#3 OF TEN REASONS 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.

THEOLOGICAL POSITION INFLUENCES OUR LIFE

THEOLOGICAL POSITION INFLUENCES OUR LIFE

Friday, September 28, 2018

As a man thinks so he is. (Pr.23:7)

  There are basic thoughts held to that all else flows from in action or reaction. Theological positions are a main source. Everyone has theological positions. Our life is definitively influenced by them.

  I’m presenting positions that integrally affect the whole of my and your life. Listed in no significant order, which of the following six is your position.

·         There is no God.

·         God is dead.

·         Jesus was 100% human.

·         Jesus was 100% God.

·         Jesus was 50% God, 50% man.

·         Jesus was 100% God and 100% man.

  Some know their position, others may not. Though held, possibly you haven’t with aware thought articulated your position previously.

·         What is your position?

·         Previously known or decided this day, what do you base your position on?

·         How does your position affect your life in decisions and actions?

  Knowing the importance of such matters now and eternally we should think on these things. I do, sometimes uncomfortably so.  I encourage you to join me in this. For our edification I’ll publish your input in 7 to 10 days.

Sincerely, to serve Him all my days,

Edwin B. Bullock 4th

FOR SURE

KNOWING HIM, by Woody Winchell

The security

The surety 

Of knowing Him

The grace

That emanates 

From His face

The liberty

That frees

My soul

The joy

That deploys

Deep inside

The steps

That discover precepts 

To guide

The purity 

That cures

My heart

The assurance

That gives confidence 

To restart

The fellowship

That nurtures friendship

In divine kinship 

The melody

That plays simply

His love to impart

Oh, the surety

Truest security

Knowing Him

THE MEASURE OF TIME

NO GREATER LOVE

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

John [NLT] 15:9-17 [Jesus explained] “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.

  Only we have time, God does not. Only we can lay down our life by sacrificially giving our time to others. Our gift thereof may be a few seconds or a life of caring for others. In particular at 82+ I take note of this more than ever as recipient and observer.

  A younger neighbor sees me begin a task (A bit of concrete the latest.) and he is there with gloved hands. Then there is family and others too distant to see, but when they know of need they gift their time. Then there’s observation of faithful spouses, family and friends, professionals and volunteers, even passing strangers giving time to those in need. Some moments, others hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades, or even their lifetime.

  Each of us have no idea of how long we’ll continue on the clock. What we do know is time is a measure of love.

EBB4

"THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL"

“THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL”

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

  Without assurance in a relationship there is sorrowful anxiety. This is so in employment, friendship, marriage, parenting, and with salvation hope. Not knowing for certain is a terrible condition. We all have experienced this in relationships. The apostle John recognized this among the body of Christ and wrote a letter addressing the angst. For those suffering I encourage the prayerful reading of 1John taking careful note of knowing in the context. To aid I’m providing those verses from KJV suggesting you read them in your personal Bible.

   2:3  And hereby we do know that we know him [Jesus], if we keep his commandments. 4  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 11  But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. 13  I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 14  I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.18  Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 20  But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21  I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 29  If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

   3:1  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 5  And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6  Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 14  We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15  Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.19  And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20  For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 24  And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

   4:2  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 6  We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 7  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 13  Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

   5:2  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 13  These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 15  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 18  We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 19  And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. 20  And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

  Now do we know full joy?

EBB4

PS. Verses 3:6 and 5:18 singularly may be difficult for those not reading in the context of John’s letter. The verses address those no longer engineering and practicing sin as their lifestyle as opposed to those doing so.

AS EVER AND ALWAYS SALVATION IS BY GRACE

AS EVER AND ALWAYS SALVATION IS BY GRACE

Monday, September 24, 2018

   Matthew 4:17-19 From that time [of being led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted by the Devil. 4:1] Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. [Mk.1:15] And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

   Ephesians [MKJV] 2:1-10 And He has made you alive, who were once dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience; among whom we also had our way of life in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the thoughts, and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love with which He loved us (even when we were dead in sins) has made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved), and has raised us up together and made us sit together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God [Rom.5:16-18; 6:23], not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.

