A STUDY OF APPROVAL

 

A STUDY OF APPROVAL

2Timothy [KJV] 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1Peter [GW] 2:2-11a Desire God's pure word as newborn babies desire milk. Then you will grow in your salvation. … you are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, people who belong to God. You were chosen to tell about the excellent qualities of God, who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not God's people, but now you are. Once you were not shown mercy, but now you have been shown mercy. Dear friends, since you are foreigners and temporary residents in the world, …

  The requirement to study, rethink, and apply pleasing God is the same for every follower of Christ. (Rom.12:1-4) But just how much study of His Word is required for His approval?  In action it is not however exactly one model: Always the same text, Sola Scriptura, but according to spiritual and service gifts of individual workman diverse in hand. We all do not learn in same way!

  I begin by using hermeneutical principle of immediate context of 2Timothy 2:15.

·         In 2:2 we see we are to learn enough to be able to meaningfully with intelligence pass knowledge and wisdom on to others that will do the same.

·         In 2:14 we see we are to be learned enough to remind our fellows of what is truly profitable now and for eternity.

·         In 2:15 we see we are to be learned enough to make correct sense out of God’s Word.

·         In 2:16a we see we should be learned enough to quickly settle useless foolish discussions.

·         In 2:16b we see we should be learned enough to stop short those that do not contribute to godliness in living. Barnes comments “A man fond of contention in religious things is seldom one who has much love for the practical duties of piety, or any very deep sense of the distinction between right and wrong. You will not usually look for him in the place of prayer, nor can you expect his aid in the conversion of sinners, nor will you find that he has any very strict views of religious obligation.” I well remember a group arguing about how many angels would fit on the head of a pin!

  Now using the hermeneutical principle of larger text of Scripture:

·         In Ecclesiastes 12:13 we see we are to fear God and live by His Wisdom in service. Can we do so without studying what He tells us? No.

·         In Leviticus 10:11; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 11:9 we see were are to teach our children. Can we do so without knowing the subject matter? No.

·         In Matthew 4:4 Jesus tells us we cannot live healthy without ingesting the Word.

·         In Matthew 11:29 we see we are to learn of and from Jesus. Can we do so without studying His record of His life? No.

·         In Mark 16:15 we see that only with studying the Word can we know what is needed to be said. (Though winning, the lack of studious Biblical apologetics was the long-term failure of the 1925 Scopes trial.)

·         In 1Corinthians 13 we see we must learn the truth of love else we in adolescent manner think and act, and thereby represent ungodly love. (Especially note 13:11.)

·         In Ephesians 6:10-17 we see our protection involving the Word of God. Does He provide our armor and instruction for donning? Yes. Does He dress us? No.

·         In 2Timothy 3:16-17 we see that it is the Word that equips us to properly serve God and our fellows. Can we follow instructions that we don’t know? No. (Did you ever hear the story about the man that always read the manufacturer’s manual before assembling something?)

·         In 2Timothy 4:2 we see we are to develop capability of being resourceful in sharing God’s Word. Can this be done authentically without study? No.

·         In Titus 2:1-15 we see we are to teach others commendable living and be just such an example before them. Can we do so if don’t study what God says this should be? In part, yes. (Romans chapter 1 & 2; note 2:14-15.) Toward furtherance of completely, no.

·         In John 8:32 and James 1:25 we see that only by knowing the Word can we enjoy true liberty. (Note Ps.119)

  Whew! After all the effort searching, reading, pondering, writing, editing several times, I feel like a workman. However, is the work done? I think not for I’m sure I missed a few points that only further (Or is it “farther” in this case?) diligence may uncover. Does this mean 2Timothy 2:15 is a matter of continuing education? Yes.

EBB4

 

THE ALPHABET OF AGE SHOULD NOT MAKE FOR RAGE, BUT SAGE

 

ALPHABET OF AGE SHOULD NOT MAKE FOR RAGE, BUT SAGE A was for apple, and B was for boat, once was rote, but now it will not float!  Age  before beauty is what we once said, but let's be a bit more realistic instead …  A's for arthritis; B's the bad back,  C's the chest pains, perhaps car-di-ac?  D is for dental decay and decline,  E is for eyesight, can't read that top line!  F is for fissures and fluid retention,  G is for gas which I'd rather not mention.  H is for high blood pressure--I'd rather it low;  I is for incisions with scars you can show.  J is for joints, out of socket, won't mend,  K is for knees that crack when they bend.  L 's for libido, what happened to sex?  M is for memory, I forget what comes next.  N is for neuralgia, in nerves way down low;  O is for osteo, bones that don't grow!  P is for prescriptions, I have quite a few, just give me a pill and I'll be good as new!  Q is for queasy, is it fatal or flu? R is for reflux; one meal turns to two.  S is for sleepless nights, counting my fears,  T is for Tinnitus; bells in my ears!  U is for urinary; troubles with flow;  V is for vertigo, that's 'dizzy,' you know.  W is for worry, now what's going 'round?  X is for X ray, and what might be found.  Y is for another year I'm left here behind,  Z is for zest I still have-- in my mind!  I've survived all the symptoms, my body's deployed,   and I'm keeping twenty-six doctors fully employed!     However …  “Now chastening for the present does not seem to be joyous, but grievous. Nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are exercised by it. Because of this, straighten up the hands which hang down and the enfeebled knees. And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way, but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all, and holiness, without which no one shall see the Lord; looking diligently lest any fail of the grace of God, or lest any root of bitterness springing up disturb you, and by it many are defiled.” (Hebrews 12:11-15 is primarily about spiritual life, but can we separate our body from it? 1Thes.5:23.)   Author unknown

