TRUST

 

TRUST

Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear Jehovah and depart from evil.  Healing shall be to your navel and marrow to your bones. [Pro_22:19; Job_13:15; Psa_37:3, Psa_37:5, Psa_37:7, Psa_62:8, Psa_115:9-11, Psa_125:1, Psa_146:3-5; Isa_12:2, Isa_26:3-4; Jer_17:7-8; Eph_1:12]

  Trusting God is “reasonable service” that is “good and pleasing and the perfect will of God”. Take note that the good and pleasing is also usward.

EBB4

EMERGENCY

 

EMERGENCY 

  The word emergency has obvious meanings. Awakening to sudden change being one definition . . . and experience. In HOW TO KNOW WHEN THE EMERGING CHURCH SHOWS SIGNS OF EMERGING INTO YOUR CHURCH, Roger Oakland of Lighthouse Trails Publishing, stated:

“The world is changing. So is the Christian evangelical church. There was a time – not that very long ago – when the Bible was considered to be the Word of God by the majority of evangelical Christians. Now we are well into the third millennium and the post-modern, post-Christian era, the term evangelical can mean almost anything. What has happened? Why is this happening, and what is the future for mainstream Christianity?”

  Always wanting to know your thoughts as DT readers, I’m inviting you to answer Oakland’s questions.

Please do as not just I am interested.

EBB4

WORSHIP

 

WORSHIP

Exodus [MKJV] 20:3; 23:13 You shall have no other gods before Me. … be watchful in all that I have said to you. And make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of your mouth. (Also note Mt.22:36-38; 1Jn.5:7)

  International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) defines worship as “Honor, reverence, homage, in thought, feeling, or act, paid to men, angels, or other “spiritual” beings, and figuratively to other entities, ideas, powers or qualities, but specifically and supremely to Deity.“

  “Worship” is seen in the KJV 108 times in 102 verses, and mentioned in other forms or by example many other times throughout Scripture. An interesting bit of data, but not at all the preeminent question to be asked or answered. The top query, as always in all ways, being personal application.

  Going to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance we find the word “before” in Exodus 20:3 is a Hebrew word, meaning: H5921; Properly the same as H5920 used as a preposition (in the singular or plural, often with prefix, or as conjugation with a particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications: - above, according to (-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through (-out), to, touching, X with. (For the diggers, H6440 is also to be noted.)

  So, seeing the meaning of “before”, we must ask ourselves, Whom or what is before all others in my life?

  An easier question to answer on Sunday after song and sermon, but what of Wednesday, or possibly as soon as Monday?

  Let us progress by continuing in following the direction of 2Corinthians 13:5 so that we may mindfully answer the preeminent question on worship, examining ourselves to see whether we John are truly thinking and walking in Christian faith. Testing ourselves in actual ways! Never forgetting that we John 1:12 children are people in whom Jesus lives. (1Cor.6:19-20)

  How sad it would be to fail the “before” test on this life’s adorations! 

EBB4

THE PRIMARY REASON FOR COMPLIANCE

 

THE PRIMARY REASON FOR COMPLIANCE

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

   Jews and others (“gentiles”) trusting Jesus Christ are dead to the law. (Romans chapter 6) The Big 10 plus the 600+ others.

  Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection provides forgiveness, liberty, and life abundant for His John 1:12 family members; God’s grace, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing now and eternally.

  The unbiblical theology of some denominations however has and continues to teach an olio of law and grace; a misbegotten Moses 2.0. Jesus clearly demonstrates that there is not a mix that works. (Mt.9:16-17; Mk.2:21-22; Lk.5:37) Doing so isn’t just confusion, it is counter productive ending in wasting.

  Though not judged by the 10 Commandments, Jesus’s followers can look to them for moral definition as His Holy Spirit indwelled teaches us all things (Jn.14:26). Particularly manifestation of commandments 1 and 2 fulfilling all others.

  Using # 8 to explain the authentic worship truth: Why not steal? Because it is wrong? Because not stealing is the right thing to do? Or because it is loving God and others is Christians’ reasonable service, pleasing and the perfect will of God; authentic worship?

EBB4

CONTEXT

 

CONTEXT

 

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

  2Timothy 2:14-16 Put them in memory of these things, charging them before the Lord not to dispute about words to no profit, to the subverting of the hearers. 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. 

 

  I have learned that reading, studying, then applying the Word of God must be done contextually in order to please Him, benefit personally, and be beneficial to others. The often quoted feel-good verse Philippians 4:13 being a case in point.

  Paul did not make a stand-alone statement. Read in the context of his letter we see that Paul made a qualified summarizing declaration.

  We should never name it – claim it without qualification. This is especially so if our life is a stumbling weighted discontented shambles.

  Let’s consider Paul’s list of qualifications that I see:

 

·         1:3; thankfulness to and before God and others for others.

·         1:4; praying for others.

·         1:6; confidence in God’s good work in others.

·         1:7-19; 4:5-7, 15-19; a heart of togetherness in family grace.