   Hebrews [GW] 11 Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see. God accepted our ancestors because of their faith. …

  Salvation by faith did not begin with God Incarnate. Reading Hebrews 11 we see that individuals have by faith always realized redemption; trusting God’s love and grace throughout the circumstances of life. Before the law, salvation was by faith in God’s love and grace.

  Though no one was ever redeemed by keeping the law, keeping the law was and continues to be a matter of faith in God; a matter of ordination, godly living for Him and our fellow man. (Mt.22:35-40)  Attempts as keeping the law did not, cannot and still does not gain the gift of everlasting life. Jesus explained that repentance, thinking anew, is required. People then and now love the idea of deserving; earning, gaining, winning – the concept completely contrary to simply trusting god and undeservedly, without any merit on the part of recipient, receiving His truly free gift. 

  Jesus had to explain this more than once. One of my favorites is when He illustrated with practices they understood quite clearly. (Mt.9:16-17; Mk.2:21-22; Lk.5:37-38)

  How well do we understand and accept God’s love and grace; His granting undeserved and unearned favor?

  Or is the unrepentant question of “Am I good enough?” expensively remaining in heart and mind?

  I for one confess to not being good enough nor will I ever be! Trusting Him alone for redemption, He lifted me and now by His grace I walk securely on solid ground. My soul sings a new song, “Written down in glory!” (Ps.40)

EBB4 

 

#2 OF 10 REASONS I BELIEVE THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD

# 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.

THE WEIGHT OF THE CROSS

THE WEIGHT OF THE CROSS

Friday, September 21, 2018

   Matthew [MKJV] 6:9-10 "This is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, let your name be kept holy. Let your kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. [Mt.26:42]

   Matthew 16:21-25 From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took Him and began to rebuke Him, saying, God be gracious to You, Lord! This shall never be to You. But He turned and said to Peter, Go, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you do not savor the things that are of God, but those that are of men. Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life shall lose it, and whoever desires to lose his life for My sake shall find it. [Mk.8:34; 10:21; Lk.9:23

Bearing our cross:

·         Involves letting go the selfish pursuit of happiness replaced by following Christ though not necessarily knowing or understanding all it entails . . . or may demand.

·         Typically involves suffering ridicule and reproach but untypically reflects joyful meekness; a life centered in present and eternal Biblical witnessing benevolence to mankind.

·         May be emotionally joyful or not. It may bring happiness or it may bring loss of fellowship with family or friend(s). Either sad result is worth nil in comparison to pleasing God and maintaining fellowship with Him.

·         Reflects our personal utmost for His highest.

·         Reflects in whom our confidence is centered.

·         Reflects holiness of our heart; being of the same mind, spirit, motive, and end that Christ has.

Adversely:

·         Suffering ridicule, reproach, the loss of loved ones fellowship we may improperly decide to draw back to the old ways of acceptance.

·         A personal reaction to loss of family or friends may be improperly centering all fellowship in and with agreeable Christians.

The daily responsibility of bearing our cross is ours alone. Without sincere commitment to the Holy One and His kingdom and His will the weight of our cross will be too heavy to bear.

EBB4

AT CROSS PURPOSES

AT CROSS PURPOSES

Thursday, September 20, 2018

   Matthew [MKJV] 6:9-10 "This is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, let your name be kept holy. Let your kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. [Mt.26:42]

   Matthew 16:21-25 From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took Him and began to rebuke Him, saying, God be gracious to You, Lord! This shall never be to You. But He turned and said to Peter, Go, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you do not savor the things that are of God, but those that are of men. Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life shall lose it, and whoever desires to lose his life for My sake shall find it. [Mk.8:34; 10:21; Lk.9:23]

  There is a vast difference between self-denial and denial of self.  Concisely stated, the first is centered in self-interest, the latter in attitude with actions pleasing God; “Thy will be done. Thy kingdom come” not mine.

