ALL PRESENT OR ACCOUNTED FOR

ALL PRESENT OR ACCOUNTED FOR

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Hebrews [ESV] 10: 12-25 … when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds," then he adds, "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more." Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

  When it comes to church assembly attendance and participation (2 separate areas) professing Christians have never been all present and accounted for. The Book of Hebrews was written in the first century of the church and it speaks of truancy then. The #1 reason given is neglect (KJV “forsaking). The Greek definition being: Strong’s G1459 ἐγκαταλείπω; egkataleipō; eng-kat-al-i'-po; From G1722 and G2641; to leave behind in some place, that is, (in a good sense) let remain over, or (in a bad one) to desert: - forsake, leave.

  Today’s title is a military phrase indicating just what it says, all present or accounted for at roll call, or not; the latter being increasingly the case today in our USA Christian nation.

  Mainline denomination numbers have been falling for decades. Now the largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), has experienced its 9^th straight year of drop in membership. What do you see in your local church assembly roll and space?

  Numbers are not to be our goal, individuals are most important, but as we actively love others, and if they come to accept their individual responsibility, there will be numbers honoring our Lord as we encourage and support one another in good and bad times.

  Indeed church leadership and active members have responsibility for caring for one another, but let us note the wording by the writer of Hebrews . . . faithful participation is primarily responsibility of the individual believer.

  Let us not forget for one day that the roll call here affects the eternal roll call on “the Day”.

 EBB4

 

   

GODLINESS: FASHION OR FACT

GODLINESS: FASHION OR FACT

Friday, July 29, 2016

1Corinthians [MKJV] 2:9-16 But as it is written, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard," nor has it entered into the heart of man, "the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. For who among men knows the things of a man except the spirit of man within him? So also no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. But we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit from God, so that we might know the things that are freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Philippians 2:4 Do not let each man look upon his own things, but each man also on the things of others. For let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  In our practice of godliness we may do so according to religious fashion, even that which uses God’s Word in part or whole as guidance. This form involves learning Scripture and putting it into practice; a very good thing. There is however the utmost best way: To live godly not only according to His guidance but by having the mind of Christ.

  Confusing? No doubt as it is for it is outside of and beyond common religious manner.

  To illustrate:

·         As a matter of form we may be read and take to heart The Great Commission (Mk.16:15), a paramount work directive given by Christ while He walked and ministered as God Incarnate (Jn.1:1, 14). Believing in eternity (Eccl.3:11), “condemned already” (Jn.3:18), redemption through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Act.4:12), we share the gospel with family, friend, coworkers, enemies et al.

·         As the matter of the mind of Christ in us we believe all of the above and think I am not willing that any should perish (2Pet.3:9) and so-moved from within share the gospel with family, friend, coworkers, enemies et al.

  Put another way: There may be a vast difference between that which we do and who we are when it comes to faith and practice.

EBB4

GODLINESS

Thursday, July 28, 2016

2Corinthians [MKJV unless otherwise noted] 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our

conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity; not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of
God; we have had our conduct in the world, and more abundantly toward you.

1Timothy 4:8-9; 6:6 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable to all things, having

promise of the present life, and of that which is to come. Faithful is the Word, and worthy of               all acceptance. . . .  godliness with contentment is great gain.

  God’s Word tells His John 1:12 children they should be godly. The Apostle Paul lays claim by the grace of God to living a godly life. (2Cor.1:12) Jesus said in a most direct fashion that we are to be godly: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. [KJV Mt.5:48] [Strong’s Greek, “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.]

But what does it mean to be relevantly godly?

·         Being godly is actively contrastive: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that having denied ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live discreetly, righteously and godly, in this present world, looking for the blessed hope, and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify to Himself a special people, zealous of good works. (Tit.2:11-14)

·         Being godly involves mindset of citizenship in the kingdom of heaven: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear, for also, "Our God is a consuming fire." (Heb.12:28-29)

·         Being godly requires accepting from God the divine influence of unearned favor: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear, for also, "Our God is a consuming fire." (Heb.12:28-29)

·         Being godly involves worshipful attitude of modesty and proper caution toward God: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear, for also, "Our God is a consuming fire." (Heb.12:28-29)

  Reading the above Word it is obvious to one and all, the redeemed and those remaining lost, that He does not mean for us to play God? Indeed, we are not to play God. Only He alone is Sovereign God, Creator and Sustainer of Job, Judas, and all others, us. Paul, in writing to young Timothy, clearly explains that it is possible act a form of godliness and yet not at all to be godly. (2Tim.3:1-17) Have we not all observed such wicked persons living in the service of self that in convenient place and/or troubled times speak in pious tones and religious clichés?

  Knowing these truths, how then now shall we live?

EBB4

WHY SO MANY ALMOST

WHY SO MANY ALMOST.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

  Yesterday’s DT question is: As Christ’s representatives sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ the one and only Redeemer, why do so many hearers reject His freely offered gift of present and eternal deliverance?

