ZIGZAGING TO A CONCLUSION

ZIGZAGGING TO A CONCLUSION

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Psalm 103:1-5 [A Psalm of David.] Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

2Corinthians [GW] 10:4-5 The weapons we use in our fight are not made by humans. Rather, they are powerful weapons from God. With them we destroy people's defenses, that is, their arguments  and all their intellectual arrogance that oppose the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ.

2Timothy [MKJV] 1:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Hebrews [MKJV] 10:38; 11:6 …  "the Just shall live by faith. But if he draws back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him." … without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

  Staying on track in serious thinking can be hard work. Just getting past our own defenses; comfortable bias grounded in familial worldly education and personal preconceived concepts that we consider precepts can be tiresome.

  When I first started rethinking life according to God’s Word it was mentally fatiguing. Then I discovered that the chosen process was a major contributor to my fatigue. It wasn’t the magnitude of enlightening new thought. It was that I was laboring at thinking in linear manner whereas I typically think in intermittent zigzag on and off patterns with items large and small crowding the edges.

  Lest you think I’m focusing on me this morning I am not. The words above actually began with reading article on GIS (The new discipline of not just seeing maps, but the connecting of geography to history.) in Smithsonian magazine. I began then thinking about others and arriving at conclusion that once again I could assist in providing some of you liberation.

  Due to exercise of rote learning in my public schooling I had an area of fear as I was not, am not good at memorization. This old fear was further cultivated after trusting Jesus at age 27. I was repeatedly hearing echoes of public school. “To grow spiritually you must memorize Scripture verbatim.” (KJV of course!) Accompanied by remarks such as “Anybody can memorize information if they really put their mind to it!” The plaguing fear, feelings of failure and rejection, and guilt was not delightful for a guy that still has to think about the alphabet.

  God states in His Word that His children have soundness of mind. He did not, does not, say all our minds work in the same way. We don’t all think in the same manner!

  And now arrives yet another ziggy-zaggy thought that I’ll conclude with this morning: We have no redeeming righteousness of our own. We only have redemption by faith. If we don’t live by faith but shrink back from applying what God says about us, He has no pleasure in us. Would this include clumsy anvil-footed Ed trying to be a basketball standout . . . or you or me trying to think like me or you? I think so, and that the reward in this case isn’t primarily knowledge with understanding resulting in mental and emotional liberation, but for His pleasure, honor and glory. 

  Romans 12:3 says we’re not to think of ourselves more highly than we should. Instead, our thoughts should lead us to use good judgment based on what God has given each of us as believers. Contrariwise this means not thinking less of ourselves than we should. Doesn’t this include our thinking patterns? I have concluded yes it does.

EBB4

THE EYES HAVE IT

THE EYES HAVE IT

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Jesus explained “… where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Mat 6:22  The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. …” Matthew chapter 6

Experts have found the following analysis to be nearly 100% accurate:

1. The Wall Street Journal is read by the people who run the country.

2. The Washington Post is read by people who think they run the country.

3. The New York Times is read by people who think they should run the country, and are very good at crossword puzzles.

4. USA Today is read by people who think they ought to run the country but don't really understand The New York Times.

5. The Los Angeles Times is read by people who wouldn't mind running the country, if they could find the time and if they didn't have to leave Southern California to do it.

6. The Boston Globe is read by people whose parents used to run the country.

7. The New York Daily News is read by people who aren't too sure who's running the country and don't really care as long as they can get a seat on the train

8. The New York Post is read by people who don't care who is running the country as long as they do something really scandalous, preferably while intoxicated.

9. The Chicago Tribune is read by people who are in prison, who used to run the state, and would like to do so again, as would their constituents who are currently free on bail.

10. The Miami Herald is read by people who are running another country, but need the baseball scores.

11. The San Francisco Chronicle is read by people who aren't sure if there is a country or that anyone is running it; but if so, they oppose all that they stand for. There are occasional exceptions if the leaders are gay, handicapped, minority, feminist, atheists, and those who also happen to be illegal aliens from any other country or galaxy, provided of course, that they are not Republicans.

12. The National Enquirer is read by people trapped in line at the grocery store.

13. The Seattle Times is read by people who recently caught a fish and need something to wrap it in.

14. So, why do we read the Bible?  EBB4

HUMILITY AS ATTRIBUTE

HUMILITY AS ATTRIBUTE

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

John MKJV 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.  All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.

Romans 12:1-3 I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But set your mind to be right-minded, even as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

  When pride in self, ethnicity, family, nation, accomplishments et al is epidemic habit, then humility is dead. At any given moment we walk in pride or humility, there being no neutrality or meld. Just thinking myself humble I am proud. But what is humility? Is the trait recognizable? Is there a model to follow? Is it possible to gain humility?

  The answer to these questions in summed up in one word, actually “WORD”, Jesus.

