DEISM DENIES BIBLICAL DEITIES

DEISM DENIES BIBLICAL DEITIES

Friday, June 29, 2018

Genesis [ESV] 3:1Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?" [Also note Isaiah chapter 55, Jn.5:24, 8:31, 37, 43; Rev.3:8]

The view which the rising greatness of our country presents to my eyes, is greatly tarnished by the general prevalence of deism, which, with me, is but another name for vice and depravity. P. Henry, Wirys Sketches. (Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary)

  There are a few variations, but basically deism is the belief that a God exists subject to individual interpretation of who and what he is and that he designed and created the world including living beings and without further involvement then stepped back to see what would develop. This dovetails with the open view of God: That He, like us, is a developing personality, including surprised by what people do.

  GotQuestions.org describes deism as believing God created the clock, wound it up and let it go. A friend once said “Deists believe God laid an egg and watched to see what would hatch.”

  Some of the most influential USA founding fathers and later leaders were/are deists. But the philosophy did not begin with them. Deism is inherent to Adam and Eve’s original sin. It was popularized by intellectuals during the Age of Enlightenment, (1600 – 1700’s) which itself developed out of the Renaissance period, on through the Age of Reason/Age of Rationalism (early 1600’s). One deist founding father of this nation in publishing his The Age of Reason (1793-94) greatly assisted popularizing deistic philosophy in America and Europe.  Deism strongly influenced the development of congregational Unitarianism and Universalism. Deism very much continues to influence government and education today. Deism is disseminated by Alcoholics Anonymous and recovery groups of such breed (Steps 2, 3 & 11note below).

  The great calamity of deism is it denies deity and decisive truth; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit’s ever present involvement and activity now and forevermore. As with the serpent’s challenge it rejects sola scriptura, God’s Word as His preeminent record and message to mankind for our edification and consideration of Christ’ redemption and our purpose in insightful lifework; at best considering it possibly helpful philosophy or lore to be referenced or considered.

  How now shall we think? In what ways does deism influence my or your life? If so, what is to be done that will improve our walk to mature integrity pleasing our Lord?  EBB4

For the diggers: http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/deism.html#e8SaUK0Kb2sm

A.A. Steps 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

Note: Wikipedia provides a partial list of historically influential deists.

ANGER 101

ANGER 101

   John [GW] 1:9-12 The real light, which shines on everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into existence through him. Yet, the world didn't recognize him. He went to his own people, and his own people didn't accept him. However, he gave the right to become God's children to everyone who believed in him.

   Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:26-27 That is why you are no longer foreigners and outsiders but citizens together with God's people and members of God's family. You are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Christ Jesus himself is the cornerstone. In him all the parts of the building fit together and grow into a holy temple in the Lord. Through him you, also, are being built in the Spirit together with others into a place where God lives. … Eph 4:26  Be angry without sinning. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the devil any opportunity to work.

   Philippians 1:27-30 Live as citizens who reflect the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come to see you or whether I stay away, I'll hear all about you. I'll hear that you are firmly united in spirit, united in fighting for the faith that the Good News brings. So don't let your opponents intimidate you in any way. This is God's way of showing them that they will be destroyed and that you will be saved. God has given you the privilege not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him. You are involved in the same struggle that you saw me having. Now you hear that I'm still involved in it.

 Once again I’ve been asked about anger as a personal issue. I’ve previously given the emotion much thought, reading time, and written about and taught on a number of times. I could do a simple pull-and-copy-redact on the emotion but know that responsibly in and toward good health I should not. I will begin without opening binder, then shall review file.

  As a consequence of my temperament I was called “Sunny” until as an adult I insisted on “Ed”. What the designators didn’t know was that I had an anger problem, the passive aggressive kind. And as with many passive aggressive types, I abhorred the overtly violent furious fellows, even in self-pride considering myself superior in intellect and the strikers an ignorant unsophisticated bunch. Then there was the family tradition to uphold; I never once saw a Bullock overtly angry. We were the cool controlled family.

