TO LOVE

TO LOVE

Friday, Novemb1, 2013

2Peter 3:1-14 … beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts [love of self], 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

  When, I don’t know, but it happened sometime after trusting Christ Jesus with my life; the revelation that compared to mankind, His love is ultimately superlative.

  There are several things He has shown me in His Word, fellowship, and by observation:

·         God loves everyone. (Jn.3:16; 1Jn.4:8b)

·         He loves everyone without regard to our nature. (Rom.5:8)

·         He loves us regardless of our being flawed by sin. (Eph.2:4-7)

·         There’s nothing we can do to make Him love us more than He already does. (Rom.5:5; 8:35-39)

  When embraced, His unsurpassed love redeems and regenerates men and women consummately.

  We can however forego or limit blessed affection in our life:

·         By rejecting Lord Jesus Christ as the only Redeemer. (Jn.6:68-69; 14:6; Acts 4:10-12)

·         By disbelief in God as Sovereign. (Ex.3:14; 20:3)

·         By rejecting Him as the Supreme Father of lights. (James 1:17)

·         By disallowing the Comforter. (Jn.14:26-28;15:26)

·         Or by declining any other description of Him in His Word written and Living.

·         Declaring faith in Jesus for eternal life but not accepting or embracing His love in daily life function. (1Jn.4:1-21)

  How great is God’s love!  EBB4

TRUSTING BIELFELDTS AND HIS ILK

TRUSTING BIELFELDTS AND HIS ILK

Thursday, October 31, 2013

                Isaiah 40:5-8 … the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. 6 The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: 7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. 8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

                Mark 13:31 [John 1:1 Jesus declared] Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

2Timothy 3:7, 16-17 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. … All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly [completely] furnished unto all good works.

1Peter 1:22-25 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

  Dennis Bielfeldt, President and professor of Theology at the Institute of Lutheran Theology, holding Ph.D. in Philosophical Theology gives reasons why in his learned opinion the Bible cannot be what it states it is; The Word of Sovereign God Almighty. He then reminds that instead of letting all questions of whether Scripture is absolute Truth or not, we should “… try instead to derive Biblical authority out of the effect of the text on the reader.” (To refresh memory, refer to 10/29/13 DT: CLAPTRAP, DRIVEL, TWADDLE, HOGWASH AND BALONEY)

  Bielfeldt presents scholarly reasoning why to not trust in the Bible as inspired by God but by its individual influence on us we should trust Bible authority in our lives.

  Anybody else notice this is contradictory claptrap?

  And there are serious problems with teaching this method of making use of and proofing the Bible. Such practice of application violates obvious truth about mankind.

·         Man of himself is not inherently wise. Proverbs 1:7

·         Man is of himself fickle and unstable; commonly blowing to and fro by the effect of affections; the prizing of emotional sensation over Biblical fact. “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” NLT Isaiah 40:6-8

·         Primarily measuring authenticity of God’s Word by effect on self is highly problematic in that it is egocentric, not Sovereign God centered. IPeter 1:22-25

  The Word is . . . we are not!  EBB4

CLAPTRAP, DRIVEL, TWADDLE, HOGWASH AND BALONEY

CLAPTRAP, DRIVEL, TWADDLE, HOGWASH AND BALONEY

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

2Timothy 3:7, 16-17 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. … All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly [completely] furnished unto all good works.

  Since first ability to, reading has been a big part of my life. I subscribe to magazines, have near-hoarder shelves and stacks of books throughout home, and people give me materials to read and review. And then there’s internet sendings and questions posed to be researched. I occasionally get behind on home infrastructure maintenance, but I’m always behind on reading.

  Much reading however does not assure embracing truth that leads to sound godly knowledge and wisdom for living sensibly.  (2Tim.3:1-17)

  An example is yesterday I read article in magazine given to me for review, CONNECTIONS for evangelical Lutheran Christians. The article is titled BIBLICAL AUTHORITY TODAY, by Dennis Bielfeldt (March/April/Easter 2011), President and professor of Theology at the Institute of Lutheran Theology, holding Ph.D. in Philosophical Theology.

