LESS THAN THE TIP OF AN ICEBURG

LESS THAN THE TIP OF AN ICEBERG

Tuesday, December 31, 2019



“Lord, You know everyone’s heart,”



  As another calendar year approaches many would like to know more about events -- the public, intelligence agencies including our FBI and CIA. An impossible task regardless of IQ, facility, or size of staff. Comprehending the quantity of happenings, their speed, flux, and actual complete meaning are far beyond natural human capability.

  This is not so with Jehovah God Almighty, for He alone is omniscient: 1Kings 8:39; Psalm 139:1-4, 15-16; Isaiah 45:9-10; Matthew 9:4; 10:29-30; 12:25; Mark 2:6-8; 14:13-15; Luke 6:8; John 1:47-48; 4:18; Acts 1:24; Philippians 2:7; 1John 3:20.

  Then there is the matter of God’s justice with full knowledge as opposed to man’s stumbling manipulation with limited knowledge. The latter that has proven unavoidable, leaving us wondering about our next collisions. The difference being that His John 1:12 children may experience life with insight and the peace of God exceeding normal understanding keeping our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil.4:6-7; 2Tim.2:1-7)

EBB4

RAPTURE <> SECOND COMING

RAPTURE <> SECOND COMING

Monday, December 30, 2019



GotQuestions.org: "What is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming?"

  The rapture and the second coming of Christ are often confused. Sometimes it is difficult to determine whether a scripture verse is referring to the rapture or the second coming. However, in studying end-times Bible prophecy, it is very important to differentiate between the two.
  The rapture is when Jesus Christ returns to remove the church (all believers in Christ) from the earth. The rapture is described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-54. Believers who have died will have their bodies resurrected and, along with believers who are still living, will meet the Lord in the air. This will all occur in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye. The second coming is when Jesus returns to defeat the Antichrist, destroy evil, and establish His millennial kingdom. The second coming is described in Revelation 19:11-16.

The important differences between the rapture and second coming are as follows:

1) At the rapture, believers meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). At the second coming, believers return with the Lord to the earth (Revelation 19:14).

2) The second coming occurs after the great and terrible tribulation (Revelation chapters 6–19). The rapture occurs before the tribulation (1 Thessalonians 5:9; Revelation 3:10).

3) The rapture is the removal of believers from the earth as an act of deliverance (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, 5:9). The second coming includes the removal of unbelievers as an act of judgment (Matthew 24:40-41).

4) The rapture will be secret and instant (1 Corinthians 15:50-54). The second coming will be visible to all (Revelation 1:7; Matthew 24:29-30).

5) The second coming of Christ will not occur until after certain other end-times events take place (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Matthew 24:15-30; Revelation chapters 6–18). The rapture is imminent; it could take place at any moment (Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54).

Why is it important to keep the rapture and the second coming distinct?

1) If the rapture and the second coming are the same event, believers will have to go through the tribulation (1 Thessalonians 5:9; Revelation 3:10).

2) If the rapture and the second coming are the same event, the return of Christ is not imminent—there are many things which must occur before He can return (Matthew 24:4-30).

3) In describing the tribulation period, Revelation chapters 6–19 nowhere mentions the church. During the tribulation—also called “the time of trouble for Jacob” (Jeremiah 30:7)—God will again turn His primary attention to Israel (Romans 11:17-31).

The rapture and second coming are similar but separate events. Both involve Jesus returning. Both are end-times events. However, it is crucially important to recognize the differences. In summary, the rapture is the return of Christ in the clouds to remove all believers from the earth before the time of God’s wrath. The second coming is the return of Christ to the earth to bring the tribulation to an end and to defeat the Antichrist and his evil world empire.

WORSHIP - WORTHSHIP

WORSHIP – WORTHSHIP

Sunday, December 29, 2019

   Revelation chapter 5 … they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.



  What makes for the greatest quality of worship?

  Ambience with its distinctive atmosphere of stained glass, lighting, art and statuary, the quality of the music, liturgy and order, the reading of and preaching on The Word; Or a keen high sense of appreciative respect and adoration for Jehovah God, He who is Sovereign in all things; God of love, justice, and righteousness? 

  I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised … (Ps.18:3)

  You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created. (Rev.4:11)

EBB4

THE RAPTURE

RAPTUREFile

Friday, December 27, 2019



2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.



 The “rapture” is not supported by Early Church kings, rulers, historians, religious writers etc. But then many then did not believe the truth of John 1:1. There are those today that don’t believe in the rapture, some due to reliance on Early Church kings, rulers, historians, religious writers etc. There are those today that don’t believe the truth of john 1:1. The whole point being that what men believe or don’t believe is of consequence only when we follow men without basing our beliefs in the Word of God. (Acts17:11)

  The rapture is not an idea begun in fictionalized movies and books. It is absolute truth, a fact stated and explained in the Word of God, the Bible. It will happen. When will it happen? Though in ages past there have been those claiming to know and even leading others astray in their knowledge, some even teaching it had already occurred, we don’t know, but we are clearly instructed to be ready.

