PURPOSE OF PROPHECY

PURPOSE OF PROPHECY

1Timothy [GW] 6:11b-12 Pursue what God approves of: a godly life, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the Christian faith. Take hold of everlasting life to which you were called and about which you made a good testimony in front of many witnesses.

  What is the primary purpose of prophecy? How do we prepare for what is going to happen? Two questions that I’ve been asked.

  First, what prophecy is essentially not: To give us a vast educational knowledge of things to come.

  Prophecy’s intent is to: 1.) Reveal, honor and glorify God. 2.) Motivate believers to Biblical maturation with a repentant heart, lovingly serving God and man, honoring and glorifying Him. This being preparation.

  Jesus’ parable recorded in Luke 19:11-28 is significant in understanding the purpose of prophecy:

Jesus was getting closer to Jerusalem, and the people thought that the kingdom of God would appear suddenly. While Jesus had the people's attention, he used this illustration. He said, "A prince went to a distant country to be appointed king, and then he returned. Before he left, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten coins. He said to his servants, 'Invest this money until I come back.' [occupy engagingly until my return.] "The citizens of his own country hated him. They sent representatives to follow him and say to the person who was going to appoint him, 'We don't want this man to be our king.' "After he was appointed king, he came back. Then he said, 'Call those servants to whom I gave money. I want to know how much each one has made by investing.' "The first servant said, 'Sir, the coin you gave me has earned ten times as much.' "The king said to him, 'Good job! You're a good servant. You proved that you could be trusted with a little money. Take charge of ten cities.' "The second servant said, 'The coin you gave me, sir, has made five times as much.' "The king said to this servant, 'You take charge of five cities.' "Then the other servant said, 'Sir, look! Here's your coin. I've kept it in a cloth for safekeeping because I was afraid of you. You're a tough person to get along with. You take what isn't yours and harvest grain you haven't planted.' "The king said to him, 'I'll judge you by what you've said, you evil servant! You knew that I was a tough person to get along with. You knew that I take what isn't mine and harvest grain I haven't planted. Then why didn't you put my money in the bank? When I came back, I could have collected it with interest.' The king told his men, 'Take his coin away, and give it to the man who has ten.' "They replied, 'Sir, he already has ten coins.' "'I can guarantee that everyone who has something will be given more. But everything will be taken away from those who don't have much. Bring my enemies, who didn't want me to be their king. Kill them in front of me.'" After Jesus had given this illustration, he continued on his way to Jerusalem. (GW)

  As illustrated, God equips us to live now, therein being prepared for the future. How so? The answer is not at all mystical nor a puzzle: 1.) We’re indwelt with His Holy Spirit (Jn.14:16-17 <> 1Thes.5:19). 2.) Have His Word to guide us (Rom.12:1-3; 2Tim.3:16-17 <> Rom.12:3; 2Tim.2:15-16). 3.) And are bestowed with functional spiritual and ministry gifts (1Cor.12:1-7 <> Lk.19:20; 1Thes.5:19).

  For me personally the most concisely stated motivational prophecy is found in Hebrews, “People die once, and after that they are judged. Likewise, Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of humanity, and after that he will appear a second time. This time he will not deal with sin, but he will save those who eagerly wait for him.” (GW 9:27-28; also note prophecy in Isaiah 53:1-12)

  Prepare, live accordingly. 

EBB4   Thursday, May 31, 2018

PROPITIATION

PROPITIATION

  “propitiation”, now there’s a word you don’t hear very often these days, especially since a decade or two ago when the “We mustn’t use big theological words to talk to people.” movement was fostered. Consequently many are ignorant of important definitions. An additional problem is that many of the grand old scholars spoke and wrote the old vocabulary, keying to KJV, now making research a bit more difficult for those interested.

  An example is concordances. Young’s, Cruden’s, and Strong’s (My preference) are all keyed to KJV language. The great old encyclopedic information is no different. Another favorite of mine, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE is a standard research tool in my e-Sword setup), which contains much language of yesteryear.

 This is not to say you can’t learn by using modern study Bibles and writings. I just consider it more difficult.

