JUDGE ME?

JUDGE ME?

Monday, October 31, 2016

Proverbs [ESV] 27:17-19 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored. As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

John 5:30 [Jesus declared] "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

2Timothy 3:12-17 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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.

2Timothy 4:1-5 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

  Is it ever right to judge? Should people judge me? Should I judge others?

  Reflecting on the Word, the answer lies in motive:

·         Ego, to wickedly elevate self in one’s own eyes. Wrong. No!

·         Condemnation. Unless in official capacity requiring, wrong. No!

·         To, as a leadership style, manipulate person or group. Wrong. No!

·         In Christ-like manner, as the Father would have us also to do, to compassionately evaluate needs of person or group. Correct. Yes!

  Please do judge me in the latter manner so as to edify, education, support, comfort , encouraging to  glorify God.

  Any salt and light pastor or elder judges needs and acts accordingly as did Jesus, the apostles, followers (disciples) of Christ. If not doing so they may be on the dung heap of those evilly responding to itching ears, the maddening crowd looking to suit their own passions.

EBB4

For the record: An elder as such may not be older. Paul explained this to young Timothy. (1Tim.4:12) I personally benefit from elders many decades younger than me. 

IS POLLING SPLINTERING YOUR CHURCH?

IS POLLING SPLINTERING YOU CHURCH?

Sunday, October 30, 2016

  How is your local assembly doing as the political election draws near? Some churches are silently or vociferously splintered as members disagree over who to vote for. I hope your local church is not doing so. We must not lose sight of the truth that we are Christians, God’s John 1:12 family, citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven first, last, and always. But are we in always in all ways living the part?

  Indeed, as salt and light we are to exercise influence whenever wherever we can in the world. This includes voting. It does not include political contentions superseding our eternal citizenship to be lived in concord.

  From the Word, a few topical verses to consider:

Psalm [ESV] 133:1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

1Corinthians 3:1-4 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, "I follow Paul [Donald]," and another, "I follow Apollos [Hillary]," are you not being merely human?

1Corinthians 12:25-27 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Ephesians 4:1-6 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Philippians 2:1-4 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 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.

  Salt and light acted out to the fullest degree may entail gracefully chauffeuring a Christian elderly non-driver to the polls when you strongly suspect, or even know, they are going to vote for the other party.

For now and when after all here is said and done who is it that takes the measure?

EBB4

WITNESS, BUT WHAT TO SAY?

WITNESS, BUT WHAT TO SAY?

Friday, October 28, 2016

Psalm [1833 Webster] 35:27-28 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor my righteous cause: yes, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, who hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.

Psalm 40:1-3 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Psalm 103:1-2, 21-22 A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: … Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

  Riverdee Jordan (sp) lived in the woods. To get to his home in a small one room shed sans utilities you walked a dirt path to visit or make use of his handsaw sharpening services. Fifty cents or a few pennies more got you the same fine job of it. He was an old man and had been a local “drunk” by that era’s standard.

  Riverdee lived simply, a fine Christian example in the community of which many looked upon him as an old fool. However, in his love for his redeemer, Lord Jesus Christ, he is a blessing to this man and others that heard him hold forth during testimony time at the Evangelical Methodist Church, Dublin MD. Not so eloquent of tongue, but definitely from heart as he spoke of his deliverance by the love of God . . . most often quoting Scripture passages as his very own, Psalm 40:1-3 his most frequent witness.

  Do we need to be a born-again drunk, rock star, actor, sports figure, et al, to have testimony worth sharing? No, for all of God’s John 1:12 family have the story of His love and grace in their life. Lack of story worth telling is not the problem. Reticence, timidity, reluctance is.

  But what to say?!

  In my history, my exceptional caring mentors provided the following helpful PERSONAL TESTIMONY GUIDELINE SHEET (Revised 10/28/16. EBB4):