·         1:19; accepting the support of others.

·         1:21-23; torn between committed service and heavenly deliverance.

·         1:30; 2:16; identifying with “conflict” suffered by others.

·         2:17-18; 4:4; rejoicing with others.

·         2:18-30; 3:4-14; evidence that Paul didn’t have a superior self-righteous lone wolf attitude. Humility.

·         3:13-14; baggage free!

·         3:14; regardless of circumstance or potential dire future, focused on “the high calling”.

·         3:20-21; a mind and heart based in heavenly citizenship.

·         4:5-13; Biblically optimized sanity, heart and mind at peace.

·         4:11-12; contrary to anxiety, contentment.

·         You have probably noticed some that I missed. Please do tell me of them.

 

  If qualified, then we too can authentically acknowledge the same wondrous work of Christ in our life.

EBB4

 

ADOPTED

MATTHEW 18:10-14 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. 

  The summer I was 12, our family moved to a small town with a Baptist and a Methodist church equally distant from our home. My parents and my grandfather, who lived with us, were Methodist, but all the young people at school participated at the Baptist church so I too gravitated there. At age 17 I finally officially became a member there. However, my parents believed “Once in grace, always in grace.” was wrong. I then too had some doubts about the Baptist church doctrine.

  Then, 15 years later, as my husband and I sat in the court room waiting for the ruling on our adopting a child, the judge said “Mr. and Mrs. Nivens, you do understand that if we let you have this baby, once the adoption is final, you can never disown or disinherit him.” It was then that it finally dawned on me: That’s what God’s Word promises; I am His adopted [Jn.1:12] child and He will never disown me!

Leslie Nivens (12/12/1928-3/1/2020)

PS. For those interested in eternal security, just ask and I’ll provide my 20 page Biblical study file. EBB4

DEMOCRACY & PANTHEISM

 

DEMOCRACY & PANTHEISM

GotQuestions.org: "What is pantheism?"

  Pantheism is the view that God is everything and everyone and that everyone and everything is God. Pantheism is similar to polytheism (the belief in many gods), but goes beyond polytheism to teach that everything is God. A tree is God, a rock is God, an animal is God, the sky is God, the sun is God, you are God, etc. Pantheism is the supposition behind many cults and false religions (e.g., Hinduism and Buddhism to an extent, the various unity and unification cults, and “mother nature” worshipers).
  Does the Bible teach pantheism? No, it does not. What many people confuse as pantheism is the doctrine of God’s omnipresence. Psalm 139:7-8 declares, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” God’s omnipresence means He is present everywhere. There is no place in the universe where God is not present. This is not the same thing as pantheism. God is everywhere, but He is not everything. Yes, God is “present” inside a tree and inside a person, but that does not make that tree or person God. Pantheism is not at all a biblical belief.
  The clearest biblical arguments against pantheism are the countless commands against idolatry. The Bible forbids the worship of idols, angels, celestial objects, items in nature, etc. If pantheism were true, it would not be wrong to worship such an object, because that object would, in fact, be God. If pantheism were true, worshiping a rock or an animal would have just as much validity as worshiping God as an invisible and spiritual being. The Bible’s clear and consistent denunciation of idolatry is a conclusive argument against pantheism.

Recommended Resource: Jesus Among Other Gods by Ravi Zacharias

+++

I enjoy living in a democratic republic but know that pantheism makes democracy problematic. How so? To answer I share an excerpt from THE BEREAN CALL, October 2020. Reading the 3 page article I recognize that we are not getting there. We are there. ☹ EBB4

  Pantheism is not only driven by its appeal to humans to “be as gods” [Gen.3:5] but is reinforced by political action, notably democracy. How so?

  Andrews* writes The “… growth of Democracy serves to pave the way for the Antichrist by making the popular will supreme., both as to the choice as to rulers and the nature and extent of their rule; and by giving legal expression to that will.

  When a people elects its legislators, the legislation will be what the majority of the voters demand. In the past, among all Christian nations, such legislation has, in great part, been based upon Christian principles, and involved the recognition of God’s authority. So long as this authority, as declared in the Scriptures or by the Church [Not a denomination, but the Church; ekklesia.] is recognized, popular will is not supreme; but according as it is denied, this supremacy is more and more enlarged. If, then, the belief becomes general, either that there is no God [Or the unbiblical “god of our understanding”.], the Law giver, or no expression of His will which is authoritative, what principle shall determine the character and limitations of legislation? The only principle is that of the [supposed] public good; whatever this demands, is right.”

*In 1898 Samuel Andrews insightfully foresaw and wrote his book Christianity and Anti-christianity In Their Final Conflict. In it, Andrews addresses the naturalist pantheistic beliefs that influence society. Popular philosophers Baruch Spinoza, Immanuel Kant, Georg Hegel, Henry David Thoreau, and Ralph Waldo Emerson headlining his list.

PAYING ATTENTION

 

PAYING ATTENTION

  Psalm [CEV] 92:3-6 I enjoy praising your name to the music of harps, because everything you do makes me happy, and I sing joyful songs. You do great things, LORD. Your thoughts are too deep for an ignorant fool to know or understand. 