  Back to today’s word, using concordance with Strong’s numbers (In my e-Sword setup.) we see propitiation is 3 times in KJV: Rom_3:25  Whom^G3739 God^G2316 hath set forth^G4388 to be a propitiation^G2435 through^G1223 faith^G4102 in^G1722 his^G848 blood,^G129 to declare^{G1519 G1732} his^G848 righteousness^G1343 for^G1223 the^G3588 remission^G3929 of sins^G265 that are past,^G4266 through^G1722 the^G3588 forbearance^G463 of God;^G2316

1Jn_2:2  And^G2532 he^G846 is^G2076 the propitiation^G2434 for^G4012 our^G2257 sins:^G266 and^G1161 not^G3756 for^G4012 ours^G2251 only,^G3440 but^G235 also^G2532 for^G4012 the sins of the^G3588 whole^G3650 world.^G2889

1Jn_4:10  Herein^{G1722 G5129} is^G2076 love,^G26 not^G3756 that^G3754 we^G2249 loved^G25 God,^G2316 but^G235 that^G3754 he^G846 loved^G25 us,^G2248 and^G2532 sent^G649 his^G848 Son^G5207 to be the propitiation^G2434 for^G4012 our^G2257 sins.^G266

3 verses found, 3 matches

Romans	1 verse found	1 match
1 John	2 verses found	2 matches

  Moving cursor onto Strong’s numbers by “propitiation”, I find: G2435; ἱλαστήριον; hilastērion; hil-as-tay'-ree-on  Neuter of a derivative of G2433; an expiatory (place or thing), that is, (concretely) an atoning victim, or (specifically) the lid of the Ark (in the Temple): - mercyseat, propitiation.

And G2434; ἱλασμός; hilasmos; hil-as-mos'; atonement, that is, (concretely) an expiator: - propitiation.

  Going to Webster’s 1828 dictionary (Also in my e-Sword setup.), a reference book written by a Christian man that spoke the language, we see: PROPITIATION, n. propisia'shon.

1. The act of appeasing wrath and conciliating the favor of an offended person; the act of making propitious.

2. In theology, the atonement or atoning sacrifice offered to God to assuage his wrath and render him propitious to sinners. Christ is the propitiation for the sins of men. Rom 3. 1 John 2.

  Conclusion: Propitiation is God’s great act of love without which we would be eternally condemned, lost now and forever! 

EBB4   Wednesday, May 30, 2018

LINE OF DIFFERENTIATION

LINE OF DIFFERENTIATION

  Considering God’s Word set me to pondering a line of differentiation that we do not always react to in the noble blessed manner.

  When Jehovah God is the doer, songs of thankfulness and praise are written and sung. (Ex.14)

  When He deems needed action our responsibility we too often vilify via complaint accompanying lack of compliance. (Num.13 & 14)

  Then when wilderness wandering ensues we too often are puzzled. 

EBB4   Tuesday, May 29, 2018

LIVING A MEMORIAL DAY LIFE

LIVING A MEMORIAL DAY LIFE  

Monday, May 28, 2018

   John [MKJV[ 5:30 [Jesus said] I can do nothing of My own self. As I hear, I judge, and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of the Father who has sent Me.

   John 8:31b-32 [Jesus explained] … If you continue in My Word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

   1John 2:15-17 [Apostle John wrote]Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever.

  It is of utmost importance that we presently live with correct perspective of life past, present, and future.

  The Apostle Paul wrote of this to young Timothy. (1Tim.4:12)

  “Tell those who have the riches of this world not to be arrogant and not to place their confidence in anything as uncertain as riches. Instead, they should place their confidence in God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. Tell them to do good, to do a lot of good things, to be generous, and to share. By doing this they store up a treasure for themselves which is a good foundation for the future. In this way they take hold of what life really is.” (GW 1Tim.6:17-19)

  Where did Paul get such a counter-worldly principle to live by?

  From the Word: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” (GW 10:11-18) “And they crucified Him …” (Mt.27:35)

  Ours is a constant choice whether to live sacrificially as did Jesus, or to live in the employ of all this world has to offer.

  “And He[Jesus]said to all, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever will save his life shall lose it, but whoever will lose his life for My sake, he shall save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world and loses himself, or is cast away? (MKJV Lk.9:23-25)

  Read any translation or version we like, but we must take note of the order of His direction; we don’t accompany Him as the practice of self-denial; we practice self-denial to facilitate following Him. (I speak of discipleship, not salvation; soteria: safety in His preservation.)

  Will you or I this day be dragged to some wooden cross and cruelly executed? Not likely. But we shall this day be repeatedly challenged to bear the cross of self-denial. So be it. 

EBB4 (Originally penned Tuesday, May 29, 2012)

MEMORIAL DAY EVERYDAY: REMEMBERING WITH GRATITUDE

MEMORIAL DAY EVERYDAY: REMEMBERING WITH GRATITUDE

1Thessalonians 5:18-19 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit.

EXODUS 3:12

EXODUS 3:12

Exodus 3:12 And He said, I will be with you. And this shall be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought forth the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God upon this mountain.

  To get the whole story of Moses one must begin by reading Exodus.