  The question is the result of sermon heard sitting at Pastor Bob Myer’s feet Sunday morning, my later repeated readings of print text he provided me with, and pondering the message therein; that our USA independent individualistic attitude very much adversely effects churches in the USA, in particular Benson Baptist Church. We love to celebrate Independence Day, every day!

  In response to the DT question posed:

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In my experience, people who flatly reject Jesus are actually angry with him or with God (not realizing the irony of being angry at someone who doesn't exist) because they have had a painful childhood or because they have seen someone they love dearly, who they believe to be a good person, suffer greatly before their death. Great pain causes us to either turn completely to God or completely away from him.

  I also see many adults who have not been brought up with a knowledge of God, so have no interest in learning as an adult because they believe they are doing fine or believe that Christianity demands that they give up everything fun in their lives.

  Also have to admit that I am not good about telling them either. I put in my thoughts when the chance arises, but never begin the conversation myself.

Cheri [NV]

+++

There's multiple reasons I can think of.  I don't mean to present this list as exhaustive.

1)  The Gospel is an offense to the flesh.  Our pride doesn't like hearing that we can't do what we need to on our own and need a Savior. (Ro 3:10, 3:23, 5:12, 6:23)

2)  Positional arguments, as opposed to principled arguments, are tough to internally overcome once we've dug our heels in.  An individual who has said for a long time (s)he doesn't need Jesus will fear losing face if they admit they've had a change of heart. (James 1:19, 4:6)

      *This concept is also applicable for discussions or negotiations Christians engage in after being saved, not just limited to non-believers accepting Christ for the first time.

3)  True Christianity often calls for giving up instant "rewards" for the sake of greater long-term gain.  For some this instant gratification seems too much to give up. (Rom 12:1)

4)  The truths of Christianity deal with the spiritual realm, sometimes not the tangible or material.  Self-described "realists" are very reluctant to believe in anything they can't physically see or touch (Eph 6:12, Col 3:2, Phi 4:8)

5)  Some people have had bad personal experiences with the church and/or Christianity and as such have made their minds up to not go back to church (Matt 5:16, 1 Ti 3:7)

6)  Modernist philosophy, which says that math and science are absolute but religion and morals are relative, has become the main line of thinking in the US.  Those who subscribe to this philosophy usually don't fully trust in Christ for one of two reasons:

      -They think Christians are arrogant for thinking that Christianity is the only true way to heaven and see this as hateful and/or intolerant of other worldviews (John 14:6)

      -They are open to the teachings of the Bible but see them as one option among many, AKA "I can learn some things from Christianity, some things from Islam, and some things from Buddhism and then combine them to create my own personal religion because I define my own truth" (John 14:6, 2 Ti 3:16, 17)

David [NE]

+++

From Gotquestions.org

"Why do people reject Jesus as their Savior?"

  The decision to accept or reject Jesus as Savior is the ultimate life decision. Why do many people choose to reject Jesus as Savior? There are perhaps as many different reasons for rejecting Christ as there are people who reject Him, but the following four reasons can serve as general categories:

1) Some people do not think they need a savior. These people consider themselves to be “basically good” and do not realize that they, like all people, are sinners who cannot come to God on their own terms. But Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Those who reject Christ will not be able to stand before God and successfully plead their own case on their own merits.

2) The fear of social rejection or persecution deters some people from receiving Christ as Savior. The unbelievers in John 12:42-43 would not confess Christ because they were more concerned with their status among their peers than doing God’s will. These were the Pharisees whose love of position and the esteem of others blinded them, “for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.”

3) For some people, the things that the present world has to offer are more appealing than eternal things. We read the story of such a man in Matthew 19:16-23. This man was not willing to lose his earthly possessions in order to gain an eternal relationship with Jesus (see also 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

4) Many people are simply resisting the Holy Spirit’s attempts to draw them to faith in Christ. Stephen, a leader in the early church, told those who were about to murder him, “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!” (Acts 7:51). The apostle Paul made a similar statement to a group of gospel rejecters in Acts 28:23-27.

Whatever the reasons why people reject Jesus Christ, their rejection has disastrous eternal consequences. “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” than the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12), and those who reject Him, for whatever reason, face an eternity in the “outer darkness” of hell where there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30).

Recommended Resource: Jesus: The Greatest Life of All by Charles Swindoll

+++

  One of the ways I was challenged by mentors in my novice days was being asked a question with the only option for answering was to give a applicable summarizing passage from God’s Word (required digging & deciding L) and then explain what I understood He said.

  In response to yesterday’s question I share Jesus’ answer: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.  And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.  For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.  But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God." [ESV Jn. 16-3:21] 

  To mentors Bud Bond, the Germeroths, the Heger brothers, and you I say individuals do not want to give up what they believe is independent control of their personal life. Even those that trust Christ as Redeemer have a continuing battle with His Lordship. We either accept and love the light of the world, or we live all-about-me loving the darkness of independent living far from the light. (Jn.8:12; 2Cor.4:4; Mt.5:14) For the lost this is an eternal one-time decision. For those of us presently and eternally secure in Him it is a continuing confrontation involving the truth of Romans 12:1-3.