  How to begin addressing the emotional problem? How do I, we, “be angry and sin not”? Lest shame be mine later, by the weight of God’s Word of course! (2Tim.2:15)

  For my, your, study and serious contemplation I share from ISBE:

Anger: an´gẽr: In the Old Testament, the translation of several Hebrew words, especially of אף, 'aph (lit. “nostril,” “countenance”), which is used some 45 times of human, 177 times of Divine, anger (OHL). The word occurs rarely in the New Testament (Mar_3:5; Eph_4:31; Col_3:8; Rev_14:10), its place being taken by the word “wrath” (see WRATH). As a translation of words denoting God's “anger,” the English word is unfortunate so far as it may seem to imply selfish, malicious or vindictive personal feeling. The anger of God is the response of His holiness to outbreaking sin. Particularly when it culminates in action is it rightly called Has “wrath.” The Old Testament doctrine of God's anger is contained in many passages in the Pentateuch, Psalms and the Prophets. In Proverbs men are dissuaded from anger (Pro_15:1; Pro_27:4), and the “slow to anger” is commended (Pro_15:18; Pro_16:32; Pro_19:11). Christians axe enjoined to put away the feeling of self-regarding, vindictive anger (Eph_4:31; Col_3:8), and to cherish no desire of personal revenge (Eph_4:26).

  In reviewing the Bible references in the above paragraph from ISBE I am again reminded of the clear distinction between sinful and righteous anger.

·         Harmful sinful anger is centered in self-regard, a life-is-all-about-me worldview.

·         Constructive anger is centered in seeing life eternally about John 1:12 family and kingdom citizenship

  “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 [and sisters], 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.” (MKJV Phil.4:6-9)

EBB4   Thursday, June 28, 2018

PS. The above was written years ago. As with other history mine I review from time to time as a preventative measure.

DELIVERANCE FROM STRONGHOLDS

DELIVERANCE FROM STRONGHOLDS WITHIN AND WITHOU

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

   2Corinthians 10:3-5 Of course we are human, but we don't fight like humans. The weapons we use in our fight are not made by humans. Rather, they are powerful weapons from God. With them we destroy people's defenses, that is, their arguments and all their intellectual arrogance that oppose the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ.

   Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, receive your power from the Lord and from his mighty strength. Put on all the armor that God supplies. In this way you can take a stand against the devil's strategies. This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world. For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground. So then, take your stand! Fasten truth around your waist like a belt. Put on God's approval as your breastplate. Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace. In addition to all these, take the Christian faith as your shield. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Also take salvation as your helmet and the word of God as the sword that the Spirit supplies. Pray in the Spirit in every situation. …

  I’ve been asked to write about strongholds, something that is very real in life whether trapped in or outside of and attacked from fortress walls.

  Interesting, though much is said about the topic in some religious groups, “strongholds” is used only one time in God’s Word. In some translations it is rendered “fortresses”. Either way we must note that it is plural, multiples.

  Examining His Word we see the truth that:

·         As Christians, though born-again, we are still very much human with all possible that our flesh encompasses. This includes our constructing hindering strongholds.

·         We are not to attempt assault or dismantle of fortresses in our own strength.

·         God provides the armor, tools, and tactics. God’s ways are contrary (Isa.55:8) to mans’ arrogant philosophies, strategies, and action plans. (1Cor.2:1-26; Eph.6:10; Col.2:6-10; Heb.4:9-12)

·         God’s provision shows us that He wants strongholds destroyed.

·         Our pride, unforgiveness, embracing worrisome situations, love of drama, unrealistic expectations of others and more such stumbling can hinder or obstruct destruction of strongholds. Fact is these practices construct barriers to maturation, peace, and strength.

  Deliverance from flood or Egypt or individual strongholds is no different. If we trust the Word and comply with His conditions, we will be delivered.

EBB4

THORN, CIRCUIT, MOTOR, BOLT

THORN, CIRCUIT, MOTOR, BOLT

Job 1:20-22  Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,  And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

  We all have personal doctrine that may or may not line up with God’s Word.

  This morning I’ll share one of mine and let you decide.

  I believe that God deals with us generally as a population, but also on a very individual basis regardless of public ranking. We may never make some written record of His treatment, but I think that nonetheless it goes on all the time . . . and we don’t have to be Apostle Paul to receive such attention.

