IS THERE SUCH A PERSON AS AN EX-CHRISTIAN?

IS THERE SUCH A PERSON AS AN EX-CHRISTIAN?

Sunday, February 1, 2015

 S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

This is a question for which there is definitely a clear and explicit biblical answer. First John 2:19 declares, "They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us." This Scripture makes it abundantly clear "there is no such thing as an ex-Christian. If a person is truly a Christian, he/she will never depart from the faith ""for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us"" If a person who claimed to be a Christian denies the faith, he/she was not truly a Christian. "They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us "their going showed that none of them belonged to us." No, there is truly no such thing as an ex-Christian.

It is important to distinguish between a true Christian and an "in name only" Christian. A true Christian is a person who has fully trusted in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. A true Christian is a person who understands what the Bible says about sin, sin's penalty, who Jesus is, what Jesus did for us, and how that provides for the forgiveness of sin. A true Christian is a person who has received Jesus Christ as personal Savior, has been made a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and is progressively being transformed into the image of Christ. A true Christian is a person who is kept a Christian by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:13, 30 2 Corinthians 1:22). This true Christian can never become an ex-Christian. No one who has truly and fully trusted in Christ as Savior could ever deny Him. No one who truly comprehends the evil of sin, the terror of sin's consequences, the love of Christ, and the grace and mercy of God, could ever turn back from the Christian faith.

There are many in this world who claim to be Christians, but are not. Being a Christian does not mean being an American or having white skin. Being a Christian does not mean recognizing that Jesus was a great teacher or even seeking to follow His teachings. Being a Christian means being a representative of Christ and a follower / servant of Christ. There are people who have had some connection to a "Christian" church and then later renounced that connection. There are people who have "tasted" and "sampled" Jesus Christ, without ever actually receiving Him as Savior. However, there is no such thing as true ex-Christian. A true Christian will never, and could never, renounce the faith. Any person who claimed to be a Christian, but later rejects the Christian faith, was never truly a Christian.

Read more at https://ebible.com/questions/2974-is-there-such-a-thing-as-an-ex-christian?mlgq=1&rep_k=m-_8IOvAN0PkXsMXKPden9ko9X1g8GMdjzzzRHdN7De3bzAeXRCCo2YBzakSzMIg&rep_m=clicks#PfF5cWwzBzSpjxpo.99

# 6 of TEN REASONS WHY I BELIEVE THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD by R.A. Torrey

# 6 of Ten Reasons Why I Believe The Bible Is The Word Of God by R. A. Torrey

SIXTH, on the ground of the character of those who accept and of those who reject the book.

Two things speak for the divinity of the Bible-the character of those who accept it, and, equally, the character of those who reject it. I do not mean by this that every man who professes to believe the book is better than every man that does not, but show me a man living an unselfish, devoted life, one who without reservation has surrendered himself to do the will of God, and I will show you a man who believes the Bible to be God's Word. On the other hand, show me a man who rejects the Divine authority of that book, and I will show you a man living a life of greed, or lust, or spiritual pride, or self will.

Suppose you have a book purporting to be by a certain author, and the people best acquainted with that author say it is his, and the people least acquainted with him say it is not; which will you believe? Now, the people best acquainted with God say the Bible is His book; those who are least acquainted with God say it is not. Which will you believe?

Furthermore, as men grow better they are more likely to accept the Bible, and as they grow worse they are more likely to reject it. We have all known men who were both sinful and unbelieving, who by forsaking their sin lost their unbelief. Did any of us ever know a man who was sinful and believing, who by forsaking his sin lost his faith? The nearer men live to God the more confident they are that the Bible is God's Word; the farther they get away from Him the more confident they are that it is not.

Where is the stronghold of the Bible? In the pure, unselfish, happy home. Where is the stronghold of infidelity? The gambling hell, the drinking saloon and the brothel. If a man should walk into a saloon and lay a Bible down upon the bar, and order a drink, we should think there was a strange incongruity in his actions, but if he should lay any infidel writing upon the bar, and order a drink, we would not feel that there was any incongruity.

# 5 of TEN REASONS WHY I BELIEVE THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD

# 5 of Ten Reasons Why I Believe The Bible Is The Word Of God by R. A. Torrey

FIFTH, on the ground of the history of the book, its victory over attack.

This book has always been hated. No sooner was it given to the world than it met the hatred of men, and they tried to stamp it out. Celsus tried it by the brilliancy of his genius, Porphyry by the depth of his philosophy; but they failed, Lucian directed against it the shafts of his ridicule, Diocletian the power of the Roman empire; but they failed. Edicts backed by all the power of the empire were issued that every Bible should be burned, and that everyone who had a Bible should be put to death. For eighteen centuries every engine of destruction that human science, philosophy, wit, reasoning or brutality could bring to bear against a book has been brought to bear against that book to stamp it out of the world, but it has a mightier hold on the world to-day than ever before.

If that were man's book it would have been annihilated and forgotten hundreds of years ago, but because there is in it "the hiding of God's power," though at times all the great men of the world have been against it, and only an obscure remnant for it, still it has fulfilled wonderfully the words of Christ, though not in the sense of the original prophecy, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away." [Mt.24:35; Mk.13:31; Lk.21:33]

# 4 of TEN REASONS WHY I BELIEVE THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD

# 4 of Ten Reasons Why I Believe The Bible Is The Word Of God by R. A. Torrey

FOURTH, on the ground of the immeasurable superiority of the teachings of the Bible to those of any other and all other books.

It is quite fashionable in some quarters to compare the teachings of the Bible with the teachings of Zoroaster, and Buddha, and Confucius, and Epictetus, and Socrates, and Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, and a number of other heathen authors. The difference between the teachings of the Bible and those of these men is found in three points-

First, the Bible has in it nothing but truth, while all the others have truth mixed with error. It is true Socrates taught how a philosopher ought to die; he also taught how a woman of the town ought to conduct her business. Jewels there are in the teachings of these men, but (as Joseph Cook once said) they are "jewels picked out of the mud."

