WITHOUT EXCUSE

 WITHOUT EXCUSE       

Romans [ESV] 6:1-4 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 

Dear fellow travelers,

  As God’s John 1:12; 3:3 born-again children we are to live personally without-excuse lives as Romans 12:1-3 worshippers pleasing God. Lives that increasing distance from childish popular excuses for immature actions. We are to mature beyond being identified with blaming others, centering our identity in traumatic experience(s), past or present environment and/or circumstance et al.

  I confess that at 86+ it is not an everyday easy endeavor, but none-the-less my responsibility alone as I see God’s direction in His Word.

  We are dead to sin, alive to God!

In His peace,

Edwin Bennett Bullock 4^th

WHY DO WE DO WHAT WE DO?

 WHY DO WE DO WHAT WE DO?

  In my younger years I, at times ashamed and conscience stricken, could not satisfactorily answer the title question. I did however give it some thought. Having morally been taught right from wrong by family and school teachers was good, but was not the satisfactory answer.

  Trusting Christ as Redeemer at age 27 I soon began searching God’s Word beyond the initial peace and joy of His salvation. Most of the preaching I heard, though from the Bible, was more of the same right from wrong refrain. Through personal prayerful study I found the answer in God’s Word. The answer is that what I think (credit) is who and what I am. (Pr.23:7a; et al)

  Then for myself I sketched out a defining chart. Since then I’ve shared it many times. Twice this week so far and today for those interested.

 

ACTIONS

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Worldview/ATTITUDE/Life-view

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BELIEFS

 

  Once realized, then came the work of surrendering to application on a regular basis. A Romans 12:1-3 matter.

EBB4

 

MAD ME

 

MAD ME

 

Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 

 

  Growing up I was called “Sunny” because of my disposition. However, I was not without frustration and anger that developed along with the skill to internalize it. When I trusted Christ as Redeemer at age 27 it was not one of the “Here today, gone tomorrow changes”. Did it alleviate? Yes, but it was not until I Biblically topically studied anger and in induction complied that serious deliverance came.

  Being still me, as with such characteristics, prayerful review is required.

  Knowing I’m not alone, today I share the first page from my personal ANGER FILE.

  As my review progresses I’m hoping for not just reminders, but beneficial healthy additions and subtractions.

  For today, know this: Anger is often a result of trusting our wisdom…as is the outcome.

 

 

EBB4

I AM ... THE DOOR

 

I AM … THE DOOR

Pastor Hayden Norris, Crosspoint Bible Church

 

John [ESV] 10:1-10 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 

 

1. Jesus protects and pastors His sheep. And calls them by name!

2., He protects by leading.

3. He protects by saving.

4. He protects by blessing with “life abundant”. (Lk.12:`15; Jn.4:14)

IMMEDIATELY

 IMMEDIATELY

John 5:2-9 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. 

  Tomorrow morning the movers come. Everything is packed but my bed. All I need to do when I arise in the morning is break it down and go.

  I can’t pick up my bed and carry it like the man in the story did, but Christ has made me whole and I am to follow what He says. I pray that I will always be like that man and obey Him immediately!

Leslie Nivens (12/12/1928 – 3/1/2020)

TOWARD GODLINESS

 TOWARD GODLINESS

Godliness with contentment is great gain. (1Tim.6:6)

Dear fellow travelers,

  In the latest edition of THE BEREAN CALL (Acts 17:11) T. A. McMahon provides yet another provocative essay. Two pages titled The Word of God – Part One. Here I share just 2 paragraphs that spoke mightily to me.

 

  “How important is the Word of God to you? Is it just an additive to your Christianity? Something you get a taste of each Sunday? If that’s the case you are headed for spiritual malnourishment, if you’re not there already.

  If you don’t think that’s the case, here are three basic beliefs that a Biblical Christian needs to adhere to in order to grow in and be strengthened and fruitful in the Word of God. These beliefs are inerrancy, the authority, and the sufficiency of God’s Word.”

  We need to often think on these 3 basic beliefs, their understanding, provision and application.

EBB4

 

  PS. TBC is a nonprofit newsletter I’ve subscribed to for years and benefited greatly from it. TBC if financed by donations and some book sales. To subscribe or access TBC archives go to www.thebereancall.org

  Correction: I forgot to credit yesterday’s essay, ICONS, to GotQuestions.org

ICONS

 

Is religious iconography considered idolatry?