  Paul, in 2Corinthians 12, reveals that he too suffered from the plague of pride and recognized his deep need of humility; humility resulting in strength brought about by God’s weakening him . . . even allowing Satan or one of his angels to afflict. (Job 1; Mt.4:1-11; 6:13; 2Cor.12:7)

  Chronic illness mine did not humble me, I embracing the pride of familial indoctrination based in “Real men go to work regardless of how tired they are or how they feel or hurt.” This work ethic was worn as a crest of honor by my Dad, Grandfather, and other male and female ancestry. Additionally we were to strive in production, and subtly outworking competitive men into the ground, all while holding up the family tradition of polite civility. (I realized later that not being a family of athletes, this was our playing field and the rules of our game. Though unwritten, every family has a manifesto.)

  Oddly, I believe I am humbled as a toolhead with dynasty ingrained work ethic.

  Sunday, December 6th, I turned on the lights in my study finding young Hewlett Packard dead in a pool of its blood, ending 2+ years of a difficult life.

  This is just one of a lifelong line of possession large, medium and small that after purchase required immediate repair, return, above average maintenance, or knowing its quirks to operate. (Very oddly, functional items new or used gifted to us have worked exceptionally well. But I suppose that’s another lesson.)

  Now, at this point this may be striking you as downright silliness, but for this toolhead’s work ethic it has been absolutely shamefully insulting. (Maybe if I was team fan and could use Huskers or Ravens codependent affections as example these machinations this would be more comprehendible?)

  Have you decided yet whether God works so personally? If so, have you recognized how He is doing so in your life? If so, how is the work going, according to family word or by family Word? 

EBB4   Tuesday, June 26, 2018

CURTAINED FOR GOD

CURTAINED FOR GOD

(Tuesday, June 17, 2008)

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to farm the land and to take care of it. The LORD God commanded the man. He said, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden. But you must never eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil because when you eat from it, you will certainly die." … The snake was more clever than all the wild animals the LORD God had made. He asked the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must never eat the fruit of any tree in the garden'?" The woman answered the snake, "We're allowed to eat the fruit from any tree in the garden except the tree in the middle of the garden. God said, 'You must never eat it or touch it. If you do, you will die!'" "You certainly won't die!" the snake told the woman. "God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened. You'll be like God, knowing good and evil." The woman saw that the tree had fruit that was good to eat, nice to look at, and desirable for making someone wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then their eyes were opened, and they both realized that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together and made clothes for themselves.  

  Her contractions had finally started. Hearing the signals from belly belted monitors, attendants hastily entered the room to whisk Heather to the Jacuzzi. Visiting 15 year old nephew Ian sensed that he was suddenly about to see his aunt exposed due to the open backed hospital gown. Quickly taking a few steps, he wrapped himself completely in the double curtains at the hospital room window.

  After things quieted down, Ian’s mother, Renee’, noticed him ensconced in the heavy material.

  A few minutes afterward, Renee’ related to us the incident via telephone.

  We laughed at the humorous scene, and are also very pleased at how our young man handled his knowledge of good and evil.

  Ian, child of Adam and Eve, knowing the shame of nakedness, screened himself as God would have all to do; I thank God for our grandson’s example before us in this “Christian nation” of voyeurism and exhibitionism. May he always curtain himself for God! 

EBB4   Monday, June 25, 2018

DOTH THIS OFFEND THEE?

DOTH THIS OFFEND THEE?

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

   1Corinthians chapter 13 … When I was a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I no longer used childish ways. …

  The matter of taking or giving offense is in Old and New Testament passages, actions taken and reactions thereafter. I took today’s title from John chapter 6 where Jesus spoke of it.

  Ours is considered an easily offended culture, especially the latter generations . . . so say experts and otherwise observers. Is this the actual truth or is it another case of media highlighting that which has been, is, existent? I don’t know. What I do know is about my offense quotient. It is not of magnitude it once was.

  What exactly diminished my offense quotient?

  A word (offend/offense) study in God’s Word. When I reviewed the topic Biblically I was confronted with the truth . . . convicted of my lack of responsibility as a person claiming the name of Christ. I was stumbling over my prideful reactive emotions allowing myself to be pillaged, sidestepping responsible personal examination and/or denying empathetic forgiveness.  Once again I had to realign to practice true worship pleasing God. This being primary basis and a steadier gait with a more stable view with wiser decisions is a valuable pleasant benefit.

EBB4   Sunday, June 24, 2018

PS. This is another case of Grandmother McGee and family telling me as a boy “Those that lose their temper lose the argument.” I took offense at their telling me this.  Much later this man found the basis in God’s Word.