  In response to those curious and those argumentative I’ve put together this file making it available as a matter of Biblical edification.

EBB4

+

GotQuestions.org: "What is the rapture of the church?"

  The word rapture does not occur in the Bible. The term comes from a Latin word meaning “a carrying off, a transport, or a snatching away.” The concept of the “carrying off” or the rapture of the church is clearly taught in Scripture.

  The rapture of the church is the event in which God “snatches away” all believers from the earth in order to make way for His righteous judgment to be poured out on the earth during the tribulation period. The rapture is described primarily in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50–54. God will resurrect all believers who have died, give them glorified bodies, and take them from the earth, along with all living believers, who will also be given glorified bodies at that time. “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).
  The rapture will involve an instantaneous transformation of our bodies to fit us for eternity. “We know that when he [Christ] appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). The rapture is to be distinguished from the second coming. At the rapture, the Lord comes “in the clouds” to meet us “in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). At the second coming, the Lord descends all the way to the earth to stand on the Mount of Olives, resulting in a great earthquake followed by a defeat of God’s enemies (Zechariah 14:3–4).
  The doctrine of the rapture was not taught in the Old Testament, which is why Paul calls it a “mystery” now revealed: “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51–52).
  The rapture of the church is a glorious event we should all be longing for. We will finally be free from sin. We will be in God’s presence forever. There is far too much debate over the meaning and scope of the rapture. This is not God’s intent. Rather, the rapture should be a comforting doctrine full of hope; God wants us to “encourage each other with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Recommended Resource: Three Views on the Rapture by Gleason L. Archer, Jr., ed.

ONLY 365 DAYS UNTIL SCRIPTURE

ONLY 365 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Thursday, December 26, 2019



  One regular year is 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 47 seconds. Because this is rather unfunctional, a normal year has been given 365 days and a leap year 366 days. On Dogpatch leap years February 29th is added.

  With this info in mind, just think, there’s only 365 days until Christmas!

  Do I hear a relieved sigh “It’s over until next year!” from some of you while others think “I wish it were this nice all year.”?

  Though Christmas preparation, anxious or not, has moved far down the list, it has been replaced with Returns (About $95 million this year.), Customer Service, bills to be paid, reassembling with this time reading the instructions, and possibly day-after decompression, sadness, or even depression. Then when such business is taken care of, there’s the still with us the nasty national and world scene.

  It’s a good time to remind ourselves of Romans 12:1-3 God-pleasing thinking and action is for every day application:

·         Be careful in our relationship to others. (Mt.7:12; 1Thes.5:11)

·         Do not forget the less fortunate, those suffering adversity. (Mt.7:12; 25:34-46)

·         Marriage is holy and should be treated thusly.

·         We are to be Philippians 4:11 Christians.

·         Life is not about cash and carry. (1Tim.6:10)

·         Fear not. (62 times in Scripture.)

·         God will never leave nor abandon His children. (Deut.32:6; Jos.1:5; 1Chr.28:20; Heb.13:5)

·         We can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" (Ps.54:4; Heb.13:6)

·         Remember those who have spoken God's word. Think about their lives. Imitate their faith. (2Tim.2:2, 14)

·         Jesus Christ, The Word, is the same yesterday and today-and forever! (Heb.13:8)

·         Know His Word and stand fast upon it. We are not to live willy-nilly silly as though God’s Truth is foreign to us. (2Tim.2:14-19)

·         As His children we are different; yet in this world but not to be of this world; accept this and live accordingly. (Phil.3:20)

·         Be thankful in word and deed. (Eph.5:20; Phil.4:6; 1Thes.5:18)

·         As His redeemed people, deciding to follow Him will not always result in pleasant experience this side of heaven. (Heb.11)

·         Christmas as holiday is past. Christ-mas should be every day. (Ps.118:24)

·         His gift is not without serious responsibility. We’re to communicate it in step and speak. (2Tim.2:2)

·         We must think as God’s people, eternal-wise. (Jn.3:3; 1Cor.2:16)

  “Now may the God of peace, who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good to do his will, accomplishing in us what pleases him through Jesus Christ. To him be glory forever and ever! Amen.” (ISV Heb.13:20-21)

 EBB4

SWADDLED

SPARGANOO

Wednesday, December 25, 2019



Luke 2:1-12 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.



  “Sparganoo” is the Greek text word for swaddling. “Swaddling” being a foreign word in our USA culture; seldom used in common conversation, and lacking in contemporary physical practice. It describes the Oriental Middle Eastern practice of using strips of cloth (sparganon) to bundle a baby.

