RECOGNIZING PAGANISM

RECOGNIZING PAGANISM

Friday, March 13, 2020



  Exodus 20:3 You shall have no other gods before Me.

  John 1:1-10; 3:16-21 In the beginning [Gen.1:1] was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it. There was a man sent from God; his name was John. This one came as a witness, to bear witness concerning the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. He was the true Light; He enlightens every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and the world did not know Him. … 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. And this is the condemnation, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the Light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who practices truth comes to the Light so that his works may be revealed, that they exist, having been worked in God.



  As a commandment accompanying by warning, Exodus 20:3 is no less applicable in importance today than it was when first published some 3,500 years ago.

  Paganism is polytheistic worship; the doctrine and practice of multiple objects of worship. Though paganism may be deemed by some as “irreligious”, it is very much religion.

  Religion is often public media defined in denominational terms, and/or having to do with ceremonial observance. True, but it is limited definition, for religion is any set of beliefs resulting in attitude that produces our actions. In actuality, every man lives religiously, whether Christian or not, affiliated with church or denomination or of “recognized religion or faith” or not.

  What we believe is our god; evidenced by how we live.

  Christians are to be tolerant, patient. In the last decades political tolerance has been urged. Gradually it developed into TOLERANCE LARGE; a politically correct insistence that there is no exceptional truth; that no culture has anything more superior to offer than does any other culture.

  It wasn’t long before “tolerance” as catchword was replaced by “multiculturalism” and “pluralism”, becoming elevated to altar of worship both politically and in numerous religious circles, especially the groups believing in and practicing broad ecumenism and syncretism.

  Of late a number of political leaders have declared the ideas of multiculturalism and pluralism as failures. Britain’s prime minister, David Cameron, described the terrible duo as “passively tolerant society”, declaring it standing neutral between different values with no one being better than the others.

French president Nicholas Sarkozy announced that he considered the pair a failure. German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated “ … has failed, totally.”

  Though the above 3 nations are considered secularized, it is USA, the “Christian nation”, that is by leadership and media still holding to and very much propagating the pagan religion of multiculturalism and pluralism.

  But politically doing so is not the worst of it. When, contrary to God’s Word, the Bible, declared followers of Lord Jesus Christ believe in the paganism, it is most awful.

  Our King is preeminently superior to all others. His standard, The Word, for life eternal and present sojourning is extraordinarily sufficient. (2Tim.3:1-17; 2Pet.1:3) All else is mere paganism. 

EBB4

RECOGNIZING ADDICTION

RECOGNIZING ADDICTION

Thursday, March 12, 2020



Exodus MKJV 20:1  And God spoke all these words, saying, I am Jehovah your God, who has brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.

Revelation 2:1-7 … I know your works and your labor and your patience, and how you cannot bear those who are evil. And you tried those pretending to be apostles, and are not, and have found them liars. And you have borne, and have patience, and for My name's sake you have labored and have not fainted. But I have against you that you left your first love. Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and will remove your lampstand out of its place unless you repent. …



  It is said that addiction has many forms. For the Christian this is not true. For the believer addiction may have various faces, booze or drugs, bird watching or porn, gorging or grasping, loving lucre and consumerism, gossiping or grandstanding, griping or good works, and many more; but for the believer, addiction is under one heading; idolatry.

  Picture your life as it is: filled with many people and things, Jesus being one in the mix.

  Picture your heart of hearts as being a throne: Who or what is on that throne? Is Jesus The One?

  If not, we should recognize our addiction; idolatry: affection for another god(s). Said affection effecting every aspect of my and your life.

  The Word, though “addiction” was then yet to be a fashionable euphemism, pointed out idolatry in numerous instances.

  To illustrate, and for brevity’s sake, I chose the god of money.

  Jesus knew and associated with several wealthy people. To identify a few: Nicodemus (Jn.19:39), Joseph of Arimathea (Mt.27:57), Zacchaeus (Lk.19:1-10).

  And there was another that remains nameless unto this day, referred to by Jesus only as “a certain ruler”, a rich man that considered himself as one playing by God’s rules. Please note that as in Revelation 2:1-7, Jesus did not criticize commendable good works. He did however, as in Rev.2:1-7, speak to idolatry; first love; that which, by our personal submission, occupies the throne of our heart.