  Proverbs 12:15 Fools think they know what is best, but a sensible person listens to advice. 

  In my endeavor to please my Lord . . . and not wanting to be an ignorant fool, I’ve additionally acquired 42 topical books by June Hunt: Hope for the Heart, a Bible-based counseling series. As is my custom, I’m thoughtfully reading them for myself first of all. Doing so because at 85 I still need maturing. And I want to be familiar with what I recommend.

  At 4x7 inches pocket sized, 96 pages each, they are easy to read & understand. Each topical book is divided in four sections:  1. Definitions. 2. Characteristics. 3. Causes. 4. Solutions. Thus far I’ve thoughtfully read Considering Marriage; Are You Fit To Be Tied?, Forgiveness; The Freedom to Let Go, Depression; Walking From Darkness Into the Dawn, Self-Worth; Discovering Your God-given Worth, Anger; Facing the Fire Within, Stress; How to Cope at the End of Your Rope, Grief; Living at Peace With Loss, Critical Spirit; Confronting the Heart of a Critic.

  I have benefitted from each Biblically insightful book and encourage you to acquire according to your need or lack and join me in happy maturation pleasing to Lord God Almighty. (Rom.12:1-3)

EBB4

INDICATION OF AUTHENTIC FAITH

 

INDICATION OF AUTHENTIC FAITH

2Corinthians [ESV] 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 

  When we trust the Word, written (2Tim.3:16; 3Tim.2:14-16; 2Pet.1:20) and living (Jn.1:1), there are indicators. Indicators that are identified throughout Scripture. The past few days I’ve been thinking about this matter as I consider my journey this side of heaven. Three in particular keep coming to mind.

·         Jesus explaining that “every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.” (Lk.6:44)

·         James explaining that our mouth is an indicator of our heart, writing “Does a fountain send forth at the same hole the sweet and the bitter? Can the fig tree, my brothers, bear olive berries; or a vine, figs? So no fountain can yield both salt water and fresh.” (Jam.3:11-12)

·         Peter explaining that suffering the grief of unjust criticism proves our faith, penning “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.“ (1Pet.1:6-7)

  How wonderful it is that our Father in heaven has not left His John 1:12 children bumbling about wondering about authentic faith.

EBB4

 

PS. Please feel free to contribute the indicators that are important to you.

 

WORSHIP INCLUDES FEAR?

 

WORSHIP INCLUDES FEAR?

  Proverbs 1:7, 29; 2:5; 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. … For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

… Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. … The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

  Isaiah 11:2; 33:6 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; …  And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.

  Does fear have any part in worshipping God? Is it essential to worshipping God?

  The answer is yes, but not as terror that discombobulates or is confusing, but the respectful reverence for His authority.

  I must still remember applicable Scripture that continues to exercise (exorcise?) this anti-authoritarian old man: I am receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, gaining and enjoying my Lord’s grace that I may serve Him acceptably with godly reverential fear; For Almighty Sovereign God is a consuming fire. (Heb.12:28-29) 

EBB4 

ALAS ALACK?

 

ALAS ALACK?

Ever learning and never able to come to the full knowledge of the truth. (2Tim.3:7)

  Awoke with “Alas Alack!” replaying in my head with memory of elementary school cultural activity.

  Was it Shakespeare we were studying? At any rate, after our bit of education we twerps dramatically greeted each other, with forearm to forehead above pained expression, wretchedly emoting “Alas Alack, I am ruined!”

  Some, decades later, I left childhood play moving onto adult stage wretched attitude.

  We should never stuff our feelings. Read the 23^rd Psalm and others. But we are to learn well that our feelings are not to be center stage paramount theater . . . for they are poor director and producer.

  Ann, I, and numerous others, want people, especially Christians to gain knowledge of “Life is not about me.”

  Come to our door and you will find a wood and metal plaque displaying The 10 Commandments. Next to it is a framed version of 1Corthinians 13.

  Is it life-possible to have one without the other?

  At your knock, if I see you reading, I will not interrupt by unlatching the door until you are done.

  Since you’re not likely to read our wall today, I bring the words to you. 

EBB4 (Thursday, May 13, 2010)

What if I could speak all languages of humans and of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

What if I could prophesy and understand all secrets and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others.

What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others.

Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do.

Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.

Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten.

We don't know everything, and our prophecies are not complete.

But what is perfect will someday appear, and what isn't perfect will then disappear.

When we were children, we thought and reasoned as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways.

Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us.

For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.

