THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

From: allaboutgod.com

Attributes of God – The Meaning

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” So says A.W. Tozer in his classic book on the attributes of God, The Knowledge of the Holy. Why would he make such an extreme pronouncement? Tozer goes on to say, “Man’s spiritual history will positively demonstrate that no religion has ever been greater than its idea of God. Worship is pure or base as the worshipper entertains high or low thoughts of God.”

In our hearts we know the above is true. It is not enough to follow “god.” That word has come to mean so many different things today that it actually means very little. If we just make up our own minds concerning what He is like, then we are just creating an idol in our heads.

Attributes of God – The Basis

Jesus came to reveal the God of the Bible. And God has revealed Himself in His book. Any deviation from that insight from Him is a made-up god. Tozer in Knowledge of the Holy finds 18 characteristics of God in the Bible. They are repeated here, although not in the same order. Tozer’s definitions, when used, will appear in quotes.

The Bible says to praise God for who He is, especially in prayer. Much of Psalms is a good example of this. Most people concentrate their praise in just a few areas, such as God’s love, and then spend the rest of their prayers asking Him for things. (So that you can remember all of the attributes of God they are presented in the order of this acronym: WISH TO FLOSS JIM EGGO.)

Attributes of God – The Characteristics

Wisdom: “Wisdom is the ability to devise perfect ends and to achieve these ends by the most perfect means.” In other words, God makes no mistakes. He is the Father who truly knows best, as Paul explains in Romans 11:33: “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!”

Infinitude: God knows no boundaries. He is without measure. This attribute by definition impacts all of the others. Since God is infinite, everything else about Him must also be infinite.

Sovereignty: This is “the attribute by which He rules His entire creation.” It is the application of His other attributes of being all-knowing and all-powerful. It makes Him absolutely free to do what He knows to be best. God is in control of everything that happens. Man still has a free will, and is responsible for his choices in life.

Holiness: This is the attribute that sets God apart from all created beings. It refers to His majesty and His perfect moral purity. There is absolutely no sin or evil thought in God at all. His holiness is the definition of that which is pure and righteous in all the universe. Wherever God has appeared, such as to Moses at the burning bush, that place becomes holy just for God having been there.

Trinity: Though the actual word is not used in the Bible, the truth of God revealing Himself in three persons is included. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all called God, given worship as God, exist eternally, and are involved in doing things only God could do. Although, God reveals Himself in three persons, God is One and cannot be divided. All are involved completely whenever One of the Three is active.

Omniscience: “God possesses perfect knowledge and therefore has no need to learn. God has never learned and cannot learn.” Omniscience means all-knowing. God knows everything, and His knowledge is infinite. It is impossible to hide anything from God.

Faithfulness: Everything that God has promised will come to pass. His faithfulness guarantees this fact. He does not lie. What He has said in the Bible about Himself is true. Jesus even said that He is the Truth. This is extremely important for the followers of Jesus because it is on His faithfulness that our hope of eternal life rests. He will honor His promise that our sins will be forgiven and that we will live forever with Him.

Love: Love is such an important part of God’s character that the apostle John wrote, “God is love.” This means that God holds the well-being of others as His primary concern. For a full definition of love, read 1 Corinthians 13. To see love in action, study the life of Jesus. His sacrifice on the cross for the sins of others is the ultimate act of love. God’s love is not a love of emotion but of action. His love gives freely to the object of its affection, those who choose to follow His son Jesus.

Omnipotence: Literally this word means all-powerful. Since God is infinite and since He possesses power, He possesses infinite power. He does allow His creatures to have some power, but this in no way diminishes His own. “He expends no energy that must be replenished.” When the Bible says God rested on the seventh day, it was to set an example for us and our need for rest, not because He was tired.

Self-existence: When Moses asked who he was talking to in the burning bush, God said, “I AM THE ONE WHO ALWAYS IS.” God has no beginning or end. He just exists. Nothing else in all the universe is self-caused. Only God. In fact, if anything else had created Him, that thing would be God. This is a difficult concept for our minds since everything else we will ever encounter comes from something other than itself. The Bible says, “In the beginning, God.” He was already there.

Self-sufficiency: The Bible says that God has life in Himself (see John 5:26). All other life in the universe is a gift from God. He has no needs and there is no way He can improve. To God, nothing else is necessary. He does not need our help with anything, but because of His grace and love, He allows us to be a part of advancing His plan on earth and being a blessing to others. We are the ones who change, but never God. He is self-sufficient.