  Hear a word of related testimony in response to yesterday’s DT: “Good Morning Ed. Oh, how I can relate to this message this morning! The old saying, "been there, done that" fits this piece to a "T". The definition of addict in Webster's dictionary----one who is psychologically or physiologically dependent (as on a drug). My personal definition of addition----anything (person, place or thing) that keeps me from fulfilling God's gift in me! It is from my own "thinking" that I have allowed Satan to dance!! It is from my "own" actions and choices … Choices that are from God … must come from our hearts (spirits), where the Holy Spirit does live! Today, I am heart strong, instead of head strong! Knowledge and wisdom go hand in hand. Immaturity, selfishness; idolatry, will only keep Satan happy. Sacrificing, endured pain and suffering, rocky roads and storms are a part of life. How, we as "Christians" apply ourselves to God and others will be the end result of our salvation. Satan is just as real as Jesus! I do not think many people realize this concept and this is huge! It stabs my unconditional heart even thinking about those I love and how continued pain seems to stick around--due to their own choices from their own thinking and ignoring their heart. I will continue planting seeds of Jesus and giving the love I am intended to give, with or without permission! Amen? Yes, Amen. I love you both. Valarie Hall (IA)  PS. I am humbled to be "Addicted" to my father in heaven!”

  I close today’s thoughts with Scripture from one of the Apostle Paul’s letters to Timothy: “… godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and it is clear that we can carry nothing out. But having food and clothing, we will be content. But they who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which plunge men into destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all evils, of which some having lusted after, they were seduced from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life, to which you are also called and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.” (1Tim.6:1-12)

EBB4

CONCEPT OR PRECEPT?

RESPONDING WITH CONCEPT OR PRECEPT?

Wednesday, March 11, 2020



  Colossians [ESV] 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

  2Timothy 4:1-4 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.



  As professing Christians we are responsible to answer questions at any time comfortable or not. Considering my earliest John 3:3 born-again days and observing believers since, this is sometimes done too often with ideas instead truth grounded in God’s Word. Of course, this takes 2Timothy 2:15 diligence to first gain the answers for one’s self. Ah, but when are we asked many of the questions? Before we know the answers, that’s when!

  Here are some questions and discussion points to prepare for our work of Biblical conversation:

·         Are all religions pretty much the same? How or how not?

·         The Bible is God’s Word?

·         Are all gods God with different names?

·         Is there life after death?

·         How good do you need to be to get to heaven?

·         How bad do you have to be to go to hell?

·         What is the purpose of life?

·         What stresses you out most?

·         Where is relief from stress found?

·         What about God do you think is most interesting?

·         What about God do you say is most frightening?

·         What about God is most comforting?

·         What are you willing to give up that hinders your relationship with God?

·         Whom influences you most, God or people?

·         If God is good and just, why do bad things happen?

·         What now is the attitude of family and friends toward you?

·         Does God really forgive?

·         How does God forgive?

·         Are Christians to be judgmental?

·         Are Christians to ever judge?

·         Do friends see you as hypocritical?

·         Do others see you as unloving, selfish?

·         What are some doubts you had or still do wrestle with?

·         Can you believe in both science and God’s Word?

·         When someone asks if you believe the Bible is God’s Word, how do you respond?

·         If God isn’t the Creator then where did everything come from?

·         If Jesus visited your church how would you or others there react?

·         If Jesus visited you congregation what do you think He would say about it?

·         If Jesus visited your school what do you think He would say about it?

·         Is going to and participating in church important? Why?

·         When have you felt that God has failed you?

·         When have you felt you failed Him?

·         Does God primarily provide guidance or should we depend on Him to always in all ways be the Fixer?

·         What matters do you think are most important to pray for?

·         Which do you must depend on, God’s Word or experiences?

·         How do you react to gossip or criticism?

·         When and about what do you see as acceptable to confront a person or people?

·         What do you do after you’re told or discover a secret?

·         What does God want most from you?

·         What do you do when you’re caught lying, emulate Adam and Eve?

·         What words do you think God would use to describe you presently?

·         Your friend is being harassed or bullied , how do you react?

·         A stranger is being harassed or bullied, what do you do?

·         Family or friend ask you to cover (lie) for them, what do you do?

·         Describe a terrible time when you enjoyed God’s comfort.

·         What about you reflects Jesus to your family, friends, and acquaintances?

·         What do imagine heaven is like? Your info source?

·         If you could ask God any question and get a quick answer, what would it be?

·         Are answers/solutions to life problems provided in God’s Word?

·         Does God really provide answers?

·         Tell about a time(s) you forgave someone, and why.

·         If you could have one superpower for a day, how would you use it?