  Jesus, among all that He is, is the embodiment of humility, our only true complete example: “[Christ Jesus] Although he was in the form of God and equal with God, he did not take advantage of this equality. Instead, he emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant, by becoming like other humans, by having a human appearance. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, death on a cross.” (GW Phil.2:6-8)

  Following Jesus’ model does not come natural to man for we are born proud in nature, sinful in spirit from our very conception. (Ps.51:5)

  Christian or not, we cannot adapt our old nature to be humble, for humility is detestable to our natural man. (1Cor.2:14) To attempt accomplishing a semblance of humility through adaptation is naught but reformation; putting a fine new suit of clothes on the wretched old man; a poorly constructed cloth that wears disappointingly. (Mt.9:16-17; Rom.6:6; Eph.4:22-24; Col.3:9-10)

  Christian may manifest Christ-like humility in and by his regenerate man; regeneration being we, the old suit of clothes gaining new man within. (2Cor.5:17)

  Is it possible to acquire and sustain humility? Indeed it is doable (Mt.5:48), but how so?

  Identify and confess for what I am, a proud man, repent and exalt He Supremely Meek (Mt.11:29), and humility comes; not by our doing, but by submissive removal in agreeing with God and living in and by His grace. (Rom.6:1-14; 12:1-3)

  “The Word of life existed from the beginning. We have heard it. We have seen it. We observed and touched it. This life was revealed to us. We have seen it, and we testify about it. We are reporting to you about this eternal life that was in the presence of the Father and was revealed to us. This is the life we have seen and heard. We are reporting about it to you also so that you, too, can have a relationship with us. Our relationship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing this so that we can be completely filled with joy. This is the message we heard from Christ and are reporting to you: God is light, and there isn't any darkness in him. If we say, "We have a relationship with God" and yet live in the dark, we're lying. We aren't being truthful. But if we live in the light in the same way that God is in the light, we have a relationship with each other. And the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from every sin. If we say, "We aren't sinful" we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we've done wrong. If we say, "We have never sinned," we turn God into a liar and his Word is not in us.” (GW 1Jn.1:1-10) 

  God will bless richly as we leave applauding self and exalt Him.  EBB4

    

Afterthought: When we read Christian devotion, commentary, or book but don’t look up that which is of higher value, Scripture references, it is manifestation of personal pride. How so? Because we are demonstrating that my time is more important than The Word and His eternity to which we lay claim. This I learned by Holy Spirit convicting experience.

THE VALUE OF CONTENTION

THE VALUE OF CONTENTION

Monday, August 28, 2017

Proverbs [GW] 13:10 Arrogance produces only quarreling, but those who take advice gain wisdom. …

Luke 14:11 Those who honor themselves will be humbled, but people who humble themselves will be honored."

James 4:6 … God’s Word tells us, "God opposes arrogant people, but he is kind to humble people."

  As with most people, I dislike contention. For decades I let this dislike stand in the way of opportunities for maturation. This I learned from a supervisor that decided to mentor me. Mr. Robert Brettschneider showed me that contentious employees made him examine situations in a way that team players did not. At times they brought out problems that team players would not mention.

  The adversity of contention, complaint, strife, conflict, disharmony can reveal much.  Contention with its companion adversity may have great value as it presents opportunity for personal examination as to whether the root cause is our pride, or not; maximizing probability of objective resolution and edification; or, being mulishly resistant to listening, maximizing dreadful emotionally subjective failure. It was quite a shock to realize and accept that I am arrogant when blocking out a contentious person.

  When I recognize my pride as hindrance I then may receive wise instruction. (Mt.13:9-16) Without such acknowledgment and appreciation I do not respect God, and can expect naught but resistance from Him. (Heb.11:6; Jam.4:6)

  Indeed God’s grace is free, but there is an essential requirement before reception of edification; humility, a humble spirit.

O Lord, at times I am contentious. I confess that I am a prideful person, often much desiring to be right above being godly and pleasing to You. I thank You for the attention-getting recognition value of contention, for without it I know I wouldn’t even come close to seeing my pride as You do. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me that I might do Your good pleasure and build on the one and only foundation You provide. (Ps.51:10, 18; 1Cor.3:11) 

  For further contemplation, I consider a psalm of David: “Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom Jehovah does not charge iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones became old through my roaring all the day long. For by day and by night Your hand was heavy on me; my sap is turned into the droughts of summer. Selah. I confessed my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, I will confess my transgression to Jehovah; and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this let every godly one pray to You, in a time when You may be found; surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come near him. You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall circle me with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you, My eye shall be on you. Be not like the horse, or like the mule, who have no understanding, whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, so that they do not come near you. The wicked has many sorrows, but mercy embraces him who trusts in Jehovah. Be glad in Jehovah, and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.” (Ps.32)  EBB4

PS. In autumn 1963 when I heard God’s Holy Word graciously urged by Bud Bond, I accepted God’s wonderful gift of resurrection present and future. Soon thereafter Bud began encouraging me to select a personally meaningful life verse. After much thought, and a few other observant folks suggesting, I selected Psalm 32:8-9 and of necessity review it unto this day and plan on continuance. 

LET'S BLAME BEN

LET’S BLAME BEN

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Proverbs 1:7; 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. … The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

  The time of blameshifting began with Adam soon followed by Eve. (Gen.3:12-13) Apart from God’s wisdom, His Word, mankind continues to improvise at denying responsibility.

  The years around 1918 were difficult. There were factual reasons but as the maddening mob apart from God prefers, they looked for simple reasons to blame their problems on.  This morning I read of one of the goofiest.

  The National Mothers’ Organization to Repeal the Daylight Law explained: “Supper is now being served earlier, by bedtime the family is again hungry and they go to the kitchen and eat the food which would be served for lunch the next day … thereby increasing the grocery bill 10 to 15 percent.”

