

1. In the Old Testament:

“Perfect” in the Old Testament is the translation of shālēm, “finished,” “whole,” “complete,” used (except in Deu_25:15, “perfect weight”) of persons, e.g. a “perfect heart,” i.e. wholly or completely devoted to Yahweh (1Ki_8:61, etc.; 1Ch_12:38; Isa_38:3, etc.); tāmı̄m, “complete,” “perfect,” “sound or unblemished,” is also used of persons and of God, His way, and law (“Noah was a just man and perfect,” the Revised Version margin “blameless” (Gen_6:9); “As for God, his way is perfect” (Psa_18:30); “The law of Yahweh is perfect” (Psa_19:7), etc.); tam, with the same, meaning, occurs only in Job, except twice in Psalms (Job_1:1, Job_1:8; Job_2:3, etc.; Psa_37:37; Psa_64:4); kālı̄l, “complete,” and various other words are translated “perfect.”

Perfection is the translation of various words so translated once only: kālı̄l (Lam_2:15); mı̄khlāl, “completeness” (Psa_50:2); minleh, “possession” (Job_15:29, the King James Version “neither shall the prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth,” the American Standard Revised Version “neither shall their possessions be extended on the earth,” margin “their produce bend to the earth”; the English Revised Version reverses this text and margin); tikhlāh, “completeness,” or “perfection (Psa_119:96); takhlı̄th (twice), “end,” “completeness” (Job_11:7, “Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?” Job_28:3, “searcheth out all the Revised Version (British and American) the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) “to the furthest bound”; compare Job_26:10, “unto the confines of light and darkness”); tōm, “perfect,” “completeness” (Isa_47:9, the King James Version “They shall come upon thee in their perfection,” the Revised Version (British and American) “in their full measure”). the Revised Version margin gives the meaning of “the Urim and the Thummim” (Exo_28:30. etc.) as “the Lights and the Perfections.”

 

2. In the New Testament:

In the New Testament “perfect” is usually the tr of teleios, primarily, “having reached the end,” “term,” “limit,” hence, “complete,” “full,” “perfect” (Mat_5:48, “Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect”; Mat_19:21, “if thou wouldst be perfect; Eph_4:13, the King James Version “till we all come ... unto a perfect man,” the Revised Version (British and American) “full-grown”; Phi_3:15, “as many as are perfect,” the American Revised Version margin “full-grown”; 1Co_2:6; Col_1:28, “perfect in Christ”; Col_4:12; Jam_3:2 margin, etc.).

Other words are teleióō. “to perfect,” “to end,” “complete” (Luk_13:32, “The third day I am perfected,” the Revised Version margin “end my course”; Joh_17:23, “perfected into one”; 2Co_12:9; Phi_3:12, the Revised Version (British and American) “made perfect”; Heb_2:10, etc.); also epiteléō, “to bring through to an end” (2Co_7:1, “perfecting holiness in the fear of God”; Gal_3:3, “Are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) “perfected in the flesh,” margin “Do ye now make an end in the flesh?”); katartı́zō “to make quite ready,” “to make complete,” is translated “perfect,” “to perfect” (Mat_21:16, “perfected praise”; Luk_6:40, “Every one when he is perfected shall be as his teacher”; 1Co_1:10; 2Co_13:11, “be perfected”; 1Th_3:10; 1Pe_5:10, the Revised Version margin “restore”); akribṓs, “accurately,” “diligently,” is translated “perfect” (Luk_1:3, “having had perfect understanding,” the Revised Version (British and American) “having traced ... accurately”; Act_18:26 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) “more accurately”). We have also ártios, “fitted,” “perfected” (2Ti_3:7, the Revised Version (British and American) “complete”); pleróō, “to fill,” “to make full” (Rev_3:2, the American Standard Revised Version “perfected,” the English Revised Version “fulfilled”); katartismós, “complete adjustment,” “perfecting” (Eph_4:12, “for the perfecting of the saints”).

Perfection is the translation of katártisis “thorough adjustment,” “fitness” (2Co_13:9, the Revised Version (British and American) “perfecting”); of teleiósı̄s (Heb_7:11); of teleiotess (Heb_6:1, the Revised Version margin “full growth”); it is translated “perfectness” (Col_3:14); “perfection” in Luk_8:14 is the translation of telesphoréō, “to bear on to completion or perfection.” In Apocrypha “perfect,” “perfection,” etc., are for the most part the translation of words from télos, “the end,” e.g. The Wisdom of Solomon 4:13; Ecclesiasticus 34:8; 44:17; 45:8, suntélia “full end”; 24:28; 50:11.