  If we live in piety to enjoy peace then it is about self-interest. If we live in piety so as to be a Biblical instrument of His peace it pleases God. Jesus summarized this. “I can do nothing of My own self. As I hear, I judge, and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of the Father who has sent Me.” (Jn.5:30)  Paul addressed the issue in his letter to the Romans “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.“ (Rom.12:1-2)

  We’re talking about motivation here. To illustrate personally: Nearly a year ago I was diagnosed a diabetic. I immediately gave up ice cream and candy. Ice cream for some unknown reason was easy. Gummy cinnamon bears (Purchased in two 7 pound bags at a time.) and green leaves (Couldn’t find in bags larger than Walgreen’s.) required a bit of effort. Will this denial give me more time and physical capability with loved ones and to serve the Lord? It should, but initially it had nothing to do with pleasing God. Later, in continuance of practice is a different tale.

  Peter is a prime example of denial for my-sake, Jesus severely rebuking him and explaining that only denying self now and eternally matters.

  What shall it be this day, for us to prove that which is the good and pleasing and perfect will of God, or shall we be other-wise?

EBB4

ESCAPE REQUIRES TRUSTING ACTION

ESCAPE REQUIRES TRUSTING ACTION

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

   Proverbs 3:1-6 My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my commandments; for they shall add length of days, and long life, and peace to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; tie them around your neck; write them upon the tablet of your heart; and you shall find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

   Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me.

  God’s immutability is a thread throughout time and eternity, for our edification accounted in Genesis thru Revelation. The truth of 1Corinthians 10:12-14 is not unique to “New Testament Christianity”. Consider the temptation of Eve, then Adam, Exodus 14:9-6, Numbers 11:4-5, and numerous other Old Testament accounts. God provided a way of escape that always requires trusting Him; to portal the exit, stand doubting before it, or be blind to it. This day again we will commonly be tempted . . . and have God’s exit before us. And as ever, it is up to us to step on “dry land” or take the latch in hand.

EBB4

EXITUS

EXITUS

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

  

   1Corinthians [MKJV] 10:12-14 So let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has taken you but what is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but with the temptation also will make a way to escape, so that you may be able to bear it. Therefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

   Hebrews 3:7-19 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness, when your fathers tempted Me, proved Me, and saw My works forty years. Therefore I was grieved with that generation and said, They always err in their heart, and they have not known My ways. So I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter into My rest." Take heed, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said, "Today if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation." For some, when they had heard, did provoke; however, not all who came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was He grieved forty years? Was it not with those who had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they should not enter into His rest, but to those who did not believe? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

   1John 2:15-17 Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever.

  Pastor John lectured on 1Corinthians 10:13 Sunday morning. I’ve continued pondering it. Reading the verse in immediate context and considering the whole counsel of God several points keep coming to mind.

  Ultimately we are held responsible. (1Cor.10:12)

  It is a fact that we, redeemed follower of Christ or not, commonly are tempted. We may plead for deliverance from the position and it may on occasion occur, but we will not this side of death be completely removed from enticement.

  In further considering the greater text of God’s Word we must note that though He may or may not deliver us from temptation. God does not remove our temptation any more than He did so for Adam and Eve. Once again: God is immutable!

  God lovingly provides us with exits.

  Followers of Christ have the empowered ability to walk God’s path to the exits He provides.

  Ultimately we are to act responsibly. (1Cor.10:14)

EBB4

RECALIBRATING

OUR CALIBRATION VERSUS HIS

Monday, September 17, 2018

  Romans [ESV] 3:19-26  Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

  I too am a user of calibration in various applications. Learning gauging instruments while working with paper, wood, metal, masonry, earth and other materials was and still is comparatively easy as opposed to the Romans 12:1-3 labor of ongoing attitude and action adjustments to the immutability of God and His Word. Contributing to the fray is the ingrained societal measure of God’s Word rife with attitudinal misconceptions, half-truths and misguided “good enough”. And then there’s Psalm 50:17 not liking being told what to do preferring my way in opposition to His Way.  

Still calibrating,

EBB4

THE VERACITY OF GOD'S WORD

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

---

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.

VOLCANOES AND INVOICES

VOLCANOES AND INVOICES

Friday, September 14, 2018

   Psalm [GW] 40:1-3 For the choir director; a psalm by David. I waited patiently for the LORD. He turned to me and heard my cry for help. He pulled me out of a horrible pit, out of the mud and clay. He set my feet on a rock and made my steps secure. He placed a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see this and worship. They will trust the LORD.

