THE WAY TO HEAVEN?

THE WAY TO HEAVEN?

Sunday, March 30, 2014

John [MKJV] 10:9 [Jesus explained] I am the door. If anyone enters in by Me, he shall be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture.

Romans [MKJV] 5:11 [Of ourselves we do not deserve or earn eternal redemption!] But God commends His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the reconciliation.

  Ken Ham, president of Answers In Genesis (answersingenesis.org), in being interviewed by a secular reporter was asked “Do you believe Muslims are going to hell?”

  An interesting question to be sure but actually no different than the larger inquiry: Who goes to heaven . . . Americans, Anglicans, Baptists, Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Buddhists, Pentecostals, Seventh Day Adventists, Evangelicals, or just maybe Republicans?

  Jesus, speaking as the only begotten Son of God (Jn.3:16), made the answer quite plain: “… there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles which you do unless God is with him. Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born? Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, You must be born again. The Spirit breathes where He desires, and you hear His voice, but you do not know from where He comes, and where He goes; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said to Him, How can these things be? (MKJV Jn.3:1-9)

  Trusting Lord Jesus Christ we gain the gift of everlasting life immediately. Doing nothing we remain eternally condemned. “… even as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 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.” (MKJV Jn.3:14-18)

  Lord Jesus Christ alone is resurrection and life now and forever; the only way to the Father. “Jesus said to her [Martha], I am the Resurrection and the Life! He who believes in Me, though he die, yet he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (Jn.11:25-26) . . . “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. (Jn.14:1-6)

  With absolute clarity Jesus explained that there is no other way to eternal life than He, so the answer is: No one goes to heaven or hell because of the church or denomination they belong to or are involved in. Eternal placement singularly has to do with faith relationship with Lord Jesus Christ or the lack thereof.  EBB4

PS. Oddly today, Evangelicals, major group crossing Christian denominational lines, is made up of those professing trust in Jesus for salvation. However, nearly 60% surveyed indicate they believe there is more than one way to heaven; A trust Jesus but deny Jesus game that gives a whole additional meaning to the question “Who goes to heaven?”

 

GOD BECAME LOVING?

GOD BECAME LOVING?

Friday, March 28, 2014

Hebrews [NIV] 10:1; 11:1-16 “The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices [as in OT manner] repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. ...

  Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

  By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

  By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.

  By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

  By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

  By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

  All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”

  Though we hear or read conversation stating God in Old Testament B.C.) is different than God of the New Testament (A.D.), it definitely is not so.

  I encourage reading Hebrews, a letter of explanation. Take notice of the careful explanations including warnings and instructions for both OT leaning Jewish converts and gentile believers. I consider especially notable the writer’s closing remarks, saying “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”[Deut.4:24] and a few lines later connecting the truth that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (NIV Heb.12:28-29; 13:8)

  Then there is John some 25 years after the letter to the Hebrews reminding that “God is love”. The “is” significantly a statement of eternal constancy.

  Think not that God is a person using trial and error methodology to discovery man’s ways.

  Oh, and don’t forget the NT book of Revelation penned by the same John that wrote God is love.  EBB4

TRIAL AND ERROR GOD?

TRIAL AND ERROR GOD?

Thursday, March 27, 2014

  Though once was, “Trial and error” is no longer a common phrase in our culture. It is however still with us as a practice. Organizations, companies, government, individuals still try and test to see if something will work or not. But can this experimentation in any way be attributed to Eternal God, or at least to Jehovah throughout the Old Testament era? Before October of my 28^th year, I thought so.

  Though I had not personally trusted Him, I very much believed God is real. Though my Dad wasn’t a church attendee or did he quote Scripture, he emphasized “Do you think all of this just happened on its own?!”

  I also then believed God invested a lot of time and effort experimenting with hoped for solutions of dispensations and covenants*, finally deciding to go incarnate and walk among men . . . and after seeing it also failing to change mankind decided to next go with Rod of Iron millennial domination. (Ps.2:9; Rev.2:27; 12:5; 19:15)

  Then through the urging and guidance of fellow employees Bud Bond and the Gemeroth brothers I began 2Timothy 2:15-16 endeavor. Consequently I discovered that God is immutable: Ex.3:14; Num.23:19; Isa.46:9-11; Mal.3:6; Jn.17:5; 2Tim.1:9; Heb.6:17-20; 13:8; Jam.1:17.

  This resulted in yet another change in my worldview, and consequently my life.