  Briefly: Moses was born at a time the Egyptians began to fear Jewish population growth. As a homeland security measure they brutally disenfranchised and enslaved the Jews. Jewish reproduction was not harmed by the severity of slavery. Pharaoh then specifically ordered the midwives to murder all newborn Hebrew boys. The midwives, revering Jehovah God, did not do so and made excuses about Jewish women delivering faster than Egyptian women. Pharaoh then gave every Egyptian the authority to drown all male Jewish babies in the Nile. (This is especially interesting as the river was essential to Egypt’s well-being and thereby idolized and worshipped. So, was the Pharaoh ordering civil with religious multitasking? Also note God’s first plague against the Egyptians. Ex.7:19-25)

  Pharaoh’s daughter found baby Moses in the rushes, reacted properly to motherly instincts, and unknowingly had Moses’ mother raise him. At age 2 or 3 he began his life as an Egyptian boy. According to Stephen, Moses knew his ancestry and at age 40 Moses decided to visit his own people. (Act.7:23) Moses killed one of the brutal Egyptian overseers and soon thereafter fled for his life, settling some distance away in Midian and was content to dwell there.

  Meanwhile back in Egypt the enslaved Jews were kvetching and whining louder than ever. God heard and moved to set them free. Moses was to be the central human figure in the operation. Moses was excited at the prospect, but not in enthusiastic manner that we as God’s children should emanate.

  Moses challenged “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (TAB 3:11) God told Moses it doesn’t matter who he is or is not . . . what matters is “I AM THAT I AM” . . . which sums up all that God is.

  In reassuring Moses further God promised He would certainly be with Moses all the way. (This never a problem. Heb.13:5 The problem is our being like Moses, exercising option to not continue in all of the way. Num.20:11-12)

  Now to what I noticed after repeated readings thru the years: God in further assurance gave Moses a sign; they would worship at the same mountain. Moses accepted the proof even though God gave no specific timeline. As things went, the “When” was 40 years later! A lesson for sign receivers it is. Many sign-readers are distractingly impatient about our Lord’s return . . . so sure it will be very soon.

It may be, but the “When” is only known by Him. Ours is to expect and occupy while awaiting. (Lk.19:13; Act.1:11) Ours is to meanwhile walk with Him His Way; in Hebrews 11 faith thru all pleasing and precarious conditions . . . though we know not, may not see this side of heaven, the fulfillment of His promised return. 

EBB4   Friday, May 25, 2018

IF A CHRISTIAN COMMITS SUICIDE, IS HE/SHE STILL SAVED?

IF A CHRISTIAN COMMITS SUICIDE, IS HE/SHE STILL SAVED?

GotQuestions.org: It is a sad fact that some Christians have committed suicide. Adding to the tragedy is the false teaching that committing suicide automatically consigns one to hell. Many believe that a Christian who commits suicide will not be saved. This teaching is not supported in the Bible.

  Scripture teaches that, from the moment we truly believe in Christ, we are guaranteed eternal life (John 3:16). According to the Bible, Christians can know beyond any doubt that they possess eternal life (1 John 5:13). Nothing can separate a Christian from God’s love (Romans 8:38–39). No “created thing” can separate a Christian from

God’s love, and even a Christian who commits suicide is a “created thing”; therefore, not even suicide can separate a Christian from God’s love. Jesus died for all of our sins, and if a true Christian, in a time of spiritual attack and weakness, commits suicide, his sin is still covered by the blood of Christ.
  According to the Bible, suicide is not what determines whether a person gains entrance into heaven. If an unsaved person commits suicide, he has done nothing but “expedite” his journey to hell. However, that person who committed suicide will ultimately be in hell for rejecting salvation through Christ, not because he committed suicide (see John 3:18). We should also point out, however, that no one truly knows what was happening in a person’s heart the moment he or she died. Some people have “deathbed conversions” and accept Christ in the moments before death. It is possible that a person who commits suicide could have a last-second change of heart and cry out for God’s mercy. We leave such judgments to God (1 Samuel 16:7).
  The suicide of a believer is evidence that anyone can struggle with despair and that our enemy, Satan, is “a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44). Suicide is still a serious sin against God. According to the Bible, suicide is murder; it is always wrong. Christians are called to live their lives for God, and the decision of when to die is God’s and God’s alone.
  May God grant grace and the psalmist’s perspective to each one who is facing trials today: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 43:5).

Recommended Resource: Life, in Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Anderson & Goyer

CONTEXTUAL RESOLUTION

CONTEXTUAL RESOLUTION

1Peter 5:6-11 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Apostasy, from the Greek word apostasia, means “a defiance of an established system or authority; a rebellion; an abandonment or breach of faith.” GotQuestions.org

  Can I often enough encourage reading contextually? No. 

  Once again some are upset by what they’ve non-contextually read in God’s Word. Frightened really. Hebrews 10:26-27 being the case in point. “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.”

