RETHINKING FAITH AND GOLIATH

RETHINKING FAITH AND GOLIATH

Thursday, November 30, 2017

   Daniel [MKJV] 3:14-18 [King] Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said to them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? Do you not serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Now if you are ready, at the time you hear the sound of the horn, the pipe, zither, the lyre, harp, and bagpipe, and all kinds of music, fall down and worship the image which I have made. But if you do not worship, in that moment you shall be thrown into the middle of a burning fiery furnace. And who is that god who shall deliver you out of my hand? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to return a word to you on this matter. If it is so that our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, then He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods nor worship the golden image which you have set up.

  One of my and many others favorite Bible story is David versus Goliath. Though not a church or Sunday school family, public school being quite different there and then, I knew it well. We schoolboys even acted out until I bloodily stoned a classmate’s eyebrow with stern lecture and punishment as quick result.

  But how was the Davidic story then taught? How now is it taught? Correctly, limiting or even excluding the core truth of the matter? The gist of the tale being that little us can in faith go up against life’s meany giants and they will fall. Goliath did. But suppose the flung stone had glanced off Goliath’s helmet and he had crushed David? Would it have changed the most important part of the account?

  In relationship to the whole counsel of God, the Word living and written, what is the core truth in the account? Stepping out on faith and generating magnificent results? No, Goliath’s demise and resultant victory is not the central lesson. Looking beyond stone throwing edifies. What I today am writing may go against all that you’ve been taught outside of or in church.

  It is David’s faith, not results, that mattered above all else. (1Sam.13:14; Ps.138:1; Act.13:22)

  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego with their clarifying declaration of God is able to deliver if it is His will, He may. But if not we will remain faithful to Him. (Dan.3:1-30)

  The leper’s faith with his “if you will” exemplified this. (Mt.8:1-3)

  The centurion’s faith manifested this. (Mt.8:5-10)

  Hebrews 11 tells us that investment here and now does not necessarily produce expected results. It is regardless faith that matters above all else. (Heb.11:6)

  Living in faith sans overwhelming discouragement requires believing, accepting, applying faith uninfluenced by immediate expectations or lack thereof is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by such faith the people of old received their commendation and so shall we. Without such faith we cannot please, truly worship, God. (Rom.12:1-3; Heb.11:6)

EBB4

STUDYING OMISSIONS

STUDYING OMISSIONS

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

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

  To do our best to win God's approval as a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed and who teaches only the true message, we must read, study, and prayerfully ponder the whole counsel of God, all Scripture. It is a serious mistake to consider God’s Word in a fragmented fashion. Study includes taking note of omissions in a passage and then topically cross referencing to other related Scripture. Confused? Please don’t be. I demonstrate with one of my favorite portions of Scripture, Psalm 51.

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving-kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.

Wash me completely from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

For I confess my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me.

Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done evil in Your sight; that You might be justified when You speak, and be clear when You judge.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts; and in the hidden part You shall make me to know wisdom.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which You have broken may rejoice.

Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors Your ways; and sinners shall be converted to You.

Deliver me from the guilt of shedding blood, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.

O Jehovah, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

For You do not desire sacrifice; or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem.

Then shall You be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt  

       offering; then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.

  Conscience stricken, David remorsefully repented and cast himself upon God’s mercy. Genuinely heartfelt, he wonderfully confessed and asked for a list of changes having to do with renewal that only God Almighty could provide. There is something David did not ask for. He did ask for restoration of the joy of his salvation. David did not ask for eternal salvation. Why not? Reading 2Samuel chapters 11 & 12 we see David didn’t do so because he had blessed assurance. He understood that his everlasting redemption was sealed then and forever! (ICor.15:12-14; 2Cor.1:20-22)

  Wonderfully, absolutely no omission of God’s marvelous love and grace. Redeemed, let us also say so.

EBB4

DO NOT BE A WALL-EYED CHRISTIAN

DO NOT BE A WALL-EYED CHRISTIAN

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

   Matthew [GW] 6:21-24a [Jesus explained] Your heart will be where your treasure is. "The eye is the lamp of the body. So if your eye is unclouded, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If the light in you is darkness, how dark it will be! "No one can serve two masters.

   Romans 12:1-3 [Paul explained] Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect. Because of the kindness that God has shown me, I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers.

    1Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:14-15 [Paul stated] Don't you realize that everyone who runs in a race runs to win, but only one runner gets the prize? Run like them, so that you can win. Everyone who enters an athletic contest goes into strict training. They do it to win a temporary crown, but we do it to win one that will be permanent. So I run-but not without a clear goal ahead of me. So I box-but not as if I were just shadow boxing. Rather, I toughen my body with punches and make it my slave so that I will not be disqualified after I have spread the Good News to others. … I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Whoever has a mature faith should think this way. And if you think differently, God will show you how to think. [Also note 1Cor.2:14]

   2Timothy 2:4-5 [Paul explained] Whoever serves in the military doesn't get mixed up in non-military activities. This pleases his commanding officer. Whoever enters an athletic competition wins the prize only when playing by the rules.

  Sunday Pastor John preached on the sinful dichotomy of seeing life separated into spiritual or secular compartments. Since then I’ve pondered his sermon, related Scripture, and some of my past writings on the subject. Why is living in resolution of this matter so important?