  Beginning with place in Eden’s garden and continuing thereafter it is man that experiments with concepts of who and how God is and the opportunities for and lessons by that He has and continues to put before us. (Take note of the precept in Galatians 3:24-25.)

  And now there is today. For one thing you may want to take a look-see at dispensations and covenants. For your convenience I below have provided brief topical summaries from Gotquestions.com.  EBB4

*Dispensational or covenantal are two positions that many Christian denominations and/or independent local congregations categorize themselves by. Many in pew today know little if nothing of this as it is not so openly declared or taught as once was:

  Dispensations; http://www.gotquestions.org/seven-dispensations.html

  Covenants; http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-covenants.html

TIME MARCHES ON

TIME MARCHES ON

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

 2Timothy 2:15-16 Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. 16 But shun profane, vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

  We don’t think we consciously think about time very much of the time, but we do, forever measuring our life by years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes . . . and at times, seconds. This, our condition, is ingrained early on in our life.

  Can you recall when you were first conscious of time? I think my earliest recollection is probably Mom calling out to Dad “Hurry up or we’re going to be late!” Soon thereafter I’m sure I was schooled in clocks and calendars.

  I’ve heard lessons on how God, He the Always Was/Still Is/Always Will Be not giving a hoot about time. As with a few other doctrines taught I initially bought into the party line, but upon independent thought and study noticing verses such as Galatians 4:4 and Romans 5:6 I changed my mind.

  Seeing and accepting this about God altered my worldview and thereby my life. Did it make me a super disciple always in all ways properly prioritizing schedule? No, but it makes for continuing, admittedly at times faltering, desire and effort toward reverencing Him on His terms, not my clock.  EBB4

Thought question: Why did God wait until after David and Bathsheba’s baby was born to chastise them?

ALPHABET OF AGE SHOULD NOT MAKE FOR RAGE, BUT SAGE

ALPHABET OF AGE SHOULD NOT MAKE FOR RAGE, BUT SAGE Tuesday, March 25, 2014   A was for apple, and B was for boat, once was rote, but now it will not float!  Age  before beauty is what we once said, but let's be a bit more realistic instead … A's for arthritis; B's the bad back,  C's the chest pains, perhaps car-di-ac? D is for dental decay and decline,  E is for eyesight, can't read that top line!  F is for fissures and fluid retention,  G is for gas which I'd rather not mention. H is for high blood pressure--I'd rather it low;  I is for incisions with scars you can show.  J is for joints, out of socket, won't mend,  K is for knees that crack when they bend.  L 's for libido, what happened to sex?  M is for memory, I forget what comes next.  N is for neuralgia, in nerves way down low;  O is for osteo, bones that don't grow! P is for prescriptions, I have quite a few,  just give me a pill and I'll be good as new!  Q is for queasy, is it fatal or flu? R is for reflux, one meal turns to two. S is for sleepless nights, counting my fears,  T is for Tinnitus; bells in my ears!  U is for urinary; troubles with flow;  V is for vertigo, that's 'dizzy,' you know. W is for worry, now what's going 'round?  X is for X ray, and what might be found.  Y is for another year I'm left here behind,  Z is for zest I still have-- in my mind! I've survived all the symptoms, my body's deployed,   and I'm keeping twenty-six doctors fully employed!  However …  “Now chastening for the present does not seem to be joyous, but grievous. Nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are exercised by it. Because of this, straighten up the hands which hang down and the enfeebled knees. And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way, but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all, and holiness, without which no one shall see the Lord; looking diligently lest any fail of the grace of God, or lest any root of bitterness springing up disturb you, and by it many are defiled.” (Hebrews 12:11-15) Wise & Witty Author unknown.

 

DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: TEACH US HOW TO PRAY

DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: TEACH US HOW TO PRAY

Monday, March 24, 2014

The following is written from notes taken and thoughts provoked during Pastor Paul Marine’s Sunday sermon. All Scripture is from NIV Matthew 6:5-15 as presented by Pastor.  EBB4

  “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.  But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Mt.6:5-8)

  Jesus explained:

·         9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,”

To begin with let us understand that though commonly referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer”, it is His template for praying . . . beginning with reverent acknowledgment of God; we that trust Him being John 1:12 family. Please also note Psalm 68:5-6.

·         10 “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

And because of who He is, “I AM THAT I AM” (Ex.3:14), and that we live by His grace, but should seek His will in all things, something that runs against the grain of USA self-actualization freedom-mentality. (Eph.5:10; Lam.3:22-23)

·         11 “Give us today our daily bread.”