   1John 5:20  We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we know the real God. We are in the one who is real, his Son Jesus Christ. This Jesus Christ is the real God and eternal life.

  If and as we follow Christ we will mature. The rate and areas of growth is different for each of His John 1:12 children. And there will be indicators, in my observation and experience typically when and where least expected. For me, blessed assurance again yesterday in a schoolyard and at a Tractor Supply Store desk.

  There were two circles. 5^th graders with volcanoes the inner, parents, grandparents, and otherwise supporters surrounding. All age groups were excited, me included. My excitement included silently recognizing God’s deliverance.  At age 10 my excitement was accompanying older boys in breaking into freight boxcars and helping transport the loot.

  The 20 year old clerk politely showed me where I misunderstood the invoice, one of those once-shown obvious things. Whereas I would have been passively embarrassed and perturbed, I was not.

  By His grace,

EBB4

GODLY GIVING AND RECEPTION

GODLY GIVING AND RECEPTION

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Luke 6:38; 21:1-4 [Jesus taught] Give, and it shall be given to you, good measure pressed down and shaken together and running over, they shall give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you measure, it shall be measured to you again. … And looking up, [Jesus] saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And He also saw a certain poor widow casting two lepta in there. And He said, Truly I say to you that this poor widow has cast in more than all of them. For all these have cast in to the offerings of God from their abundance, but out of her poverty she has cast in all the living she had.

  I know of an older couple that minister to others. They are not officially ordained or incorporated. They are not poor. They are not rich. Living without vices and following God’s financial guidelines in Scripture, they have been blessed monetarily. Thus far in their Christian service they have not solicited others for money, nor have they had to. This is not a matter of pride on their part, it just has never been necessary to request outside funding.

  However, from time to time brothers and sisters in Christ felt directed by God’s Holy Spirit to give them funds and material support. Postage, office supplies, study materials, books to read and pass on, assistance in vehicle purchase, transportation, home maintenance, and cash. The latter sometimes in sizable amounts.

  One time they prayed and decided they should give the unplanned amount of $500 to worthy effective ministry running a matching fund campaign secretly underwritten by a wealthy Christian.

  Little did they know that simultaneously God’s Holy Spirit was speaking to hearts of dear Christian friends, totally unaware of the older couple’s check just mailed, to lovingly give a personal gift of $500 “To be used for ministry expenses or even for yourselves.”

  Reciprocation should never be the reason to give. But truly, what can we give our Master that He needs? (The money you drop in the collection plate supports God, you think?!) When we give, it fills our need. Such freedom in gift giving is joyous and fills with thanksgiving; the sense of presence in purpose with hope to do more.

EBB4

ON THE WAY

ON THE WAY

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

John [MKJV] 14:6  Jesus said to him [Thomas], I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.

  Jesus explained that he is the only way to the Father. (Jn.14:6) The illustrative basic meaning of which is easy to understand, but to more fully comprehend it helps to use study aids. Nave’s Topical Bible is a good one. It topically gives us placements. Using Nave’s I typed in “road” and found:

Roads

Public highways Deu_2:27

From Gibeon to Bethhoron Jos_10:10

From Bethel to Shechem Jdg_21:19

From Judea to Galilee, by way of Samaria Joh_4:3-5; Joh_4:43

To the house of God Jdg_20:31

To cities of refuge Deu_19:3

Built by rulers Num_20:17; Num_21:22

Figurative: See Highways

Highways, Figurative

General references Pro_16:17; Isa_11:16; Isa_35:8-10; Isa_40:3-4; Mat_3:3; Mat_7:13-14

See Roads; Way

Way, Figurative

Of holiness Psa_16:11; Isa_35:8-9; Jer_6:16; Hos_14:9

Of righteousness, narrow Mat_7:14

Of sin, broad Mat_7:13

Jesus, the way Joh_14:6; Heb_9:8

Doctrines taught by Christ Act_9:2; Act_19:23; Act_22:4; Act_24:14; Act_24:22

  Having checked out all the verses, a simple process with e-Sword software as I only need to move cursor onto each Bible verse reference and the full verse pops up in a box. If I want to read a verse in context I simply click on it and it pops up in context in left quadrant above.

