THE BIG 10 TODAY

THE BIG 10 TODAY

Friday, January 31, 2020



Dear fellow follower of Christ,

  Are the Ten Commandments our source of our morality?

EBB4

NEW NEWS?

NEW NEWS?

Thursday, January 30, 2020



Ecclesiastes [MKJV] 1:3-11 What is the profit to a man in all his labor which he labors under the sun?

A generation passes away, and a generation comes; but the earth remains forever. The sun also arises, and the sun goes down, and hurries to its place where it arose. The wind goes toward the south, and it turns around to the north; it whirls around continually; and the wind returns on its circuits. All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; to the place from where the rivers come, there they return again.  All things are full of labor; man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. That which has been is that which shall be; and that which has been done is that which shall be done; and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it may be said, See, this is new? It has already been in days of old, which were before us. There is no memory of former things, and also no memory of after things which shall be; for neither shall be a remembrance of them with those who will be at the afterwards.



  I read more than one book or magazine in any given time period. Abed at the end of my day I read a book there for 10-15 minutes. Presently it is FRENCH REVOLUTIUON and the NAPOLEONIC ERA, by Owen Connelly. Last evening I read of the chaos involving the conflicting factions and their shifting alliances.

  One churning was the strong atheist-led de-Christianization movement, centered in Paris. Hebert was the prophet, Chaumette the pageant master, with the Commune faction cooperating.  Section leaders forced the conversion of churches into “temples of reason”. Notre Dame was the scene for the huge “Festival of Liberty and Reason”. On November 10, 1793 it was begun as a curvaceous actress wearing a skimpy Roman toga placed the “torch of truth” on the “altar of reason” proclaiming worship of “gods given by nature”. Revolutionary songs and dancing replaced hymns and liturgy.

  Robespierre, believing that belief in a Supreme Being and afterlife was necessary in shaping law-abiding citizens, resisted, soon having Hebert and his followers arrested and sent to the “National Razor” (guillotine). Having eliminated his threat from the left Robespierre turned on his faithful allies on the right, they too soon being separated from their heads.

  As you already knew, or possibly guessed, Robespierre lost support and gained resistance. When they arrested him he attempted suicide, he and a number of his followers soon executed by guillotine.

  Meanwhile, in America and elsewhere …….

EBB4



PS. Not all of that eras 50,000 or so executed died by the guillotine. Musket, sword, other instruments, and canon fire at groups were used.

THE ONE TRUE CHURCH IS IN A FIELD WITH WEEDS

THE ONE TRUE CHURCH IS IN A FIELD WITH WEEDS

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Matthew [ESV] 7:21-23 Jesus explained and warned

Matthew 13:24-30 Jesus put another parable before them

Matthew 25:31-34 Jesus taught

John 8:43-45 Jesus explained

  The one true church is made up exclusively of God’s children, those trusting Jesus, His only begotten son (Jn.1:12; 3:16). Those not trusting Jesus, not believing Him, remain with Satan as their father. This is so whether they profess religiosity, even Christianity, or not. Jesus clearly explained this present and eternal distinction. (Jn.8:31-45; Mt.7:13-23) The disciples noticed this, took this truth to heart and soon began warning congregations. (NT epistles speak much on this reality.)

  When Jesus introduced the fact of His family as His true church it is inseparable from the fact of heaven present, but as religion had already become a mixed field including Satan’s seeding. This olio crop of wheat (authentic church members) and tares (religious weeds) is unchanged to this day and will continue thusly until final separation takes place before the throne of Jesus.

  Put another way, the “field” is no one congregation, sect, or denomination was not and to this day is not the one true church. The one true church is God’s family historically walking, working, and maturing in the “field” that includes weeds; that “field” including denominations of many names, some weedier than others.

EBB4

BIBLICAL CONTEMPLATION IS DIVERGENT

BIBLICAL CONTEMPLATION IS DIVERGENT

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

John 3:10 Jesus answered and said to [Nicodemus], ‘Are you the teacher of Israel and do not know these

things?”