 

IMMATURITY

 

IMMATURITY AS A BESETTING HINDERING SIN

Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

  Is immaturity sinful? Yes, in the sense that sin is traveling off the path that pleases our Lord; sin that thereby hinders our ability to perform the love of the first and second commandments in all relationships. This truth Paul wrote of in 1Corinthians chapter 13, which has spoke to my stumbling self many times, especially verse 11, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.“

  Not being a bank robber or interested in such does not mean I was or am never in violation of essence of THE 10, hindered by past history and later recurrences of adult childishness; immature thinking and actions in an adult body.

 Rapidly approaching 81, my physical body requires rather frequent checkups and prescribed adjustments. In order to maximize optimum corporeal function requires attention and compliance. It is no different with my far more important sacred being. (Not the ultimate goal, but please know that the affectionate purposefulness of healthy sacred being has overarching effect on physical being.) But in the latter case it isn’t in an examination room. It is by the mirror of God’s Word, His Holy Spirit within me, and does include thoughtfully maintaining victorious living using the Bible-based Christ-centered Overcomers In Christ (OIC) program ( http://overcomersinchrist.org/ ), reading books of the same nature (SAFE PEOPLE, by Cloud and Townsend, the most recent completed and awaiting further review.). This morning I share with you a list from OIC material that I personally use periodically and am doing so again this week.

ADULT CHILDREN:

1.       Can only guess at what normal behavior is.

2.       Lie frequently when they could just as easily tell the truth.

3.       Do not know how to develop or maintain healthy relationships.

4.       Overreact when faced with changes they can’t control.

5.       Feel the need to create a crisis when things are peaceful.

6.       Are defensive and quick to lash out in anger.

7.       Have a deep need for approval and affirmation.

8.       Are afraid to be transparent so live behind a façade.

9.       Feel they are weird and different from others.

10.   Are either irresponsible or overly responsible.

11.   Have a fear of abandonment and cling to unhealthy relationships.

12.   Don’t think things through but act on impulse.

13.   Feel threatened by people, especially those in authority.

14.   Overreact to criticism, even if it’s constructive.

15.   Assume that others are angry with them even when they’re not.

16.   Tend to fall into compulsive sinful behaviors and addictions.

17.   Choose other adult children as friends and life partners.

18.   Don’t effectively identify and handle their emotions.

19.   Lack focus and don’t stay on task.

20.   Have no or porous boundaries and find it difficult to say no.

21.   Think of themselves as worthless and unlovable.

22.  Don't consider failures as paving on a path to success.

  Suggestion: When I use the above or other such self-examining lists I do not score pass <> fail. I evaluate using 0-10 method, 10 being my worst, 0 being “Once a serious problem.” All other numbers indicating growth, for some points are was/now not, others are in process as Paul explains in Romans, chapter 7; … for ours is to delight in law of God after the inward man. …

  I end this morning’s thoughts with a memory: The large company that employed me and 10 thousands of others decided to add a psychologist to the medical staff, a young man not far past his internship. Males and females of various work classifications began going to his office. About six months later a complaining number of his patients brought about his discharge. Their grievance was his often succinct prescription “You just need to grow up.”

EBB4

 

 

  

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: Christian Ghettoism

 

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: Christian Ghettoism

1Corinthians [MKJV] 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 

  The spiritual man’s thinking and lifestyle is contrary to the natural man’s thinking and lifestyle.

  A lifestyle of Christian ghettoism comes naturally and is not spiritual.

  Though the Christian ghetto may involve geographical boundaries, it is not so limited, for it is a social construct. A social fabrication made up of nice agreeable communal minded practitioners making for a maximized pleasant group. However comfy, it is flawed weak construction.

  Being Christ’ disciple does not include or invite ghettoism.

