NOT THE FIRST BORN, FIRSTBORN

NOT THE FIRST BORN, FIRSTBORN

Sunday, December 31, 2017

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. >>> Colossians 1:1-20 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. [For further study: Gen.3:22; Isa.6:3, 8; 11:2-3; 42:1; 48:16; 61:1-3; 63:9-10; Mt.1:18, 20; 3:11, 16; 12:18, 19, 28; Lk.4:18; Mk.1:8; Lk.1:35; 3:16, 22; 4:1; 4:14; Jn.1:32-33; 3:34-35; 7:39; 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7, 13-15; 20:22; Act.1:2, 4-5; 2:33; 10:36-38; Rom.1:3-4; 8:9-11, 26-27; 1Cor.2:10-11; 6:19; 8:6; 12:3-6; 2Cor.1:21-22; 5:5; 3:17; 13:14; Gal.4:4, 6; Phil.1:19; Col.2:2; 2Thes.2:13-14, 16; 1Tim.3:16; Tit.3:4-6; Heb.9:14; 1Pet.1:2; 3:18; 1Jn.5:6-7; Rev.4:8]

  “firstborn”is in Paul’s writings 5 times. There are those that teach it means that Christ was created by God as was Adam and Eve. The verse they that design to alter the meaning of God’s Word most often refer to is Colossians 1:15. There is however no need for angst or puzzlement. To understand the truth we only need to read Colossians 1:15 and other touted verses in context. Please do so so that when you too are challenged on the matter you may lead your challenger to read the context and face God.

  Ours is to be ever vigilant, to “Be ready to spread the word whether or not the time is right. Point out errors, warn people, and encourage them. Be very patient when you teach.“ (GW 2Tim.4:2)

EBB4

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ON WHOLENESS: DEFINING RECOVERY

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ON WHOLENESS: DEFINING RECOVERY

Psalm 1

Psalm 119

Proverbs 23:7

Romans [MKJV] 12:1-3 I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But set your mind to be right-minded, even as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

  Wholeness is subjective to our degree of Biblical holiness.

  For me as a Christian, a follower of the Word living (Jn.1:1) and written (the Bible), the basic standard for pure wholeness spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically is Adam and Eve prior to their gaining the knowledge of good and evil. Knowledge they and all we hereafter of ourselves are incapable of handling perfectly as does Sovereign God. Though we cannot precisely recovery that which was lost by our Edenic predecessors, in trusting God we can however optimize our personal and societal well-being if and as we pleasingly truly worship Him. (Live as He directs.)

  Perfect in wholeness I am not. But I definitely am not the anxious angry person I was. Your sinful issues may be the same as mine, or not, but in trusting the Word alleviation and/or deliverance may also be yours. There are more, but along with the 4 personally awakening passages listed at the head of this essay there are several particular continuing applied guiding precepts facilitating the power of His resurrection in my life.

1. 1Peter 5:6-7 Therefore be humbled under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your anxiety onto Him, for He cares for you.

2. 1Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

3. Philippians 4:6-9 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, my brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think on these things. Do those things which you have also learned and received and heard and seen in me. And the God of peace shall be with you.

4. And last but not least, the complete Serenity Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next. Amen.

EBB4

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ON WHOLENESS: DEFINING SANITY

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ON WHOLENESS: DEFINING SANITY

Genesis 3:22 The LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil."

Godliness, piety; specifically the gospel scheme: - godliness, holiness, is mentioned 15 times in the N.T. 1Tim.2:2, 10; 3:16; 4:7-8; 6:3, 5-6, 11; 2Tim.3:5; Tit.1:1; 2Pet.1:3, 6-7, 11

  How we define mental and emotional health greatly shapes life as live it. It definitely may affect those living around us for without proper mind we too often don’t handle the knowledge of good and evil maturely.

  I’m thankful for my Christian elders that challenged and provoked me during my novice days as a follower of Christ; they impressing upon me my responsibility in defining life-matters through and by the Word living (Jn.1:1) and written (the Bible). They were not spoon feeding teachers. The prodding tool they used most often was questions, leaving me to come up with Christ-centered Bible-based answers. Sometimes I was correct, other times not so, the latter when they then provided more questions or detailed guidance.

  Sometimes it was a cheerful “Good day.” followed by a surprise question. One such was “How do you as a Christian define sanity?” leaving me to ponder until answering later that day.

  By Adam and Eve before their disobedience said I. “How so?” By comparing before and after. Then the usual “Show me.” In Genesis and thereafter record we see wholeness displaced by death spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and bodily.

Before: At peace with God and themselves. Serenity. Confidence. Knowing who they are. Unsullied occupation. Without worry or grief.

After: Self-awareness, ego. Shame. Anxiety. Fear of God. Covertness. Rejecting responsibility; shifting blame to others. Sorrow. Envy. Murder. Lust. Family conflicts. Adultery. Theft. Errant affections. Divorce. Politics. Wars. Multiple religions. In latter days the industrious growth of the mental health profession. And so on as recorded through Revelation and the eyes of all mankind.