·         What is your favorite movie or story and why so?

·         What is something families and friends should do more of?

·         If you could, what would you change about the world?

·         Say one kind thing about persons you know.

·         What is your favorite thing to do with family and/or friends?

·         If you could know about the future, what would you choose to know?

·         Which Bible character would you treat to lunch?

·         What is the most beautiful thing told in Scripture?

·         What Bible character, other than Jesus, would you most like to be like?

·         If you had one last day what would you do?

·         When someone asked, how do you describe yourself?

·         What things are most important to you?

·         What do you most often think about?

·         How do you describe Jesus?

·         When asked, can you promptly give your Christian testimony?

EBB4

RECOGNIZING THE TRUE JEREMIAHS

RECOGNIZING THE TRUE JEREMIAHS

Tuesday, March 10, 20



  If there is any one verse in the Old Testament  I’ve seen often quoted it is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Understandable since it is a great comforting promise of God.  However, before God gave the above comforting words to Jeremiah, He gave a warning which I think we need to hear and learn.



Jeremiah 29:8-9 “For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the LORD.”



  What did these false prophets proclaim? Peace & deliverance (Chapters 14: 13-14, 28: 1-5).

  What did Jeremiah prophesy to the people of Israel? God’s judgment of their disobedience, of them forsaking God & worshiping other gods. Jeremiah prophesied destruction of Jerusalem, famine, war, pestilence, and God sending them to exile in Babylon. Jeremiah, likewise, called the people to repentance. The false prophets talked none of that.

   What can we learn from this? That we must be discerning. False prophets are in our midst. We must be discerning. Be careful listening to preachers preaching prosperity; how to be happy, how to live your best life now, those whose prayers focus so much of receiving material blessings. But rather listen to those preachers who call us to repentance, who would rebuke us of our sins, who preach the true gospel, of God’s love & judgment

Lordina Welch

DISCERNING LIFEPLACE

DISCERNING LIFEPLACE

Monday, March 9, 2020



1Corinthians 6:19-20; 7:23-24 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. … Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.



  “Listen to yourself and you’ll be surprised what you can learn, and you may not like what you hear.” is the gist of another of Grandmother Ida Mae McGee’s wise sayings. Another one of her loving adages that went not beyond auditory until maturation by and in the Word became reality.

  The Apostle Paul encourages personal examination to test as to whether we are true to the Word of Life. Grandmother’s exhortation prepared me for this exercise; our elders plant seeds that often lie dormant until the weather changes!

  At each refreshing shower or violent storm do I say “I am His, He is mine.” or “He is mine, I am His.”? There is a difference.

EBB4

O' TO BE HIS BOASTER!

O’ TO BE HIS BOASTER!

Friday, March 6, 2020



  Proverbs [GW] 4:23-24 Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it. Remove dishonesty from your mouth. Put deceptive speech far away from your lips.

  1Co 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I no longer used childish ways.



  I don’t know about all men’s youth, but me and my young pals exercised considerable braggadocio, it being common among boys (and girls?). We considered it great fun embroidering tales of our mighty feats and victories, some complete hyperbole, others pyramidal.

  Boasting about self is a sign of immaturity regardless of age, even when some pop psychotherapist deems it a useful method of building self-esteem. I didn’t even find truth in this as a boy forever fearing I’d be found out and ridiculed – hardly an esteem building exercise, eh what?

  And there’s the blessed maturity detailed in 1Corinthians chapter 13; love displacing immature arrogance and living above self as Scripture says, "Whoever brags must brag about what the Lord has done." (GW 1Cor.1:31; Paul referencing Jer.9:23-24)

  Let us continue to worship the lord in maturing together.

EBB4



A few other pertaining verses: Pr.34:2; Rom.3:27-28; 1Cor.9:16; Eph.2:9; Phil.2:5, remembering to prayerfully read all in context.

 

SAY WHAT?

SAY WHAT?

Thursday, March 5, 2020



Romans [ESV] 12:1-3 I call upon you, therefore, brothers, through the compassion of Elohim, to present your bodies a living offering – set-apart, well-pleasing to Elohim – your reasonable worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you prove what is that good and well-pleasing and perfect desire of Elohim. For I say, through the favour which has been given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he should think, but to think soberly, as Elohim has given to each a measure of belief



  Recently a professing Christian publicly stated that “We should work to earn the life we deserve.”

  As a Christian what is your reaction to this?

  Does the statement reflect Romans 12:1-3 worship pleasing to God?

EBB4