This also is a bit of a mental/emotional stickler living in a nation of abundant supermarkets stocking variety of foods that were considered luxuries or eaten only in local season not too many years ago. It’s not just a problem feeling dependent on Him every day, but also being thankful for His provision.

·         12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

How often do we rely on before the comma but forget the requirement after the comma?

·         13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

Would God treat us any differently than His own Son? (Mt.4:1) However it is, God always provides a “way of escape”. (1Cor.10:13)

  CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK: Thinking about John 1:12 family . . . personalize prayer substituting “me” for “us”. Say it once every day . . . one verse at a time, then pause quietly and listen so as to hear what god may have to say to you.

 

CORRELATIVE WEATHER?

CORRELATIVE WEATHER?

Sunday, March 23, 2014

  British Prime Minister David Cameron commented that 2014 is their wettest winter in 250 years. Considering the depth of waters, a typical bloke understatement if ever was. David Silvester, United Kingdom Independence Party politician, age 73, Councillor (elected city council member), commented in his local newspaper the situation could be God’s judgment on the Cameron government for legalizing same-sex marriage. In April 2012 Silvester had previously in writing warned Cameron he thought disasters would result from approval of a same-sex marriage law. Great Britain is now expensively saturated in many large areas, and David Silvester has been cast overboard from office he held.

  When Hitler invaded Poland in 1939 his lightning fast armor Blitzkrieg strategies slaughtered the vast Polish Calvary. This was made easy because of the abnormal lack of rain. Had the precipitation been normal, it would have made it difficult for heavy armor . . . and some military historians believe the Calvary would have defeated the German army.   

  Commander of Allied Forces, General Eisenhower, with decision of launching invasion at Normandy, greatest concern was the weather, not preeminently whether our military forces would accomplish a beachhead. Chaplains prayed accordingly.

  In August 1588, the Grande y Felicísima Armada or Armada Invencible (In English: Invincible Spanish Armada), set sail to invade and conquer England. Due to King Phillip II mismanagement, defensive actions of the English and Dutch, and severe storm damage, the armada failed. By 1922 the tiny island that would fit in Montana with room leftover was the foremost global power in recorded history, holding sway over 458,000,000 people (20% 0f world population at that time.) living on 13,012,000 square miles (Almost 25% of earth’s land area.). And as a young student in Baltimore Public Elementary Schools system I was able to thoroughly enjoy THE SUN NEVER SETS ON THE BRITISH EMPIRE studies.

  Jesus explained that God which is in heaven makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (Mt.5:45) Many centuries (Ussher B.C. 787) prior to Jesus’ explanation, the prophet Amos (NLT 4:1-12) wrote:

 

  “Listen to me, you fat cows living in Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy, and who are always calling to your husbands, “Bring us another drink!”

  The Sovereign Lord has sworn this by his holiness: “The time will come when you will be led away

with hooks in your noses. Every last one of you will be dragged away like a fish on a hook! You will be led out through the ruins of the wall; you will be thrown from your fortresses,” says the Lord.

  “Go ahead and offer sacrifices to the idols at Bethel. Keep on disobeying at Gilgal. Offer sacrifices each morning, and bring your tithes every three days. Present your bread made with yeast as an offering of thanksgiving. Then give your extra voluntary offerings so you can brag about it everywhere! This is the kind of thing you Israelites love to do,” says the Sovereign Lord.

  “I brought hunger to every city and famine to every town. But still you would not return to me,” says the Lord. “I kept the rain from falling when your crops needed it the most. I sent rain on one town but withheld it from another. Rain fell on one field, while another field withered away. People staggered from town to town looking for water, but there was never enough. But still you would not return to me,” says the Lord.

  “I struck your farms and vineyards with blight and mildew. Locusts devoured all your fig and olive trees. But still you would not return to me,” says the Lord. “I sent plagues on you like the plagues I sent on Egypt long ago. I killed your young men in war and led all your horses away. The stench of death filled the air! But still you would not return to me,” says the Lord.

  “I destroyed some of your cities, as I destroyed[d] Sodom and Gomorrah. Those of you who survived were like charred sticks pulled from a fire. But still you would not return to me,” says the Lord.

  “Therefore, I will bring upon you all the disasters I have announced. Prepare to meet your God in judgment, you people of Israel!”

  I make no claim to being a prophet, but do wonder just who is all wet?  EBB4

 

 

IF I HAD BEEN ADAM

IF I HAD BEEN ADAM

Friday, March 21, 2014

  I remember as a young new Christian resolutely thinking “If I had been Adam I wouldn’t have gone within 100 feet of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” And I believe I actually publically stated so a time or two.