Justice: The Bible says that God is just, but it is His character that defines what being just really is. He does not conform to some outside criteria. Being just brings moral equity to everyone. When there are evil acts, justice demands there be a penalty. Since God is perfect and has never done evil, no penalty would ever be necessary; however, because of His love, God paid the penalty for our evil deeds by going to the cross Himself. His justice needed to be satisfied, but He took care of it for all who will believe in Jesus.

Immutability: This simply means that God never changes. It is why the Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Mercy: “Mercy is the attribute of God which disposes Him to be actively compassionate.” Since God’s justice is satisfied in Jesus, He is free to show mercy to all those who have chosen to follow Him. It will never end since it is a part of God’s nature. Mercy is the way He desires to relate to mankind, and He does so unless the person chooses to despise or ignore God at which time His justice becomes the prominent attribute.

Eternal: In some ways, this fact about God is similar to His self-existence. God always has been and will forever be, because God dwells in eternity. Time is His creation. It is why God can see the end from the beginning, and why He is never surprised by anything. If He were not eternal, God’s promise of eternal life for those who follow Jesus would have little value.

Goodness: “The goodness of God is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of good will toward men.” This attribute of God is why He bestows all the blessing He does on His followers. God’s actions define what goodness is, and we can easily see it in the way Jesus related to the people around Him.

Gracious: God enjoys giving great gifts to those who love Him, even when they do not deserve it. Grace is the way we describe that inclination. Jesus Christ is the channel through which His grace moves. The Bible says, “The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

Omnipresence: This theological term means “always present.” Since God is infinite, His being knows no boundaries. So, clearly He is everywhere. This truth is taught throughout the Bible as the phrase “I am with you always” is repeated 22 times in both the Old and New Testaments. These were even Jesus’ words of assurance just after giving the challenge to His disciples to take His message to the entire world. This is certainly a comforting truth for all who follow Jesus.

Attributes of God – The Conclusion

This is the description of the God of the Bible. All other ideas about God are, according to the Bible, false gods. They are from the imagination of mankind. By learning the attributes of God, you may praise God for who He really is and for how each of His attributes impacts your life in a positive way. 

GODLY CHARACTER

GODLY CHARACTER

Friday, March 06, 2015

Isaiah 55 … my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. …

  We will never completely understand everything about Jehovah God. According to Isaiah, life-observation, and self I see this to be a truth; the problem not only being that we are sinners well-schooled in philosophy contrary to Logos (The Word: Jesus and the divine reason of God recorded in Scripture); but also that we are finite as opposed to Jehovah God Almighty being infinite. It isn’t that we just don’t think like Him, we naturally think in opposition to Him. This is true even of those that for years lived in His presence.

  I also do believe He wants us to understand as much as possible as individual and corporately as kuriakós, “those of or belonging to the Lord”; His church.

  Ah, but how to accomplish the task before us as His kuriakós?

  By accepting and making use of His provision:

·         Read His Word written as your primary source of life-truth. 2Tim.2:15-16; 3:16-17.

·         See the attributes of God the Father. (List w/verses available upon request.)

·         Ponder the Word, Jesus; His words and deeds; then follow in kind in this age.

·         Consider OT & NT characters and learn how they pleased or displeased God; use!

·         Carefully examine the parables and illustrations in God’s Word.

·         Understand who Jesus is. (List w/verses available upon request.)

·         Understand who you are and live accordingly. (List w/verses available upon request.)

·         Study the enemy(s).

·         Rely on the Comforter’s guidance.  Jn.14:16-17; 16:7-14.

·         Abide in His love and joy. Jn.15:10-12

·         Live as the ordained priest you are and thereby bear good fruit. Jn.15:16; 1Pet.2:1-10.

·         Beware of relying on misbegotten education from worldly sources.

·         Beware of educational reliance on Bible-deniers.

·         Look up and prayerfully consider Bible verses referenced.

  Do these things as regular custom and we learn from God of God and godliness with contentment will be our great gain. (1Tim.6:6)

EBB4

PS. The above 440 words began with thinking about a passage of Scripture Pastor Paul recently expounded. [Jesus] turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man." (ESV Mt.16:23) It took from 8:00am until 11:15am to think, search, ponder, word, ponder further, review, reword, search, make additions, review and trim, read several more times, struggle for a closing sentence, reread and determine to cease and send. This is not to complain for it is my privilege to research and write and/or edit DTs for you. I thank you. Also know that I enjoy being a resource person, someone that has time to do what you working folks and parents cannot. Ed Bullock 4th 

POOLE CHALLENGE

POOLE CHALLENGE

Thursday, March 05, 2015

  Bryan Poole, fellow DT’r, phoned with a challenge us:

If we believe the rapture ( 1Thes.4:13-18; 1Cor.15: 50-54) occurs before the tribulation ( Dan.9:24-27; 12:1; Jer.30:7; Mt.24:15-30;  Rev.6:1 – 18:24), then what do we do with Mark chapter 13?

