SLEUTHING SCRIPTURE

SLEUTHING SCRIPTURE

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Luke 16:19-31  [Jesus taught] There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

  I enjoy murder mysteries, especially the ones that expose viewers to everything the detective(s) see and hear. DEATH IN PARADISE, streamed from Netflix, is a British 2 season series I recently experienced.

  “experienced”? Yep, I don’t simply enjoy watching tales of crime. I think of them as analytical exercises helpful with the labor of 2Timothy 2:15-16 classroom compliance.

  A repeated theme in the DIP series is how easily it is to get fixated and not notice otherwise that which also informs. Then there’s the matter of how very important questioning is in seeking discovery.  (THINK!! WHO? WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? WHY? HOW? homeschool students Ian and Shandree grew weary of hearing.)

  Consider the story Jesus told that is recorded by Luke 16. Play sleuth. Go beyond the obvious or that which you’ve often heard or read. (Commonest theme upon these ears was “Great Gulf” and “too late!”) Then share with this congregation what is newly edifying to you.

  Yes, let the word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom unto the teaching and admonishing one another of that which we know and learn. (Col.3:15-16)

EBB4

REPLICATING VALIDITY

REPLICATING VALIDITY

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Ecclesiastes [MKJV] 1:2, 14; 2:11, 17  Vanity of vanities, says the preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.

… I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. … Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done, and on the labor that I had labored to do; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit; and there is no profit under the sun. … Therefore I hated life; because the work that is done under the sun is sad to me; for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Isaiah [GW] 44:10-17 Nothing comes from making gods or casting metal idols. Everyone associated with the gods will be put to shame. The craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all get together and take their stand. They will be frightened and ashamed together. Blacksmiths shape iron into tools. They work them over the coals and shape them with hammers, working them with their strong arms. They get hungry, and their strength fails. If they don't drink water, they will faint. Carpenters measure blocks of wood with chalk lines. They mark them with pens. They carve them with chisels and mark them with compasses. They carve them into forms of people, beautiful people, so the idols can live in shrines. They cut down cedars for themselves. Then they choose fir trees or oaks. They let them grow strong among the trees in the forest. Then they plant cedars, and the rain makes them grow. These trees become fuel for people to burn. So they take some of them and warm themselves with them. They start fires and bake bread. They also make gods from these trees and worship them. They make them into carved statues and bow in front of them. Half of the wood they burn in the fire. Over this half they roast meat that they can eat until they are full. They also warm themselves and say, "Ah! We are warm. We can see the fire!" But the rest of the wood they make into gods, carved statues. They bow to them and worship them. They pray to them, saying, "Rescue us, because you are our gods."

“What people want today is authenticity. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made.” Author unknown

  Reality shows are popular, with large professional support staffs and equipment to validate reality. The scenarios are not however only something watched . . . it is something done by many people. This is not a new practice. The only difference for everyman is size of budget, available time to invest, and magnitude of appearance, convenience and greater rapidity in hopping from one performance to another, to another to …..

  (Hey bare-legged guys and gals. Did you know that in pre-mall days the Hosiery Departments of multi-story downtown emporiums once were the most popular section of the stores? And that lacking elastic tops, both women and men wore garters to hold them up?)

  As ever, the goals are the same:

·         Deliverance from stressors.

·         To escape normalcy.

·         To have.

·         Attempting to rise above the reality of life and dying.

  Christian or not can participate in attempts to replicate validity.

  The difference for the Christian is smothering God’s Holy Spirit within. (1Thes.5:16-21)

EBB4  

ABIDING IN AS OPPOSED TO DECIDING FOR STRENGTH

ABIDING IN AS OPPOSED TO DECIDING FOR STRENGTH

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Joshua 24:14-15 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Hebrews chapter 11 [Hall of faith.] … These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. [verse 13]

  The Boy Scouts of America didn’t come up with the important principle of whenever possible being prepared before time of need. Nor did my family prior to my joining the Scouts. Neither did their ancestors.

  The Word Everlasting did.

  Unfortunately there are Christians that live unprepared. They’re not exercising in God’s Way and when stress comes they are as easily shaken as leaves in the wind.

  Our prime example is Lord Jesus Christ; the Word (Jn.1:1); the Way (Jn.14:6-12). He established early on in His Incarnate ministry that He is Strength . . . asking the crowd what they expected to see, a reed trembling in a breeze? (Mt.11:7)

  I read of this strength in characters in Scripture, especially the list in Hebrews 11. (And they didn’t have or understand all that we now do.)

  I observe this strength in people I know, and have known, my beloved Ann for one.

  I well remember the day we were informed Ann had a fatal incurable disease that is so rare the health industry invests little or no money toward its prevention or cure. Of course I didn’t like the news, but I well remember Ann’s lifelong overarching attitude: We know we die, the difference being having advance notice, and though she loved family and friend, she had always looked forward to what she referred to as “The ultimate healing.” And so we observed her life prior to and during those last months and final days: Her only change was in body.