EBB4

WHY SO MANY "ALMOST"?

WHY SO MANY “ALMOST”?

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Mark [GW] 16:14-16 Still later Jesus appeared to the eleven apostles while they were eating. He put them to shame for their unbelief and because they were too stubborn to believe those who had seen him alive. Then Jesus said to them, "So wherever you go in the world, tell everyone the Good News. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Acts 4:5-12 The next day the Jewish rulers, leaders, and scribes met in Jerusalem. The chief priest Annas, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and the rest of the chief priest's family were present. They made Peter and John stand in front of them and then asked, "By what power or in whose name did you do this?" Then Peter, because he was filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers and leaders of the people, today you are cross-examining us about the good we did for a crippled man. You want to know how he was made well. You and all the people of Israel must understand that this man stands in your presence with a healthy body because of the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You crucified Jesus Christ, but God has brought him back to life. He is the stone that the builders rejected, the stone that has become the cornerstone. No one else can save us. Indeed, we can be saved only by the power of the one named Jesus and not by any other person."

Acts 26:27-29 [The Apostle Paul, having just shared the gospel, asked] King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe them!" Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think you can quickly persuade me to become a Christian?" Paul replied, "I wish to God that you and everyone listening to me today would quickly and completely become as I am (except for being a prisoner)."

2Corinthians 5:14-20 Clearly, Christ's love guides us. We are convinced of the fact that one man has died for all people. Therefore, all people have died. He died for all people so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for the man who died and was brought back to life for them. So from now on we don't think of anyone from a human point of view. If we did think of Christ from a human point of view, we don't anymore. Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. God has done all this. He has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships. In other words, God was using Christ to restore his relationship with humanity. He didn't hold people's faults against them, and he has given us this message of restored relationships to tell others. Therefore, we are Christ's representatives, and through us God is calling you. We beg you on behalf of Christ to become reunited with God.

  As Christ’s representatives sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ the one and only Redeemer, why do so many hearers reject His freely offered gift of present and eternal deliverance?

EBB4

THE TRUE SHEPHERD?

THE TRUE SHEPHERD?

gotquestions.org

Question: "How is Jesus the 'True Shepherd' in John 10:1-5?"

Answer: By referring to Himself as the True Shepherd, Jesus was invoking imagery that would have been familiar to His hearers. He used the symbols of sheep and their shepherd several times, referring to Himself as not only the “True” Shepherd, but the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), and the Door of the sheep (John 10:7). The three declarations in John 10 present a complete picture of the Lord who is our Shepherd (Psalm 23).
  In order to understand what Jesus intended to convey with sheep/shepherd imagery, we must understand the Middle Eastern shepherd of biblical times. His job was a dirty and dangerous one. Many times all the shepherd had to fight off lions and other wild animals was a staff with a crook. He willingly put his life on the line for his flock. At night, he would put the flock in a makeshift pen that had only one way in and out. The shepherd would open to door to the pen, call the sheep by name, and they would come in and settle safely for the night.
  Sheep are skittish animals and “spook” easily. Because they knew the shepherd's voice, they would calm down and follow him and nobody but him. Several flocks can mix together, and when the flocks’ true shepherd speaks, they separate and follow him. If a thief comes, the sheep will not follow him because they do not know his voice. At night the shepherd lies down at the gate to the pen, to give his life if necessary to protect his flock. And the thief can only climb in over the fence because the shepherd is guarding the gate. Jesus is the True Shepherd to the sheep (true believers) who are His. We know Him, we recognize His voice, and we follow only Him (John 10:27–28).
  What Jesus is saying here ties right into John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.” Jesus is not only the Good Shepherd who gives His life willingly for His sheep (John 10:11), but He is the also the "gate" or "door" of the sheep (John 10:9). The Greek word for “door” means literally “a door or opening,” but, when used in a parable such as here, it is a metaphor for one who gives salvation, who opens the door to heaven. So, Jesus is the True Shepherd who guards His sheep, the Good Shepherd who gives His life for them, and the Doorway to heaven for the sheep who know Him and are known by Him.
  Jesus also says there were many who came before Him pretending to be good shepherds. But, He says, they are thieves and robbers who come in among the flock. He is alluding to the false shepherds of Israel, the Pharisees who did not love the people, nor were they willing to sacrifice for them. These self-appointed and self-righteous false shepherds led the sheep of Israel astray from the true knowledge of the Messiah, clinging to a works-based religion that could not lead to salvation (Ezekiel 34:1–31). These leaders were not the true shepherds of Israel but were like thieves that plundered the flock for their own gain. Sadly, such false shepherds still abound today, more interested in fleecing the flock for their own personal gain, than in feeding and protecting the sheep as true under-shepherds to the True Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Recommended Resource: Jesus: The Greatest Life of All by Charles Swindoll

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD?

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD?

Gotquestions.org

Question: "What does it mean that the Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)?"