  First, considering the full text, Genesis to Revelation, we see that beginning with Adam sin is a matter of free will. Without our agreeable consent Satan or no other can make us sin. (Rom.3:23; 1Jn.1:8,10) And as since the beginning all parties are individually responsible. Thankfully there is God’s gracious provision in response to our submissive candid confession. (1Jn.1:9)

  Secondly, there is a vast difference between acts of sin and the willful sin of Hebrews 10. Satan being the prime example of this willful sin as opposed to limited to acts of sin. (Gen.3:1-14 “Did God actually say …”; Isa.14:12-14; Ez.28:12-18) Romans chapter 1 illustrates man’s willful sin in rejecting God as did Satan. (The main point there is not their homosexuality, it’s apostasy.)

  Consider Hebrews 10:29 detailing this willful sin:

a.       Trodding under foot the Son of God. (Mt.12:24; Mk.3:22; Lk.11:15)

b.      Counting the blood of the covenant, wherewith Jesus was and His followers are sanctified, an unholy thing. (Mt.26:28)

c.       Despiteful unto the Spirit of grace; insult via rejection of the Spirit of grace, His undeserved favor and blessedness.

  Hopefully those of you living fearfully after reading “For if we sin willfully …” will invest time in looking up and prayerfully pondering all of the above verses . . . and read and consider them in context.

EBB4   Wednesday, May 23, 2018

ME TOO!

ME TOO!

  I assume that many of your experiences are no different than mine. For instance the Lord layering on experiences according to our needs.

  Yesterday as the result of our Sunday School class discussion I pondered some personal matters and then wrote DT WHICH PURPOSE?.  Soon afterward a few readers responded with notes that layered upon. Then while waiting for a friend that I’d chauffeured to a doctor appointment I started to doze off. Not wanting to I picked up one of my car books, THE DAILY BIBLE DEVOTIONAL by F. LaGard Smith, and randomly opened it. The topic OF HIDDEN MOTIVES began with Proverbs 16:2 “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord” . . . and ended with “The obvious question is: When was the last time I double-checked my motives for doing even the good things I do?”

  And you?

EBB4   Tuesday, May 22, 2018

WHICH PURPOSE?

WHICH PURPOSE?

Matthew [GW] 18:14-17 In the same way, your Father in heaven does not want one of these little ones to be lost. "If a believer does something wrong, go, confront him when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have won back that believer. But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you so that every accusation may be verified by two or three witnesses. If he ignores these witnesses, tell it to the community of believers. If he also ignores the community, deal with him as you would a heathen or a tax collector.

  Why should we do as the Lord commands in Matthew 18:14-17? There are Christ-centered Bible-based reasons. But there are also reasons centered in self.

  If primarily for personal, family, workplace, church, and/or community peace it tends to be all about me.

  If I align my thinking and activity Roman 12:1-3 2Corinthians 5:17 wise my reason is godly. It is then as a follower of Christ in submissive mind and body worship pleasing to God placing the “lost” above being a self-satisfied self-righteous Christian.

  How can I tell the difference on my part? By candid after-action reviews. If motivated correctly I’ve not primarily focused on the other party’s reaction whether good or bad. They may be delightful or react with resentment, rancor, and further severance. Review will reveal whether my purpose was to comply with God’s design for me, or not, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (KJV Eph.2:10)

  I pray we, if not already presently so, be tested in this area today.

EBB4   Monday, May 21, 2018

 

AM I A JEFFERSONIAN BIBLICIST?

AM I A JEFFERSONIAN BIBLICIST?

   Genesis 15:1  …  the Word of Jehovah came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram, I am your shield and your exceeding great reward.

   Exodus 3:13-14  And Moses said to God, Behold, when I come to the sons of Israel, and shall say to them, The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they shall say to me, What is His name? What shall I say to them? And God said to Moses, I AM THAT I AM. And He said, So you shall say to the sons of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.

  In answering questions “What is deism?” and “What do deists believe?” GotQuestions.org explains: “Deism is essentially the view that God exists, but that He is not directly involved in the world. Deism pictures God as the great “clockmaker” who created the clock, wound it up, and let it go. A deist believes that God exists and created the world, but does not interfere with His creation. Deists deny the Trinity, the inspiration of the Bible, the deity of Christ, miracles, and any supernatural act of redemption or salvation. Deism pictures God as uncaring and uninvolved. Thomas Jefferson was a famous deist, referring often in his writings to “Providence.””

  Thomas Jefferson believed in what Grandmother McGee referred to as “Happenchance.” in later years shown on bumper stickers as crudity “S___  Happens”. Other common terms in kind are “It’s fate.” “By chance.” “As luck would have it.”

  My Dad acerbically illustrated this misbelieve saying there are those that believe God laid an egg then stood back to watch what might develop.

  Akin to this is the open view of God as a person: The belief that He indeed is more than us in all ways but nonetheless developing personality and a reactionary being that is surprised at our doings.