SEPARATION FROM TRUTH

SEPARATION FROM TRUTH        

2Peter [MKJV] 3:9  The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness, but is long-suffering toward us, not purposing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

  In my experience separation from the truth has most often been my being lied to or facts withheld. It’s also been a matter of knee-jerk emotion and intellectual laziness on my part, a scenario of not going after the whole story.

  The recent issue of immigrant family separations is an illustrative case in point. (For the record: I’m against separating families unless abuse is involved.) I have yet to read statistics on how many families are being separated or how many children arrived at the border sans parents or elders: children suffering deliberate separation by their family in the hope of better life through USA acceptance.

  Lies and/or fact withholding pertaining to acceptance and deliverance never have been a part of God’s Message. One of God’s penman explains:

We want each of you to prove that you're working hard so that you will remain confident until the end.

Then, instead of being lazy, you will imitate those who are receiving the promises through faith and patience. God made a promise to Abraham. Since he had no one greater on whom to base his oath, he based it on himself. He said, "I will certainly bless you and give you many descendants." So Abraham received what God promised because he waited patiently for it. When people take oaths, they base their oaths on someone greater than themselves. Their oaths guarantee what they say and end all arguments. God wouldn't change his plan. He wanted to make this perfectly clear to those who would receive his promise, so he took an oath. God did this so that we would be encouraged. God cannot lie when he takes an oath or makes a promise. These two things can never be changed. Those of us who have taken refuge in him hold on to the confidence we have been given. We have this confidence as a sure and strong anchor for our lives. This confidence goes into the holy place behind the curtain where Jesus went before us on our behalf. He has become the chief priest forever in the way Melchizedek was a priest. (GW Hebrews chapter 6)

  We may or may not ever get the complete story from either political party or media. They having a keen interest in manipulation. God is not so. From God we do have the facts of life and death. It is and always shall be so. And on the question of present and eternal separation, as ever the choice is ours. (Jn.19:27-28; 2Pt.3:9)

EBB4   Friday, June 22, 2018

THE EXPENSE OF BUSYNESS

THE EXPENSE OF BUSYNESS

  It is no secret that busyness interferes with relationships with family, friends, acquaintances, and God.

  Work, career, networking, entertainment, exercise, health, education, hobbies, church activities may detract or even subtract from peopling and/or God. The Israelites did so: He saved them for His name's sake, to make His mighty power known. And He rebuked the Red Sea, and it was dried up; so He led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. And He saved them from the hand of the hater, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. And the waters covered their enemies; there was not one of them left. Then they believed His Words; they sang His praise. They hurried and forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel; but they lusted greedily in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. And He gave them what they asked, but sent leanness into their soul. (MKJV Ps.106:8-15)

   I have done so at times, even at times when studying Scripture and writing intensely. If we don’t take time to worship God we soon forget what He has done and is doing!

  O give thanks to Jehovah, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of Jehovah say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, … Oh that men would praise Jehovah for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the sons of man! For He satisfies the thirsty soul, and fills the hungry soul with good. (Ps.107)

  Beware busyness enjoyable though it may or may not be.

EBB4   Thursday, June 21, 2018

LIVING REALISTIC LIVES

THE BLESSEDNESS OF ACCEPTING REALITY

   John 8:31-32, 36 Then Jesus said to the Jews who believed on Him, If you continue in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. …Therefore if the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.

   John 14:27 [Jesus said] 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.

  Can you visualize every day feeling good emotionally and physically, everything running smoothly with absolutely no stress, successful in accomplishing goals and always getting recognition and reward, with everyone treating you with respect and politeness? I can’t, and for good reason; it’s not only an improbable scene, it doesn’t happen for even one full single day. All days are an olio of events. Already today I’ve experienced this mixture. Haven’t you?

  Can you visualize daily working hard to avoid stress, striving to feel great emotionally and physically, toiling to accomplish every single goal and gain recognition, credit, and respect? I can, and for good reason; I’ve know some such, presently know far too many, and sadly and hilariously been there myself in my life.

  Can we be as God’s mature “disciples indeed” accept reality and personally implement  “free indeed” continuing in His Word knowing “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will be glad and rejoice in it!” regardless of event or circumstance? (Ps.118:24) Cast aside the fetters of unrealistic expectations! The choice is ever before us: Let us live Psalm 118:24!

  Which selection shall it be this day, tomorrow, the day after, from now on?

  To whom we submit to will determine the answer.