  HAH! Anyone with an ounce of brains knows it is Ben Franklin’s fault, he during our early USA history suggesting “… a form of daylight time in 1784. He wrote an essay "An Economical Project for Diminishing the Cost of Light" to the editor of The Journal of Paris, suggesting, somewhat jokingly, that Parisians could economize candle usage by getting people out of bed earlier in the morning, making use of the natural morning light instead.” (Source: Wikipedia.org)

  We read the above and snicker at their ignorance and smile at our latter day intelligence.

  But wait, what of screwball ideas on causation in our lifetime. If candid we see a reflection of in our own mirror.

  On second thought let us not blame Ben, or God, or Satan, or Adam and Eve, our parents, or ……..

  Instead let us daily read and be reminded of the truth about all of us; we all sin and come short of Omniscient God as the standard for all eternity. (Rom.3:23-26)

EBB4

CHURCH HISTORY EARLY ON

CHURCH HISTORY: IN THE BEGINNING

Friday, August 25, 2017

  Recently I’ve received more about Baptists questions. Researching sites I found the following interesting essay at gotquestions.org . Read on, be edified, and please keep in mind I AM NOT A BAPTIST (DT 3/20/17).

EBB4

Question: "Who were the Anabaptists, and what did they believe?"

  Anabaptists are not a denomination, and it is unlikely that you will find any church named “First Anabaptist.” The name is more of a descriptive title than an organizational name. From the days of the apostles, there was one Church of Jesus Christ, with a single body of doctrine taught by the apostles and their successors. The various local churches preached repentance and confession of sins, along with baptism by immersion as an outward sign of the new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4). Though under the authority of the apostles themselves as to doctrine, each church was independently governed by the leaders God placed in them. There was neither denominational hierarchy nor distinction of “us/them” within the various churches. In fact, Paul soundly rebuked the Corinthians for such divisions (1 Corinthians 3:1-9). When disputes over sound doctrine arose, the apostles declared God's teaching based on the words of the Lord and the Old Testament Scriptures. For at least 100 years, this model remained the standard for all churches.
  Starting around A.D. 250, with the intense persecutions under Emperor Decius, a gradual change began to take place as the bishops (pastors) of certain notable churches assumed a hierarchical authority over the churches in their regions (e.g., the church of Rome). While many churches surrendered themselves to this new structure, there were a substantial number of dissenting churches that refused to come under the growing authority of the bishops. These dissenting churches were first called “Puritans” and are known to have had an influence as far as France in the 3rd century. As the organized (Catholic) church gradually adopted new practices and doctrines, the dissenting churches maintained their historical positions. The consistent testimony of the church for the first 400 years of its history was to administer baptism to only those who first made a profession of faith in Christ. Starting in A.D. 401, with the fifth Council of Carthage, the churches under the rule of Rome began teaching and practicing infant baptism. With the advent of infant baptism, the separatist churches began re-baptizing those who made professions of faith after having been baptized in the official church. At this time, the Roman Empire encouraged their bishops to actively oppose the dissenting churches, and even passed laws condemning them to death. The re-baptizers became known as Anabaptists, though the churches in various regions of the empire were also known by other names, such as Novatianists, Donatists, Albigenses, and Waldenses.
  These Anabaptist congregations grew and prospered throughout the Roman Empire, even though they were almost universally persecuted by the Catholic Church. By the time of the Reformation, Martin Luther's assistants complained that the Baptists in Bohemia and Moravia were so prevalent, they were like weeds. When John Calvin's teachings became commonly known, many of the Waldenses united with the Reformed Church. From this point on, the various Anabaptist churches gradually lost their ancient names and many assumed the name Baptist, though they retained their historic independence and self-rule.
  Who are the Anabaptists today? The most identifiable are the Hutterites, Mennonites, and Amish, though many modern-day Baptist churches would also identify themselves as the heirs of the Anabaptist traditions. The Hutterites, or more properly, the Hutterian Brethren, trace their history to 1528, when a group of Anabaptists fled persecution for their refusal to pay war taxes and formed a communal society in Austerlitz. Jakob Hutter, one of their first elders, was martyred in 1536. Along with pacifism, communal living is a keynote of Hutterite belief. The Mennonites were formed in Holland as a result of the severe persecution in Switzerland and Germany. The Anabaptists who fled to Holland were organized under the teaching of Menno Simons, a Catholic priest who aligned himself with the Anabaptists in 1539. Many Mennonites are identifiable by their plain dress and the head coverings worn by their women. The Amish trace their history back to a split of the Swiss and Alsatian Anabaptists in 1693, when Jakob Ammann felt that the Swiss Brethren were veering away from the strict teachings of Menno Simons and needed to enforce a stricter form of church discipline. The distinctiveness of the Amish is in their separation from the society around them. They shun modern technology, keep out of political and secular involvements, and dress plainly.
  When asked how today's Anabaptists differ from other evangelical Protestants, one of their own said, “The Anabaptists see Jesus not only as Savior, but as Teacher, teaching them how to live their lives while on this earth. They believe that obedience to His commands is required; therefore, they try to live as He taught. Thus they are a separate people, following the hard narrow path to the Kingdom of God that Jesus taught and lived.” An emphasis of Anabaptist teaching is the Gospel of the Kingdom, which aims at the establishment of a place of love, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit.