  Bielfeldt writes of how he as child once believed the Bible as absolutely true before exposure to “higher criticism” that includes scientific evidence against, intellectual problems with, questions about what the Bible really means, human subjectivity interfering with astute objectivity (blind faith versus intelligent belief).

  He then reminds that instead of letting all questions of whether Scripture is absolute Truth or not, we should “… try instead to derive Biblical authority out of the effect of the text on the reader.” He goes on to explain we shouldn’t be too objective or too subjective when it comes to the Bible, ultimately failing to provide solid authoritative ground. Bielfeldt then offers yet another option; that the Bible’s authority may be grounded in the Word if and as it confronts its readers.

  Moving on, he compares reading Tibetan Book of the Dead as a de facto (in reality) authority in the lives of people, which Christians convinced the Bible is true would say is example of misplaced authority.

  Then he begins to wind down with “Yet through the self-communication of God, these finite, historically-conditioned [Bible] texts bear to us the infinite gifts of divine law and grace, of divine presence and salvation – no matter what interpretive problems exist.”

  Must stop here and as 5 year old grandson explains something, periodically asks “Got it?!” In phone conversation last evening this same precocious little boy explained that the flamingos in his yard get their energy from the rain that was falling on them.  

EBB4

    

CREATION IS GOD'S

HOPELESS PHILOSOPHIES

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

“Do you know that on a clear night you can see only as much of the universe as an amoeba can see of the ocean in which it drifts?’ The opening line in CREATION and the High School Student, by Kenneth N. Taylor

THE REAL DEAL

THE REAL DEAL

Monday, October 28, 2013

  Low octane gasoline is less expensive than high octane. This is obvious. Three dollars versus $3.40 a gallon is a no-brainer, correct?

  Not really. At least not for my vehicle.

  My CX-9 V6 with 6 speed transmission does not specifically require high octane fuel. On low octane it fires right up and runs without stumbling. It does however perform better on high octane: acceleration is a bit faster, upshift points are sooner and on grades downshifts are less often. We especially noticed this when carrying 7 passengers and luggage over mountains.

  That’s improved drivability, but I was talking about $$ as focal point, wasn’t I?

  Doing the math after many tanks of Gasohol versus as many fillups of liquor free driving . . . the fuel cost per mile is the same, 15 cents. How so? Miles per gallon is higher with the more expensive fuel.

  What, if anything, does the above account have to do with our Biblical godly journey?

  Stewardship is a thread throughout God’s Word. Jesus, the Living Word (Jn.1:1), talked about money more than he did any other single topic.

  So, what’s the real deal on our travelling? What does our sense per mile come to?  EBB4

IN CHRIST ALONE MY HOPE IS FOUND

Song Story: "In Christ Alone"   Debra Akins, Contributing Writer, CROSSWALK

Songwriter Stuart Townend grew up as the youngest of four children in a Christian family in West Yorkshire, England, where his father was a vicar in the Church of England. The Townend family always enjoyed music, and young Stuart began to play the piano at the age of seven. Known and respected today by musicians and worship leaders throughout Britain and beyond, his involvement in Christian music dates back over 10 years.

  During this time, Townend has used his talents to produce albums for British-based worship leaders as diverse as John Pantry, Keith Routledge, Sue Rinaldi, Vinesong and Praise Gathering. As an artist, he has made two solo albums: Say the Word and Personal Worship. But it is perhaps as a songwriter that Stuart has made his most enduring contribution to the contemporary worship movement. Songs such as “How Deep the Father’s Love,” “My First Love,” “The King of Love,” “Who Paints the Skies” and “Lord, How Majestic You Are” are favorites in the repertoire of thousands of churches around the world. And now one of his latest works, “In Christ Alone,” seems destined to take its place among other worship classics both in the UK and in the United States.

  Written in 2002, “In Christ Alone” was a collaborative effort between Townend and fellow songwriter (and now good friend) Keith Getty. “The song came about in an unusual way,” Townend explains. “Keith and I met in the autumn of 2000 at a worship event, and we resolved to try to work together on some songs. A few weeks later Keith sent some melody ideas, and the first one on the CD was a magnificent, haunting melody that I loved, and immediately started writing down some lyrical ideas on what I felt should be a timeless theme commensurate with the melody. So the theme of the life, death, resurrection of Christ, and the implications of that for us just began to tumble out, and when we got together later on to fine tune it, we felt we had encapsulated what we wanted to say.”