  There is much in the Word exemplified and written to prepare us with daily and advance strength.

Though there is many more, I here mention two large, one for now and one for eventual leaving this world.

·         2Timothy [GW] 3:16-17 [Paul explained] “Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God's approval. They equip God's servants so that they are completely prepared to do good things.”

·         John [GW] 14:1-2 [Jesus said]"Don't be troubled. Believe in God, and believe in me. My Father's house has many rooms. If that were not true, would I have told you that I'm going to prepare a place for you?”

  Don’t wait for the gales of life or the winds of death, be prepared!  EBB4 

TACIT PERMISSION TAKEN

BY NATURAL INCLINATION, TACIT PERMISSION TAKEN

Monday, April 27, 2015

Jeremiah [MKJV] 17:7-10 Blessed is the man who trusts in Jehovah, and Jehovah is his trust. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters; it sends out its roots by the river, and it shall not fear when the heat comes, but its foliage shall be green; and he is not worried in the year of drought, nor will it cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I Jehovah search the heart, I try the reins, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.

“The only thing we learn from history is we don’t learn from history. Consequently we repeat history.” Mr. Vince Hanley, World History teacher at North Harford High School, Maryland many years ago.

  As a result of energetic evangelism, in the early 4^th century Christianity began to spread in Armenian area. The first state that was called Armenia by neighboring peoples was established in the early 6th century BC. The Kingdom of Armenia became the first state to officially adopt Christianity as a state religion. In later centuries the Armenians developed close social, cultural, military, and religious ties with nearby Crusader States in the hope of protecting themselves from incursion and oppression by nearby Islamic societies. Sometimes it worked, other times not.

  Eventually the Armenians were drastically oppressed under the heel of the Ottoman Turks. During WWI, the Turks accused the (Christian) Armenians as liable to ally with Imperial Russia, and used it as a pretext to deal with the entire Armenian population as an enemy within their empire. Genocide was implemented as the final solution.

  The slaughter began on Saturday, April 24^th, 1915, the day Ottoman authorities rounded up, arrested, and subsequently executed some 250 Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople.

  The genocide continued in phases with the wholesale killing of the able-bodied male population through massacre and subjection of army conscripts to forced labor, followed by the deportation of women, children, the elderly and infirm on death marches leading to the Syrian desert. Driven forward by military escorts, the deportees were deprived of food and water and subjected to periodic robbery, rape, and massacre. The total murdered may be as high as 1.5 million. (The preceding information is gleaned from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia )

  The West, including USA, knew what the Islamic Turks were doing, but did next to nothing beyond a few expressed protestations.

  USA Ambassador Henry Morgenthau, Ottoman Empire, 1913-16, wrote “I am confident that the whole history of the human race contains no such horrible episode as this. The great massacres and persecutions of the past seem almost insignificant when compared to the sufferings of the Armenian race in 1915.”

  USA Consul to Harput, Leslie A. Davis, 1914-17, wrote “It has been no secret the plan was to destroy the Armenian race as a race, but the methods used have been more cold-blooded and barbarous, if not more effective, than I had first supposed.”

  Adolf Hitler gave the Armenian genocide considerable thought, and in 1939 while Chancellor of Nazi Germany penned “I have placed my death-head [military Einsatzgruppe;”task forces”] formations in readiness – for the present only in the East –with orders to them to  send to death mercilessly and without compassion, men, women, and children of Polish derivation and language. Only thus shall we gain the living space which we need. Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?”

  And so the great Holocaust began.

  And now do we have 1939 all over again?

EBB4

JAMES 1:25

JAMES 1:25

Sunday, April 26, 2015

James 1 [MKJV today] … become doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man studying his natural face in a mirror. For he studied himself and went his way, and immediately he forgot what he was like. But whoever looks into the perfect Law of liberty and continues in it, he is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work. This one shall be blessed in his doing.

  Does James teach that salvation, eternal redemption, comes thru doing good works? Or a “Yes, trust Jesus but keep working or you’ll lose eternal life!”? Is he in disagreement with Paul’s statement to the Ephesians (2:8-9) that men are redeemed only by reliance in God’s grace and not by good works? Is James presenting something in opposition to the teachings of Jesus?!

  James is not presenting another gospel. (Gal.1:8-9) He is explaining that the gospel includes benefits and responsible actions because of and due to God’s grace therein; production that is natural outflow of loving Jesus. 

  A few related verses to think about (Suggest printed out and reading several times this day.):

Psalm 19:7-11 The Law of Jehovah is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of Jehovah is sure, making the simple wise. The Precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart; the Commandments of Jehovah are pure, giving light to the eyes. The fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of Jehovah are true and righteous altogether, more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. And Your servant is warned by them; in keeping them there is great reward

Psalm 103:15-18 As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone; and its place shall know it no more. But the mercy of Jehovah is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness is to sons of sons; to those who keep His covenant, and to those who remember to do His Commandments.