Recommended Resource: Who Are the Anabaptists? Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites by Donald B. Kraybill

BEING CHRIST LIKE

BEING CHRIST LIKE

Thursday, August 24, 2017

  For me the question began in what sometimes seems a long ago age when congregational singing involved hymns heavy laden with doctrine. Hymns that if more than merely mouthing the words God’s Holy Spirit would bring a person under deep convicting examination. I well remembers tears and sobs around me, and experiencing the same. It was Thomas O. Chisholm penned the words, William J. Kirkpatrick the music of O’ TO BE LIKE THEE.

O to be like Thee! blessèd Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

Refrain

O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee,
Blessèd Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

O to be like Thee! full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wandering sinner to find.

Refrain

O to be like Thee! lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer others to save.

Refrain

O to be like Thee! Lord, I am coming
Now to receive anointing divine;
All that I am and have I am bringing,
Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.

Refrain

O to be like Thee! while I am pleading,
Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love;
Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit me for life and Heaven above.

Refrain

  The hymn lists a number of Lord Jesus Christ attributes that are recorded in His Word. But there are more? I thought, and still ponder at times . . . or with question present in back of mind do recognize desired divine traits while reading His Word.

  Give the question some thought. Better yet give it some study. Send me your answers to the question and I will compile and publish for the benefit of all. Please include Word proof verses as the compiled list will be on file for future use, especially in ministry to prison inmates.

EBB4 

GOD LEADS

GOD LEADS – DO WE HEED?

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Matthew 6:9-13 [note Lk.11:14] After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

  God’s leading is treasured by His followers. I for one count His promises in Psalm 23 as precious, especially “He leadeth me beside still waters.” Urged on by my mentors to study God’s Word not selectively but as a whole, I discovered God’s leading is not always beside pastoral placid pools.

  The study provoked me to much Romans 12:2 rethinking.

  My mentor nudged me to investigate the Greek for “tempted” in Matthew 4:1. I did so: πειρασμός; peirasmos; pi-ras-mos' From [Strong’s] G3985; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversity: - temptation, X try.

  “OK” I responded, “I’m glad I’m not Jesus!”

  My wise mentor then seemed to completely change the subject, he prodding with “How many times do you figure you’ve said the Lord’s prayer?”

  Considering mornings in public school, Boy Scouts, church, and a few other places, I couldn’t come up without an answer “Thousands?”

  “Now read it aloud for me.” said he.

  After my doing so he asked me what it said. Still thinking we were on a different topic I whizzed thru explaining the prayer.

  “What about the words and *punctuation in verse 13?”

  As the blokes say, I was gobsmacked by the revelation.

·         God may lead us into temptation.

·         God may deliver us from evil.

·         God’s kingdom supersedes my otherwise notions of how life should be.

·         To mature in Christ-likeness I may also be “proofed”.

  Later my mentors had me take another look at Eden.

  EBB4

*Colon, the sign (:) used to mark a major division in a sentence, to indicate that what follows is an elaboration, summation, implication, etc. Whereas a semicolon punctuation mark (;) is used to indicate a major division in a sentence where a more distinct separation is felt between clauses or items on a list than is indicated by a comma, as between the two clauses of a compound sentence. [Source: http://www.dictionary.com ]

PROVENANCE

PROVENANCE

Monday, August 21, 2017

Matthew [MKJV] 3:13-4:17 Then Jesus came from Galilee to Jordan, to John, to be baptized by him. But John restrained Him, saying, I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me? And answering Jesus said to him, Allow it now, for it is becoming to us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he allowed Him. And Jesus, when He had been baptized, went up immediately out of the water. And lo, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon Him. And lo, a voice from Heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Then Jesus was led by the Spirit up into the wilderness, to be tempted by the Devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterwards hungry. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If You are the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But He answered and said, It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." Then the Devil took Him up into the holy city and set Him upon a pinnacle of the Temple. And he said to Him, If you are the Son of God, cast yourself down. For it is written, "He shall give His angels charge concerning You, and in their hands they shall bear You up, lest at any time You dash Your foot against a stone." Jesus said to him, It is written again, "You shall not tempt the Lord your God." Again, the Devil took Him up into a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me. Then Jesus said to him, Go, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve." Then the Devil left him. And behold, angels came and ministered to Him. But when Jesus heard that John was thrown into prison, He went back into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and lived in Capernaum, which is on the seacoast, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the nations! The people who sat in darkness saw a great Light; and Light has sprung up to those who sat in the region and shadow of death." From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent! For the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

Romans 12:2  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. [underlining mine]

2Corinthians 13:5 examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith, prove your own selves. Do you not know your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you are reprobates?

Galatians 6:2-4 Bear one another's burdens, and so you will fulfill the Law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, being nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one prove his own work, and then he alone will have a boast in himself, and not in another.

1Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things, hold fast to the good.

  There were acts by Jesus to publically declare and establish His identity. Baptism (Mt.3:15-17), soon thereafter following the Spirit into the wilderness to fast for 4o days and then be tempted by traducer Satan. Was this as some tried to convince me as a young Christian, a training period for Jesus in His humanity? No. As with His baptism, and later miracles, the wilderness acts established His existent character as God Incarnate. (Jn.1:1)

  Claiming to be followers of Christ it is ours to emulate Him in kind as testimony of our new repentant character in and by Him.