EBB4

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: Facts Involved

 

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: Facts Involved

  Psalm [MKJV] 119:10-11 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 

  Proverbs 3:3-7 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; tie them around your neck; write them upon the tablet of your heart; and you shall find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 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. 

FACT: We, from Adam on, enjoy and suffer free will.

FACT: God did not restrict or prevent Adam, Cain . . . or any of us since.

FACT: God’s Word living and written reveals His will.

FACT: New Testament believers additionally have the Lord within.

FACT: Reverencing God we trust and therein rely on His wisdom, the Word.

FACT: The alternative to trusting His will is trusting our will, our way.

FACT: Jesus criticized His generation as “perverse” in seeking special revelation.

FACT: The Biblical record shows special revelations as unexpected life-interruptions.

FACT: Complying with God’s interruption(s) may and/or will be disruptive; an ark thing.

FACT: Discerning God’s will involves work.

2Timothy 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. 

EBB4

A STUDY RECOMMENDATION

 

TWISTED  SCRIPTURE, Untangling 45 Lies Christians Have Been Taught. An enlightening hermeneutical Bible study by Andrew Farley. 2Tim.2:15-16 

 

PART A: Salvation

LIE 1: You must be baptized in water to be saved

Lie 2: You’re justified by faith plus good works

Lie 3: You’re saved by Jesus’ death on the cross

Lie 4: God predestined certain people to believe; others have no choice

Lie 5: The whole world is or will be saved [universalism]

PART B: Eternal Security

Lie 6: You can fall from grace and lose your salvation

Lie 7: God will tell some believers, “Depart from me!”

Lie 8: God may blot or spit you out

Lie 9: You only remain saved as long as you “keep the faith”

PART C: The Old and the New

Lie 10: The New testament era began with the birth of Jesus

Lie 11: All of Jesus’ teaching apply directly to believers

Lie 12: Living under grace means the old Testament is irrelevant

Lie 13: We can call Jesus our High Priest but still look to the Law

PART D: Freedom from the Law

Lie 14: Your goal should be to keep the 10 Commandments

Lie 15: The Law is written on your heart

Lie 16: You should keep the Sabbath day

Lie 17: You need to tithe 10% of your income to please god

Lie 18: Paul’s Romans 7 struggle is the normal Christian life

Lie 19: Too much grace will cause you to sin even more

PART E: Identity in Christ

Lie 20: “Jesus died for our sins” is the whole message of the cross

Lie 21: You need to die to self daily

Lie 22: You should put off your old self so you decrease and Christ increases

Lie 23: You’re not really righteous; God just looks at you that way

Lie 24: God doesn’t want you to get any of the glory

Lie 25: You’re sometimes in the Spirit and sometimes in the flesh

Lie 26: The Holy Spirit keeps you from doing what you want to do

Lie 27: You, as a believer, have a sinful nature

Lie 28: True believers don’t commit sin anymore

PART F: United with Jesus

Lie 29: You can get closer to God over time

Lie 30: You should try to “abide in Christ” and put God first

Lie 31: Being filled with the Spirit is for signs and wonders

Lie 32: It’s hard to know God’s will for your life

PART G: Once-for-all forgiveness

Lie 33: God forgives you little by little as you sin

Lie 34: You need to confess each sin to be forgiven and cleansed by God

Lie 35: You should examine your sins before taking the Lord’s Supper

Lie 36: Believers can fall away to a place of no repentance

Lie 37: If you repeat the same sins willfully, God will not forgive you

Lie 38: A believer’s forgiveness is conditional and can be forfeited

Lie 39: Grace means there are no consequences for sin

PART H: Judgment, Punishment, and Rewards

Lie 40: You’ll pass through 2 final judgments

Lie 41: Every day you’re gaining or losing heavenly rewards

Lie 42: It’s healthy to be afraid of God

PART I: Church discipline, Tongues, and Health-Wealth [the prosperity gospel]

Lie 43: If you commit big sins, you should be kicked out of the church

Lie 44: You should edify yourself, and tongues is evidence of salvation

Lie 45: God promises wealth and health to every believer

 

DECISIION MAKNG AND THE WILL OF GOD: His Very Present Help

 DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: His Very Present Help

  Last Sunday’s Daily Thoughts ended with question addressing the issue knowing that we have free-will and that God does not force or slavishly control us, how does He help?

  Psalm 46 is one place in Scripture that this question is summarily answered: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah” (ESV)

  From prayerful Bible study, observation, and my life journey I know that His ever-present help is His Word living (Jn.1:1, Jesus) and written (2Tim.3:10-17, The Bible) . . . and that for His John 1:12; 3:3 born-again children, His indwelling comforting and guiding Holy Spirit. (Jn.14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:4-15; 2Cor.6:16)

EBB4

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: Set Adrift

 

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: Set Adrift

Romans [GW] 12:1-2 Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect. 