The Revised Version (British and American) has “perfect” for “upright” (2Sa_22:24, 2Sa_22:26 twice); for “sound” (Psa_119:80); for “perform” (Phi_1:16); for “undefiled” (Psa_119:1, margin “upright in way”); for “perfect peace, and at such a time” (Ezr_7:12), “perfect and so forth”; for “He maketh my way perfect” (2Sa_22:33), “He guideth the perfect in his way,” margin “or, 'setteth free.' According to another reading, 'guideth my way in perfectness'“; “shall himself perfect,” margin “restore,” for, “make you perfect” (1Pe_5:10); “perfecter” for “finisher” (Heb_12:2); “perfectly” is omitted in the Revised Version (British and American) (Mat_14:36); “set your hope perfectly on” for the King James Version “hope to the end for” (1Pe_1:13).

 

3. The Christian Ideal:

Perfection is the Christian ideal and aim, but inasmuch as that which God has set before us is infinite - “Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mat_5:48) - absolute perfection must be forever beyond, not only any human, but any finite, being; it is a divine ideal forever shining before us, calling us upward, and making endless progression possible. As noted above, the perfect man, in the Old Testament phrase, was the man whose heart was truly or wholly devoted to God. Christian perfection must also have its seat in such a heart, but it implies the whole conduct and the whole man, conformed thereto as knowledge grows and opportunity arises, or might be found. There may be, of course, a relative perfection, e.g. of the child as a child compared with that of the man. The Christian ought to be continually moving onward toward perfection, looking to Him who is able to “make you perfect in every good thing (or work) to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen (Heb_13:21).

REJOICING, NOT GRIEVING

REJOICING, NOT GRIEVING

Thursday, June 26, 2014

 

2Timothy 2:1-2 [Paul encouraged] My child, find your source of strength in the kindness of Christ Jesus. 2 You've heard my message, and it's been confirmed by many witnesses. Entrust this message to faithful individuals who will be competent to teach others.

 

  As result of Eve’s then Adam’s verdict to trust the cunning old serpent rather than Sovereign God, bad things have been happening ever since; death being the list topper. We experience and suffer death in many ways: hopes and dreams, treasured items, lifestyle thought to last until last breath, friendships, and of course physical death of loved ones. (One of the things Shandree and I did as an exercise while in Maryland was methodically walk rows of tombstones, photograph, and share remembering. Plus I was privileged to go with new pal Artie to rod for vaults in order to determine available grave plots in a community cemetery.)

  Throughout our remaining days as those left behind we alone opt to live rejoicing or angrily grieving; a decision that effects our life in every area personally first of all, and consequently family, friends, acquaintances, coworkers. Additionally, those in mentoring 2Timothy 2:2 practice, whether by deed, word, keyboard, can adversely affect others if we strike out with bitter rage in reaction to our loss.

  Among fellow Christians I see both redemptive joy and destructive rage happening.

  Please, please . . . let’s choose rightly and continue to contribute to the edification of those that look to us as example.  EBB4

GOD’S PEACE IN ERAS OF DISTRUST

GOD’S PEACE IN ERAS OF DISTRUST

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

 

John [MKJV] 14:24-27 [Jesus explained] He who does not love Me does not keep My Words, and the Word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me. 25 I have spoken these things to you, being present with you. 26 But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

2Peter [GW] 1:19-21 So we regard the words of the prophets as confirmed beyond all doubt. You're doing well by paying attention to their words. Continue to pay attention as you would to a light that shines in a dark place as you wait for day to come and the morning star to rise in your hearts. 20 First, you must understand this: No prophecy in Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation. 21 No prophecy ever originated from humans. Instead, it was given by the Holy Spirit as humans spoke under God's direction.

 

“The only real thing we learn from history is we [mankind] don’t learn from history!” Mr. Hanley, world history teacher, class of 54’, North Harford High School

 

  I consider a general knowledge of history important. From historical eras we see what worked and what didn’t work, and who (individuals and nations) accomplished or failed, and how they did so.

  Not being in high political or management positions, for most of us such ongoing education and its application typically doesn’t involve world, nation, or corporation changing authority. However, every man, woman, and youth has areas of responsibility and influence where applying lessons matters; the primary one being their own life, family, friends, acquaintances.