 

Update on Ann: All went well yesterday with the promise of to go home today 5/13/10. Ann was quite typically perky through the whole chemo treatment and thereafter. Before each infusion they injected several some-sort-of buffers. – Yesterday’s chemo concoction came with “WARNING: If spilled or leaks, destroys flesh.” … so potent that after using toilet you are required to flush numerous times for the safety of others. This new knowledge brought discussion of God’s wondrous design of our plumbing. Ed

 

ANGELS

 

ANGELS

Matthew [MKJV] chapter 18 … Jesus called a little child to Him and set him in their midst, and said, Truly I say to you, Unless you are converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Therefore whoever shall humble himself like this little child, this one is the greater in the kingdom of Heaven. And whoever shall receive one such little child in My name receives Me. But whoever shall offend one of these little ones who believes in Me, it would be better for him that an ass's millstone were hung around his neck, and he be sunk in the depth of the sea. … Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I say to you that in Heaven their angels always behold the face of My Father in Heaven. …

  There was a big snow. I looked out the window and saw the little next-door girl flop down on her back and make a snow angel. I couldn’t help but wonder is she knew she has her own personal angel watching over her. Someday soon I’ll show her that Jesus told of this.

Leslie Nivens (12/12/1928-3/1/2020)

 PS. Upon request I will provide my Word-based 10 page study file on angels. EBB4

THE COUNSELOF GOD AVAILABLE TO ALL

 THE COUNSEL OF THE WORD EXISTENT FOR ALL

 

  The same life issues confront everyone. In our search for solutions to the issues of life, He who created us in His image (Gen.1:26) provides answers through and by His Word, Jesus (Jn.1:1) and the Bible (2Tim.2:14-16; 3:16; 2Pet.1:20). Wonderfully God’s solutions and their application are not limited to His John 1:12 children. Marvelously, in and by His boundless agape’ love, all of His answers are available to anyone and everyone. (Sadly, there are closeminded people that reject God’s solutions for the reasons of labeled “Christian” and/or “Bible”.)

  As a retiree with resources I am blessed with time, space, and facility to study, gain, and provide insight, understanding, and reminders from God’s Word. I exercise this responsibility and privilege well aware of the busy, sometimes frantic, life others may life. Especially those that hardly have time for a goodnight prayer with their young family.

  Though not busy with younger occupations and demands, I too rely on others I know personally or as authors and speakers. (Being a life-long reader and now hearing impaired, authors for the most part.)

  Recently, upon recommendation I acquired the HOPE For The HEART series, Biblical Christ-centered counseling by June Hunt.  96 pages each. Easy to read & understand. Each topical book is divided in four sections:  1. Definitions. 2. Characteristics. 3. Causes. 4. Solutions.  I now recommend them to others.  Please do make your needed selection(s) and acquire, read, apply and be blessed.  I’m doing so with all. The blue titles I’ve read and am prayerfully working on personal application.   

 

Adultery, Aging Well, Alcohol & Drug Abuse, Anger, Anorexia & Bulimia, Boundaries, Bullying, Caregiving,              

Chronic Illness & Disability, Codependency, Conflict Resolution, Confrontation, Considering Marriage,

Critical Spirit, Decision Making, Depression, Domestic Violence, Dysfunctional Family, Envy & Jealousy,

Fear, Financial Freedom, Forgiveness, Friendship, Gambling, Grief, Guilt, Hope, Loneliness, Manipulation, Marriage – Are You Fit To Be Tied?, Overeating, Parenting, Perfectionism, Procrastination,

Reconciliation, Rejection, Self-Worth [As opposed to unbiblical egocentric self-esteem], Sexual Integrity,

Singleness, Spiritual Abuse, Stress, Success Through Failure, Suicide Prevention, Verbal & Emotional Abuse, Victimization.

 

Together we journey,

Edwin Bennett Bullock 4th

HEALTH POST EDEN

 

HEALTH POST EDEN

 

Genesis, the first 4 chapters.

 

  Adam and Eve’s distrust of Jehovah God Almighty resulted is drastic change. The resultant immediate changes in mind adversely affecting them and all people unto this day and beyond in body, soul, and spirit. Reading the Genesis record, we see the initial chilling naked differences.

·         From security to insecurity; fear.

·         From dignity to shame; humiliation.

·         Futile escapism; bushes or beaches.

·         Irresponsible blame-shifting.

·         Degradation unto deniability; lying.

·         From equality to inequality; the conflict of the sexes.

·         From vegetarian to carnivore; dissatisfied appetites.

·         From serenity to sorrow; angst and worry.

·         From weed and disease-free agriculture to aggravation; sweet to sweat.

·         Plus, aware of the truth of 1Corinthans 15:21-22, I’m left wondering exactly how life would be if Adam had said no? Would it have cost no more than another rib?

   The initial woeful list producing the expanding catalog of phobias and noias. Or as pal Al sums it, “The battle for the mind.” And then and now there’s man’s band-aid attempts to solve mankind’s mental health troubles.

EBB4

MENTAL HEALTH IS A TRUST ISSUE

 

MENTAL HEALTH IS A TRUST ISSUE

   Proverbs [MKJV] 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 

  Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. 

  I’m sure that after reading today’s title that some of you think I’ve lost my mind completely.

  Mental health as a topic is popular once again, an issue that historically recycles newsworthy as a cause. It being a human condition at some level for one and all. The expert measure of it varying through the ages, but generally identified by an individual(s) being functional in society or not. And this general criteria of functional has and will continue to vary; hate being considered normal in some cultures.