Second, the Bible contains all truth. There is not a truth to be found anywhere on moral or spiritual subjects that you cannot find in substance within the covers of that old Book. I have often, when speaking upon this subject, asked anyone to bring me a single truth on moral or spiritual subjects, which, upon reflection, I could not find within the covers of this book, and no one has ever been able to do it. I have taken pains to compare some of the better teachings of infidels with those of the Bible. They indeed have jewels of thought, but they are, whether they knew it or not, stolen jewels, and stolen from the very book they ridicule.

The third point of superiority is this: the Bible contains more truth than all other books together. Get together from all literature of ancient and modern times all the beautiful thoughts you can; put away all the rubbish; put all these truths that you have culled from the literature of all ages into one book, and as the result, even then you will not have a book that will take the place of this one book.

This is not a large book. I hold in my hand a copy that I carry in my vest pocket and yet in this one little book there is more of truth than in all the books which man has produced in all the ages of his history. How will you account for it? There is only one rational way. This is not man's book, but God's book.

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FIFTH, on the ground of the history of the book, its victory over attack.

This book has always been hated. No sooner was it given to the world than it met the hatred of men, and they tried to stamp it out. Celsus tried it by the brilliancy of his genius, Porphyry by the depth of his philosophy; but they failed, Lucian directed against it the shafts of his ridicule, Diocletian the power of the Roman empire; but they failed. Edicts backed by all the power of the empire were issued that every Bible should be burned, and that everyone who had a Bible should be put to death. For eighteen centuries every engine of destruction that human science, philosophy, wit, reasoning or brutality could bring to bear against a book has been brought to bear against that book to stamp it out of the world, but it has a mightier hold on the world to-day than ever before.

If that were man's book it would have been annihilated and forgotten hundreds of years ago, but because there is in it "the hiding of God's power," though at times all the great men of the world have been against it, and only an obscure remnant for it, still it has fulfilled wonderfully the words of Christ, though not in the sense of the original prophecy, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away."

# 3 of TEN REASONS WHY I BELIEVE THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD

# 3 of Ten Reasons Why I Believe The Bible Is The Word Of God by R. A. Torrey

THIRD, on the ground of the unity of the book.

This is an old argument, but a very satisfactory one. The Bible consists of sixty-six books, written by more than thirty different men, extending in the period of its composition over more than fifteen hundred years; written in three different languages, in many different countries, and by men on every plane of social life, from the herdsman and fisherman and cheap politician up to the king upon his throne; written under all sorts of circumstances; yet in all this wonderful conglomeration we find an absolute unity of thought.

A wonderful thing about it is that this unity does not lie on the surface. On the surface there is oftentimes apparent contradiction, and the unity only comes out after deep and protracted study.

More wonderful yet is the organic character of this unity, beginning in the first book and growing till you come to its culmination in the last book of the Bible. We have first the seed, then the plant, then the bud, then the blossom, then the ripened fruit.

Suppose a vast building were to be erected, the stones for which were brought from the quarries in Rutland, Vermont; Berea, Ohio; Kasota, Minnesota, and Middletown, Connecticut. Each stone was hewn into final shape in the quarry from which it was brought. These stones were of all varieties of shape and size, cubical, rectangular, cylindrical, etc., but when they were brought together every stone fitted into its place, and when put together there rose before you a temple absolutely perfect in every outline, with its domes, sidewalls, buttresses, arches, transepts-not a gap or a flaw anywhere. How would you account for it? You would say:

"Back of these individual workers in the quarries was the master-mind of the architect who planned it all, and gave to each individual worker his specifications for the work."

So in this marvelous temple of God's truth which we call the Bible, whose stones have been quarried at periods of time and in places so remote from one another, but where every smallest part fits each other part, we are forced to say that back of the human hands that wrought was the Master-mind that thought.

# 2 of TEN REASONS I BELIEVE THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD by R.A. Torrey

# 2 of Ten Reasons Why I Believe The Bible Is The Word Of God by R. A. Torrey

SECOND, on the ground of its fulfilled prophecies.

There are two classes of prophecies in the Bible-first, the explicit, verbal prophecies, second, those of the types.

In the first we have the definite prophecies concerning the Jews, the heathen nations and the Messiah. Taking the prophecies, regarding the Messiah as an illustration, look at Isaiah 53, Mic. 5:2, Dan. 9:25-27. Many others might be mentioned, but these will serve as illustrations. In these prophecies, written hundreds of years before the Messiah came, we have the most explicit statements as to the manner and place of His birth, the manner of His reception by men, how His life would end, His resurrection and His victory succeeding His death. When made, these prophecies were exceedingly improbable, and seemingly impossible of fulfillment; but they were fulfilled to the very minutest detail of manner and place and time. How are we to account for it? Man could not have foreseen these improbable events-they lay hundreds of years ahead-but God could, and it is God who speaks through these men.

But the prophecies of the types are more remarkable still. Everything in the Old Testament-history, institutions, ceremonies-is prophetical. The high priesthood, the ordinary priesthood, the Levites, the prophets, priests and kings, are all prophecies. The tabernacle, the brazen altar, the laver, the golden candlestick, the table of shewbread, the veil, the altar of incense, the ark of the covenant, the very coverings of the tabernacle, are prophecies. In all these things, as we study them minutely and soberly in the light of the history of Jesus Christ and the church, we see, wrapped up in the ancient institutions ordained of God to meet an immediate purpose, prophecies of the death, atonement, and resurrection of Christ, the day of Pentecost, and the entire history of the church. We see the profoundest Christian doctrines of the New Testament clearly foreshadowed in these institutions of the Old Testament. The only way in which you can appreciate this is to get into the Book itself and study all about the sacrifices and feasts, etc., till you see the truths of the New Testament shining out in the Old. If, in studying some elementary form of life, I find a rudimentary organ, useless now, but by the process of development to become of use in that animal's descendant, I say, back of this rudimentary organ is God, who, in the earlier animal, is preparing for the life and necessities of the animal that is to come. So, going back to these preparations in the Bible for the truth that is to be clearly taught at a later day, there is only one scientific way to account for them, namely, He who knows and prepares for the end from the beginning is the author of that Book.