  Let us too prove all to honor God by evidencing eternal life ours.

EBB4

REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY DISCREDITED

REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY DISCREDITED

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Question: "What does it mean that the church has been grafted in Israel’s place?"
  In Romans 11:11–24 Paul compares Israel to the natural branches of a cultivated olive tree and the Gentile believers to the branches of a wild olive tree. The natural branches (Israel) were broken off, and the wild branches (Gentiles) were grafted in (verse 17). The Gentiles, then, have been made partakers of the promises and inherit the blessings of God’s salvation.
  It is important to understand how God called Israel to be His people and how they failed to fulfill that calling. As the seed of Abraham, the children of Israel were chosen by God to be a separate people, holy to the Lord. God’s design was for them to be a light to the Gentiles so that they, too, might know God (Genesis 18:17–19; Isaiah 42, 49). Instead, the Israelites chased foreign gods and betrayed their calling (Ezekiel 23; Hosea 11). But God, who knew they would do this, had already promised to restore His kingdom to Israel after they rebelled and then eventually repented (Deuteronomy 30:1–10). So God sent His Son, preceded by a forerunner, to invite Israel to “repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17).
  However, when Jesus revealed Himself as the promised Davidic King who would restore Israel (Matthew 11—12; Acts 3:19–22), He was rejected by the Jews, exactly as Isaiah had prophesied (Isaiah 52—53). Jesus therefore called His disciples to fulfill Abraham’s commission to bless the nations (Genesis 12:2–3) by preaching the gospel of the Kingdom to all nations until the end of this age (Matthew 28:18–20). Paul thus preached the gospel of the Kingdom to the Jews and was repeatedly rejected (Acts 13—28); in consequence, Paul brought the good news to the Gentiles, who in turn became Abraham’s spiritual seed by faith and heirs of the promises to Abraham and his seed (Galatians 3—4). This is what Paul meant in Romans 11 by the Gentiles being “grafted” into the “olive tree” and nourished by the “root” (the promises to Abraham). The tree thus signifies the collective people of God; the “wild branches” grafted in are Gentile believers; the “natural branches” that are cut off are the Jews in unbelief. Jewish believers remain in the tree but are joined with Gentiles and “made” into a “new body,” the Church (Ephesians 2:11–22).
  Paul anticipated a question that would surely arise among his Gentile readers: “I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall?” (Romans 11:1)—Gentile believers would be tempted to dismiss Israel because it appeared they would never recover. Even today, there are those who advocate supersessionism or replacement theology, which holds that the Church has completely replaced Israel and will inherit the promises to be fulfilled only in a spiritual sense. In other words, according to this view, ethnic Israel is forever excluded from the promises—the Jews will not literally inherit the Promised Land. What then would happen to Israel? What about the Old Testament prophecies that Israel as a nation would repent and be re-gathered to the land in the last days as a permanent possession (Deuteronomy 30:1–10)?
  Romans 11 thus conclusively shows Gentile believers that God is not yet “done” with Israel, who has only temporarily lost the privilege of representing God as His people. Since “the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable” (11:29), “all Israel will be saved” in order to fulfill God’s covenant with ethnic Israel (11:25–28), including the promise of land inheritance (Deuteronomy 30:1–10).
  While the “natural branches” were cut off because Israel failed, God’s purposes are not complete until Israel is also grafted back into the people of God to share in the promises to Abraham and his seed. This brings full circle God’s larger redemptive plan (Romans 11:30–36) for both Jews and Gentiles as distinct populations within the people of God in the Davidic (or Millennial) Kingdom. Indeed, the prophets saw this Kingdom as the “final form” of the olive tree, so that Israel—reversing roles—would then bless the Gentiles, enabling them to join the people of God (see Zechariah 8:13, 20–23).
Recommended Resource: Dispensationalism by Charles Ryrie