  Though penned by Isaiah over 2700 years ago, God’s Word exemplifies the truth of trusting Him: “In that day this song shall be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; He sets up salvation as our walls and banks. 2 Open the gates, and the righteous nation shall enter in, keeping faithfulness. 3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You; because he trusts in You. 4 Trust in Jehovah forever; for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. 5 For He brings down those who dwell on high; He lays low the lofty city; He lays it low, even to the ground; He brings it to the dust. (MKJV Isa.26:1-5)

  Having read the verses in numerous translations and versions, plus using Strong’s to define meaning of a few key words I discover it means exactly what it says in modern English. Isaiah begins with larger world scale of nations and cities, shifts to choice of individual posture in history, then returns to the big picture.

  Whether nation rises, falls, or recovers will come to pass and be recorded in heaven and here in survivor’s lore of one sort or another. (Think Noah and the great flood.)

  In my opinion mankind is again in the midst of major national and world change, change involving a bigger than usual distrust of leadership. In this era of great distrust of human leadership we individually choose whether to allow that distrust to taint our relationship in LORD JEHOVAH.

  Look at the passage from Isaiah again and note the personal indicator “perfect peace”. Using it as measure, can we, you, I, claim genuinely trusting Him in this era of distrust?  EBB4

DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: MINDSET

DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: MINDSET

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

 

The following is written from notes taken and thoughts provoked during Pastor Paul Marine’s Sunday sermon.

 

1Corinthians [NLT] 3:1-11 Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. … one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you acting just like people of the world? 5 After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. 6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. 9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. 10 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.

1Timothy [NLT] 2:23-24 Again I [Apostle Paul] say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

 

  The followers of Christ at Corinth were a distracted bunch. Local assemblies and individual Christians today can be distracted at times; sinful thinking involving personal issues, congregational factions, arguments from unbelievers and/or Christian brethren, judgment or lack thereof, reliance on methodology and programs, et al divert proper focus at times.

  Evangelism is for many an area of avoidance. Though job given by Christ’ example and command, add personal and congregational distractions and evangelism is not done. But is it simply a matter of disobedience, non-compliance to His modeling and Mark 16:15 order given? Or is it result of improper mindset, not seeing present and eternal  reality?

  We must Romans 12:1-3 immerse ourselves in Word and deed beyond going-to-heaven-when-I-die mindset. Stop, envision the reality of John 3:18 “He who believes on Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.” Picture people you know and love . . . lost apart from the only Redeemer, forever suffering eternal separation from God.

  When is the last time we cared more for lost souls than our lawn or garden, favorite sports team, hobby, job, politics, patriotism, family?

  This week’s challenge: 1. Pray with someone as opposed to praying for people.

                                                2. Begin working on evangelism as a natural conversation as opposed to preachiness. (To the grammar Nazis: Yes, I know there is no such word in dictionary. There is however the practice.)

                                                3. As opportunities arise, share personally meaningful Bible verses with others.

EBB4

 

CHANGE OF PLANS

CHANGE OF PLANS

Monday, June 23, 2014

 

Psalm 38:10; 42:1

 

  While taking notes and recording thoughts provoked during Pastor Paul’s sermon yesterday morning, I was also thinking a bit about how to represent in Monday morning DT as is customary. Monday morning is here, but with absolute assurance I know I am not to do the normal.

  I am to share something of John Knox’s heart written many years ago, he emphasizing times to go “directly to God in prayer, running to him as a wild deer runs to the river in the burning heat of the day.”

EBB4

PROPORTIONAL PECULIARITY OF MY EGO

 PROPORTIONAL PECULIARITY OF MY EGO

Sunday, June 22, 2014

 

Romans 5:8-12 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Ephesians 2:1-10 And you hath he quickened [made presently and eternally alive], who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Titus 3:5-7 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 

  Looking back down our personal timeline we may think it was easy accepting Jesus as Savior. But truth told, I, and probably a number of you, resisted trusting Jesus as Redeemer. Now enjoying His gift these many decades it’s easy to forget our resistance, even considering our finally agreeing with God entailing some personal credit ours.

  To illustrate: “Once I understood I wasn’t so dumb as to reject Jesus as Savior.” = MY intelligence.

  To personally illustrate: I considered it obvious that it’s impossible to be good enough to go to heaven after death. At age 27 Bud Bond gave me literature detailing proofs that the Bible is God’s Word, not mans. Reading and realizing this truth I trusted Him.   