Answer: The clause “the Lord is my shepherd” comes from one of the most beloved of all passages of Scripture, the 23rd Psalm. In this passage and throughout the New Testament we learn that the Lord is our Shepherd in two ways. First, as the Good Shepherd, He laid down His life for His sheep and, second, His sheep know His voice and follow Him (John 10:11, 14).
  In Psalm 23, God is using the analogy of sheep and their nature to describe us. Sheep have a natural tendency to wander off and get lost. As believers, we tend to do the same thing. It’s as Isaiah has said: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). When sheep go astray, they are in danger of getting lost, being attacked, even killing themselves by drowning or falling off cliffs.
  Likewise, within our own nature there is a strong tendency to go astray (Romans 7:5; 8:8), following the lusts of our flesh and eyes and pursuing the pride of life (1 John 2:16). As such, we are like sheep wandering away from the Shepherd through our own futile self-remedies and attempts at self-righteousness. It is our nature to drift away (Hebrews 2:1), to reject God, and to break His commandments. When we do this, we run the risk of getting lost, even forgetting the way back to God. Furthermore, when we turn away from the Lord, we soon find ourselves confronting one enemy after another who will attack us in numerous ways.
  Sheep are basically helpless creatures who cannot survive long without a shepherd, upon whose care they are totally dependent. Likewise, like sheep, we are totally dependent upon the Lord to shepherd, protect, and care for us. Sheep are essentially dumb animals that do not learn well and are extremely difficult to train. They do not have good eyesight, nor do they hear well. They are very slow animals who cannot escape predators; they have no camouflage and no weapons for defense such as claws, sharp hooves, or powerful jaws.
  Furthermore, sheep are easily frightened and become easily confused. In fact, they have been known to plunge blindly off a cliff following one after another. Shepherds in Bible times faced incredible dangers in caring for their sheep, putting their own lives at risk by battling wild animals such as wolves and lions who threatened the flock. David was just such a shepherd (1 Samuel 17:34–35). In order to be good shepherds, they had to be willing to lay down their lives for the sheep.
  Jesus declared that He is our Shepherd and demonstrated it by giving His life for us. “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Through His willing sacrifice, the Lord made salvation possible for all who come to Him in faith (John 3:16). In proclaiming that He is the good shepherd, Jesus speaks of “laying down” His life for His sheep (John 10:15, 17–18).
  Like sheep, we, too, need a shepherd. Men are spiritually blind and lost in their sin. This is why Jesus spoke of the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4–6). He is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us. He searches for us when we’re lost, to save us and to show us the way to eternal life (Luke 19:10). We tend to be like sheep, consumed with worry and fear, following after one another. By not following or listening to the Shepherd’s voice (John 10:27), we can be easily led astray by others to our own destruction. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, warns those who do not believe and listen to Him: “I did tell you, but you do not believe . . . you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:25–28).
  Psalm 23:1–3 tells us that the shepherd meets the sheep’s every need: food, water, rest, safety, and direction. When we as believers follow our Shepherd, we, too, know that we will have all we need. We will not lack the necessities of life, for He knows exactly what we need (Luke 12:22–30).
  Sheep will not lie down when they are hungry, nor will they drink from fast-flowing streams. Sometimes the shepherd will temporarily dam up a stream so the sheep can quench their thirst. Psalm 23:2 speaks of leading the sheep “beside the quiet [stilled] waters.” The shepherd must lead his sheep because they cannot be driven. Instead, the sheep hear the voice of their shepherd and follow him—just as we listen to our Shepherd, Jesus Christ—in His Word and follow Him (John 10:3–5, 16, 27). And if a sheep does wander off, the shepherd will leave the flock in charge of his helpers and search for the lost animal (Matthew 9:36; 18:12–14; Luke 15:3–7).
  In Psalm 23:3, the Hebrew word translated “paths” means “well-worn paths or ruts.” In other words, when sheep wander onto a new path, they start to explore it, which invariably leads them into trouble. This passage is closely akin to the warning in Hebrews 13:9: “Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.” The apostle Paul also alludes to this idea in Ephesians 4:14.
  Finally, the shepherd cares for the sheep because he loves them and wants to maintain his own good reputation as a faithful shepherd. As we’ve seen in Psalm 23, the analogy of the Lord as the Good Shepherd was also applied by Jesus in John chapter 10. In declaring that He is the shepherd of the sheep, Jesus is confirming that He is God. The Eternal God is our Shepherd. And we would not want it any other way.

Recommended Resource: Safe in the Shepherd's Arms: Hope & Encouragement from Psalm 23 by Max Lucado

DOES A PERSON OR MINISTRY NEED A SPIRITUAL COVERING?

DOES A PERSON OR MINISTRY NEED A SPIRITUAL COVERING?