Luke 6:39 And [Jesus] spoke a parable unto them, “Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall  

into the ditch?”

Acts 17:10-11 And the brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. They, when they arrived, went into the synagogue of the Jews. And these were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily to see if those things were so. 

Hebrews 4:9-13 So then there remains a rest to the people of God. For he who has entered into his rest

he also has ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Therefore let us labor to enter into that

rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of unbelief. For the Word of God is living and powerful and

sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing apart of soul and spirit, and of the

joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any

creature that is not manifest in His sight, but all things are naked and opened to the eyes of Him with

whom we have to do.

Dear fellow travelers,

  I sometimes lay awake at night exercising that which my earthly father, heavenly Father, and with the furthering help of judicious men, women, and children, encouraged and taught me to do; thinking divergently. Divergent ponderance being thinking beyond myopic limiting vision.

  Divergent contemplation is godly. Jesus pointed out this neediness to one of the most educated men in Israel. (Jn.3:1-10) The Apostle Paul later restated the need for the followers of Christ regardless of level of education. (Rom.12:2)

  Biblical divergent consideration requires humility with the end goal of aligning with God’s perfect will as spelled out in His Word. (Rom.12:3) This habit does not come naturally to this man or any other. It is present and eternal profitable work requiring personal submissive discipline to His Truth. (Jn.8:31; 2Tim.2:15; 3:15-16)

  Let us join together in this life challenge of Biblically scrutinizing man’s concepts in the light of God’s precepts. This includes not putting the thoughts of the historical church fathers before Scripture. (Did you know that the early church leaders were divided over who and/or what Jesus was?)

Sincerely,

EBB4

IDENTIFYING THE ONE TRUE CHURCH

IDENTIFYING THE ONE TRUE CHURCH

Monday, January 27, 2020

John 1:1-14 [NLT] In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created [Col.1:6; Heb.1:2; Rev.4:11], and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

  In response to my presenting question as to “The true church?” there are various responses from readers, several stating “My church.” Others expressing topical knowledge based on they have read or taught church history. One wit says “…which ever church I happen to be attending at the time.“ Studying the Word I’ve concluded:

·         History books and courses are primarily about the history of the development of denominations.

·         Jehovah God almighty has not nor will He identify the one true church by a denominational name.

·         The one true church is made up of the John 1:12 family of God, those authentically trusting in and striving to follow the Word living, Jesus, and written, the Bible. All others are not of the one true church, and remain as “darkness” (Eph.5:8), “condemned already” (Jn.3:18), belonging to the other family as Jesus very clearly defined, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there’s no room in your hearts for my message. I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father.”

“Our father is Abraham!” they declared [again].

“No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. No, you are imitating your real father.”

They replied, “We aren’t illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father.”

 Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.” (Jn.8:34-47)

  The one true church is the bride of Christ, not a single denomination. It is a spiritual entity made up of those who have by grace through faith been brought into a close, intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9).

EBB4

WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!

WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!



Matthew 21:21-22



  I have prayed for many things in my lifetime and have always ended by saying “If it is your will, Father.”

  Some of my requests have not been granted – most of them have been! Most of those that God withheld have slipped from my memory and none of them have weakened my faith.

  The answered prayers have all increased my faith.

  I serve a mighty and loving God!

Leslie Nivens

FREE INDEED!

FREE INDEED!

Friday, January 24, 2020



John [MKJV] 8:31-36 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. They answered Him, We are Abraham's seed and were never in bondage to anyone. How do you say, You will be made free?

Jesus answered them, Truly, truly, I say to you, Whoever practices sin is the slave of sin. And the slave does not abide in the house forever, but the Son abides forever. Therefore if the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.



