SPOTTING A WOLF CLOTHED AS A SHEEP

SPOTTING A WOLF CLOTHED AS A SHEEP

 

Have you ever heard the saying “a wolf in sheep’s clothing”?  I have heard it a couple of places. First, many years ago I heard one of Aesop’s Fables which talked about a wolf that put on a sheep skin so that he could fool the shepherd into believing he was a lamb.  Then when the shepherd locked the flock behind the gate at night the wolf  thought he was clear to eat all the sheep he wanted. To his surprise the shepherd returned to the flock that night to gather meat for the next day. The wolf in sheep’s clothing was killed as one of the sheep. You see the saying “wolf in sheep’s clothing” simply means someone who is pretending to be something they are not.

Years later I heard this concept in another place –The Bible.  Jesus warns against wolves in sheep’s clothing:

 “ … Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but in-wardly are ravenous wolves.”  Mathew 7:15

Following are five tips on how you can identify a wolf in sheep’s clothing; a false prophet.

The Guessing Wolf: They Said it Would Happen – Did It? 

History is full of accounts of folks predicting the end of the world; some in the not so distant past.  Also, how about the prophets who promise people that they will be healed of a terminal disease and it never happens.  A true prophet will predict things and those things will come to pass. A wolf in sheep’s clothing will play the guessing game and when their prophecy turns out false, they will make excuses and sometimes even set a new date for that big prophetic event. The Bible is clear about what will happen to false prophets and the foolishness of predicting the future. Take a look:

Deuteronomy 18:20-22  But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the LORD has not spoken?’— when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him. 

Ecclesiastes 10:14 A fool multiplies words, though no man knows what is to be, and who can tell him what will be after him?

The Biblically Illiterate Wolf: Does What They Prophesy Agree With Scripture? 

Are you hearing things that you know do not agree with what you have learned from the Bible? If you are it may be because that wolf in sheep’s clothing does not know the Bible and he is counting on his audience not knowing the Bible also. This is why it is essential for the Christian to be daily in the Word because when you know the truth, a lie will be very clear to you.

Is he causing problems in the church and amongst the brethren? A prophet should be building up the church, not tearing it down and causing divisions. Perhaps he is a smooth talker and believes that his smooth talk will gain him follows and feed his own belly (pride). He is not looking to edify the body, he is selfish and cunning. Look at these teachings and warning from Paul to several of the churches in his day; they are relevant in today’s churches also.

Romans 16:17-18 (KJV) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 

1 Corinthians 14:3-4 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 

Ephesians 4:11-16  And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. 

The Worldly Wolf: Do They Have A Good Testimony for Jesus? 

The worldly wolf will not bear fruit. You may not even know he is a Christian by his deeds. You can see this wolf when he goes about his daily affairs and his actions are not such that lead others to Jesus.  In fact, his actions turn people away from the truth of the Gospel. He is not an ambassador for Christ. Here are some verses from the Bible to help you spot this wolf. If you don’t see this in his walk, beware.

Matthew 7:16-20 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. 

Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 

Galatians 5:19-25 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God

James 2:16 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 

1 John 2:6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

The Lazy Wolf: Are Their Prophetic Teachings Generating Lots of Money?

Wolves will eat just about anything, even road-kill meat. It is a way to save energy during the cold winter months. It’s a way to get something for nothing – no work involved. They will look for deer that have been struck by motor vehicles and enjoy a free meal.  Same thing with the false prophet; their greed will cause them to collect money for speaking engagements where they speak the falsities and exploit unknowing prey. Greed drives their ministry rather than grace. We are warned that these wolves are not only outside of the church, but come from within as well.

Acts 20:28-30 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

2 Peter 2:1-3 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. 

The Sneaky Wolf: They Hide Until the Time is Right

Wolves are sneaky. They watch the prey and plan the attack. The sneaky wolf, false prophet is in the church watching and waiting. He is the one who calls secret meetings. He gains the trust of folks and then rises up to attack, taking innocent victims with him.  The Bible is clear about how God will deal with these sneaky wolves.

Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

A True Prophecy: Wolves Won’t Always Be Bad 

The great thing about the Bible is that is does not only tell us to beware of these wolves in sheep’s clothing, but it also assures us that we will not always have to fear the wolf. Isaiah, a true prophet, tells us that we have this to look forward to after Jesus comes and there is a new Heaven and new Earth:

Isaiah 11:6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.