  Conclusion from this brief study: Routes always lead to a place. In the case of Jesus, only He is the route to the Father’s immutable truth and eternal life.

EBB4

LET THE BEATINGS BEGIN?

LET THE BEATINGS BEGIN?

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Proverbs [MKJV] 13:24; 22:15; 29:15 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him chastens him early. … Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. … The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a boy sent off causes shame to his mother.

  I’ll argue with anyone that raising children is not a science. It is an art. Each child is a different canvas. As siblings accumulate the picture flexes. And by the time you somewhat develop parenting skills they’re off on their own to soon repeat the experience. Do you agree?

  One of the questions they’ll face is “To spank or not?”. . . actionable by my parents and Ann and me as needed. There are Bible verses that have been, and are still used to justify corporal punishment. Yes, the switch is in those family guidance verses. But by many practitioners or naysayers often not fully understood or implemented.

  The word “rod” in OT Hebrew is not singularly about the switch. It also means “sceptre”. A sceptre represents authority granted, held, and exercised wisely or unwisely. In the context of the Book of Proverbs it means authority wisely held and practiced. Are you starting to get the fact that godly parenting is a matter of authority, not authoritarianism, not friendship, and definitely not democratic committee meetings with children with the right to decide on disciplinary matters. I would have always voted for my mother’ bathrobe sash!

  Study the Scripture for therein is wonderful workable wisdom of the Father’s ways with His children. To begin with: His rulings are immutable.

EBB4

WHO TO BLAME?

WHO TO BLAME?

Monday, September 10, 2018

   Genesis [GW] 3:1-13  The snake was more clever than all the wild animals the LORD God had made. He asked the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must never eat the fruit of any tree in the garden'?" The woman answered the snake, "We're allowed to eat the fruit from any tree in the garden except the tree in the middle of the garden. God said, 'You must never eat it or touch it. If you do, you will die!'" "You certainly won't die!" the snake told the woman. "God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened. You'll be like God, knowing good and evil." The woman 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, who was with her, and he ate it. Then their eyes were opened, and they both realized that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together and made clothes for themselves. In the cool of the evening, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking around in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees in the garden. The LORD God called to the man and asked him, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden. I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid." God asked, "Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat fruit from the tree I commanded you not to eat from?" The man answered, "That woman, the one you gave me, gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." Then the LORD God asked the woman, "What have you done?" "The snake deceived me, and I ate," the woman answered.

   Revelation chapter 20 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, …

 

  Who to blame?

  Inarguably Satan is the evil master of friendly persuasion. (Gen.3; Eph.2:1-3)

  There are Christians and non-Christians that blame Satan for the things they do wrong. Eve’s being the first vain foolish attempt at shifting personal responsibility. (Have you ever wondered what God would have done if Adam and Eve had taken responsibility? Jn.1;1; 1Jn.1:9; Heb.6:18; 13:8)

  Who will those of such ilk blame during the millennium?

EBB4

 

INVITING GOD TO INTRUDE

INVITING GOD TO INTRUDE

Sunday, September 09, 2018

Psalm 139:17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!

  What guidance do we seek when we read, study, meditate upon God’s Word? Survival in this troubled world, relief, peace, serenity, or guidance on how to stay on top of life, agreeably centered in what it takes to be happy? Or maybe even going so far as asking God how we as individual, family, community, and nation can please, honor, and glorify Him? (Rom.12:1-3)

  Reading a history of Sir Francis Drake* I found an intriguing prayer that he had written and used. (In some Christian groups prayers were and still are written and prayed more than once.)

Disturb us, Lord, when We are too well pleased with ourselves,

When our dreams have come true

Because we have dreamed too little,

When we arrived safely

Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when

With the abundance of things we possess

We have lost our thirst

For the waters of life;

Having fallen in love with life,

We have ceased to dream of eternity

And in our efforts to build a new earth,

We have allowed our vision

Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,

To venture on wider seas

Where storms will show your mastery;

Where losing sight of land,

We shall find the stars.