  Jesus declared that those following Him may be free indeed. May, for religious tradition then and now is bondage that must be relinquished by understanding and trusting in the Word living (Jn.1:1) and written (Heb.4:12; 2Tim.3:16-17). Can we be free indeed as Jesus promised if we do not rightly divide “the Word of Truth”? We cannot. This corrective studious work on our part results in deliverance from the hindrance of adverse onus. (2Tim.2:15-16; 3:16-17)

  If individually necessary, in particular this includes casting aside the tradition of the 4 Gospels beginning with Matthew 1:1 as being included in the New Testament: Recognizing the cross as the dividing line between Old and New Covenants frees us from the impossibility of attempting to keep the Law of the Old Testament resulting in God’s grace personally coming into full focus.

  Be free indeed!

EBB4

WHY "ESSENTIAL"?

WHY “ESSENTIAL”?

Thursday, January 23, 2020



2Timothy [MKJV] 2:15-16 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.



  On Tuesday, January 14^th, I used the title “ESSENTIAL UNDERSTANDING” in writing about the actual beginnings of the OT and NT. In response I was asked why I said it is essential to know and understand those beginnings.

  Though “essential” is in only one of the 12 translations in my PC (ISV Acts 15:28) I chose to use the word for emphasis. Why? Because of God’s inspired penman Paul’s imperative statement in his epistle to Timothy that is no less essential to us.

  So, I ask again, why is it essential to know and understand when the OT and NT began?

EBB4

GODLY STRENGTH IS NOT BY SELF-ESTEEM

GODLY STRENGTH IS NOT BY SELF-ESTEEM

Wednesday, January 22, 2020



Philippians [NLT] 2:1-11 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.



  Self-esteem is based in pride of identity, position, accomplishments real or supposed, recognition, ownership, IQ real or supposed, looks, dress code, attention received et al. Drop hyphen, reverse words, and what do you get? Esteem of self.

  Reading God’s Word (Bible) to us, and looking at how the Word (Jn.1:1) lived and died . . . we see that esteeming self is contrary to the will of God. (Rom.12:1-3)

  Carefully reread Philippians 2:1-11 and see Jesus example of doing the will of God. Read how we are to identify with and emulate His humbleness. Is this to say as results of doing His will, copying His example, we will be tortured and killed? Though our demise may be required at the hand of man . . . though occurring elsewhere it is not likely to happen as yet in the USA.

  Pride deafens our ears to the voice of God. Emphasizing self-esteem does waxen our ears to hearing the King’s call for self-denial: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mt.16:24; Mk.8:34; 10:21; Lk.9:23)

  Self-esteem has to do with personal sovereignty in living. Said sovereignty may not involve the seemingly larger confliction of the rich young ruler (Mk.10:21). It can involve Martha-like emphasis on her tasks being of greater importance than sitting down to hear the Word, and even asking God to invoke His authority to support our life over others, evil though they may be. (Lk.10:38-42)

  Among the words He spoke while here, Jesus said “Therefore whoever shall humble himself like this little child, this one is the greater in the kingdom of Heaven. . . . And whoever shall exalt himself shall be abased, and he who shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Mt.18:4; 23:12)

  Being reminded of this truth, I suggest a humbling personal exercise for our day: Take note of every instance of conversation and deed that we say or do in effort toward self-esteem. Also note when we practice self-denial and esteem others above ourselves. At the end of this day then review prayerfully.  EBB4



PS. Considering God’s provision in “all things” as declared in 2Peter 1:3-4 dare we involve ourselves in the attempted merging of “Christian psychology”; man’s assumed amalgamation of the Word with Freud?

MANITOU SPRINGS IS NOT HEAVEN

MANITOU SPRINGS IS NOT HEAVEN

Tuesday, January 21, 2020



  As of 4pm yesterday I, along with several family members, returned from a gifted trip to Manitou Springs, Colorado, population 5 or 6,000 as even the local dwellers can’t agree. Our enjoyed stay was at the 1874 Cliff House Hotel within sight just below Pike’s Peak. Along with the many wonderous sights of God’s creation, I saw more pet dogs in those few days than in 35 years of living in Omaha, Nebraska, population 400, 000+. That experience left me wondering if you had to own 1 dog to live there, 2 or more dogs to vote. (I asked around getting varied reactions.)