  Where did the problem start?

  With Adam and Eve. None of us have been or will be as sane as they were prior to their not trusting God.

  The remedy?

  There is no absolute cure. There is however optimized individual mental health depending on how much we trust The One that created us in his image. (Gen.1:26) His freely provided counsel being Truth (Jn.17:17); the Word living (Jn.1:1) and written (The Bible, 2Tim.3:16; 3Tim.2:14-16; 2Pet.1:20). His Truth, when relied upon makes us wise unto deliverance (2Tim.3:15); the embraced application of godly wisdom being synonymous with optimization of body, soul, and spirit.

  Hear and heed the Word of God: “Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who has called us to glory and virtue, through which He has given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, so that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also in this very thing, bringing in all diligence, filling out your faith with virtue, and with virtue, knowledge; and with knowledge self-control, and with self-control, patience, and with patience, godliness, and with godliness, brotherly kindness, and with brotherly kindness, love.” (2Pet.2-7)

EBB4

READINESS IS REVEALING

 

READINESS IS REVEALING

  I awoke this morning without a Thought on my mind. As always there’s the option of checking DT archives, selecting one that speaks to my heart, editing it as necessary, then sharing with ya’ll. Instead I chose to check e-mail. I’m glad I did, for the following comment from one of my beloved (1^st) cousins, Jo, stirred my thoughts.

“Ed, funny that you say that [READY TO BE RAPTURED], every night in my prayers I say to God I’m ready when you are. Not that I want to go but I have been blessed with a good life...️Jo”

  So what does ready to go/ready to stay reveal about Jo and the rest of us of like Christian mind? 

  A life centered in Jesus’ summarizing two fulfilling commandments.

  Hear the Word: After Jesus had made the Sadducees look foolish, the Pharisees heard about it and got together. One of them was an expert in the Jewish Law. So he tried to test Jesus by asking, "Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?" Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, "Love others as much as you love yourself." All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.” (ESV MT.22:34-40) 

EBB4

FOLLOWSHIP

 

FOLLOWSHIP

 

  Jeremiah [MKJV] 17:7-10 Blessed is the man who trusts in Jehovah, and Jehovah is his trust. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters; it sends out its roots by the river, and it shall not fear when the heat comes, but its foliage shall be green; and he is not worried in the year of drought, nor will it cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I Jehovah search the heart, I try the reins, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. [Ps.1; Pr.28:26]

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

 

  I have not misspelled today’s title. Word-based followship being essential in facilitating the claim of Philippians 4:13. There is however the all to common alternative of “Follow your heart.” The choice being individual, and often making for groups of *like-minded misguided individuals; alone or as a crowd stumbling along the rocky path of life. And if unchanged, ending in the direst of places.

  Judas and Peter being contrastive examples.

  Judas didn’t follow the Word. He followed his heart. In sorrowing he could have repented, instead choosing a worldly escape.

  Peter followed his heart, then repented and truly followed the Word. Doing so he became a world changer for many unto this day and shall for yet more as his words point others to follow the Word.

  Hear the One that leads not astray: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. … I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away. And every one that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bring forth more fruit. Now you are clean through the Word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered. And they gather and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” (Mt.4:19b; Jn.15:1-6)

EBB4

 

*Like-minded as in when we allow our feelings to drive our thinking.

READY?

 

READY TO BE RAPTURED

Matthew 24:35-44 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe [Noah] were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 

  I do a lot of driving – mostly short trips. I’m on the highway a lot! I always ask God for safe travel, if it be His will, knowing that someday it may not be. In which case I wouldn’t be here for the rapture.

  It really doesn’t matter though because either departure, I’m ready!

  While ready this do you know you’re ready? If not, then go to a Biblically knowledgeable wise Christian that will show you how to be prepared. I pray you will then trust Christ as your personal Savior so that you too will be ready for leaving this world.

Leslie Nivens (12/12/1928-3/1/2020)

ANOTHER DAY OF REJOICING

 

ANOTHER DAY OF REJOICING

 

  Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.  

  Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 

  1Thessalonians 5:16-19 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. 

 

  I rejoice every day. Yesterday was no different though the particulars were a bit so.

  It actually began the evening before. My eldest daughter, her husband, and a longtime friend I hadn’t seen for a while invited me to join them at Memphis where they were camping (the indoor kind) for a long weekend. As is our “Ya’ll come!” family custom, two 12 year old and a 5 year old grandkids plus their parents filled 5 more seats in the Mazda towing our paddleboat for the 40 mile drive thru the countryside . . . hi-speed gravel roads and all. The Memphis Nebraska State Recreation Area is beautiful. Centered around a pristine 100 acre lake with an island in the middle.

  During the steam era Memphis lake was one of the largest ice making locations in America. Silver Creek feeding the lake. Frigid winter making the ice. Men cutting, hauling, and packing the ice in sawdust for warm weather use.