+++

Question: "What is replacement theology / supersessionism?"
  Replacement theology (also known as supersessionism) essentially teaches that the church has replaced Israel in God’s plan. Adherents of replacement theology believe the Jews are no longer God’s chosen people, and God does not have specific future plans for the nation of Israel. Among the different views of the relationship between the church and Israel are the church has replaced Israel (replacement theology), the church is an expansion of Israel (covenant theology), or the church is completely different and distinct from Israel (dispensationalism/premillennialism).
  Replacement theology teaches that the church is the replacement for Israel and that the many promises made to Israel in the Bible are fulfilled in the Christian church, not in Israel. The prophecies in Scripture concerning the blessing and restoration of Israel to the Promised Land are spiritualized or allegorized into promises of God’s blessing for the church. Major problems exist with this view, such as the continuing existence of the Jewish people throughout the centuries and especially with the revival of the modern state of Israel. If Israel has been condemned by God and there is no future for the Jewish nation, how do we explain the supernatural survival of the Jewish people over the past 2,000 years despite the many attempts to destroy them? How do we explain why and how Israel reappeared as a nation in the 20th century after not existing for 1,900 years?
  The view that Israel and the church are different is clearly taught in the New Testament. Biblically speaking, the church is distinct from Israel, and the terms church and Israel are never to be confused or used interchangeably. We are taught from Scripture that the church is an entirely new creation that came into being on the day of Pentecost and will continue until it is taken to heaven at the rapture (Ephesians 1:9–11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17). The church has no relationship to the curses and blessings for Israel. The covenants, promises, and warnings of the Mosaic Covenant were valid only for Israel. Israel has been temporarily set aside in God’s program during these past 2,000 years of dispersion (see Romans 11).
  Contrary to replacement theology, dispensationalism teaches that, after the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18), God will restore Israel as the primary focus of His plan. The first event at this time is the tribulation (Revelation chapters 6–19). The world will be judged for rejecting Christ, while Israel is prepared through the trials of the great tribulation for the second coming of the Messiah. Then, when Christ does return to the earth at the end of the tribulation, Israel will be ready to receive Him. The remnant of Israel who survive the tribulation will be saved, and the Lord will establish His kingdom on this earth with Jerusalem as its capital. With Christ reigning as King, Israel will be the leading nation, and representatives from all nations will come to Jerusalem to honor and worship the King—Jesus Christ. The church will return with Christ and will reign with Him for a literal thousand years (Revelation 20:1–5).
  Both the Old Testament and the New Testament support a premillennial/dispensational understanding of God’s plan for Israel. The strongest support for premillennialism is found in the clear teaching of Revelation 20:1–7, where it says six times that Christ’s kingdom will last 1,000 years. After the tribulation the Lord will return and establish His kingdom with the nation of Israel, Christ will reign over the whole earth, and Israel will be the leader of the nations. The church will reign with Him for a literal thousand years. The church has not replaced Israel in God's plan. While God may be focusing His attention primarily on the church in this dispensation of grace, God has not forgotten Israel and will one day restore Israel to His intended role as the nation He has chosen (Romans 11).
Recommended Resource: Bible Answers for Almost all Your Questions by Elmer Towns

Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/

WHAT FOR?

WHAT FOR?

Friday, August 18, 2017

Isaiah 50:4 The Lord God has given me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakens morning by morning, He wakens my ear to hear as the learned [1Corinthians chapter 13]

  The 5 years, age 9-14, I lived on Meadow Lane were wonderful. The occasional neighbor’s home shingled in multi-colors gleaned free from a local roofing company scrapyard wasn’t the only thing mixed. There were numerous other multigenerational families like ours. Some of the grandparents were from Italy, Germany, and Greece. Boyhood invitations to meals were often hoped for. Watching pro wrestling with Grandfather Perseghin I learned to curse in Italian, he thinking we didn’t understand. But there were other differences in speech. One I awoke thinking about this morning was the neighbor never querying with “Why”, always with “What for?” As a child I thought it uneducated and funny. Somewhere along my lifeline this changed to seeing him as a very wise insightful man interested in us, very much involving the patience part of love.

  Today’s awakening pillow question “What for do you write Daily Thoughts? Results?”

  Hmmm …. What’s wrong with writing for results? Number one it is not Christ-like primary motivation.

  Why did Jesus come, for results?

  Jesus was not motivated by hoped for results. He plainly explained He was sent to manifest the will of the Father. (Jn.5:30; Mt.26:42; Mk.14:36)

  As so it should be for those of us claiming to be His followers. (Mt.6:9-10; 7:21; 10:32-33; 12:50; Lk.11:2)

  So, what for should you and I tell others of God’s freely offered gift of redemption? A reason, indeed yes, but not the ultimate family purpose.

EBB4

CONNECTED WITH GOD THROUGH OUR UNIQUE SPIRITUAL TEMPERAMENT

CONNECTING WITH GOD THROUGH OUR UNIQUE SPIRITUAL TEMPERAMENT

Thursday, August 17, 2017

1Corinthians chapters 12 & 13

  In writing WHAT’S YOUR GOD LANGUAGE Dr. Myra Perrine invested considerable study and thought. She contends that external (denominations) and internal (self in local congregation) are not necessarily completely the result of doctrinal differences, but could be due to individual or group spiritual temperaments. Having sat before Pastor Bob Myers as he touched on such matters I was prepped for the reading and further thought.

  Perrine points out the importance of knowing self to better connect with knowing and worshiping God. A matter readily realized by us when we consider how and where we feel connected or not connected to God. Please consider Dr. Perrine’s spiritual temperament definitions. As a helpful exercise in my notes I jotted church’s and/or individual’s names next to each one.

·         The Activist: Loving God through confrontation with evil.

·         The Ascetic: Loving God through solitude and simplicity.

·         The Caregiver: Loving God through serving others.

·         The Contemplative: Loving God through contemplation.

·         The Enthusiast: Loving God through mystery and celebration.

·         The Intellectual: Loving God through the mind. (Tis me)

·         The Naturalist: Loving God through experiencing Him outdoors (His creation).

·         The Sensate: Loving God through the senses.

·         The Traditionalist: Loving God through ritual and symbol.

  Enough for now, plus anymore and the copyright police may be visiting me. Acquire the book. If you do not already do so, know thyself as never before and gain maturation in your relationship with God and man.

EBB4

PS. ISBN-10:14143-1322-5

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

  Being a boy with much outside time in forest, field, and swamp I remember birds galore and pollinators many. As an adult I watched the increasing reduction of. In retirement I decided to put together a collection of bush, shrub, and clover as feed habitat. A good thing I say. And surely the creatures agree.