John 14:21 [Jesus explained] He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. And he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.

Romans 6:13-18 [Paul exhorted] Do not yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but yield yourselves to God, as one alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under Law, but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under Law, but under grace? Let it not be! Do you not know that to whom you yield yourselves as slaves for obedience, you are slaves to him whom you obey; whether it is of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness. But thanks be to our God that you were the slaves of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. Then being made free from sin, you became the slaves of righteousness.

Galatians 1:1-9  Paul, an apostle (not from men, nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), and all the brothers with me, to the churches of Galatia. Grace be to you, and peace from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. I marvel that you so soon are being moved away from Him who called you into the grace of Christ, to another gospel, which is not another, but some are troubling you, and desiring to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from Heaven preach a gospel to you beside what we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we said before, and now I say again, If anyone preaches a gospel to you beside what you have received, let him be accursed.

Ephesians 2:8-10 [Paul explaining]For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.

EBB4

THERE IS A LAW

THERE IS A LAW

Friday, April 24, 2015

  We were enjoying the cool late afternoon in the park. I mostly watching the activities of the 20 or so scattered after-school antics of the kaleidoscope haired black clad teens. Grandson Michael was his usual energetic hop, skip, jump, and run. For one thing he had me stopwatch time him several runs on the serpentine brick path.

  The centerpiece of the park is a multi-stoned fountain topped with an airy stainless steel sculpture. 

  Since the water was not yet on, I asked Michael to climb the stone tiers to the base of the sculpture and I’d photograph him and cellphone forward the picture to several loved ones.

  As I completed the enjoyable task a man on a motorized wheelchair came before me. He politely but firmly said “That boy should come down from there.” Though I had determined the feat to not be grandson endangerment, I took no offense. Curious, I did however plaintively ask “Why do you want the boy to come down?”

  His response “Because it’s against the law!” stirred thoughts of reflection then and this morning.

  There is God’s Ten Commandments and many more laws plainly stated in His Word. When someone, self included, disobeys and thereby sins . . . is our concern about breaking the law or that such activity is harmful, even to the loss of freedom in one or more ways?

  My thoughts turn to James’ epistle. I contemplate “…whoever looks into the perfect Law of liberty and continues in it, he is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work. This one shall be blessed in his doing.” (Underlining mine. MKJV Jam.1:25)

  What is our attitude, adherence to law, or liberty?

EBB4

PS. As we were leaving we noticed the City Ordinance signs on the perimeter and one of the teens volunteered that the fine is 500 dollars. Duh, no wonder the teens weren’t frolicking on the fountain.

  

TACIT PERMISSION

TACIT PERMISSION

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Galatians [All GW today.] 5:7-10 You were doing so well. Who stopped you from being influenced by the truth? The arguments of the person who is influencing you do not come from the one who is calling you. A little yeast spreads through the whole batch of dough. The Lord gives me confidence that you will not disagree with this. However, the one who is confusing you will suffer God's judgment regardless of who he is. [1Cor.5:6]

“The latest sex scandal involving federal law enforcement officials has claimed its first high-level victim, with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) chief Michele Leonhart stepping down after a Department of Justice Inspector General's (IG) report documented that DEA agents in Colombia had participated in "sex parties" with prostitutes -- in some cases hired by the very drug cartels the agents were supposed to be fighting. This comes following a similar well-publicized scandal in Colombia (where prostitution is tolerated) involving Secret Service agents, but the IG report covered problems of sexual harassment and misconduct not only in the DEA, but also in the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Meanwhile, the Defense Department continues to struggle with problems of sexual assault and pornography in the military.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest insisted, "The president ... maintains a very high standard for anybody who serves in his administration." Perhaps, however, what President Obama needs to do is engage in some soul-searching about his party's unqualified affirmation of the values of the sexual revolution -- namely, sex without boundaries (such as homosexuality) and without consequences (hence the necessity of abortion). If it is not permissible for the society or culture to demand sexual self-restraint from anyone, it inevitably makes it harder to demand such restraint even in the professional context of the military or law enforcement, which by now, should be very evident.”

  In reading over this morning’s messages the 2 paragraphs above from Family Research Council (FRC) stirred several memories with ensuing consideration.

  The earliest being one of Grandmother McGee’s repeated reminders that “It only takes one rotten apple to spoil the whole barrel full!”

  Then I thought of chapters 5 in 1Corinthians and Galatians.

  Next came a teaching from union classes decades ago for we elected representatives: The goal is not to always win the case at hand. In the flurry of negotiating do your best to get small concession(s) that can later be applied as a precedent (model), tacit (unstated but inferred) permission in later situations.

  And of course management had the same training. The trick was to find the white collars that dozed thru their classes or were Carter-like babes in the woods lacking in street smarts.