  Before surgeons figured out how to correct his vision problem the poor child had to close one eye so as to see properly without distracting confusion. We are born with a like vision problem that is not physical. We naturally see life in two parts, spiritual and secular. Sans John 3:3 rebirth, as we age this incorrect vision is undergirded and reinforced by various education and example. Tragically some historical church leaders believed, lived, justified, and taught this ungodly separation of two divisions that differ widely and are in conflict contradicting each other.

  We don’t have to read too many Bible stories to figure out that Father God sees all things spiritually and we as followers of Christ should do so also. (2Cor.5:1-10) Not doing so results in our being prone to wondering and wandering. Jesus clearly explained the need for, how to accomplish, and the blessed result of undistracted vision. The Apostle Paul knew this and used mission-minded examples to illustrate; one of soldiering, a dedicated athlete, and his personal goal, to emphasize this essential to worshipping God in pleasing manner.

  Let us together see all things thru the clear lens of God’s Word living and written.

EBB4

NOT IN THE LEAST SURPRISED

NOT IN THE LEAST SURPRISED

Monday, November 27, 2017

  “What’s new?!” was once upon a time a common greeting with later slangy variation “What’sup?” 

  This week, and again this morning, I read of a variety of inspirational lecturers of new innovations in how to get things done working as a group. In recent months our young pastor has properly shared such thought provoking concepts and precepts with us from book(s) that he has read and studied.

  Thing is, I and other oldsters, though contemporary writers and speakers use different nomenclature and vocabulary, recognize what’sup as nothing new under the sun from people. Much of it was taught to us by family, neighbors, schoolteachers, preachers, Sunday School teachers, mentors et al. This old timer and others I know find the merry-go-round aspect of it both entertaining, sad, and yet energizing.

  We, all ages, need to be constantly reminded. No surprise in this.

  So, not new, but lest we forget why we are here, here’s something eternal I want to remind self and you of this morning: “Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!” But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new. We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now. … The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep. But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out. That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.” NLT Ecclesiastes

EBB4

DO YOU MIND?

DO YOU MIND?

Sunday, November 26, 2017

John [CEV] 3:8 [Jesus explained] Only God's Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going.

  I’ve confessed before that my mind is often like a tossed salad, whereas lives-here grandson Ian’s is focused like a steak on a plate. Two of the recurring bits I awoke to this morning were:

1.       A doodler a dawdler be, but not necessarily!

2.       “Once we grasp the big message of Ecclesiastes – that life in this world eludes our control – how then shall we live?” from yesterday reading of book review of Living Life Backward, How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End, by David Gibson.

  The two mentally played all during routine banana with cereal and pharmaceutical ingestments while reading front section of Omaha world-Herald. Sitting down before this keyboard it occurred to me that the two are not separate lettuce versus tomato. They are as the red and green bowlful I ate yesterday for supper, a combination – the same healthy spiritual diet.

  Do you mind?

EBB4

HISTORY:CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING IN AMERICA

Thanksgiving History and Traditions: Celebrating Thanksgiving in America

by Martin Kelly, Updated July 21, 2017

Thanksgiving is a holiday that is filled with myths and legends. Many societies have a day set aside to give thanks for the blessings they enjoy and to celebrate the season's harvest. In the United States, Thanksgiving has been celebrated over a span of six centuries and has evolved into a time for families and friends to get together, eat (usually too much), and acknowledge what they are thankful for.

Here are a few lesser-known facts about this beloved holiday.

More Than One "First" Thanksgiving: While most Americans think of the Pilgrims as being the first to celebrate Thanksgiving in America, there are some claims that others in the New World should be recognized as first. For example, there is evidence that a feast was held in Texas in 1541 by Padre Fray Juan de Padilla for Coronado and his troops. This date is 79 years earlier than the arrival of the Pilgrims to America. It is believed that this day of thanks and prayer occurred in the Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo, Texas. 

The Plymouth Thanksgiving: The date of what is typically recognized as the first Thanksgiving is not precisely known, though it is generally believed to have occurred between September 21 and November 9, 1621. The Plymouth Pilgrims invited the Wampanoag Indians to dine with them and celebrate a plentiful harvest following a very difficult winter in which nearly half of the white settlers had died.

 The event lasted for three days, as described by Edward Winslow, one of the participating Pilgrims. According to Winslow, the feast consisted of corn, barley, fowl (including wild turkeys and waterfowl), and venison. The Plymouth Thanksgiving feast was attended by 52 Pilgrims and approximately 50 to 90 Native Americans.

Attendees included John Alden, William Bradford, Priscilla Mullins, and Miles Standish among the Pilgrims, as well as the Natives Massasoit and Squanto, who acted as the Pilgrim's translator. It was a secular event that was not repeated. Two years later, in 1623, a Calvinist Thanksgiving took place but did not involve sharing food with the Native Americans.

National Holidays: The first national celebration of Thanksgiving in America was declared in 1775 by the Continental Congress. This was to celebrate the win at Saratoga during the American Revolution. However, this was not an annual event. In 1863, two national days of Thanksgiving were declared: One celebrated the Union victory at the Battle of Gettysburg; the other began the Thanksgiving holiday that is commonly celebrated today. The author of "Mary Had a Little Lamb," Sarah Josepha Hale, was key in getting Thanksgiving officially recognized as a national holiday. She published a letter to President Lincoln in a popular women's magazine, advocating for a national holiday that would help unify the nation during the Civil War. 

