EMULATING ADAM AND EVE?

EMULATING ADAM AND EVE?

Monday, September 30, 2019

  Genesis [ESV] 3:1a Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made

  Acts 17:11  Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 

  Ephesians 2:1-3 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 

among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 

  2Timothy 2:15-17 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene.

  For the record: I disdain profanity whether yours or mine. However, there are times when we hear the profanity but miss Satan’s crafty misleading sales pitch. Facebook is an example of this with profanity to distract while also presenting misguiding feel-good sayings about God; a case of straining at gnats and swallowing camels. (Mt.23:24)

  We are responsible as disciples of Christ to study His Word, discover and unashamedly expose Satan’s subtle ways, even when circulated by those Christians carelessly duped by him.

  A recent Facebook example is a pastor posting a wise saying. When I investigated the original now-deceased renowned author I discovered they like Adam and Eve didn’t trust the veracity of God’s Word, speaking openly in opposition to His Truth. This meaning that all of the author’s writing should be suspect and, if read, examined carefully. And definitely not passed on as a reliable source of Biblical inspiration.

  Does my history include novice times of eagerly passing on Satan’s errant guidance? Yes. Does yours?  

  In conclusion I publish: So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Gal.6:10)

EBB4

GET THE FACTS

GET THE FACTS!

Sunday, September 29, 2019

  Decades ago in union classes there was one theme that was hammered constantly: “Get the facts! Get The Facts!! GET THE FACTS!!!” which is not something always so easy to do for a number of reasons we were taught.

• Lies.
• Gossipmongers.
• Cynical pessimists.
• Pollyannas.
• Fragile frantics.
• Withholding complete story.
• Depending on whom you talk to or read, many events being 6 of one half dozen of the other. (One of my Dad’s favorite cautions.)
• Manipulators and game players.
• Contrarians.
• Territorial types solely interested in their turf.
• Prideful projectionists.
• Company or personal agenda centrists.
• Protectionists fearful of involvement.

  The above would include more than a few of us at one time or another in our life, sometimes in occurrence, for others by style; the latter group in my opinion involving many in politics, media, and entertainment.

  I am appreciative of what I learned from my Dad and in those classes, finding application of the education useful as a shop steward . . . and in personal relationships.

  Helpful in living, yes, but initially limited because the one book of absolute facts was not included until I began rereading God’s Word after trusting Him. Whereas prior “factual” education was as useful tool in hand, unadulterated facts about and from God dealt with my heart with application being an outflow of Him: “On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus was standing in the temple courtyard. He said loudly, "Whoever is thirsty must come to me to drink. As Scripture says, 'Streams of living water will flow from deep within the person who believes in me.'" (GW Jn.7:37-38)

  How true is this fact!

  How real is it to us? 

EBB4

WE ARE ARMED WITH HIS WORD

THE MOST MURDEROUS WEAPON

Friday, September 27, 2019

  Thinking Biblically requires discipline, for it is easier to think emotionally. I too am snared by feelings at times.

  Murder whether singular or masse is wrong. (Ex.20:13) Tragic and heartbreaking whether one or a multitude, sole or holocaust.

  Nowhere in His Word does God blame weaponry, whether blunt, edged, toxic, or projectile.

  What God’s Word does explain about murder is that it bitterly pours forth from the lustful heart of mankind.

James [MKJV] 4:1-3 From where do wars and fightings among you come? Is it not from this, from your lusts which war in your members? You desire, and do not have. You murder, and are jealous, and cannot obtain. You fight and war, yet you have not because you ask not. You ask and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it upon your lusts. 

  Here are a few interesting related facts reported in Dr. James Dobson Family Institute September 2019 newsletter:

  “Fatherlessness is a serious problem. America’s boys have been under stress for decades. It’s not toxic masculinity hurting them, it’s the fact that when they come home there are no fathers there. Plain and simple. Add that to a bunch of horrible cultural trends telling them everything bad is good (gang culture, drugs, misogyny, etc.) and we’ve got a serious problem on our hands. This problem can’t be solved by any policy or any sort of gun control. It is time to have a serious discussion about the degradation of cultural norms.” Mark Meckler, Patheos

  Suzanne Venker of Fox News investigated CNN’s list “27 Deadliest Mass Shootings in U.S. History and discover that only one perpetrator was raised by his biological father since childhood.