Gotquestions.org

Answer: The term spiritual covering is usually used in the context of the Shepherding movement, though it can have other meanings. In its primary context, having a spiritual covering means being submitted the authority of another Christian believer. The concept is taken to mean that, for a person’s spiritual life and/or ministry to be valid in the eyes of God, the person or ministry must be under direct submission to a specific person. This might be an elder or pastor of a church, an older or more mature Christian, or some other authority figure. The idea that a “spiritual covering” is required was initially developed within the Charismatic movement. Today, it is sometimes associated with the New Apostolic Reformation, parts of Messianic Judaism, and the Hebrew Roots movement.
  According to the teaching of spiritual covering, Christians are not only accountable to God but also to their leaders and elders. For biblical backing, supporters of spiritual covering cite verses such as Ephesians 5:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, 1 Corinthians 11:2–16, and 1 Peter 5:5. In practice, the concept of spiritual covering makes an earthly authority figure an intercessor or a substitute for God in the life of the person or ministry that has the “covering.” This has led some Christians to consult their designated “shepherd” prior to making career or family decisions. In some cases, professing Christians have claimed that, given an apparent choice between obeying God or their shepherd, they would obey their earthly shepherd.
  Naturally, this idea is not without controversy within Christianity. The teaching of spiritual covering has been blamed for various levels of authoritarian abuse. Several early proponents of the spiritual covering concept, such as Bob Mumford and Charles Simpson, have since distanced themselves from it and apologized for being involved. In and of itself, this does not mean the idea is completely in error. It does, however, stress how some groups took the concept of spiritual covering far beyond biblical precepts.
  Biblically, each person is ultimately accountable only to God (Romans 3:19; Matthew 12:36), not to any other person. Consulting with others for guidance (Proverbs 11:14) and being humble enough to learn from the wisdom of others (Proverbs 5:11–14) are commendable. Our approval comes from God, not men (2 Timothy 2:15). No person, strictly speaking, has the absolute right to declare our service to God valid or invalid (Romans 14:4). Mandating a human shepherd for our spiritual lives not only obscures our relationship to Christ (1 Timothy 2:5), but it can lead to division within the church (1 Corinthians 3:4–9). Jesus, in fact, speaks against excessive earthly authority in Matthew 20:25–28.
  Submission to the will of God is necessary for all people and for any activity that claims to be a “ministry.” Respect for authority (Romans 13:1), mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21), and cooperation between believers (John 13:34) are commanded in the Bible. And relying on the experience and wisdom of others is a matter of common sense. However, there is no biblically valid mandate for a “spiritual covering” under a particular person in order for our efforts to be legitimate.

Recommended Resource: The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse by Johnson & VanVonderen

WHAT IS HEAVY SHEPHERDING?

WHAT IS “HEAVY SHEPHERDING”?

Gotquestions.org

Answer: “Heavy shepherding” (also referred to as the “Discipleship Movement”) is a method of psychological control used by abusive churches and cults. It came out of the Shepherding Movement of the 1970s. The International Churches of Christ from the Boston Movement is perhaps the most well-known group that practices heavy shepherding. Another infamous group to come out of the Shepherding Movement was Christian Grown Ministries in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Heavy shepherding churches and cults can be identified by the following practices:
• Submission to “discipleship partners” or “shepherds” and those in authority
• Obligation to confess sin to “discipleship partners” or “shepherds”
• Unquestioning loyalty and obedience to all those in authority
• Obligation to intensively recruit others to join the movement
• Authoritarian leadership and group experience
• Conformity to the movement’s standards
• Spiritual manipulation and intimidation
• Hierarchical system of accountability
• Legalism and control over members
• Prohibition against reading any literature not approved by the leadership
• Whistle-blowing on members suspected of being nonconformists
• Total dependence on the movement and the leaders for approval
• Fear of punishment or humiliation for questioning the leadership

  Any leader who demands blind obedience and submission is building on a false basis of authority. True authority comes only from God and cannot be seized by men who simply seek power and authority over others, who want to be in charge and admired. If a group or a person assumes authority based solely on role, office, or position, then he is abusing his position. Heavy shepherds are religious power brokers who control others through fear. They preach about authority, submission, judgment, prosperity and end-times. These false shepherds present themselves as the source of all knowledge and authority. They punish people who do not meet a certain standard and ostracize them as not earning God’s approval. They ignore the fact that Christians already have God’s approval through the shed blood of Jesus Christ – no person can “earn” God’s approval.
  There is a biblical basis for structure within the church. Hebrews 13:17 tells us to obey our leaders and submit to their authority because “they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” But when leaders tell their flock not to think, not to ask questions and to ignore problems, they are abusing their position. When people who think, ask questions and confront problems are branded as un-submissive, unspiritual or divisive, then they are being abused by false prophets who “come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7:15).
  John 10:1-18 shows that the church should be modeled on Christ Jesus, who is the good shepherd. When He calls His sheep, they recognize His voice and follow Him. And, most importantly, Jesus says, “I lay down my life for the sheep” (verse 15). A good shepherd leads his flock to safety and guards them from predators that seek to hurt them.
  Jesus instructs His disciples to obey His commands, just as He obeyed the Father. But there is nothing heavy-handed about this command! “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you… I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you to go and bear fruit… This is my command: Love each other” (John 15:9-17). Nowhere does Jesus suggest that we have to blindly submit to men. Instead, we must submit to Christ, who is the head of every man (1 Corinthians 11:3). And in all things, we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
  This is how shepherding should be done: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. . . . All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:1-7). A heavy shepherding pastor is the exact opposite of the humble servant-leader whom Peter endorses.
  Jesus told His disciples, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves” (Luke 22:25-26).
  Christian leaders are under obligation to follow Jesus’ example of humility and compassion. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
  Beware of any religious group that practices “shepherding,” “submission” and “covering” concepts. We have been bought by the precious blood of Christ Jesus and “brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God” (Romans 8:21). “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).