  Reject God’s will via egocentric will and He may set us adrift in the phrenzy of life. King Saul and those people described in Romans chapter 1 being prime examples.

  King Saul’s goal being winning, success and preservation, but with absolutely no interest in pleasing God. God set him adrift. (1Sam. Chapters 28 & 31)

  Romans 1:16-28 describes those authentically worshipping God in contrast to those intent on pleasing self far from interest in pleasing God.

  Reject God, and He may set us adrift in the phrenzy of life; this regardless of how often we and politicians intone “God bless America!” – the phrase passionately invoked sans pleasing Him with authentic Romans 12:1-3 submissive worship. A patriotic practice being the bane of evangelical nationalism akin to medieval crusader philosophy.

  Rather than repeatedly invoking the familiar USA mantra, is it not far better to cry out with repentant King David, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,” (Ps.103; also note Ps.51)

EBB4

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: An Unsettling Belirf

 

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: An Unsettling Belief

  As God’s John 1:12 family members we are to exemplify Romans 12:1-2 worshipful thought and action. The why and how-to of authentically worshipping God is plainly presented in Scripture. To seek and find God’s perfect will for our individual life is not portrayed in His Word. Striving to be a disciple pleasing God is obvious sound doctrine. Striving to find or unravel the mystery of His will personally is not sound doctrine.

  Those selected for ministry beyond our universal Biblical directives were surprised. Their lives interrupted by God. Moses, Gideon, Esther, the 12, Saul/Paul are examples. Even those such then, and now, exercised free will in accepting God’s will. Some resisted, argued, or wavered before complying.

  Let us settle peacefully and confidently continuing in 2Timothy 2:15 Bible study; discerning and approved workman proclaiming Christ crucified, building upon the one foundation in all true godliness. (1Cor.3:11-14)

EBB4

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: Expectations

 

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: Expectations a Problem?

Genesis [ESV] 2:8, 15-17 And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. … The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” 

  We cannot alter God’s master plan. Our expectations, however may subvert God’s will for us individually. 2Pet.3:9 is a prime example. The first instance of this was in the garden in Eden, with us too often following the first Adam instead of the second. (1Cor.15:45-47)

EBB4

THE OLD NEW AGE

 

THE OLD NEW AGE

Ecclesiastes 1:8-10 All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us. 

  When did you first hear of or read about “New Age” progressive religion?

  A religion? Yes.

  Progressive? In going beyond Biblical truth, yes.

  New? Absolutely not!

  God’s Word early on revealed the heresy and rebellion many centuries ago. Utilizing Ken Anderson’s A to Z, WHERE TO FIND IT IN THE BIBLE, his list of applicable Scripture:

Gen.3:5. Becoming like God.

Gen.11:4. Human exaltation.

Deut.18:19-22. Condemnation of occult.

Isa.41:23; Ez.28:2-3. Men as gods.

Isa.47:10. Fallible new age creed.

Jer.8:8-9. Distorted truth.

Ez.28:2-3. Thinking to be God.Dan.5:11. “Wise as the gods themselves,”

Dan.8:25. Prospering deceit.

Hab.1:11. Worshipping their own strength.

Mt.7:21-23. Those who mishandle the truth.

Mt.22:29. Cause of error.

Act.8:10. Sorcerer’s claim of divinity.

Unknown god. Act.17:23.

Act.20:28-31. Warning against error.

Rom.3:10-20, also note 3:4. Human incapacity to generate truth.

Rom.11:33-36. Limitless source of truth.

Rom.16:17-18. Contrary teaching.

Rom.12:1-2. Holistic knowledge of truth.

1Cor.1:18-21; Col.2:8-9. Earth’s wisdom.

1Cor.15:3-4. Primary truth.

1Cor.15:33-34; Col.2:8-15. Austere warning.

1Cor.15:50. Mortal limitations.

2Cor.4:1-6. Truth obscured.

2Cor.4:7. Source of power.

2Cor.7:1. Contaminated body, spirit.

2Cor.11:13-14. Satan’s masquerade.

2Cor.13:5. Careful self-evaluation.

Gal.1:6-9. Perverted truth.

Gal.2:20. Inner reality.

Gal.5:7. Misguided believers.

Eph.1:18-23; 3:14-21. Prayer for insight.

Eph.5:8-14. Darkness, light.

Eph.6:10-18. Prepared for inner assault.

Phil.2:9-11. Universal declaration of truth.

Col.1:27. Valid inner deity.

Col.3:1-5. Lifestyle correction.

2Thes.2:3. Modern apostacy.

1Tim.3:16-17. Key to truth.

1Tim.4:1-2; 2Tim.3:1-7; 4:1-5. Last days conduct.

1Tim.6:20. Pseudo-knowledge.