  My salvation was a result of good thinking?

  Though I once had the idea it was, not so, for it is impossible for us to accomplish present and eternal salvation through good works. Thinking is work, is it not? I trust not MY intellect for our ego-centric intelligence cannot redeem. (Lk.18:27; Heb.11:1-3)  EBB4

COURSE - PLOTTING

COURSE-PLOTTING

Friday, June 20, 2014

 

From ISBE, the definition to our title: (1) εὐθυδρομέω, euthudroméō, “forward or onward movement,” as of a ship: “We made a straight course” (Act_16:11; compare Act_21:1); “We had finished our course.” (the Revised Version (British and American) “voyage,” Act_21:7).

 

From actual events of June 7^th thru 19^th defining is a different tale:

  Leaving Omaha for Maryland, we forgot not one single item, and having traveled the course numerous times there should be no problems, but things did not go precisely as planned.

·         We are now expert orange cone drivers. (Hundreds of miles each way.)

·         Learned GPS devices will often lead astray. (Knowing how to go we would turn her on to hear/see what she had to say. Especially funny was her telling us firmly that we missed or made wrong turn.)

·         We now know how to drive underwater. (Lost count of times and durations going east. Three occasions of 30-45 minutes each returning west.)

·         Traffic on high speed interstate highways at times goes low speed 5 to 25 mph or moves not at all.

·         Interstate drivers are comparatively kinder than city drivers.

·         Paid high of $4.10 for fuel in one state.

·         Paid outrageous 17 dollars tax for hotel room in another state.

·         AAA membership discounts saved us far above yearly cost of 95 dollars.

·         Shandree now can identify wall clouds (3 times) and potential fingers reaching for earth. (Too many to count. Plus now know how big her eyes can get.)

  But the most serious course change had to do with DTs. My deciding to continue writing daily, I purchased big book laptop which my tech pal setup and tested before departure. The silver beast had other ideas. Even after several resets over period of days by expert it would not cooperate.

  Was this really a PC problem, or the Lord’s intervention?

  In the weeks prior to leaving several respected elders mine advised taking time off from DT-ing.

  What is your experience-based opinion on the matter?  EBB4

HOOFING OUR INVENTORY: Part Three

HOOFING OUR INVENTORY: Part Three

Friday, June 06, 2014

1Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore.

  The Apostle Paul uses “rejoice” 22 times in 19 verses in 7 of his letters (KJV; “epistles”) God included in the New Testament. “rejoice” is presented in KJV 192 times in 183 verses. It must be important. No, wait, it is important!

  Today I’m proposing using rejoicing as a way to practice edifying inventorying as opposed to cataloging EVERYTHING THAT’S WRONG WITH ME.

  Keep your senses keened toward events that in the past resulted in distracting hindering emotion(s).

  For example, something happened this week that in ancient history would have left me feeling neglected > rejection > passively angry and resentful. It did not, and I thought “WOW!” and rejoiced in the Lord’s 1Corinthians 13 maturation.

  For the big picture this exercise in rejoicing should include questions like “I’m not the same person I was ______ years ago.” and consciously thinking of actual travel points gone from.  Better yet, write them down and review the list from time to time . . . rejoice . . . and run gloriously in your newly realized freedom!  EBB4

HOOFING OUR INVENTORY: Part Two

HOOFING OUR INVENTORY: Part Two

Thursday, June 05, 2014

John [GW] 8:34-36 Jesus answered them, "I can guarantee this truth: Whoever lives a sinful life is a slave to sin. 35 A slave doesn't live in the home forever, but a son does. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be absolutely free.

  A young daughter asked her mom to teach her how to fix her delicious pot roast with potatoes, carrots, and onions.  After doing so, and family raving about what a wonderful meal she accomplished, they began the cleanup.

  As they worked the daughter asked several more questions on preparing the meal. The mother was able to sufficiently answer all but one: “Why did you cut the end of the pot roast off before placing in the pan?”

  “That’s the way my mother did It.” responded the mom.

  By nature a curious female, the daughter brought the question up repeatedly in the following weeks. Finally the mom said “We’ll ask Grandma when we visit her in the retirement home next week.”

  When asked, Granny smiled humorously, saying “Your Granpa loved Sunday pot roast but he was too cheap to buy a larger pan!”

  Which reminds me of another story …

  The Iron Curtain along the Czech-German border consisted of 3 parallel electric fences that were patrolled by shoot-to-kill armed guards that were rewarded for enforcement and punished for laxness. This barrier prevented people and the beloved red deer population from crossing over.