WHY I BELIEVE: Part One

# 1 of Ten Reasons Why I Believe The Bible Is The Word Of God by R. A. Torrey

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FIRST, on the ground of the testimony of Jesus Christ.

  Many people accept the authority of Christ who do not accept that of the Bible as a whole. We all must accept His authority. He is accredited to us by five Divine testimonies: by the testimony of the Divine life He lived; by the testimony of the Divine words He spoke; by the testimony of the Divine works He wrought; by the Divine attestation of the resurrection from the dead; and by the testimony of His Divine influence upon the history of mankind. But if we accept the authority of Christ we must accept the authority of the Bible as a whole. He testifies definitely and specifically to the Divine authorship of the whole Bible.

  We find His testimony as to the Old Testament in Mark 7:13. Here He calls the law of Moses the "Word of God." That, of course, covers only the first five books of the Old Testament, but in Luke 24:27 we read, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself," and in the forty-fourth verse He said, "All things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses and in the prophets and the Psalms." The Jews, divided the Old Testament into three parts-the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms-and Christ takes up each of these parts and sets the stamp of His authority upon it. In John 10:35 Christ says, "The Scripture cannot be broken," thereby teaching the absolute accuracy and inviolability of the Old Testament. More specifically still, it possible, in Matthew 5:18, Jesus says, "One jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled." A jot is the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet-less than half the size of any other letter, and a tittle is the merest point of a consonant-less than the cross we put on a "t,"-and Christ here declares that the Scripture is absolutely true, down to the smallest letter or point of a letter. So if we accept the authority of Christ we must accept the Divine authority of the entire Old Testament.

  Now, as to the New Testament. We find Christ's endorsement of it in John 14:26, "The Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." Here we see that not only was the teaching of the Apostles to be fully inspired, but also their recollection of what Christ Himself taught. We are sometimes asked how we know that the Apostles correctly reported what Jesus said-"may they not have forgotten?" True, they might forget, but Christ Himself tells us that in the Gospels we have, not the Apostles' recollection of what He said, but the Holy Ghost's recollection, and the Spirit of God never forgets. In John 16:13, 14, Christ said that the Holy Ghost should guide the Apostles into "all the truth," therefore in the New Testament teaching we have the whole sphere of God's truth. The teaching of the Apostles is more complete than that of Jesus Himself, for He says in John 16:12, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He shall guide you into all the truth." While His own teaching had been partial, because of their weakness, the teaching of the Apostles, under the promised Spirit, was to take in the whole sphere of God's truth.

  So if we accept the authority of Christ we must accept that of the whole Bible, but we must, as already seen, accept Christ's authority.

WHY I BELIEVE

WHY I BELIEVE

Friday, January 23, 2015

Jesus said that by trusting in and practicing religious traditions apart from the Word of God we make the Word of God of no benefit in our lives. (Mk.7:13)

  Why do I personally believe God is?

  Because of His Word, but in telling I must include the influence of several people in memory.

  First understand that we were not a church attending family. The only times I sat a pew was BSA campout attendance and for whatever reason Mom deciding to occasionally Christmas or Easter brother Jim and I at a local Methodist church.

  Until the day he died my grandfather Bullock was a devout Roman Catholic. He raised my father strictly so, mandating parochial school and regular attendance to mass. Dad vowed that when he left home it would end. He stated that he thereafter would only set foot in any church as courtesy to family and friend. This entailed baptisms, weddings, and funerals, nothing more. I never saw Dad deviate from this oath, even unto his own funeral set in a professional parlor.

  Dad was however a firm teleological believer that God exists. I remember him saying a man is a fool if he thinks all of this happened without a maker.

  Grandmother Ida Mae McGee, Mom’s Mom, lived with us and took care of Jim and I. Though she never quoted or referred to, she was a strict teacher of The Ten Commandments.

  At age 8-9 Aunt Edith McGee capitalized on my being an avid reader when she noted my reading Dad’s open books that he left lying around. She gifted my brother and me with a thick manual sized paperback pictorial book of Bible stories. I read and reread it until it was falling apart. She then, without asking Dad (!), affixed several gold lettered and tasseled walnut plaques over our beds. One said “Jesus never fails.” Another “Jesus loves you.” About that same time she gave us copies of KJV Bible, which I read.

  I cannot discount influence in 3 Baltimore City public schools. Though it was limited to Psalms, Proverbs, The 10, and Jesus’ Beatitudes, with every time recitation of Lord’s Prayer, without fail we held to the exercise along with the Pledge of Allegiance. Also, yearly the Gideons hosted an assembly in the gym /cafeteria /auditorium. At the end of their talk everyone received a New Testament.

  Then of course there was dear Ann, a constant influence in patient Biblical example.

  In the autumn of my 27^th year, foundry coworker Irving “Bud” Garfield Bond asked if he could take breaks and eat lunch with me for a season. In talking to me about Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, Bud was surprised at my knowledge of Scripture.

  After 6 weeks of interesting discussions I told Bud I was done. Though believing God is Creator alive and well, I still didn’t believe His story or that He could be personally known. In response to my stated position he challenged me to read Ten Reasons Why I Believe The Bible Is The Word Of God by R. A. Torrey, and handed me a copy.