EBB4

PROPER BOUNDARIES

PROPER BOUNDARIES

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

"Adults who were raised without protective boundaries often feel that someone saying “no” to them is “mean,” because they never learned self-control." Anon

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GotQuestions.org:  "What are boundaries, and are they biblical?"

  A boundary is a “dividing line.” In geography, a boundary is that which marks the end of one property or jurisdiction and the beginning of another. In interpersonal relationships, a boundary is what divides one person from another, so that each can have separate identities, responsibilities, and privileges. A boundary creates necessary “space” between individuals. Healthy boundaries define expectations and show respect for others.
  Biblically speaking, boundaries are related to self-control. The Bible commands us to control ourselves, whereas our human nature desires to control others(Titus 2:12). If left unchecked, our natural desires run roughshod over others. Personal boundaries help to limit our selfish inclination to control or manipulate others. Likewise, boundaries protect us from those who have no self-control and who wish to control us. A person with clear, healthy boundaries communicates to others what is and is not permissible, saying, in effect, “This is my jurisdiction, and you have no right to interfere.”
  Boundaries can be used in healthy ways and sinful ways. The way to know which boundaries are godly is to examine the motive. Are you protecting yourself or someone weaker from potential harm, either emotional or physical? If so, then you are setting healthy and needful boundaries. However, if you are maintaining distance simply because you desire to exclude someone, that is sinful. Boundaries that maintain cliques or prohibit ministry opportunities are unhelpful.
  Proper boundaries aid believers in keeping out worldly influences. Children of the light have no fellowship with darkness and are thus separate from the world (2 Corinthians 6:14). Being kind and friendly is Christ-like, but we are not to embrace the world’s way of doing things (James 4:4). Our wish is not to keep people away, but when people are being destructive, the boundaries we set can limit the evil they commit against us.
  Boundaries are about taking responsibility for our own lives. God gives us freedom to choose to live within His boundaries or outside of them, and to live outside of God’s boundaries means to accept the consequences. Living inside God’s boundaries brings blessing, and living outside of them brings destruction and death (Romans 6:23). Adam and Eve had one boundary in the Garden of Eden: abstain from the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The Lord gave them freedom to remain within His bounds, but they chose to overstep the boundary and sin. Their response to God’s revelation of their sin was to blame someone else rather than take responsibility for their lack of self-control. Eve blamed Satan, and Adam blamed Eve (Genesis 3:12-13). Boundaries limit destructive behaviors, and that is why both God and society have laws and consequences for those who overstep those laws (Romans 13:1-4).
  A healthy marriage requires boundaries. Marital boundaries keep sex and intimacy within the relationship while respecting each person’s needs. Violating these boundaries will quickly destroy trust.
  Boundaries are also helpful in parenting. Setting healthy limits for children will protect them (Proverbs 22:6). Unhealthy boundaries tend to be controlling and selfishly motivated. Boundaries should guide a child to individuate into the person God created him or her to be. Boundaries allow children to develop an identity separate from their parents within the safety of their family. Without an identity, people “vanish” into other people or expect them not to have any differences.
  Children often feel boundaries are “mean” when they are immature. When they grow up, they usually realize the boundaries were to keep them safe. Adults who were raised without protective boundaries often feel that someone saying “no” to them is “mean,” because they never learned self-control.