  Thanks to the relentless courageous efforts of President Ronald Reagan and others, in 1989 the fences came down . . . but the red deer then and until this day will not cross the border. Most remarkable is the present herd is generations beyond seeing the peril of the fences, but continues to mindlessly follow the pattern of their ancestors.

  These descriptions have me wondering about if and where I may be bound by old small pots and long gone fences.

  Do you too wonder about this in your life?  EBB4

HOOFING OUR INVENTORY

HOOFING OUR INVENTORY

Wednesday, June 04, 2014

Psalm 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

2Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

1Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

  Did you ever hear about the government USDA directing their agents on how to take the most accurate cattle and hog census? They were instructed to count hooves and divide by 4. How did that work for the census takers? Picture low sight lines in manure strewn feed lots and hog pens with herds moving about.

  As Christians, followers of Christ, we are to maintain a running inventory, and for good reason as we can easily empty our shelves without replenishment. (Jer.2:13) We are not however to make inventorying complicated, for doing so is spiritual hindrance in itself.

  One of our weak or lacking areas is, wrapped up in self (Phil.3:8), not practicing edification; the building of one another up.

  So ….. I am inviting the edification practitioners to share:

·         Why you developed the practice of edification.

·         How you developed the practice of edifying others.

·         The way(s) you build others up.

·         Stories on how someone edified you.

·         How someone or a group edified you in a crucial stressful moment.

·         How someone is currently edifying you.

·         How you would like to edify others.

·         Something else you’d like to contribute on the need for edification.

  Let’s exercise this being a wonderful opportunity to edify one another.  EBB4

TOWARD SKELETAL HEALTH

TOWARD SKELETAL HEALTH

Tuesday, June 03, 2014

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Forget Newton and Galileo. Here are the real laws of nature:   1.Law of Mechanical Repair -After your hands become coated with grease, your nose begins to itch and you will need to pee.   2. Law of Gravity - Any tool, nut, bolt, screw, when dropped, rolls to the least accessible corner.   3. Law of Probability- The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.   4. Law of Random Numbers - If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.   5.Supermarket Law - As soon as you get in the smallest line, the cashier will have to call for help.   6. Variation Law - If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now.   7. Law of the Bath - When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.   8. Law of Close Encounters -The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.   9. Law of the Result - When you try to prove to someone that a machine will not work, it will.   10. Law of Biomechanics -The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.   11.. Law of the Theatre.- At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle, always arrive last. They are the ones who will leave their seats several times to go for food, beer, or the toilet and who leave early before the end of the performance is over. The folks in the aisle seats come early, never move once, have long gangly legs or big bellies and stay to the bitter end of the performance. The aisle people also are very surly folk.   12. The Coffee Law - As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your spouse will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.   13. Murphy's Law of Lockers- If there are only 2 people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.   14. Law of Physical Surfaces- The chances of an open-faced jam sandwich landing face down on a floor, are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet or rug.   15. Law of Logical Argument-Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.   16. Brown's Law of Physical Appearance - If the clothes fit, they're ugly.   17. Oliver's Law of Public Speaking - A closed mouth gathers no feet.   18. Wilson's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy -As soon as you find a product that you really like, they stop making it.   19. Doctors' Law- If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you'll feel better. But don't make an appointment, and you'll stay sick.

 

A COMMUNIQUE

A COMMUNIQUÉ

Monday, June 02, 2014

  God is Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent . . . and the Omni-Communicator. On the latter attribute, some would say “Not so!” as they consider His Word difficult to comprehend in KJV or any other version.

  Commenting on KJV, I have observed a sudden initial comprehension on individuals’ part when they decided to agree with and trust Him. (I consider said change from bewilderment to blessedness as one of the marks of being a Christian.)

  What is this blessedness?

  Reading and pondering with personal application pleases God.

  Reliance on His Communiqué is presently and ultimately beneficial.

  For your convenience, using English of ESV I present a few pertinent passages from The Word:

Joshua 1:7-8 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Psalm 1:1-3; 19:7-9 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. … The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.

Isaiah 40:6-8 A voice says, "Cry!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. [1Pet.1:24]

Matthew 5:14-18 [Jesus said]  "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

2Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

2Peter 1:16-21 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased," we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

  In closing I ask grandson, “Five almost six!” Michael’s oft question to auricular-challenged me, “Got it?”  EBB4