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm…

  Townend and Getty both admit they are motivated by the idea of capturing biblical truth in songs and hymns that will not only cause people to express their worship in church, but will build them up in their Christian lives.

  “I’ve been amazed by the response to this song,” says Townend. “We’ve had some incredible e-mails about how people have been helped by the song through incredibly difficult circumstances.”

  One e-mail described how a U.S soldier serving in Iraq would pray through each verse of the song every day, and how the promises of God’s protection and grace helped to sustain him through the enormous pressures and dangers of life in a war zone.

  “It seems like this song is timely,” Townend says. “We in the West have had our sense of safety and security brutally torn apart by recent world events, and it's caused many to re-evaluate the foundations of their life. I feel that the song has helped to stir faith in many believers that God really is our protector; that our lives are in His unshakable hands.”

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled and striving cease
My Comforter, my All-in-All
Here in the love of Christ I stand…

  Since its initial creation just two years ago, several versions of “In Christ Alone” have been recorded by artists around the world, and Townend admits to having a few favorites. “I've heard some wonderful recordings of it. “The Newsboys’ version [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsgwfliQoqg ] is really fresh and exciting, and the one done by Alan Asbury is superb,” Townend says. “But the one that always moves me most is when we recorded it with a congregation of 8,000 at the Stoneleigh Bible Week in England a couple of years ago. When we finish the third verse, about the resurrection of Christ, there’s an extraordinary burst of praise from the congregation that at the time was overwhelming, and listening back still sends a shiver down my spine.”

  The uniqueness of Townend’s writing lies partly in its lyrical content. There is both a theological depth and poetic expression that some say is rare in today’s worship writing. And not surprisingly, it’s an emphasis that Townend and Getty both maintained within the composition of this song in particular.

“I think content is vitally important to our corporate worship,” Townend shares. “Sometimes great melodies are let down by indifferent or clichéd words. It’s the writer’s job to dig deep into the meaning of Scripture and express in poetic and memorable ways the truth he or she finds there. Knowing the truth about God and who we are in Him is central to our lives as believers. Songs remain in the mind in a way sermons do not, so songwriters have an important role and a huge responsibility.”

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny…

  He continues, “The lyric [of this song] excites me because it places our hope, our assurance, our eternal destiny in the right place—on the solid foundation of Christ. I know in my own life I need reminding continually not to live by my feelings or my circumstances, but by the unchanging truth of the gospel.”

  “In Christ Alone” was the very first collaboration between Townend and Getty. In fact, it was Townend’s first collaboration with any other songwriter. But it was an experience he found to be very fruitful and well worth the effort. So much so that the two have continued their musical partnership on other songs, and are currently working on a series of songs based around the Apostles’ Creed. They are hoping to have a recording available next year, and are excited about the possibility of making it into a live presentation.

Lyrics copyright 2001 Kingsway/Thankyou Music

FROM AN OLD BOY SCOUT

EXTRA: From an old Boy Scout.

  Today I am reminding you of something I’m sure you already know, and, because of narrow selectivity of public media, informing you of something it is likely you do not know.

  The Boy Scouts of America are today far from their genesis . . . and the depth of public trust they once held. The final proverbial straw for many was though majority of BSA membership thought current policy on homosexuality should stand, a majority of the 1,400 delegates at annual spring meeting voted otherwise.

  Immediately John Stemberger, Eagle Scout and Florida based attorney, and others of like heart went into action.

  First with a news conference. http://news.yahoo.com/photos/john-stemberger-eagle-scout-orlando-fla-based-attorney-photo-163143776.html  For further insight: http://flfamily.org/about-us/leadership/john-stemberger/

  Then soon thereafter with a September 7^th Inaugural National Leadership Convention in Nashville TN to jump-start TRAIL LIFE USA. Stemberger promised the meeting would be a “national coalition meeting of former BSA parents and other youth leaders who wish to return to truly timeless values that once made the BSA great.” In a mere 68 days the planning group  created constitution, by-laws, logo, and other organizational documents. They stated this “doesn’t happen in the power of men.”