  Together; discussions, reminiscing, canoeing, paddleboating, lazy floating, delicious goop soup, photo ops, lawn games, exploring, roaming, running, cattail fun, watching. Our expert fisherman friend teaching angling while catching fish.

  The maintained road ended at the park. After I unhooked the utility trailer to leave it for their return hauling, I ventured beyond the maintained road to the limited maintenance lane. The one I ventured on is about 5 miles long ending at Ithaca. (NE has 100’s of miles of such used by farmers, ranchers, hunters, and off-roaders.) Being in drought condition I confidently drove my 2-wheel powered vehicle down the rough some places heavily rutted lane. I passed a closed old road, a shutdown 2 lane iron bridge, both the result of depopulation and consolidating farms and ranches.

  Among the endless cornfields I came upon one being harvested. Going on until finding a safe place to turn around. I then went back to watch the harvesting. The combine was one of those humongous John Deere machines churning along quickly. Nearer to me was an even larger grain wagon hooked to a huge John Deere tractor.

  Suddenly the tractor cab door opened and a man swung to the ground. He then easily walked to me thru the tangled cornstalks.

  The covering of field grime didn’t diminish his friendly smile, handshake, with “Hi, I’m Nick.”

  We had a pleasant conversation that included exchanging contact info and his inviting me to revisit and ride along in the machinery. I hope to. Today I’ll write him a thank you for contributing to my life.

  The ride home in the dark was uneventful. As expected, little man fell asleep exhausted.

  Enjoy your days. I hope you enjoyed my yesterday in God’s fields.

EBB4

A PARSIMONIOUS SPOUSE

 A PARSIMONIOUS SPOUSE?

Genesis 2:18-25 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

  I once received the financial tip “When marrying, choose a parsimonious spouse.” A bit of weird humor; first the ridiculous sounding word; then in making ridiculous suggestion that anyone should marry a parsimonious spouse to keep their spendthrift compulsive shopping ways under control.

  Ridiculous suggestion indeed; for a parsimonious spouse is often frugal and cost-conscious far beyond financial budget matters. They have been known to be much narrower than tightfisted penny crushing, with some being stingy, cheap and miserly emotionally and physically, even considering themselves the ordained royal comptroller of all things family and beyond.

  Marriage is one very serious business, finances, wealthy or not, being but just one of the sub-topics within. An issue capable of producing stress, disharmony, and, for some, downright misery.

  In Scripture I see marriage established as our second most important decision, the first being relationship to trust and fellowship in and with God. (I’m not saying here that everyone must marry. To insist so is not Biblical.)

  One immediate question: Considering “help meet” in 2:18; was part of the test of living in Eden seeing how Adam and Eve worked together?

  To the end that we may grow and mature together whether single, engaged, or married, I pray. 

EBB4  

My recommended resource: For only $2.99 June Hunt’s 96 page Bible-based Christ centered CONSIDERING MARRIAGE, Are You Fit To Be Tied? Useful for self, ministering to loved ones and others, an excellent early-stage shower gift.

 

 

JESUS THE SON OF ALLAH?

 

Jesus Christ Presented as the Son of Allah – A “New” Way of Doing Missions?

January 23, 2014 by A Ministry in His Service, by Paul Proctor. Used with permission.

 

  I have addressed, on numerous occasions, the Church’s ongoing efforts to reinvent Christianity into a global religion of Results & Relationships by using the powers of pragmatism and consensus to artificially grow itself into something more widely accepted by the world instead of faithfully proclaiming the Word of God “in season and out” as we are commanded to do in 2nd Timothy 4:2. The leaders of the new spirituality and its church growth movement have always had a hard time avoiding the “wide gate” and “broad way” [Mt.7:13-14] choosing clever methods of “evangelism” that are not only incompatible with God’s Word, but also prove them unwilling to trust Him with the increase – ever looking for something more clever, spectacular and impressive to glory in and boast about to a watching world.

“…for men to search their own glory is not glory.” – Proverbs 25:27b

 

“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” – 1st Corinthians 3:7

 

  There’s no better example of this than a story from The Baptist Standard where Christians are encouraged by a “veteran missionary” to employ what’s called “The Camel Method” to evangelize, where the Quran is used, instead of the Bible, to share Christ with Muslims – a method that reportedly utilizes “selected verses” and “doesn’t teach oo lecture, but asks questions.”                                                                                                        

  Isn’t this exactly what dialectically trained facilitators have done for years in many seeker-sensitive and Purpose Driven churches to draw and hold large and diverse crowds of potential converts with a lot of non-offensive opinion sharing and relationship building in order to find common ground and greater tolerance for one another through compromise and group dynamics? That may be the agenda of global socialists at the United Nations, but it’s not the Bible’s agenda for Christians or the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I’m sure the UN would have no problem with a program like this where sidelining biblical truths for a contrived unity is celebrated and syncretism is the spirituality of choice.