  “Psychologist Peter Langman, an authority on school shootings, studied a list of 56 school shooters.  He found 82 percent of the perpetrators grew up in broken homes with drug abuse, parental absence, and divorce.”

  We see that a culturally rooted contributor is lustful men and women planting seed that bears bitter fruit.

  Will we soon see USA revival resulting in the return to a Biblical family culture? Not being a prophet, I can only emotionally say I hope so, maybe, and definitely not so long as godly propriety is irresponsibly sacrificed on the altar of lust. Meanwhile our Christian responsibility is to Biblically fulfill our great commission regardless or trends happy or sad. (Mk.16:15)

EBB4

NEUTRALITY?

NEUTRALITY?

Thursday, September 26, 2019

  “Swiss neutrality is one of the main principles of Switzerland's foreign policy which dictates that Switzerland is not to be involved in armed conflicts between other states. This policy is self-imposed, permanent, and armed, designed to ensure external security and promote peace. Switzerland has the oldest policy of military neutrality in the world;[1] it has not participated in a foreign war since its neutrality was established by the Treaty of Paris in 1815.” (Wikipedia)

  I’ve heard individuals claiming religious neutrality. As an emotional and intellectual position this possible. As a present and eternal position God’s Word explains this is impossible.

Mathew [ESV] 12:30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 

Revelation 3:15-16  “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 

  Beware the misleading ideas of men.

EBB4

THE PROPHETS' QUANDRY

THE PROPHETS’ QUANDRY

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Matthew [ESV] 13:9-17 [Jesus explaining] He who has ears, let him hear.” Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “‘“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. 

  This week I was saddened by 2 informative news articles. The major provider of pollinators is moving all their beehives out of Nebraska as 82% of their stock has died. Then this morning “North America loses ‘dizzying’ number of birds: 3 billion since [19]70” I recalled swarms of bees and birds in my boyhood days, a common sight that is no more. This and other such news brought to remembrance reading Silent Spring, by Rachel Carlson, a book published in 1962 documenting the adverse environmental effects caused by the indiscriminate use of pesticides. How many listened then or since? How many did hear and change their way of doing things? Some, but comparatively few resulting in all being penalized.

  And so it is with prophets.

  And so it is of hearers that even choke up hearing Amazing Grace and those that tack “God bless” on the end of their speeches.

EBB4

FREEDOM

FREEDOM

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

… “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” ESV John 8:31-32

  Ever since Adam’s lack of trusting Jehovah God Almighty, mankind has striven to attain and maintain his concepts of freedom, at times in effort and result making for bondage. Consider the truth of this in your life. As a healthy exercise, I have . . . arriving at the conclusion that bondage is the result of not many, but one thing: The imminence of self.

EBB4

HERMAN WHO?

HERMAN WHO?

Monday, September 23, 2019

2Timothy [ISV] 2:15-17 Do your best to present yourself to God as an approved worker who has nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of truth with precision. However, avoid pointless discussions. For people will become more and more ungodly, and what they say will spread everywhere like gangrene…

  THE PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS (hermenewticks), by J. Edwin Hartell, as an equipping on how to study is probably the most ongoing useful book course I’ve taken.

  My most favorite frequently used principle is the Context Principle; not being limited by chapter divisions, noting the before and after words when pondering a single verse of Scripture. Everyone is familiar with the all-too-common practice of taking sentences, words, and phrases out of context to make their point. Let that be them, but not us when studying and teaching!

  I believe it would behoove any and all Christians to learn hermeneutical principles of study. This is  especially good exercise considering that a major eternal responsibility before God is not one of spoon-fed conclusions, but of personal Bible study.

  Yes, continue to read, study, ponder and repent, but please do avail yourself one of the best ways to do so: hermeneutics. 