  Lastly I sit pondering Jude’s words from centuries past: “Dear friends, I had intended to write to you about the salvation we share. But something has come up. It demands that I write to you and encourage you to continue your fight for the Christian faith that was entrusted to God's holy people once for all time. Some people have slipped in among you unnoticed. Not long ago they were condemned in writing for the following reason: They are people to whom God means nothing. They use God's kindness as an excuse for sexual freedom and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. I want to remind you about what you already know: The Lord once saved his people from Egypt. But on another occasion he destroyed those who didn't believe. He held angels for judgment on the great day. They were held in darkness, bound by eternal chains. These are the angels who didn't keep their position of authority but abandoned their assigned place. What happened to Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities near them is an example for us of the punishment of eternal fire. The people of these cities suffered the same fate that God's people and the angels did, because they committed sexual sins and engaged in homosexual activities. Yet, in a similar way, the people who slipped in among you are dreamers. They contaminate their bodies with sin, reject the Lord's authority, and insult his glory.” (Jude 1:3-7)

EBB4

BELIEVE IT, OR NOT

BELIEVE IT, OR NOT

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Question: "Why should I believe the Bible?"  (www.GotQuestions.org )

  The Bible makes claims about the creation of the universe, the nature of the God who created the universe and reigns supremely over it, and the fate of mankind. If these claims are true, then the Bible is the most important book in the history of mankind. If the Bible is true, then it holds the answers to life’s biggest questions: “From where did I come?” “Why am I here?” and “What happens to me when I die?” The importance of the Bible’s message demands it receive fair consideration, and the truthfulness of its message is observable, testable, and able to withstand scrutiny.
  The writers of the Bible claim that the Bible is God’s very Word. The apostle Paul writes that “all Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). That is to say, all the words recorded in the original writing of Scripture originated from the mouth of God before ever reaching the minds and pens of the biblical writers. The apostle Peter also writes that “prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). The phrase “carried along” is indicative of a sail being propelled by the wind. That is, the writing of Scripture was directed by the Holy Spirit. The Bible does not originate with man and is, then, a product of God and carries the authority of God.
  At this point, it is important not to let circular reasoning become the justification for believing the Bible. We cannot say that one should believe the Bible simply because the Bible says it should be believed. If, however, the truth claims of the Bible are found true whenever it is possible to test their veracity or are proved true during historical and scientific discovery, then the internal claims of the Bible’s own trustworthiness are more compelling. The internal evidence works in tandem with the external.
  The internal evidence of Scripture’s veracity provides many compelling arguments for why one should believe the Bible. First, the unique message of the Bible sets it apart from other religious texts. The Bible, for instance, teaches that mankind is inherently evil and deserving of eternal death. If man were responsible for the content of the Bible, the view of humanity would not be so dark—we tend to make ourselves look good. The Bible also teaches that humans can do nothing of themselves to remedy their natural state. This, too, goes against human pride.
  The unity of the biblical message is further reason for why one should believe the Bible. The Bible was written over a period of approximately 1,550 years, with at least 40 human writers, most of whom did not know each other and were from varying backgrounds (king, fisherman, tax collector, shepherd, etc.). The Bible was written in various environments (desert, prison, royal court, etc.). Three different languages were used to write the Bible, and, despite covering controversial subjects, it carries one harmonious message. The circumstances surrounding the writing of the Bible would seem to guarantee its fallibility, and, yet, the message from Genesis to Revelation is uncannily consistent.
  Another reason why one should believe the Bible is its accuracy. The Bible should not be confused with a science textbook, but that does not mean that the Bible does not speak to issues that are scientific in nature. The water cycle was described in Scripture centuries before it was a scientific discovery. In some cases science and the Bible have seemed to be at odds with each other. Yet, when science has advanced, the scientific theories have proved wrong and the Bible proved right. For example, it used to be standard medical practice to bleed patients as a cure for illness. Many people died because of excessive blood loss. Now medical professionals know that bloodletting as a cure for most diseases is counterproductive. The Bible always taught that “the life of a creature is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11).
  The Bible’s truth claims concerning world history have also been substantiated. Skeptics used to criticize the Bible for its mention of the Hittite people (e.g., 2 Kings 7:6). The lack of any archaeological evidence to support the existence of a Hittite culture was often cited as a rebuttal against Scripture. In 1876, however, archaeologists discovered evidence of the Hittite nation, and by the early 20th century the vastness of the Hittite nation and its influence in the ancient world was common knowledge.
  The scientific and historical accuracy of the Bible is important evidence of the Bible’s trustworthiness, but the Bible also contains fulfilled prophecies. Some of the biblical writers made claims about future events centuries in advance. If any one of the events predicted had occurred, it would be astounding. But the Bible contains many, many prophecies. Some of the predictions were fulfilled in a short amount of time (Abraham and Sarah had a son, Peter denied Jesus three times, Paul was a witness for Jesus in Rome, etc.). Other predictions were fulfilled hundreds of years later. The 300 messianic prophecies fulfilled by Jesus could not have reasonably been fulfilled by one person unless some greater power was involved. Specific prophecies like Jesus’ birthplace, activities, manner of death, and resurrection demonstrate the preternatural accuracy of Scripture.
  When it is put to the test, the Bible is proved true in every area. Its truth extends to the spiritual, as well. That means that when the Bible says the Hittite nation existed, then we can believe that there were Hittites, and when the Bible teaches that “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23) and the “wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), then we need to believe that, too. And, when the Bible tells us that “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8) and that “whoever believes in [Jesus] shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16), then we can and should believe that, also.