Isaiah 65:25 “… The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,” says the LORD. 

How Do You Spot a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing? 

Do you have some tips to share?  Leave a comment below, we would love to hear from you.

Sources: The Holy Bible, King James Version; The Holy Bible, English Standard Version

“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^® (ESV^®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

ON THE PROWL

ON THE PROWL

Friday, August 29, 2014

 

1Peter [MKJV] 5:1-11 … be humbled under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your anxiety onto Him, for He cares for you. Be sensible and vigilant, because your adversary the Devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone he may devour; whom firmly resist in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions in the world are being completed in your brotherhood. But the God of all grace, He calling us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, He will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the glory and the might forever and ever. Amen.

 

  In my boyhood days the police where I lived had “*prowl cars”. Their main job was to creep around slowly and keep an eye of the neighborhoods. At about 7-8 years of age, I remember being out “Past time.” with “The big boys from Dundalk.” and had the beejeevers scared out of me when a prowl car quietly rolled up from behind with lights off and a stern voice asked “What are you boys doing out this time of night?!!”

  Be sure your sins will find you out, eh what? (Num.32:23)

  My fear (The other boys later said they weren’t one bit afraid.) escalated as I pictured in car, home to wake up family, and then ….

  Those prowlers of yesteryear with nightsticks (Never understood this nomenclature as we saw them use the batons in daytime too.) so always ready at-hand were there for our good and the good of the community.

  Satan and his prowling for worriers outside of boundaries is there to harm person and by extension people of the church when he can.

  I awoke this morning thinking about those that are beyond anxious about something; now being worrier en persona. They worry. They glom, latching onto one problem after another. If not personal, then church, or community, or nation, or world events . . . or what could be.

  Let us choose God’s peace and live within its sanctification, including its purifying deliverance from anxiety’s perilous walk.  EBB4

 

*Now “cruisers” or “patrol cars” is much more politically correct and far less offensive to the sensitivities of community. Another Good Olde Days memory is officers entertaining us with fancy intricate baton play. Best times were when several beat cops would compete.

CROSSED LEGS MOVEMENT

CROSSED LEGS MOVEMENT

Thursday, August 28, 2014

 

  As you know, I get questions and debated, some public, others offline. A good thing as it is provocative in making me and advisory board think. I, with their help on the not so obvious, do my best to give answers and solutions from God’s Word.

  Other times responding goes beyond. Often during such situation I throw the question or debate out to all of you. Yesterday “PS:” being just such an example thereof.

  Reading READER’S DIGEST this week raised such issue.

 

  A 35 mile road connects the small Columbian village of Barbacaos to civilization. As long as natives can remember the road has been in such poor condition that it is a half day travel trip. To no avail, local people had been complaining to the government for many years.

  Finally an ambulance got stuck resulting in young woman and unborn child dying for lack of proper medical care.

  Last June local women en bloc, including the village mayor’s wife, joined in a CROSSED LEGS MOVEMENT. No lovin’ until the road is repaired they said!

 

  Sharing the above story with male Christians they responded the wives were wrong and presented the following Scripture to back up their argument,

 

1Corinthians [MKJV] 7:1-5 Now concerning what you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. But, because of the fornications, let each have his own wife, and let each have her own husband. Let the husband give to the wife proper kindness, and likewise the wife also to the husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband. And likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife. Do not deprive one another, unless it is with consent for a time, so that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer. And come together again so that Satan does not tempt you for your incontinence.

 

  What do you think of the Barbacaos women using limb leverage? Can you present other Scripture that overarches what these men say?  EBB4

THE SANCTITY OF BOUNDARIES

THE SANCTITY OF BOUNDARIES

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

 

1Peter [MKJV] 5:6-11 Therefore be humbled under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your anxiety onto Him, for He cares for you. Be sensible and vigilant, because your adversary the Devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone he may devour; whom firmly resist in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions in the world are being completed in your brotherhood. But the God of all grace, He calling us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, He will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the glory and the might forever and ever. Amen.

 

  What is the highest aspiration of the Hamas tunnels? To invade, kill, terrorize Jews?

  When a pimp breaks in a new young girl or boy is his main goal to get them to have sex with him?

  Was Satan’s primary goal to get Job to despond?

  The answer to all three questions is the same, no!

  Hamas leaders build tunnels with the dream of erasing the border with Israel . . . and then erasing Israel.