EBB4

PS: Principles of Biblical Hermeneutics J. Edwin Hartill

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40 MILE AN HOUR WORK

40 MILE AN HOUR WORK

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Proverbs 18:19

(ASV)  He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.

(CEV)  Being lazy is no different from being a troublemaker.

(ESV)  Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.

(GW)  Whoever is lazy in his work is related to a vandal.

(ISV)  Whoever is lazy regarding his work is also a brother to the master of destruction.

(KJV)  He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

(LITV)  And he who is slack in his work, he is a brother to a master destroyer.

(MKJV)  Also he who is slack in his work is brother to a great destroyer.

(Webster)  He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

(YLT)  He also that is remiss in his work, A brother he is to a destroyer.

  For ya’ll that have never been blessed with Southern Exposure I must explain today’s title.

  There is walk to, stop by and examine quality . . . and then there’s workmanship that looks mighty fine so long as you’re driving by at 40 miles an hour.

  We’ve all seen “painted over” fabrication. If you don’t know what this means, watch reruns of Holmes on Homes and you’ll see painted-over problems brushed in large strokes. (For brief bio of show, got to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_on_Homes  To view past educational episodes, go to:  https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=A0LEVvjdHblUo0UANIwPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTBsa3ZzMnBvBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2JmMQR2dGlkAw--?p=holmes+on+homes&hspart=SGMedia&hsimp=yhs-sgm_fb )

  As 2Corinthians 5:17 ambassadors for Christ we speak of God’s reconciliation and redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ. But if, whatever our position in home, office, or workplace, we practice 40 mile an hour low quality work standard, why would any lost or needy soul want to listen to us lay claim to the utmost eternal superiority of God’s mercy and guidance for life?

  Consider Colossians (GW) 3:1-2, 23-25 on the subject of honoring God in one’s work. “Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above-where Christ holds the highest position. Keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things. … Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as though you were working for your real master and not merely for humans. You know that your real master will give you an inheritance as your reward. It is Christ, your real master, whom you are serving. The person who does wrong will be paid back for the wrong he has done. God does not play favorites.”

  Few of us, self included, have the knowledge, skill, or the inherent ability to qualify for the Holmes or This old House teams.

  All Christians can however make the grade as Jehovah’s workman: “Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. But shun profane, vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. … All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfected, thoroughly furnished to every good work.” (MKJV 2Tim.2:15-16; 3:16-17)

  Hey ya’ll! Think about it, at what viewing speed will our lifework pass examination? 

EBB4

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

I LIKE BUZZARDS TOO

I LIKE BUZZARDS TOO

Friday, September 20, 2019

  Eagles are beautiful. I love to watch them soar as the hunt, and dive as they see their prey.

  But I like buzzards too.

  Comparing their work, I’ve pondered that ugly turkey buzzards cleaning up carcass and garbage, thereby preventing disease and stench, are very important to healthy function.

  Thinking about the matter curbside, I would choose trash men over a starlet adorning our street.

  (Maybe old Ben Franklin had it right when he wanted the similar-in-appearance turkey for a national emblem?)

  Consider the Apostle Paul’s words on the topic: “There is only one Spirit who does all these things by giving what God wants to give to each person. For example, the body is one unit and yet has many parts. As all the parts form one body, so it is with Christ. By one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Whether we are Jewish or Greek, slave or free, God gave all of us one Spirit to drink. As you know, the human body is not made up of only one part, but of many parts. Suppose a foot says, "I'm not a hand, so I'm not part of the body!" Would that mean it's no longer part of the body? Or suppose an ear says, "I'm not an eye, so I'm not a part of the body!" Would that mean it's no longer part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how could it hear? If the whole body were an ear, how could it smell? So God put each and every part of the body together as he wanted it. How could it be a body if it only had one part? So there are many parts but one body. An eye can't say to a hand, "I don't need you!" Or again, the head can't say to the feet, "I don't need you!" The opposite is true. The parts of the body that we think are weaker are the ones we really need. The parts of the body that we think are less honorable are the ones we give special honor. So our unpresentable parts are made more presentable. However, our presentable parts don't need this kind of treatment. God has put the body together and given special honor to the part that doesn't have it. God's purpose was that the body should not be divided but rather that all of its parts should feel the same concern for each other. If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts share its suffering. If one part is praised, all the others share in its happiness. You are Christ's body and each of you is an individual part of it.” (GW 1Cor.12:11-27)

