PENNY'S THOUGHT

PENNY’S THOUGHT

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

 

Mark 11:27-33 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me. And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

 

  John 1:12 sister and friend Penny’s thoughts are of great worth to me and others. And yet not others, for they discount Penny.

  Yesterday she responded “I must disagree with your last statement [in DT SAMIZDAT; “We can say this is not Russia under draconian communism, or restrictive China, or brutally Sharian ISIL, but what if current national and international trends against Christian continue?”]. It is not the Christian who is being opposed.  It is Christ who is being opposed.  We cannot take it personally because Christ did not take it personally.  In actuality, he prayed for his accusers as they were killing him.  He knew that, like today, the enemies of Christ are caught by the devil and are being used for his evil intent. Penny”

  I do not disagree. Penny fathoms the depth of truth in reality, for in absolute fact it is Christ being opposed.

  However, the crowd that persecutes Christians doesn’t understand this.

  The aggressive atheist attacks Christian and Christianity, for they neither believe in Christ or that He is.   

  The Islamist whether moderate or brutal does not understand this, for their Shahada ideology is "In the name of God the Merciful the Compassionate, there is no god but God the One, no partner has he, Muhammad is the Messenger of God, Ali is the walī of God" This with their cry of “Allah akbar!” leaves no room for Father Jehovah, Son Jesus, or God’s Holy Spirit. (It also should be noted that as Christians believe in the Trinity Muslims interpret this as we incorrectly worship 3 gods.)

  Until confronted on the road to Damascus, Saul of Tarsus in Cilicia did not understand that he was actually persecuting Jesus. (Acts 9:1-5)

  Straight away you and I also know opposition is not all about us, but Him. Now, if and when the edge of darkness slashes at light, I pray this truth will be foremost in cranium.  EBB4

 

PS. Yesterday I listed 1Timothy 3:12 as a reference. Penny, a person that looks up references given, found it not applicable. I meant the reference as 2Timothy 3:12.  Ed. B.

SAMIZDAT

SAMIZDAT

Monday, September 29, 2014

 

2Timothy [MKJV] 2:1-3 Therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

 

  Yesterday while reading I learned a new word, samizdat. It is a Russian operative word having to do with the dissident political movement beginning many decades ago.  The word means “to copy”, in particular doing so covertly in opposition to political powers.

  Certain books and literature (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Zhivago_(novel) , the Bible, western newspapers and magazines, et al.) was forbidden and people were prosecuted severely, even sent to concentration camps in Siberia, for possessing or reading them.  As in some countries today, China for instance, a single or small number of an original publication is smuggled across the border, and copies are made. This often done laboriously by hand. Sometimes the literature involved is broken down in portions and circulated. 

  Imagine reading the middle chapter of a novel and then chapter 3 and then ….

  Or reading 2Peter chapter 3 and then John chapter 6 and then …..

  Consider the early decades of the church (A.D). as the gospels and epistles (Letters to congregations.) were written, sent, copied, circulated . . . it was not a matter of as with our reading and studying Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1Corinthians, 2Corinthians ….

  We can say this is not Russia under draconian communism, or restrictive China, or brutally Sharian ISIL, but what if current national and international trends against *Christian continue? Will we then fulfill the Apostle Paul’s urging to Timothy?

EBB4

 

*I believe we must stop thinking it is Christianity that is being opposed. It is Christian that is being

opposed. It’s personal! When one suffers, all suffer. G5546 Χριστιανός; Christianos; khris-tee-an-os'

From G5547; a Christian, that is, follower of Christ: - Christian. Note 1Corinthians 12:26; 1Timothy 3:12.

 

EVIDENTIALLY SO?

EVIDENTIALLY SO?

Sunday, September 28, 2014

 

2Timothy [MKJV] 4:1-4 Therefore I solemnly witness before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is going to judge the living and the dead according to His appearance and His kingdom, preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For a time will be when they will not endure sound doctrine, but they will heap up teachers to themselves according to their own lusts, tickling the ear. And they will turn away their ears from the truth and will be turned to myths.

1Peter 3:14-16 … if you also suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. And do not fear their fear, nor be troubled, but sanctify [mentally hallow His holiness] the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason of the hope in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that while they speak against you as evildoers they may be shamed, those falsely accusing your good behavior in Christ.