  Pimps have sex with their novitiates so as to remove any and all margins the youth may hope to maintain.

  Satan’s utmost goal was to eradicate boundaries Job held to. (It is recorded Apollyon did not get Job to. Job 2:3, 9; 27:5)

  And what of us dear Christian, do we see the high importance of maintaining and staying within holy boundary? Or are we distracted by angst pertaining to otherwise items in life? Are we staring at the tunnels while the border we stood on is fading away?  EBB4

 

PS: Beginning yesterday, a person I know set me to thinking about the above. They believe Satan wants to destroy “Fortress America”. I agree. They also theorize that Satan has been trying to erase our southern USA border for some time. They believe Apollyon has most recently increased the effect by manipulating the migration of thousands of children. What do you think?

PEACE IS A RELATIVE MATTER

PEACE IS A RELATIVE MATTER

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

 

Isaah [all verses MKJV] 9:6  For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on   

       His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting  

       Father, The Prince of Peace.

Romans 12:2 …do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your        

        mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God.

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

 

  Mankind’s concept of peace is typically relative to the world standard of peace; therein wrongheaded thinking. The Middle East is not at peace, the USA is at peace. Ferguson, Missouri, is not at peace, Omaha is at peace. North Omaha is not at peace, Colonial Acres is at peace.

  Pre-Genesis 3:6 peace is not truly with nation, neighborhood, biological family, standing in my large wildflower garden, regardless of pleasant ambience. Jesus explained not only is ambient worldly peace actually illusion; true peace is accessed only through being His empowered John 1:12 relative and trusting thoughts and deeds in relationship with Him: “My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (MKJV Jn.14:27)

  The Apostle Paul retold the truth of His peace through trusting: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil.4:6-7)

  When we have His peace, it is not however a treasure to be hidden. Paul explained, first using himself to illustrate: “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.” (Phil.4:9); and addressing our authorization, responsibility, and blessedness as agents of God’s peace: “And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things!’” “… if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; whereas God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and putting the word of reconciliation in us. Then we are ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as God exhorting through us, we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (Rom.10:15; 2Cor.5:17-20)

  Peace is definitely a relative matter!  EBB4

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

Monday, August 25, 2014

 

  What does all the following signage have in common?

 

“Keep This Cabinet Locked! Poison.”

 

“DANGER! Disaster Area.”

 

“Quarantine Area. Do not enter without protective suit.”

 

“PRISON AREA. Do not pick up hitchhikers.”

 

“When lights flashing do not block firehouse intersection.”

 

“Enjoy your hike but Stay On Path! Crotalinae country.”

 

“Swim at your own risk. Stinging jelly fish.”

 

“No swimming. Polluted water.”

 

“No entry to Love Canal without EPA permit.”

 

“DRUG FREE ZONE”

 

“WAR ZONE. Enter at your own risk.”

 

“EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE”

 

“Cancer patients follow blue line to oncology department”

 

“Crime Scene – Do Not enter”

 

“CLOTHING SALE HERE TODAY”

 

  Prior to Genesis 3:6 event they didn’t exist.  EBB4

ANOTHER THOUGHT ON THOUGHT

ANOTHER THOUGHT ON THOUGHT

Sunday, August 24, 2014

 

“They couldn’t be ISIS. Look what she did with the hydrangeas and lawn . . . and they’re Husker football fans!”

 

“I wish God made people with sound tracks like in the movies. Then we’d know whether they were up to no good or not.”

 

  Have you ever known someone that gave their heart to someone or a cause and switched their brain off after they did so?

  Even some Christians do this. They trust Christ, loving Him dearly, but expecting Him to provide knowledge and strength as needed in timely fashion (spell that “crisis”) without diligent preparatory exercise; study and thought on their part.

  Though He is more than capable, do not count on this kind of last minute miracle. God has already provided miracle at hand to impart knowledge we sorely need to live aright and be equipped for the rigors of life this side of heaven.

  “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, throughly [completely] furnished unto all good works.” (2Tim.3:16-17)

  I find no joy, but sorrow, in stating that I see numerous Christians that profess trust in Lord Jesus Christ that after decades still are adrift when it comes to God’s direction, expectation, and guidance to accomplish.

  Paul was upset with the Christians at Corinth about this very thing, telling them they had the mind of Christ, but instead chose the ignorance of worldly knowledge.