  Organizers chose the rousing hymn In Christ Alone because it is both contemporary and reflects solid Christian theology. (For those having never heard:   http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=in+christ+alone+youtube&FORM=VIRE7#view=detail&mid=FA0A6CD15DF76C89BA79FA0A6CD15DF76C89BA79 and http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=in+christ+alone+youtube&FORM=VIRE7#view=detail&mid=CDF922ED5A8FD72A3FB8CDF922ED5A8FD72A3FB8 )

  One of opening declarations to the more than 1,200 delegates from 44 states was by radio personality Bill Buckner, “We’re here to honor the legacy of the Boy Scouts of America.”

  The TRAIL LIFE USA program motto is “Walk Worthy”. Boys of all faiths are welcome. Adults however must sign a statement of faith.

  While TRAIL LIFE USA was gaining vigor BSA was starting to bleed charter units, with conservative Scout leaders and sponsoring churches leaving BSA. Though BSA estimates about 300,000 members will soon leave because of the vote, they have yet to reveal how many have defected so far. Some of the sponsorship churches leaving BSA are considered mother churches that others look to for leadership precedent.

  The BSA was already losing income,  also now feeling the financial pressure because of decisions plus having doubled top salaries from 2003 to 2012, other increased expenses, and are consequently raising dues 60%.

  The USA is not yet bankrupt; Authentic men still treasure integrity over establishment. Now, if we could just recruit them to work the same miracle with our government? 

EBB4

BLINDNESS

BLINDNESS

Friday, October 25, 2013

  What is the leading cause of blindness in this world?

  Not seeing life by and through the Word.

Luke [NLT] 4:13-22 When the devil had finished tempting Jesus [in the wilderness], he left him until the next opportunity came. 14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. 15 He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. 16 When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. 17 The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19   and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” [Isa.61:1-2] 20 He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. 21 Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”22 Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

John [NLT] 1:1; 3:3 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . [And the Word says] “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” [Also note Jn.12:40 and 1Jn.2:11]

1Corinthians [NLT] 2:6-16 Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. 7 No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”[Isa.64:4]10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 11 No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren’t spiritual [seeing only the physical] can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. 16 For,“Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?”[Isa.40:13]But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.

  There is no clear vision without God’s curative prescription!  EBB4

SAYING NAY TO SELF

SAYING NAY TO SELF

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Job [NLT] 32:6-10 … I am young and you are old, so I held back from telling you what I think I thought, ‘Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.’ But there is a spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent. [2Tim.1:7] Sometimes the elders are not wise. Sometimes the aged do not understand justice. So listen to me, and let me tell you what I think.

Proverbs [NLT] 1:7; 3:13; 4:7; The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. … Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. … Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. …

  As with many of you, much of my education was at TSOHK University.

  Much against my will one course that I took is THE FOOLISHNESS OF SELF-RELIANCE; Standing Alone is Stupid. Though I several times thought I completed certification I soon discovered it’s an ongoing education curriculum.

  One major point is “Forget Proverbs’ truth about wisdom and walk at tremendous risk.”

  Another point was counseling with elders. Though wise elders are harder to find than in years past, they’re increasingly important to me. Interestingly, in my 77^th year I find consulting with elders is more symphonic than once was.  Realizing this could easily result in decisive “I’ve got it!” attitude no different than that of ignorant youth. Such now frequent concord, however pleasant, does not blind me to the truth that I could easily fit the maxim “There no fool like an old fool!”  

  Knock. Knock!  EBB4

APPROVAL

APPROVAL

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

My wakening thought this morning: There is a vast difference in position of seeking God’s approval and aligning to His approved measure.  EBB4

PROOF

PROOF

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Titus [MKJV] 2:11-15 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that having denied ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live discreetly, righteously and godly, in this present world, 13 looking for the blessed hope, and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify to Himself a special people, zealous of good works. 15 Speak these things, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

   Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

  In writing the brief series on conscience one passage presented was Paul’s lament with praise recorded in Romans 7: Paul’s, our, my, sinful nature proving the Word is Truth.