Recommended Resource: Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch

WHAT IS THE SHEPHERDING MOVEMENT?

WHAT IS THE SHEPHERDING MOVEMENT?

  Some DTs are the result of notes such as this one:

"Hello Mr. Bullock,

I pray all is well with you.  Thank you for the timely, inspirational and informative daily thoughts. J

I was curious if you are aware of a good study on shepherds and shepherding.

Being a city girl I don’t have much knowledge of what all is involved in the job of a shepherd.

I’m wanting to obtain a better understanding so I can relate the knowledge to the Great Shepherd.

Thank you,----- ”

  I very much appreciate such requests as they set me to course of study, ponderance, edification, and writing or passing on information. Though I’ve observed unbiblical authoritarian in reading church history and eyes-on, I had never heard of the “Shepherding movement” until this morning as I began research. Biblical shepherding information will soon follow, but I’ve decided to begin with this essay from gotquestions.org. I pray it is s edifying for you as is for me.  EBB4

Answer: The Shepherding Movement is a controversial method of church leadership that grew out of the Charismatic movement in the 1970s. It is also called the “Discipleship Movement” and is related to heavy shepherding. The Shepherding Movement, which began as “Christian Growth Ministries” in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, reached its peak in the 1980s, but its impact has since lessened. The Shepherding Movement has received well-deserved criticism for its cult-like manipulation and intimidation tactics and its emphasis on the non-biblical idea of a “spiritual covering.”
  The basic idea of the Shepherding Movement is one of submission to authority. The Shepherding Movement called for five leaders at the top of a global leadership pyramid. These men were responsible for one another’s spiritual health and keeping each other on track by “covenant relationships” and mutual accountability. Beneath each of those five “shepherds” were five other people, responsible for one another but submitted to the authority of their shepherd. And so on, down the line. Each of these groups of five was called a “submission,” and their devotion to their shepherds was absolute. No major decisions were made without first consulting with one’s shepherd—marriage and career choices included.
  The Shepherding Movement set up an alternate structure for the church that does not exist in Scripture. By creating a hierarchy of submission and authority, the five original “shepherds” promoted a legalistic paradigm in which the Holy Spirit was hindered and believers suffered spiritual abuse under authoritarian supervisors. Christ is the head of the church, and all the parts of the body are to look to Him for guidance, provision, and protection (Ephesians 5:23). The Shepherding Movement put roadblocks between Christ and His church, creating an unnecessary and harmful chain of command. People in the movement had to choose between the authority of their shepherd and the authority of the Great Shepherd.
  Many of the original leaders of the Shepherding Movement or Discipleship Movement have admitted that the movement was a mistake and have disassociated themselves with it. But how much damage was done? The church must be wary of those who would take advantage of them. As Paul warned the Ephesians, “Savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard!” (Acts 20:29–31).

Recommended Resource: Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch

SENSE & SENSIBILITY: The Gaining Thereof

SENSE & SENSIBILITY: The Gaining Thereof

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

James [ESV] 1:5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

  Wisdom is available for one and all. Some receive it as a Holy Spirit gift. (1Cor.12: 1-31) Most do not.

  As with all Holy Spirit gifts, the minority group is nonetheless responsible for developing and manifesting their gift in manner pleasing, honoring and glorifying the Giver and to the edification of those they are in contact with.

  The larger group, those sans Holy Spirit gift of wisdom, which I am, is personally responsible for gaining wisdom. And with gain being no less accountable than those gifted.

  Whether of the have group or wanting crowd, 2Timothy 2:15 conscientious work is involved in obtaining, development, and manifestation.

  So, in 2Timothy 2:1-2 manner, I share that which I have learned:

·         During daily Bible readings keep eye and heart receptive to bits of wisdom that you may easily pass by.

·         Read the wisdom books often. Book of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Son of Solomon. Meditate upon the truth therein.

·         Using e-Sword, Strong’s, Cruden’s, or Young’s concordance, Nave’s, or some other such aid, search out all verses containing “wisdom” or associated words. Read the verses in context and ponder what is being said, who is being addressed, et al.

·         Compile a list of wisdom verses for further reference and review from time to time . . . and for use in witnessing to others.

·         Ask God. I list this lastly due to an experience many years ago. I told an elder I needed and wanted wisdom, and prayed to God for it but felt He wasn’t answering. “Get our Bible and I’ll show you.” I did so. “God’s wisdom is in your hand for one and all. Do the work of getting it.”

·         Practice personal application of wisdom gained.

·         Be ready, willing, and able to share what you have gained.