© Copyright 2002-2015 Got Questions Ministries [There is not violation of copyright so long as used identifying source and without illicit gain.]

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American Baptist College President Forrest Harris has been recently criticized for his decision to allow a lesbian bishop to speak at the school. In response he stated opposition to Bible idolatry “When people say [the Bible] is synonymous with God and the truth. We can’t be guided and dictated by a first century world view.” (Source: WORLD Magazine 4/4/15)

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What do you say?

EBB4

HOW NOW DO WE MEASURE?

HOW NOW DO WE MEASURE?

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

2Corinthians [ESV today] 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Galatians 5:22-26 … 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 keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited [in thinking life is all about me. EBB4], provoking one another, envying one another.

Philippians 2:3-15 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

1Thessalonians 5:15-22 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

   Is “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. “ in our disciple’s spiritual inventory? (2Cor.12:10)

  And can we say from our heart of hearts “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”? (Phil.4:11-12)

  Life is not all fun and games, glorious honor and respect. Fact is, there are dark souls that are gleeful in debasing people. Some are specialists at targeting God’s John 1:12 family.

  But God be praised for our reaction to degradation is an exceptionally useful measure of our faith and the magnitude of His Holy Spirit in our life!

EBB4

DOT TO DOT REVELATION

DOT TO DOT REVELATION

Monday, April 20, 2015

2Timothy [ESV] 2:15-16 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,

Genesis 3:14-15 ------------------------------------ 4,000+ years ----------------------------------Matthew 1:18

  On last Tuesday I reminisced about yesteryear popularity of fun with dot to dot puzzles: connecting numbered dots on sheet of paper revealing a picture or pattern. They are still available to self enjoy or delight children. When I web-searched “dot to dot” I discovered there are now complex puzzles with hundreds of dots.

  From the dot to dot game came the maxim describing a methodology in detecting pattern, cause, and picture. A technique used not just by crime investigator, engineers, scientists, doctors, and other professionals. I believe everyone uses dot to dot system though many don’t realize they do so.

  I like murder mysteries. I’m currently enjoying British DEATH IN PARADISE 2 season TV series streaming from Netflix. Each tale shows you everything the humorous crime team sees and gives viewers the opportunity to solve the case before they do so.  

  I confess I am no Sherlock or Watson and consequently solve few cases before the police do. (I have however noted some scene property glitches.) Truth be told, applying 2Timothy 2:15 methodology I’ve been more successful connecting dots in God’s Word and seeing His wondrous pictures and patterns. This latter ability I much prefer as it is a main responsibility as His disciple.

  Last Tuesday I left you with 2Timothy 2:15 challenge to draw a line between Genesis 3:14-15 and Matthew 1:18 and see the picture revealed, and discover something it proves. ?? Here goes: The LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life.

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." -------------- Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.

  What for us is revealed and proven?

·         Sovereign God Almighty, Creator and Sustainer cannot, will not be vanquished.

·         Whereas we impatiently consider time, He is not.

·         God is everlasting author of significant events and the record (Bible) of them.

·         Jehovah is not ethereal; He is bona fide Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent!  

See the big picture?

EBB4

 

WHAT IN THIS WORLD WAS I THINKING?

WHAT IN THIS WORLD WAS I THINKING?

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Romans [all ESV] 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Ephesians 4  … the way you learned Christ!—assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

  A constant personal assay and shared essay is to think as God wants us to think; according to the Word living (Jn.1:1) and written (Gen. thru Rev.). And a constant work it is!

  Thinking frames and thereby influences everything in life and death:

·         Whether we see God, or not.

·         How we see God in all things, or not.

·         How we see ourselves in relationship to God, or not.

·         How we see ourselves in fellowship with Him, or not.

·         How we see our relationship to one another, or not.

·         How we enterprise fellowship with others, or not.

·         How we view all activities.

·         How we venture all activities.

·         How we mature, or not.

·         How we picture value and priority, or not.

·         ………

  This would include even when another old coot sends me a bit of humor:

  An elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant, and resumed their trip. When leaving, the elderly woman unknowingly left her glasses on the table, and she didn't miss them until they had been driving for about forty minutes. By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around, in order to return to the restaurant to retrieve her glasses.
  All the way back, the elderly husband became the classic grouchy old man. He fussed and complained, and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive. The more he chided her, the more agitated he became. He just wouldn't let up for a single minute.
  To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant. As the woman got out of their car and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old geezer yelled to her: "While you're in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card."