  Naturally, when children do not get what they want, they are disappointed, but learning to accept “no” from others is essential to godly character; however, setting boundaries with children must be done in loving ways in order for the child to feel loved (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21; Titus 2:4). The Lord’s instruction for parents is that they teach a child boundaries (Proverbs 19:18). Boundaries help a child see that life is not about pursuing what he wants but surrendering to the Lord and following Him. Boundaries set with unconditional love will teach children to surrender to the Lord because they trust God knows what is best and will bring true contentment.
  Learning boundaries as a child is important. It is more difficult to learn boundaries later in life. Children will not grow up to respect God’s boundaries if they do not learn boundaries in their home. Modeling is necessary; parents cannot teach boundaries and not abide by them themselves.
  A person with healthy boundaries takes responsibility for his own life and allows others to live theirs. The goal of boundaries is to make sacrifices for people when appropriate, but never in a destructive manner. We should be available for people in a crisis, but unavailable to indulgent demands. Being gracious is not a blank check for others to continually drain our emotional account. Saying “yes” out of fear of rejection is really a selfish motive for being kind. Being kind in order to gain someone’s favor smacks of hypocrisy and shows a need for boundaries. Fear of man’s disapproval can lead to codependency, the unhealthy alternative to interdependency.
  Boundaries teach us to accept one another as being different yet still valuable. God uses boundaries to help us appreciate the differences in people rather than be upset by them. A godly friend tells us what we need to hear, not necessarily what we want to hear (Proverbs 27:6). We are free to be ourselves with others if we control ourselves. Boundaries are not selfish when we use our freedom to serve and love one another because we are keeping our own flesh under control (Galatians 5:13). In a godly relationship, both people are free to love each other and to be themselves because neither is using or manipulating the other.
  Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, so it is not something unbelievers can achieve (Galatians 5:22-23). A believer who sees his need for self-control so he can take responsibility for his own actions and not encroach on others will seek the Lord’s help for growth in this character trait. Boundaries are a fruit of submitting to God’s will, and He will enable us to make godly choices.
  Being Christ-like means we can say “no” in unselfish, helpful ways. Sometimes, love requires us to say “no” to those we love. For example, if a family member is abusing alcohol at a family gathering, then it is Christ-like to tell him not to do so. A proper boundary has then been set. If the response is to get angry, leave, and never come back, then that person simply was not able to respect the boundary. It is not sinful to say "no" to someone if he is crossing personal boundaries in harmful and destructive ways. Every boy or girl on a date should have clear boundaries that must not be crossed.
  Boundaries can be difficult to establish because saying “no” may have been off limits or mistakenly taught as being ungodly. God says to tell the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). God tells us to humbly control ourselves, lovingly confront sin, graciously accept others, and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Plus, He promises wisdom in every circumstance (James 1:5).

Recommended Resources: Boundaries by Cloud & Townsendand Logos Bible Software.

EMOTIONS MINE

EMOTIONS MINE

Tuesday, March 03, 2015

Psalm [MKJV] 119:11-12 I have hidden Your Word in my heart, so that I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Jehovah; teach me Your Precepts.

2Timothy [GW] 3:16-17 Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God's approval. They equip God's servants so that they are completely prepared to do good things.

  “You make me so mad!!!!”

  Fact is, absolutely no person can make me angry . . . or lust, be jealous, sad, depressed, despondent . . . or happy, gleeful, thankful, appreciative, peaceful, calm, serene, . . . love, affection, collegiality or experience any other emotion.

  It’s not that I don’t have emotions or the lack of when should. The truth is that feelings don’t come from outside. They come from within.

  I decide to be angry or calm, or any other emotions. I would be a fool to believe otherwise. Once upon a time I bamboozled myself with thinking people and circumstance caused emotion.

  Am I saying emotions per se are bad, sinful? No! Several Scriptural examples:

·         “Be angry without sinning. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the devil any opportunity to work.” GW Eph.4:26-27

·         “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” ESV Jam.1:19-20

·         “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled, but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” MKJV Heb.13:4

·         “Jesus went into the temple courtyard and threw out everyone who was buying and selling there. He overturned the moneychangers' tables and the chairs of those who sold pigeons.” GW Mt.21:12 (Jesus did so calmly or angrily.)

·         “Jesus wept.” GW Jn.11:35

  What I am saying is we alone decide what, when, where, and how we act out emotions.

  To credit others with making us angry or serene et al is irresponsibly not following the divine expression of the Word living (Jn.1:1) and the word written (Ps.119: 1-176; Col.1:5; 1:25; 2Tim.3:16-17).

  Such blame-shifting immature behavior on the part of God’s John 1:12 sons and daughters is bondage to emotions. Though His freedom is constantly available, bondage to an emotion(s) in blaming others makes “free indeed” (Jn.8:36) non-functional in individual and/or group life.

  2Timothy 3:6-7 describes such silly people; forever studying and learning but because they’re controlled by their emotions; angst and its companion stress is their lot contrary to “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (ESV Gal.5)

  Please consider this day the importance of our, not others, being responsible for our emotions.