  Ha!

  Having learned more about self, Ed in particular, I think more likely after viewing Eve I would have negotiated for more than just one woman prior to noshing on that fruit? “Very nice Lord, and it didn’t hurt at all. I’ll bet I could spare another rib or two.”

  Now considering education since making earlier naïve pronouncement; nah! For I’m just another Adam without excuse of my own. (Rom.3:23-26)

EBB4

PROBLEMS WITH PRAYING RESPONSES

PROBLEMS WITH PRAYING RESPONSES

Thursday, March 20, 2014

  On Friday, March 14^th I asked “In order of significance, what do you say is the top 7 human problems with praying? I also promised 1Thessalonians 5:11-14 comfort and edification of one another by sharing the responses because we are sometimes faint hearted. Interestingly, the number of male responses is equal to the female replies.  EBB4

+++

I don’t feel that there is an answer to your question, unless it is “I don’t have time right now.”Time for prayer, for me, is many times a day, wherever I might be, and a situation calls for prayer.  That means my prayer is not a vocal prayer, but a silent prayer between me and God.  For instance, I received word of a death yesterday and I’ve said many a short prayer for the family as I go about my daily tasks.  Why?  I know they are in need at present.  I do not need a vocal prayer for others to hear, as prayer is between me and God. I’ve said many a prayer when I’ve been caught driving on “nasty” roads and stormy weather.  I know it is God who enabled me to safely make it home.”

+++

(1) Too much daily sin in the way.

(2)  Broken fellowship with God.

(3)  Lack of faith.

(4)  Life going too smooth.

(5)  Too wrapped up with daily activities.

(6)  Discouraged.

(7)  Procrastination. 

+++

1.     lack of understanding of the power of prayer – WHEN WE DON’T PRAY OUR ANGEL’S STAND IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE (JENTEZEN FRANKLIN)

2.     lack of understanding of how to pray     

3.     prayer is work and it is hard and people don’t like to do hard things  (another name for lazy)

4.     did I already say people are lazy

5.     people are embarrassed to pray out loud

6.     people don’t really believe God answers prayer

7.      people are lazy   

+++

1.       People say Amen at the in of the prayer without realizing what that means
2. People don't like to hear the words no - or wait
3. People ask amiss unable or unwilling to look at the big picture
4. People are too busy to focus on prayer being first
5. Poor listening skills
6. Starting the prayer with the word "I"
7. The infamous bunny trail syndrome

+++

1.  Quiet time       

2.   Keep mind from wandering      

3.   Waiting to late at night and falling asleep        

+++

1. We make it about us instead of Him
2. We don’t understand His heart of desire for intimacy with us
3. We see prayer as a duty or obligation rather than an avenue of rich fellowship
4. We see prayer as something we do instead of it being our life-blood (who we are)
5. Prayer has become an add-on to other religious duties instead of the means for vital union with Christ
6. We look for answers to prayer outside the Personhood of Christ (change to situations/circumstances)
7. We buttonhole prayer by defining it as ‘time spent’ in prayer rather than spending our “time” before the Lord in prayerful attitude of heart

+++

1. Putting other things first

2.  Not praying deep enough       

3.  Not being right with God     

4.  Not being right with others        

5.  Being tired       

6.  Being interested in other things      

7.  Being in a hurry     

+++

1. Unfocused/distracted         

2.  Selfish       

3.  Ungrateful        

4.   Complaining       

5.  Unforgiveness & resentment   

6.  Critical     

7.  Lacking faith    

+++

1.       Focus 2. Remembering 3. Time  4. Knowing what to pray 5. Lack of faith. Best I could do.

 

 

RELIANCE REVEALS

RELIANCE REVEALS

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Exodus 3:11-15 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? 12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. 13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. 15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

                Hebrews [MKJV] 13:5-6 Let your way of life be without the love of money, and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, "Not at all will I leave you, not at all will I forsake you, never!" 6 so that we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me."

  Pastors’ DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY sermon series the past 11 Sunday mornings has stirred much pondering as to where I should stand and walk as a follower of The Word. This morning the thinking is centered on the two words “reliance reveals”.

  Reliance is a serious matter in life and death. It evidences upon what or whom I am confident, dependent, trusting in. Reliance reveals much if not all about us as individual and group.

  This is especially true when considering how I trust the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and what they say to us about themselves and us.

  After contemplating I’ve come to the conclusion that relying on Him for what He can do and/or what He does or not associated with prayer, provisions, blessings . . . is not the best path to stand and walk upon.