  Due to altitude sickness mine, I remembered the Word’s promise that there’ll be no illness in heaven. The happening reminded me that I’ve been asked about heaven, but forgot to answer in depth from God’s Word. For all those wondering, utilizing Nave’s Topical Bible today I’m doing so.

EBB4

Heaven

God's dwelling place

Deu_26:15; Zec_2:13; 1Ki_8:30; 1Ki_8:39; 1Ki_8:43; 1Ki_8:49; 2Ch_6:18; 2Ch_6:21; 2Ch_6:27; 2Ch_6:30; 2Ch_6:33; 2Ch_6:35; 2Ch_6:39; Jer_23:24; 1Ch_16:31; 1Ch_21:26; 2Ch_7:14; Neh_9:27; 2Ch_2:6; 2Ch_30:27; Job_22:12; Job_22:14; Psa_2:4; Psa_11:4; Psa_20:6; Psa_33:13; Psa_102:19; Psa_103:19; Psa_135:6; Dan_4:35; Psa_113:5; Psa_123:1; Ecc_5:2; Isa_57:15; Isa_63:15; Isa_66:1; Lam_3:41; Lam_3:50; Dan_5:23; Mat_5:34; Mat_5:45; Mat_6:9; Mat_18:10; Mat_18:14; Mar_11:25-26; Mat_10:32-33; Mat_11:25; Mat_12:50; Mat_16:17; Mar_16:19; Act_7:49; Rom_1:18; Heb_8:1; Rev_8:1; Rev_12:7-9; Rev_21:22-27; Rev_22:1-5

The future dwelling place of the righteous

Called:

A Garner

Mat_3:12

The Kingdom of Christ and of God

Eph_5:5

The Father's House

Joh_14:2

A Heavenly Country

Heb_11:16

A Rest

Heb_4:9; Rev_14:13

Paradise

2Co_12:2; 2Co_12:4

The wicked excluded from

Gal_5:21; Eph_5:5; Rev_22:15

Unclassified scriptures relating to

2Ki_2:11; Job_3:17; Psa_16:11; Psa_17:15; Psa_23:6; Psa_24:3; Psa_24:7; Psa_73:24; Isa_33:17; Dan_12:3; Mal_3:17; Mat_5:3; Mat_5:8; Mat_5:12; Mat_5:20; Mat_6:20; Luk_12:33; Mat_8:11; Mat_13:30; Mat_13:43; Mat_13:49; Mat_3:12; Mat_18:10; Mat_19:21; Mat_25:34; Mat_25:46; Luk_10:20; Luk_12:32; Luk_15:6-7; Luk_15:10; Luk_15:32; Luk_16:22; Luk_20:34-36; Mat_22:30; Luk_22:29-30; Luk_23:43; Joh_5:28-29; Joh_10:28; Joh_12:26; Joh_13:36; Joh_14:2-3; Joh_17:22; Joh_17:24; Act_7:55-56; Rom_5:17; 2Co_5:1; 2Co_12:2-4; Eph_1:18; Col_1:5-6; Col_1:12; Col_3:4; 1Th_2:12; 1Th_4:17; 2Th_1:7; 2Th_2:14; Heb_10:34; Heb_11:10; Heb_11:16; Heb_12:22-24; Heb_12:28; Heb_13:14; 1Pe_1:4; 2Pe_1:11; 2Pe_3:13; Rev_2:7; Rev_3:21; Luk_12:8; Rev_4:4; Rev_5:9; Rev_7:9; Rev_7:13-17; Isa_49:9-10; Rev_14:1-3; Rev_15:2; Rev_21:1-5; Rev_21:9-11; Rev_21:18-19; Rev_21:21-25; Rev_21:27; Rev_22:1-5

See Righteous, Promises to, Expressed or Implied, to the Righteous

The physical heavens:

General references

Gen_1:1; Psa_19:1; Psa_50:6; Psa_68:33; Psa_89:29; Psa_97:6; Psa_103:11; Psa_113:4; Psa_115:16; Jer_31:37; Eze_1:1; Mat_24:29-30; Act_2:19-20