  Friends Mark and Lordina Welch introduced Ann and I to both the word and practice.

  Years ago they rejoiced in the birth of their now adult precious daughter, Aiko. With great joy they arrived home with her from the hospital, soon finding her a very noisy little lady. All night noisy!

  As all we such experienced parents know, rested or not, you still must go to work the next day(s).

  Finally, in desperation they phoned their pediatrician. The good doctor not being one to jump for his prescription pad, he explained how the frazzled parents and child could enjoy improved sleep. “Wrap the baby snugly in cloth.” Aiko slept like a baby!

  So it was in practice when Jesus began His life, swaddled in cloth, confined in the body of man. He whom formed and maintains all that was, is, and ever will be; bound and limited. To this He agreed.

  So it was that Jesus ended His life; confined, nailed to a cross with all its limitations. To this He agreed.

  So it was that he was entombed; confined, tightly swaddled in grave clothes in a tomb sealed, secured and guarded by Roman soldiers around the clock. To this He agreed.

  And yet He was, as ever, truly free; glorious example and model for our living free while temporarily swaddled this side of heaven. (Please note I said “heaven”, not “eternity”, for truly individuals always live life or death everlasting.)

  Life’s sparganoo is present, but can in no way restrict our God given freedom (Jn.8:36), unless of course we reject, allow, or even embrace otherwise.  

EBB4

CHRISTMAS IMPOSITION?

CHRISTMAS IS AN IMPOSITION?

Tuesday, December 24, 2019



  Christmas provides spiritual focus for some. For others it provides spiritual distraction. One way is the light-it-up-shop-til’-you-drop disorder. Then there’s the escapist condition; wrapping oneself cozily in Christmas’ sentiment.

  What set me to thinking about this disorder was an article excerpt: “Democratic spokeswoman Harrell Kirstien accused Republican State Rep. David Bates of attempting to impose a “Bible belt social agenda” after video surfaced of Bates saying “the only hope for America” is to “turn from our wicked ways and ask god to heal our land” and “the problem we have here in this country and in all of our states is that we no longer fear god” at New England Solemn Assembly in Plymouth Massachusetts.”   (To read all: http://visiontoamerica.org/story/dems-attack-republican-legislator-for-being-a-christian.html )

  Now, before you think I’m turning DTs into a political forum, please understand I am not and will not do so. For me to do so would seriously distract, so let’s forget Democrats and Republicans for awhile. Plus, though it is representative of USA rights contention, I’m not zeroing in on freedom of speech issues.

  What I see here is two significant questions:

1.     Is it important to celebrate Christ’s birth?

2.     Is it important to, as His professed people, who are called by His name, to humble ourselves and pray, and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, so He will hear from Heaven and will forgive our sin and will heal our land? (2Chron.7:14)

  Which is the greater Christ-mas? (i.e. Christ-worship)

  Beware the cheap tinsel trap. 

EBB4

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Monday, December 23, 2019



   Exodus [MKJV] 15:26 And he said, If you will carefully listen to the voice of Jehovah your God, and will do that which is right in His sight, and will give ear to His commandments, and keep all His Laws, I will put none of these diseases upon you, which I have brought upon the Egyptians; for I am Jehovah who heals you.

  John 14:15, 21 If you love Me, keep My commandments. … He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. And he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.

  John 15:10-12 If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. I have spoken these things to you so that My joy might remain in you and your joy might be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

  Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  James 1:12-17 Blessed is the man who endures temptation, because having been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one being tempted say, I am tempted from God. For God is not tempted by evils, and He tempts no one. But each one is tempted by his lusts, being drawn away and seduced by them. Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin. And sin, when it is fully formed, brings forth death. Do not err, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness nor shadow of turning.



  Who is it that doesn’t like to receive gifts? Not I!

  The gifts we cherish the most of all is a tell-all about who and where we really are in this brief life sojourn ours. Jesus made this principle quite clear: “No one can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (MKJV Mt.6:24)

  Among God’s numerous perfect gifts are His commandments, all of them. Allowing our contrary feelings to influence us in opposition to His Word is to seriously err from truly lovingly worshipping Him. (Rom.12:1-3)

  This love-life scenario may even include affectionate gift(s) that He alone can and has given us if we are above and beyond cherished material blessings. For example, consider the Ephesians as recorded in Revelation 2:1-5. They, as is so with all of God’s children received gifts of ministry and service. (1Cor.12:1-31) As is so easy for us to do once we begin enjoying true eternal meaning in life, they slipped into loving ministry more than God.

  Knowing this truth, let us take care not to love His gift(s) more than The Giver. 