I.                    Things to remember

1.       Testimony is to glorify God

2.       Testimony is a evangelistic tool

3.       Write or outline your story

4.       Then hone it into a clear forceful testimony

5.       Iron out the rough spots

6.       Omit trite platitudes and clichés

7.       Emphasize the positive

8.       Avoid generalities, be specific

9.       Do not give a travelogue, drunkalogue,or drugalogue

10.   Speak or write pictorially when possible

11.   Be brief – 3 to 5 minutes

12.   Emphasize point II-4

 II. Suggested outline to follow

1.       Who I am

a.       Name

b.      Background

c.       Present status

2.       My life before trusting Jesus

3.       Circumstances leading up to my trusting Christ

4.       What Jesus has and continues to mean in my life

a.       Forgiveness

b.      Love

c.       New perspectives

d.      Relief, freedom from anxiety and fear

e.      Friendship with Triune God

f.        Family (adoption)

g.       Fellowship

h.      Support

  As ambassadors for Christ being responsible for explaining reconciliation with God, let us be ever ready to give answer to all that ask the reason for the hope that lies within us as followers of Christ . . . going to church fellows, family, friend, acquaintance, and stranger telling them how great things the Lord, having great compassion, has done for us. (Mk.5:19; 2Cor.5:14-20; 1Pet.3:15)

EBB4

AS GOD'S WITNESS WE DO TELL

AS GOD’S WITNESS WE DO TELL

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Acts [MKJV] 4:8-13 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people and elders of Israel, if we are examined today on a good work for an infirm man, by what this one has been healed, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in this name does this man stand before you whole. This is the Stone which you builders have counted worthless, and He has become the Head of the Corner. And there is salvation in no other One; for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved. But seeing the boldness of Peter and John, and perceiving that they were unlearned and uneducated men, they marveled. And they recognized them, that they had been with Jesus.

Dear fellow travelers,

  Yesterday I shared with you that in the hours after listening to Pastor Scott’s Sunday homily, WHO ARE YOUR NEIGHBORS?, I was, still am, convicted that I need to first of all solicit and share Christian testimony with those that with me sit the Benson Baptist pews. The compulsion is not limited to valuable emotion. It also very much involves reasons by and from the Word.

·         We are to be like Him. Witnessing is emulating Jesus.  Jn.5:30 [Jesus explained I can do nothing of My own self. As I hear, I judge, and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of the Father who has sent Me. Lk.19:10  For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

·         It’s a family matter. Jn.1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become the children of God, to those who believe on His name,  Mt.12:50  For whoever shall do the will of My Father in Heaven, the same is My brother and sister and mother.  

·         As He loves, so too are we to love. Jn.3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  Rom.5:8 But God commends His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.

·         We are to do so in obedience to His commands. Mt.28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority is given to Me in Heaven and in earth. Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you. And, behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the world. Amen. Rom.10:14-15 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without preaching? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things!"  

·         To not witness is to be ashamed of the Word. Mt.10:32 Then everyone who shall confess Me before men, I will confess him before My Father who is in Heaven. Rom.10:9-11 Because if you confess the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation. For the Scripture says, "Everyone believing on Him shall not be put to shame."  Mt.10:33 But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in Heaven.

·         There is a multitude in need of His salvation. Jn.3:18 He who believes on Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. Mt.7:13-14 Go in through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who go in through it. Because narrow is the gate and constricted is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

·         It’s our job! 2Cor.5:20 Then we are ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as God exhorting through us, we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

·         Because we believe there is no other name given among men by which we must be saved.

  Please do let us join in Christian love and responsibility in mutual conversation of God’s redeeming love and empowerment in our lives, and definitely also tell those yet upon the broad way.

EBB4

  

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Matthew 22 … when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. …

John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word Logos], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Hebrews 3:12-16; 10:22-24 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. … Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

1Peter 3:15-16 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

  With much obvious heart-felt passion Pastor Scott presented Sunday morning on the topic Who Are Your Neighbors? I consider it his best delivery so far. Had he not included 1John 4:7-12 I could have thought he was only talking about 46^th & Tucker.

  Street-wise I know my neighbors pretty well, and they do know me, but pew-wise it is not so.

  First of all, what do they believe? Should I assume that all who seat upon the same woodwork as me trust in the Word, Logos? (Jn.1:1) I should not, nor should they of me.

  From my pew neighbors I have heard few give verbal testimony of their trust in and reliance upon the Word. Yes, a few voluntarily, and several more at my inquiry, and among those most using “church” not “Christ” central in their response; they emphasizing the importance of the local assembly in their life.

  Under conviction from hearing and further pondering Pastor Scott’s discourse I realize I have been remiss as an elder. I know more about neighborhood religious beliefs than from the lips of most individuals I’ve regularly sat among for over 20 years on Sunday mornings, potlucks, et al.