  Emulating my respected elders I too now leave you with a provocative question. Sanity according to the revelation of God’s Word is exceptionally different than the world’s definition, what exactly is the world’s definition of sanity compared to godliness?

EBB4

BIBLICAL PRESPECTIVE ON WHOLENESS

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ON WHOLENESS

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

  The Apostle Paul lovingly desired wholeness for people (1Thess.5:23), definitely a matter of godliness. I have and continue to give recurring thought to the topic for I too desire it with the accompanying ability to thusly provide guidance to for others. In contemplating God’s Word my earliest and yet abiding conclusion being that wholeness is inseparable from seeing the kingdom of God. (Jn.3:3) God’s kingdom seen in, by, and through the Word Living (Jn.1:1) and written (the Bible).

  For some time I’ve wanted to write out and share my thoughts as I see wholeness spiritually, mentally, physically, and bodily. I’ve partially done so thru the years, but not as a series. This morning I endeavor to begin doing so as your fellow traveler this side of death. Please walk with me thru this series. Feel free to take my hand or refuse to do so.

  I begin with the beginning: Genesis and “good”.

FROM GOOD TO GOOD

  Reading of the opening events of creation we see God said “good” numerous times describing that which He formed. And truly good it was for until due to disobediently gaining the knowledge of good and evil, knowing and experiencing the good of creation – evil being the tragic comparative addition to, Adam and Eve were evicted from the garden in Eden. They and all since falling short of the glory of God (Rom.3:23) the matter of good and its results are chaotically mixed.

  We provide charity helping some while enabling slothful others. We provide for famine sufferers. They flock to population center distribution points never to return to their farming, creating other problems. Hawaiians vote for statehood and gain many good things, but also come under USA mandated labor laws. Consequently their major industry of pineapples and sugar from cane diminishes and falls to nothing. Now Hawaii has one main industry, tourism, and expensively imports 90% of their food, a vulnerable fragile situation. Democracies set out to help others gain self-determination and mass death, destruction, and deprivation ensues. I’m certain you know of other good decisions that are chaotically mixed in results.

  Having moved down from truly good to chaotic tarnished good, mankind, individual and/or groups, has the opportunity to move upward. (Rom.1:17-19) Realistically seeing this world’s chaos we are left with a personal question: Am I whole enough to live Corinthians 13 love, doing good apart from stumbling over cynicism and protectively isolating myself?

To serve Him all our days,

Ed Bullock (EBB4)

ONLY 364 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

2 Corinthian [NLT] 5:1-21

   For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.

   So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

   Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

    So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

    And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

  Just think, only 364 days until Christmas!

  Do I hear a sigh of relief from some of you?

  For those that live in constant stress, anxious preparation for Christmas has moved far down the list. It has been replaced with Returns, Customer Service, bills to be paid, and possibly day-after decompression, blue funk or even depression. And then if and when such business is taken care of, there’s the still with us the troubles of family, friends, community, national and world scene.

  It’s a good time to remind ourselves of everyday applicable life facts noted in and by The Word:

·         Be careful in our relationship to others. Ecc.4:9-12; Pr.27:17

·         Life is not about cash and carry. Mt.6:24; 1Tim.6:10

·         God will never leave nor abandon His children. Heb.13:5

·         We can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6

·         Remember those that live in Philippians 4:11-13 Pauline contentment. Think about their lives. Imitate their faith.

·         Jesus Christ, The Word, is the same yesterday and today-and forever! We are not to live willy-nilly silly as though God’s Truth is foreign to us. Heb.6:18; 13:8

·         As His children we are different, yet in this world but not to be of this world; accept it, live accordingly. Tit.2:14  “[Jesus] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” 1Pet.2:9 

·         Be thankful in word and deed. 1Thes.5:16-19 “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit.”

·         As His redeemed people, deciding to follow Him will not always result in pleasant experience this side of heaven. Rom.8:17; Phil.1:29; 2Tim.2:12; 1Pet.4:16-19

·         Christmas the holiday is past. Christ-mas (i.e. Christ worship) is moment by moment every day. Rom.12:1-3

·         His gift is not without serious responsibility. 1Cor.15:58; 2Cor.5:1-21

·         We must think eternal-wise. Rom.12:1-3; 2Cor.10:5

  “Now may the God of peace, who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good to do his will, accomplishing in us what pleases him through Jesus Christ. To him be glory forever and ever! Amen.” (ISV Heb.13:20-21)  EBB4

SPARGANOO

SPARGANOO

Monday, December 25, 2017

Luke 2:1-12  And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

  “Sparganoo” is the Greek text word for swaddling. “Swaddling” being a foreign word in our current USA culture; seldom used in common conversation, and lacking in contemporary physical practice. It describes the Oriental Middle Eastern practice of using strips of cloth (sparganon) to bundle a baby.

  Friends Mark and Lordina Welch introduced us to both the word and practice.

  Twenty two years ago they rejoiced in the birth of their precious daughter, Aiko. With great joy they arrived home with her from the hospital, soon finding her a very noisy little lady. All night noisy!