  After thoughtfully reading and considering Torrey’s words, I agreed with and trust The Word, and how I saw life, this world, and eternity immediately changed and continues to do so.

  During the ensuing weeks I will, one at a time, share Torrey’s Ten Reasons for consideration. I pray that, if need be, your reading and consideration will be a life-changing everlasting experience.

EBB4

DOES GOD EXIST?

GotQuestions.org: "Does God exist? Is there evidence for the existence of God?"

  The existence of God cannot be proved or disproved. The Bible says that we must accept by faith the fact that God exists: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). If God so desired, He could simply appear and prove to the whole world that He exists. But if He did that, there would be no need for faith. “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’” (John 20:29).
  That does not mean, however, that there is no evidence of God’s existence. The Bible states, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world” (Psalm 19:1-4). Looking at the stars, understanding the vastness of the universe, observing the wonders of nature, seeing the beauty of a sunset—all of these things point to a Creator God. If these were not enough, there is also evidence of God in our own hearts. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us, “…He has also set eternity in the hearts of men.” Deep within us is the recognition that there is something beyond this life and someone beyond this world. We can deny this knowledge intellectually, but God’s presence in us and all around us is still obvious. Despite this, the Bible warns that some will still deny God’s existence: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1). Since the vast majority of people throughout history, in all cultures, in all civilizations, and on all continents believe in the existence of some kind of God, there must be something (or someone) causing this belief.
  In addition to the biblical arguments for God’s existence, there are logical arguments. First, there is the ontological argument. The most popular form of the ontological argument uses the concept of God to prove God’s existence. It begins with the definition of God as “a being than which no greater can be conceived.” It is then argued that to exist is greater than to not exist, and therefore the greatest conceivable being must exist. If God did not exist, then God would not be the greatest conceivable being, and that would contradict the very definition of God.
  A second argument is the teleological argument. The teleological argument states that since the universe displays such an amazing design, there must have been a divine Designer. For example, if the Earth were significantly closer or farther away from the sun, it would not be capable of supporting much of the life it currently does. If the elements in our atmosphere were even a few percentage points different, nearly every living thing on earth would die. The odds of a single protein molecule forming by chance is 1 in 10²⁴³ (that is a 1 followed by 243 zeros). A single cell is comprised of millions of protein molecules.
  A third logical argument for God’s existence is called the cosmological argument. Every effect must have a cause. This universe and everything in it is an effect. There must be something that caused everything to come into existence. Ultimately, there must be something “un-caused” in order to cause everything else to come into existence. That “un-caused” cause is God.
  A fourth argument is known as the moral argument. Every culture throughout history has had some form of law. Everyone has a sense of right and wrong. Murder, lying, stealing, and immorality are almost universally rejected. Where did this sense of right and wrong come from if not from a holy God?
  Despite all of this, the Bible tells us that people will reject the clear and undeniable knowledge of God and believe a lie instead. Romans 1:25 declares, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.” The Bible also proclaims that people are without excuse for not believing in God: “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
  People claim to reject God’s existence because it is “not scientific” or “because there is no proof.” The true reason is that once they admit that there is a God, they also must realize that they are responsible to God and in need of forgiveness from Him (Romans 3:23, 6:23). If God exists, then we are accountable to Him for our actions. If God does not exist, then we can do whatever we want without having to worry about God judging us. That is why many of those who deny the existence of God cling strongly to the theory of naturalistic evolution—it gives them an alternative to believing in a Creator God. God exists and ultimately everyone knows that He exists. The very fact that some attempt so aggressively to disprove His existence is in fact an argument for His existence.
  How do we know God exists? As Christians, we know God exists because we speak to Him every day. We do not audibly hear Him speaking to us, but we sense His presence, we feel His leading, we know His love, we desire His grace. Things have occurred in our lives that have no possible explanation other than God. God has so miraculously saved us and changed our lives that we cannot help but acknowledge and praise His existence. None of these arguments can persuade anyone who refuses to acknowledge what is already obvious. In the end, God’s existence must be accepted by faith (Hebrews 11:6). Faith in God is not a blind leap into the dark; it is safe step into a well-lit room where the vast majority of people are already standing.

Recommended Resources: I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist by Norm Geisler and Frank Turek and Logos Bible Software.

I CAN NEVER BE A FATBERG

I CAN NEVER BE A FATBERG

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

John [ESV] 1:11-14 He [the Word (Logos)] came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. [Also note 3:3]

1Corinthians [GW] 2:13-16 We don't speak about these things using teachings that are based on intellectual arguments like people do. Instead, we use the Spirit's teachings. We explain spiritual things to those who have the Spirit. A person who isn't spiritual doesn't accept the teachings of God's Spirit. He thinks they're nonsense. He can't understand them because a person must be spiritual to evaluate them. Spiritual people evaluate everything but are subject to no one's evaluation. "Who has known the mind of the Lord so that he can teach him?" However, we have the mind of Christ.

James [GW] 1:22-25 Do what God's word says. Don't merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves. If someone listens to God's word but doesn't do what it says, he is like a person who looks at his face in a mirror, studies his features, goes away, and immediately forgets what he looks like. However, the person who continues to study God's perfect teachings that make people free and who remains committed to them will be blessed. People like that don't merely listen and forget; they actually do what God's teachings say.

  A fatberg is olio made up of cooking grease, shredded garbage, and excrement. The stinking accumulation clogs household drains, and when sticking together largely, city sewers. Whether beneath your home’s floor or street’s paving, fatbergs require work to remove. If not eliminated, they block the flow of waste and make for unhealthy destructive situations.