  Consequently I have determined that, beginning with my local home church, I will in obedience and the desire for mutual edification more often ask for spiritual testimony of how and why from individuals. (1Pet.3:15-16)

EBB4

 

PUNTS AND PANTS COMMENTARY

PUNTS AND PANTS COMMENTARY

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

  Yesterday’s DT, FOOTBALL AND YOGA PANTS, brought immediate responses. Read on.

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Wait a minute.  The Orioles last won the World Series in 1983 and you left [Maryland] in 1984?  Coincidence?  I think not!  At least now we Baltimore Orioles fans have someone to pin this on!  Hope all is well.  Tim (MD)

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I don’t care about football and hate yoga pants…so does that mean I’m with you?

Either way…neither is worth talking about on Monday.  Teresa (NE)  [Yes, we are as I neither own nor wear jersey or floral tights. EBB4]

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I got a chuckle out of this one.  Could it have been influenced by our observations and comments as well as trying to talk while game was on TV???  SRF (NE)   [Could be. Hadn’t given the lady’s floral limbs or her eyes on screen any afterthought, but did awaken with topic on mind. Also I’ve been reading Royko’s essays lately.  EBB4]

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I don't care about yoga pants or Husker either.  I do hope Huskers win because so many people I do care about, care about them.  And, I like to see them do well.  I just don't want to have to watch them do it.  And this comes from a Nebraska native.  I have some yoga pants but am careful when and how I wear them. If the fashion fades away, I'll wear what comes next - within reason.  My favorite, though, are still my Mom jeans.  Penny (NE)

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I don't mind the yoga pants as long as they are wearing a full-length robe to cover themselves. 

Pastor Bob (NE)

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Hey Brother Ed,

  Thanks for stirring up some memories from the late ‘60s when I was fairly new to Omaha, and a member of the Nebraska National Guard unit during the Vietnam era.  I had never been much of a football fan, and really thought it odd that my Guard buddies knew all the Husker players names, where they were from, the position they played and on and on it went during the breaks.  Next thing I knew, I bought a little black transistor radio so I could listen to KFAB 1110AM for the Saturday games on non-Guard weekends.  It was easy to become a fan because I wanted to fit in with my Guard buddies (nothing spiritual mind you) and the Huskers were on a two year rampage through the Big 8 without any losses.  So, I’ve been something of a fan during the good and bad years. 

  Not long after we moved to our current home in Conway, AR, we learned that there were three Husker fan families on our street.  At that stage of our life, being Christ followers, it was a good excuse to have a Husker party at our place, with hopes that we might introduce them to Jesus Christ.   We hardly knew each other, but at least we had one thing in common.  The other two couples moved out of this neighborhood and that casual friendship vanished.  About 8 years ago a new family moved into the house directly behind us.  We noticed a Nebraska “N” sign in the front yard.  Since they were in the front yard, we stopped to visit with them.  That led to a breakfast at our house.  From that we learned they were in the choir of the same Christ Community Church in Omaha, where we had been members for 9 years during a time of spiritual healing and growth for us.  We remain friends to this day, and if it hadn’t been for the “N” sign we might never have become close friends. 

  Where I’m going with this long story, is like the Apostle Paul, I try to find something that I can use to start a relationship that will provide an opportunity to share Christ. 

  Oh, by the way, Nov. 5^th is the game day for Huskers vs Ohio State football game.  In our Home Church we have close friends that have moved from Omaha and Ohio to Conway and eventually they joined our Home Church group.  We occasionally organize a social event.  This game sounded like a good idea, so we are planning a football tailgate party for that weekend.  We’ll find out how mature we are as the game progresses – LOL.  

  As for the Yoga (tight pants thing), I really don’t understand why some women, that seem to be Christ followers, will wear these out in public and even to worship services.  The message of modesty has been lost on them.  If they have any understanding of what “turns on” their husbands or boy-friends, it is what he sees.  That’s how we are created, and we men have to guard our thought life from lustful things that we face in life.  If they were only wearing them at home or as you stated in women parading in public right’s protests it wouldn’t be in my face so to speak.  I’m responsible for my own thought life and what I entertain there, and the women who dress to display their flesh will be held responsible for being a stumbling block to others, whether male or female.