  There is other proof having to do with life in and by Jesus. It involves resting in His redemption and continual intercession and thereby realizing authentic maturation. (Rom.8:34; Eph.1:7; Col.1:18-20; Heb.7:25)

  I was reminded of this while enjoying time with Michael and Lars.

  Lars was daughter Dawn and John’s German exchange student for 10 months some 10 years ago. Now a very grownup young man, he’s visiting his American family for one week.

  When we picked Michael up from school, though having never met prior, in 10 seconds they were acting like affectionate older and much younger brothers.

  To begin our fun evening we chased down the flamingoes that live in Lake Manawa forest. (A tale for another time.)

  It being Michael’s day to choose he of course opted for Pizza Ranch. Entering, Michael explained to Lars that the first thing we do is wash our hands. So off to “COWBOYS” we went.

  It’s one of those restrooms where Michael can’t reach the foamy soap dispenser . . . and he always has me do it for him. This time was different. He asked Lars to do it. Lars did so by getting big handful and as they giggled he gave it to Michael.

  I too laughed, but also remember there was a time when I would have silently reacted in possessive jealousy.

  It’s not just sinfulness that is proof of His *efficacious Truth in living.  Maturation through resting in the Word, the grace of Lord Jesus Christ, the love of Sovereign God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit is also undeniable substantiation.  EBB4

*Capable of producing powerful change.

GOOD CONSCIENCE - Part 4

RESPONDING IN GOOD CONSCIENCE – Part 4

Monday, October 21, 2013

                John 3:14-18 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

1Corinthians 9:26-27 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

  What happens when a person refuses God’s provision for living in good conscience grounded in His Truth?

  The Apostle Paul expressed this concern as stated in 1Corinthians 9:27. Was he reflecting on the life of Moses? I suspect so.  Paul spoke not of losing eternal life. He was concerned about as one country preacher explained to me “Being shelved until death as happened with Moses.”

  The people again complaining to Moses, said “Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us into this terrible place? This is no place to plant crops. Even figs, grapes, and pomegranates won't grow here. And there's no water to drink!" Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting. Immediately, they bowed with their faces touching the ground, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. The LORD said to Moses, "Take your staff, then you and your brother Aaron gather the community. Right before their eyes, tell the rock to give up its water. In this way you will give the community water from the rock for them and their animals to drink." Moses took his staff out of the tent in the LORD'S presence as he had been commanded. Then Moses and Aaron assembled the community in front of the rock and said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring water out of this rock for you?" Moses raised his hand and [angrily] hit the rock twice with the staff. Water came pouring out, and all the people and their animals drank. But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "You didn't trust me! You didn't show the Israelites how holy I am! So you will not bring this congregation into the land I'm giving them." (GW Num.20:5-12; also note Ex.2:11-14; King Saul, 1Sam.28:1-25; King David, 2Sam.12:1-14)

  But what of the unsaved, those in John 3:18 unredeemed lost condition?

  Though God is longsuffering and would have it that none would perish (2Pet.3:9) . . . if persisting in rejecting The Word, He may give them over to  reprobate mind (Rom.1:28) with their consciences numbed to the point of having lost all feeling (1Tim.4:2).

  Any questions?  EBB4

GOOD CONSCIENCE - Part 3

RESPONDING IN GOOD CONSCIENCE – Part 3

Sunday, October 20, 2013

  Lord, I have hidden Your Word in my heart, so that I might not sin against You, but I do. (Ps.119:11)

  Yes dear fellows, knowing Truth, I still have a personal problem with sinning. And at event it doesn’t always bother my self a great deal.

  The trouble is not with God’s law, the Truth of His Word, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I know is wrong and even hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows, proves, that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.  I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.  But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

  I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.  I love God’s law with all my heart.  But there is another power[e] within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.  Oh, what a miserable conflicted person I am at times! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?  Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. How fortunate I am to live redeemed by and in God’s grace! (Personally adapted from Apostle Paul’s Romans chapter 7 lament with thanksgiving. NLT)

  Do any of you identify with Paul and I?  EBB4

GOOD CONSCIENCE - Part 2

RESPONDING IN GOOD CONSCIENCE – Part 2

Friday, October 18, 2013

Pope Francis wrote “The question for those who do not believe in God is to follow their own conscience. Sin, even for a non-believer, is when one goes against one’s conscience.”