  I can never be a fatberg. I can however be a fathead; at times with gourd holding garbage hindering or even blocking stimulating refreshment.  This I recognize because in utilizing the mirror of God’s Word I clearly see my egocentric history and still experience my old nature in conflict with God’s John 1:12 empowering adoption as His son some 60+ years ago.

  One thing experienced rota-rooter persons and city sewer clearing teams can tell you with confidence is they know where fatbergs commonly gather.

  One thing a spiritual fathead knows, though he/she may deny, is exactly what is impeding the flow of God’s revitalizing love and grace.

  May our heart cry out as did the Apostle Paul, saying, “… whatever things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. But no, rather, I also count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them to be dung, …” (Phil.3)

EBB4

FATBERGS

FATBERGS

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

  Icebergs are commonly known of. But whoever other than Mike Rowe, his fans, sanitation engineers and the people that work at the never-ending dirty job removing them, has ever seen a fatberg?

  A fatberg is something many of you contribute to the building of. It’s made up of grease combined with garbage pulverized down your kitchen drain. A fatberg may be as small as the one about to seal off the pipe under your basement concrete floor or in big city sewers weigh many tons and be the size of a 747 fuselage.

  The small are removed rather cleanly by rota-rooter reamer operated by a neatly clad operator.

  Big city fatbergs are laboriously excised by underground people dressed like Ebola technicians wearing sparkproof boots and suits. Then there’s the glob chemically generating heat, methane, and eating up the oxygen in the air. London town, Great Britain, deals with about 55,000 of various magnitude every year. (The result of generations dining on fish & chips?) Using hi-pressure water jets, shovels, chainsaw-like machines, a fulltime team of 38 people remove the fatbergs.

  Either size fatberg can result in foul back flooding. One of the worst being a guy’s man cave found as a septic tank just before all his buddies show up for the big game.

  Why am I telling you this today, for stinky education?

  No. When I read Popular Science article about the problem with fatbergs, I thought of an important

lesson in the Word of God: ‘There are different ways of serving, and yet the same Lord is served. There are different types of work to do, but the same God produces every gift in every person. The evidence of the Spirit's presence is given to each person for the common good of everyone. The Spirit gives one person the ability to speak with wisdom. The same Spirit gives another person the ability to speak with knowledge. To another person the same Spirit gives courageous faith. To another person the same Spirit gives the ability to heal. Another can work miracles. Another can speak what God has revealed. Another can tell the difference between spirits. Another can speak in different kinds of languages. Another can interpret languages. There is only one Spirit who does all these things by giving what God wants to give to each person. For example, the body is one unit and yet has many parts. As all the parts form one body, so it is with Christ. By one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Whether we are Jewish or Greek, slave or free, God gave all of us one Spirit to drink. As you know, the human body is not made up of only one part, but of many parts. Suppose a foot says, "I'm not a hand, so I'm not part of the body!" Would that mean it's no longer part of the body? Or suppose an ear says, "I'm not an eye, so I'm not a part of the body!" Would that mean it's no longer part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how could it hear? If the whole body were an ear, how could it smell? So God put each and every part of the body together as he wanted it. How could it be a body if it only had one part? So there are many parts but one body. An eye can't say to a hand, "I don't need you!" Or again, the head can't say to the feet, "I don't need you!" The opposite is true. The parts of the body that we think are weaker are the ones we really need. The parts of the body that we think are less honorable are the ones we give special honor. So our unpresentable [KJV “uncomely”] parts are made more presentable. However, our presentable parts don't need this kind of treatment. God has put the body together and given special honor to the part that doesn't have it. God's purpose was that the body should not be divided but rather that all of its parts should feel the same concern for each other. If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts share its suffering. If one part is praised, all the others share in its happiness. You are Christ's body and each of you is an individual part of it.” GW 1Corinthians 12:5-27 

EBB4

  

AWAKENING

AWAKENING

Monday, January 19, 2015

GotQuestions.org : "What is Christian revival?"

  Revival refers to a spiritual reawakening from a state of dormancy or stagnation in the life of a believer. It encompasses the resurfacing of a love for God, an appreciation of God's holiness, a passion for His Word and His church, a convicting awareness of personal and corporate sin, a spirit of humility, and a desire for repentance and growth in righteousness. Revival invigorates and sometimes deepens a believer's faith, opening his or her eyes to the truth in a fresh, new way. It generally involves the connotation of a fresh start with a clean slate, marking a new beginning of a life lived in obedience to God. Revival breaks the charm and power of the world, which blinds the eyes of men, and generates both the will and power to live in the world but not of the world.
  In the USA, the first revival, also called the First Great Awakening, produced an upsurge of devotion among Protestants in the 1730s and 1740s, carving a permanent mark on American religion. It resulted from authoritative preaching that deeply moved the church members with a convicting awareness of personal guilt and the awesome nature of salvation through Christ. Breaking away from dry ritual and rote ceremony, the Great Awakening made Christianity intensely personal to the average person, as it should be, by creating a deep emotional need for relationship with Christ.
  Revival, in many respects, replicates the believer's experience when he or she is saved. It is initiated by a prompting of the Holy Spirit, creating an awareness of something missing or wrong in the believer's life that can only be righted by God. In turn, the Christian must respond from the heart, acknowledging his or her need. Then, in a powerful way, the Holy Spirit draws back the veil the world has cast over the truth, allowing the believers to fully see themselves in comparison to God's majesty and holiness. Obviously, such comparisons bring great humility, but also great awe of God and His truly amazing grace (Isaiah 6:5). Unlike the original conversion experience that brings about a new relationship to God, however, revival represents a restoration of fellowship with God, the relationship having been retained even though the believer had pulled away for a time.
  God, through His Holy Spirit, calls us to revival in a number of situations. Christ's letters to the seven churches reveal some circumstances that may necessitate revival. In the letter to Ephesus, Christ praised the church for their perseverance and discernment, but He stated that they had forsaken their first love (Revelation 2:4-5). Many times as the excitement of acceptance to Christ grows cold, we lose the zeal that we had at first. We become bogged down in the ritual, going through the motions, but we no longer experience the joy of serving Christ. Revival helps restore that first love and passion for Christ. Revelation 2:10-11 refers to the church at Smyrna, which was suffering intense persecution. The cares and worries of life can beat us down, leaving us emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. Revival can lift us up to new hope and faith.
  Revelation 2:14-16 talks about the problem of compromise with the world and incorporating worldly values into our belief systems. Revival helps us to rightly discern what values we should hold. Revelation 2:20-23 discusses the problem of tolerating false teaching in our churches. We need to examine the messages that we hear and compare them to the message of the Bible. Revival helps us to find the truth. Revelation 3:1-6 describes a dead church, a church that goes through the motions outwardly, but there is nothing underneath. Here is a picture of nominal Christianity, outwardly prosperous, busy with the externals of religious activity, but devoid of spiritual life and power. Revival helps to resuscitate spiritual life. In Revelation 3:11, we are further warned against complacency, a life that does not bear fruit. All of these scenarios call for revival.
  The evidence of revival, a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon believers, is changed lives. Great movements toward righteousness, evangelism, and social justice occur. Believers are once again spending time in prayer and reading and obeying God’s Word. Believers begin to powerfully use their spiritual gifts. There is confession of sin and repentance.