  Best regards,

Verlyn (AR)  [Your response is doubling interesting as the past Sunday morning Pastor Scott began series WHO ARE YOUR NEIGHBORS?  EBB4]

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Lastly I share compilation of spousal anonymous comments recent and past: My spouse knows more about individual players on their favorite teams than about me or our children!

EBB4

FOOTBALL AND YOGA PANTS

FOOTBALL AND YOGA PANTS

Monday, October 24, 2016

Deuteronomy 6:5

  I thought that after moving to Nebraska in 84’ and immediately clarifying then and since that I really don’t give a hoot whether the Cornhuskers win or lose games that it would end the matter so far as I am concerned. Not so, for this is Big Red Country after all, so I spent hours every Monday being regaled with narrative of most recent game, practice session, scrimmage, or that some relative of a present or past Cornhusker had their garage broken into and thieves stole the BetaMax and 8-Track they’d been saving in hope of a come-back.

  To this day, if I don’t respond in sparkling manner when a Husker win is announced, or go into depression when loss is bemoaned, I still get smirky looks and snarky remarks in reaction to my non-caring attitude. Maturation through the years took care of my feelings of rejection at being an outsider.

  But it’s always something else. Now I’m hearing requests for my opinion on the gaudy yoga pants controversy that has resulted in hundreds of women parading in public womens’ rights protests. Hopefully it too will go the way of BetaMax and 8-Track, though even more quickly.

  Do you agree? Or am I straining at gnats while swallowing camels?

EBB4

WORK IS MERITORIOUS SERVICE

WORK IS MERITORIOUS SERVICE

Sunday, October 23, 2016

“No one should ever work. Work is the source of nearly all the misery in the world. Almost any evil you’d care to name comes from working or from living in a world designed for work. In order to stop suffering, we have to stop working.” Bob Black, 1985 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Abolition_of_Work )

  My normal dress was an “eccentric cap” (think Casey Jones), thick heavy stainless steel side-shielded glasses, a long long-underwear long-sleeved shirt buttoned to the throat with shielding rag as bandana. My below-crotch shirt was worn outside over stiff denim stove-pipe dungarees (washed soft they would be dangerous). The pants were long enough to cover my ankle high thick soled steel-toed boots with meta-tarsals strapped on. Depending on task, over these I sometimes wore stiff canvas leggings (think WWI).

  When Charging or tending furnaces my wardrobe additionally included full faceshield and thick open weave coarse asbestos coat over a buttoned denim jacket. For some jobs I wore asbestos pants. On my hands I wore white inspection gloves under thick fingered oven gloves under elbow length asbestos mittens. Underneath the asbestos coat sleeves I had stiff canvas shields from wrist to near elbow (think old time printer).

  Did I leave anything out?  Oh yes . . .  The foundry was hot year round. In the warm weather the shop was super hot and humid. In the cold season it was just plain hot. Plus from the windows open for ventilation there were icy drafts that probed our sweat soaked clothing. In summer, if we went to the air conditioned cafeteria (I didn’t), you were chilled, stared at, and chairs and tables required extra asap cleaning. And then there were the burns as somehow molten droplets and splashes found a way thru our armor.

  I loved my job. Consequently I received a number of merit raises in the 10 years I worked there until OSHA, newly enacted, shut us down. OSHA wasn’t the only thing new, self-esteem movement was creeping in. Consequently merit raises were done away with so as to not to offend other employees.

  It was working together and during lunch times that senior diecaster Bud Bond witnessed to me of Jesus Christ’ redemption. At age 27, trusting Him, I soon felt guilty about loving my work, wondering if it was idol to me.

  Fortunately, as I’ve mentioned before, Bud was a “What does the Bible say about the matter?” mentor.

·         God is Worker. Gen.1:1-15

·         Work was included in God’s first instruction to Adam. Gen.2:8, 15

·         In His image, work is good. Ps.25:8; Eph.4:28

·         God’s character is proclaimed in and by his work. Ps.19

·         Our godly character or lack thereof is reflected in our work ethic. Pr.18:9, Mt.7:15-20; 1Tim.5:28

·         Serving to God’s glory includes work. 1Cor.10:31

·         Colossians 3:22-25 Slaves, obey your masters according to the flesh in all things; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men; knowing that from the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance. For you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong shall receive justice for the wrong which he did, and there is no respect of persons.

  Topically studied God Word -- got the facts. Case settled.

