BEGINNING WITH DEATH: TWO TRACKS

BEGINNING WITH DEATH: TWO TRACKS

Monday, January 08, 2018

Jesus said …

   Matthew [MKJV] 7:13-14 Go in through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who go in through it. Because narrow is the gate and constricted is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

   John 3:14-18 … even as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness [Numbers 21:1-9], even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes on Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.

   John 14:1-12 Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, so that where I am, you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know. Thomas said to Him, Lord, we do not know where You go, and how can we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. And from now on you know Him and have seen Him. Philip said to Him, Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us. Jesus said to him, Have I been with you such a long time and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father. And how do you say, Show us the Father? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? The Words that I speak to you I do not speak of Myself, but the Father who dwells in Me, He does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the very works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, He who believes on Me, the works that I do he shall do also, and greater works than these he shall do, because I go to My Father.

  Please understand that in traveling toward death’s beginning there are two tracks. One is “condemned already”. Individuals on this track will remain so into continual separation from God and eternal damnation unless they personally commit to trusting Lord Jesus Christ. God makes this quite plain in His message to us. (Jn.3:3, 18; Act.4:10-12)

  Jesus is the only alternative track providing free travel now (Jn.8:36) and leading to forever voyaging with El Shaddai by whom we all exist. (Jn.1:3; Eph.3:9; Col.1:16; Heb.1:2; Rev.4:11)

  There are those that have already made the decision to trust Lord Jesus Christ and enjoy the benefits of being His as they pass thru life’s happy and sad stations. But there are those that remain chugging along on the “condemned already” track. Knowing that none of us knows what lies beyond the next crosstie, with the less-than-remote possibility that it may be death, I pray they will react to God’s warning call and switch to the ultimate traveling companion, Jesus. 

EBB4 

BEGINNING WITH DEATH: DEATH IS?

BEGINNING WITH DEATH: DEATH IS?

Sunday, January 07, 2018

   John [GW] 3:1-18 Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish council. He came to Jesus one night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that God has sent you as a teacher. No one can perform the miracles you perform unless God is with him." Jesus replied to Nicodemus, "I can guarantee this truth: No one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." Nicodemus asked him, "How can anyone be born when he's an old man? He can't go back inside his mother a second time to be born, can he?" Jesus answered Nicodemus, "I can guarantee this truth: No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Flesh and blood give birth to flesh and blood, but the Spirit gives birth to things that are spiritual. Don't be surprised when I tell you that all of you must be born from above. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you don't know where the wind comes from or where it's going. That's the way it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

Nicodemus replied, "How can that be?" Jesus told Nicodemus, "You're a well-known teacher of Israel. Can't you understand this? I can guarantee this truth: We know what we're talking about, and we confirm what we've seen. Yet, you don't accept our message. If you don't believe me when I tell you about things on earth, how will you believe me when I tell you about things in heaven? No one has gone to heaven except the Son of Man, who came from heaven. "As Moses lifted up the snake on a pole in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up. Then everyone who believes in him will have eternal life." God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save the world. Those who believe in him won't be condemned. But those who don't believe are already condemned because they don't believe in God's only Son.

   Ephesians 4:17-18 So I tell you and encourage you in the Lord's name not to live any longer like other people in the world. Their minds are set on worthless things. They can't understand because they are in the dark. They are excluded from the life that God approves of because of their ignorance and stubbornness.

  Physical death is separation from our soul.

  Comparatively speaking, physical death is minor, and except for possible translation (Gen.5:24; Heb.11:5; 2Kings 2:11) or the rapture (1Cor.15:50-54; 1Thes.4:13-18). Beginning with Adam (Rom.5:12) we all die physically (Heb.9:27a).

  Utmost serious is spiritual death; eternal partition of the soul from God, people not opting out of “condemned already” (Jn.3:18).

  At any rate there is finality to both: “… (1.) it is appointed unto men once to die, (2.) but after this the judgment:” (Heb.9:27)

  Death is separation from our body, physical death unavoidably inevitable, but eternal spiritual separation from God need not be, for “… Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Heb.9:28)

  Be prepared. 

EBB4

ENCOURAGING INVESTMENT

ENCOURAGING INVESTMENT – A Periodic Review

Friday, January 05, 2018

Genesis 2:7-9, 15-17; 3:2-7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. … And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. … Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

  We read “… if you have any words of encouragement for the people, feel free to speak." And it was given and the people were pleased with the encouragement it brought them. (GW Act.13:15; 15:31)

  Today in reading the above in The Book of Acts and other NT passages about giving and receiving encouragement I am once again reminded that the practice of receiving and giving support is a matter of attitude and at times requires a humble disciplined determined manner; we being bombarded by discouraging and encouraging news necessitating exercising free will to choose our personal book of acts.