  As all we such experienced parents know, rested or not, you still must go to work the next day(s).

  Finally, in desperation they phoned their pediatrician. The good doctor not being one to jump for his prescription pad, he explained how the frazzled parents and child could enjoy improved sleep. “Wrap the baby snugly in cloth.” Aiko slept like a baby!

  So it was in practice when Jesus began His life, swaddled in cloth, confined in the body of man. He whom formed and maintains all that was, is, and ever will be; bound and limited. To this He agreed.

  So it was that Jesus ended His life; confined, nailed to a cross with all its limitations. To this He agreed.

  So it was that he was entombed; confined, tightly swaddled in grave clothes in a tomb sealed, secured and guarded by Roman soldiers around the clock. To this He agreed.

  And yet He was, as ever, truly free; glorious example and model for our living free while temporarily swaddled this side of heaven. (Please note I said “heaven”, not “eternity”, for truly we always live life or death everlasting.)

  Life’s sparganoo is present, but can in no way restrict our God given freedom (Jn.8:36), unless of course we reject, allow, or even embrace otherwise.   EBB4

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Sunday, December 24, 2017

   Exodus [MKJV] 15:26 And he said, If you will carefully listen to the voice of Jehovah your God, and will do that which is right in His sight, and will give ear to His commandments, and keep all His Laws, I will put none of these diseases upon you, which I have brought upon the Egyptians; for I am Jehovah who heals you.

  John 14:15, 21 If you love Me, keep My commandments. … He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. And he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.

  John 15:10-12 If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. I have spoken these things to you so that My joy might remain in you and your joy might be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

  Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  James 1:12-17 Blessed is the man who endures temptation, because having been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one being tempted say, I am tempted from God. For God is not tempted by evils, and He tempts no one. But each one is tempted by his lusts, being drawn away and seduced by them. Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin. And sin, when it is fully formed, brings forth death. Do not err, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness nor shadow of turning.

  Who is it that doesn’t like to receive gifts? Not I!

  The gifts we cherish the most of all is a tell-all about who and where we really are in this brief life sojourn ours. Jesus made this principle quite clear: “No one can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (MKJV Mt.6:24)

  Among God’s numerous perfect gifts are His commandments, all of them. Allowing our contrary feelings to influence us in opposition to His Word is to seriously err from truly lovingly worshipping Him. (Rom.12:1-3)

  This lovelife scenario may even include loving gift(s) that He alone can and has given us that are above and beyond any cherished material blessings. For example, consider the Ephesians as recorded in Revelation 2:1-5. They, as is so with all of God’s children received gifts of ministry and service. (1Cor.12:1-31) As is so easy for us to do once we begin enjoying true eternal meaning in life, they slipped into loving ministry more than God.

  Knowing this truth, let us take care not to love His gift(s) more than The Giver. 

EBB4

THE MYSTERY OF KNOWING GOD (responses)

THE MYSTERY OF KNOWING GOD

Friday, December 15, 2017, Friday, December 22, 2017

 Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. [Albert Barnes Notes on the Bible: … the gain of mutual counsel as found in clear, well-defined thoughts. Two minds, thus acting on each other, become more acute.]

  The other day I read a declaration to effect that yes we can know God but we must recognize He certainly is no subject for critical systematic political analysis.

  What are your thoughts on this? And can you point to any passages from His Word (the Bible) that you base your answer(s) upon. Please participate in the exercise of sharpening one another. I will publish your responses next week.

EBB4

PS. Some wonder why after asking a question and promising to publish responses I don’t do so. This happens when there are no responses.

+++

The responses-

   DJK: "God hates sin because it is the very antithesis of His nature. The psalmist describes God’s hatred of sin this way: “For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; no evil dwells with You” (Psalm 5:4). God hates sin because He is holy; holiness is the most exalted of all His attributes (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 6:8). His holiness totally saturates His being. His holiness epitomizes His moral perfection and His absolute freedom from blemish of any kind (Psalm 89:35; 92:15; Romans 9:14)".  (Excerpt from Got Questions)

  Beginning with Adam and Eve the only covering of the first sin and acknowledgement of their nakedness and God performed the first animal sacrifice shedding of its blood and we continued on with this form of sacrificing until Christ death on the cross, because as stated in Hebrews 9:22"without the shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness."  The writer goes on to say some ministers still were using this old system in Hebrews 13:10 and tells us that, "We [now] have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat."

  Before we approach our new altar, we must expose our sin to the Lord in confession and accept our responsibility by doing so "worthily" acting as priests on our own behalf as required under the New Covenant.  Then... we can partake of the Love Feast in Our Messiah's memory of day He shed His blood giving up His perfect blemish free body, for those who have faith in Him.  There is no other gods on earth that willing or otherwise died for their people.  We have the one and only true loving God!  Praise the Lord!

   Sharon: If we recognize God as Creator and see His attributes, how can we analyze such  an awesome God?  Study the whole chapters Genesis 1 (Creation) and Exodus 20 (Commandments of God).

