Responses to the Christmas question

CHRISTMAS QUESTION

On Monday, December 04, 2017 I posed the question “Is it possible to have authentic Christmas without personal resurrection?”

Responses as of Friday, December 08, 2017:

Several “Nope” or “No” sans any explanation as to why the responders believes so.

Jim wrote: Ed, "Authentic Christmas" without personal resurrection would mean your Christmas would be secular Xmas. On the other hand, I'm not sure what you mean by "personal resurrection" unless you are referring to being dead to sin and then being spiritually resurrected.   [I do. Jn.3:3; Eph.2:1-10]

Patty wrote: Good question, I’m not sure but I think that celebrating Christmas may lead to personal resurrection. Especially if we are talking about Jesus during the Christmas season.

Al wrote: Well our Lord Himself was resurrected and one day we also will be resurrected physically.  At this present time we have been resurrected in a newness of life but not yet bodily. Without faith it is impossible to please him [Heb.11:6], so in order for one to have an authentic Christmas one must have faith that Jesus Christ personally came here in the flesh. That He came for us by name as an individual and He shed his blood for the remission of our sins, He was crucified, He was raised from the dead, He ascended into heaven and is coming back for us one day. I say one can celebrate Christmas as a holiday, but without a genuine belief that Christ resurrected from the dead there is no true Christmas.

Summarizing responses from several others; Without John 3:3 rebirth and the resultant “mind of Christ” (1Cor.2:1-16) we cannot spiritually clearly see the kingdom or King Jesus. Consequently those without personal resurrection celebrate a cultural Christmas sans trusting belief in the Word living (Jesus) and written (The Bible).  

One punster said without personal John 3:3 rebirth with its enlightened sight it is like worshipping an orange when you’ve never really seen or tasted one.

One referred to John 14:1-6  "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?"  Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

  Let us prepare for Christmas in and by the Light of the World, He far more illuminating that all the tinseled twinkles put together.

EBB4

MY SHIFTING PEARL HARBOR WATERS

MY SHIFTING PEARL HARBOR WATERS

Thursday, December 07, 2017

James 3:11-13 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

    I well remember Evergreen Avenue on that “day of infamy”. Clusters of neighbors outside their homes weeping, confused, angrily discussing the horrific Pearl Harbor surprise attack in hushed tones as we children strained to get closer to hear, but were shushed away. It was not a secret very long as starred banners, a few golden, began appearing in windows and our schoolteachers began collecting for War Bonds every morning after Bible reading and prayers. The neighborhood became more matriarchal as the men enlisted or were drafted. Women became replacement workers for jobs vacated by men. We children did our part gathering scrap metal and other needed materials. Though definitely not from my family, for they taught against hatred, I also learned to despise “The dirty slant-eye Japs!” It was through a cultural campaign by the government with involvement of the entertainment industry. Saturday morning movie time included hate propaganda cartoons for we little boys and girls. We boys argued over who would be the Japs in our war games.

  Then being a natural fellow without personal resurrection (Jn.3:3; Eph.2:1-10) I gleefully embraced the rancor dear to unregenerate men; I hoped our military forces would totally annihilate the Japanese nation. (However, as with most Americans, to only conquer and correct the Germans and Italians and our other white enemies.) After surrender when American forces occupied Japan, I, along with many others resented General MacArthur’s compassion in rebuilding their nation.

  After trusting Lord Jesus Christ and beginning to follow Him, malice diminished as His love displaced it. For this I thank Him this December 7^th memorial day.

EBB4

WARDROBE WISDOM

WARDROBE WISDOM

Wednesday, December 06, 2017

James [ESV] wrote: … let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. …

  There are those that interpret James 1:5 as finding God’s will in the multitude of everyday decisions, some telling me application is right down to deciding the colors of the day’s attire including tie or scarf and the pattern thereof. In James epistle and the whole counsel of God this is not the message. Nor is it my shared thought this morning as I dressed for a doctor’s appointment, doing a few errands after, and talking with a skilled craftsman later today.

  Reading verse 5 in context we see James is reiterating an overarching wisdom of living a godly life. Jesus spoke of this, saying we are to trust one master, “… Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.“(Mt.6 & Lk.12)

  Paul illustrated this truth in a different way, writing of the spiritual wardrobe the followers of Christ should be clad in. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.“ (Eph.6:10-20)  Now, what shall I wear today?

EBB4

CHRISTMAS QUESTION

CHRISTMAS QUESTION

Monday, December 04, 2017

Is it possible to have authentic Christmas without personal resurrection?

EBB4

WHO IS GOD?

Dear fellow travelers.

  I say “Merry Christmas”, also accepting that that this for many is a holiday season, and I pray they are happy within. I begin the season with sharing a past DT lest we forget Christmas, though transition time for many, is existent for Christians. Please do read on, look up the Bible references, contemplate what they tell us about God.

EBB4

WHO IS GOD?

Monday, February 22, 2016

  Cousin Tonda dwells 1300 miles, 2091.7 kilometers from Omaha NE. Though we have never physically met, we are dual family: Genealogical cousins, Biblical siblings. Friday she entitled me as one of 3 participants in her seminary assignment due on February 28^th. “Who is God? Your answer could be short or long … on point or way off topic. My project is to simply record or write-down your answer.”

  Number 1 point the short answer leading the longer list:

1.                   God is Jehovah, absolute Sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all existed, existent, and ever shall be.