  Shall it be unrealistic view, or His reality? 

EBB4   Wednesday, June 20, 2018

CHOOSING LOVE

CHOOSING LOVE

Mark [ESV] 12:30-31 [Jesus explained] And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

  Stormie Omartian wrote CHOOSE LOVE, 3 Simple Choices That Will Alter the Course of Your life. I recommend the book.

  Once upon a time I had the idea that love is primarily feelings. After initially trusting Jesus as Redeemer I soon learned that my childhood ideas were contrary to the Truth. (I already saw love as commitment but considered the choices narrowly my domain.) Reading Scripture including compiled sections on the topic plus authors’ Bible-based books on the subject altered my mind and heart. And continues to do so.

  Omartian’s writings cover 3 main areas that must be embraced and exercised in order. From the Table of Contents:

Choose to Receive God’s Love for You.

1.       See yourself as God sees you.

2.       Understand Who God really is.

3.       Receive all God has for you.

4.       Read God’s love letter to you. [The Bible]

5.       Accept God’s grace and mercy.

6.       Recognize the ways God loves you.

7.       Know what God’s love will do in your life.

Choose to Express Your Love for God.

8.       Love Who He is wholeheartedly.

9.       Live His Way uncompromisingly.

10.   Learn to worship Him lavishly.

11.   Look for ways to trust Him completely.

12.   Lean on His Wisdom enthusiastically.

13.   Leave the world of His enemy entirely.

14.   Long for His will and presence continuously.

Choose to Love Others in a Way That Pleases God.

15.   Is consistently loving others really possible?

16.   What if I can’t be patient and kind?

17.   In what ways do I reveal a lack of love?

18.   How will others know I am God’s? [Recognition.]

19.   Isn’t it selfish to learn to love myself?

20.   What if I’m unable to bear, believe, hope, and endure all things?

21.   How can I show love in every situation?

    Again I encourage acquiring, reading, reviewing and considering the Bible references therein, and thereby strive for godliness pleasing to our Lord and King.

EBB4   Tuesday, June 19, 2018

HIS PRESENCE?

GHANDI, JESUS, AND PINOCCHIO

The Importance of Theology

Romans 1:1-7; John 1:12-16; 3:16;

  “Describe a time when you experienced God’s presence?” was Pastor’s question we asked each other after singing a few praise songs.

  I immediately thought “Is it that He comes to us, or that we have receptive moment(s)?” (Ps.16:11; Jn.14:23) Then “What makes us receptive to sensing His presence?”

  Does it take DVDs, CDs, internet to experience? To experience Hawaii for real we must go to Hawaii. Pastor pointedly asked grandson Aaron Bullock, who had lived outdoors on mountains there for several years. He answered in the definite affirmative.

  We can read and study about God and yet never experience His presence. Experience is not the automatic result of knowledge. This includes relying on reading books by others on their experiencing God’s presence in bad or good situations.

  For many years large numbers of people were not allowed Bibles, with only priests interpreting and applying. Baptists and protestants provided Bibles and encouraged personal study and appliication. This resulted in considerable religious strife between the two groups with the centralized organized denomination exercising power socio-politically, including arrests, torture, and bloodshed.

  Jesus is accepted or acceptable in many religions here and abroad, though frequently not as He says He is. “I and the Father are one.” (Jn.1:1, 14; 8:58; 10:30) Jesus is most commonly accepted as other than deity. C.S. Lewis in his book Mere Christianity, wrote: “I am trying here to prevent anyone from saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him [Jesus Christ]: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with a man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon; or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that option open to us. He did not intend to.”

  Ghandi considered Jesus as great teacher, saying the reason he didn’t become a Christian is because of Christians. We too are a woodenhead with serious limitations until we are given power as family members. (Jn.1:12; 3:3; Eph.2:1-5; 2Tim.1:7)

  Jesus is not special. He is Special. We are special. (Ex.19:5; Tit.2:14; 1Pet.2:9) Are we to live from experience to experience or every moment in and by God’s grace?

EBB4 (Resultant thoughts from Pastor Paul Marine’s 10/14/12 sermon and Pastor John Seivering’s lecture yesterday 6/17/18)

IN PART OR WHOLE

IN PART OR WHOLE

   Luke [ESV] 11:33-36 [Jesus explained] "No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light."

   Romans 12:1-3 [Paul pleaded] 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.