“The conscience is defined as that part of the human psyche that induces mental anguish and feelings of guilt when we violate it and feelings of pleasure and well-being when our actions, thoughts and words are in conformity to our value systems. The Greek word translated “conscience” in all New Testament references is suneidēsis, meaning “moral awareness” or “moral consciousness.” The conscience reacts when one’s actions, thoughts, and words conform to, or are contrary to, a standard of right and wrong.”

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/conscience.html#ixzz2hz69M5GI

Sin: (חטּאת, ḥaṭṭā'th, “a missing,” עון, 'wōn, “perversity” פּשׁע, pesh‛, “transgression,” רע, r‛, “evil,” etc.; ἁμαρτανα, hamartano, “miss the mark,” παράβασις, parábasis, “transgression” with a suggestion of violence, ἀδικία, adikı́a, “injustice,” “unrighteousness”): [From ISBE]

                Psalm [MKJV] 119:11 I have hidden Your Word in my heart, so that I might not sin against You.

John [MKJV] 1:1; 17:14-17 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . I have given them Your Word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray for You to take them out of the world, but for You to keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17  Sanctify them through Your truth. Your Word is truth. [Please note that  therecord in chapter one was in early ministry of Jesus. Chapter 17 was near the end of His physical walk among men.]

  Conscience is undependable resource for guidance for of itself it is short of the glory (mind, character, dignity, honor, reputation)of God. Our base nature is sinful. Without personal John 1:12 relationship, kingdom sight of John 3:3, and ongoing Romans 12:1-3 fellowship . . . our conscience is without solid foundation. Jesus explained this in Matthew 7:24-29; The wise person builds their conscience upon The Rock!

  For those of us that believe God, conscience is more reliable to direct in correct living. The Apostle Paul explained this to the sin-soaked Corinthian believers. (Christian conduct is the general theme of Paul’s first letter. He begins by reminding them of their redeemed position in God’s grace; then contrasts their unspiritual state contrary to right living; points out man’s wisdom, conscience, apart from God’s wisdom is foolishness.)

  Though “conscience” the word is not found throughout The Word, the theme certainly is. As matter of fact the longest chapter in God’s Word answers Why? What? Where? When? How? Who? . . . having to do with good conscience.  EBB4

GOOD CONSCIENCE - Part 1

RESPONDING IN GOOD CONSCIENCE – Part 1

Thursday, October 17, 2013

LET YOUR CONSCIENCE BE YOUR GUIDE?, Wednesday, October 9, 2013

   An editorial in the Italian newspaper La Repubblica asked if “the Christian God forgives those who do not believe and do not seek faith.”
  Pope Francis responded “The question for those who do not believe in God is to follow their own conscience. Sin, even for a non-believer, is when one goes against one’s conscience.”
  And what say you to this my dear fellows?

[Jesus explained] “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law. NLT Matthew 7:24-29

  In last Saturday’s DT FORUM*I published DT fellows responses to the question posed. Today I begin answering.

  Conscience may or may not be a trustworthy guide. Small kindnesses and great acts of compassion are done in good conscience.  Islamic and Christian terrorists maim and murder in what they believe is good conscience.

  Though none of the above cruelty described is mine, in my life I have done good and bad things in good conscience. The nasty acts having to do with in good conscience “They deserved it.” With kindly acts sometimes involving “They didn’t deserve it at all.” Conscience can be a very contradictory fickle guide!

  Our conscience is not automatically inherently good or bad. Developed conscience is a matter of example noticed even prior to formal lessons. I marvel at 6 month old greatgranddaughter Sapphire intently watching and listening us. I observe 5 year old grandson Michael emulating family and friend adults.

  Family, cultural, public, and personally embraced or rejected education matter. Emotions connected with contemporary anti-Biblical secular especially prized today self-esteem teachings play a major part in deciding how and where individual and group conscience is grounded.

  In good conscience I believe this topic considerable to digest. So for today the above words are enough to think about.  EBB4

 

*FB and Blog readers don’t receive Saturday DT FORUMs as I in good conscience consider them too public.  Does your conscience agree with mine?