EBB4

CHRISTMAS DRUTHERS

CHRISTMAS DRUTHERS

Sunday, December 22, 2019



1Thessalonians 5:18-19 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Do not quench the Spirit.



  Being from a different country, Maryland, and cultural era, the GI Generation, folks don’t always understand my parlance. Consequently, after arriving in Nebraska I soon stopped using certain expressions lest I be thought to have webs between my toes.

  One such turn of phrase is “Now if I had my druthers …” meaning “If I had my preference …” (And it isn’t just some Southern idiom. It’s a real word. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/druthers )

  Bogged down in The Christmas Druthers Syndrome some folks will swamp 1Thessalonians gratitude.

  My Dad and Mom were hard workers. Married, starting a family and purchasing a home during the Great Depression era was no easy feat. Dad worked fulltime, and on the side drove cab, cut meat (self-taught) for local Jewish family corner grocery stores, delivered daily newspapers, ran a side business, and was on call to *pickup the deceased for a mortician. Mom worked on military plane radios at Bendix until WWII ended, waitressed banquets and painted and wallpapered (very popular then) then and after, and kept house.

  We lived carefully. Brother Jim and I each had a single pair of shoes at a time, sometimes worn with cereal box inner soles to cover a hole in leather sole and keep our socks from wearing out. (Worked fine except when it rained.)

  According to present day government agency standards we’d be considered living in poverty.

  We were not poor. Not because we were too dumb to know the difference or that many around lived just like us, but because we had everything that mattered, knew so, and were thankful for it!

  Did I have druthers then? Sure did. I would have liked second pair of shoes, hi-top sneakers like a very few of the other kids wore. I wished I did not to have to wear durable-wearing itchy wool trousers. But there were no druthers that overrode gratitude for extended family love and security.

  I’m thankful we were impressed in that long ago time to live gratefully instead of with attitude that throws a wet blanket on one’s spirit.

  I’m thankful that such Proverbs 22:6 childhood training prepared me for later financial times. (When Ann and I married we had neither electricity, plumbing, or central heat or AC.)

  Didn’t know the difference at the time, but oh my what a wonderful Christmas gift!

  Which would you druther have, the latest consumer items or a thankful heart?

EBB4



*This often involved downtown tenement buildings sans elevators. They would place the deceased in a large wicker basket with handles and carry down the narrow stairways to the hearse.

TO SERVE HIM ALL OUR DAYS

TO SERVE HIM ALL OUR DAYS

Friday, December 20, 2019



  Today’s title is the summation of commitment that Ann and I made together decades ago. Ann did so in many ways. I strive to continue. Central for both of us has been Romans 12:1-3 and 2Timothy 2:2, 15; to discern the truth of authentic worship, faith and practice pleasing our Lord; then passing the lessons on to others, doing so without jaundiced eye subjective to success or commendation, failure or denigration.

Admittedly Ann was my leader and, though departed 8+ years ago, still is example in these latter contrasts.

  I am not dying any more than any person, but now completely my 84^th year this side of heaven I am nearer departure than ever before. This awareness is not onus, but increasingly lightens me. In this I say, to serve Him all my days.

Edwin Bennett Bullock 4^th (EBB4)

THE ENDURING POWER OF MARY'S LAMB

The enduring power of Mary’s Lamb

POSTED: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015     (James P. Eckman is president emeritus of Grace University.)

  At Christmas, many in American culture still welcome manger scenes.

  We see them in churches, on front lawns and on Christmas cards. But in our increasingly secular, commercial and sexually liberated society, we keep the horizontal message of the manger but often eliminate the vertical message entirely. We like the shepherds and their lambs, but are uncomfortable with God, miracles and the incarnation.

  In short, the biblical world view about Christmas is rapidly losing market share to a more secular, materialistic one that is horizontally comfortable but vertically challenged.

So, just for a moment, let’s think biblically about the manger, about the shepherds’ lambs, and about the Lamb born that morning. Because the shepherds in the hills around Bethlehem obeyed the angelic directive (Luke 2:12), Jesus was no doubt born among lambs, which in the ancient world figuratively represented the virtues of gentleness, innocence and dependence.

But the biblical imagery surrounding the lamb goes far beyond these virtues. The lamb was also central to Jewish worship. Every day two lambs were sacrificed on the Temple altar in Jerusalem for the sins of the nation.

  The lamb was also central to the Passover, which symbolized both God’s protection and the redemption of His people from slavery in Egypt.

And it was central to Isaiah’s Suffering Servant (53:7), a Lamb who would die for His people.

To the Jewish people, the biblical image of the lamb was a reminder both of redemption and of freedom.

In the New Testament, when John the Baptist declared of Jesus, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), the lamb imagery took on a deeper redemptive significance.