  A closing thought: I see many people, including Christians, stressed with what they feel they should be doing, when in light of Scripture they forget to serve at and enjoy what they are doing. 

EBB4   (Wednesday, August 11, 2010)

CONFUSION

CONFUSION

Friday, October 21, 2016

Ephesians [GW] 2:1-10 You were once dead because of your failures and sins. You followed the ways of this present world and its spiritual ruler. This ruler continues to work in people who refuse to obey God. All of us once lived among these people, and followed the desires of our corrupt nature. We did what our corrupt desires and thoughts wanted us to do. So, because of our nature, we deserved God's anger just like everyone else. But God is rich in mercy because of his great love for us. We were dead because of our failures, but he made us alive together with Christ. (It is God's kindness that saved you.) God has brought us back to life together with Christ Jesus and has given us a position in heaven with him. He did this through Christ Jesus out of his generosity to us in order to show his extremely rich kindness in the world to come. God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God. It's not the result of anything you've done, so no one can brag about it. God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do.

  People, even some Christians, say God’s Word is confusing.

  Let it be understood that being confused is not God’s design or fault. God is not the author of confusion. (1Cor.14:33)

  Confusion comes from identifiable source without and within.

  Without is by Satan’s designed tactic. This is evidenced in his words to Eve; planting doubt brings with it confusion. (Gen.3:4-5; Jam.3:16)

  Confusion is meant to manipulate and destroy; a device effectively used by military, politicians, powerful business, criminals, and sadly, at times by those that say they love us.

  Satan is Apollyon (Rev.9:11); his name meaning “Destroyer”.  Knowing and accepting the fact of Apollyon’s methodology should forestall confusion; our eyes open to this truth about “the prince of the power of the air” equips us with mental and emotional chaos.

  Within is when we are self-reliant apart from the John 14:6 Way, refusing to think and walk in the light of truth, we live in default and stumble about in confusion.  (Confusion sells. How many TV programs would there be without the drama of confusion? Watching confused characters feeds man’s ego. What would be the viewership of a TV show or movie that only included characters living healthy lives spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and monetarily? How many paying sponsors would such entertainment draw? Rom.12:1-3)

  Ours is the choice to feed at the trough of confusion or feast on the bread of life. 

  Let the adversaries of God and His people be clothed in the shame of confusion. Let us, poised in His peace, stand forth praising Him among the confused masses. (Ps.109:29-30) 

EBB4 (Sunday, July 22, 2012)

AUTHENTICATED LATELY?

AUTHENTICATED LATELY?

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Psalms [MKJV] 119:41-42; 138:2  Let Your mercies come to me, O Jehovah, even according to Your salvation, according to Your Word. …

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Philippians [MKJV] 2:9-16 Therefore God has highly exalted Him, and has given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of heavenly ones, and of earthly ones, and of ones under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, cultivate your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings, so that you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. Among these you shine as lights in the world, holding forth the Word of Life, so that I may rejoice with you in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain nor labored in vain.

  Last Friday morning I shared personal testimony of the value of “UNPLANNED UNEXPECTED AUTHENTIFICATIONS” in the workings of life as a member of God’s John 1:12 family. This morning while reading an article in the Omaha World-Herald I am once again blessed in kind: Whereas in my past I would have felt slighted and emotionally stumbled over it, and had phantom disputation. But I did not. I rejoiced for the man featured in the article . . . and thanked God for his provision for blessed deliverances from being an adult child. (1Cor.13)

  This morning’s experience set me to wondering about you dear fellows.

  Since reading last Friday’s DT, have you been authenticated through unplanned unexpected testing?

  If so, please do tell so we will all be blessed and sharpened together.

EBB4

A STUDY OF APPROVAL

A STUDY OF APPROVAL

Tuesday, October 19, 2016

2Timothy [KJV] 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1Peter [GW] 2:2-11a Desire God's pure word as newborn babies desire milk. Then you will grow in your salvation. … you are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, people who belong to God. You were chosen to tell about the excellent qualities of God, who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not God's people, but now you are. Once you were not shown mercy, but now you have been shown mercy. Dear friends, since you are foreigners and temporary residents in the world, …

  The requirement to study is the same for every follower of Christ. (Rom.12:1-3) But just how much study of His Word is required for His approval?  In action it is not however exactly one model: Always same toolbox, Sola Scriptura, but according to spiritual and service gifts of individual workman diverse in hand.