Physical heavens, creation of

General references

Gen_1:1; Gen_2:1; 1Ch_16:26; 2Ch_2:12; Neh_9:6; Job_9:8; Psa_8:3; Psa_19:1; Psa_33:6; Psa_33:9; Psa_148:4-6; Pro_8:27; Isa_37:16; Isa_40:22; Isa_42:5; Isa_45:18; Isa_45:12; Jer_10:12; Jer_32:17; Jer_51:15; Act_4:24; Act_14:15; Heb_1:10; Rev_10:6; Rev_14:7

See Heaven, New Heavens; Creation; God, Creator

Physical heavens, destruction of

Job_14:12; Psa_102:25-26; Isa_34:4; Isa_51:6; Mat_5:18; Mat_24:35; Heb_1:10-12; 2Pe_3:10; 2Pe_3:12; Rev_6:12-14; Rev_20:11; Rev_21:1; Rev_21:4

New heavens

Isa_65:17; Isa_66:22; 2Pe_3:13; Rev_21:1-4

NEW TESTAMENT DISTINCTIONS

NEW TESTAMENT DISTINCTIONS

Wednesday, January 15, 2020



John 1:12; 3:3

1John [MKJV] 2:7-8 Brothers, I do not write a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the Word which you have heard from the beginning. Again, I write a new commandment to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true Light now shines.



  The New Covenant activated by Jesus’ death and resurrection is distinctly different from the Old Covenant. Reading John chapters 14, 15 and 16 we read of Jesus plainly explaining differences to come. I note three:

·         Believers letting Him live in them.

·         Believers living in and by His love as He lived by His Father’s love.

·         Believers indwelled and guided by the Holy Spirit personally declaring Truth.

  I summarize these differences by knowing that as born-again New Covenant followers of Christ we live being, not to be.

EBB4



PS. For those interested I offer the list WHO I AM IN CHRIST with fully written verses. Just ask.

ESSENTIAL UNDERSTANDING

ESSENTIAL UNDERSTANDING

Tuesday, January 14, 2020



  Luke [ESV] 22:19-20 And he [Jesus] took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

  Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?



  That the New Testament (NT) began with Jesus death means the 4 gospels are included in the Old Testament (OT). This fact matters in our study and application of God’s Word, both OT and NT; Jesus being born under the OT Law and ministering to “those who were under the Law” (Gal.4:5)

  As with much of what He taught, though misunderstood, Jesus explained the then near future new testament at their last supper. They did afterward understand and lived and taught accordingly. Their doing so was quite upsetting and resisted by OT stalwarts. Some unto this day continue striving under the impossible standards of OT Law. Yet others incorrectly mingle Old and New.

  And then there are we New Testament believers that look to and live free under Christ’ perfect law of liberty, and continuing therein, not being forgetful hearers, but doers of the work, blessed in our deeds. (Heb.9;1-28; Jam.1:25)

EBB4

WHEN DID THE TESTAMENTS BEGIN?

WHEN DID THE TESTAMENTS BEGIN?

Monday, January 13, 2020



2Timothy [GW] 3:16-17 Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God's approval. They equip God's servants so that they are completely prepared to do good things.



  “When did the New Testament (NT) begin?” was the question posed Friday. Though hundreds read the query, only two responded. Possibly because so many considered the topic unimportant, or the answer so obvious? If so, I pray the subject will hereafter show the importance of the answer in God’s Word and the application in our lives as followers of His Word living (Jn.1:1) and written (2Tim.3:16-17; Heb.4:12). For we desire to be completely equipped and prepared as His servants to do good things.

  The NT question cannot be understood without first answering “When did the Old Testament (OT) begin?” The commonly given answer being Genesis 1:1, which is as incorrect as saying Matthew 1:1 is the beginning of the NT.