James [NLT] 1:5-8; 3:13-18 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. …  If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

EBB4

SENSE & SENSIBILITY

SENSE & SENSIBILITY; Relativity and Receptivity; Seen, Heard and Heeded

Monday, July 18, 2016

Ephesians [ESV] 2:1-10 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

James [ESV] 1:5-8; 3:13, 17-18 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. … Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. … the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

  Today’s title string shows what you normally don’t see: Inside my mind -- one of the methods I was taught and use to advantage in writing what people do see. I was advised decades ago that using thesaurus may be more helpful than a dictionary as it makes some think a bit differently. For me it does, sometimes forming couplets as those above and then pondering them. I am thankful for my nonstandard teachers that considered individual relativity and receptivity. It wasn’t until after age 27 that I discovered God is first and foremost doing this. (Isa.55:8) Knowing, accepting, and working at application continue to be profitable within established blessed assurance as ongoing maturation.

  In ministering, especially with those behind the hard walls that imprison, I’ve discovered that as was I most stumbling double-minded people have sense, but are not interested in the redeeming repentance of receptivity unto personal application.  (Yes, moving from knowing to applying is repentance! Rom.12:1-3)

  Let us first know and accept that God is not the withholder of wisdom. It is we that built, build, and maintain gates holding His life-quickening generosity at bay.

  I’m giving you 24 hours to joyfully ponder that you already have, do expensively resist, or blessedly accept these truths unto repentance. Tomorrow I will share what I’ve learned of the HOW TO in gathering God’s wisdom.

EBB4

BLESSED ASSURANCE

BLESSED ASSURANCE

Sunday, July 17, 2016

“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This is my story, this is my song …” (Hymn BLESSED ASSURANCE, Fanny J. Crosby/Phoebe P. Knapp)

2Timothy 2:11-16 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 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,

  A Christian sister informed me that her family was meeting to discuss “unplugging” a terminally ill vegetative relative. She commented that her greatest concern was whether they were saved or not. Another family member responded to the effect “I don’t believe you can really know until after you die.” The question, “Can you really know before you die?” was passed on to me.

  The answer is you can know, by, of, and from God, as recorded in His Word.

  There are a number of places we could go in Scripture for His blessed assurance; I have chosen the First Epistle of John.

1.       Using KJV, read all 5 chapters slowly and carefully.

a.       Take note in 1:1-4 why the epistle was written.

b.      Underline clearly the word “know” every time you see it. You should find it 27 times in 22 verses.

c.       Reviewing again, underline “we know”. (11 verses)

d.      Reviewing again, underline “know we”. (3 verses)

e.      Reviewing again, underline “known”. (4 verses)

2.       If you’re not a KJV reader, now take your favorite translation/version and circle the knowing verse numbers from the KJV then look them up in your Bible.

3.       Once again, read slowly and carefully, thoughtfully noting the context of each “know”, “we know”, “know we”, and “known”.

4.       Take particular notice of 3:2 with its “Beloved, now”, and “we know”.

  Any further question fellow workmen? (In doing the above study of God’s Truth you may discover that you are not saved. If so, and you desire to know God’s answer, please feel free to write me.)  

EBB4

SEEING

SEEING

Friday, July 15, 2016

  What have you seen lately that is new to you? Not a rhetorical question as I do ask it of people, and now ask you. (Answers will be in next Friday DTForum.)

  I like seeing new things.

  This morning while eating breakfast and enjoying regular sights of birds at feeder, flowers, clouds floating in blue sky, walkers passing by . . . I saw a footman I’d not seen before. He is rail-thin, gray haired, a fast pacer. And there was something else. Holding it full spread, he was reading the morning newspaper as he hurried along.

  For reasons I’ll never understand about my segueing mind, my thoughts returned to the Book of Job, and I realized a new aspect of the harried man: Though Job reminisced about how his life once was (Chap. 29), longed for God (Chap. 23), examined and judged himself (Chap. 42:1-6), Job did not ask God to heal him or restore his good old glory days.

  This morning I saw Job walking a far different path than is typical of travelers.

EBB4

VOX POPULI

VOX POPULI

Thursday, July 14, 2016

vox populi; \voks POP-yuh-lahy\ ; noun 1. the voice of the people; popular opinion.

Isaiah 57:19-21 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

John 17:1-18 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, … Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

  I consider the voice of some populi frightening at times. Not in just their exasperating words, but in factual sensible words that their raucous clamor suppresses. Do you now feel free to express the comprehensive truth, factual statistics of about current events? If you are doing so, are you carefully choosing only reasonable ears to hear? Or, if doing so, is it as though you’re overcautiously walking on eggs to get somewhere? Or, simply remain silent?

  I speak not only of what we all see is happening on our public streets and highways.

  When the horrific Dallas murders and woundings of police officers was announced I soon thereafter received further troubling news from an inmate that I frequently communicate with via AccessMail. The inmate was upset and being very careful in not expressing himself. Why? Because of the passionate “idiocy” he was hearing and seeing in much of the population he is housed with. As with a sporting event where their favored team won the championship, they cheered and applauded the wickedness done to Dallas police officers.