Celebrating Thanksgiving as a national holiday is a tradition that continues to this day, as each year the President officially declares a day of National Thanksgiving.

The President also pardons a turkey each Thanksgiving, a tradition that began with President Harry Truman.

Source: ThoughtCo

THANKSGIVING FOCUS

THANKSGIVING FOCUS

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Gotquestion.org : "What should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving?"

  The original thanksgiving celebration was held by the Pilgrim settlers in Massachusetts during their second winter in America in December, 1621. The first winter had killed 44 of the original 102 colonists. At one point their daily food ration was down to five kernels of corn apiece, but then an unexpected trading vessel arrived, swapping them beaver pelts for grain, providing for their severe need. The next summer’s crop brought hope, and Governor William Bradford decreed that December 13, 1621, be set aside as a day of feasting and prayer to show the gratitude of the colonists that they were still alive.
  These Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom and opportunity in America, gave thanks to God for His provision for them in helping them find 20 acres of cleared land, for the fact that there were no hostile Indians in that area, for their newfound religious freedom, and for God’s provision of an interpreter to the Indians in Squanto. Along with the feasting and games involving the colonists and more than 80 friendly Indians (who added to the feast by bringing wild turkeys and venison), prayers, sermons, and songs of praise were important in the celebration. Three days were spent in feasting and prayer.
  From that time forward, Thanksgiving has been celebrated as a day to give thanks to God for His gracious and sufficient provision. President Abraham Lincoln officially set aside the last Thursday of November, in 1863, “as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father.” In 1941, Congress ruled that after 1941, the fourth Thursday of November be observed as Thanksgiving Day and be a legal holiday.
  Scripturally, we find things related to the issue of thanksgiving nearly from cover to cover. Individuals offered up sacrifices out of gratitude in the book of Genesis. The Israelites sang a song of thanksgiving as they were delivered from Pharaoh's army after the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 15). Later, the Mosaic Law set aside three times each year when the Israelites were to gather together. All three of these times [Unleavened Bread (also called the Feast of the Passover) (Exodus 12:15-20), Harvest or Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15-21), and the Feast of Ingathering or Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-36)] involved remembering God’s provision and grace. Harvest and Tabernacles took place specifically in relation to God’s provision in the harvest of various fruit trees and crops. The book of Psalms is packed full of songs of thanksgiving, both for God’s grace to the Israelite people as a whole through His mighty deeds, as well as for His individual graces to each of us.
  In the New Testament, there are repeated admonitions to give thanks to God. Thanksgiving is to always be a part of our prayers. Some of the most remembered passages on the giving of thanks are the following:
  "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
  "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6).
  "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men" (1 Timothy 2:1).
  Of all of God’s gifts, the greatest one He has given is the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. On the cross of Calvary, Jesus paid our sin debt, so a holy and just Judge could forgive us our sins and give us eternal life as a free gift. This gift is available to those who will call on Christ to save them from their sin in simple but sincere faith (John 3:16; Romans 3:19-26; Romans 6:23; Romans 10:13; Ephesians 2:8-10). For this gift of His Son, the gift which meets our greatest need, the Apostle Paul says, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15).
  We, like the Pilgrims, have a choice. In life there will always be those things that we can complain about (the Pilgrims had lost many loved ones), but there will also be much to be thankful for. As our society becomes increasingly secular, the actual “giving of thanks to God” during our annual Thanksgiving holiday is being overlooked, leaving only the feasting. May God grant that He may find us grateful every day for all of His gifts, spiritual and material. God is good, and every good gift comes from Him (James 1:17). For those who know Christ, God also works everything together for good, even events we would not necessarily consider good (Romans 8:28-30). May He find us to be His grateful children.

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"Perhaps no custom reveals our character as a Nation so clearly as our celebration of Thanksgiving Day. Rooted deeply in our Judeo-Christian heritage, the practice of offering thanksgiving underscores our unshakable belief in God as the foundation of our Nation and our firm reliance upon Him from Whom all blessings flow."
- Ronald Reagan, October 13, 1986

AN OMISSION IN JESUS' COMMISSION?

AN OMISSION IN JESUS’ COMMISSION?

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

"Why doesn't the Lord's Prayer include thanksgiving? Shouldn't all our prayers include expressions of thankfulness?"