2Tim.3:2. Lovers of self.

2Tim.4:3. Resistance to truth.

Tit.1:2-16. Error rebuked.

Heb.9:27. Reincarnation refuted.

2Pet.1:16. Eye witness to truth.

1Jn.2:15-17. Love of the world.

1Jn.2:22; 4:1-3.  Denying Christ’s divinity.

1Jn.4:1-3. Discerning spirits.

Rev.13:18. The mark of man, 666.

  As we travel this side of eternity, let us always keep in mind that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2Tim.3:16-17)

EBB4

NEW AGE FAITH

 

NEW AGE FAITH

"What is the New Age movement?"
  The expression “New Age” came into existence in the 1970s and 1980s. It was promoted by the circulation of the New Age Journal and a book by Mark Satin called New Age Politics. Marilyn Ferguson’s best-selling Aquarian Conspiracy was a presentation of the social agenda and philosophical vision of the New Age. Ferguson’s writing attained status as the unofficial scripture of the movement. As Russell Chandler, a writer for the Los Angeles Times, wrote in Understanding the New Age, “If Ferguson wrote the New Age ‘Bible,‘ Shirley MacLaine is its high priestess.”
  Shirley MacLaine’s book, Out on a Limb, chronicles her reluctant conversion to New Age belief. This book describes her travels and studies, which include science fiction-like dimensions, out-of-body travel, contact with extraterrestrial beings, “trance channeling” (séances), and a “guided tour” of the unseen world. MacLaine’s second book, Dancing in the Light, tells about her reach into the world of yoga, reincarnation, crystal power, Hindu mantras, and past-life recall experiences mediated through acupuncture. Her spirit guides informed her that each individual is God, and she passed along the “wisdom” that the person is unlimited. One only has to realize it (Chandler, page 6-2).
  New Age thinking has its roots, then, in Eastern mysticism, which attempts to bypass the mind. There is a new organ of perception—the third eye—which gives spiritual light. One needs to get to the “psychic self” by training one’s self to ignore messages from the mind or to see that the mind is actually achieving “cosmic consciousness.” The mind can create reality.
  Neil Anderson in his book, Walking Through the Darkness, writes this: “The New Age movement is not seen as a religion but a new way to think and understand reality. It’s very attractive to the natural man who has become disillusioned with organized religion and Western rationalism. He desires spiritual reality but doesn’t want to give up materialism, deal with his moral problems, or come under authority” (page 22). Anderson goes on to summarize New Age thinking (pages 22–24) as follows:
  (1) It is monism. The belief that all is one and one is all. History is not the story of humanity’s fall into sin and its restoration by God’s saving grace. Rather, it is humanity’s fall into ignorance and the gradual ascent into enlightenment.
  (2) All is God. If all is one, including God, then one must conclude that all is God. It is pantheism—trees, snails, books, and people are all of one divine essence. A personal God who has revealed Himself in the Bible and in Jesus Christ is completely rejected. Since God is impersonal, the New Ager doesn’t have to serve Him. God is an “it,” not a “He.”
  (3) There is a change in consciousness. If we are God, we need to know we are God. We must become cosmically conscious, enlightened, or attuned to the cosmic consciousness. Some who reach this enlightened status will claim to be “born again”—a counterfeit of biblical conversion. The essential is not whether we believe or meditate, but whom we believe in and what we meditate upon. Christ is the true, personal, objective reality, as He said that He is the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).
  (4) A cosmic evolutionary optimism is taught. There is a New Age coming. There will be a new world order, a new world government. New Age thinkers believe that there will eventually be a progressive unification of world consciousness. This, according to the Bible, is a counterfeit kingdom led by Satan himself. Christ has the true kingdom, and He will one day rule on earth with peace for all who accept Him as Savior and King (Revelation 5:13).
  (5) New Agers create their own reality. They believe they can create reality by what they believe, and, by changing what they believe, they can change reality. All moral boundaries have been erased. There are no absolutes because there is no distinction between good and evil. Nothing has reality until one says that it is reality or says that it is truth. If finite man can create truth, we are in desperate trouble in our society. Unless there are eternal absolutes from the eternal God, man will eventually be his own destruction.
  (6) New Agers make contact with the kingdom of darkness. Calling a medium a “channeler” and a demon a “spirit guide” has not changed the reality of what they are. This is the kingdom of darkness of which Satan is the head. Those involved in this kind of activity are in contact with a world that is totally opposed to the biblical God revealed to us in Jesus Christ, who defeated Satan (Matthew 4:1–11; Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14–18).
  The New Age movement is a counterfeit philosophy that appeals to the feelings of individuals, leading them to think that that they are God and can enhance their lives through their own person. The reality is that we are born, grow up, live a while on planet Earth, and die. Humans are finite. We can never be God. We need someone greater than we who can provide us forgiveness and life eternal. Praise the Lord for the God-man, Jesus Christ. Through His death and bodily resurrection, He has won for us what we desperately need: forgiveness from God, a life of purpose and meaning in this life, and eternal life beyond the grave. Don’t miss out on who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for you. Read John chapter 3. Ask Christ to be your Savior. Your life will be transformed, and you will know who you are, why you are here, and where you are going.