  Decades ago I heard a Coke executive explain that his goal for parched people rescued from the desert to not ask for water. Working toward this objective required inundating the public with “Coke”.

  Longtime bannering is effective. What of “Sunday, a day of worship.” Has it resulted in influencing our nation with a soda pop mentality? But then it didn’t begin with Coke-like streaming. Our inherent thirst is toward comforting scheduled predictability. This commonly includes a time for religion in part that is too often not in whole.

  Let us consider the thirsting expressed in Colossians 3:16 and the words of this precious old hymn:

 Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole,

I want Thee forever to live in my soul;

Break down every idol, cast out every foe;

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

  Whiter than snow; yes, whiter than snow;

  Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

 Lord Jesus, let nothing unholy remain,

Apply Thine own blood and extract every stain;

To get this blest cleansing I all things forego;

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

 Lord Jesus, look down from Thy throne in the skies,

And help me to make a complete sacrifice;

I give up myself and whatever I know;

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

 Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat;

I wait, blessed Lord, at Thy crucified feet;

By faith, for my cleansing I see Thy blood flow;

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

 Lord Jesus, Thou seest I patiently wait;

Come now, and within me a new heart create;

To those who have sought Thee Thou never saidst, No;

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

To serve Him all our days in all our ways,

EBB4   Sunday, June 17, 2018

PROOFING

PROOFING

1Tessalonians [MKJV] 5:16-24  Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophesying. Prove all things, hold fast to the good. Abstain from every appearance of evil. And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blamelessly at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who called you, who also will do it.

  God says we are to prove all things and hold fast to the good. This is contrary to laggard living that extinguishes and curtails God’s sanctification.

  Events are one way proof is given. Those events may not be what we consider prophesy large happening. Yesterday just such an event occurred. It was another wonderful day alone with a beloved child, a great granddaughter this time.

  We deadheaded house plants, played Parcheesi, shopped for bathrooms’ materials, and ate at a Scottish restaurant. The first activity was my choice as a together Grammy Ann memorial exercise. The latter 3 choices were Khloee’s. The latter 2 proving the fact/prophesy of Luke 1:11.

  She asked for and received a sewing machine for Christmas. Since the sheer material in my bathroom curtains are shearing from age, I decided replacing them would be a good step-up project. Feeling magnanimous as grandpas are prone to be, I said “You may choose the materials. And she did. A pink fleece imprinted with flamingos for one. A bright cotton imprinted with flowers for the other. Without protest I conceded to the “fish”.

  Then she informed me she was hungry. Again, it being her day I said “Your choice?” not realizing she would choose McDonalds. While dining I, sans rancor, seized the moment to explain “I hate McDonalds and love you. The latter being the glad reason we’re here.”

  It is my desire to never quench God’s Holy Spirit within me. The alertness to events large or small proofing Scripture is a contributing preventative measure.

EBB4   Friday, June 15, 2018

 

A FRIENDSHIP HIGH FIVER

A FRIENDSHIP HIGH FIVER

  Proverbs [GW] 18:24; 26:11 Friends can destroy one another, but a loving friend can stick closer than family. … As a dog goes back to its vomit, so a fool repeats his stupidity.

  2Peter [ESV] chapter 2  … These [people] are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: "The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire."

   Hang around with a bunch clowns and what do we get? Life as a circus, entertaining, exciting, melodramatic  . . . limited to running around in rings.

  Opting for edifying friends, those that exemplify building others requires knowledge, wisdom, and commonly a submissive exercise in self-denial. (Phil.2:3-5) Moving toward being a responsible person can be very difficult, for some a pitched battle.

  BEYOND BOUNDARIES, Learning To trust Again In Relationships, by Dr. John Townsend is a book I recommend. On page 177 he lists Five Indications the Other Person is (Really) Connected to Good People. The 5 being:

1.       You share similar healthy values with them. (Think goals.)

2.       You like them. (No need to practice walking on eggs.)

3.       You see their vulnerability in relationships. (They are courageous. They don’t suffer from risk aversion.)

4.       You see them relate outside of you. (They are not codependent.)

5.       You see good fruit in them. (Mt.7:16, 20)

  There is a rim around every circus ring. Do not let it be a boundary. The path out is comparatively small. If not already outside of, walk out, walk on while you can still see the opening. (Jn.12:35-36)

DOING THE RIGHT THING

DOING THE RIGHT THING

Luke [ESV] 18:9-14 He [Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

  Without a worldview based in the Word we cannot mature or please God. To realize spiritual growth requires personal application of the Word in candidly seeing the whole picture of self. (Note DT CAPABILITIES 6/11/18)

  There’s lots of evil deeds perpetrated, but there’s also lots of people that do the right thing. The question for us is not “If?” but “Why?” -- as in motivation. (It’s like asking “Why war?” when the better question is “Why peace?”.)