Indeed, the New Testament further applies this redemptive theme to Jesus when Peter refers to Him as “a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:19) and when Paul identifies Him as “our Passover Lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7).

  However, of the 32 times “lamb” appears in the New Testament, 27 are in the book of Revelation, where “Lamb” is the primary title applied to Jesus. Here Jesus is the sovereign ruler, seated on the throne as the victorious warrior-lamb who deserves praise, worship and adoration. Hence Handel, in his majestic oratorio, “Messiah,” put Revelation 5:11-12 to music: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.”

  Jesus Christ, as the Lamb of God, not only provides redemption and freedom for sinful humanity; He also establishes God’s Kingdom on earth.

  For historic, biblical Christianity, then, the birth of Mary’s Little Lamb on Christmas morning marked a colossal watershed in human history.

  Rome ruled the Mediterranean world during a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity. As they read Virgil and Ovid, Rome’s citizens knew their Caesar through his ubiquitous statues that permeated the Empire. But that arrogant, powerful empire exists today only in ruins — important only to archaeologists and historians.

But the Lamb of God, born in that backwater town of Bethlehem, is today embraced by nearly 2 billion people as their Lord and Savior — and He continues to offer hope and reconciliation to a broken world.

Because her Lamb was both fully human and fully God, He can sympathize, identify and empathize with those who suffer. Because her Lamb became the victim of monstrous evil at His crucifixion, He will one day vanquish evil from this planet when He returns.

  This is the biblical narrative of Mary’s Lamb, who was also the Lamb of God. For that reason, Christians associate her Lamb with vicarious suffering and victorious power. Jesus is the Lamb who changed the world!

I NEED HELP WITH ___________

I NEED HELP WITH __________

Wednesday, December 18, 2019



Luke 11:1-13; Romans 12:1-3



  The __________ in the title request is there because we individually have different areas of need. Areas that over time change, and so it was with the followers of Christ. We as followers of Christ are no different than those who traveled with Him those many centuries ago, they after several years of His instruction asking Him to teach them to pray.

  Please note that they did not ask Jesus to teach them how to pray, but to pray. However, as always with our Lord, in His response He taught them both and more. Jesus provided the who, what, where, when, why, and how with a number of important doctrines included.

  This morning as you review the disciples’ model prayer I suggest you look at and consider closely His therein provision:



Who?



What?



Where?



When?



Why?



How?



Doctrines referred to?



  Merry Christmas!

EBB4

THANKING GOD FOR CHRISTMAS PAST, PRESENT, AND BEYOND

THANKING GOD FOR CHRISTMAS PAST, PRESENT, AND BEYOND

Tuesday, December 17, 2019



1Thessalonians [GW] 5:18-21 Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God's will in Christ Jesus that you do this. Don't put out the Spirit's fire. Don't despise what God has revealed. Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good.



  During WWII and the following “recovery years” money was as scarce than hen’s teeth. For Christmas, most of us kids received an orange, box of raisins or hard candy, a (As in “one”.) toy of some sort, and were happy with it. Extended family gatherings were the best thing. My uncles and cousins, WWII combat survivors, were the greatest fun! Especially Uncle John Bullock as he kept everybody laughing with his wit . . . and consequently often embarrassed his wife Helen.

  Most people didn’t have an automobile. I was 6 or 7 when I walked with the older boys to see a neighbor’s wonderful special Christmas gift, a “New used car.” While admiring, one of the older boys snuck a touch. Fearful that the man had seen, we ran home. The tel-a-neighbor communication system of that day could have gotten the news of disrespectful behavior home before we sped around the corner. We were thankful the dreaded message didn’t come as we were concerned it may affect our Christmas.

  I only knew one older boy that got an allowance. His father was an editor for The Baltimore Sun and drove a Chrysler. Most kids didn’t have money to buy gifts. If a gift could be gotten it would be for your Mom. I remember our elementary school teacher bringing oranges and boxes of cloves to make a smell-good thing to give to our moms to put in their clothing drawer. Years later I realized it was sacrificial expense for our teacher. Oranges in the winter were not normal fare. We sometimes got one (1!) in our stocking. Spices were not cheap.

  When I was 9-10 we moved from Hamilton to Dundalk. Then I began earning money selling newspapers on street cars, shining shoes on the sidewalk outside a local bar, mowing grass with reel push mower, weeding, shoveling snow, and other chores for neighbors. (Family work was family work, unpaid.)    

  A favorite winter job was tending coal furnaces for neighbors working night shift in the steel mills. I was quite good at “stoking and banking” so their wives didn’t wake up freezing in the middle of the night. The pay was great. I got a whole dime each time! In 2019 this would be about $1.40. “Big deal.” You say? The big deal was that kids did not have money then.