  When we don’t have or rely on godly thinking provided by His Word, we will always auto-default to familial thought contrary to pleasing godliness.

  Is this how we want to live here actively and in preparation for the life to come?

  Jesus explained and warned "Let the person who has ears listen!" When he was alone with his followers and the twelve apostles, they asked him about the stories [parables]. Jesus replied to them, "The mystery about the kingdom of God has been given directly to you. To those on the outside, it is given in stories: 'They see clearly but don't perceive. They hear clearly but don't understand. They never return to me and are never forgiven.'" (GW Mk.4:9-12)  EBB4

YOUNG BUT WISE

YOUNG BUT WISE

Friday, August 22, 2014

 

Psalm 111:1-10 Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the company of decent people and in the congregation. The LORD'S deeds are spectacular. They should be studied by all who enjoy them. His work is glorious and majestic. His righteousness continues forever. He has made his miracles unforgettable. The LORD is merciful and compassionate. He provides food for those who fear him. He always remembers his promise. He has revealed the power of his works to his people by giving them the lands of other nations as an inheritance. His works are done with truth and justice. All his guiding principles are trustworthy. They last forever and ever. They are carried out with truth and decency. He has sent salvation to his people. He has ordered that his promise should continue forever. His name is holy and terrifying. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Good sense is shown by everyone who follows God's guiding principles. His praise continues forever.

Proverbs 24:3-4 With wisdom a house is built. With understanding it is established. With knowledge its rooms are filled with every kind of riches, both precious and pleasant.

Luke 11:10-12 Everyone who asks will receive. The one who searches will find, and for the person who knocks, the door will be opened. "If your child asks you, his father, for a fish, would you give him a snake instead? Or if your child asks you for an egg, would you give him a scorpion?

[Verses today are from GW version]

 

  Yesterday I sent out an afternoon extra edition sharing the wise words of a young friend.

 

“LADIES…. you have the same body parts every other woman has. He can easily get that somewhere else. What he can’t get is someone who has that unique personality and that LOVE only you can display. That heart that's whole, kind, loving, caring and full of loyalty. Your personality, your heart posture is what will keep that man, not your body.”  Kaitlan Reeves

 

  Kaitlan has and continues to work hard at professional standing. She recently completed a master’s degree while working fulltime in her career field. More importantly, though very busy, she does not neglect seeking her Master’s wisdom. As to which course is most difficult, possibly later she will write and tell us?

  Due to the clock, these hours most of my friends are young. However, regardless of age my most valuable friends are those that continually seek the treasure of wisdom. It is even better when they courageously share the good judgment they have personally gained.

  The greatest source of wisdom is God’s Word, for the Author is Omni-Wise!  EBB4

 

PS: “wisdom” is 234 times in 222 verses in God’s Word (KJV). For those interested in making a serious effort to gain true wisdom, upon your request I will send the full list of complete “wisdom” verses in English KJV, KJV+, MKJV, ASV, CEV, ESV, GW, ISV, LITV, WEBSTER, or YLT.

HOW NOW THINKETH THOU?

HOW NOW THINKETH THOU?

Thursday, August 21, 2014

 

Romans [All verses today from MKJV] 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God.

 

  Once again I stand accused, and definitely guilty, of repeating the need for God’s people to think differently than those whom know Him not. VIEWING ROBIN WILLIAMS being one recent DT on the theme.

  Be warned that I will not cease until no longer hearing worldly conversation contrary to godly thinking garnered from God’s Word. Just my commonly writing and saying “God’s Word” instead of “Bible” is aimed toward revising thinking.

  Of late we again hear the “gun violence” drumbeat of discussions on causes and solutions far from the real underlying cause. This non-biblical thinking including more jobs, improved education, better housing, more police, more community policing, “If all law-abiding citizens were armed gun violence could be eliminated!”, more summer programs, and such that may or has made a social difference, but still does nothing to address the root cause:

 

Psalm 10:3 For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire, and blesses the covetous whom Jehovah despises.

Psalm 36:1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David, the servant of Jehovah. The oracle utters transgression to the wicked within my heart. There is no fear of God before his eyes.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?

James 4:1-2 From where do wars and fightings among you come? Is it not from this, from your lusts which war in your members? You desire, and do not have. You murder, and are jealous, and cannot obtain. You fight and war, yet you have not because you ask not.

 

  How now thinketh thou?