  It does seem odd, given the apostle Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:17–18 to “pray without ceasing” and to “give thanks in all circumstances,” that the Lord’s Prayer does not include instructions for thanksgiving. It seems especially odd since Jesus models thanksgiving in prayer elsewhere in the Gospels.
  Jesus thanks God for the meals that He provides, including the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:16–21) and the 4,000 (Matthew 15:35–38). He gave thanks for the cup and the bread at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26–27). He thanked God for hearing His request to raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11:41). He even thanked the Father from keeping the secrets of the kingdom from the wise and revealing them to the poor, the ignorant, and the obscure (Matthew 11:25). Yet He leaves thanksgiving out of the Lord’s Prayer.
  If we examine the passage containing the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13), we first note why Jesus was teaching the disciples to pray a certain way. Jesus was critiquing the way the Pharisees prayed. They prayed out in the open where all could see and hear. This was a way to show the public how holy and pious they were. Jesus condemns this way of praying: “They have their reward,” the reward of being seen by men. Jesus is not condemning public prayer, only the practice of praying with the goal of being “seen by men.” We also see Jesus critiquing the way the Gentiles prayed by constantly praying the same thing over and over again as if to make sure their god heard them, such as the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18.
  Jesus’ corrective against these modes of prayer was to give His disciples a model prayer. Now, we don’t pray the Lord’s Prayer by simply reciting it, as do the Roman Catholics. This does not mean that corporate recital of the Lord’s Prayer is wrong. Jesus is referring to private prayer here, not corporate prayer.
  It’s best to think of the Lord’s Prayer as a general guideline for prayer—a means to shape our prayer life. The prayer contains six petitions. The first three relate to God, and the last three relate to us. After addressing God as “our Father in heaven,” we first pray that God’s name be honored and glorified. Next, we pray that God’s kingdom will come. There is a sense in which God’s kingdom is already present since the advent of Christ, but we pray for the kingdom to come in its fullness. Third, we pray for God’s will – His moral, or revealed, will – to be done here on earth, starting with us. After these three petitions, which address God’s glory and majesty, we continue with the petitions that pertain to us—our daily provision, our forgiveness from sin, and our deliverance from evil.
  As for why we don’t find thanksgiving in the Lord’s Prayer, the best answer is that thanksgiving is the attitude in which we pray to God. For those who are children of God, thanksgiving will fill our hearts and pour forth from our lips to God because we know, among other things, our sins are forgiven and we have eternal life through Jesus Christ. The more we contemplate what God has done for us, the more thankful we will be. Thanksgiving becomes natural in our relationship with God at all times, under all conditions, and in all circumstances. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Gotquestions.org 

JONI., JESUS, AND US

JONI, JESUS, AND US

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

   Matthew [ESV] 8:1-10  When he [Jesus] came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him.

And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me

clean." And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them." When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly." And he said to him, "I will come and heal him." But the centurion replied, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.

  Matthew 8:1-10 was included in our Sunday School lesson. I’ve been thinking about it since, especially so after reading feature article on Joni Earekson Tada in the most recent issue of WORLD magazine. In considering the Matthew account what do we see and in what order do we see? I shall answer by reflecting on 50+ years of my personal history and general congregant observation.

  Primarily we see Jesus’ omnipotent¹ wonderful compassionate healing, for we like it.

  But do we at all reverently acknowledge our Lord’s sovereignty, He being omniscient² beyond our comprehension? (Isa.55:8)

  As juvenile Christians of any age we see our needs and His ability first of all. In maturity we see Him as Lord of all with an overarching way far beyond our immediate short-sighted thinking. Do we necessarily comprehend and/or not reject His way? (Dear Ann was always far above me in mindful maturity!)

  In 1967 as a bright fun loving Christian 17 year old Joni broke her neck diving in Chesapeake Bay water shallower than thought. Her weight dropped to 80 pounds as she suffered grueling surgeries and lived in a Stryker frame. At night she imagined herself waiting by the Pool at Bethesda singing “Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry. While on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by.” Jesus did not heal Joni, but neither did He pass her by.

  After a season of doubts and depression Joni accepted and embraced Jesus’ way. “Fifty years later, Joni’s answer is jubilant: “It sounds incredible, but I really would rather be in this wheelchair knowing Jesus as I do than be on my feet without Him. … “that glorious but awful, beautiful but sad, but wonderful day I broke my neck – because look what God has done.” (WORLD magazine)

  Joni physically suffers at some level at all times. Her suffering has increased with age. For 5 decades Joni has embraced God’s sovereignty in her suffering. Her spiritual sight allows God to continue using her to compassionately help others in many ways. Encouragement, yes, but beyond words in speech, books, and songs, ministries that continue to help hundreds of thousands in the USA and abroad.

  I’m left with a final question for us to ponder: In our limitations where do we stand, or lay, eagerly waiting for Jesus’ healing as we narrowly see our need, or within our condition are we passionately seeking and serving Him and others?

EBB4

Webster’s 1828 dictionary. 1. Almighty; possessing unlimited power; all powerful. The being that can create worlds must be omnipotent. Having unlimited power of a particular kind; as omnipotent love. 2. The quality of knowing all things at once; universal knowledge; knowledge unbounded or infinite. Omniscience is an attribute peculiar to God.

MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES ARE NOT THE ROCK

MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES ARE NOT THE ROCK

Monday, November 20, 2017

   Matthew [ESV] 7:24-27 [Jesus explained] "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."

   1Corinthians 2:14 [Paul exhorted] The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

   1Corinthians 3:11-13  For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.

  On April 15, 2013, the small town of WEST, Texas, suffered a horrific explosion that was roughly 5 times greater than the 1995 terrorist bombing of the Oklahoma City Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Ammonium nitrate fertilizer was involved in both disasters. The West occurrence killed 15, injured 252, destroyed 500 buildings, and tossed debris as far as 2.5 miles.