  Two passages come to mind when I ponder the matter: John 6:26 “[Jesus said] Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.” and 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

  In Moses grand Exodus experience God did indeed provide, but not without first primary emphasizing that which is of utmost importance when it comes to reliance: Who He is, “I AM THAT I AM”. In God’s New Testament record for us, He using different words, emphasizes the same: Revelation 1:8 “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” and  22:13 “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”

  My strongest conclusion arrived at from this morning pondering is that to truly live by His grace I must trust in His person, “I AM THAT I AM”, else when the fishes and loaves are scarce or not coming as I think they should . . . . I will feel dry, adrift, without strong sense of being.

  I close this morning considering the very applicable truth of Hebrews 13:5-6. EBB4

DON'T LIKE BROCCOLI EITHER

DON’T LIKE BROCCOLI EITHER

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

  Again I’ve met a Cafeteria Christian, their saying they believe Jesus and heaven are real, and because of their faith they’re going to spend eternity with God, but Satan and hell are allegorical. When asked where they got their basis for faith, they respond “The Bible of course!” Really?!  EBB4

Question: "Does Satan exist?"

  The Bible explicitly informs us of the existence of Satan. He is described as the enemy of man (Genesis 3:15), the father of lies (John 8:44b), and the accuser (Revelation 12:10), among other things. The very name “Satan” means “adversary.” Isaiah 14:12–17 explains that Satan was originally an angelic being, but he decided he wanted the honor and worship due only to God and was thrown out of heaven (also see Ezekiel 28:11–17).
  Ever since he was cast out of heaven (along with the angels who chose to rebel with him), Satan has made it his purpose to oppose God and lead the people of earth into rebellion as well. Satan has a certain authority in this world; he is called “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). That’s why we are to “be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
  One big way Satan wreaks havoc in our lives is through deception. When Satan deceives us about who God is, who God says we are, and who he is, he gains power and authority in our lives. “Satan does not exist” is one of the most potent lies Satan tells.
  At creation, God gave mankind authority over the earth (Genesis 1:28). When Adam and Eve willingly disobeyed God, they gave up some of their authority; in listening to Satan, they subjugated themselves to the devil. Yet, at the cross, Jesus stripped Satan of his authority: “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out” (John 12:31). “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8). Satan has no more authority over those who are in Christ, except when they give it to him by believing his lies.
  Much misinformation about Satan comes from Hollywood and other flawed sources. It’s imperative that we go to the Bible for the truth on this and other matters. The Bible plainly tells us that Satan does exist, and it cues us into how he operates. We have no reason to be intimidated by Satan, as his power is infinitely inferior to God’s, but the Bible teaches us not to be naïve in our spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10–18). The key is to submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7), knowing that Christ has defeated him for good at the cross and Satan’s end—eternal judgment—is assured (Revelation 19:20).

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CANNED GOODS IN THE UKRAINE

CANNED GOODS IN THE UKRAINE

Monday, March 17, 2014

Philippians [MKJV] 4:4-9 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, Rejoice! 5 Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, my brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think on these things. 9 Do those things which you have also learned and received and heard and seen in me. And the God of peace shall be with you.

  “canned goods” is typically an unspectacular term. On August 31, 1939, when I was 3.8 years old, it was not: “With the code words "Canned Goods" as the trigger, German operatives seize a radio station in Gleiwitz, Germany, and broadcast a message telling all Poles to attack Germans. The operation goes off smoothly, leaving the impression that insurgents were attacking Germans, and giving Adolf Hitler one more contrived pretext for war.” (For more on initial WWII timeline, go to http://history.howstuffworks.com/world-war-ii/buildup-to-world-war-213.htm )

  If I’ve learned anything about life it’s that drastic change may come very suddenly for the informed, uninformed, disinterested, fretful worrier, and the meek. Possibly Putin doesn’t use coded directives, but it is no secret he is emulating Der Fuehrer’s Poland strategy. Again all parties may be standing on the threshold of beyond canned goods; for as with Hitler, Putin has tremendous leadership skills.

  But what does this side of heaven “canned goods” fact of life mean to us as followers of Christ.

·         As His peculiar royal priesthood we are to be reasonably informed. 2Tim.2:15-17; 1Pet.2:9

·         As His ambassadors we should exert realistic Word-centered influence. 2Cor.5:1-21

·         Before family, friend, and acquaintance we must personally embody the abnormal to this world peace of God. Jn.14:27; 16:33; Phil.4:4-9

  And it would probably be a good idea to occasionally check “Use by” dates on canned goods in our pantry.  EBB4