EBB4

SHOULD CHRISTIAN WOMEN WEAR MAKE-UP OR JEWELRY

SHOULD CHRISTIAN WOMEN WEAR MAKE-UP OR JEWELRY

Shanna Duck "Let a search be made in the royal archives..." Ezra 5:17 NIV

 

  This is one of those really sticky issues where the interpretation depends on culture and on our own heart-condition as well as whether we believe we should adhere to the letter or the spirit of a command. I know groups that believe it is wrong to wear certain colors, certain fabrics, wedding rings, and even certain shoes.

  First, we need to ask ourselves about the historical context and the over-all purpose of these commands. (What exactly were these commands trying to correct?)

  If you study this, you'll find that 1st century Roman women were quite vain and really dressed to impress in a way that we'd find incredibly gaudy: lots of jewels, hair braided in incredible styles that were sometimes enhanced with precious stones, and silk clothing. Consider this quote from Pliny about Lollia Paulina, wife of Emperor Caligula, "I have seen her entirely covered with emeralds and pearls strung alternately, glittering all over her head, hair, bandeau, necklaces and fingers, the value of all which put together amounted to the sum of forty millions of sesterces, a value she was ready to attest by producing the receipts."

  Clothing like this was intended to generate envy, and REALLY intensified the distinction between the haves and the have-nots. It was completely antithetical to the teaching that all Christians, rich or poor, were brothers and sisters and equal before the throne of grace. The vast wealth that this clothing reflected was also often created by the exploitation of slaves and the poor, which God hates.

  So this is the context in which these commands were issued and this is probably the issue that the Apostles were trying to correct: over-dressing for social status, to generate envy, or to stand out in a worldly way and separate oneself from the hoi polloi in the Assembly.

  (As a side note, however. Early Christians apparently did NOT dress in strange or unusual ways to attract attention (Epistle to Diognetus) other than their clothing being perhaps a little more restrained or modest. Their clothing fitted in with the cultures in which they were a part.)

   For ourselves, we have to ask some personal questions of our conscience:

 

Does my denomination/my conscience believe we should adhere to the spirit or the letter of commands such as this?

 

Does my denomination believe that a Christian should stand out because of his or her distinctive dress?

 

Is MY clothing intended to generate attention or envy, to put others down, to show that I'm a super-Christian, or to otherwise give myself a pat-on-the-back? Or do my clothes show that I love my poorer brothers and sisters enough to try to make them feel comfortable around me and that I love the lost enough to be a good witness?

 

Do my clothes or jewelry reveal personal greed in my heart? In other words, how's my charity-life? Am I storing up treasure here on Earth?

 

For men: Do these verses only apply to women? Even a man can feel proud of his Armani suit or Italian-made shoes.

 

Does the wearing of gold or pearls really have the same significance in the U.S. that it had in 1st century Rome? Probably not. "Gold" and "pearls" out of the gum-ball machine are so common now in most American cultures that few people even notice them unless someone has rings on every finger.

 

What does my jewelry/clothing/makeup say to non-Christians in my area? Does it make me look strange, gaudy, greedy, or do people see "me" and think of what I "DO" in the community rather than remember my clothing? Everything we do should be out of love and concern for others' salvation.

 

  As for makeup, some groups bring out a lot of scriptures linking (heavy) makeup to prostitutes. Much of our makeup today worn by conservative Christian women is not particularly noticeable, in fact, it probably tends to make a woman stand out LESS because it evens out the complexion and reduces scars.

  Each of us has to examine the verses, examine our conscience, ask questions about stewardship (is buying a lot of designer clothes, jewelry or expensive makeup a good use of God's money? Some precious stones are a very poor investment even from a worldly point of view.) and look at our own heart-attitudes.

  In the end, all that will matter is whether or not we will one day wear a robe of fine, white linen, that was washed in the precious blood of our Savior.

I AM CERTAIN

I AM CERTAIN

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

 

Romans [MKJV] 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, "For Your sake we are killed all the day long. We are counted as sheep of slaughter." But in all these things we more than conquer through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

  Eternal security, once saved, always saved, is factual by and in Logos; the Word living and written.

  Using verifying verses and passages in Scripture I have written of this blessed truth numerous times.

  Today I present an emotional expression from Paul that reflects his deep concern for his people, the Jews – and also speaks of eternal security.