  I begin by using hermeneutical principle of immediate context of 2Timothy 2:15.

·         In 2:2 we see we are to learn enough to be able to meaningfully with intelligence pass knowledge and wisdom on to others that will do the same.

·         In 2:14 we see we are to be learned enough to remind our fellows of what is truly profitable now and for eternity.

·         In 2:15 we see we are to be learned enough to make correct sense out of God’s Word.

·         In 2:16a we see we should be learned enough to quickly settle useless foolish discussions.

·         In 2:16b we see we should be learned enough to stop short those that do not contribute to godliness in living. Barnes comments “A man fond of contention in religious things is seldom one who has much love for the practical duties of piety, or any very deep sense of the distinction between right and wrong. You will not usually look for him in the place of prayer, nor can you expect his aid in the conversion of sinners, nor will you find that he has any very strict views of religious obligation.” I well remember a group arguing about how many angels would fit on the head of a pin!

  Going to the larger text of Scripture:

·         In Ecclesiastes 12:13 we see we are to fear God and live by His Wisdom in service. Can we do so without studying what He tells us? No.

·         In Leviticus 10:11; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 11:9 we see were are to teach our children. Can we do so without knowing the subject matter? No.

·         In Matthew 4:4 Jesus tells us we cannot live healthy without ingesting the Word.

·         In Matthew 11:29 we see we are to learn of and from Jesus. Can we do so without studying His record of His life? No.

·         In Mark 16:15 we see that only with studying the Word can we know what is needed to be said. (This was the great failure of the 1925 Scopes trial, the winners looking like a bunch of emotionally charged monkeys swinging far from holding forth with a Biblical discipline [apologetics] of defending their position through the systematic use of information and proofs.)

·         In 1Corinthians 13 we see we must learn the truth of love else we in adolescent manner think and act, and thereby represent ungodly love. (Especially note 13:11.)

·         In Ephesians 6:10-17 we see our protection involving the Word of God. Does He provide our armor and instruction for donning? Yes. Does He dress us? No.

·         In 2Timothy 3:16-17 we see that it is the Word that equips us to properly serve God and our fellows. Can we follow instructions that we don’t know? No. (Did you ever hear the story about the man that always read the manufacturer’s manual before assembling something?)

·         In 2Timothy 4:2 we see we are to develop capability of being resourceful in sharing God’s Word. Can this be done authentically without study? No.

·         In Titus 2:1-15 we see we are to teach others commendable living and be just such an example before them. Can we do so if don’t study what God says this should be? In part, yes. (Romans chapter 1 & 2; note 2:14-15.) Toward furtherance of completely, no.

·         In John 8:32 and James 1:25 we see that only by knowing the Word can we enjoy true liberty. (Note Ps.119)

  Whew! After all the effort searching, reading, pondering, writing, editing several times, I feel like a workman. However, is the work done? I think not for I’m sure I missed a few points that only further (Or is it “farther” in this case?) diligence may uncover. Does this mean 2Timothy 2:15 is a matter of continuing education? Yes, there’s no retirement plan . . . unless one considers the fact that in retirement we have more time to ….

EBB4 (4/10/2014)

THE HOTPLATE QUESTION

THE HOTPLATE QUESTION

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

  It doesn’t take a doctoral sleepologist to teach us that people wake up differently. The distinction is obvious, even in the same family. My 2 years younger brother had Mom’s genes, Jim being what we laughingly called a wall walker immediately after arising. For better or worse I have my Dad’s early morning genes, sound peaceful sleep ended by mind and body revving. No daybreak stumbling into doorjambs for this lad!

  As often happens, this morning’s mindfulness was dominated by a memory, something an unofficial mentor said many decades ago: The trouble with too many Christians is they’re like the hotplate in my little one room apartment. They can only cook one thing at a time.

  Hmmm… Mom or Dad, Jim or Ed in the morning . . . or evening, what do you think about the matter?

EBB4

PS. My second thought this morning was one word: Priorities. My third: Brushfires.

LOGOS

LOGOS

Monday, October 17, 2016

Romans 12:1-2 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. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Dear fellow travelers,

  Some of you are familiar with, have done, and may now be doing word studies, some others not so. Word studies are definitely Christ honoring, pleasing to God, and beneficial to we students of the Word. For those not familiar with the practice, a brief explanation and example:

  Using a Bible dictionary and concordance, focus on one word. For example “Word”, Logos, referred to in numerous places in Scripture.