  It wasn’t long until a neighbor purchased a round screen TV for Christmas. He didn’t mind but his wife didn’t want a bunch of kids “traipsing in my house”, but the husband allowed us to “As long as you’re quiet and don’t step on my flowers to ” watch thru the window. His wife wasn’t happy about this arrangement either. Summer was best because pre-AC we could hear thru the window screen. Winter was a time of interpretation of body language and sometimes resulting in debates as to what the actors said.

  By the next cold season my brother Jim and I were weary of frostbite viewing so we asked Dad if we could get a TV. He smiled and responded “Sure. Earn, save, and buy one whenever you like.” It took a lot of hustling but we finally purchased a small Muntz tabletop TV. I think the cost was 97 dollars including the 1% sales tax, equivalent to about 1,275 dollars today. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madman_Muntz )  (One of the misconceptions about the Good Olde Days is that everything cost less. It did not, especially when considering lack of present-day features and the number of man-hours worked needed to purchase a number of items.)

  It was a wonderful life. The prevailing cultural attitude was gratefulness.

  With GI Generation determination, our nation prospered. Most acquired their own car and TV. AC came, and later became normal even for present day “poor and underprivileged”. Many people now spend more time in car and home “Doing their own thing.” The idea list of what is needed to live changed drastically.   

  Attitude, conversation and action on increasing, maintaining and securing wealth increased to point of now very much dominating society and the proliferation of storage businesses. Affluence brought with it neurosis and accompanying counseling and debt services. TV’s Dr. Phils soon playing an expansive role. Self-help and esteem books grew from almost none to fully stacked aisles.

  More and more, when they knew God, men glorified Him not as Adonai-jireh (Jehovah Provider), losing their sense of true gratefulness, and their hearts were darkened as they increasingly became vainglorious in their thinking. (Rom.1:20-21)

 

Lord, help us please. May we embrace the godly attitude of gratitude and gain Your Christ-mas peace..  EBB4 

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT UNDETERRED

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT UNDETERRED?

Monday, December 16, 2019



2Corinthians [ESV] 5:10-21 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.



  Where did the idea of Christmas spirit come from, the attitude of giving? Was it by way of the Magis’ example in expensive gifts to baby Jesus? Or, was it some brilliant ad-man many years ago that had an idea on how to stimulate commerce, and line his and sellers pockets with gold in the process?

  I’m not against gift giving. I enjoy receiving gifts. (I am not soliciting!) And certainly do enjoy giving. Giving does not however always work out as expected. As we excitedly, lovingly give, the reactions of some recipients are not exactly in what we consider Christmas spirit.

  Years ago, women of the Evangelical Methodist Church, Dublin, Maryland, donated over $8,000.00 (Originally $1,000.00 in 1960.) to purchase Christmas turkey meals for poor families in their rural farming county. Two young deacons eagerly volunteered to make deliveries to 10 families chosen from needy children participating in EMC large Sunday School. (Oddly, SS attendance there was consistently about 20% higher than worship service.)

  At 8 of the 10 households there were numerous adult men sitting smoking and drinking beer though a workday morning. Overflowing ashtrays and empty beer bottles littered the rooms. Asked about their employment status? In all 8 houses to a man they responded with some variation of “We’re looking.”

  Later, when one family’s children were asked by their SS teacher if they enjoyed their Christmas meal, the child sadly replied “No ma’am, the adults got drunk after those deacons left. They fell asleep and left the boxes on the kitchen table and the dogs and cats had their way with it. The next morning there was a big fight over whose fault it was.”

  A caring lady baked a Christmas cake for a poor family. The single mother and children expressed their thanks. The children clambered to cut the cake so as to enjoy it with Miss Barb. The mother smiled as she backed thru the kitchen swinging door carrying the cake. When she doesn’t return as expected, one of the children went to investigate. Suddenly the children loudly wailed. When all entered the kitchen they saw the mother with chocolate on hands and face. In her dysfunction she had ungraciously gobbled the entire cake! The kids scrambled to get the crumbs that had fallen on the table and floor.

  A male mentor, while playing basketball, notices his “little brother” needs news shoes. Joyously watching the boy unwrap his Christmas gift, he is disappointed when the boy complains they’re not the expensive brand his peers wear.

  An adult SS class collects $1,200 to fill a gift list for an inmate’s family. When delivered by a married couple from the church, the response is a “Just put the stuff over there.” as children and adults continued playing their video games and watching TV.

  Discouraged yet? I could go on and on and I’m sure many of you could relate stories of your own experience. Especially those of you involved in rescue missions, jail and prison ministry, and addiction counseling.