We ask You to push back

The horizons of our hopes;

And to push into the future

In strength, courage, hope, and love.

  How often do we as did Drake invite God to intrude and disturb, to direct us from the safe cove that we covet? How precious are His thoughts to us? 

EBB4

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Francis_Drake

FAITH IN _______?

FAITH IN ______?

Friday, September 07, 2018

  Romans [NLT] 4:4-8 Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”

   Galatians 2:16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”

   Ephesians 2:8-9 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

   Titus 3:5-8 [God] saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.

  I drove carpooling 40 miles to and from work. During the 70’s Walt rode back and forth to work with me for a number of years. He was my first pickup, last dropoff. Walt was a highly skilled Master Machinist, a devout Roman Catholic, one of the finest men I’ve known. An unsung hero that did not demand or expect recognition for the work he did as a volunteer developing medical devices in cooperation with Johns Hopkins. Once in use, there was no Walt in the credits. The public tribute went to the department manager.

  Each day in coming and going Walt and I had 10-12 minutes alone before and after another passenger. It was a delightful time as he had a keen mind interested in many topics. His favorite subject was faith, which I was quite happy to discuss.

  Walt retired early as he wanted to put more volunteer time and energy into medical device development. On our last day together Walt wanted to talk about faith. We did so extending our time parked on the roadside grass.

  In his concluding farewell remarks he told me he liked and respected me, but to live as I lived by grace, love, and application derived from personal and group Bible study . . . would never work for him. He had decided that only seminary educated priesthood had figured out what it took to please God and go to heaven; religious good works that contributed to hoped for present and eternal redemption.

  Whether Walt still walks this side of death or not, I know not as we never met again. Hopefully he rethought the Scripture (above) I had shared with him, and trusted Jesus Christ alone as his redeemer and realized God’s blessed assurance. 

EBB4

SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY

SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY

Thursday, September 06, 2018

1Corinthians [NLT] chapter 15 Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. … our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.[Isa.25:8]
 death, where is your victory?
 O death, where is your sting?[Hos.13:14]”

For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

Dear fellow follower of Christ,

  How different is your life since accepting the truth that by and in Jesus you are assured of life eternal?

Waiting,

Edwin Bennett Bullock 4th (EBB4)

AMBIENT NINNYHAMMERS

AMBIENT NINNYHAMMERS

Wednesday, September 05, 2018

   Hosea [GW] 13:4-10 "I am the LORD your God. I brought you out of Egypt. You have known no god besides me. There is no savior except me. I took care of you in the desert, in a dry land. When I fed you, you were full. When you were full, you became arrogant. That is why you forgot me. So I will be like a lion. Like a leopard I will wait by the road to ambush you. 8 Like a bear that has lost her cubs, I will attack you. I will rip you open. Like a lion I will devour you. Like a wild animal I will tear you apart. You are destroying yourself, Israel. You are against me, your helper. "Where, now, is your king, the one who is supposed to save you? Where in all your cities are your judges? You said, 'Give us kings and officials!'

   1Peter chapter 5 … Put on humility. For God resists proud ones, but He gives grace to the humble….

  The general professing Christian population is no different than people spoken of in Hosea and elsewhere in Scripture; when provender is scarce or limited in menu there are those dependent on Jehovah-Jireh, He who provides. When living in richer ambience, they become proud independent ninnyhammers.

  I like the poetic way MKJV wording describes this situation: “According to their pasture, so were they filled. They were filled and their heart was lifted up. Therefore they have forgotten Me. “ (Hos.13:6) 

  Let us beware defining who we are by our environment; Dwelling in good places, independent of Jehovah-Jireh, bringing on the Lion, and then faulting the feline. Then longing for the next promise for man’s hope and deliverance. (A better king, the rapture, et al.)

  Let us, as did Jesus when He walked among men, trust in Jehovah-Jireh’s provision whether desert trudge or strolling fertile land. He will exalt us in His time. (1Pet.5:6)   

EBB4

FUZZY PERSPECTIVE

FUZZY PERSPECTIVE

Tuesday, September 04, 2018

John chapter 3 … Jesus answered [Nicodemus] and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a man is born again, he cannot see [G1492εἴδω; eido; i'-do A primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent, G3700 and G3708; properly to see (literally or figuratively); by implication (in the perfect only) to know: - be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) known (-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wist, wot. Compare G3700.] the kingdom of God.