   Jim: Well, concerning "critical systematic political analysis," I look to Romans 13:1-7. Since God appoints leaders, He cannot be termed political, but He does guide politicians in accomplishing His plan, which may include the rule of people like Herod the great or Pontius Pilate.
I am still going to the jail every Tuesday morning and I miss seeing you there. Don`t take that the wrong way. I mean as a teacher, not an inmate.

HOW OLD THE CHRISTMAS STORY?

HOW OLD THE CHRISTMAS STORY?

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Matthew [MKJV] 1:18-23 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was this way (for His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph) before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. But Joseph, her husband to be, being just, and not willing to make her a public example, he purposed to put her away secretly. And as he thought upon these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take to you Mary as your wife. For that in her is fathered of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bear a son, and you shall call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this happened so that might be fulfilled that which was spoken of the LORD by the prophet, saying, "Behold, the virgin shall conceive in her womb, and will bear a son. And they will call His name Emmanuel," which being interpreted is, God with us.

  There are those today that are clueless as to Christmas beyond its commercialization. There are also those that act out contrary to the Holy Spirit of Christmas (i.e. Christ-worship). For Martha types (Lk.10:38-42) the fixation on the immediate of shopping for and/or the expectation of presents, trees and tinsel results in withering acerbic fruit contrary to the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control. (Gal.5:22-23)

  Let’s not limit God working in us by confining our thinking to “Over 2,000 years ago …”

  First, considering it’s the Bible that tells us the wonderful story, let’s look at a few foundational truths.

·         Old & New Testament contains total of 66 books.

·         God used about 40 penman over a 4,000+ year period.

·         Most of them never knew each other.

·         Their writings were not the product of writer’s workshops, seminars, or conflab.

·         They were from diverse cultures, areas, and educational backgrounds.

·         Their writings, though not concurrently penned, are harmonious.

·         Their style is various, but their theme is consistent.

·         They served under the aegis of The One Editor.

  Some wrote of the coming First Advent of Christ, that which we refer to as Christmas. (Dates are circa.)

·         BC 4004, Genesis 3:15, the initial prophecy of Christ’s birth.

·         BC 1452, Numbers 24:17, the Star of Bethlehem.

·         BC 977, Ecclesiastes 9:14-15, He would come, save, and be forgotten by His own people.

·         BC 742, Isaiah 7:14, virgin birth foretold; 9:17 Messiah prophesied.

·         BC 600, Jeremiah 10:3-5, Christmas tree?

·         BC 710, Micah 5:2, birthplace foretold.

  As anyone can see, Christmas didn’t begin with Santa Claus. 

EBB4

CHRISTMAS HECTICRAMA

CHRISTMAS HECTICRAMA

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

   Luke 2:13-14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

   John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

   Romans 8:1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [“in Christ” is 78 times in KJV NT. If interested, just ask and I’ll send you the entire list of verses.]

  Depending on our personality and worldview Christmas can be very stressful, a hectic scene, a time of confusion and anxiety.

  I believe this is the result of misbegotten expectations, looking for peace in all the wrong places.

  Hectic-rama: using paraphernalia the working at trying to create a time of joy and peace on earth; “earth” for most spelled “family”.

  Hectic-rama is easily recognized. It is fleeting life-piece apart from abiding life-peace that Christ-worship, adoration with trust of and in Him alone provides.

  Enjoy Christmas, please do, especially as time with loved ones.

  Do not however let Christ-mas pass as a season, for He alone is life. (Lk.4:4; Jn.14:6) 

EBB4 (December 19, 2010)

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT UNDETERRED?

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT UNDETERRED?

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

2Corinthians [ESV] 5:10-21 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

  Where did the idea of Christmas spirit come from, the attitude of giving? Was it by way of the Magis’ example in expensive gifts to baby Jesus? Or, was it some brilliant ad-man many years ago that had an idea on how to stimulate commerce, and line his and other sellers pockets with gold in the process?

  I’m not against gift giving. I enjoy receiving gifts. (I am not soliciting!) And certainly do enjoy giving. Giving does not however always work out as expected. As we excitedly, lovingly give, the reactions of some recipients are not exactly in what we consider Christmas spirit.

  Years ago, women of the Evangelical Methodist Church, Dublin, Maryland, donated over $8,000.00 (Originally $1,000.00 in 1960.) to purchase Christmas turkey meals for poor families in their rural farming county. Two young deacons eagerly volunteered to make deliveries to *10 families chosen from needy children participating in EMC large Sunday School. (Oddly, SS attendance was consistently about 20% higher than worship service.)

  At 8 of the 10 households there were numerous adult men sitting smoking and drinking beer though a workday morning. Overflowing ashtrays and empty beer bottles littered the rooms. Asked about their employment status? In all 8 houses to a man they responded with some variation of “We’re looking.”