  Reading the lengthy detailed Omaha World-Herald feature THE ROAD BACK AFTER BLAST yesterday I noted the personal accounts of mystical happenings. It set me to thinking of my own experiences and of face to face testimonies I’ve heard without doubt. Believing them I do not however base my salvation or spiritual well-being upon my or their experiences. The Word living (Jn.1:1) and written (Heb.4:12) is my foundation as well it must and can only be; God’s Word tells us that salvation and Christ-likeness is achieved only by trusting Lord Jesus Christ and mortifying self—not by mystical experiences however startling they may be—and that spiritual truth is discerned through the intellect as guided by the indwelling Holy Spirit, He living in all believers. Indeed such mystical experiences may stimulate us in endeavor to love God and others, but they should never be relied upon for salvation or well-being.

  For the clarity of this truth I thank God.

EBB4

PS. I invite you to provide your mystical experiences and promise to publish them later this week.

GONE!

GONE!

Friday, November 17, 2017

  I enjoy wandering old graveyards with their weathered stones, imagining them standing like ancient sentries awaiting the order to fall back as symbolic obstruction, weighing down no more; believers remains beneath gone!.  EBB4

1Corinthians 15:34-58 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

BEGGARS IN YOUR MAILBOX

BEGGARS IN YOUR MAILBOX

Thursday, November 16, 2017

1Corinthians [ESV] 4:1-2 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

  Today’s title is not original with me. I heard it from a cynical man years ago. Another scornful acquaintance refers to the postal packets as “Beggar mail”. Some we will donate to, some, maybe many, we will not.

  Dad believed Boy’s Town founder Father Flanagan was the first brilliant fundraising strategist to use mass mailings soliciting financial support. And that Flanagan was the first to understand the affect of poignant phrase and photo to loosen purse strings, including my non-church going father’s. (In adulthood I’ve wondered if maybe it was actually Flanagan’s un-famous sister that was the brains. ??)

  By any measure, since Flanagan’s fliers our mailboxes are full of appeals for money, increasingly so the last 6 or 8 weeks of the year. Some packets include the extra incentive of guilt-gift(s) to you and/or matching fund pledges from some anonymous donor.

  How do we respond to these cash seeking epistles?

·         Shred a some or all.

·         Give a nominal amount to each one.

·         Allow heartstring vibrations to make the choices.

·         Check for bona fides.

·         Investigate percentages going to salaries, overhead costs, and the actual to-neediness.

·         Prayerfully choose and send money to.

  There is yet another way to support charities that are asking for your money when selectively you do not have any intention of giving them one cent.

  First understand that it cost organizations $3 to over $20 every year per address mailings, this whether you give or not. For those we don’t respond to with a donation we can save them from wasting this cost; something I consider a form of charity in itself.

·         Write or type “PLEASE REMOVE MY NAME FROM ALL MAILING LISTS.” On blank 8.5x11 sheet of paper. (It need not be in red.)

·         Tape their response label or form to the paper leaving your cancellation request showing.

·         Fold and place in standard #10 envelope.

·         Seal, then address to organization. (I cut out & tape their address to envelope.)

·         Affix first class stamp and mail.

  Again, doing the above is wise stewardship, will save charities wasted funds . . . and for less than a dollar invested it will save us from having so much beggar mail in our mailboxes.

EBB4  

WATCH!

WATCH!

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

  Prostitution in France is legal. Paying for it is illegal. And now they will be deciding on legalizing consensual sex at age 13. Will the rapidly changing USA copy? I don’t know. I cannot predict. But if it is attempted or happens, I do know I will not be surprised.

  Moral liberalization continues in Europe and the USA. Are we moving toward  the wickedness of mankind being now greatly permeating the earth and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart is only evil continually? (Gen.6:5) Some serious minded people think so. Others opine that we are already there and wonder what the Lord is waiting for?! I am not so wise as to determine and declare, but I do know a few things pertaining to the matter. In particular I do know is that when it happens it will be a sudden and undetermined moment.

  Jesus warned “… be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake. [KJV and others, “watch”]" (ESV Mark chapter 13)

  Jesus also explained this in His parable recorded by Matthew (Chap.25); "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.  Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

  WATCH!

EBB4

RESPONSES TO BIBLE ILLITERACY QUESTION

Responses to the Bible illiteracy question “  Surveys show that in the last 2 generations the level of Bible literacy has diminished considerably. Have you noticed this? I have. Why do you think this is so?”

Yes, both church attendance and Biblical literacy have diminished.  When I was growing up, stores were not open on Sunday and most people went to church.  Sunday was a day set apart from work in order to  worship.  There was reverence for God and people didn't take His name in vain in polite company.  People knew the 10 Commandments and had basic knowledge of the Bible.  Divorce was shameful and a girl who got pregnant was sent away to have the baby.  What a change since the  'all about me'  individuals started fighting for "My Rights"---no fault divorce, abortion, same sex marriage, gender change, etc.  It probably started in the 60's with the influence of M.M. O'hare getting God and The Bible legislated out of schools.  Bible reading stopped, children didn't learn patriotic songs or even Christmas carols.  Secular thinking took over.
Before I retired from teaching few of my students lived with both parents or attended church.  One of my kdgn. students felt sorry for me because I didn't have a boyfriend  sleeping with me.
The Women's Liberation Movement has emasculated men keeping many from being the spiritual leaders of their family.  This has resulted in fewer male role models.  Both males and females need mentors to help them grow spiritually and learn to study the Bible.  Few people have had this training.
I recently heard a well-known pastor say that few recent seminary graduates know how to lead an individual to Christ.  Too much time is spent studying books written about the Bible and too little time studying the Bible

Sharon

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This is about antinomianism, right?