  And this old mind thought of Jesus’ words recorded by Doctor Luke: "Can a blind man lead a

blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is

fully trained will be like his teacher.Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not

notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck

that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take

the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's

eye.” Luke 6:39-42 

  What do you think?

EBB4

BEING REASONABLE

BEING REASONABLE

Friday, April 17, 2015

Romans 12:1…

  (ASV)  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.

  (CEV)  Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That's the most sensible way to serve God.

  (ESV)  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

  (GNB)  So then, my friends, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer.

  (GW)  Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you.

  (ISV)  I therefore urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercies, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices that are holy and pleasing to God, for this is the reasonable way for you to worship.

  (KJV)  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

  (LITV)  Therefore, brothers, I call on you through the compassions of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service.

  (MKJV)  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.

  (RV)  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

  Familial education left me ingrained with “being reasonable” meaning compromise with people. Without realizing it, this was just one of many worldly concepts I carried into new life in Christ that began 50+ years ago.

  In studying God’s Word (Living - Jn.1:1; Written - 2Tim.3:16) I soon discovered how wrong I was to think and live this way. I now understand “reasonable” is sensibly submitting to God’s mercies. And that God’s Way is surprisingly often not man’s way: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways My ways, says Jehovah. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”  (Isa.55:8-9; also note 1Sam.15:22-23)

  Since anger, thirst for vengeance, and a few other nasty items are no longer personal plague, it would be easy to think myself completely on the God-pleasing side of Romans 12:1. I confess my life still counts unreasonable moments.

  How fortunate that though unreasonable moments suppress God’s mercies in my life (1Thes.5:19), my actions do not and cannot diminish His ever available compassions.

  O’ how I thank Him for His sacrificial love! In response, may I walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given Himself for us as obedient fragrant sacrifice to God.(Mt.26:39-42; Rom.12:1-3; Eph.5:2)

  Let us without delay join together in being reasonable His way.  EBB4

LANGUAGE OF THE MIS-TAKEN

LANGUAGE OF THE MIS-TAKEN

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Matthew [GW] 12:36 [Jesus explained] "I can guarantee that on judgment day people will have to give an account of every careless word they say.”

James [GW] 1:26; 3:5-10 If a person thinks that he is religious but can't control his tongue, he is fooling himself. That person's religion is worthless. … In the same way the tongue is a small part of the body, but it can brag about doing important things. A large forest can be set on fire by a little flame. The tongue is that kind of flame. It is a world of evil among the parts of our bodies, and it completely contaminates our bodies. The tongue sets our lives on fire, and is itself set on fire from hell. … Yet, no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil filled with deadly poison. With our tongues we praise our Lord and Father. Yet, with the same tongues we curse people, who were created in God's likeness. Praise and curses come from the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, this should not happen!

  Our USA speech includes lazy crudity and energetic euphemisms; the manner of both oozing from the mire of our base nature.

  The f-word being example spoken large; it being used as shorthand for everything from physical copulation to delighted description to pointed declarative to compliment to condemnation.

  Then there is “mistake” “mistaken” “in error” as though we accidently do what God identifies clearly as sin/sinning/sinful.

  I say no more this morning.

EBB4

A HEALTHIER BEGINNING

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

  In the work I did we commonly measured in 1,000 of an inch, and often as little as 10,000 of inch.

  In teaching new employees and hard headed old ones how to properly effectively use calibrated equipment I consistently emphasized “When measuring or making, we must begin at zero!!”

  This is an absolute whether measuring with tape, yard stick, tape, 6 inch pocket scale, machinists’ rulers, calipers, micrometers, old fashioned or CNC carriage stops or other such gauging device.

  Using personal caliper or micrometer I would demonstrate checking for accurate 0, doing so by simply running the anvils (tip surfaces) together. Then I’d have students run anvils on their newly issued calipers and micrometers together. Invariably there was one or more that didn’t read 0. Then I demonstrated how to clean by sliding clean typing paper between anvils. Checking again we sometimes discovered 0 was impossible to attain as there was mechanical problem with device. From this result sprung lecture “CALIPERS & MICROMETERS ARE NEITHER HAMMER, PRYBAR, NOR VICEGRIP!”

  Why is 0 so important in machine and/or tool making shop? In response one wisenheimer student shouted out “If not true, we maketh not a good screw!” (A double pun aimed at Christian instructor.) Though smart aleck, he was correct.

  If parts don’t fit, fabrication/assembly is difficult or impossible, resulting in scrapping. If forced together warp and/or friction results and customer complaint and thereto managers to the shop floor.

  But what does the above parable have to do with beginner Christian?  It is healthiest to begin with zeroing in on God’s truth as opposed to our own measures.

  Here are 9 edifying verses (MKJV) on the need for beginning and ongoing vigor.