  To begin it is important to understand that the words testament, covenant, and will all mean the same thing in Greek. Hence today we have “last will and testament” to be applied after death. The point being that testaments begin with death, not birth. This fact eliminates the ideas that the NT began with Matthew 1:1, Christmas, John the Baptist’s shoelace proclamation or his baptizing Jesus, plus a few other incorrect beliefs.

  The OT began with death, the shedding of blood and its application, as recorded in Exodus 24:8. (Yes, blood was shed earlier, but not applied to the scroll of the Law and upon the people.)

  The NT began with the sacrificial shedding of Christ’ blood unto his death, burial, and resurrection.

  The inspired penman of Hebrews explains this truth:





1 That first covenant between God and Israel had regulations for worship and a place of worship here on earth.

2 There were two rooms in that Tabernacle. In the first room were a lampstand, a table, and sacred loaves of bread on the table. This room was called the Holy Place.

3 Then there was a curtain, and behind the curtain was the second room called the Most Holy Place.

4 In that room were a gold incense altar and a wooden chest called the Ark of the Covenant, which was covered with gold on all sides. Inside the Ark were a gold jar containing manna, Aaron’s staff that sprouted leaves, and the stone tablets of the covenant.

5 Above the Ark were the cherubim of divine glory, whose wings stretched out over the Ark’s cover, the place of atonement. But we cannot explain these things in detail now.

6 When these things were all in place, the priests regularly entered the first room as they performed their religious duties.

7 But only the high priest ever entered the Most Holy Place, and only once a year. And he always offered blood for his own sins and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.

8 By these regulations the Holy Spirit revealed that the entrance to the Most Holy Place was not freely open as long as the Tabernacle and the system it represented were still in use.

9 This is an illustration pointing to the present time. For the gifts and sacrifices that the priests offer are not able to cleanse the consciences of the people who bring them.

10 For that old system deals only with food and drink and various cleansing ceremonies—physical regulations that were in effect only until a better system could be established.

11 So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world.

12 With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.

13 Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity.

14 Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.

15 That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.

16 Now when someone leaves a will, it is necessary to prove that the person who made it is dead.

17 The will goes into effect only after the person’s death. While the person who made it is still alive, the will cannot be put into effect.

18 That is why even the first covenant was put into effect with the blood of an animal.

19 For after Moses had read each of God’s commandments to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, and sprinkled both the book of God’s law and all the people, using hyssop branches and scarlet wool.

20 Then he said, “This blood confirms the covenant God has made with you.”

21 And in the same way, he sprinkled blood on the Tabernacle and on everything used for worship.

22 In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.

23 That is why the Tabernacle and everything in it, which were copies of things in heaven, had to be purified by the blood of animals. But the real things in heaven had to be purified with far better sacrifices than the blood of animals.

24 For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf.

25 And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal.

26 If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.

27 And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment,

28 so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. [NLT chapter 9]



  I leave you with yet another question significant to our life in Christ: In studying and personally applying Scripture, why is it essential to understand when the New Testament began?

EBB4

WHEN THE FLAMES ARE NEAR

WHEN THE FLAMES ARE NEAR

Sunday, January 12, 2020



2Corinthians {GW] 6:2  God says, "At the right time I heard you. On the day of salvation I helped you." Listen, now is God's acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!



  The Australian wildfires are horrific, something I can’t imagine. Today I read of a family that thought they prepared beginning decades ago. They built using steel and concrete plus a wide set back, the home supposedly fireproof. Under normal circumstances, likely so, but attacked by a super intense holocaust, not so. While keeping the buffer zone wet the powerful heat penetrated setting the interior ablaze.

  Though they left two vehicles running in the driveway only the truck was useable. The car had begun to melt! Her shoe soles melted while fleeing to the truck. They finally ended up with other community members at the Volunteer Fire Department. The father, mom, and teenage son figured that if they’d stayed 30 seconds longer they’d be dead from the heat and lack of oxygen.

  At the fire station everyone prayed as a group. “even the atheists”.