  Now knowing the meaning being the eternal person of Christ and His everlasting written word we next utilize concordance as a study aid.

  In deference to those non-retired DT’rs I won’t give you a whole Bible multipage study, but will present John’s 6 mentions in 4 verses.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (Gen.1:1)

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

1John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

Revelation 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

  Next look up each of the above references in your favorite translation and thoughtfully consider what is being said, how it pertains to life now and forever, and to you in particular.

  Now edified by God’s truth (“truth”, another word study?), ours is decision and/or action in response to the knowledge gained as we sincerely desire and work to serve Him all our days,

EBB4

THE MATTER OF CHOICE

THE MATTER OF CHOICE

Sunday, October 16, 2016

John 14:6-15 Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.  If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. And from now on you know Him and have seen Him.  Philip said to Him, Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.  Jesus said to him, Have I been with you such a long time and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father. And how do you say, Show us the Father?  Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? The Words that I speak to you I do not speak of Myself, but the Father who dwells in Me, He does the works.  Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the very works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, He who believes on Me, the works that I do he shall do also, and greater works than these he shall do, because I go to My Father.  And whatever you may ask in My name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, keep My commandments.

  Not long ago in response to a TV interviewer’s question, the Rev. Jesse Jackson stated that it really didn’t matter what we call God . . . Jehovah, Allah, whatever.

  Our local newspaper, the Omaha World-Herald, has a FROM THE PULPIT section featuring sermons and essays on religion from various local pastors and church leaders. This past Saturday Rev. Susan Ellis, pastor at Omaha North Side Christian Church, was one of three presenters. I noted that the other 2 pastors referenced the Bible, whereas Ellis did not.

  She began her column speaking of the responsibility of pastors to care for people, including visiting them when they need support because of illness. Absolutely true.

  Then Ellis segued to comparing multiple choices for doing household chores as like the many options to connect to God. She went on to illustrate that as in traveling thru a hospital there is more than one corridor that will take you to your destination, with implication that there is no right or wrong way there . . .  or in connecting to God.

  With question What if we believed? she used several quotes to undergird her assertion:

  “In the world there are many different roads but the destination is the same? There are a hundred deliberations but the result is one.” Confucius

  “There are as many ways to God as souls; as many as the breaths of Adam’s sons [and daughters]”? (Question mark hers.) Taken from Islamic writings.

  “they who worship others gods with faith, they adore but Me behind those forms; Many are the paths of men, But they all in the end come to Me.” A Hindu belief.

  “all religions are but stepping-stones back to God.” Pawnee Native American belief.

  Ellis then pointed out the many similarities of the multitude of religions.

  Then Rev. Susan Ellis concluded with “Jesus taught us inclusion, not exclusion. What if we lived our faith in the same way? Not right --- not wrong, just different.”

  In personally responding to her question: The first thing I would have to do reject Lord Jesus Christ’s exceptional absolutist statement that He alone is the way, truth, and life, and that no one comes to the Father except through Jesus; resulting in questioning, doubting, everything Jesus said (Jn.14:6-9); finally resulting in thinking Jesus the greatest impostor that ever lived.

  Oh yes, indeed it is a matter of choice among the hodge-podge of options. For myself, I trust the Lord Jesus Christ, Word above words. 

EBB4 (October 01, 2012)

UNPLANNED UNEXPECTED AUTHENTIFICATIONS

UNPLANNED UNEXPECTED AUTHENTIFICATIONS

Friday, October 14, 2016

Psalms [MKJV] 119:41-42; 138:2  Let Your mercies come to me, O Jehovah, even according to Your salvation, according to Your Word. And I shall have something to answer him who mocks me; for I trust in Your Word. … I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your loving-kindness and for Your truth's sake; for You have magnified Your Word above all Your name.

John [KJV] 17:13-17 [Jesus prayed] 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 said yesterday, the Word, Logos (Jn.1:1), is authentic in body, God Incarnate, Jesus, and in word, the Bible; reliably eternal truth under all examination.

  But what of us, how are we personally authenticated?

  There are a number of ways, all involving the Word.