Diane

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Another informative blog… Thank you for sharing it… Best of luck for further endeavor too. For more information visit buy 420 marijuana seeds"

Anon.

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I think literacy has decreased in the age of computer information overload where it is easy to skim over large portions of information very quickly.  There are so many outlets for our time and entertainment that reading aloud to children or as a class as a whole is less frequent.  Attendance at weekly church services is not a priority for many. Classes use multi media approaches to teach rather than read, recite and memorize approaches.  Thus we know a little about many topics but few topics are studied in depth.  Preaching has evolved from verse by verse exposition to topical themes, using many verses.  It isn't lack of opportunities to learn but rather the depth of the study process for persons of all ages and learning abilities.

 Jan

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Removal of Bible from Schools

Courts misinterpretation of so called “separation of church and state”.

ACLU taking the case of minority non-religious groups to oppose any mention of Christ

Main line churches no longer teaching Bible – often involved in humanitarian causes rather than Christ’s cause.

The above leading to ignorance of parents and grandparents affecting their instruction of children

Anti-Christian policies of governments

Gene

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1.  I'd say a scriptural example of one who leads a Godly separated Christian life would be Psalm 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

I my case I can look back over life and fully understand while I am a sinner saved by the Grace of God thru Jesus Christ and clearly see a number of things I really wanted in life and He granted me.

2. As for Genesis I have to agree if a person doesn't agree with the scriptural account of creation in Genesis then how can they have the faith to believe the rest of the Bible.  As for Bible literacy without faith it is impossible to please Him.  Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Al, KS

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I think people in general spend less time in church and as a result in study. Because of that when they do study in Sunday School, bible studies, etc. they can’t get as in depth without feeling overwhelmed. Studies are thus more basic by necessity. Just one reason I would guess.

Ryan

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Ed, it's because people want "instant knowledge" to pop off the pages of the Bible, rather than take the time to study to find wonderful hidden Biblical "treasure in a field".

I know, because I'm guilty of this myself.

I want to thank you for reminding me to start studying God's Word.

God bless you and your family,

Missy

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My observation, and personal problem is desire and priority. On any given moment or instance do I desire God? How often do I credit life’s external issues with keeping me from increasing Bible literacy? This being a matter of priority setting in daily life. I confess to being naturally rebellious, the reason I chose Psalm 32:8-9 as my life verses that I review and consider often throughout the day lest I easily regress to being a life being about me, covetous, pridefully boasting, a blasphemer, disobedient to elders and authority, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, a trucebreaker, false accuser, lacking in personal discipline, fierce, a despiser of those that are good, a traitors, heady, highminded, loving pleasures more than loving God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. 2Timothy 3

Ed

AI OR I?

AI OR I?

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Genesis 2:7-8 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

How does Our Brain Compare To A Supercomputer?

3 pounds <> 150 tons

1/6 size of a basketball, 80 cubic inches <> A basketball court, over 4, 350 square feet

Up to 1,000,000 operations per second <> 93,000 trillion operations per second

20 watts powers <> 10 million watts powers

Performs all conscious and subconscious activity simultaneously, including processing all sensory input (billions of sensory cells) and supervising bodily functions (breathing, heartbeat, etc.)

^

V

Performs one task at a time. (Of course it can do lots of tasks quickly but not simultaneously.)

  Even some Christians believing in the Genesis record are wondering if our original model is outdated. One fellow punned “I think God needs to do a remake.” Others express the hope that AI will allow us to escape the limits of humanity. But is intelligence what makes for our value or lack thereof? Not in God’s measure and neither should it be so in ours. We are created in His image with his sanctioned dominion! (Gen.1:26) Dominion requiring effort on our part. (When lazily puzzled Grandmother McGee challenging “God gave you a brain. Use it!”)

  As was the John Deere plow, AI is a helpful tool presenting us with opportunities to exercise more efficient productive dominion. For as with any tool, it is in our hand.

EBB4

Source for the above list of AI versus human brain facts: Dan Wooster, BETTER THAN HUMAN? November/December Answers In Genesis magazine.

BATTLING ILLITERACY

BATTLING ILLITERACY

Friday, November 10, 2017

Psalm [ESV] 1:1-6 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

  Surveys show that in the last 2 generations the level of Bible literacy has diminished considerably. Have you noticed this? I have. Why do you think this is so? (I’ll publish your reasons as a list next week.)

  The main reason I study Scripture, ponder and write out my thoughts is I desire to please God as “a workman approved” honoring Him in learning and providing answers to others whether personally convenient or not. (Rom.12:1-3; 2Tim.2:15; 4:2; 1Pet.3:15) Additionally, though not my goal, but none-the-less the effort to know and walk in the counsel of God provides me with blessed assurance. How can it not? God promises such result! (Ps.1:1-6)

  Efforts are being made to encourage and aid people in Bible literacy. I share an effectual one in particular: Kay Arthur is cofounder of Precept Ministries and author of How to Study Your Bible and numerous other study books on Bible topics. In the recent issue of Answers in Genesis magazine she stated “This past summer our three Teen Boot Camps did an inductive study on Genesis [chapters] 1-3. We didn’t tell them what to believe; rather we showed them how to discover truth for themselves. They spent six hours a day studying and discussing Genesis in relationship to the rest of the Word. It was life transforming!