  Hmmm… after additional deep thought on the matter, how about this . . . next time we say “You’re a turkey!” let us do so as a matter of respect, admiration, encouragement. 

EBB4 

PS. Ann & I enjoyed bird watching including occasional lone or up to 20 thus far buzzards gracefully gliding in and out of view of our home.

DIVISIONS

WRONGLY DIVIDING

Thursday, September 19, 2019

  Matthew 16:24-25 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

  1Corinthians 12:14-20 For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If all the body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If all hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body as it has pleased Him. And if they were all one member, where would be the body? But now indeed many are the members, yet only one body. 

  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.

  I’ve pondered the wrongly dividing the Word of Truth by looking at and thinking by Bible verses taken apart from the greater context; an example being that work is man’s bane, when it really is a holy assignment from our Creator. (Gen.1:28-31; 2:15, 20a) Looking at work as something to be avoided is missing not just His assignment, but erring seriously from His wisdom and thereof great blessing lost.

 Affecting shunning of work is embraced curse for both individual and nation. We don’t have be a history major to see that able people deliberately “Living on the dole.” entitlement lifestyle as opposed to honorable endeavor has destroyed more than one civilization and is eroding more than one this day.

  Along with rejecting work as holy assignment is another injurious wrongly dividing of sum that is God’s. It is Gnostic belief from ancient pagan Greek thought and philosophy: The concept that there is a spiritual world and a physical world; Spiritual being higher, the physical lower. The present common cataloging being Spiritual versus Secular, as though secular is distinctly different category than spiritual.

  This dualistic mindset is both congregant and congregational harmful, suppressing God’s Holy Spirit and thereby hindering our holy assignment. (1Thes.5:18-19)

  To believe that “full-time Christian service” comes under title different than garbage collector, lawyer, ditch digger, engineer, tradesman, artist et al . . . and that it requires seminary lettering, pastor, overseas missionary is detrimental to overall health and vigor of the church.

  How can we possibly live with cheerful heart in godly preservation if we live a divided life?  (Prov.17:22; 1Thes.5:23) Unless we live with renewed thinking, we cannot! (Rom.12:1-3)

  All that trust Lord Jesus Christ, whatever our position in life we’re called to His full-time service. (Mt.16:24-25; Philemon)

  I close with Paul’s exhortation on the matter: “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. Our bodies have many parts, but these parts don't all do the same thing. [1Cor.12:1-31] ... Don't be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord. Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually. … Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.’” (GW Rom.12:1-21, underlining mine.)

EBB4

AMEN!

AMEN

Does anyone other than me remember singing this song?  EBB4

Amen, Oh Lawdy !
Amen. Have mercy
Amen, Amen, Amen
Sing it over now

Amen, Oh Lawdy !
Amen. Have mercy
Amen, Amen, Amen

See the little baby
Lying in a manger
On Christmas morning
Amen, Amen, Amen

See Him in a temple
Talking to the elders
How are they marvelled
Amen, Amen, Amen

See Him at the seashore
Preaching to the people
Healing all the sick ones
Amen, Amen, Amen

See Him at the garden
Praying to the father
In deepest sorrow
Amen, Amen, Amen

See Him on the cross
Bearing all my sins
In bitter agony
Amen, Amen, Amen

Yes, He died to save us
And He rose in Easter
Now He lives for ever
Amen, Amen, Amen