John 1:14; 17:17  And the Word became flesh, and tabernacled among us. And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and of truth . . . [Jesus said] Sanctify them through Your truth. Your Word is truth.

2Corinthians 4:2; 6:7  But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor adulterating the Word of God, but by the revelation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. . . .  in the Word of Truth, in the power of God, through the weapons of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

Ephhesians 1:13  in whom also you, hearing the Word of Truth, the gospel of our salvation, in whom also believing, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Colossians 1:5  for the hope which is laid up for you in Heaven, of which you heard before in the Word of the truth of the gospel,

2Timothy 2:15  Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

James 1:18  Of His own will He brought us forth with the Word of truth, for us to be a certain firstfruit of His creatures.

1John 3:18  My children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

EBB4

DOT TO DOT PROVES A LOT

DOT TO DOT PROVES A LOT

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Psalm 104:1  Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

  Though we didn’t get them very often, they cost money you see, as a boy I very much enjoyed dot to dot puzzles.

  For those of you uninitiated in such delight, or do consider pencil and paper games far below remote stick and button, I explain: Picture paper page with printed dots that are sequentially numbered 1-2-3-4- and so on. Beginning with dot 1 a line was drawn to dot 2 and so on until when completing all numbers a picture is drawn. It could be object, scene, animal, insect, person, or other. I liked the famous person ones, especially if a historical figure. Wonderful fun was the puzzles containing 100 or more dots.

  If my above paragraph leaves you “Unable to connect the dots.” (Yes, the axiom came from the game. J ), please web Dot to Dot Printables and educate yourself through play the old fashioned way.

  Individuals and groups connect dots to solve problems and discover solutions. This method is remarkably useful in sorting out and discovering pictures beyond our normal vision.

  For faithful obedient 2Timothy 2:15 Christians connecting the dots in God’s Word is not so light a task as the childhood game. The work however does require that same faith of our yesteryear; that though appearing to be printed pages, significant pictures are there. (I confess at times a proclivity for playing games as opposed to serious dot to dot toil.)

   Read Genesis 3:6 in context. Then read 1Corinthians 15:21-22. Draw line between the two and what picture do we see?  Though woman, Eve, sinned first of all, man is ultimately responsible party! And connect a few more dots throughout the Word of God and we see that though all are individually responsible for actions or lack thereof, men (male) are still ultimately responsible.

  Ok, here’s one for you without giving away the picture: Read Genesis 3:14-15. Now read Matthew 1:18. Draw the line between the two. What big picture do you discover? And what is something it proves?

EBB4

REVISITING FOREMOST REASON

REVISITING CHRIST RAISON D’ETRE

Monday, April 13, 2015

Luke [ESV today] 18:24-25  Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, "How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."

John 5:30; 6:38 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. … For I [Jesus] have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.

  Awoke this morning thinking about Jesus’ words recorded in Matthew 10: "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.”

  In past readings of chapter 10 I always saw the warnings of persecution but to fear not, and didn’t take note of the major point our Lord was making and that He especially demonstrated later in Gethsemane: Do not be sidetracked from our foremost reason for being; God’s will be done!

  The Luke 18 account of the rich ruler illustrates this. His problem seemed to be riches, but it was not. His problem was the major one; when confronted with challenge of God’s will as opposed to his will. (Take note that Jesus’ never challenged him on his claim to obeying commandments.) And so it may be with wealth and being accustomed to the level of control it includes.

  To help understand please consider a few illustrative questions:

·         What is the foremost reason for being a soldier? To shoot people? To conquer the enemy?

·         What is the foremost reason for being a police officer? To arrest criminals? To give your mother-n-law a speeding ticket?

·         Is a fireman’s main purpose to put out fires? To keep their equipment shiny and in good working order? To install smoke alarms?

·         Is a mason’s main purpose to lay bricks and stones?

 

  Though they or we may think so, the answer is “NO!”.

  Within our position(s) of service there are numerous line items in job description, but only one foremost reason: To serve Him all of our days.

  Let us hear the Word: “While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him [Jesus]. But he replied to the man who told him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers!For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Mt.12:46-50 

EBB4

RESURRECTION LIFE IS NOT A PARTY

RESURRECTION LIFE IS NOT A PARTY

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Romans [MKJV] 1:15-19 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