  Genesis is the book of beginnings! The other 65 books build on the foundation of Genesis. If we don’t accept Genesis as God breathed it, how can we believe anything else that is written from Exodus to Revelation? Its foundation is to be built on – not ignored, disregarded, or denigrated!”

  My thoughts today leave us with the question of am I contributing to Bible illiteracy by my level of ignorance and/or close mouthness, or I am investing Bible literacy?

EBB4

PS. “Kay Arthur's exciting, practical approach to the Scriptures has influenced thousands to use the Inductive Bible Study Method in their personal studies. Her distinguished Christian character, Bible teaching, championing of the Inductive Bible Study Method, and national radio and television programs motivate others to discover truth for themselves. Kay's passion is for people to be established in God's Word.” Source Christian Book Distributors (CBD) https://www.christianbook.com/page/christian-authors/kay-arthur?search=Kay%20Arthur

  

PROFILING THE WISE

PROFILING THE WISE

Thursday, November 09, 2017

  Matthew chapters 5 thru 7

  There are times in Bible study that I profit from stepping back from details and examine an overview. We begin reading Jesus’ sermon on the mount on Matthew chapter 5. I share a brief overview that you too may find helpful:

·          In verses 5:1-16 Jesus profiles authentic believers, His true disciples. The list includes authenticity of heart, mind, and activity.

·         In 5:19 Jesus’ tells of the unwise: false teachers using Scripture.

·         In 6:1-18 He identifies and warns against mere religious externalism.

·         In 6:25-34 Jesus explains that trust in the Father’s all-seeing care prevents anxiety. Jesus did not segue out then back in here. Lack of angst is serious matter in facilitating beatitudes and similitudes He before listed.

·         In 7:1-11 Jesus details unhealthy detrimental judging versus appropriateness in compassionate constructive judgment. This proper judgment requiring thoughtful prayer and personal examination. (This topic is best understood through comprehensive Bible study on the matter. DT series IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE? Is available upon request.)

·         Then beginning with conclusive summarizing statement “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.“ (7:12) that is also introductory statement for His further explanation of the two ways (7:13-14), warning against and the test of false teachers (7:15-20), the danger of religious profession and practice without authentic faith (7:21-23), the eternal distinction between the two foundations (7:24-27).

  Now, having again reviewed these sayings of Jesus, are we astonished at His doctrine?

EBB4

FALLEN?

FALLEN?

Wednesday, November 08, 2017

   Matthew chapter 7 … Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. …

   John 14:6 [Jesus declared] I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

  At the end of yesterdays DT (Daily Thoughts) I added a thought question at the bottom asking who are these people Jesus speaks of in Matthew verses 22-23?

  First let’s address who they are not.  As some teach, are they “fallen Christians”, Christians “that fell from grace” for one or more given reasons? They are not, for Jesus said “I never knew you”, as in never ever.

  So who are they? The word is a definitive “are”, John 3:3, 18 religious unregenerates, for the setting Jesus speaks of is end time judgment day with as was with the ark, the door with finality closed. Reading the immediate context of Matthew 6:33-7:29 we see exactly who they are. (As an exercise please consider making a descriptive list that sum total is condemned.) They are those who live unwisely, according to their own religious philosophy contrary to God’s revealed Wisdom, His Word (the Bible). The words recorded coming from the lips of God Incarnate (Jn.1:1), He teaching not as did the scribes, but with absolute authority. (Mk.1:22; Jn.7:46)

  Is Jesus’ teaching in this passage His rant of condemnation? Not at all, Jesus is lovingly clarifying and warning that authentic life present and eternal is His Way and no other.

  I end today with more serious thought questions: Reading Matthew 6:33-7:29 where do you see yourself, wise or unwise in this stormy temporary physical life? Do you hear Jesus authoritative teaching above all others?

EBB4

  

IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE? Part 6

IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE? Part 6: THE PERILS OF NOT JUDGING

Tuesday, November 07, 2017

   Matthew 7:21-27 Not every one that saith unto me [Jesus], Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

  Construction without consideration of authentic quality makes for disastrous results. Buildings and people without sound foundation deteriorate and fall apart when stressed.

  This is just as true spiritually for Christians individually and the congregant church.

  At hand, we have the perfect construction and maintenance plan, God’s schematic; His Word living (Jn.1:1) and written (Jn.17:17; 1Thes.2:13). To neglect, not reference, or trivialize sacred direction of self, brethren, or worldview is perilous.

  Without personal examination of self we suffer not just loss of God’s support, but He resists us (Jam.4:4-10), or worse (Heb.10:31).

  Without congregant judgment a church may lose its place as a spiritual powerhouse and become no more than a benevolent social ministry (Rev.2:18-23), or worse (Rev.2:5).

  Think not construction or maintenance faults are always readily recognized. Even undisciplined children can be happy . . . for awhile.

  I confess that in my flesh I cringe at responsible examination of self or the local church. (Especially in having suffered expense of exercising the latter.) But I know I must, howbeit reluctantly, judge, for it too is part and parcel of mature discipleship. 