 

Romans [MKJV] 9:1-4 I [Paul] tell the truth in Christ, I do not lie, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great heaviness and continual pain in my heart. For I myself was wishing to be accursed from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites; to whom belong the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the Law, and the service of God, and the promises;

 

  In light of all else Paul wrote on the topic of blessed assurance, he passionately declared but if it could be . . . fully knowing it could not.

  Reading God’s Word from Genesis through Revelation, as with the great Apostle Paul, I know there is nothing that will rescind God’s covenant of life.

  Of this I am certain. Are you?  EBB4

 

PS: Trusting Jesus for salvation, but still not certain, say so and I will give you more proofs from God’s Word. It is a terrible thing to live in doubt. 

BIOMINICRY

BIOMINICRY

Monday, August 18, 2014

 

Psalm [MKJV] 33:6-7 By the Word of Jehovah were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. He gathered the waters of the sea like a heap, setting the depths in storehouses.

John [MKJV] 1:1-3 In the beginning 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.

Colossians [MKJV] 1:16-19 For all things were created in Him [Jesus], the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers, all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the Head of the body, the church, who is the Beginning, the First-born from the dead, that He may be pre-eminent in all things. For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness should dwell.

Hebrews [MKJV] 3:4 For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.

 

  Biomimicry. Never heard of it? It’s nothing new, it’s just that in these latter times it has a name.

  Biomimicry is nothing more than observing nature, flora and fauna, wind and water, natural processes and forces et al, taking note of their form and function, and making useful mimic in items we use.

  Clueless though we may be, its application and usefulness is all around us. Consider the grace and strength of bridges, building skeletons, exo and otherwise, sound transmission, reception, and suppression . . . even the function, strength and grace of the common toilet is influenced by biomimicry.

  Many have heard that spider web material is stronger than steel pound for pound. But did you know that the thickness and tension of the strands is not always the same in every area of a web? When an arriving meal struggles it sends out vibrations thru the web. Due to the tuning, Mr. Spider knows exactly where to go for a yummy meal without searching. Imagine: Luscious horsefly in sector 4 in the key of C. And training the kiddies with a game of Name That Tune! Or the ARACHNID WORLD-HERALD headlines, “Terry Tarantula Dies Prematurely Due To Tin Ear”?

  Mr. Spider’s design is being studied by Boeing in the hope that they can structurally redesign plane frames to direct and control noise.

  Biomimicry is a nice catchy sounding man-word, when really it is He of The Word, Master Designer, Engineer, Creator and Sustainer; His work that is being studied, though, as is typical of man, I don’t think we’ll see His name on the credits.  EBB4

SALVATION MORE THAN HEAVENLY

SALVATION IS ETERNAL SECURITY

Sunday, August 17, 2014

 

  I don’t know about all of you, but I need to be re-reminded of the truth. One of the things God’s Word does is just this. Or haven’t you noticed that in reading the Bible you think “Didn’t I just read that?” or “Why do some of God’s penman repeat themselves so much?”

  In case you haven’t noticed, I do a lot of repeating . . . and am sometimes called on it.

  Today I yet again with a question and common answer heard.

  “Define salvation?”

  Summing up the common response: “I was going to hell, trusting Jesus, now going to heaven when I die.”

  Just in case this is your narrow hindering mindset, please understand there is much more than being heaven-bound.

  From Scofield Study Bible footnote.

 

“Salvation” The Hebrew, and (Greek, "sōtēria", meaning "safety", "preservation", "healing", and "soundness"). Salvation is the great inclusive word of the Gospel, gathering into itself all the redemptive acts and processes: as justification, redemption, grace, propitiation, imputation, forgiveness, sanctification, and glorification. Salvation is in three tenses:

 

(1) The believer has been saved from the guilt and penalty of sin (Luk_7:50); (1Co_1:18); (2Co_2:15); (Eph_2:5); (Eph_2:8); (2Ti_1:9) and is safe.

 

(2) the believer is being saved from the habit and dominion of sin (Rom_6:14); (Phi_1:19); (Phi_2:12); (Phi_2:13); (2Th_2:13); (Rom_8:2); (Gal_2:19); (Gal_2:20); (2Co_3:18).

 

(3) The believer is to be saved in the sense of entire conformity to Christ. (Rom_13:11); (Heb_10:36); (1Pe_1:5); (1Jo_3:2).

 

Salvation is by grace through faith, is a free gift, and wholly without works; (Rom_3:27); (Rom_3:28); (Rom_4:1-8); (Rom_6:23); (Eph_2:8).