  Jehovah God Almighty is not startled, astonished, astounded, or flabbergasted by what we of His creation do. Nor does He act in response to what to us are unforeseen events!

  Here’s some applicable Bible text for our edification:

   Daniel [ESV] 4:34-35 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?"

   Isaiah 44:6b-7 … I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

Isaiah 46:9b-10 … I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,'

   Romans 11:33-34 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?"

  Deism is absolutely contrary to God’s sanctifying Truth. Believe it! I do.

  I am not a Jeffersonian Biblicist.

EBB4   Sunday, May 20, 2018

Of further interest: http://www.gotquestions.org/Thomas-Jefferson-Bible.html

ACTUALITY

ACTUALITY

“gos´pel (τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, tó euaggélion): The word gospel is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word which meant “the story concerning God.” In the New Testament the Greek word euaggelion, means “good news.” It proclaims tidings of deliverance. The word sometimes stands for the record of the life of our Lord (Mar_1:1), embracing all His teachings, as in Act_20:24. But the word “gospel” now has a peculiar use, and describes primarily the message which Christianity announces. “Good news” is its significance. It means a gift from God. It is the proclamation of the forgiveness of sins and sonship with God restored through Christ. It means remission of sins and reconciliation with God. The gospel is not only a message of salvation, but also the instrument through which the Holy Spirit works (Rom_1:16).

The gospel differs from the law in being known entirely from revelation. It is proclaimed in all its fullness in the revelation given in the New Testament. It is also found, although obscurely, in the Old Testament. It begins with the prophecy concerning the 'seed of the woman' (Gen_3:15), and the promise concerning Abraham, in whom all the nations should be blessed (Gen_12:3; Gen_15:5) and is also indicated in Act_10:43 and in the argument in Rom 4.

In the New Testament the gospel never means simply a book, but rather the message which Christ and His apostles announced.”  From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia “Gospel”

  The gorilla, with all his mugging and antics was a favorite of children and adults at the zoo. The ape died . . . and attendance dropped off. The director decided that though expensive it was cost effective to hire the stunt man that played King Kong in the popular movie of that name. It worked! Attendance not only regained but exceeded past records as the actor was very creative in his role playing. One gimmick the actor added was exuberantly taunting and making furious the lion in the cage next to his.

  One day his exuberance surmounted his common sense and acrobatic skill. He fell into the lion cage. With a mighty leap the big cat was upon the terrified man and he began screaming for help. The lion put a paw over his mouth and whispered in his ear “You better shut up or we’ll both be out of a job!”

  Actuality is not always what it appears to be.

  In 2009 the USA taxpayer funded largest in the world diplomatic compound was opened; 104 acres equal to 80 football stadiums, about 10 times larger than any other USA embassy, a bit smaller than Vatican City. The purpose of the 750 million dollar investment and tremendous security and ongoing upkeep costs is establishing relationships with the people of Iraq. However, though some staff have been on-station for several years, they have never so much as been to a local marketplace.

  Actuality according to some visitors: FORTRESS AMERICA MEETS ALICE IN WONDERLAND; for many Iraqis a castle they are suspicious about and make fun of.

  Christian says and sings “I love Jesus.”, but doesn’t exemplify or speak the truth of God’s redeeming grace, the Gospel, to other than known believers.

  Jesus says “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." With one of those commandments being "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” [ESV Jn.14:12; Mk.16:15]

  What is our actuality past, this day, tomorrow? Does it involve a castle mentality?

EBB4   Sunday, January 10, 2016

ETERNAL LIFE

ETERNAL LIFE

Hebrews [GW] 9:27 People die once, and after that they are judged. Likewise, Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of humanity, and after that he will appear a second time. This time he will not deal with sin, but he will save those who eagerly wait for him.

  Even this old coot knows Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook, Jeff Bezos founded Amazon, and PayPal was co-founded by Peter Thiel. But until this week I did not know they’ve poured billions of dollars into supporting research into the lofty goals of preventing age-related physical and mental issues, curing all disease, and the hope to banish death. And then there’s Bill Faloon’s (age 63) prospering Church of Perpetual Life that is well-supported through member donations and product sales. Looking at history, prevention and longevity may improve but death will not be banished as the effect of Adam’s decision is irreversible. We have died. We do die. We will die. Only our trusting affection for Savior Lord Jesus Christ guarantees eternal life.

  I close my shared morning thoughts with a Bible-based Christ-centered poem Woody Winchell penned. An excellent meditation it is.

EBB4   Thursday, May 17, 2018

ANOTHER DAY?

Looking off

Into the future

Wondering 

How many years?

My mind wandering 

Computing the past

It's gone so fast

How long will it last?

Ten maybe twenty

How much would be plenty?