  Now my favored way of answering; from researched files:

2.                   God is Creator. Gen.1:1; Isa.42:5; Jn.1:3-4; Col.1:16.

3.                   God is Sustainer. Col.1:17; Heb.1:3.

4.                   God implements and accomplishes His eternal plan. Eph.1:11.

5.                   God alone truly redeems. Gal.3:13-14; 4:5; Eph.2:8-9.

6.                   God draws all people to His Son. Jn.6:44.

7.                   God disciplines His family. Pr.3:12; Heb.12:6.

8.                   God will judge the world. Rev.20:11-15.

9.                   God is apparent, observable in all things. Ps.14:1; Rom.1:20.

10.               God never attempts to prove His existence. Gen.1:1; Ex.3:14 “IAM that I AM”.

11.               God is not like man. Ps.50:21.

12.               God is spirit. Jn.4:24.

13.               God is One, but exists in 3 Persons. Mt.3:16-17; 28:19; Jn.14:16-17, 26 ;  2 Cor.13:14 ; 1 Jn.5:7-8 ; 1 Pet.1:2.

14.               God is infinite. 1Tim.1:17.

15.               God is incomparable. 2Sam.7:22.

16.               God is immutable. Mal.3:6; Heb.6:18.

17.               God is Omnipresent. Ps.139:6-16.

18.               God is Omniscient. Ps.147:5; Isa.40:28

19.               God is Omnipotent. Eph.1:22; Rev.19:6, 19.

20.               God is Logos, the Word. Jn.1:1.

21.               God became incarnate. Jn.1:14; Rom.8:3; Gal.4:4; Eph.2:5-9; Phil.2:6-8.

22.               God incarnate is the only true bridge. Jn.14:6; Col.2:9; 1Tim.2:5.

23.               God alone completely forgives. Ps.103:12; Eph.1:7.

24.               God is the absolute Reconciler. Jn.15:15; Rom.5:8, 10.

25.               God provides present eternal salvation. 2Tim.2:10 (Insufficient space for all. Available upon request.)

26.               God is just. Act.17:31; 1Pet.4:19.

27.               God is love. Eph.2:4-5; 1Jn.4:8, 16.

28.               God is truthful. Jn.14:6.

29.               God is holy. Ps.99:9; 1Jn.1:5.

30.               God is compassionate. 2Cor.1:3.

31.               God is mercy. Rom.9:15.

32.               God is grace. Rom.5:17.

33.               God judges sin. Ps.5:5.

34.               God offers forgiveness. Ps.130:4; 1Jn.1:9.

  This listing is not only for cousin Tonda’s schooling. Please save for when you are questioned “Who is God?” by family, neighbor, coworker, or stranger.

EBB4

RETHINKING FAITH: FINAL OUTCOMES VARY

RETHINKING FAITH: FINAL OUTCOMES VARY

Friday, December 1, 2017

Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. … But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

   Continuing on rethinking faith, I quote from one of the provocative books I’m presently reading and recommend: “The outcomes of living by faith vary considerably. Consider the outcomes of faith for the first three heroes of faith celebrated in Hebrews 11. Abel believed God, and he died; Enoch believed God, and he did not die; Noah believed God, and everybody else died! Though their outcomes differed, they all pleased God by living by faith, and he rewarded that faith in him not by success as this world defines it, but by giving them eternal bliss in his presence.”  Page 18, paragraph 1 of FINDING THE WILL OF GOD, A Pagan Notion? By Bruce K. Waltke ISBN 978-0-8028-7267-8

EBB4

RETHINKING FAITH AND GOLIATH

RETHINKING FAITH AND GOLIATH

Thursday, November 30, 2017

   Daniel [MKJV] 3:14-18 [King] Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said to them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? Do you not serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Now if you are ready, at the time you hear the sound of the horn, the pipe, zither, the lyre, harp, and bagpipe, and all kinds of music, fall down and worship the image which I have made. But if you do not worship, in that moment you shall be thrown into the middle of a burning fiery furnace. And who is that god who shall deliver you out of my hand? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to return a word to you on this matter. If it is so that our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, then He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods nor worship the golden image which you have set up.

  One of my and many others favorite Bible story is David versus Goliath. Though not a church or Sunday school family, public school being quite different there and then, I knew it well. We schoolboys even acted out until I bloodily stoned a classmate’s eyebrow with stern lecture and punishment as quick result.

  But how was the Davidic story then taught? How now is it taught? Correctly, limiting or even excluding the core truth of the matter? The gist of the tale being that little us can in faith go up against life’s meany giants and they will fall. Goliath did. But suppose the flung stone had glanced off Goliath’s helmet and he had crushed David? Would it have changed the most important part of the account?

  In relationship to the whole counsel of God, the Word living and written, what is the core truth in the account? Stepping out on faith and generating magnificent results? No, Goliath’s demise and resultant victory is not the central lesson. Looking beyond stone throwing edifies. What I today am writing may go against all that you’ve been taught outside of or in church.

  It is David’s faith, not results, that mattered above all else. (1Sam.13:14; Ps.138:1; Act.13:22)

  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego with their clarifying declaration of God is able to deliver if it is His will, He may. But if not we will remain faithful to Him. (Dan.3:1-30)

  The leper’s faith with his “if you will” exemplified this. (Mt.8:1-3)

  The centurion’s faith manifested this. (Mt.8:5-10)

  Hebrews 11 tells us that investment here and now does not necessarily produce expected results. It is regardless faith that matters above all else. (Heb.11:6)

  Living in faith sans overwhelming discouragement requires believing, accepting, applying faith uninfluenced by immediate expectations or lack thereof is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by such faith the people of old received their commendation and so shall we. Without such faith we cannot please, truly worship, God. (Rom.12:1-3; Heb.11:6)

EBB4