 

  Young Christian participating in higher secular education toward a hoped for degree can be very problematic ethically. This truth is self-evident. How to deal with problem(s) that may thwart realizing hoped for degree is not so clear.

  Yesterday I received an email from a grandson confronted with this issue. To get a passing grade credited toward degree, write essay in way non-religious professor wants to hear . . . or show proofs from God’s Word and suffer the same consequences other Christian students have?

  Below is the text the students must respond to in writing.

 

“We have defined religion as a system of myths, rituals, ethics and art that helps
construct meaning for a community of believers. Humans are driven to
interpret experiences through stories, elevating certain stories to the status of truths and
imbuing our lives with meaning. It is understandable then that truths, values and norms
are different for different people, depending on their cultural, economic, political and
religious backgrounds (an idea commonly known as relativism). Religious relativism
requires us to acknowledge the legitimacy other people's religious beliefs and practices,
at the same time recognizing our own beliefs and practices as just one system in a
world of diverse religions. Agnosticism requires us to acknowledge that the
supernatural is, by definition, unobservable and therefore beyond the scope of an
empirical epistemology (i.e., knowledge based on objective evidence). In other words,
there is no evidence to prove or disprove the existence of the supernatural, so to have
academic integrity we must remain neutral on that topic for the purposes of our study.
What are some implications of the theory that meaning is constructed by people rather
than revealed by supernatural beings or observed in nature? What does this theory
suggest about the meaning of religious texts? What does this theory explain to us
about the existence of religious sects? If religious truths are constructed, what benefits
might be derived from carefully de-constructing (i.e., taking apart and analyzing the
origins and implications of) those truths? Why does the academic study of Religion
require us to adopt relativism and agnosticism as part of our methodology?”

 

  How would you advise my grandson?

  Or, the tougher question being, if personally required as we very well may be in the future . . . how will you respond?

  Wait, as we know, God requires this readiness!

EBB4

AFFECTION MAKES FOR EFFECTIVENESS

AFFECTION MAKES FOR EFFECTIVENESS

Friday, September 26, 2014

 

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. [Jn.14:15; 1Jn.5:2-3]

Matthew 22:23-40 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 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. And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine. But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

 

  As God’s 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 also beneficial to those that love Him.

  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)
    Knowing this, where does it leave us this day concerning loving God and living effectively?  EBB4

PACE UNCHANGED

PACE UNCHANGED

Thursday, September 25, 2014

 

Dear fellow follower of Lord Jesus Christ,

  Regardless of life-changes, as much as possible our heart pace must not change. 

  Fact is, we should be alert to opportunities within or brought about by life changes.

 

Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Isaiah [MKJV] 25:8-9  He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord Jehovah will wipe away tears from all faces. And He shall take away from all the earth the rebuke of His people. For Jehovah has spoken. And one shall say in that day, Lo, this is our God. We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is Jehovah; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.

 

  Carpe diem dans Christ!

EBB4

 

PS. Pacemaker+ is in. Tired, but feeling fine. No real pain, occasional burning which ice pack alleviates. Once again on “Nothing heavier than jug of milk.” plus a few other temporary restrictions for 2 weeks this time. The only bad thing was the hospital bed, the most uncomfortable bed I’ve ever experienced. I suspect my incision will heal before my butt does. I believe all purchasing agents should have to experience items before signing off on them. Was unable to change this price-before-proofing protocol, but there were many opportunities while there, including discussing with young nurse her upcoming marriage and what love really is. Thank you all for your prayers. Ed Bullock

QUALIFYING FOR BLESSEDNESS

ANOTHER QUALIFICATION FOR BLESSEDNESS

Monday, September 22, 2014

 

Romans [MKJV all verses today] 12:1-3 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. For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But set your mind to be right-minded, even as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

 

  Trusting Jesus as Redeemer we are given power to be the sons and daughters of God (Jn.1:12).

 

John 1:12-13 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become the children of God, to those who believe on His name, who were born, not of bloods, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but were born of God.

 

  Qualifying for blessedness is a separate area. This we know from reading about unforgiveness begetting unforgiveness (Mt.6:12-15; 18:35; Mk.11:25-26; Lk.6:37) and God resisting resisters (1Pet.5:5).

  Sunday Pastor Paul left us with challenge to read Psalm 145. I’m certain he wants more than reading, but is praying and hoping for Romans 12:1-3 changes in thought, decidedness, and resultant deeds.