  Among the things I heard and experienced I’ve chosen to share:

·         The delightful discovery that my precious 2 year old greatgranddaughter Sapphire’s favorite song is “Down to the river”. https://www.yahoo.com/music/video/down-river-pray-live-010303386.html

·         There are corrections officers that actually practice improvement beyond enforcement of rules. My wonderful son-n-law Tom for one. And then there is the good report I recently received of a female CO that entered a cell, work order in hand, but politely asked offender’s permission to search his cell. The offender returned expecting the usual tossup, but found his bed remade better than was, clothing neatly folded, and personal items organized. This uniformed lady not only is an edifying encourager, she obviously doesn’t see her employment as work, but as a place of service.

·         Pastor Paul Marine has experienced many unpleasant events culminating with his resignation. Saturday evening potluck farewell celebration was a crowded upbeat affair. Ending almost 20 years shepherding at Benson Baptist he continued his role as encourager by using his musical talents and exhorting the congregants to then publically share joyful memories. They did so.

·         Presently being a non-driver, yesterday wonderful son-n-law John and buoyant daughter Dawn transported me to Christ Community Church to participate in singing and hearing Pastor Mark Ashton teach on Simply Jesus. I was delighted to be reminded of familiar knowledge and discover that 5 times in the first 5 chapters of the Gospel of John Jesus is better than water.

  Have I, do I invest in encouraging you?

  Have you, do you empower others by encouraging them?

  Are we encouragers, godly edifiers emulating Lord Jesus Christ?

  Is Romans 12:1-3 our personal portfolio with verse 8 in our daily walk in the midst of the knowledge of good and evil?  

EBB4 (Feb. 2016)

A JARRING EXPERIENCE

A JARRING EXPERIENCE

Thursday, January 04, 2018

1Thessalonians 5:16-19 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. [Heb.13:15]

“1Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks - For this reason, that all things work together for good to them that love God; therefore, every occurrence may be a subject of gratitude and thankfulness. While ye live to God, prosperity and adversity will be equally helpful to you. For this is the will of God - That ye should be always happy; that ye should ever be in the spirit of prayer; and that ye should profit by every occurrence in life, and be continually grateful and obedient; for gratitude and obedience are inseparably connected.” (Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible) [Rom.8:28]

  “The American Psychological Association’s 2017 annual Stress in America survey reports that ‘compared to last year, Americans are more likely to report symptoms of stress, which include anxiety, anger, and fatigue.’” (OW-H today)

  In recent DTs I’ve shared God’s provision for prevention of and relief from stress. (Psalm 1; Psalm 119; Proverbs 23:7; Romans 12:1-3; 1Peter 5:6-7; 1Thessalonians 5:18; Philippians 4:6-9; And the complete Serenity Prayer.) All of God’s provision are not simply facilitated by an “I believe that.” They take spiritual, mental, emotional, sometimes bodily exercise. Possibly using pen and paper to record our attitude.

  Sam and Emily believe unto the exercise thereof: “Emily and I spent every Saturday in 2017 writing down one thing we were thankful for that week (with a few extra snuck in for good measure). One year later, we get the amazing privilege of reliving 73 genuinely fantastic reasons to be grateful. What a way to spend the waning moments of 2017 and welcome 2018! We’ll definitely have to do it again this year.”

  Their report on Facebook is accompanied by photos of the large glass jar containing thankful notes.

  Anyone else want to experience the jarring experience of weekly recording and year-end reviewing of thankfulness?

EBB4

OPTIMIZING SERENITY

OPTIMIZING SERENITY

Wednesday, January 03, 2018

Philippians [ESV] chapter 3 [Paul said] … Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. … [Also note Mt.5:48]

  Due to our and others’ nature and this chaotic world we cannot individually or collegiately regain the wholeness of Adam and Eve in the garden in Eden. We can however live according to God’s guidance and thereby optimize serenity allowing us not only the utmost degree of individual and/or group peace, but the highest personal wholeness that enables us to serve God and others in our most functional mature manner. Though 82 in a few days and “in Christ” for 55+ years, I am definitely not the man I was, but I do know I have not yet attained the possible fullness. As with Paul, my race continues.

  Again I share the application verses that continue to improve me. Psalm 1; Psalm 119; Proverbs 23:7; Romans 12:1-3; 1Peter 5:6-7; 1Thessalonians 5:18; Philippians 4:6-9; And the complete Serenity Prayer.

  After initial deliverance from self in this area I was taught preservation in maintenance. Maintenance being not waiting until needy or in crisis, but to often “think on these things”. (Phil.4:8)

  Today I add the helpful matter of imitation. An enlightening confronting lesson coming not from a Bible preacher or teacher, but from a grumpy argumentative agnostic.

  It was break time. Coworkers were bemoaning and discussing stress. Grumpy, himself a stressor for many quietly listened and then said we all were a “crock”. From personal; experience and continuing observation he went on to explain. It went something like this ….

  Put a mixed group of 100 in an area. Different sexes, ages, education levels et al. Train, equip and give them each the same exact tasked responsibility. Upon observation and conversation you will find:

1.       Some are delighted.

2.       Some are bored.

3.       Some are simply calmly doing the requested.

4.       Some are stressed.

5.       Some are exceedingly stressed.

  Grumpy then made the point that personality on any given day is the deciding factor when it comes to stressed or non-stressed living. Hearing his words, some obviously became stressed and defensive. Afterward I pondered his lesson. I admitted that always seeking comfortable environment only enables escaping needed change in self. Then I was reminded of Philippians 3:17, leaving me with the question “Who am I imitating?”