  We must not deny we’re naturally not good, bent toward selfishness, much preferring to have life all about us. (Mt.19:17; Rom.3:10; 23)

  I recognize 5 levels of motivation to do the right things.

  Base level one is centered in fear, fear lived with so long that in most matters it is no longer always recognized. This includes fear of getting caught and penalties that could or would result; embarrassment, loss of respect and credibility, dismissal, incarceration, financial, marital, et al. In one word, preservation.

  Level two involves maintaining honor, connections and facility to accomplish desires et al.

  Level three is grounded in love of individual, family, culture et al.

  Level four has to do with concept of atonement.

  Level five has to do with submissively embracing the precept of Romans 5:8 forgiveness, God’s redemption without any qualification other than need and helplessness on our part. (Eph.2:8-9) Good deeds that spring forth from desire to do our utmost for His highest. (Lk.6:36; 18:13; Jn.14:15, 23-24; 15:10)

  The psalmist David expresses and explains this truth well: “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.” (Ps.103)

  All else honors not God, but “ME”. 

EBB4   Wednesday, June 13, 2018

 

WHY NOT OBLITERATION?

WHY NOT OBLITERATION?

Romans [ESV] 8:26-30 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

  “So why didn’t God eradicate my sinful old nature when I trusted Jesus as Redeemer?” asked the frustrated new follower of Christ.

  I see several reasons in His Word.

·         God created us in His image (Gen.1:26-27) which includes free will in decision making. To eliminate our free will at John 3:3 rebirth would adversely alter our resemblance.

·         God’s love and grace would be seriously discounted. We would be changed from man to manikin; looks like but is not!

·         God did not (Adam & Eve), does not make His John 1:12 children do anything.

·         Our sanctification requires free will on our part.

·         In heaven we shall be like Him. His brethren are predestined for conformation.  In present moments to be like Him is optional.

  Bluntly speaking, why would we be interested in eradication of our old nature? In order to eliminate the stresses of sinful options due to our sinful bent toward lazy ease? Indeed so. And then there’s the matter of our wisdom commonly opposed to God’s?

EBB4

PS. I did not arrive at these conclusions my first day in God’s family.

CAPABILITIES

CAPABILITIES

Romans [GW] 6:1-23 What should we say then? Should we continue to sin so that God's kindness will increase? That's unthinkable! As far as sin is concerned, we have died. So how can we still live under sin's influence? Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? When we were baptized into his death, we were placed into the tomb with him. As Christ was brought back from death to life by the glorious power of the Father, so we, too, should live a new kind of life. If we've become united with him in a death like his, certainly we will also be united with him when we come back to life as he did. We know that the person we used to be was crucified with him to put an end to sin in our bodies. Because of this we are no longer slaves to sin. The person who has died has been freed from sin. If we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, who was brought back to life, will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. When he died, he died once and for all to sin's power. But now he lives, and he lives for God. So consider yourselves dead to sin's power but living for God in the power Christ Jesus gives you. Therefore, never let sin rule your physical body so that you obey its desires. Never offer any part of your body to sin's power. No part of your body should ever be used to do any ungodly thing. Instead, offer yourselves to God as people who have come back from death and are now alive. Offer all the parts of your body to God. Use them to do everything that God approves of. Certainly, sin shouldn't have power over you because you're not controlled by laws, but by God's favor. Then what is the implication? Should we sin because we are not controlled by laws but by God's favor? That's unthinkable! Don't you know that if you offer to be someone's slave, you must obey that master? Either your master is sin, or your master is obedience. Letting sin be your master leads to death. Letting obedience be your master leads to God's approval. You were slaves to sin. But I thank God that you have become wholeheartedly obedient to the teachings which you were given. Freed from sin, you were made slaves who do what God approves of. I'm speaking in a human way because of the weakness of your corrupt nature. Clearly, you once offered all the parts of your body as slaves to sexual perversion and disobedience. This led you to live disobedient lives. Now, in the same way, offer all the parts of your body as slaves that do what God approves of. This leads you to live holy lives. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from doing what God approves of. What did you gain by doing those things? You're ashamed of what you used to do because it ended in death. Now you have been freed from sin and have become God's slaves. This results in a holy life and, finally, in everlasting life. The payment for sin is death, but the gift that God freely gives is everlasting life found in Christ Jesus our Lord. [1Jn.1:1-10]