Romans [GW] 8:1-17  So those who are believers in Christ Jesus can no longer be condemned. The standards of the Spirit, who gives life through Christ Jesus, have set you free from the standards of sin and death. It is impossible to do what God's standards demand because of the weakness our human nature has. But God sent his Son to have a human nature as sinners have and to pay for sin. That way God condemned sin in our corrupt nature. Therefore, we, who do not live by our corrupt nature but by our spiritual nature, are able to meet God's standards. Those who live by the corrupt nature have the corrupt nature's attitude. But those who live by the spiritual nature have the spiritual nature's attitude. The corrupt nature's attitude leads to death. But the spiritual nature's attitude leads to life and peace. This is so because the corrupt nature has a hostile attitude toward God. It refuses to place itself under the authority of God's standards because it can't. Those who are under the control of the corrupt nature can't please God. But if God's Spirit lives in you, you are under the control of your spiritual nature, not your corrupt nature. Whoever doesn't have the Spirit of Christ doesn't belong to him. However, if Christ lives in you, your bodies are dead because of sin, but your spirits are alive because you have God's approval. Does the Spirit of the one who brought Jesus back to life live in you? Then the one who brought Christ back to life will also make your mortal bodies alive by his Spirit who lives in you. So, brothers and sisters, we have no obligation to live the way our corrupt nature wants us to live. If you live by your corrupt nature, you are going to die. But if you use your spiritual nature to put to death the evil activities of the body, you will live. Certainly, all who are guided by God's Spirit are God's children. You haven't received the spirit of slaves that leads you into fear again. Instead, you have received the spirit of God's adopted children by which we call out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. If we are his children, we are also God's heirs. If we share in Christ's suffering in order to share his glory, we are heirs together with him.

  Jesus suffered that those who trust Him gain eternal redemption; resurrection life spiritually, mentally, emotionally present and physically future. Jesus’ John 1:12 family are quickened, made alive together in and by His resurrection. (Col.2:13)

  Resurrection presently ours includes some delightful experiences, but should not be thought a party, for as we follow and serve Him, it may be anything but gala.

  Here in the USA, Christian life is a cakewalk compared to historical and present day maltreatment of Christians in other nations and cultures. ISIS is not the first to behead Christians. However, this USA pleasantness for followers of Christ has diminished in the years since WWII and apparently will continue to do so. Now we even have USA president that pours scorn on Christians.

  All of the apostles, save one as Jesus said would be, died horrible deaths because of their service for The Lord. The letter to the Hebrews tells of this. “… others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” (MKJV Heb.11:35-38)

  Read Fox’s Book of Martyrs. (No need to purchase. http://www.biblebelievers.com/foxes/findex.htm  )

  Check out present day persecution of Christians. (http://www.persecution.com/ )

  Let us consider fearing God more than man and dare to share Truth as have Jesus, the apostles, and a multitude of faithful disciples past and present.  EBB4 

GRACE CAME?

GRACE CAME?

Friday, April 10, 2015

Matthew [MKJV] 5:38-48 [Jesus explained] … You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you, so that you may become sons of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax-collectors do so? Therefore be perfect ^G5046, even as your Father in Heaven is perfect ^G5046 [τέλειος; teleios; tel'-i-os -- From G5056; complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with G3588) completeness: - of full age, man, perfect.]       Philippians [GW] 2:3 Don't act out of selfish ambition or be conceited. Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves. Don't be concerned only about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others. Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Although he was in the form of God and equal with God, he did not take advantage of this equality. Instead, he emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant, by becoming like other humans, by having a human appearance. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, death on a cross. This is why God has given him an exceptional honor- the name honored above all other names- so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will kneel and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. My dear friends, you have always obeyed, not only when I was with you but even more now that I'm absent. In the same way continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. It is God who produces in you the desires and actions that please him. Do everything without complaining or arguing.

1John [MKJV] 4  … God is love. … Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

“grace” is total of 170 times in 159 verses in KJV OT & NT.

  Did grace come with the doctrinal Covenant of Grace? (A phrase never used in KJV or any other of 9 version/translations I investigated. I did find “covenant” and “grace” in Heb.10:29.)

  I have a problem with idea held by some that there is latter day era of grace. I consider it problematic to narrowly frame thinking by specified era.

  Was there ever time without God’s grace?

  Sovereign God Almighty’s grace has ever been and always will be. As He is timeless so is His grace. His grace is inseparable from His eternal character: grace being unearned undeserved favor and blessing from and by Him.

  God’s grace is evidenced in His creating Adam, then Eve. Did they earn or deserve to be created? Did they earn or deserve to live with free-will in His garden in Eden? Did they earn or deserve a life after sin?

  Did murderer Cain earn or deserve God’s protection?

  Adam, Eve, Cain and all since benefit in and by God’s undeserved unearned favor and blessing.

  Yes, a difference, the distinction being in His manifestation of grace in way promised and now accomplished. Romans [GW] 5:8 “Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God's love for us.”

  Did we or anyone else now or ever earn or deserve that Christ should sacrifice Himself for us? NO, not then, not now, not ever! (Ephesians 2:8-10 is not limited to after-the-fact, it states eternal fact.)

  Grace, agape’ love, is inseparable from the character of The Timeless One. As with Him, ever and always, without beginning or end.

  Let us accept and dwell in His eternal grace, striving toward His completeness.

EBB4

 

For further thoughtful consideration: Though “covenant of grace” is not, “new covenant” is in KJV et al, but take note that it is “to the house of Israel” and later explained in an epistle to those of the house of Israel. Jer.31:31; Heb.8:8; 13; 12:24.