Recommended Resources: Biblical Christian revival: How You Can Work with God to Build a Faithful Church by Gary McIntosh and Logos Bible Software.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-revival.html#ixzz3PHGLuG3z

AN IMMENSE STORY

AN IMMENSE STORY

Sunday, January 18, 2015

John [MKJV] 10:14-15; 15:12-14 I am the Good Shepherd, and I know those that are Mine, and I am known by those who are Mine. Even as the Father knows Me, I also know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep. … This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

1John [MKJV] 3:18-21 My children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And in this we shall know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him, that if our heart accuses us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not accuse us, we have confidence toward God.

  How many have seen the movie TITANIC? A considerable number have viewed it multiple times. My first exposure to the story was when quite young reading nonfiction book at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Hamilton, Baltimore, Maryland. Later I read more nonfiction and fictional accounts. Plus, growing up, the Titanic, Custer’s Last Stand, USA Civil War, and other such historical events were common topics of discussion and debate.

  TITANIC is quite the tale of monumental pride, impatience, greed, wretched disaster, poignancy, enduring romance and sacrifice. Beyond what was scripted it is also tale of Christ-like love.

  On May 29, 1872, John Harper was born in a Scotland village. Raised in a Christian family, he trusted Jesus as personal Savior at age 14 and was preacher at 18, supporting himself by doing manual labor.

  At age 25 he was made pastor of the 25 member Paisley Road Baptist Church in Glasgow. With his leadership and impassioned Bible preaching the church grew to 500. During his time there as pastor his wife died, leaving him to care for their young daughter.

  Recognized as a blessing, he was invited to preach at Moody Church in Chicago, Illinois, USA, investing 3 months there doing so. Experiencing revival, they asked him to later return. Pastor Harper arranged for himself, 6 year old daughter Annie Jessie and niece Jessie W. Leitch to travel to America on the passenger liner Lusitania, then felt directed by God to leave a week later on a new trans-Atlantic liner, the Titanic.

  As the “unsinkable” Titanic began sinking April 14, 1912, he wrapped his daughter in a blanket and saw to it that she and his niece were safe in a lifeboat.

  Harper then gave his lifejacket to another passenger. One survivor distinctly remembers him shouting “Women, children, and the unsaved into the lifeboats!” He then ran the decks pleading with people to turn to Christ and called upon the ship’s orchestra to play “Nearer, My God, To Thee”.

  Several times he gathered a group, and “with holy joy” as his countenance was described, prayed for them.

  Later, survivors testified that as the Titanic went low Harper jumped overboard and swimming to all he could he asked “Are you saved?” sharing the gospel focusing on Acts 16:31.

  John Harper was 39 years of age when the frigid water drained his physical life away.

  Dear brethren in Christ, and what of us as we sit high and dry? Do we see this world as Titanic with people all around us dying without God’s salvation?   EBB4 

40 MILE AN HOUR WORK

40 MILE AN HOUR WORK

Friday, January 16, 2015

Proverbs 18:19

(ASV)  He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.

(CEV)  Being lazy is no different from being a troublemaker.

(ESV)  Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.

(GW)  Whoever is lazy in his work is related to a vandal.

(ISV)  Whoever is lazy regarding his work is also a brother to the master of destruction.

(KJV)  He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

(LITV)  And he who is slack in his work, he is a brother to a master destroyer.

(MKJV)  Also he who is slack in his work is brother to a great destroyer.

(Webster)  He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

(YLT)  He also that is remiss in his work, A brother he is to a destroyer.

  For ya’ll that have never been blessed with Southern Exposure I must explain today’s title.

  There is walk to, stop by and examine quality . . . and then there’s workmanship that looks mighty fine so long as you’re driving by at 40 miles an hour.

  We’ve all seen “painted over” fabrication. If you don’t know what this means, watch Holmes on Homes and you’ll see painted-over problems brushed in large strokes. (For brief bio of show, got to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_on_Homes  To view past educational episodes, go to:  https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=A0LEVvjdHblUo0UANIwPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTBsa3ZzMnBvBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2JmMQR2dGlkAw--?p=holmes+on+homes&hspart=SGMedia&hsimp=yhs-sgm_fb )

  As 2Corinthians 5:17 ambassadors for Christ we speak of God’s reconciliation and redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ. But if, whatever our position in home, office, or workplace, we practice 40 mile an hour low quality work standard, why would any lost or needy soul want to listen to us lay claim to the utmost eternal superiority of God’s mercy and guidance for life?