 

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” – Proverbs 14:12

 

  According to the report, missionary Kevin Greeson, who “has served 16 years with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board,” is “working to start Christian movements among Muslims in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal…” adding that “his goal focuses less on individual conversions and more on starting spiritual movements that will result in thousands of Muslims becoming followers of Christ.”     Greeson: “Our generation can’t afford to be satisfied or happy with winning one lost person to Christ. There are so many lost people, we can’t be happy with that.”

 

“…I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” – Luke 15:10

 

  Certainly most Christians would like to see more than one person they witness to repent and receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, but where in God’s Word are we commanded to “take up thy Quran” and “go ye into all the world and start a movement?” Sure it sounds lofty and high-minded in our Big Box culture where consumers like to impress each other and get the most for the least; but isn’t this more of an exercise in ecumenical egomania and spiritual sleight-of-hand than humble obedience to Jesus’ call to “take up thy cross” and “go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature?”

  It’s alarming enough that the Bible is set aside with this method of “evangelism,” but it’s outright heresy that Jesus Christ is presented as the son of Allah, since Allah was widely recognized and worshipped as a pagan moon god even before there was a Mohammed.

  How then can the truth set you free if it begins with a lie? [Jn.8:32]

 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

FROM CONVENIENCE TO CONTROL

 

FROM CONVENIENCE TO CONTROL

  1Corinthians 4:1-2 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 

  Revelation [GW] 13:16-18 The second beast forces all people-important and unimportant people, rich and poor people, free people and slaves-to be branded on their right hands or on their foreheads. It does this so that no one may buy or sell unless he has the brand, which is the beast's name or the number of its name. In this situation wisdom is needed. Let the person who has insight figure out the number of the beast, because it is a human number. The beast's number is 666. 

 

Dear fellow pilgrims,

 Through the years, decades, and centuries lots of authorities have predicted the nearness or exact moment of Biblical end times. Because of the many failed predictors I have shied away from the endeavor. However, lately I’ve been pondering and wondering. Why now?

  European financial institutions, banks et al, are shifting much more to digital transactions though they’re saying there’s still a place for cash. I’ve taken note of the provisional “still”, knowing by experience and observation how quickly this could become “no longer”; moving from convenience to control. Though living in a democratic republic a control that we will have no decision in it.

  Israel and the Middle East: Surrounding nations and their supporters elsewhere, including those in the USA, have historically sworn to not just destroy Israel but also to annihilate the Jewish people. This attempted many times in many ways. In my lifetime included the Holocaust, numerous tribal attacks, plus several major wars. The perpetrators, as God promised, have never accomplished their foremost objective . . . not will they ever. There is however more destruction to come.

  Though ultimate destruction is still on the enemies’ agenda, I suspect it will be attempted differently this time. Whereas Israel was attacked militarily, I wonder if the recent *friendliness is a ploy with hoping to entice the Israelis to be less vigilant. (The USA disastrously did this after several wars. In my memory post WWII in particular incurring the Korean Conflict.) The affability could also enable increased  infiltration.

  As God’s John 1:12 family we are not pawns in all that is done. Though the scale of our field and position varies we are players indeed involved. The prime issue is not when, where, how et al, but whether with or without understanding to be faithful as God’s 2Corinthians 5:7-20 ambassadors of reconciliation.

A companion traveler,

Edwin Bennett Bullock 4^th

 

*The usefulness of authentic lovers of mankind, peacemakers. Examples are WWII’s Neville Chamberlain and the Japanese ambassadors.

BODY, SOUL, SPIRIT

 

Question: "Do we have two or three parts? Body, soul, and spirit? Dichotomy or trichotomy?"