·         God’s Holy Spirit both convicts and assures. Jn.14:16, 26; 15:26

·         Reading God’s Word as a mirror. Ps.119; Rom.12:1-3; 1Cor.13:11; Heb.4:12; Jam.1:23

·         By others. Pr.27:17; Heb.12:1

·         Self-examination by using Wesley’s Holiness Club questions, Overcomers In Christ listed characteristics of adult children, and other such instruments.

  And then there is what I consider personal verification of standing trust and blessed assurance, or not, by unplanned unexpected testing.  I share two that I’ve observed or experienced.

  In the interest of fun we introduce a younger person or child to Mahjong, chess, or some other game more challenging than Hungry Hippos, and they immediately skunk us game after game. We react in love and grace with joy, or not. Phil.2:1-8

  We utter testimony of our trust, blessed assurance, as with Paul, looking forward to crossing over from this life to the next. When tested by life-threatening or near-death event, we are spiritually at ease, ready to go, or not. 1Cor.15:1-58; 2Tim.4:6-8

  Now, for the edification of others, self included, I invite you to testify of your unplanned unexpected testing and what you determined you learned from the challenges. Specify whether identity or anonymous should be signed. I’ll compile and publish them one day next week.

  And as for myself today, I’m pretty sure that after writing the above I will be challenged with an unplanned unexpected examination . . . for this method too is active.

EBB4

 

  

LOGOS IS AUTHENTIC

LOGOS IS AUTHENTIC

Thursday, October 13, 2016

John [MKJV] 1:1-5, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it…. And the Word became flesh, and tabernacle [temporarily dwelled] among us. And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and of truth. [Heb.1:1-3]

  The Word, logos (something said), became flesh; the Word written and spoken became the Word incarnate. Explained another way, the old testament written and spoken became manifested as new testament person living and breathing the written Word as the Incarnate Word; Logos!  

  Though the Incarnate Word no longer physically walks among us, we may as made-alive (KJV “quickened”) by His Holy Spirit and learned in the Word living (Jesus’ example) and written (the Bible), do so. This choice every day at any given moment is ours, we who claim Christian, follower of Christ, as “By ourselves we are not qualified in any way to claim that we can do anything. Rather, God makes us qualified. He has also qualified us to be ministers of a new promise, a spiritual promise, not a written one. Clearly, what was written brings death, but the Spirit brings life.” (GW 2Cor.3:5-6; 5:11-20)

  Logos is authentic in every way!

EBB4

PERPETUAL ADOLESCENCE

PERPETUAL ADOLESCENCE

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

  Dad and extended family were active sticklers for “Always business before pleasure!” I thank them for it.

  I agree with USA senator Ben Sasse on his experience that led him to write a book on the prevalence of perpetual adolescence in our nation. I have never been president of a university but as a workplace trainer/facilitator, youth pastor, Sunday School teacher of various age groups, CSB leader, OIC facilitator, et al, for decades I’ve noticed this troubling cultural distillation resulting from over-protectiveness, helicopter parenting, life-is-all-about-you = life-is-all-about-me, decidedly putting fun before responsibility, placing desire for children’s friendship above sensible parenting, and what really torques me – the sad example of silly elderly men and women chasing the poncey fountain of youth.

  This is not to say I don’t know mature adult young people. I do, some I judge more adult than me in certain areas.

  “Sasse argues that many of the coming-of-age rituals that have defined the experience of growing up in America – learning the value of working at a job that is physically hard, deciding to continue or complete high school for precise reasons, making conscious choices about leaving home to establish a household and start a family, becoming economically self-reliant – are being delayed or skipped,”

  When did this all begin; With Adam preoccupied with flora and fauna while Eve was committing emotional adultery; With Caine’s life-is-all-about-me murder of Abel; Or _____?

  What we do know is it existed in the early church.

  Peter exhorted, “since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever." And this word is the good news that was preached to you. So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (ESV 1Pet.1:23-2:5)

  In Hebrews we read, “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You [still] need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, …” (5:7-14; 6:1; Rom.12:1-3)

  If ourselves hindered by attitude of perpetual adolescence we can be stuck in bemoaning the condition of adult children in our nation. Or we can personally strive to “grow up into salvation” and become spiritual and emotional examples and 2Corinthins 5 ambassadors of reconciliation unto those of various age; this being a mature decision with immediate and eternal consequences.

EBB4

A HEALTHIER BEGINNING

A HEALTHIER BEGINNING

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

  In the wage-earning 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