 

Psalm 145:1 I will lift You up, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever.

2  Every day I will bless You; and I will praise Your name forever and ever.

3  Great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised; and there is no searching out His greatness.

4  One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.

5  I will speak of the glorious honor of Your majesty, and of Your wonderful works.

6  And men shall speak of the might of Your awesome works; and I will declare Your greatness.

7  They shall pour forth the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness.

8  Jehovah is gracious and full of pity; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

9  Jehovah is good to all; and His tender mercies are over all His works.

10  All Your works shall praise You, O Jehovah; and Your saints shall bless You.

11  They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power,

12  to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom.

13  Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your rule endures throughout all generations.

14  Jehovah upholds all who fall, and raises up all those bowed down.

15  The eyes of all wait on You; and You give them their food in due season.

16  You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17  Jehovah is righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works.

18  Jehovah is near all those who call on Him, all those who call on Him in truth [‘emeth].

19  He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will save them.

20  Jehovah watches over all those who love Him; but all the wicked He will destroy.

21  My mouth shall speak the praise of Jehovah; and let all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever.

 

  145 is a wonderful Psalm about God blessing His family. However, in verse 18 I noticed a requirement.

  Examining the word “truth” I discovered Hebrew ‘emeth means to be firm in living continually in stable reliability in testimony and judgments (decision making) according to divine instruction.

  Thinking on this truth about truth, my mind shifted to the fact that Jesus was constantly referring to and explaining the Old Testament. When He said know the truth and it will set you free (Jn.8:32), was he referring to Psalm 145?

  I very much suspect so.

  Deciding that blessedness is never to be the goal, but is outcome, I see I need to put more surrender into reliability and decision making according to God’s Truth.  EBB4

LISTING 1-2-3...

LISTING 1-2-3…

Sunday, September 21, 2014

 

  I believe God’s Word has answers to all of life’s questions.

  A case in point is brokenhearted persons, most often moms and wives, puzzled at “He says he loves me / us / our children. Then why does he put another woman / drugs / alcohol / sports / hobbies / job / et al ahead of us when it comes to money and time?”

  The answer is in Jesus’ teaching.

 

Matthew 6:21-24 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. … No man 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. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

John 21:15 … Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? … [Please read all in context]

 

   Scripture always has obvious primary application. In selected passages above Jesus’ primary application is plainly understood.  There is however, as with much of Scripture, using principle therein, secondary appliance.

  Through decades of volunteering with Good News Jail & Prison Ministry and Overcomers In Christ I have been educated by inmates and group participants.

  One thing is hearing “I love my wife and kids. Never doubt it. The problem is I love _______ more!”

  As with all things in life, all is listed in order by personal priority. 1-2-3-4 ….

  What does MY LIST look like today?  EBB4

HEARING GOD: One Big Question

HEARING GOD: One Big Question

Friday, September 19, 2014

 

2Corinthians [MKJV] 13:11  [Paul] Finally, brothers, rejoice. Perfect [Greek meaning is to thoroughly mature, repair, adjust] yourselves; encourage yourselves; mind the same thing; be at peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

 

  Today I’ll be reviewing the instances of God audibly speaking to people as recorded in His Word.

  Today you will be thinking about “Why do, or would, I want God to audibly speak to me?”

And hopefully you’ll share your reasons with your DT fellows.

EBB4

HEARING GOD: Part Three

HEARING GOD: Part Three

Thursday, September 18, 2014

 

  Part Three of HEARING GOD is in two sections. This is Section A; having to do with your participation in answering a question: Who did God speak to as is recorded in the Old and New Testament? List there names please. Clue: Adam, Eve ……

  After receiving your input I will then put in order. Then I shall provide several thought questions pertaining to each Bible character and the incident.

EBB4

HEARING GOD: Part Two

HEARING GOD: Part Two

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

 

John MKJV 10:25-30 Jesus answered them [Jews challenging Jesus on Solomon’s Porch at The Feast of Dedication celebration], I told you and you did not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. But you did not believe because you are not of My sheep. As I said to you, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give to them eternal life, and they shall never ever perish, and not anyone shall pluck them out of My hand. My Father who gave them to me is greater than all, and no one is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand. I and the Father are one!

 

  Hearing a Christian pastor, missionary, elder, deacon, teacher, or pewster say “God spoke to me …” leaves some feeling less spiritual; left out and defective.