EBB4

  

THE DISTRACTION OF NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

THE DISTRACTION OF NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

Tuesday, January 02, 2018

   Matthew [GW] 5:33-37 [Jesus explained] "You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, 'Never break your oath, but give to the Lord what you swore in an oath to give him.' But I tell you don't swear an oath at all. Don't swear an oath by heaven, which is God's throne, or by the earth, which is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, which is the city of the great King. And don't swear an oath by your head. After all, you cannot make one hair black or white. Simply say yes or no. Anything more than that comes from the evil one.

   Romans 7:18-25 [Apostle Paul wrote] I know that nothing good lives in me; that is, nothing good lives in my corrupt nature. Although I have the desire to do what is right, I don't do it. I don't do the good I want to do. Instead, I do the evil that I don't want to do. Now, when I do what I don't want to do, I am no longer the one who is doing it. Sin that lives in me is doing it. So I've discovered this truth: Evil is present with me even when I want to do what God's standards say is good. I take pleasure in God's standards in my inner being. However, I see a different standard at work throughout my body. It is at war with the standards my mind sets and tries to take me captive to sin's standards which still exist throughout my body. What a miserable person I am! Who will rescue me from my dying body? I thank God that our Lord Jesus Christ rescues me! So I am obedient to God's standards with my mind, but I am obedient to sin's standards with my corrupt nature.

  Resolutions make for great material for comedians, but for many people they’re not a laughing matter. Failing at resolution can produce guilt, disgust, discouragement [rob of courage, leaving fearful], or even despair.

  How many resolutions are made for good reasons, but not the most important reason?

  To illustrate, let’s consider what is probably the most common oath taken every year: “I’m going to lose weight this year.” Or more clearly defined “I’m going to lose XX pounds this year.” Or the even yet more defined, “I’m going to lose XX pounds a month for the next 12 months.”

  Losing weight is certainly a healthy goal for many of us Americans, but for what reason, to what gain?

  Are our resolutions based in our ego-centric corrupt nature or the standards of Romans 12:1-3?

I don’t like the way I look.

I’m tired of wardrobe problem.

The way I’m going the only thing I won’t have to donate to the thrift store is my knit hat.

I want to be able to _________ again.

My weight is affecting my sex life.

People make fun of me.

Compared to me, all my family and friends are trim.

I’ve got GERD, hypertension, bad cholesterol, diabetes...

I huff and puff and tire too easily.

After eating I have difficulty staying awake.

And then there’s _______________________________.

 

  Or is our resolve primarily spiritually gathered from God’s Word in the desire to honor, glorify, and please our King? If not, we continue to live a distracted life . . . with resolutions doing no more than adding to the stress and confusion.

  Let us beware of the distracting disturbance of oaths made but not kept.

  Let our word sincerely be, Yes, yes; No, no; for anything is more than this is devilish says our Lord.  EBB4

GARLAND'S INQUIRY

January 1, 2018

  I’m delighted when I’m questioned. For questions help us sharpen one another. This morning is no different as I received the following inquiry from Garland: “Your title implies you have determined that FIRST BORN is not the same FIRSTBORN.  Forgive my ignorance and/or also my ineptitude (laziness), but I do not draw any such conclusion from "reading* Colossians 1:1-20.  Can you please enlighten me? (Perhaps you'll advise me to read all of those other references???)
Thank you,
Garland”

+++

Garland,

  Thank you for your inquiry. Inquiries from one person or a few out of many are important for if one person wonders, I assume as a matter of education and experience others also do. So, in responding to your question I’m writing today’s DT to explain to readers and studiers that may be puzzled. 

  First, to reiterate the central topic of 12/31/17 DT, NOT THE FIRST BORN, FIRSTBORN: There are those teaching God created Jesus as He did the first 2 beings. Though born of a woman, the person of Christ is eternal, He not being generated by God as was Adam, but always being He became Incarnate. The many Bible references I gave yesterday are proof verses of Jesus eternality; Christ not having beginning of days or end of life, He being existent and ever-ongoing. Please note the real life example in Hebrews 7:1-3.

  Secondly, on the question: “firstborn” is 117 times in 100 verses (KJV). Biblically, and continued formally or informally in many cultures. The firstborn being the one endowed with birthright(s) . . . including authority. Genesis 25:28-34 is a memorable example. Gen.33:33 is also noteworthy to ponder.

  Reading and pondering Colossians chapter one we see Jesus is not a person created as was Adam, nor a man who became God incarnate. Nor is Jesus simply the first born among his siblings. Jesus is God Incarnate, God’s Son, Eternal Creator and Sustainer, God’s (Jn.3:16) firstborn . . . by His Sovereign Father having authority over “all things”!

  I leave you this morning with a few applicable verses to consider.

   Ephesians 1:22; 3:9 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, … And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

   Colossians 1:15-18 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

EBB4