  Consider Colossians (GW) 3:1-2, 23-25 on the subject of honoring God in one’s work. “Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above-where Christ holds the highest position. Keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things. … Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as though you were working for your real master and not merely for humans. You know that your real master will give you an inheritance as your reward. It is Christ, your real master, whom you are serving. The person who does wrong will be paid back for the wrong he has done. God does not play favorites.”

  Few of us, self included, have the knowledge, skill, or the inherent ability to qualify for the Holmes team.

  All Christians can however make the grade as Jehovah’s unlimited workman: “Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. But shun profane, vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. … All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfected, thoroughly furnished to every good work.” (MKJV 2Tim.2:15-16; 3:16-17)

  Hey ya’ll! Think about it, at what viewing speed will our lifework pass examination?  EBB4

THE FACE OF LIFE

THE FACE OF LIFE

Thursday, January 15, 2015

2Corinthians 4:13-18  We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

  I look in the mirror and see a man’s face that is no longer taut as once was. Where did that developing turkey wattle come from?!

  It’s not just my countenance that has changed: Once upon a time I was not a driver, then for 6+ decades a driver, followed by 6+ months not a driver, and now again as of 9:30am again a driver.

  There’s no avoidance of changes to the face of life. Change is tide and flow in and of life; the current that can inundate us unless we trust in the Word.

  2Corinthians 4 is about being confronted by death and life, and what our victorious attitude (faith) can and should be.

  Before you or I pass from this life to the next, change may include the looks of a Basset hound, not driving, not walking, not being able to lift spoon to mouth ….. But if seeing life as a citizen of God’s Kingdom, His prescription for us present and everlasting, we consider reflection and current situation as transitory and as producing for us an eternal glory that is absolutely greater than anything we can imagine.

  That remembered . . . and written for your edification, I’m now going to adjust supportive seat and rearview mirrors on my Mazda.

EBB4

ERASURE

ERASURE

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

  All who profess Christianity are not the same when it comes to form and function. History and current observation shows record of caring, compassion, indifference, no-difference, selfishness, persecutors including pogrom, mass and single murders.

  The history and current events pertaining to professing atheists is no different as they too are diverse in practice of personal belief. For the most part atheists are as the professing Christians that practice a “Live and let live.” “They believe differently, so what!?!” “Silly, but nice people.” attitude. There is however atheists that are aggressive in the personal conviction that mankind would be better off without Christianity.

  Okay, let’s say it could be so; the world without historical and contemporary Christian faith and practice:

·         What would not be?

·         What would be?

EBB4

PS. I included no references from the Word so as to leave you with opportunity to be studious and do so.

  

REGENERATE SIGHT

REGENERATION OR OTHERWISE

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

John [GW] 3:3 Jesus replied to Nicodemus, "I can guarantee this truth: No one can see the kingdom of

        God without being born from above."

2Corinthians [GW] 5:17 [Paul wrote] Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of

        living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.

Titus [GW] 2:14 [Paul wrote] He [Jesus] gave himself for us to set us free from every sin and to cleanse us

        so that we  can be his special people who are enthusiastic about doing good things. …

1Peter [MKJV] chapter 2 [Jesus is the] Stone which the builders rejected; this One came to be the Head of the corner, and a Stone-of-stumbling and a Rock-of-offense to those disobeying, who stumble at the Word, to which they also were appointed. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for possession, so that you might speak of the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; you who then were not a people, but now the people of God,

  Only 3 letters, but Jesus’ “see” spoken to Nicodemus and recorded for us hereafter is a critical word.

The “see” that Nicodemus understood is quite different from the “see” we typically hear here.

  To help comprehend the distinction, think of USA as The Kingdom of America. Whether native born, immigrant, or foreigner, we/they see the USA interpreted by individual and/or group perspective. Whether ashore or afar, said sight being highly variant; from gratis to greedy, glorious to Great Satan.

  The “see” of Nicodemus’ hearing was quite different. He knew it framed a non-variant absolute entity that could only be understood and realized, acquainted with and experienced presently and forever through Almighty God’s regeneration.

  This is the sight that Saul of Tarsus gained on the road to Damascus, and diligently sought to expand and implement for the rest of his life. In the recorded 13-14 books Paul was privileged to scribe, he writes for our edification about his regenerate view of the Kingdom of God; vision drastically different than his prior enthusiastic religious life.

  How now do we see? As the otherwise see, guided by man’s philosophies contrary to God’s Word? Or viewing, Biblically critiquing and interpreting commonly held world views and thereby making life choices as knowledgeable citizen of the Kingdom of God? (Philippians chapter 3, note verse 20)

  I close this morning thought with a portion from KJV Titus chapter 3, the Apostle Paul noting that “… we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 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; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

EBB4

THINKING RADICALLY

THINKING RADICALLY

Monday, January 12, 2015

Genesis [GW] 2:16-17; 3:6 The LORD God commanded the man. He said, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden. But you must never eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil … [Eve] saw that the tree had fruit that was good to eat, nice to look at, and desirable for making someone wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband [Adam], who was with her, and he ate it.

Romans [GW] 12:1-3 Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect. Because of the kindness that God has shown me, I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers. [Also note Ephesians 5:13-17]

  The Apostle Paul explains that when we trust Christ, the Word (“logos” Jn.1:1), we immediately become different. This I personally experienced, observed, and am observing; all followers of Christ are of a different nature. (2Cor.5:14-17)

  Yes, immediately different. Immediately complete in our new nature, no.

  Our new nature is in conflict with our old nature. Eternal salvation, everlasting life presently ours, is Lord Jesus Christ’s effectual finished work. Repentance, maturation in thought and resultant deeds, is not employment His. It is our ongoing vocation, also referred to as discipleship. This I continue to noticeably experience since October of my 28^th year (1964), observe, and am observing with continued benefit.