  God uses various symbolic terms in discussing His church members: children, disciples, fishers, husbandmen, laborers, and sheep. Referring to Himself as Shepherd, Jesus said His sheep hear His voice; we hear what He has to say to us.

  When was the first or last time you audibly heard God’s voice? I never have.

  But doesn’t Jesus say we hear Him? He does . . . and we do hear Him.

  Today’s text is proof that hearing God does not require audio: Believing is hearing! Even physically deaf people can and do hear Him.

  On Solomon’s Porch that day long ago indeed He was aural. However, Jesus was also referring to His Word recorded prior, the Torah thru Malachi. And now we have the completed Word including Matthew thru Revelation.

  This Word we have on page, from pulpit, quoted and expounded by His bleating sheep and as

Jesus explained: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples said to Him, Why do

You speak to them in parables? He answered and said to them, Because it is given to you to know the

mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them. For whoever has, to him shall

be given, and he shall have more abundance. But whoever does not have, from him shall be taken away

even that which he has. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they see not, and hearing

they hear not; nor do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which said, "By

hearing you shall hear and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see and shall not perceive; for this

people's heart has become gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes, lest at

any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and should understand with their heart,

and should be converted, and I should heal them." But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears,

for they hear.” (MKJV Mt.13:9-16)

  So, the question is not “Does God speak to us?” He does. Transmission is free and clear. Depending on individual and/or group, reception may not be. As with all else having to do with free will, the decision is ours.  EBB4

UNFORGIVENESS RESULTS IN UNFORGIVENESS

UNFORGIVENESS RESULTS IN UNFORGIVENESS

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

 

  Know this: unforgiveness results in the condition of living unforgiven.

 

Mat_6:12  and forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors.

Mat_6:14  For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you;

Mat_6:15  but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Mat_18:35  So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also to you, unless each one of you from your hearts forgive his brother their trespasses.

Mar_11:25  And when you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive it so that also your Father in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Mar_11:26  But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in Heaven forgive your trespasses.

Luk_6:37 …  Forgive, and you shall be forgiven.

 

EBB4

GOD'S WORK OF LOVE INCLUDES FORGIVENESS

GOD’S WORK OF LOVE INCLUDES FORGIVENESS

Monday, September 15, 2014

 

The following is written from notes taken and thoughts provoked during Pastor Paul’s yesterday morning sermon.

 

Mat 18:21  Then Peter came to Him and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Until seven times?

Mat 18:22  Jesus said to him, I do not say to you, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven.

Mat 18:23  Therefore the kingdom of Heaven has been compared to a certain king who desired to make an accounting with his servants.

Mat 18:24  And when he had begun to count, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.

Mat 18:25  But as he had nothing to pay, his lord commanded that he, and his wife and children, and all that he had, be sold, and payment be made.

Mat 18:26  Then the servant fell down and worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me and I will pay you all.

Mat 18:27  Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion and released him and forgave him the debt.

Mat 18:28  But the same servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. And he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me what you owe.

Mat 18:29  And his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, Have patience with me and I will pay you all.

Mat 18:30  And he would not, but went and cast him into prison until he should pay the debt.

Mat 18:31  So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry. And they came and told their lord all that was done.

Mat 18:32  Then his lord, after he had called him, said to him, O wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.

Mat 18:33  Should you not also have pitied your fellow servant, even as I had pity on you?

Mat 18:34  And his lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors until he should pay all that was due to him.

Mat 18:35  So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also to you, unless each one of you from your hearts forgive his brother their trespasses.

Romans 14:1-12 And receive him who is weak in the faith, but not to judgments of your thoughts. …

 

  Initial thought: Have we really accepted God’s love, His forgiveness, if we are not forgiving others as does He?

  In the time of the apostles the church was hardly heaven on earth. There was plenty of friction over law versus grace, law and grace; diet, day of worship, circumcision, and lots more.

  Today most consider these issues passé, even laughable, but we in the contemporary church also have issues. Some of which are minor, some major, too often with chosen result of angry unforgiveness.

  Another thought: Forgiveness and excuse-ability can be poles apart. We must not confuse the two.

  To grasp import of forgiveness, it’s essential to understand The Parable of the Talents presented by Jesus in response to Peter’s question.