EBB4

KUBLER-ROSS OR GOD'S TRUTH

KUBLER-ROSS OR GOD’S TRUTH

Monday, March 02, 2015

  In the Lord’s prayer in John 17, Jesus said to His Father “Sanctify them through Your truth. Your Word is truth.” (vs.17) “To sanctify means commonly to make holy, that is, to separate from the world and consecrate to God.” ISBE (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

  Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, psychiatrist, is trusted world-renowned leader and authority on death and dying, and has written and spoken on the topic. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubler-Ross )

  Sovereign God, Creator and Sustainer, much earlier wrote a book including considerable information on the subject.

  Who’s writings shall we trust in and rely on?

  Ann Campbell and I began dating exclusively when she was 15. She was 19 when we married. Ann Campbell Bullock departed this world November the 12^th, 2011 after 2 years of terminal illness. She died as she lived, sanctified, in our Lord’s service.

   In the weeks following Ann’s departure 3 compassionate experts gave me unsolicited counsel. A retired hospital/hospice chaplain, a Lutheran minister I encountered, plus my personal physician.

  All three sounded like Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, telling me I would experience:

·         Shock – with WHYS & IFS??

·         Denial – This can’t be true!

·         Anger – At God or medical professionals or even Ann.

·         Bargaining – Trying to make sense of answers to WHYS & IFS.

·         Loneliness/Depression – Numbness, “A Basket case.”

·         Regret/Shame – Coulda . . . Shoulda . . . Woulda!

·         Acceptance – They are gone and not coming back.

  Other than acceptance it didn’t happen that way. Indeed I was saddened but not depressed, alone missing Ann but not lonely.

  Why not?

  Simply because I’m a Christian, going to heaven? No, because being a redeemed person is not automatically the same as living a reconciled life for God. In John 3:3 we are told we see differently; beyond acceptance of death, in God’s Word there is provision for sanctification of those left behind:

1.     Knowing Jesus’ identity, who and what He is. In Matthew 16:15 Jesus asked His followers “But who do you say I am?” Until they truly saw who He is they viewed life thru unregenerate eyes. (Peter, Lk.22:32-34, 54-62; Jn.21:14-17; Thomas, Jn.20:24-31)

My identity is in and by Jesus. Because of Him I see life differently. Jn.3:3; 2Cor.5:17-21

Jesus gives me present and eternal purpose in living. Eccl.12:23-14; Jn.10:10; 2Cor.14-15

Jesus is my Lord! John 20:28; Gal.2:20

Jesus is before all things, and by Him all things consist. Col.1:17

Jesus is the only true Redeemer. Rom.12:1-2

Jesus is the sin-bearer, taking away my burden of guilt. 1Pet.2:24

Jesus is the King of Kings deserving all honor and worship. Rom.12:1-3; Rev.1:5-7

Jesus is the true Shepherd, my shepherd. Jn.10:11; Heb.13:5, 20

Jesus is my peace. Phil.4:6-7; 2Tim.1:7

In Jesus alone I find true freedom. Jn.8:34-36; Gal.5:1

Jesus has made me acceptable to God. Rom.4:16-25; Eph.1:6

In Jesus I can rejoice in all events whether happy or sad. Jn.15:9-11

Jesus is my mediator. Rom.8:32-35; 1Tim.2:5; Heb.7:25

Jesus is my defender. Rom.12:19

Jesus is my hope. Col.1:27; 1Thes.1:3; 1Pet.1:3

Jesus alone makes me pure. Phil.3:8-9

Jesus is that provides for my abundant life (as opposed to loneliness and despair). Jn.10:10

Jesus is my main motivator. 2Cor.5:14-15; Col.2:13

Jesus is my perfect example. Jn.13:12-17

Jesus is my source of strength. Phil.4:13

Jesus is my dearest most important friend. Jn.15:15; Rev.3:20

Jesus is my comforter. Mt.11:28-30

Jesus provides true satisfaction as opposed to dryness without Him. Jn.4:13-14

Jesus provides light in this dark world. Jn.8:12

Jesus provides clear focus. Heb.3:1

Jesus provides confidence in all circumstance. Rom.8:13-17; 2Tim.1:6-9; Heb.4:16

Jesus will never leave nor forsake His brethren. Heb.13:5

Jesus is The One! 1Cor.1:25-31

2.     Knowing who we are; our identity in Christ; accepted, secure, and significant.

	I am accepted...
John 1:12	I am God's child.
John 15:15	As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1	I have been justified.
1 Corinthians  6:17	I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20	I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27	I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8	I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14	I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10	I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16	I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
	I am secure...
Romans 8:1-2	I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28	I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39	I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22	I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4	I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6	I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20	I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7	I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18	I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
	I am significant...
John 15:5	I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16	I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16	I am God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21	I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6	I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10	I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12	I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13	I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

3.     As believers understanding and accepting our in-Christ identity above all others; snowing why we are here and living accordingly.