Hallelujah!
Jesus is my Saviour
For He lives forever
Amen, Amen, Amen

KINGDOM VERSUS KINGDOM

KINGDOM VERSUS KINGDOM

John [MKJV] 14:6; 18:36 Jesus said to [Thomas], I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me. . . . Jesus answered [Pilate], My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would fight so that I might not be delivered to the Jews. But now My kingdom is not from here. (Mt. 4:17-23; 13:11; Lk.8:1; 9:2)

Philippians [MKJV] 3:20[Paul wrote] … our citizenship is in Heaven, from which also we are looking for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Heb.11:10, 16)

Islam [Dictionary.com]: [is-lahm, iz-, is-luh m, iz-] /ɪsˈlɑm, ɪz-, ˈɪs ləm, ˈɪz-/ noun

1. the religious faith of Muslims, based on the words and religious system founded by the prophet Muhammad and taught by the Koran, the basic principle of which is absolute submission to a unique and personal god, Allah.

2. the whole body of Muslim believers, their civilization, and the countries in which theirs is the dominant religion.

Caliphate: An Islamic state led by a supreme religious political leader known as a caliph; meaning a successor to the prophet Muhammad.

Dear all,

  I’ve been asked about Jihad. Herein after considerable thought I express my opinion arrived at through study and observation of past Islamic history and current events in my lifetime.

  First, understand that all Islamists passionately true to their faith believe in seeking and working for a worldwide caliphate; whereas all Christians true to the Word of God do not believe in seeking or working toward a worldwide dominating religious/political kingdom. We do however believe we are to offer God’s gracious gift of salvation present and eternal through Jesus Christ. We do not do so to build an officious population, but because of mans’ desperate need for the Redeemer. (Jn.14:6; Rom.8:1-17) Those that trust Jesus Christ personally become members of God’s family (Jn.1:12) and therein citizens of the kingdom of heaven (Jn.18:36).

  Do I believe Islam is a threat to the American way of life? I do, whether peaceful, moderate, or aggressively crusading through commerce, political influence, or radical violence. But no more or less than other numerous perils including so many focusing on “the pursuit of happiness” at the expense of responsible family life and citizenship. The following is an outline of how I see Islamists hazarding our and other nations using whatever combination is effective.

1. Force

    a. bombastic outrageous threatening public demonstrations

    b. militant; uniformed, civil war, anarchy

    c. terrorism; bombers et al, piracy & other crime

    d. “FIRST SATURDAY, THEN SUNDAY!” by intimidation, exodus, holocaust

2. Politically

    a. citizenship / rights

    b. bloc voting for Muslims and/or sympathetic candidates

    c. volunteering for positions influencing education, zoning, business, law (recognition of sharia)

    d. getting elected to positions influencing education, zoning, business, law (institution of sharia)

3. Commerce & economic power

    a. investment leverage

    b. small businesses

    c. consumer power

4. Education

    a. classroom, as students at all levels

    b. requesting or demanding curriculum accommodations

    c. teaching positions

5. Socially

    a. “peace” as influence

    b. good neighbor policy

    c. publicly taking offense; political correctness pressure

6. Religion

    a. proselytization

    b. Interfaith ecumenical collaboration; propagating Allah and Jehovah as the same person

7. Making use of USA diversity, tolerance, melting pot

8. Media

    a. TV, talk shows, print interviews

    b. “enlightening” presentations

    c. ameliorating dialogue

9. Lack of cooperation with law enforcement and the courts

10. Lack of speaking out against Islamic oppression, intimidation, terrorism

  Do I believe there is peace loving Muslims? Indeed I do. Some have been members of our extended family. However, as with the peace-loving people in history, if and when caliphate Islamists dominate . . . they will comply, be enslaved, or die. History shows this. One, the few, or the many do not argue or interfere with the Inquisitors, Hitler, Stalin, Adi Amin, a Caliph or any other of such mean ilk!

  For those interested in further knowledge, just ask and I’ll send you my ISLAM FILE.