  Yesterday while delighting in the beautiful Monarchs feeding on my 12 butterfly bushes I decided to pull a few weeds nearby. The sudden sharp pain to my scalp almost tumbled me into the thick stalks of giant sunflowers. Obviously at least one or more pollinators resented my intrusion into their habitat!

  Regaining my balance, I sat, first of all confessing my profanity, then pondering much more significant occasions of unintended consequences.

  Another garden, the first ever came to mind. Eve simply wanted answers, correct? Adam just wanted to be one in enjoyment with Eve. Did they intend to lose their happy home, live lives of personal and family discontent . . . and leave all of us thereafter under the curse of sin?

  Jonah exemplified this. He, under duress finally did a good thing. When it turned out wonderfully Jonah was hatefully furious at the glorious result.

  And what of us? Could we not write a book of our unintended consequences realized? Ouch, personally considering this question stings more than my old pate.

EBB4

ETERNAL SECURITY:THE UNPARDONABLE SIN

ETERNAL SECURITY - THE UNPARDONABLE SIN

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Psalm 103:1-22 [A Psalm of David.] Bless Jehovah, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless Jehovah, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; who forgives all your iniquities …

1John 1:1-10 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of Life, (for the Life was revealed, and we have seen it and bear witness, and show to you the everlasting Life, who was with the Father and was revealed to us), that which we have seen and heard we declare unto you, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And we write these things to you so that your joy may be full. And this is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.

  Undeniably we all sin. Sin is rejecting and transgressing the law of God; therein contrary to believing and following Him. (1Jn.3:4)

  When we confess our sin, God forgives as no other. There is however an unpardonable sin. (Mt.12:22-32; Mk.3:22-30)

  A major problem with the topic of unpardonable sin is anxiety; anxiously wondering “Have I committed the unpardonable sin?”

  Remember, it is Satan that wants men, women, and children to live in fear, not in God’s rest. (Search “rest” in Hebrews, read in context and contemplate. 1Jn.4:15-18)

  As ever, anxiety is the result of our action or lack thereof; sinning and lack of agreeing with God (confession).

  My observation is fear of having committed the unpardonable sin primarily results from 2Timothy 2:15-16 laziness that leaves God’s child living in ignorant angst. The result of knowing less than the whole truth of God’s graciousness.

  In reading the account in Matthew 12:22-32 and Mark 3:22-30 we see the Pharisees undeniably witnessing Jesus doing miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit, yet saying that He did so as one possessed of “Beelzebub, the prince of devils.” Satan. This was no more than what the Pharisees had been manifesting: their rejecting Him.

  Jesus was quite specific in how they sinned, committing “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.”

  When is the last time you credited the works of Jesus to Satan? Ever? Never? I thought not.

  There is however an unpardonable sin, unchanged since Adam’s transgression bringing death to the world. Rejecting Jesus as personal redeeming Savior is never pardoned now or later; the sin that leaves one a John 3:18 lost being. Please be not as those priests rejecting Jesus as Savior. EBB4

BAPTIZING "I AM THAT I AM"

BAPTIZING “I AM THAT I AM”

Monday, August 14, 2017

Exodus 3:13-15 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

John 1:1-3 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.

Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. … Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. …   Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. [Please read all in context.]

Hebrews 4:15  For we have not an high priest [Jesus] which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

  Reading chapter 3 of Matthew may be puzzling when considering question why did Jesus insist on being publicly baptized? John’s baptism was to publically declare repentance! Jesus, God Incarnate, the great “I AM THAT I AM”, repented? (Note Hebrews chapter 4.)

  It certainly was puzzling to me until Proverbs 27:17 mentor Bud Bond had me acquire Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries . . . and said “Use it!”(First copy was a heavy hardback book. I now frequently access the free downloads in PC and cell phone.)

  Looking up Jesus’ reason of “righteousness” in Greek I see the meaning includes “of character”.

  We are publically baptized to declare our redemption and new character gained through repentance before God.

  Jesus our Redeemer was baptized declaring His existent eternal character as God.

EBB4

PS. Matthew 3 record is one of the accounts evidencing The Trinity.

A STUDY OF APPROVAL

A STUDY OF APPROVAL

Sunday, August 13, 2017

2Timothy [KJV] 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1Peter [GW] 2:2-11a Desire God's pure word as newborn babies desire milk. Then you will grow in your salvation. … you are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, people who belong to God. You were chosen to tell about the excellent qualities of God, who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not God's people, but now you are. Once you were not shown mercy, but now you have been shown mercy. Dear friends, since you are foreigners and temporary residents in the world, …

  The requirement to study, rethink, and apply pleasing God  is the same for every follower of Christ. (Rom.12:1-4) But just how much study of His Word is required for His approval?  In action it is not however exactly one model: Always same toolbox, Sola Scriptura, but according to spiritual and service gifts of individual workman diverse in hand.

  I begin by using hermeneutical principle of immediate context of 2Timothy 2:15.

·         In 2:2 we see we are to learn enough to be able to meaningfully with intelligence pass knowledge and wisdom on to others that will do the same.

·         In 2:14 we see we are to be learned enough to remind our fellows of what is truly profitable now and for eternity.

·         In 2:15 we see we are to be learned enough to make correct sense out of God’s Word.

·         In 2:16a we see we should be learned enough to quickly settle useless foolish discussions.