Enough to satisfy 

Before the good-byes 

Why do I calculate?

Why even speculate

On numbers of years?

Nothing is clear

Except I'm here

I can fear

Or cheer

Knowing my days

Are in His book

No need to look

Beyond now

Just bow

Before Sovereign King

Who knows everything 

Times and seasons 

In His hand

Every step ordered 

For this man

I can

Rest

In the nest

Of His care

Stop looking off somewhere 

Not in my jurisdiction 

Making silly predictions 

Neither here nor there

Instead ask the question 

That simplifies suggestions

For these feet of clay

Another day?

WHY SICKNESS?

WHY SICKNESS?

   Isaiah 55:6-9 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

   Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

  I’ve been asked if God punishes us with sickness? The following is what I see from studying His Word, other Christian literature, discussion with Christ-centered Bible-oriented doctor, personal observation and experience.

1.       As pal Randy says, “Blame Adam.” Yes, Adam’s original sin cost him and we hereafter the surety of God’s initial design of eternal life. Adam died. Dying is a lifelong condition. Dying is a process that begins the day we are born. Dying is happening though we may not feel the sickness until it surfaces in some way. (Gen.2:15; Heb.9:27)

2.       We, Adam-like, continue in kind to sin, therefore further contributing to dying. (Rom.3:23; 5:12)

Our individual and communal lifestyles contribute to individual and communal dying.

3.       Some are afflicted for God’s assignation. (Jn.9:1-11)

4.       Sickness provides great opportunity for maturation. (Num.12:1-16; Ps.119:67, 71,75; Rom.8:28; Heb.12:5-11)

5.       Satan may afflict. Admittedly difficult for the afflicted to discern but nonetheless opportunity for insightful maturation. (Book of Job)

6.       God may afflict or give over to when resisting Him. (Gen.12:17; The plagues upon Egypt; Rom.1:28)

 

  We say “dying” when aware of. But actually we should be currently conscious of our and others mortality as a motivation to live pleasing to the Lord in consideration of others. (Rom.12:1-3) For the followers of Christ this attitude should be part of our Biblical modus operandi, for though dying unto death our citizenship in God’s kingdom is eternal. (Phil.3:20)

EBB4   Wednesday, May 16, 2018

ALTERED BY INCEPTION

ALTERED BY INCEPTION
(Deep Crying Unto Deep)

  I saw a movie last night called “Inception.” It is a story of intrigue, action, and deep mysteries that involve entering into the deep subconscious of a person by invading their dream world and planting seeds of thoughts and perceptions that will work together to rearrange their concept of reality and result in altered behavior.

  I picked up a devotional today and read about God’s grace acting deep within a man to actually change that man in his very core so that he emerges from an entirely new heritage unto the fulfillment of an altered life.

  This all makes me think of a poem (see below) I wrote years ago that speaks of ‘God’s Plan’ to enter into the deepest part of a man with seeds of Divine Love in order to free him from the entrapments of self effort and self determination and take him into the ‘dream world’ of redemptive grace where old thought patterns and habits of the flesh are transformed simply by the ‘inception’ of deepest love into the deepest part of a waiting heart.

  Such a reality takes on the form of a dream as we discover the ‘ease’ of true obedience and are no longer burdened by the ‘performances’ that are demanded of us by false religious form. We are liberated into the ‘dream world’ of an altered conscience based solely on the deepest interactions with ‘Heavenly Bliss.”

God’s Plan

True obedience
Is a thing of the heart
It’s not some show
As playing a part

It’s not an I have to or
 An I must do this
But a response to the promise
Of heavenly bliss

That’s planted deep
Within the conscience of a man
That through right choices
He fulfills God’s plan

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was formless ad void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.
Genesis 1:1-2; John 1: 1-3, 14; 14:19-21; Colossians 1: 13-18, 26-27; Psalm 42: 6-7

Woody Winchell (7/24/10)

GENERAL TO SPECIFIC

GENERAL TO SPECIFIC

   Matthew [ESV] 18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. …

  Ask Jesus a general “Who” question and He gives a specific “unless you” response. The disciples asked minor question about “in the kingdom” and Jesus spoke of the larger significance of if without childlike faith “you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Consider the record in John 3, Nicodemus asking Jesus about his credentials and power . . . Jesus responding significantly as he did later to the disciples; this manner customary in Jesus’ ministry then and presently.

  How many times do we see and/or ask small or narrowly and miss God’s large picture and/or answer given?

EBB4   Monday, May 14, 2018

WORSHIP - WORTHSHIP

WORSHIP - WORTHSHIP

   Revelation chapter 5 … they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

  What makes for the greatest quality of worship?