 

The divine order is: first, salvation, then, works; (Eph_2:9); (Eph_2:10); (Tit_3:5-8).

 

  Salvation means going to heaven? Yes, but going to heaven is eventual result by death or rapture of God’s gracious absolutely safe and sound preservation; believers are forgiven, presently eternally secure! And a here and now meanwhile work in progress.

  “God lives in those who declare that Jesus is the Son of God, and they live in God. We have known and believed that God loves us. God is love. Those who live in God's love live in God, and God lives in them. God's love has reached its goal in us. So we look ahead with confidence to the day of judgment. While we are in this world, we are exactly like him with regard to love. No fear exists where his love is. Rather, perfect love gets rid of fear, because fear involves punishment. The person who lives in fear doesn't have perfect love.” (GW 1Jn.4:15-18)  EBB4

BATTLING SIN MAY HINDER MATURATION

BATTLING SIN MAY HINDER MATURATION

Friday, August 15, 2014

 

Acts [MKJV] 13:22 … David the son of Jesse to be a man after My own heart, who shall fulfill all My will.

1John [MKJV] 4:1-4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but try the spirits to see if they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses [Greek has to do with “covenant”] that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God; and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the antichrist you heard is coming, and even now is already in the world. You are of God, little children, and you have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

 

  We don’t have to read very much of His Book to figure out that God hates sin, and that we should also always do so. However, making not sinning our priority can be quite problematic; a serious hindrance to godly maturation.

  It is possible to fix our eyes and energies on our sin dilemma at the expense of not focusing on The Sinless One. Though sinfulness can distance us from fellowship with God, Christian, and others; it is not the winning of individual battles that makes for close comradeship with God, Christian, and others.

  To properly deal with sin we trust God, standing near Him in maximum advantageous position, on the high ground.

  It is serious mistake to battle our sinfulness so as to be nearer to God; for we can only overcome sinfulness by being near Him.  EBB4

WHAT DO WE SEE?

WHAT DO WE SEE?

Thursday, August 14, 2014

 

Matthew [MKJV] 18:1-4 At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, Who is the greater in the kingdom of Heaven? And Jesus called a little child to Him and set him in their midst, and said, Truly I say to you, Unless you are converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Therefore whoever shall humble himself like this little child, this one is the greater in the kingdom of Heaven.

 

  It is important to remember that eyes are lens and that it is our mind that does the seeing . . . AND that our mind is not always candid but only sees according to pictures and captions already there. (This is just as true with hearing.)

  Reading yesterday’s DT it could be seen as about Robin Williams, or cocaine addiction problem in society, or that grief is most about sense of our loss – not about what happened to other person, or society’s values, or depression . . . or what I tried to show:  That we often very much need to seriously adjust our view.

  In His Incarnation one of the first things adult Jesus did was emphasize man’s problem with vision. God wants us to see as He sees. (Jn.3:1-36)

 

Nicodemus had vision problem.

Religious leaders had vision problem.

Disciples with Jesus then had this vision problem.

I have this vision problem.

You have this vision problem.

 

  How am I so certain about this? I see God says it is so.

  There is however a cure; the new birth that Jesus spoke to Nicodemus and company present; a truth recorded in Gospel of John for all to see forever after. New birth does not however immediately provide full mature vision, but the beginning of the journey of increasingly gaining His vision . . . if we exercise our eyes by studying His vision. If we do not exercise, yes as those trusting Jesus as Redeemer we are heaven bound, but due to poor vision we will often stumble between here and there . . . acting out in confusion, depression, staged performance, reliance on other than the Word; a life displeasing to our Lord.

  A bit of personal history to illustrate:

  In 1955 I was newly employed by one of the world’s largest wealthy influential companies, fresh in marriage to Ann, living on our own, just past teen years but not too distant from. Always a reader, I came upon new term “inner child”, it still a darling of psychology trade. “Aha, now I understand!” and read more articles on the topic.

  With new birth eyes I no longer saw hiding “inner child” humiliation as issue needing defensive and/or offensive action, but the problem being lack of maturation according to God’s Word; a maturity that includes being a humble child.

  To summarize our need for godly ability to see life and death clearly, view Paul in Ephesians 5:14-17 stating the truth he saw after walking in blindness:

 

"Awake, sleeping ones! And arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light." See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

 

EBB4