  How do we refresh and/or maintain our spiritual sensibility? By looking to The Word (Jn.1:1) for example, direction, and staying power . . . and never losing sight of the fact that we are not fixers, we are messengers; agents telling of God’s merciful reconciliation. (2Cor.5:20)

  God gave His most precious gift, His only begotten Son, Jesus. He was rejected casually and/or cruelly by most then as now. But God did not withdraw His grace! Though betrayed, vilified, crucified . . . His free gift of salvation was and is still largely refused, and even when accepted, too often lived here in mediocrity; significantly without active Christian ambassadorship.

  Let us not turn aside from reaching out to others. Let ours be a heart fruitfully after the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; manifesting Christmas (Christ-worship) now and all year long. (Rom.12:1-3)

  “My dear brothers and sisters, don't be fooled. Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars. The Father doesn't change like the shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon. God decided to give us life through the word of truth to make us his most important creatures. Remember this, my dear brothers and sisters: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and should not get angry easily. An angry person doesn't do what God approves of. (GW James 1:16-20) 

EBB4

A FARMER'S CHRISTMAS TALE

A FARMER’S CHRISTMAS TALE



Dear fellow travelers,

I can never let this joyful season pass without again airing this old favorite illustrative story. Every time I read or hear it and consider the truth recorded in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians it brings tears to my eyes. Be blessed as you read. Bless others by sharing copies.

It is our privilege to serve Him all our days,

Ed   Philippians 2:6-11



  There was a farmer that didn’t believe in God, and was quite outspoken about religion, Easter, and Christmas. His wife, a believer, raised their children to be God-fearing. The man and his spouse loved each other dearly with sacrificial devotion, but there was always what he deemed “The Difference.”

  One snowy Christmas eve, she prepared to take the children to church. As always, she invited him to go with them. As always, he refused, adding his usual “That story is nonsense! Why would God abase himself by living on earth as a man? That’s ridiculous!” So, as usual, she went, he stayed home.

  Sitting at the kitchen table relaxing with a cup of coffee and a hunk of his wife’s delicious Christmas fruit cake, he noticed the wind rising as the snowing increased. Before long a blizzard developed. He didn’t worry about his family as he knew, if need be, they’d stay with friends near the church.

  Suddenly he was startled by a loud thump against the side of the house, then another soon followed.

  Turning on all the yard lights he couldn’t detect anything so he bundled up and went out into the driving storm to look around. In the yard he found a flock of late traveling southern bound geese. They were obviously disoriented and in despair. Knowing they would be safer in shelter with food, he opened the nearby barn’s big doors.

  Returning inside he, concerned, watched them out the window. They didn’t go in the barn where he had scattered corn on the floor.

  Bundling up again he tried shooing them into the barn. It did not work.

  Then he tried laying a path of corn. It didn’t work.

  Next he tried slices of bread. It didn’t work.

  The frightened geese just kept honking and huddling, not noticing the barn or what it meant to them; nourishment and shelter from the storm.

  “Why don’t they follow my lead . . . can’t they see the only place they can survive the storm?”

  He thought for a moment and realized they wouldn’t follow him, a human. “If only I were a goose, then I could save them.” he said aloud.

  With that realization he went to the barn and gathered one of his domesticated geese in his arms, took her to the yard and released her on the far side of the stressed wild flock. Having full knowledge of good sense, she waddled quickly thru the group. They followed to safety.

  Though quite cold by now, he stood silently with the blizzard howling about him and the icy snow stinging his face. Suddenly it all made sense.

  That is what God had done and he was like those lost geese needing guidance.

  Jesus, his dear wife and children, and others, had been showing him the way of salvation, but he had refused and kept milling about in life.

  Suddenly the revelation of truth overwhelmed him and he fell to his knees, begging God’s forgiveness and trusting Jesus as Redeemer.

  As the wind and snow relented, his soul became quiet and pondered the wonderful simplicity of it all; understanding what Christmas was truly about; the reason Christ had come. He then prayed his first prayer of thanksgiving, “Thank you God for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!”

 (Author unknown, rewritten from file notes and memory. EBB4)

CHRISTMAS STRESS

CHRISTMAS HECTICRAMA

Friday, December 13, 2019



   John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

  Philippians [ESV] 4:4-8 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.



  Serenity in the midst of hectic times is possible, depending on its being an integral part of our life.

  Christmas can be very stressful, a hectic scene, a time of confusion and anxiety.

  Hectic-rama: using paraphernalia, the working at trying to create a time of joy and peace on earth; “earth” for most spelled “family”.

  Hectic-rama is easily recognized. It is fleeting life-piece apart from abiding life-peace that Christ-worship, adoration with trust of and in Him alone provides.

  Enjoy Christmas, please do, especially as time with loved ones.

  Do not however let Christ-mas pass as a season, for He alone is life with peace. (Lk.4:4; Jn.14:6) 

EBB4

ACTS 17:11, MORE NOBLE

Acts 17:11, MORE NOBLE



2Timothy [ESV] 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 



  Yesterday I left us with the question “What were the verifying documents the Bereans referred to?”