  Ambience with its distinctive atmosphere of stained glass, lighting, art and statuary, the quality of the music, liturgy and order, the reading of and preaching on The Word; Or a keen high sense of appreciative respect and adoration for Jehovah God, He who is Sovereign in all things; God of love, justice, and righteousness? 

  I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised … (Ps.18:3)

  You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created. (Rev.4:11)

EBB4   Sunday, May 13, 2018

STRENGTH IN HEAVINESS

STRENGTH IN HEAVINESS 

… we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Eph. Chapter 2)    

  In 1833 Webster published his English interpretation of Psalm 119:28: “My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according to thy word.”

  There definitely are emotional times that weigh upon one’s soul, something we are well aware of.  

  Every day carries weight of testing, challenge, and reasons for sorrow. Choose heaviness to bear foremost on mind and our life is a crushing affair.  Grievous trials are suffered, and continue in coming; the world is in constant conflict, all things eventually diminish, loved ones leave us. Perfect a style of avoidance and compensation we may, but such exercise will not make the weigh go far away. It will remain near, and come rolling back upon one when struck heavily by yet another of life’s burdens.

  Whereas many years ago I exercised emotional set-aside of weight I could not bear, it is no longer my fashion. I’m equipped differently now: Even though initially after trusting the Word (Jn.1:1) my vision of life’s weightiness definitively increased in magnitude, Sovereign God’s salvation and gained knowledge of that which is present and future strengthens in way my past practice of compartmentalizing never did or could. 

  The Apostle Paul, a man far from practicing the exercise of deniability, appropriately advised “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” (Rom.13:11-12)

  Jesus, man of many sorrows as He walked among men and in the end of His earth-walk bore the weight of all sin past, present, and future, spoke of relief that any person can appropriate, saying “I thank You, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things [Mt.11:1-24] from the sophisticated and cunning, and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things are delivered to Me by My Father. And no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son will reveal Him. Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” (MKJV Mt.11:25-30)

  My heart and mind are clear. Now on to breakfast while reading all the issues listed in the Omaha World-Herald. Will I today and thereafter encounter reason for weight of sorrow? Of course I shall, which is natural to this life. What is unnatural is godly strength available for me to handle the weight. 

EBB4   Friday, May 11, 2018

STRENGTH FROM THE CHANGELESS ONE

STRENGTH FROM THE CHANGELESS ONE              Malachi 3:6a; Hebrews 6:16-20; 7:23-28

               

  One of the great experiences in life is having a wise person mentor you. The best scenario is when they are mature in holding to interest in building you and company. Thankfully I have benefited several times under the wise authority of such high caliber men and women. But there is even better, the utmost best actually.

  Jesus, as the High Priest of those trusting Him, is the epitome (i.e. Person of utmost quality.) as example, mentor, and intercessor. He is not limited to wonderfully redeeming us from “condemned already” (Jn.3:18) unto eternal heaven. His redemption is presently actively enlivening . . . if we are agreeable. If we are contrary to His influence we not only don’t have His strength, we experience God’s opposition.

  James explained “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Aren't they caused by the selfish desires that fight to control you? You want what you don't have, so you commit murder. You're determined to have things, but you can't get what you want. You quarrel and fight. You don't have the things you want, because you don't pray for them. When you pray for things, you don't get them because you want them for the wrong reason-for your own pleasure. You unfaithful people! Don't you know that love for this evil world is hatred toward God? Whoever wants to be a friend of this world is an enemy of God. Do you think this passage means nothing? It says, "The Spirit that lives in us wants us to be his own." But God shows us even more kindness. Scripture says, "God opposes arrogant people, but he is kind to humble people." So place yourselves under God's authority. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. Come close to God, and he will come close to you. Clean up your lives, you sinners, and clear your minds, you doubters. Be miserable, mourn, and cry. Turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into gloom. Humble yourselves in the Lord's presence. Then he will give you a high position.” (GW Jam.4:1-10 underlining mine)

  Jesus is not fickle, acting out various moods as we too often may. He is consistent, period. Totally unlike mere humans or mythical gods, He is predictable in manifestation of His love, and He need not beg audience with the Father, He is at the Father’s right hand making intercession for those trusting Him as Lord Jesus Christ! (Rom.8:34)

  Remember the strong spring in your step . . . the purposeful stride . . . when you knew you had a supportive trusted human mentor? (Admittedly sometimes slipping into egotistical swaggering.) Did you experience increase in emotional ease and creativity in thought? Weren’t you more courageous? Wasn’t life richer and fuller? To all questions, yes indeed!