  Later, when one family’s children were asked by their SS teacher if they enjoyed their Christmas meal, the child sadly replied “No ma’am, the adults got drunk after those deacons left. They fell asleep and left the boxes on the kitchen table and the dogs and cats had their way with it. The next morning there was a big fight over whose fault it was.”

  A caring lady baked a Christmas cake for a poor family. The single mother and children expressed their thanks. The children clambered to cut the cake so as to enjoy it with Miss Barb. The mother smiled as she backed thru the kitchen swinging door carrying the cake. When she doesn’t return as expected, one of the children went to investigate. Suddenly the children loudly wailed. When all entered the kitchen they saw the mother with chocolate on hands and face. In her dysfunction she had ungraciously gobbled the entire cake! The kids scrambled to get the crumbs that had fallen on the table and floor.

  A male mentor, while playing basketball, notices his “little brother” needs news shoes. Joyously watching the boy unwrap his Christmas gift, he is disappointed when the boy complains they’re not the expensive brand his peers wear.

  An adult SS class collects $1,200 to fill a gift list for an inmate’s family. When delivered by a married couple from the church, the response is a “Just put the stuff over there.” as children and adults continued playing their video games and watching TV.

  Discouraged yet? I could go on and on and I’m sure many of you could relate stories of your own experience. Especially those of you involved in rescue missions, jail and prison ministry, and addiction counseling.

  How do we refresh and/or maintain our spiritual sensibility? By looking to The Word (Jn.1:1) for example, direction, and staying power . . . and never losing sight of the fact that we are not fixers, we are messengers; agents telling of God’s merciful reconciliation. (2Cor.5:20)

  God gave His most precious gift, His only begotten Son, Jesus. He was rejected casually and/or cruelly by most then as now. But God did not withdraw His grace! Though betrayed, vilified, crucified . . . His free gift of salvation was and is still largely refused, and even when accepted, too often lived here in mediocrity; significantly without active Christian ambassadorship.

  Let us not turn aside from reaching out to others. Let ours be a heart fruitfully after the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; manifesting Christmas (Christ-worship) now and all year long. (Rom.12:1-3)

  “My dear brothers and sisters, don't be fooled. Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars. The Father doesn't change like the shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon. God decided to give us life through the word of truth to make us his most important creatures. Remember this, my dear brothers and sisters: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and should not get angry easily. An angry person doesn't do what God approves of. (GW James 1:16-20) 

EBB4

*Do the math: That’s an 800 dollar banquet for each family group.

CHRISTMAS DRUTHERS

CHRISTMAS DRUTHERS

Monday, December 18, 2017

1Thessalonians 5:18-19 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Do not quench the Spirit.

  Being from a different country, Maryland, and cultural era, the GI Generation, folks don’t always understand my parlance. Consequently, after arriving in Nebraska I soon stopped using certain expressions lest I be thought to have webs between my toes.

  One such turn of phrase is “Now if I had my druthers …” meaning “If I had my preference …” (And it isn’t just some Southern idiom. It’s a real word. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/druthers )

  Bogged down in The Christmas Druthers Syndrome some folks will swamp 1Thessalonians gratitude.

  My Dad and Mom were hard workers. Married, starting a family and purchasing a home during the Great Depression era was no easy feat. Dad worked fulltime, and on the side drove cab, cut meat (self-taught) for local Jewish family corner grocery stores, delivered daily newspapers, ran a side business, and was on call to *pickup the deceased for a mortician. Mom worked on military plane radios at Bendix until WWII ended, waitressed banquets and painted and wallpapered (very popular then) then and after, and kept house.

  We lived carefully. Brother Jim and I each had a single pair of shoes at a time, sometimes worn with cereal box inner soles to cover a hole in leather sole and keep our socks from wearing out. (Worked fine except when it rained.)

  According to present day government agency standards we’d be considered living in poverty.

  We were not poor. Not because we were too dumb to know the difference or that many around lived just like us, but because we had everything that mattered, knew so, and were thankful for it!

  Did I have druthers then? Sure did. I would have liked second pair of shoes, snazzy hi-top sneakers like a very few of the other kids wore. I wished I did not to have to wear long-wearing itchy wool trousers. But there were no druthers that overrode gratitude for extended family love and security.

  I’m thankful we were impressed in that long ago time to live gratefully instead of attitude that throws a wet blanket on one’s spirit.

  I’m thankful that such Proverbs 22:6 childhood training prepared me for later financial times.

  Didn’t know the difference at the time, but oh my what a wonderful Christmas gift!

  Which would you druther have, the latest consumer items or a thankful heart?

EBB4

*This often involved downtown tenement buildings sans elevators. They would place the deceased in a large wicker basket with handles and carry down the narrow stairways to the hearse.

A FARMER'S CHRISTMAS TALE

A FARMER’S CHRISTMAS TALE

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Dear fellow travelers,

I can never let this joyful season pass without again airing this old favorite illustrative story. Every time I read or hear it and consider the truth recorded in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians it brings tears to my eyes. Be blessed as you read. Bless others by sharing copies.