  This reminded me of Christian State Trooper that was an avid witness of Christ the Redeemer. As happens he was mostly rejected, but continued faithful to Jesus’ commandments. He encouraged discouraged novice believers to be faithful. I being one. He told me of racing to collisions where people died in his presence. “Even the professed atheists prayed as they realized the flames are near.”

EBB4

WHEN DID THE NEW TESTAMENT BEGIN?

OT >>> NT

Friday, January 10, 2020



2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.



  When did the New Testament begin?

  This not a test. It’s again an opportunity for edification if and as needed. Please provide your answers before Monday morning.

EBB4

THE ROCK

MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES ARE NOT THE ROCK

Thursday, January 9, 2020



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

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

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



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

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

  For the clarity of this truth I thank God.

EBB4



*God’s Holy Spirit guidance is never contrary to God’s written Word.

84 + 1 + ?

84 + 1 + ?

Wednesday, January 8, 2020



Luke 19:11-27



Dear fellow travelers,

  Today I’m 84 years plus 1 day of age. So many wonderful supportive well wishes!

  The question mark in today’s title involves no fear but a casual wondering how much longer I’ll be this side of heaven. It being a bit of a conflict; my liking it here with family, friends, and acquaintances . . . all while looking forward to departure and arrival.

  My life’s details have changed. Some for better. Others for worse. However, one principled exhortation from Jesus remains important in my life: I am to occupy until He returns or I die. Hence, the way I sign many notes and letters. It being foremost a reminder for me and prayerfully so for others.

To serve Him all my days,

Edwin Bennett Bullock 4th

 

A BIBLICALLY GUARDED TONGUE

A BIBLICALLY GUARDED TONGUE

Tuesday, January 7, 2020



James chapter 3



Dear fellow travelers,

  Mary J. and Lisa F. aired the following Biblical guarded tongue list. After very little consideration I decided it’s something I and possibly you need to work on. I redacted the list, added a few, put the verses in order to ease study, and making it personal lest I slip into “Oh my, ______ needs to do this!”

  Please feel free to print, look up the Scripture in your Bible, and carry for review and application unto mature Romans 12:1-3 worship pleasing the Lord.



I should remain silent when ….. 

1.       I’m about to blame God for my failure. Gen.3:12; Jam.1:13-16

2.       I’m about to blame someone else for my failure. Gen.3:12

3.       I’m about to blame Satan for my failure. Gen.3:13

4.       I haven’t verified the story. Deut.17:6

5.       I’m tempted to speak lightly of holy matters. Eccl.5:2

6.       I want to know and hear God. Ps.46:10

7.       I am tempted to tell a lie. Pr.4:24

8.       I will be ashamed of your words later. Pr.8:8

9.       It is time for me to listen. Pr.13:1

10.   I am tempted to joke about sin. Pr.14:9

11.   The issue is none of my business. Pr.14:10

12.   I am about to speak angrily. Pr.14:17

13.   I’m supposed to be working instead of talking. Pr.14:23

14.   My words will damage someone’s reputation. Pr.16:27

15.   My words will damage a friendship. Pr.16:28

16.   My words would convey the wrong impression. Pr.17:27

17.   I don’t have all the facts. Pr.18:13

18.   I may have to eat my words later. Pr.18:21

19.   I’ve already said it several times. Pr.19:13

20.   I want to guard my soul from trouble. Pr.21:23

21.   I’m tempted to flatter an evil person. Pr.24:24

22.   I can’t speak without screaming. Pr.25:28

23.   My words will contribute to a weaker person stumbling. 1Cor.8:11

24.   I am feeling critical. Jam.3:9

25.   My words will reflect poorly on the Lord, family, and friends. 1Pet.2:21-23

Contributed by others after their reviewing:

+26. When the nice Police Officer tells me that I have that right.  Miranda Warning 101

+27. The wife threatens not to cook dinner. Hezekiah 3: 27

+28. When I'm about to say something foolish. Ecclesiastes 10:1



  Possibly you could add a few with Bible verses. If so, please do and I’ll add them to the list.

EBB4