  There is a populi that believes and says education will calm the maddening crowd. Or does it as Dr. Carl McIntire observed, that by and large it gives us “criminals in a new suit of clothes”?

  Thinking in the fashion of Romans 12:1-3 we of God’s John 1:12 family know that it’s not education (Considerate Nicodemus, Saul of Tarsus, et al) that saves, enlightens, and regenerates men. It is trusting the Word (Logos) living, Lord Jesus Christ, and written, the Bible, that changes men inside out.

  Let us be the population that boldly speaks of His great truth.

EBB4

FAMILY STRENGTH

FAMILY STRENGTH        John 1:6-13; 13:31-35; Romans 8:14-25; Mk.14:36; Gal.4:6, 16 -25; 3:23-29

  Basic, simple and easy to understand: When we agree with God in trusting Lord Jesus Christ we become Christians [followers of Christ] and united with all other believers past, present, and future. Race, gender, social status et al are gone. We are one in The One! As His family our lives are His and thus connected to one another.  As God’s family we are “joint-heirs with Christ” with Christ! In Christ there are no barriers. We are one. Living and dying as His family, we are strong.   Gene Freeman

CHESTNUTS BURNING IN LIFE'S OPEN FIRES

CHESTNUTS BURNING IN LIFE’S OPEN FIRES

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

2Timothy [ESV] 3:16-17; Hebrews [ESV] 12:1-8  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. . . . … since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.

  Joey “Jaws” consumed 70 hot dogs with buns. The runner up failed by eating 17 fewer. Accomplishing this feat, Jaws regained the Mustard Yellow Internal Belt. He had lost the coveted trophy last year after 8 straight yearly wins. The female division was taken by Miki Sudo gobbling 38 & 1/2 bunned wieners in one sixth of an hour.

  I like sausages over all other meats. Knowing this, my daughters provided 7 varieties at my retirement party, still a fond memory.

  Once upon a time in shallowness of youth I was irritated by news of men like Jaws and women like Miki. It’s not that I wanted to eat sausages by dozens, I just wanted to be more capable than noshing a few.

  After a few years as a John 1:12 son in God’s family, I read news reports such as the one above and thought “My, my, how wonderfully I’ve matured beyond such distracting silly desires.” . . . and then as my Father does, by the mirror of His Word, held within me by His Holy Spirit, shows me I have not.

  Hot dog anyone? (Make mine grilled, not boiled.)

EBB4

MISIDENTIFYING WITH JOB

MISIDENTIFYING WITH JOB

Monday, July 11, 2016

The Book of Job; Exodus 3:14; Ezekiel 14:20; James 5:11

  Read The Book of Job again.

  I initially read the book as an unsaved boy when Aunt Edith McGee gave me my first Bible at about age 10 or 11. In the ensuing 70 years I’ve read it periodically, though not since our church’s 90 day Bible reading marathon. From youth to that decade ago I did just as most people do when reading or viewing drama or documentary – I indentified with character of my choosing, in this case of Scripture, Job.

  This reading was different.

  The reason being is that for me the book is no longer about Job, and definitely not about me identifying with him.

  The book is about Almighty Jehovah God letting Job and all we since know that He is “I AM THAT I AM”, Absolute Sovereign Creator, Sustainer, King of kings.

  Obviously I have repented of my previous mindset resulting in a different view. For this I thank Him.

EBB4

WORSHIPING IN PLACE

WORSHIPING IN PLACE

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which Jehovah God had made.

Ephesians 2:1-3 And He has made you alive, who were once dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience; among whom we also had our way of life in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the thoughts, and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.       

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

Galatians 5:1, 9 Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and do not again be held with the yoke of bondage. …  A little leaven leavens all the lump.

  I’ve been asked why I keep going back to certain Bible verses. Today’s for example.

  This is like asking a carpenter why he keeps picking up a hammer when nailing or saw when cutting.

  Indeed all Scripture is inarguably profitable. (2Tim.3:16, another repeater of mine) However, some passages, like hammer and saw, play a bigger part in framing and structuring a person. For me personally, these verses do for they are basic tooling that I need to carry mindfully near at hand at all times and places. If I do not, I am without proper equipment in every circumstance; at a loss to be or stay secured or cut as needed.

  Which brings me to today’s title, a phrase the cunning one, Satan, has and still does greatly use to influence thinking of both Christian and unbeliever. “Time of worship.” is another foxy (Son.2:15) phrase from Lucifer; it and “Place of worship.” imbedded philosophically as repeated by saved and lost alike for ages, including from Christian pulpit and teaching desk.

  We are not to hold mindset of special place or time of worship.

  We are to be “A person of worship.” wherever, whenever, everyplace at all times. Consider the lessons of the life lessons Apostle Paul, John Bunyan, the men in the Hanoi Hilton, and others in place and time separated from religious edifice and hour.

  This means that this morning, as a John 1:12 existing person of worship, I will however join with others at a building in an episode of mutual community in worshipping the Lord of Lords. It also means that when weeding or while constructing 3-in-1 Amish chair for grreatgrandson Slayde, there too should be place and time of worship.  EBB4