• 7x70. Are we to compute stats on forgiving?
• Then what is the point of 7x70 criteria?
• 25 million dollars is a lotta moola!!
• But not as important as forgiveness.
• God treats us as we treat others.
      And then there’s the fact that unforgiveness leaves us vulnerable to the roaring lion that seeks whom he may devour. (1Pet.5:8) 
    Final thought: Is it possible to please and honor God if I am unforgiving?  EBB4

ABEL

ABEL

Sunday, September 14, 2014

 

Genesis 4:1-16 … Abel was a keeper of sheep …

 

  In the Old Testament, very little is said of Abel, son of Adam and Eve, brother of Cain. Why, because he died young? He was good. He was trusting, following God’s order. He was an offense to his brother (and others then?) that refused to do right.

  What can we learn from Abel?

• Abel was the first recorded shepherd. Quite interesting, for as time went on, shepherds were considered the low rung of the social ladder. Jesus is our Shepherd and often spoken of as such.
• Abel was a child choosing to please God and his parents. Christ-like.
• Abel was the first martyr to die for the truth. (Mt.23:35)
• Abel is the first member of the Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith. (Heb.11:1-4)
    What can we learn from Abel that is personally applicable to our life?
         +    Dying young or old is of relative unimportance in the scope of God’s eternity. Living by faith, what we do with life is paramount, not longevity.
         +    To do right is to be vulnerable. We are to be Christ-like; playing-it-safe or obeying and pleasing God is ever the choice before us. (Mt.26:35-46)
         +    Social status, recognition and plaudits, with its false hollow esteem is not to be our goal; honoring God as a wise caring undershepherd is.
         +    As with Abel, the record of our heritage is to be one of “good report” according to God’s standards.
         +    Don’t be like Cain!
   

  ”Dear children, don't let anyone deceive you. Whoever does what God approves of has God's approval as Christ has God's approval. The person who lives a sinful life belongs to the devil, because the devil has been committing sin since the beginning. The reason that the Son of God appeared was to destroy what the devil does. Those who have been born from God don't live sinful lives. What God has said lives in them, and they can't live sinful lives. They have been born from God. This is the way God's children are distinguished from the devil's children. Everyone who doesn't do what is right or love other believers isn't God's child. The message that you have heard from the beginning is to love each other. Don't be like Cain. He was a child of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain murder his brother? Because the things Cain did were evil and the things his brother did had God's approval. Brothers and sisters, don't be surprised if the world hates you.” (GW 1Jn.3:7-13)

 EBB4

HEARING GOD

HEARING GOD

Friday, September 12, 2014

 

Question: "Does God still speak to us today?"

Answer: The Bible records God speaking audibly to people many times (Exodus 3:14; Joshua 1:1; Judges 6:18; 1 Samuel 3:11; 2 Samuel 2:1;Job 40:1; Isaiah 7:3; Jeremiah 1:7 ;Acts 8:26; 9:15—this is just a small sampling). There is no biblical reason why God could not speak to a person audibly today. With the hundreds of times the Bible records God speaking, we have to remember that they occur over the course of 4,000 years of human history. God speaking audibly is the exception, not the rule. Even in the biblically recorded instances of God speaking, it is not always clear whether it was an audible voice, an inner voice, or a mental impression.
  God does speak to people today. First, God speaks to us through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Isaiah 55:11 tells us, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” The Bible is God’s Word, everything we need to know in order to be saved and live the Christian life. Second Peter 1:3 declares, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
  God can also “speak” to us through events—i.e., He can guide us through arranging our circumstances. And God helps us to discern right from wrong through our consciences (1 Timothy 1:5;1 Peter 3:16). God is in the process of conforming our minds to think His thoughts (Romans 12:2). God allows events to occur in our lives to direct us, change us, and help us to grow spiritually (James 1:2–5;Hebrews 12:5–11). First Peter 1:6–7reminds us, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
  God may sometimes speak audibly to people. It is highly doubtful, though, that this occurs as often as some people claim it does. Again, even in the Bible, God speaking audibly is the exception, not the ordinary. If anyone claims that God has spoken to him or her, always compare what is said with what the Bible says. If God were to speak today, His words would be in full agreement with what He has said in the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16–17). God does not contradict Himself.

From GotQuestions.org

Recommended Resources: Hearing God's Voice by Henry & Richard Blackaby and Logos Bible Software.

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