Recommended Resource: Encountering World Religions by Irving Hexham

Gotquestions.org

MY TONGUE

 MY TONGUE

James 3:3-10 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 

  I have often told people that my tongue is two feet ahead of my brain. So you see, I identify with Peter. Hasty in speech, too rapid in response, in both ways injurious. (Mt.26:34-35, 69-75; Mk.14:26-31, 66-72; Lk.22:31-34, 54-62; Jn.18:10) Like him, I sometimes speak and harm someone. James wrote of our tongues and the difficulty controlling. With God’s help I’m trying.

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

PS. Knowing the God does not control or silence our tongue, then how does He help? EBB4

DECISION MAKNG AND THE WILL OF GOD: Being the Bug in the Balm

 

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: Being the Bug in the Balm

Jeremiah [ESV] 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? [Also note 22:6]

  I haven’t heard the traditional African American spiritual, There is a Balm in Gilead, sung for over 50 years. The blessedness of the message still stirs my mind and heart, soothing body and soul. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There_Is_a_Balm_in_Gilead)

  Optimal health in all ways is God’s will. However, our bugs can adulterate His freely provided balm. And what might those fouling bugs be?

·         Perfectionism by our measure.

·         Stumbling over self-worth issues.

·         Fear of failure.

·         Lack of kingdom goals.

·         Dedication to national patriotism displacing our paramount citizenship in heaven.

·         Overwhelmed; allowing feelings over Biblical facts.

  Beware of our bugs in the balm.

EBB4

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: Our Obscuring Versus His Clarity

 

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: Our Obscuring Versus His Clarity

  James tells us that God is not fickle, nor does He withhold “good gifts”. (1:17) Reading in text we see that it is us that is the problem, not at all God. How so?

1. Skewed motives. James 4:3 [ESV] You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 

2. Lack of Christ-like submission. Matthew 26:39, 42 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” …  Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” (Mt.6:10)

3. Lack of proper reliance. Psalm 119:104 -105 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 

4. Lacking repentance. Psalm 66:16-19 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul. I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer. 

5. Lack of sincere believing prayer. James 1:5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 

6. Lack of patience. Hebrews 6:13-15 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. 

7. Unwilling to suffer for God’s glory. 1Peter 4:1-2 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 

so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 

  In my lifetime I have been guilty of all of the above, plus a few additional faults:

·         Waiting too long before asking God.

·         Asking everyone except God.

·         Thinking narrowly that life is all about me.

·         Foolishly ignoring the truth of the matter.

·         Minimizing importance.

·         Jumping instead of walking.

·         Failing to consider pros, cons, and alternatives.

·         Bulldozing.

  And then there’s the overarching commandment that His disciples are to first and foremost seek the kingdom of God. (Mt.6:33; Lk.12:31)

EBB4

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: Standardized Testing

 

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: Standardized Testing

  Prior to trusting Lord Jesus Christ and rebirth (Jn.3:1-21) we walked in darkness and could not clearly see matters pertaining to His kingdom. Prior to personally being born-again, religious* though we were, we didn’t have enlightened discernment nor the ability to please God. (Rom.12:1-3; Eph.5:8-10)

  We are not left with our own old olio of discernments. We have the standards of God’s Word, the first two commandments being the basic measure in all decisions. However, no fault of God, but our bumbling bubbling emotions may still confuse us. For these passionate <> impassive affecting times, God has not left us in stumble in dire straits.

  June Hunt, whose 96 page Biblically topical books I recommend, lists 8 plainly stated tests.

1. Scriptural Test. Has God already spoken about it in His Word? Examples: 2Cor.6:14; 2Tim.3:16.

2. Secrecy Test. Would it bother me if everyone knew this was my choice? Example: Pr.11:3.

3. Survey Test. What if everyone followed my example? Example: 1Tim.4:12.

4. Spirit Test. Am I being people-pressured or Spirit-led.? Example: Gal.1:10.

5. Stumbling Test. Could this decision result in others stumbling? Example: Rom.14:21.

6. Serenity Test. Have I prayed and received peace about this decision? Example: Phil.4:6-7.

7. Sanctification Test. Will this decision hinder me from growing in Christ? Example: 2Cor.3:18.

8. Supreme Test. Does this decision glorify God? Example: 1Cor.3:18.

  As John 1:12 authorized children of God let us walk far from the path of spiritual immaturity centered in egotistical living. Our daily journey is to be on the challenging Way. (Jn.14:6)

EBB4

*All belief systems, including limited theism and atheism, are religious.