It is our privilege to serve Him all our days,

Ed   Philippians 2:6-11

  There was a farmer that didn’t believe in God, and was quite outspoken about religion, Easter, and Christmas. His wife, a believer, raised their children to be God-fearing. The man and his spouse loved each other dearly with sacrificial devotion, but there was always what he deemed “The Difference.”

  One snowy Christmas eve, she prepared to take the children to church. As always, she invited him to go with them. As always, he refused, adding his usual “That story is nonsense! Why would God abase himself by living on earth as a man? That’s ridiculous!” So, as usual, she went, he stayed home.

  Sitting at the kitchen table relaxing with a cup of coffee and a hunk of his wife’s delicious Christmas fruit cake, he noticed the wind rising as the snowing increased. Before long a blizzard developed. He didn’t worry about his family as he knew, if need be, they’d stay with friends near the church.

  Suddenly he was startled by a loud thump against the side of the house, then another soon followed.

  Turning on all the yard lights he couldn’t detect anything so he bundled up and went out into the driving storm to look around. In the yard he found a flock of late traveling southern bound geese. They were obviously disoriented and in despair. Knowing they would be safer in shelter with food, he opened the nearby barn’s big doors.

  Returning inside he, concerned, watched them out the window. They didn’t go in the barn where he had scattered corn on the floor.

  Bundling up again he tried shooing them into the barn. It did not work.

  Then he tried laying a path of corn. It didn’t work.

  Next he tried slices of bread. It didn’t work.

  The frightened geese just kept honking and huddling, not noticing the barn or what it meant to them; nourishment and shelter from the storm.

  “Why don’t they follow my lead . . . can’t they see the only place they can survive the storm?”

  He thought for a moment and realized they wouldn’t follow him, a human. “If only I were a goose, then I could save them.” he said aloud.

  With that realization he went to the barn and gathered one of his domesticated geese in his arms, took her to the yard and released her on the far side of the stressed wild flock. Having full knowledge of good sense, she waddled quickly thru the group. They followed to safety.

  Though quite cold by now, he stood silently with the blizzard howling about him and the icy snow stinging his face. Suddenly it all made sense.

  That is what God had done and he was like those lost geese needing guidance.

  Jesus, his dear wife and children, and others, had been showing him the way of salvation, but he had refused and kept milling about in life.

  Suddenly the revelation of truth overwhelmed him and he fell to his knees, begging God’s forgiveness and trusting Jesus as Redeemer.

  As the wind and snow relented, his soul became quiet and pondered the wonderful simplicity of it all; understanding what Christmas was truly about; the reason Christ had come. He then prayed his first prayer of thanksgiving, “Thank you God for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!”

 (Author unknown, rewritten from file notes and memory. EBB4)

THE MYSTERY OF KNOWING GOD

THE MYSTERY OF KNOWING GOD

Friday, December 15, 2017

 Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. [Albert Barnes Notes on the Bible: … the gain of mutual counsel as found in clear, well-defined thoughts. Two minds, thus acting on each other, become more acute.]

  The other day I read a declaration to effect that yes we can know God but we must recognize He certainly is no subject for critical systematic political analysis.

  What are your thoughts on this? And can you point to any passages from His Word (the Bible) that you base your answer(s) upon. Please participate in the exercise of sharpening one another. I will publish your responses next week.

EBB4

PS. Some wonder why after asking a question and promising to publish responses I don’t do so. This happens when there are no responses.

CHRISTMAS AUTHENTICITY INCLUDES GODLY CONFIDENCE

CHRISTMAS AUTHENTICITY INCLUDES GODLY CONFIDENCE

Thursday, December 14, 2017

   John [ESV] 1:1-14 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 were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

   1John 3:16-21 By this we know love, that he [Jesus, the Word] laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;

  What in the world does today’s above Scripture selections have to do with Christmas?!

  Considerable.

  For many folks Christmas is interpreted by lights, gifts, tinsel, and entertainment – hustle, bustle, and stress. Authentic Christmas means Christ-adoration, worship. Authentic Christmas involves personal peace and freedom; said peace and freedom heart-centered in confidence toward God.

  Confidence godly peace and freedom is inseparable from authentic Christmas.

  Without heart confident in and by godliness, Christmas is mere pagan yuletide holiday, tinsel at its utmost.

  In all the busyness of season, I encourage you to take time to read John’s entire (5 chapters) family letter to the Father’s John 1:12 children. (1John chapters 1-5)

  It took me 16 minutes without rushing to read 1John aloud this morning. What else will I do this day that will take 16 minutes of my life but be comparatively insignificant -- How many other things will I do that have little or nothing to do with authentic Christmas?