Sincerely,

Edwin Bennett Bullock 4th

FREEDOM

FREEDOM

Monday, September 16, 2019

1Timothy 6:6-14 [Apostle Paul exhorting Timothy] … godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession. That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable [not arrested, unculpable, unsullied and flawless], until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

  Freedom is a peculiar thing to handle; indeed there are matters that are flat out wrong, some of which we personally preference. Had we been in charge of the garden in Eden, would we have given Adam and Eve the freedom that Jehovah God did? Knowing our natural inclinations, I strongly suspect not, but likely would have removed opportunity for original sin; and then afterward continued the practice same as frequently as possible.

  This is not to say that we should not seek and hold fast to righteousness, steadfastly unwavering in quest for personal purity according to The Word, for certainly we should within the arena of freedom that God leaves us once we have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; accepting Him we do not then go to heaven, but enter opportunity for preparation for heaven and the new reign.

  This activity requires gusto for guidance sought and found in Scripture, involving frequency of submission to God’s plain truth and personal revelation; entailing individual responsible application dynamic in relationship with spouse, children, family, extended family, coworkers, employees, managers, neighborhood, community, nation, world at large, et al . . . freedom not to be a life of isolation: Herein lies conflict.

  Personal maturation is list-topper never apart from Matthew 6:33. Control of society listed in the above paragraph is not. Influence, by godly loving testimony, is primary and essential; legislative determinate force, though available, is not primary, but comparatively minor. Why so? For a major reason: Christians are to, as did and does Jesus, love and it is an impossibility to legislate love.

  When Christians focus on political legislation, we do not manifest Biblical Christian love. How often do we cry out “There oughta be a law!” as opposed to frequency in giving Christ-like witness in word and deed? When is the last time we shared the gospel that Jesus saves, quickens, and delivers?

  Indeed there are matters that are flat out wrong, but we must never lose sight that they are first of all wrong for me, and that there is but one core solution: A changed heart, not by principally adding to the law as has been done by, continues to be done by both believer and unbeliever.

  As citizens we should vote, quote, and petition, but let us not fall into the trap of old of looking to human election and government as opposed to our Lord’s direction. (1Sam.8:1-22)

  If we have not done so already as God’s children, let us this day pledge to keep His exhorting to applied personal endeavor until the appearing of our Lord: Claiming salvation in and from Jesus Christ above all else and lovingly telling others the good news.  EBB4

Additional thought: Let us beware zeal in legislating away freedom for others, for in this we set the precedent stage enabling our loss of freedom when convenient or profitable to those in power.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN?

Edwin Bullock 4th <mr.ebullock4th@gmail.com>	8:31 AM (3 minutes ago)
to me

"What are the consequences of sin?"  Sunday, September 15, 2019

  The ultimate—and severest—consequence of sin is death. The Bible says that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). This not only refers to physical death, but to eternal separation from God: “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). This is the foremost consequence of man’s rebellion against God.
  Yet many want to believe that God is so “loving” that He will overlook our “little faults,” “lapses” and “indiscretions.” Little white lies, cheating on the tax return, taking that pen when no one is looking, or secretly viewing pornography—these are peccadillos, not worthy of death, right? The problem is, sin is sin, big or small. Though God loves us, His holiness is such that He cannot live with evil. The prophet Habakkuk describes God this way: “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong” (Habakkuk 1:13). God does not ignore our sin. On the contrary, “you may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). Even those secret sins we hide in the recesses of our hearts will one day be brought to light: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).
  Paul made it abundantly clear that sin has consequences: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7). Paul then describes the end of those who indulge in sinful behavior: “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction” (Galatians 6:8). The phrase “sinful nature” refers to one’s unregenerate, shameless self. Though the sin nature may promise fulfillment, it can result in nothing but “destruction.”
  Paul told the believers in Galatia that “the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other . . .” (Galatians 5:17). Then he lists the sordid works of the sin nature and specifies the ultimate consequence of such behavior: “Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (see Galatians 5:19-21). Those who live in debauchery and sin sow the seeds of destruction in their present-day life and forfeit any hope of eternal life.
  The Bible describes those who choose to indulge in sin as being “darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more” (Ephesians 4:18-19). One of the consequences of sin, therefore, is more sin. There’s an insatiable “lust for more,” attended by a dulling of the conscience and a blindness to spiritual truth (1 Corinthians 2:14).
  The consequence of suppressing the truth is that God gives the sinner over to “the sinful desires of their hearts,” “shameful lusts” and “a depraved mind” (Romans 1:24, 26, 28). This means that God may allow the sinner to serve as his own god and to reap the destruction of his body and soul. It is a fearful thing to be “given over” to our own destructive ways.
  God has made it clear that “the soul who sins will die” (Ezekiel 18:4, NASB). Those who habitually live their lives outside of Christ, yet whose hearts have been convicted by the gospel of Christ, should follow the example of the first converts of the church: “They were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” The answer was simple yet profound: “Repent!” (Acts 2:37-38).
  Jesus’ first words when He began His ministry were, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15). What is the good news? “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
  The consequence of sin is death, but “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). 