PS. A most edifying endeavor is Biblically cross referencing all test example Scriptures given.

BEYOND TRANSGENDER

 

BEYOND TRANSGENDER

  Genesis [ISV] 1:26 Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, to be like us. Let them be masters over the fish in the ocean, the birds that fly, the livestock, everything that crawls on the earth, and over the earth itself!" 

  Galatians 5:7-10 … A little yeast spreads through the whole batch of dough. I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view of this. However, the one who is troubling you will suffer God's judgment, whoever he is. 

  More historically accurate would be the title BEYOND GAY IN THE USA, knowing that beyond transgender is a later legal right in our Christian nation.

  The point being that introducing a little yeast into society is not something that is limited to a slice of culture. Though small in population portion it effects, is affecting, the whole! This we have seen happen, develop, and continue to spread. Knowing that for such enough is never enough. What next?

  Have you ever heard of Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID)? It is when able-bodied people believe that their self is disabled, a state of mind far beyond problematic hypochondria. BIID may be an overwhelming mental condition altering or even negating normal life. Anguishing, some of these individuals believe that altering their body would bring them relief.

  Are such alterations illegal? Yes and no.

  Yes, in that such physical BIID alterations are stated as illegal.

  No, in that transgender physical alterations including castration and mastectomies are done, setting the precedent for legalizing BIID alteration.

  Is the yeast spreading from transgender rights to BIID individuals?

  It is. BIID individuals have taken serious note of the triumph of transgender culture and now often refer to themselves as “transabled”.

  Reflecting on historical cultural change in the last few generations, how close are transabled people to actually being allowed legalized alterations including surgeries?

  Considering the historical progress of gay in the USA, sadly I suspect it will be sooner than later.

EBB4

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: How Does God Reveal His Will?

 

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: How Does God Reveal His Will?

   In reading of the living Word, Jesus, and reading, studying, and applying the written Word, the Bible, we prove God’s grace and love in our life and please Him. (Rom.12:1-2)

  His will is not hidden. It is in and by His Word (Ps.32:8; 119:105) and by the Holy Spirit (Jn.16:13).

  As with Esther (4:14) it is always our individual option to follow whether we see His will as desirable or undesirable.

EBB4

GOD'S NAMES

 

GOD’S NAMES

Psalm 68:1-4 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. 

As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. 

  When reading God’s Word and I see a name for Him I run for my Bible Concordance. In the above verse 4 “Jah” is Hebrew for “the sacred name: - Jah, the Lord, most vehement.”

  This makes me think of the year I owned and operated a small bakery in Carthage. As Christmas approached I realized I didn’t have room for a tree and wondered what to do.

  I purchased a large sheet of heavy poster board and drew the outline of a Cedar tree in dark green. Inside the outline, using more green ink, I wrote every name I could think of for the Persons of the Trinity. I then invited visitors to contribute any name(s) they could think of that were not already listed.

  Each name had to include the Scripture reference. I have since forgotten how many names we came up with, but it was an amazing how many and how interested people were.

  It was a wonderful way to share Christmas with many people.

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

PS. For the serious Bible students I’ll provide from Nave’s Topical Bible “God, names of” time saving list. Just ask and asap it will be yours. EBB4

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: It's Not a Dance

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: It’s Not a Dance

  Square dancing was my limit when young. Now not even that is considered. I do, however, enjoy observing dancers, all styles. One of fun-to-watch was the boogaloo, a lively made-up mix of moves. When children and grandchildren did so I’d say “You’re doing a boogaloo”. After reading this morning’s Omaha World-Herald report I’ve decided to no longer use the term that way.

  Boogaloo currently is a descriptive for an olio of anti-government people promoting civil war as the solution for our nation. Oddly, Hawaiian Aloha shirts are one of their symbols.

  Applying the Biblical 10 point measure that I published yesterday, it is an easy obvious decision for adjusted vocabulary read and spoken.

  Other than now understanding the distinction between dance and political boogaloo and deciding accordingly, what actually complex decisions are we facing today, next week, next month, next year …

As in our historical civil wars, some choices may directly involve boogaloo insurrectionists.

EBB4

DECISION MAKI(NG AND THE WILL OF GOD: Which Decisions Does God Bless?

 

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: Which Decisions Does God Bless?

·         that He initiates (Pr.4:11),

·         that align with His word (Ps.119:133),

·         accomplish His purpose (Est.4:14; Phil.2:13),

·         depend on His strength (Phil.4:13),

·         give Him all the glory (1Cor.10:31),

·         promote justice, kindness, and humility (Mic.6:8),

·         reflect His character (1Tim.4:12),

·         come from faith (Heb.11:6),

·         consider the interests of others (Phil.2:4),

·         and are bathed in prayer (1Thess.5:17).