  Truly, authentic Christmas is a matter of the confident heart.  EBB4

PS. Indeed Lord Jesus came to bring “peace on earth”. He did not however say earth at peace. Though I too very much emotionally prefer a whitewashed holiday season, check it out for it too is very much a part of the Christmas story: Luke 2:1-14; Mt.10:32-38; Lk.12:51-53

AS PROMISED

AS PROMISED

   Genesis [MKJV] 3:14-15 And Jehovah God said to the serpent, Because you have done this you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every animal of the field. You shall go upon your belly, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He will bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel. [circa B.C. 4004 per Usher] >>> >>>> Galatians 4:4-5  But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, coming into being out of a woman, having come under Law, that He might redeem those under Law, so that we might receive the adoption of sons.; Hebrews 2:14-15  Since then the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He [Jesus] also Himself likewise partook of the same; that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death (that is, the Devil), and deliver those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.; 1John 3:8  He who practices sin is of the Devil, for the Devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was revealed, that He might undo the works of the Devil.

   Micah 5:2  And you, Bethlehem Ephratah, you being least among the thousands of Judah, out of you He [Jesus] shall come forth to Me, to become Ruler in Israel, He whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity. [circa B.C. 710 per Ussher]; Psalm 72:10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. >>>>>>> Matthew 2:1-6  Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He who is born king of the Jews? …

   Isaiah 7:13-14  And He said, Hear now, O house of David; is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also? So, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel [God with us]. [circa B.C. 742 per Ussher] >>>>>>>  Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was this way (for His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph) before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.; Luke 1:26-35 … the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. … And the angel said to her, Do not fear, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold! You shall conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His name JESUS. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God shall give Him the throne of His father David. And He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end. Then Mary said to the angel, How shall this be, since I do not know a man? …

CHRISTMAS CONFESSION

CHRISTMAS CONFESSION – Expressing or Suppressing the Truth of Christmas

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

   Isaiah 52:7-8 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the LORD to Zion.

   Luke 9:26 [Jesus explained] For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

   Romans 1:16-19 [Paul exclaimed] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.

  Arguing for “Merry Christmas” and against ecumenical generic “Happy Holidays” is one thing, confessing Christmas (i.e. Christ-worship) is quite another.

  God’s Word tells us that a characteristic mark of a believer (i.e. Christian: follower of Christ) is verbal public confession: "The Word is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart"; that is, the Word of Faith which we proclaim; 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." For there is no difference both of Jew and of Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call on Him. For everyone, "whoever shall call on the name of the Lord will be saved." 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!" But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" Then faith is of hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. (Rom.10:8-17)

  How easy it is to speak His name in Sunday School, Bible study group, church congregation, Christmas carols, and in writing devotional thought.

  Ah, but what of place outside of comfortable religious settings?

  Apart from cozy pious zones . . . will we outlier speak of baby or adult Jesus on even so much as during the time celebrated as His birthday?

  Let us say “Merry Christmas”-- good, but to what end? Does such well wishing speak of my confession of salvation?

  Believing in our heart, let us stand on beautiful feet (Rom.10:15) saying “Jesus is Lord” … someone just may believe the report and receive Jehovah God’s Christmas gift of present and everlasting redemption through trusting in God’s only begotten Son. 

EBB4 (December 29, 2015)

THANKING GOD FOR CHRISTMAS PAST, PRESENT, AND BEYOND

THANKING GOD FOR CHRISTMAS PAST, PRESENT, AND BEYOND

Monday, December 11, 2017

1Thessalonians [GW] 5:18-21 Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God's will in Christ Jesus that you do this. Don't put out the Spirit's fire. Don't despise what God has revealed. Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good.

  During WWII and “the recovery years” money was as scarce than hen’s teeth. For Christmas, most of us kids received an orange, box of raisins or hard candy, a (As in “one”.) toy of some sort, and were happy with it. Extended family gatherings were the best thing. My uncles and cousins, WWII combat survivors, were the greatest fun! Especially Uncle John Bullock as he kept everybody laughing with his wit . . . and consequently often embarrassed his wife Helen.

  Most people didn’t have an automobile. I was 6 or 7 when I walked with the older boys to see a neighbor’s wonderful special Christmas gift, a “New used car.” While admiring, one of the older boys snuck a touch. Fearful that the man had seen, we ran home. The tel-a-neighbor communication system of that day could have gotten the news of disrespectful behavior home before we sped around the corner. We were thankful the dreaded message didn’t come as we were concerned it may affect our Christmas.

  I only knew one older boy that got an allowance. His father was an editor for The Baltimore Sun and drove a Chrysler. Most kids didn’t have money to buy gifts. If a gift could be gotten it would be for your Mom. I remember our elementary school teacher bringing oranges and boxes of cloves to make a smell-good thing to give to our moms to put in their clothing drawer. Years later I realized it was sacrificial expense for our teacher. Oranges in the winter were not normal fare. We sometimes got one (1!) in our stocking. Spices were not cheap.

  When I was 9-10 we moved from Hamilton to Dundalk. Then I began earning money selling newspapers on street cars, shining shoes on the sidewalk outside a local bar, mowing grass with reel push mower, weeding, shoveling snow, and other chores for neighbors. (Family work was family work, unpaid.)    

  A favorite winter job was tending coal furnaces for neighbors working night shift in the steel mills. I was quite good at “stoking and banking” so their wives didn’t wake up freezing in the middle of the night. The pay was great. I got a whole dime each time! In 2017 this would be about $1.30. “Big deal.” You say? The big deal was that kids did not have money then.