  Clear spiritual vision, proper perception of all matters having to do with life and death is of paramount importance. Jesus in conversation with Nicodemus explained this fact in the most transparent terms.

  However, as with Nicodemus our preconceived perceptions may make for fuzzy sight.

   Jesus’ John chapter 3 conversation opened my eyes to several things:

·         Education, knowledge religious or otherwise, is counterproductive spiritually without the person of John 1:1; The Word. Nicodemus is prime example of being learned but ignorant of essential truth. (Jn.3:9-10)

·         God is love. He is not the condemner. (Jn.3:15-18; Rom.5:8; 1Jn.4:7-10)

·         Preexistent to personally trusting Redeemer Jesus, we stand already condemned. (Jn.3:18)

  At age 27 I trusted Lord Jesus Christ and my worldview immediately changed and in year 83 continues to change. Please consider something I see that troubles my heart:

  Jack, though raised in Christian home by born-again parents striving to see all things as God would have them to envision, rejects Jesus, The Word of God. Jack is shiftless. His focus is on eat, drink, and be merry; booze, drugs, whoremongering; living the life of a debauched free-loading libertine. Jack has children by several female acquaintances, children that he makes no provision for materially or emotionally, but counts on their welfare dependent mothers for provision.

  Jill, twin sibling, lives life opposite of Jack’s. She is a solid family member and citizen; dependable, doesn’t drink or drug at all, faithful to her husband and children, keeps a decent home; a hard worker with delightful life goals. There is one problem however and it is the major one. She also has no interest in The Word of God for redemption or guidance.

  Consequently both stand presently eternally condemned.

  Looking at too-typical attitude of Christian parents, and Christians at large . . . I see great concern for badly behaved Jacks, but relaxed complacency where well-behaved Jills are concerned.

  “Please pray for my Jack!” when where lies heart for just as lost Jill?

  Seeing this situation of inconsistent vision on the part of Christians blurs my eyes at times.

EBB4   

THE FIRST SELFIES

THE FIRST SELFIES

Monday, September 03, 2018

   Psalm [MKJV] 1:1-3 Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, and has not stood in the way of sinners, and has not sat in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is only in the Law of Jehovah; and in His Law he meditates day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivulets of water that brings forth its fruit in its seasons, and its leaf shall not wither, and all which he does shall be blessed.

   Psalm 16 [GW] … "You are my Lord. Without you, I have nothing good." Those who lead holy lives on earth are the noble ones who fill me with joy. Those who quickly chase after other gods multiply their sorrows. …

   Jeremiah [MKJV] 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?

   Romans [MKJV] 12:3  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. [Phil.2:3]

  Selfies as a culture did not begin with mythical Narcissus or latter day available technological gadgets.

  Exactly when did narcissistic exercise of self-love, self-actualization, self-improvement, self-assertion, self-image, self-pride, self-esteem commence . . . and who were the people first involved?

  Humanly it began as is recorded in Genesis with and by Eve, then Adam, deciding for self as opposed to Jehovah God Almighty and resulted in their vainly attempting to compensate for their naked self . . . with we hereafter following suit. (Genesis chapter 3

  When James explained that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (4:6) he, as all holy men and women was encompassing truth from the first family, then, and future. Not for one moment do I kid myself that just because I’ve never smartphoned a selfie that I’m above and beyond vanity opposing Him. I too do the “me, myself, and I” routine, regret it, confess it, and do it again: “For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do, I know not. For what I desire, that I do not do; but what I hate, that I do. If then I do that which I do not desire, I consent to the law that it is good. But now it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwells no good thing. For to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I do not find. For I do not do the good that I desire; but the evil which I do not will, that I do. But if I do what I do not desire, it is no more I working it out, but sin dwelling in me. I find then a law: when I will to do the right, evil is present with me. For I delight in the Law of God according to the inward man; but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin being in my members.” (Rom.7:14-23 MKJV)

EBB4