·         In 2:16b we see we should be learned enough to stop short those that do not contribute to godliness in living. Barnes comments “A man fond of contention in religious things is seldom one who has much love for the practical duties of piety, or any very deep sense of the distinction between right and wrong. You will not usually look for him in the place of prayer, nor can you expect his aid in the conversion of sinners, nor will you find that he has any very strict views of religious obligation.” I well remember a group arguing about how many angels would fit on the head of a pin!

  Going to the larger text of Scripture:

·         In Ecclesiastes 12:13 we see we are to fear God and live by His Wisdom in service. Can we do so without studying what He tells us? No.

·         In Leviticus 10:11; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 11:9 we see were are to teach our children. Can we do so without knowing the subject matter? No.

·         In Matthew 4:4 Jesus tells us we cannot live healthy without ingesting the Word.

·         In Matthew 11:29 we see we are to learn of and from Jesus. Can we do so without studying His record of His life? No.

·         In Mark 16:15 we see that only with studying the Word can we know what is needed to be said. (This was the great failure of the 1925 Scopes trial, the winners looking like a bunch of emotionally charged monkeys swinging far from holding forth with a Biblical discipline [apologetics] of defending their position through the systematic use of information and proofs.)

·         In 1Corinthians 13 we see we must learn the truth of love else we in adolescent manner think and act, and thereby represent ungodly love. (Especially note 13:11.)

·         In Ephesians 6:10-17 we see our protection involving the Word of God. Does He provide our armor and instruction for donning? Yes. Does He dress us? No.

·         In 2Timothy 3:16-17 we see that it is the Word that equips us to properly serve God and our fellows. Can we follow instructions that we don’t know? No. (Did you ever hear the story about the man that always read the manufacturer’s manual before assembling something?)

·         In 2Timothy 4:2 we see we are to develop capability of being resourceful in sharing God’s Word. Can this be done authentically without study? No.

·         In Titus 2:1-15 we see we are to teach others commendable living and be just such an example before them. Can we do so if don’t study what God says this should be? In part, yes. (Romans chapter 1 & 2; note 2:14-15.) Toward furtherance of completely, no.

·         In John 8:32 and James 1:25 we see that only by knowing the Word can we enjoy true liberty. (Note Ps.119)

  Whew! After all the effort searching, reading, pondering, writing, editing several times, I feel like a workman. However, is the work done? I think not for I’m sure I missed a few points that only further (Or is it “farther” in this case?) diligence may uncover. Does this mean 2Timothy 2:15 is a matter of continuing education? Yes, there’s no retirement plan . . . unless one considers the fact that in retirement we have more time to ….

EBB4 (4/10/2014)

SEALED FOREVER: WE ARE CONFIDENT

SEALED FOREVER: WE ARE CONFIDENT     Friday, August 11, 2017

2Corinthians [GW] 5:1-11 We know that if the life we live here on earth is ever taken down like a tent, we still have a building from God. It is an eternal house in heaven that isn't made by human hands. In our present tent-like existence we sigh, since we long to put on the house we will have in heaven. After we have put it on, we won't be naked. While we are in this tent, we sigh. We feel distressed because we don't want to take off the tent, but we do want to put on the eternal house. Then eternal life will put an end to our mortal existence. God has prepared us for this and has given us his Spirit to guarantee it. So we are always confident. We know that as long as we are living in these bodies, we are living away from the Lord. Indeed, our lives are guided by faith, not by sight. We are confident and prefer to live away from this body and to live with the Lord. Whether we live in the body or move out of it, our goal is to be pleasing to him. All of us must appear in front of Christ's judgment seat. Then all people will receive what they deserve for the good or evil they have done while living in their bodies. As people who know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. God already knows what we are, and I hope that you also know what we are.

Ephesians [GW] 2:6-10 God has brought us back to life together with Christ Jesus and has given us a position in heaven with him. He did this through Christ Jesus out of his generosity to us in order to show his extremely rich kindness in the world to come. God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God. It's not the result of anything you've done, so no one can brag about it. God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do.

  What is the opposite of security? The distracting angst of insecurity.

  How wonderful that God’s wondrous gift of eternal life is guaranteed by none other than His Spirit! (2Cor.5:5)

  To help understand God’s eternal security guarantee that Paul speaks of in his 2^nd letter to the assembly at Corinth, let’s look at “sealed” in God’s Word; in application meaning beyond any doubt substantiation by God the Father. (Reference both Strong and Thayer G4972)

  Note Jesus’ statement recorded in John 6:27 “… everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him [Jesus] hath God the Father sealed.^G4972 ”

  And then later n God’s Word the same authenticating seal by God the Father for those of us in His John 1:12 family: “… God; Who hath also sealed^G4972 us, and given the earnest^G728 [ἀῤῥαβών, arrhabōn, ar-hrab-ohn' Of Hebrew origin [H6162]; a pledge, that is, part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest: - earnest.] of the Spirit in our hearts. (2Cor.1:22  ) . . . In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your^G5216 salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed^G4972 with that holy Spirit of promise, . . .  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed^G4972 unto the day of redemption. “( Eph.1:13; 4:30)

  What is the opposite of the distracting angst of insecurity? Living by God’s sure pledge under His seal!

EBB4

PS. Again I encourage the reading and prayerful meditation of all verses in context.