  It wasn’t long until a neighbor purchased a round screen TV for Christmas. He didn’t mind but his wife didn’t want a bunch of kids “traipsing in my house”, but the husband allowed us to “As long as you’re quiet and don’t step on my flowers ..” watch thru the window. His wife wasn’t happy about this arrangement either. Summer was best because pre-AC we could hear thru the screen. Winter was a time of interpretation of body language and sometimes resulting in debates as to what the actors said.

  By the next cold season my brother Jim and I were weary of frostbite viewing so we asked Dad if we could get a TV. He smiled and responded “Sure. Earn, save, and buy one whenever you like.” It took a lot of hustling but we finally purchased a small Muntz tabletop TV. I think the cost was 97 dollars including the 1% sales tax, equivalent to about 1,265 dollars today. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madman_Muntz )  (One of the misconceptions about the Good Olde Days is that everything cost less. It did not, especially when considering lack of present-day features and the number of man-hours worked needed to purchase a number of items.)

  It was a wonderful life. The prevailing attitude was gratefulness.

  With GI Generation determination, our nation prospered. Most acquired their own car and TV. AC came, and later became normal even for present day “poor and underprivileged”. Many people now spend more time in car and home “Doing their own thing.” The idea list of what is needed to live changed drastically.   

  Attitude, conversation and action on increasing, maintaining and securing wealth increased to point of now very much dominating society and the proliferation of storage businesses. Affluence brought with it neurosis and accompanying counseling and debt services. TV’s Dr. Phils soon playing an expansive role. Self-help and esteem books grew from almost none to fully stacked aisles.

  More and more, when they knew God, men glorified Him not as Adonai-jireh (Jehovah Provider), losing their sense of true gratefulness, and their hearts were darkened as they increasingly became vainglorious in their thinking. (Rom.1:20-21)

 

Lord, help us please. May we embrace the godly attitude of gratitude and gain Your Christ-mas peace..  EBB4  

AUTHENTIC WORSHIP

AUTHENTIC WORSHIP

Sunday, December 10, 2017

   Psalm [ESV] 119:10-16 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

   John 4:24 [Jesus explained] God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

  How do we know what authentic worship is?

  Am I truly worshipping in the way pleasing to God? (Not pleasing = Not worshipping. Rom.12:1-3)

  Always striving for Acts 17:11 Berean nobility, we look to God’s Word for answers.

  What does “I AM THAT I AM” (Ex.3:14), the Word, Logos, Living and written, say on the topic? Or do we without personal question or individual Timothy 2:15 study and analysis lazily rely on tradition, our own ideas, or how worship makes ME feel?

  We know that “exceeding reverence” of Jehovah God Almighty is essential ingredient for authentic worship. For “Fear is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Pr.1:7; 9:10) This veneration can never be apart from genuine “Thy will be done” trusting that His will may be preservation, diminishment, or demise.

  God clearly explains worship throughout His Word (written) and by the Word (Lord Jesus Christ). We would do well to not simply read but search from Genesis through Revelation, of itself being a worship exercise, but in the interest of our getting to other responsibilities this day, I’ve chosen one summarizing passage: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” (ESV Rom.12:1-3)

  We must not let ego, self-esteem, it feels good for me, get in the way of God’s utmost all-wise supplying. His measure is the ultimate standard, not ambience or sophistication. Reality is as Jesus pointed out to Hebrews; it is possible to be very religious and yet not be worshipping Him.

  What does the Word say? What is the whole counsel of God? Are we reverencing deliverance to heaven sans recognition of freedom from past “condemned already”? (Jn. Chapter 3) Do we tell others His Truth as an act of worship?

  And then there is praising in enumerating and pondering the mercies of God whether congregating with brethren or surrounded by hell-bound unbelievers. Counting “the mercies of God” is very much worship pleasing to our Lord and King:

·         Unearned and undeserved blessings.

·         His imputed righteousness unto everlasting redemption.

·         Justification!

·         Sanctification.

·         Freedom indeed.

·         Available daily deliverance from self.

·         His eternal love.

·         His daily and continuing grace.

·         Christ’s ongoing intercession.

·         His comforting and convicting Holy Spirit.

·         Blessed assurance. Absolute sealed eternal security.

·         Faith that is not inert.

·         His provision for strength. (For those interested I’ve a study file on the topic.)

·         Joy unspeakable.

·         Forgiveness always available.

·         John 1:12 family empowerment.

·         A “sound mind” apart from fearful living.

·         Wisdom immeasurable. “the mind of Christ”

·         Training in life skills, especially patience.

·         Position of ambassador of reconciliation.

·         Equipping to serve Him and our fellows.

  And much much more; all of which leads us to whenever wherever to “present our bodies a living [quickened, alive!!] and holy sacrifice.”

To serve Him all our days,

EBB4 (A personal study and meditation Sunday morning October 11, 2015. Reviewed and redacted this Sunday morning.)