  Genesis 1:26–27 indicates that God created mankind distinct from all the other creatures. Scripture clearly teaches that man is intended to experience intimate relationship with God, and, therefore, He created us as a unity of both material (physical) and immaterial (spiritual) aspects (Ecclesiastes 12:7, Matthew 10:28, 1 Corinthians 5:5, 2 Corinthians 4:16; 7:1, James 2:26). The material component of humans is obviously that which is tangible and temporal: the physical body. The immaterial aspects are intangible: soul, spirit, intellect, will, conscience, mind, emotions, etc. These exist unendingly beyond the lifespan of the physical body.
  All human beings possess both material (physical) and immaterial (spiritual) characteristics. Each person has a physical body. However, the intangible, non-physical qualities of mankind are often debated. What does Scripture say about these? Genesis 2:7 states that man was created as a “living soul” (KJV). Numbers 16:22 names God as the “God of the spirits of all flesh” (ESV). Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it,” indicating that the heart (not the myocardium) is central to man’s will and emotions. In Acts 23:1 Paul refers to the conscience as that part of the mind that convicts us of right and wrong. Romans 12:2 speaks of the transformative power of a renewed mind. These verses, and numerous others, refer to the various aspects of the spiritual components of humanity. We are a unified combination of both material and immaterial qualities.
  Somehow, the soul, spirit, emotions, conscience, will, and mind are connected and interrelated. Perhaps the soul-spirit is comprised of a combination of all the other immaterial human aspects. With this in mind, is humanity dichotomous (“cut in two”) or trichotomous (“cut in three”)? In other words, do we have two parts (body and soul-spirit), or do we have three parts (body, soul, and spirit)? It is impossible to be dogmatic. Theologians have differed over this issue for centuries, and there has never been a decisive orthodox declaration of which is true.
  Those who believe Scripture teaches that man is a dichotomy see humans as comprised of two parts: a body and a spirit. There are two general views of this dichotomy. The first view is that man is a united body and spirit that together comprise a living soul. A human soul is the spirit and the body united as one personhood. This view is supported by Genesis 2:7; Numbers 9:13; Psalm 16:10; 97:10 and Jonah 4:8. This view emphasizes that the Hebrew word nephesh in these verses refers to an integrated (unified) soul, living being, life, or self—i.e., a unified person (soul) comprised of a body and spirit. It is noted that, when the Bible speaks of the ruach (“breath, wind, or spirit”) being separated from the body, the person is disintegrated (fractured)—dead (see Ecclesiastes 12:7; Psalm 104:29; 146:4).
  The second dichotomic view is that the spirit and the soul are the same thing with two different names. This view emphasizes the fact that the words spirit and soul are often used interchangeably (Luke 1:46–47; Isaiah 26:9; Matthew 6:25; 10:28, 1 Corinthians 5:3, 5) and should be understood as synonyms referring to the same spiritual reality within each person. Therefore, the dichotomous position holds that man is comprised of two parts. Man is either a body and spirit, which makes a soul, or a body and soul-spirit.
  Those who believe Scripture teaches that man is a trichotomy see man as comprised of three distinct parts: body, soul, and spirit. They emphasize 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and Hebrews 4:12, which seem to differentiate between spirit and soul. The dichotomist counters that, if 1 Thessalonians 5:23 teaches trichotomy, then, by the same hermeneutic, does Mark 12:30 teach tetrachotomy?
  Is it important to conclusively decide between dichotomy and trichotomy? Perhaps not; however, a word of caution is appropriate. Some who hold the trichotomist view have erroneously taught that God can bypass our soul/intellect and communicate directly with our spirit; such teaching leads to irrational mysticism. Other churches have used the trichotomous position to teach the possibility of Christians being demon-possessed. Because they see the soul and spirit as two separate immaterial aspects within the Christian, they postulate that one can be indwelt by the Holy Spirit and the other can be possessed by demonic forces. This teaching is problematic in that there are no biblical references that those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit can be simultaneously possessed by demons.
  Regardless of whether a Christian believes dichotomy or trichotomy best represents an accurate understanding of Scripture, we can all unitedly praise God with the psalmist: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).

GotQuestions.org

IN, NOW OUT

 

IN, NOW OUT

1John GW 3:1-14 Consider this: The Father has given us his love. He loves us so much that we are actually called God's dear children. And that's what we are. For this reason the world doesn't recognize us, and it didn't recognize him either. Dear friends, now we are God's children. What we will be isn't completely clear yet. We do know that when Christ appears we will be like him because we will see him as he is. So all people who have this confidence in Christ keep themselves pure, as Christ is pure. Those who live sinful lives are disobeying God. Sin is disobedience. You know that Christ appeared in order to take away our sins. He isn't sinful. Those who live in Christ don't go on sinning. Those who go on sinning haven't seen or known Christ. Dear children, don't let anyone deceive you. Whoever does what God approves of has God's approval as Christ has God's approval. The person who lives a sinful life belongs to the devil, because the devil has been committing sin since the beginning. The reason that the Son of God appeared was to destroy what the devil does. Those who have been born from God don't live sinful lives. What God has said lives in them, and they can't live sinful lives. They have been born from God.  This is the way God's children are distinguished from the devil's children. Everyone who doesn't do what is right or love other believers isn't God's child. The message that you have heard from the beginning is to love each other. Don't be like Cain. He was a child of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain murder his brother? Because the things Cain did were evil and the things his brother did had God's approval. Brothers and sisters, don't be surprised if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love other believers. The person who doesn't grow in love remains in death. [Note 1Jn.1:1-10]

  We too may Adam-like, blame Him, she, him, extenuating circumstances, prevailing conditions, but there’s no getting around the truth that as individual we are primarily responsible before God.

  It is important to take note of the word “entered” in Romans 5:12; Eve and Adam nor you or I would not have a sinful nature if Adam had opted for trusting God over Satan.

  This internal sin nature was soon lived by and acted out by Cain.

  Read Genesis 4 account and note several things.

·         It was not murder highlighted first as sin, but anger.

·         God plainly presented option for remedial action. Cain refused.

·         God plainly explained to Cain that he could rule over the sin.

·         God plainly explained that he was responsible for his decisions and actions.

·         God held Cain responsible for his decisions and actions.

·         Cain, as had his parents, suffered expulsion, separation, plus additional increase in labor to survive.

  Scripture warns “Don't be like Cain. He was a child of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain murder his brother? Because the things Cain did were evil and the things his brother did had God's approval.” (GW 1Jn.3:12) 

EBB4