  One thing you’ll not hear me claiming is “I would never ever do ________!” This I learned from study of and involvement as a John 3:3 born-again Christian follower of the Word. Though I spoke such denials prior to, I ceased making the foolish prideful assertions.

  Indeed the indwelling of His Holy Spirit and access to God’s Wisdom endows Christians with Philippians 4:13 potential to fully serve as His 2Corinthians 5:17-21 ambassador of God’s redemptive love and grace.

  Studying the same Word we see that though we should count our old pre-John 3:3 nature as dead, it however is not; meaning that though a Christian we are still capable of all things perverse. This includes any and every sin contrary to saintly godliness. Theft, gossip, lying, destruction, fornication, murder, suicide, et al.

  Fact is that making such vainglorious congratulatory claims leaves us vulnerable to both God and Satan. (Jam.4:6; Heb.10:1-39; 1Pet.5:5-10)

  As followers of Christ we are capable of all godliness or contrariwise. God changes not our free will. As was with Adam, Eve and continuing with all since, choice is ours.

  In closing I share a passage from Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible. “Shall we continue in sin - It is very likely that these were the words of a believing Gentile, who - having as yet received but little instruction, for he is but just brought out of his heathen state to believe in Christ Jesus - might imagine, from the manner in which God had magnified his mercy, in blotting out his sin on his simply believing on Christ, that, supposing he even gave way to the evil propensities of his own heart, his transgressions could do him no hurt now that he was in the favor of God. And we need not wonder that a Gentile, just emerging from the deepest darkness, might entertain such thoughts as these; when we find that eighteen centuries after this, persons have appeared in the most Christian countries of Europe, not merely asking such a question, but defending the doctrine with all their might; and asserting in the most unqualified manner, “that believers were under no obligation to keep the moral law of God; that Christ had kept it for them; that his keeping it was imputed to them; and that God, who had exacted it from Him, who was their surety and representative, would not exact it from them, forasmuch as it would be injustice to require two payments for one debt.” These are the Antinomians who once flourished in this land, and whose race is not yet utterly extinct.”

EBB4   Monday, June 11, 2018

RESPONSES

RESPONSES

Friday, June 8, 2018

  Three readers sent responses to the Sunday’s question “What is the most authentic comfort in my life?” . . . a personal inquiry that reveals the center of our life.

SF “Too often I go for chocolate. It tastes good but it is only a temporary fix”

DK “God’s presence in my life is my most authentic comfort.’

CK “Thinking on this one. What is yours???”

EBB4 The 1563 Heidelberg Catechism expresses it wonderfully: “That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. … Without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head.”

  I’m sure many of you privately answered the question and learned of your life.

EBB4

HEARING

  After reading yesterday's DT, SPIRITUALLY AURAL, Woody Winchell immediately shared the following poem. As a further edifying exercise, how many verses can you connect with Bible passages?

EBB4

HEARING

Oh, I want to hear

To incline my ear 

Ever so keenly 

To routinely 

Listen

In absolute silence

Deep in my soul

For healing words

Making me whole

Whispered songs

Guiding me along

The path

Secrets shared

As we venture

To new realms 

Of adventure 

My Lover

And me

Simply being

In love

Deepest sharing 

Of intimacy 

Setting me

Free

Oh, the joy!

As I come away

Finding my Friend

In the secret place

Nothing else needed

As His words

Are heeded

I am simply completed

No more to labor 

For favor

Outside

I abide

I rest

On His chest

Listening

To the rhythm 

Sweetest melody

Calling me

Deeper 

Closer

"Come away my beloved"

Echoes in my ear

I can hear

Deep calling to deep

Where no one dwells 

Just Him and me

Intimately 

Sharing

Sounds of love

Reverberating 

Liberating 

Illuminating 

My soul

I am whole

In the simple place

Of hearing