  Using calendar dates given in study Bible indicates that beyond whatever Old Testament scrolls available to their synagogue they may have had access to copies of the 4 gospels for cross referencing use.

  Considering there was no chapter and verse designations or quick study helps that we take for granted today shows that those Berean Jews didn’t spend much time in casual pursuits. They invested considerable effort in what they had determined was utmost priority. What would I do without an abundance of surrounding books or info just a mouse click away?!

  And yet another thought: Though those Bereans initially doubted the apostle Paul’s credibility they did not doubt the veracity of the Scripture they had.

  And yet another question: Are we today easily put upon without healthy skepticism resulting in our working at seeking verification in God’s Word?

EBB4

MORE NOBLE?

MORE NOBLE?

Wednesday, December 11, 2019



Acts [ESV]17:10-12 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.



  Awoke this morn thinking about Acts 17:10-12, an interesting account. An account easily flown over as a brief bit of history of the developing church.

  The phrase “more noble” should be personally thought provoking to increased action as a student of God’s word. “noble” in the Greek here having to do with ranking. “more noble” in context describing that all who diligently study the Word rank higher than those satisfied with only listening and/or reading. (I identify with this warring as some days I’d rather do housecleaning, dig holes, drive nails or screws et al than spiritual work requiring thought.) The Jews and others at Thessalonica were ranked as students. Those lost souls at Berea are ranked highly as students. God’s saints are ranked in kind. The Lord requires great wisdom, study, and care, to divide and disseminate His Word of truth rightly! (Mt.15:32; 24:45; 2Tim.2:14-26)

EBB4



Question: What were the verifying documents the Bereans referred to?

AN AUTHENTIC CHRISTMAS REQUIRES GODLY CONFIDENCE

CHRISTMAS AUTHENTICITY INCLUDES GODLY CONFIDENCE

Tuesday, December 10, 2019



   John [ESV] 1:1-14 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 were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

   1John 3:16-21 By this we know love, that he [Jesus, the Word] laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;



  What does today’s above Scripture selections have to do with Christmas? Considerable.

  For many folks Christmas is interpreted by lights, gifts, tinsel, and entertainment – hustle, bustle, and stress. Authentic Christmas means Christ-adoration, worship. Authentic Christmas involves a “quickened” life of Ephesians 1:1; 2:1-3 (Also note Col.2:13; 1Pet.3:18) personal resurrection with its peace and freedom; said peace and freedom heart-centered in confidence toward God and His pledge of physical resurrection. (Phil.3:10)

  Confident godly peace and freedom is inseparable from authentic Christmas. Without our heart confident in and by godliness, Christmas is mere pagan yuletide holiday, tinseled at its utmost.

  Truly, authentic Christmas includes the matter of a confident heart. 

EBB4



PS. Indeed Lord Jesus came to bring “peace on earth”. He did not however say earth at peace. Though I too very much emotionally prefer a whitewashed holiday season, check it out for it too is very much a part of the Christmas story: Luke 2:1-14; Mt.10:32-38; Lk.12:51-53

CHRISTMASS CONFESSION

CHRISTMAS CONFESSION – Expressing or Suppressing the Truth of Christmas

Sunday, December 8, 2019



   Isaiah 52:7-8 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the LORD to Zion.

   Luke 9:26 [Jesus explained] For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

   Romans 1:16-19 [Paul exclaimed] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.



  Arguing for “Merry Christmas” and against ecumenical generic “Happy Holidays” is one thing, confessing Christmas (i.e. Christ-worship) is quite another.

  God’s Word tells us that a characteristic mark of a believer (i.e. Christian: follower of Christ) is verbal public confession: "The Word is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart"; that is, the Word of Faith which we proclaim; Because if you confess the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation. For the Scripture says, "Everyone believing on Him shall not be put to shame." For there is no difference both of Jew and of Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call on Him. For everyone, "whoever shall call on the name of the Lord will be saved." How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without preaching? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things!" But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" Then faith is of hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. (Rom.10:8-17)

  How easy it is to speak His name in Sunday School, Bible study group, church congregation, Christmas carols, and in writing devotional thought.

  Ah, but what of place outside of comfortable religious settings?

  Apart from cozy pious zones . . . will we outlier speak of baby or adult Jesus on even so much as during the time celebrated as His birthday?

  Let us say “Merry Christmas”-- good, but to what end? Does such well wishing speak of my confession of salvation?

  Believing in our heart, let us stand on beautiful feet (Rom.10:15) saying “Jesus is Lord” … someone just may believe the report and receive Jehovah God’s Christmas gift of present and everlasting redemption through trusting in God’s only begotten Son. 

EBB4