EBB4

DECISION MAKING ANBD THE WILL OF GOD: God's Plan <> Our Plan

 

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: God’s Will <> Our way

  As stated earlier in this series, God’s will is clearly given in and by His Word; Jesus (Jn.1:1) and written (The Bible). A major critical difference between God’s will and our will is that His is immutable

(Num.23:19; 1Sam.15”29; Isa.46:9-11; Ezk.24:14; Ps.33:11; 41:13; 90:2-4; Jn.17:5; Heb.6:18; Jam.1:13, 17) whereas ours is not; it being the result of Adam corrupting free will. This knowledge must be applied that His absolute will includes permissiveness usward. This is not simply a matter of His given free-will. It is a matter of his grace and love. (Unthinking, unemotional robots cannot be Biblically loved.)

  Examples of God’s permissive will are represented in Deuteronomy 30:19; Proverbs 1:29, John chapter 3, and Romans 1:18-32

  To help understand the distinction compare 2Peter 3:9 to the fact that people reject his gift of eternal life.

  Another way to understand is knowing He has a absolute plan for the nation of Israel but not all Israelis have been, are, will be agreeable.

  Hopefully this brief essay gives you understanding that you did not have. If you have questions, just ask and I’ll do my best to serve you.

  Meanwhile, on your own, continue to read the Word, think, rethink as needed, pleasing Him with authentic worship. (Rom.12:1-3)

EBB4

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: The Lack of Vision

 

DECISION MAKING AND THE WILL OF GOD: The Lack of Wise Vision

  The King James Version of Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Some have used this verse to emphasize the importance of vision in leadership. Without a long-term plan—without a vision—people are doomed to wander aimlessly.
  Of course, it is true that having an idea of where one is headed helps in getting there, Proverbs 29:18 is not talking about having a business or ministry vision. Other translations of the Bible help clarify the point of Proverbs 29:18 for modern readers. The NIV puts it this way: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” The ESV has, “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.”
  The “vision” in this verse refers to a divine communication as from a dream, revelation, or prophecy. The same Hebrew word used in Proverbs 29:18 is found in 1 Samuel 3:1 in the context of the rarity of the word of the Lord and the infrequency of prophetic visions. It is also used to introduce the prophetic books of Isaiah and Obadiah and several of the visions of Daniel. Lack of vision, then, is a lack of God’s revelatory word.
  Proverbs 29:18 says that “the people perish” where there is no vision. The word translated “perish” or “cast off restraint” in the original means “to loosen” and thus “to expose or uncover.” The same Hebrew word is used in Exodus 32:25 during the golden calf incident: “Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies” (emphasis added). It is also used in Leviticus regarding uncovering one’s head or letting one’s hair hang loose (Leviticus 10:6; 13:45; 21:10). Other proverbs use the same word to denote “ignoring” or “neglecting” instruction (Proverbs 1:25; 8:33; 13:18; 15:32) and “avoiding” the path of the wicked (Proverbs 4:15).
  With this we understand that, without the Word of God, people are “loose”; that is, they go their own way. They live without restraint. Ultimately, living in such a way will lead to death because to ignore God’s way is to ignore the way of life (Romans 6:23). So what is the remedy to such lethal waywardness?
  The next part of Proverbs 29:18 tells us: “Blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” We are blessed when we keep God’s directives. Psalm 19 elaborates on the perfection and trustworthiness of God’s Word. His precepts “are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes” (Psalm 19:8). David, the psalmist here, goes on to describe God’s decrees as “more precious than gold” and “sweeter than honey” (verse 10). He writes, “By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (verse 11). Lest anyone be confused, this is not a call to legalism. Life is not found in our ability to obey a list of dos and don’ts. Within Psalm 19 we see indications of relationship with God. David talks about the fear of the Lord being pure (verse 9), he calls himself God’s servant (verse 13), and he calls God his “LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (verse 14). When Jesus named the greatest commandment, He referred to the command to love God (Mark 12:28–34). Our obedience to God and our keeping of His Word flow from a relationship in which we are loved by God and we love Him in return (1 John 4:7–10).
  Hebrews 1:1–2 says, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.” Jesus has come into the world as the living Word of God (John 1:1, 14). God has also given us the written Word, the Bible. When we fail to read God’s Word and live it out in our lives, we become people “without vision.” When we ignore God’s Word, we begin to live without restraint to our own peril. Conversely, when we heed God’s Word, we are blessed. Jesus said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:9–11). God has given us His Word, and He calls us to be faithful to it. In keeping God’s Word, we will find joy in Him.

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