  Is this an easy task? Yes and no, always defined by what we believe; seeing thru the murky fog of unregenerate thinking, or lighted by clear vision thru lens of the Word.

  To illustrate: Lately we have been often hearing “radicalized” popularly applied by media politicians, and social scientist and pundit to violent murderous Islamists. The word is used as though exposure to jihadist thought and persons makes individuals and groups commit terrorist atrocities.

  Consider people: Around same persons and/or circumstance each individual in exposed group reacts differently, or at times in concert; in fury or by faith.

  To illustrate personally: There was a time when I thought persons and/or circumstance made me angry -- Grand excuse no more than skin of a reason stuffed with a lie. By study of and consideration of the Word I concluded that it is impossible for person or circumstance to make me angry. Being angry is a decision based in belief. Anger is a highly individual exercise much based in pride, seldom based in the veracity of the Word.

  Consider Jesus: He recognized wrong in a way that we cannot; the volume of which for us would have been deafening and engulfing to the point distracting resident anger. Did He ever act angry? He did, but take careful note of the instances and consider the why of it.

  Consider Eden: If radicalization through exposure to evil person or presence is factual, then Jehovah God Almighty radicalized Eve, then Adam, by having that tree and serpent available for conversation and disastrous meal.

  “radicalization” is yet another excusing man from the truth of the Word.

  The Word that we are exposed to in many ways, and then must decide what we actually believe of what we hear and see this side of heaven.

EBB4 

TEN THINGS GOD CANNOT DO

TEN THINGS GOD CANNOT DO

(References from God’s Word modern English)

·         God cannot get tired. Isaiah 40:28 Don't you know? Haven't you heard? The eternal God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, doesn't grow tired or become weary.

·         God cannot take on a job He can’t handle. Jeremiah 32:17 'Almighty LORD, you made heaven and earth by your great strength and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

·         God cannot be unholy. Isaiah 6:2-3 Angels were standing above him. Each had six wings: With two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. They called to each other and said, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory."

·         God cannot be prejudiced. Acts 10:34-35 Peter said, "Now I understand that God doesn't play favorites. Rather, whoever respects God and does what is right is acceptable to him in any nation.

·         God cannot break a promise. Psalm 89:30-35 "If his descendants abandon my teachings and do not live by my rules, if they violate my laws and do not obey my commandments, then with a rod I will punish their rebellion and their crimes with beatings. But I will not take my mercy away from him or allow my truth to become a lie. I will not dishonor my promise or alter my own agreement. On my holiness I have taken an oath once and for all: I will not lie to David.

·         God cannot remember sins He’s chosen to forget. Psalm 103:10-13 He has not treated us as we deserve for our sins or paid us back for our wrongs. As high as the heavens are above the earth- that is how vast his mercy is toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west- that is how far he has removed our rebellious acts from himself. … Isaiah 43:25 I alone am the one who is going to wipe away your rebellious actions for my own sake. I will not remember your sins anymore.

·         God cannot make a loser. 2Corinthians 2:14-15 But I thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ. Wherever we go, God uses us to make clear what it means to know Christ. It's like a fragrance that fills the air. To God we are the aroma of Christ among those who are saved and among those who are dying.

·         God cannot abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Don't tremble! Don't be afraid of them! The LORD your God is the one who is going with you. He won't abandon you or leave you." Hebrews 13:5-6 … Be happy with what you have because God has said, "I will never abandon you or leave you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid. What can mortals do to me?"

·         God cannot stop thinking about you. Psalm 139:16-18 Your eyes saw me when I was only a fetus. Every day of my life was recorded in your book before one of them had taken place. How precious are your thoughts concerning me, O God! How vast in number they are! If I try to count them, there would be more of them than there are grains of sand. When I wake up, I am still with you.

·         God cannot stop loving you. Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared to me in a faraway place and said, "I love you with an everlasting love. So I will continue to show you my kindness. Romans 5:6-8 Look at it this way: At the right time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for ungodly people. Finding someone who would die for a godly person is rare. Maybe someone would have the courage to die for a good person. Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God's love for us.

PREFERRING DARKNESS

PREFERRING DARKNESS

Friday, January 09, 2015

John 1:1-5; 3:19; 8:12; 12:35, 46 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. [Col.1:16; Heb.1:2; Rev.4:12] In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. … And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. … Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. … Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

Acts [GW] 4:8-12 Then Peter, because he was filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers and leaders of the people, today you are cross-examining us about the good we did for a crippled man. You want to know how he was made well. You and all the people of Israel must understand that this man stands in your presence with a healthy body because of the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You crucified Jesus Christ, but God has brought him back to life. He is the stone that the builders rejected, the stone that has become the cornerstone. No one else can save us. Indeed, we can be saved only by the power of the one named Jesus and not by any other person."

  The Apostle Peter, as recorded in Acts 4:12, stated truth that is resisted by multitudes, some of which are religious and name Jesus among their beliefs; though never as Lord Jesus Christ, but in limited personage of prophet and/or great teacher.

  Tragically, to them Jesus will say He never knew them for they were never truly intimately acquainted with or trusted Him as Lord Jesus Christ. (Mt.7:21-27; Jn.14:15; 15:10; 1Jn.5:2-3)

  Jesus is “Lord Jesus Christ” (82 times in KJV); Almighty God, Supreme Sovereign Savior alone; firmly declaring that those that are not for Him are against Him. (Mt.12:30’ Lk.11:23)

  Dare men resist? Yes, they do.

  Why so? Lord Jesus Christ explained the reason is that they prefer darkness.

  How do you as a follower of Christ (Christian) describe the darkness the Word speaks of?

EBB4