© Copyright 2002-2019 Got Questions Ministries. www.GotQuestions.org

WHO'S TO BLAME?

BLAMESHIFTING DISCOUNTS GOD’S STRENGTHENING

Friday, September 13, 2019

James (GW) 1:20-27 An angry person doesn't do what God approves of. So get rid of all immoral behavior and all the wicked things you do. Humbly accept the word that God has placed in you. This word can save you. Do what God's word says. Don't merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves. If someone listens to God's word but doesn't do what it says, he is like a person who looks at his face in a mirror, studies his features, goes away, and immediately forgets what he looks like. However, the person who continues to study God's perfect teachings that make people free and who remains committed to them will be blessed. People like that don't merely listen and forget; they actually do what God's teachings say. If a person thinks that he is religious but can't control his tongue, he is fooling himself. That person's religion is worthless. Pure, unstained religion [Rom.12:1-3, observance of worship through living. EBB4], according to God our Father, is to take care of orphans and widows when they suffer and to remain uncorrupted by this world. [Commandments 1 & 2; Love God, love people.]

  Blame shifting is employment of not taking responsibility for our individual exercise of free will, a “Through no fault of mine.” artificial life. This includes blaming God for problems while not examining self.

  This is but yet another lesson emphasized by Grandmother McGee that fell on my cute little ego-centric deaf ears surrounded by curls. I can still hear her sternly asking “If Jim stuck his head in a furnace, would you?!” . . . which at the time I considered a stupid question from an old person.

  Beginning with Grandmother’s words, through the years since ears opened and much hair gone with remainder silver, I’ve added additional beneficial thoughts and questions:

• When reading or hearing God’s Word think of personal application about my responsibilities.
• Ask God’s Holy Spirit to fluorescently alert me when it is I that am part, most of, or all of a problem. This must include when absolutely right with a smug attitude!
• Especially listen for thoughts or verbalizing “See now what you’ve made me do!” (One of my favorite questions in jail was “Do you think anyone here is capable of making me angry?” while standing before the meanest most brutish looking man in class. The following question being “Is anyone, including God, capable of making me love you?”)
• Does/did blame shifting accomplish or circumvent healthy goals?
• When in silent or verbal blame shifting mode, am I teachable?
• Emulating the first blame shifters (Gen. chapter 3), is my simplistic knee-jerk reaction to always blame God or someone else?
• Consider what blame shifting has cost the first two shifters, Adam and Eve, and all since.
• What has blame shifting cost me in my life?
• What has blame shifting cost others inn my life?
• If I blame God or others does it relieve me of my faulty contributions to this world?
• Am I learning from wise experienced elders, or am I shifting away from personal maturation?
• If my life is typified by blaming God and/or others . . . am I edifying or otherwise?
• Is my blame shifting better reasoned Avoidance & Manipulation?
• And last on my list, but absolutely the most important, Jesus was contrarian; He took all the blame. (1Pet.2:24) 

  Now, lest the above review make for a gloomy day, remember whose day it is (Ps.118:24); family ours (Jn.1:12); and His loving forgiveness (1John 1:9).

EBB4