EBB4

Thought question: Who are these individuals Jesus speaks of in Matthew 7:22-23?  

FAITH HOPE CHARITY

FAITH HOPE CHARITY

Monday, November 06, 2017

   1Corinthians 13:1-13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

   Philippians [ESV] 2:1-13 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. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

  Faith Hope Charity are an inseparable package.

  Pastor Paul, emphasizing the above 3, expounded on the 7 virtues as laid out in Ephesians chapter 2.

  “After Pope Gregory released his list of seven deadly sins in 590 AD, the seven virtues became identified as chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility. Practicing them is said to protect one against temptation from the seven deadly sins.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_virtues )

  1Corinthians 13 explains that charity/love is the motivation for being virtuous:

·          Charity being loving as God loves us; putting aside prideful ambition and putting others first.

·          Hope is our mind set toward heaven; following Jesus example, realizing we can’t out-imagine God!

·         Faith as admitting total failure necessitating trusting God; walking and working, acting accordingly as God’s Holy Spirit is in you.

  Pastor Paul closed saying this is the right way to live even though life is contrary to.

EBB4 from Sunday, 10/7/08 sermon notes.

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WORSHIP INCLUDES LOVING ENEMIES

WORSHIP INCLUDES LOVING ENEMIES

Sunday, November 05, 2017

   Matthew [GW] 5:44-48 [Jesus explained] But I tell you this: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. In this way you show that you are children of your Father in heaven. He makes his sun rise on people whether they are good or evil. He lets rain fall on them whether they are just or unjust. If you love those who love you, do you deserve a reward? Even the tax collectors do that! Are you doing anything remarkable if you welcome only your friends? Everyone does that! That is why you must be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Lk.6:28)

   John 14:15-21 [Jesus said]"If you love me, you will obey my commandments. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper who will be with you forever. That helper is the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept him, because it doesn't see or know him. You know him, because he lives with you and will be in you. "I will not leave you all alone. I will come back to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. You will live because I live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father and that you are in me and that I am in you. Whoever knows and obeys my commandments is the person who loves me. Those who love me will have my Father's love, and I, too, will love them and show myself to them."

   John 15:9-12 [Jesus said] "I have loved you the same way the Father has loved me. So live in my love.

If you obey my commandments, you will live in my love. I have obeyed my Father's commandments, and in that way I live in his love. I have told you this so that you will be as joyful as I am, and your joy will be complete. Love each other as I have loved you. This is what I'm commanding you to do. [1Jn.1:1-10]

  Is it an act of worship to love others as God loves us? Yes, plainly explained in the words of Jesus.

  Is it an act of worship to love our enemies, even those who hate us or despitefully use us? Indeed so.

  Our worship is limited when we only love those who love us.

  Truly worshipping God involves a yieldedness in following Jesus’ direction and example.

  Christ-likeness, the emulating of He who lived, died, rose again, and now sits on the right hand of God – for our friend and foe alike, is to love as He loves.

  Lord, convict and help me to consistently worship You as I should! (Rom.12:1-3) 

EBB4

IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE Part 5

IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE? Part 5

Friday, November 03, 2017

   2Timothy [CEV] 3:16-17 Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. The Scriptures train God's servants to do all kinds of good deeds.

  Fact is that most judging, whether righteous or self-righteous ego-centric, is verbal. Said conversations being damaging and non-corrective. This being so in various groups. Local congregations included.

  Paul admonished “My friends, I beg you to watch out for anyone who causes trouble and divides the church by refusing to do what all of you were taught. Stay away from them!“ (Rom.16:17) Can this apostolic command be obeyed without judgment?

  It is not that we are to jump to separation. In light of Scripture we are to seek to lovingly counsel first of all. Then if “refusing” persists, label and separate from them.

  We see this pattern in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian congregation riven by the divisiveness he noted in his first letter (1Cor.1:10-13). “Friends in Corinth, we are telling the truth when we say that there is room in our hearts for you. We are not holding back on our love for you, but you are holding back on your love for us. I speak to you as I would speak to my own children. Please make room in your hearts for us. Stay away from people who are not followers of the Lord! Can someone who is good get along with someone who is evil? Are light and darkness the same? Is Christ a friend of Satan? Can people who follow the Lord have anything in common with those who don't? Do idols belong in the temple of God? We are the temple of the living God, as God himself says, "I will live with these people and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people." The Lord also says, "Leave them and stay away! Don't touch anything that isn't clean. Then I will welcome you and be your Father. You will be my sons and my daughters, as surely as I am God, the All-Powerful."  (2Cor.6:11-18)

·         Congregants, Chloe’s family, made a righteous judgment followed by the action of informing Paul.

·         Paul righteously judged the informants as loving concerned honest followers of Christ.

·         Paul passed righteous judgment, exhorting the Corinthian congregants to mark the division leaders and then avoid them. (Also note Rom.12:9; Eph.5:11; 1Thes.5:21; 2Thes.3:6; 2Tim.3:5)

·         The Apostle John exhorted for judgment when necessary. (1Jn.4:1; 2Jn.1:7, 10-11)

 

  Is it right to judge? Yes, but only if done according to the overall teaching of Scripture: Lovingly with correction utmost in mind. This does not however include excommunicating Howard for being adamantly against adding padding to the pews.

EBB4