  Jesus is not Apollyon, the Destroyer. He is the changeless abundant provider of light and life with strength for those receptive to Him as Lord. (Jn.10:10) 

EBB4   Thursday, May 10, 2018

STONE CATCHERS

STONE CATCHERS

  John 8:1-13 … Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. And early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him. And He sat down and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman taken in adultery. And standing her in the midst, they said to Him, Teacher, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the Law commanded us that such should be stoned. You, then, what do you say? They said this, tempting Him so that they might have reason to accuse Him. But bending down, Jesus wrote on the ground with His finger, not appearing to hear. But as they continued to ask Him, He lifted Himself up and said to them, He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her. And again bending down, He wrote on the ground. And hearing, and being convicted by conscience, they went out one by one, beginning at the oldest, until the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. And bending back up, and seeing no one but the woman, Jesus said to her, Woman, where are the ones who accused you? Did not one give judgment against you? And she said, No one, Lord. And Jesus said to her, Neither do I give judgment. Go, and sin no more. Then Jesus spoke again to them, saying, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Therefore the Pharisees said to Him, You bear record concerning yourself; your witness is not true.

  Nowhere in Scripture is it revealed what Jesus wrote in the soil.

  I lean toward His writing sins of those standing there with stone in hand. I think this as having carried pocket full of stones at the ready, I know what words would have caught my attention and still do; not words in defense of those about to be stoned, but words having to do with my being an offender.

  One of the great compliments is to deem someone a stone catcher.

  Jesus was and still is The Stone Catcher.

  Once we mature to the level of not condemning, but forgiving, we have not yet attained position of a stone catcher, for it is yet another step forward.

  Forgiving is wonderfully freeing, but should not be thought of as being mature as our Father in heaven is mature. (Mt.5:48) Forgiveness indeed opens the path to maturation; truly proofed by applying said maturity to all of life’s labors.

  We are to accept God’s gracious forgiveness, then rejoice and live in the blessed release now free from the yoke of guilt and shame. We are not however to domicile narrowly there, for His liberty opens the path to responsibility of being a stone catcher.

  Being one of God’s stone catchers may entail geographical distance, but even if eventually so, it always involves journey in faith where we presently physically reside. (Rom.1:17)

  I close with the always applicable words penned by the Apostle James: “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. Of His own will He brought us forth with the Word of truth, for us to be a certain firstfruit of His creatures. Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. For the wrath of man does not work out the righteousness of God. Therefore putting aside all filthiness and overflowing of evil, receive in meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls. But become doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man studying his natural face in a mirror. For he studied himself and went his way, and immediately he forgot what he was like. But whoever looks into the perfect Law of liberty and continues in it, he is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work. This one shall be blessed in his doing.” (Jam.1:16-27)

EBB4   Wednesday, May 09, 2018

FREE WILL?

FREE WILL?

Tuesday, May 08, 2018

  The question of free will has been asked again. In response I’m providing GotQuestions.org excellent essay summarizing free will. Your choice is to read and consider the truths therein, or not. EBB4

Do human beings truly have a free will?

  If “free will” means that God gives humans the opportunity to make choices that genuinely affect their destiny, then yes, human beings do have a free will. The world’s current sinful state is directly linked to choices made by Adam and Eve. God created mankind in His own image, and that included the ability to choose.
  However, free will does not mean that mankind can do anything he pleases. Our choices are limited to what is in keeping with our nature. For example, a man may choose to walk across a bridge or not to walk across it; what he may not choose is to fly over the bridge—his nature prevents him from flying. In a similar way, a man cannot choose to make himself righteous—his (sin) nature prevents him from canceling his guilt (Romans 3:23). So, free will is limited by nature.
  This limitation does not mitigate our accountability. The Bible is clear that we not only have the ability to choose, we also have the responsibility to choose wisely. In the Old Testament, God chose a nation (Israel), but individuals within that nation still bore an obligation to choose obedience to God. And individuals outside of Israel were able to choose to believe and follow God as well (e.g., Ruth and Rahab).
  In the New Testament, sinners are commanded over and over to “repent” and “believe” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 3:19; 1 John 3:23). Every call to repent is a call to choose. The command to believe assumes that the hearer can choose to obey the command.
  Jesus identified the problem of some unbelievers when He told them, “You refuse to come to me to have life” (John 5:40). Clearly, they could have come if they wanted to; their problem was they chose not to. “A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7), and those who are outside of salvation are “without excuse” (Romans 1:20-21).
  But how can man, limited by a sin nature, ever choose what is good? It is only through the grace and power of God that free will truly becomes “free” in the sense of being able to choose salvation (John 15:16). It is the Holy Spirit who works in and through a person’s will to regenerate that person (John 1:12-13) and give him/her a new nature “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). Salvation is God’s work. At the same time, our motives, desires, and actions are voluntary, and we are rightly held responsible for them.

Recommended Resources: Chosen But Free, revised edition: A Balanced View of God's Sovereignty and Free Will by Norm Geisler and The Potter's Freedom by James White and Logos Bible Software.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/free-will.html#ixzz38lxwzK00