ROTTEN APPLES

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Colossians 2:8  Beware lest any man spoil [seduce, corrupt] you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. [Jn1:1 - the Word living and written; Acts 17:11 – Biblical nobleness.]

Dear fellows,

  Two at first seemingly unrelated topics, apples and nobleness, have been circulating in my mind this morning, then they coalesced.

  Most people know the applicable wisdom of The One Rotten Apple Left In Barrel parable.

  Many know of the Acts 17:11 nobility of relying on God’s Reality spelled out for us.

  But do I, we, always recognize the corruption of bad apples placed in the midst of His perfect ones?

  I confess again that I am not always aware of intrusive cultural and government instituted traditions that are contrary to, detract from, the Word of God, His imment direction for living in 1Thessalonians 5:23 comprehensive  health.

  Did you notice I didn’t say “church instituted traditions”? As you know I study and watch for them, and have warned of a number. Also pertaining to cultural mores contrary to God’s Way. But until recently I’ve not seriously considered what a rotten apple government is when it comes to God’s family.

  When I have studied more, meditated upon considerably, and when I know the time is appropriate I shall reveal and write about the subject matter. Until then I, as had Paul (Col.2:8; 2Tim.2:2), leave you with the above challenging general warning to read and study His Word and develop clear view of this world.

Sincerely,

Ed Bullock

 

AFFECTIONATELY HIS?

AFFECTION MAKES FOR EFFECTIVENESS

Tuesday, October 14, 2013

                Deuteronomy 6:5-9 … you shall love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words which I command you this day shall be in your heart. 7 And you shall carefully teach them to your sons, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 And you shall bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 And you shall write them upon the posts of your house, and on your gates. [Jn.14:15; 1Jn.5:2-3]

Matthew 22:23-40 On that day the Sadducees came to Him, who say that there is no resurrection. And they asked Him, 24 saying, Master, Moses said, If a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up seed to his brother. 25 Now there were with us seven brothers. And the first, when he had married a wife, died. And, having no issue, he left his wife to his brother. 26 The second also did likewise, and the third, to the seventh. 27 And last of all the woman also died. 28 Therefore in the resurrection, whose wife shall she be, of the seven? For they all had her. 29 Jesus answered and said to them, You err, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in Heaven. 31 But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read that which was spoken to you by God, saying, 32 "I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?" God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. 33 And when the crowd heard this, they were astonished at His doctrine. 34 But hearing that He had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees were gathered together. 35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked, tempting Him and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the Law? 37 Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.

  As His John 1:12 children we are to love the Lord above all others. “love the Lord” is in 17 verses, 14 in OT, 3 in NT, beginning with Deuteronomy 6:5 and lastly recorded from the lips of Jesus in Luke 10:27.   (Deut.6:5; 11:1, 13, 22; 13:3; 19:9; 30:6, 16, 20: Jos.23:11; Ps.31:23; 97:10; 116:1; Mt.22:37; Mk.12:30; Lk.10:27)

  We may tend to think this commandment and request is wholly restrictive because of God’s jealousy. (Ex.20:5; 34:14; Deut.4:24; 5:9; 6:15; Jos.24:19; Joel 2:18; Nah.1:2; Zec.1:14; 8:2; Jam.4:4-5) But it is not. It is beneficial.

  Only as we live in deep affection for God can we live an effective life:

·         Let us understand and accept that in serving the Lord we indeed do take His burden upon us, but it is not a grievous burden. (Mt.11:29; Jam.4:5)

·         Agreeably taking Jesus’ yoke of loving the Father and others we leave our burdensome yoke of self by the wayside, and gain rest. (Heb.4:3; Jam.4:5) (We need to stop thinking escaping from the rigors of life is true rest. It is not. God’s rest is to be daily currently realized and practiced where we stand and walk.)