After years of life-experience, Solomon concluded “Words of wisdom are like the stick a farmer uses to make animals move. These sayings come from God, our only shepherd, and they are like nails that fasten things together. My child, I warn you to stay away from any teachings except these. There is no end to books, and too much study will wear you out. Everything you were taught can be put into a few words: Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about. God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad.“  Ecclesiastes CEV 12:11-14

  I condemn no one in this. I do however share that if we aren’t secure in our identity as God’s children, in distress we suffer identity crisis. (Who am I without Ann?!!) If we don’t focus on our purpose for being here, the alternative is to center on and define our life by events disastrous and delightful.

  Beware not trusting God’s Word, His truth for sanctification in all circumstance whether sad or happy; otherwise we default to worldly philosophy and emotional drama.

  Live God’s way, live free! (Jn.8:32, 36)

Edwin Bennett Bullock 4^th (EBB4) 

PS. Feel free to contact me at ebullock4th@cox.net if you have any further questions.

APPROVAL: PROPERLY HELD DOCTRINE

APPROVAL: PROPERLY HELD DOCTRINE

Sunday, March 01, 2015

John 3:1-21

  Jesus responded to Nicodemus “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not know these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, We speak what we know and testify what we have seen. And you do not receive our witness. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how shall you believe if I tell you heavenly things?”

  Were he alive today, Nicodemus name would have had many letters behind it, for he was a very learned man, an important prominent religious and political leader, and an imminent teacher of others. His lettered credentials were not however enough to meet the Lord’s approval.

  2Timothy 2:15 study unto living with God’s approval is not simply a matter of what may be commonly accepted and respected education through seminary, denomination, college, or university. It is an individual personal responsibility; a reliance that is “more noble” (Acts 17:11; Gr. higher in ranking), than unthinking dependence of formal and/or familial education.

  Nicodemus, though an erudite man, was publically personally challenged by Jesus the carpenter for relying on ingrained education in opposition to the Word. Reviewing John 3:1-21 I see:

·         Without spiritual rebirth it is impossible for man to properly understand life and death.

·         Without spiritual rebirth we cannot have the mind that Paul tells of. (1Cor.2:15-16; 2Tim.1:7)

·         Without spiritual rebirth there is no hope of proper thinking aligned with the mind of God.

·         Proper religion is not only physical.

·         Without spiritual rebirth God’s man cannot properly participate in His kingdom now or forever. (Read Mt.7:23 in context.)

·         Though publically recognized for some mastery . . . get over it, get beyond it, depend on the Omniscient Word! (Jn.1:1; logos.)

·         Without spiritual rebirth we easily misunderstand decision making. (Muslims are Muslims because they are born in Muslim culture. Christians are Christian because they are born in a Christian culture. Americans are free. Et al)

·         Without spiritual rebirth we easily improperly relate our thinking to worldly criteria in opposition to thinking in heavenly ways.

·         Did you really personally study Scripture? If you had, you would have seen Me. (Much of what Jesus said during His ministry here is from the Old Testament.)

·         You need not continuing looking forward to the Messiah, I am Him . . . trust me, live now!

·         Until you are born again, just as with all men you remain dead in sin.

·         When born again through trusting Me, you will never perish, with eternal life now and forever.

·         Men never have God’s redemption on their own standing; our charity, good works, morality.

·         Men reject light, redemption, because they prefer, love, darkness (Gr. Shadiness/obscurity).

·         If we are really interested in the truth, we are openly so. (Closet Christian or Rom.10:9-11?)

  But what of Nicodemus’ credentials after his visit with Jesus?

  Later he defended Jesus in a meeting with the other Sanhedrin discussing what to do about the Jesus problem. But he did so in careful timid “by night” manner, only bringing out point of Jewish law. (Jn.7:50-52)

  Then after the crucifixion Nicodemus left the shadows and made a very public statement as to where he stood with Jesus. (Jn.19:39)

  And what of us in this era of cracked pulpits, Hollywood, TV, literary, water cooler and barstool mythology? How do we sound? (2Tim.2:1-4; Tit.2:18)  EBB4