·         Loving the Lord as He commands and leads we live by and thereby in His present and eternal portion. (Deut.30:6, 16; Ps.31:23; Heb.11:6)

  Having covered all of the above, where does it leave us this day concerning loving God and living effectively?  EBB4

CHANGE VERSUS THE CHANGELESS

CHANGE VERSUS THE CHANGELESS

Monday, October 14, 2013

Matthew 6:19-34 Do not lay up treasures on earth for yourselves, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. 20 But lay up treasures in Heaven for yourselves, where neither moth nor rust corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye. Therefore if your eye is sound, your whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if your eye is evil, your whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No one can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. 25 Therefore I say to you, Do not be anxious for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Behold the birds of the air; for they sow not, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns. Yet your heavenly Father feeds them; are you not much better than they are? 27 Which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his stature? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They do not toil, nor do they spin, 29 but I say to you that even Solomon in his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Therefore if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much rather clothe you, little-faiths? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, With what shall we be clothed? 32 For the nations seek after all these things. For your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow; for tomorrow shall be anxious for its own things. Sufficient to the day is the evil of it.

Hebrews 6:12-20; 13:8 … be not slothful, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater, He swore by Himself, saying, "Surely in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply you." And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men truly swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. In this way desiring to declare more fully to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, God interposed by an oath, so that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us, which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil, where the Forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. … Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever.

  I remember a man telling me of driving his dying Dad to his favorite view. As they sat looking thru the truck’s windshield, his Dad began to weep. “What is it Dad?” his son asked.

  Surprisingly, the reply was not much about his impending death, but that he did rue that life, though including happiness, had and was always changing for the worse.

  This past summer in answering German family member’s questions about Baltimore, I told them of changes. In 1950 the population after many years of growth was approaching one million (950,000). Then came the “White Flight” (There was also black families that could afford to that left.) resulting in estimated population 637,000 for 2009. Also, public school education taught Baltimore was 7^th busiest port in the world. Investigating today, it wasn’t listed in the top 25.

  Then recently when discussing such things, someone told me of the Cambodian Khmer Rouge having reduced a city of millions to a population of 10,000 in one day.

  In last evenings Omaha World-Herald an article related that drug cartel crime Ciudad Juarez, Mexico has reduced from 1.4 million, by an estimated 110,000 to 230,000, with more fleeing every day. It described how once vacated, thieves strip homes of everything including window panes.

  And as I sit here typing, changes are taking place everywhere. Indeed life can be good, but by and large it is a continual struggle against deterioration.

  This truth about life is not however reason to worry or despair, for there is that which will never change. Preeminently, God; and with Him in our multiple vocations – family, parent or child, friendships, home, workplace, hobby, church . . . whatever the setting or situation – is where sanctification and discipleship happens. Amen?  EBB4

LEFT BEHIND?

LEFT BEHIND

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Luke [MKJV] 10:38-42 And as they went, it happened that He [Jesus] entered into a certain village. And a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. 39  And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word.  40  But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she came to Him and said, Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me. 41  And Jesus answered and said to her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. 42  But one thing is needful, and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. [Take time to read and ponder Song of Solomon, and passages having to do with Jesus hanging out, pausing. One of my favorites is story about our busy Lord – Mt.19:13-14; Mk.10:13-14; Lk.18:16

  Awoke this morning remembering a conversation from years past. Though I can’t recall the coworker’s name, I clearly recollect the content of our conversation.

  He’d been married about a year and I’d been waiting for a time away from others when I could ask “How’s your marriage going?” His response was quite interesting.

  “Opposites do attract, don’t they? One of the things that attracted me to my wife was that she gets things done in an energetic determined manner. Little did I know I wouldn’t be able to keep up!”

  We fell silent for a moment. I don’t know what he was thinking but I was picturing couples I’d seen in supermarkets and other shopping venues.

  I mentioned my imaging to my coworker and he surprised me with his response.

  “Oh, that too . . . but what I’m talking about is I’m left behind emotionally.”

  Was Jesus implying Martha should change her work ethic? I don’t think so.

  There are times when having the dining rooms of life looking like Downton Abbey is not the most important item of the moment.

  Take time to read and ponder the attention of Song of Solomon, and passages having to do with Jesus hanging out, pausing. One of my favorites is story about our busy Lord, important enough to be recorded in 3 books -- Mt.19:13-14; Mk.10:13-14; Lk.18:16.

  Is all of above conversations registered in my heart? I again pray so.  EBB4