  Broadly speaking, religious iconography is the artistic depiction of religious figures, often using symbolism. In Christianity, iconography features subjects such as Christ, Mary, or the saints. An icon is an image, usually painted on wood, that is to be venerated as a sacred object. Icons can also be engravings, mosaics, or embroideries. Although people who use icons in their worship would deny that they are practicing idolatry, it is difficult to see how “venerating” an object as “sacred” is different from idolatry.
  Although Catholics also venerate religious images, iconography is most often associated with the Eastern or Orthodox Church, which teaches that the use of icons during prayer helps the worshiper know God, be united with the holy saints, and develop the fruit of the Spirit. When an Orthodox Christian enters his church, he lights a candle, makes the sign of the cross, and then kisses the icons of Christ, the Theotokos (Mary), and the saints. The church sanctuary will contain many other “Holy Icons,” as they’re called. Orthodox Christians are to have icons at home, too, and the place where the icons are kept is where family prayers are offered. Icons are seen as an illustration of the Incarnation of Christ, who left His spiritual abode to dwell in a material world. The devout also believe that an icon is a window into heaven, and their veneration passes straight to heaven, where it is received by the person depicted in the icon. Some claim that icons have facilitated miracles.
  John Calvin and the other Protestant Reformers were iconoclasts; that is, they demanded the removal of icons from churches and homes. According to the Reformers, the veneration of icons and other religious artifacts was idolatry, and they were right. Any kissing of, bowing down before, or praying toward an icon is certainly idolatrous. Members of the Orthodox Church insist that they are not worshiping the paint and wood, but they admit that they give veneration, adoration, and reverence to the saints and Mary depicted in the icons. They pray to men and women; they ascribe to the icons a spiritual power that it does not possess. This is unbiblical.
  There is nothing wrong with producing or enjoying religious art, per se. Viewing a painting of a biblical scene in an art gallery and admiring the artist’s technique cannot be considered idolatry. Having a picture of Jesus or of angels in one’s home may not be idolatry, either. Iconography can be studied as an art form, and icons can be viewed as fascinating examples of historical religious art. But using icons to aid one’s worship or viewing them as a “window to heaven” is definitely idolatry.
  The Bible strictly forbids idolatry (Leviticus 26:1; Deuteronomy 5:9). God alone deserves to be bowed down to and worshiped. Icons are not intercessors before the throne of grace, and neither are the saints they represent. People in heaven do not have the power to hear our prayers or grant our requests. Only Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit can intercede for us before the Father (Romans 8:26–27, 34). We should stay as far away as we can from anything that could possibly lead to idolatry.

 

LEXES

 

LEXES

Vocabulary is important to communication, this almost a silly declaration. Something we know, thought don’t always practice. Though I work at it I too fail to make sense at times. (And get laughed at by family and friends.)

With the English language having almost 1,000,000 words, being the by distance the wordiest in the world. And yet we only use up to 2,000 of the words in a week, this in spite of all the ways we now communicate.

Actually, though we should not, I suspect we could manage communication quite well using only 50-100 words. An uppity intellectual, says “Many do so.”

As with all things, lexes included, there is priority. The Word very plainly speaks of this.

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Mt.4:3, 4; Lk. 4:4)

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2Tim.2:15)

How say we? 

EBB4       

WORSHIP

 

WORSHIP

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

 

  To attend to worship in church or while walking in the woods et al, without Bible study resulting in increasing knowledge of God, what He has and does for us, and who we are as born again sons and daughters of God (Jn.1:12; 3:3; 2Cor.5:17) can make for limited worship.

  Understanding His provisions definitely increases reverent awe.

  To that end, I share some definitions from Greek:

 

 "received"; means to objectively or actively to take or to get hold of

* "power"; the sense of ability and privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence: - authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

* "became"; a primary verb (action); to cause to be (“gen” -erate), that is, (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literally, figuratively, intensively, etc.): - arise be assembled, be (come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, be done, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought.

* "believe"; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ): - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.

* "name"; involving authority and character

 

  In the spirit of worship I write from my awed heart: I, personally, have objectively and actively taken hold of Lord Jesus Christ with a gained sense of blessed responsibility, privilege and ability, force, capacity, competency, mastery in delegated influence, with all provided authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right and strength. In this truth I became and continue to be joined to God, ordained by Him alone (Jn.1:13), wrought and fulfilled by His provision without any goodness or earning on my part (Eph.2:8-9), regenerated as a new person in Christ. This by trust; having faith in Jesus authority and character as Almighty God; sole deliverer from the eternal penalty of my sin!

  In continuance I endeavor to, in submission, allow His hold on me to increase.

EBB4

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

 

I Am the Light of the World

Joh 8:12  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 13  The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. 14  Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. 15  Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. 16  And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. 17  It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18  I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. 19  Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. 20  These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come. 21  Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. 22  Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come. 23  And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. 24  I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. 25  Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. 26  I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. 27  They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.  28  Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29  And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. 30  As he spake these words, many believed on him. 

The Truth Will Set You Free

31  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33  They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34  Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35  And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 

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Pastor Hayden Norris, Sunday March 20, 2022

 

1. Jesus illuminates the world so that you can see things clearly.

2. Jesus illuminates the world so that you can choose a path.

3. Jesus illuminates and irritates the world.

 

“HAVE A GOOD DAY”?

  “Have a good day.” is a common expression in our USA culture. Ask a people to define a good day and you will typically get one or more of the following categorical responses.

·         A day that feels good emotionally and physically.

·         A day that runs smoothly without a lot of stress.

·         A day successful in accomplishing goals.

·         A day that includes respect, recognition and appreciation.

  Ah, but is this how we in this “Christian nation” should evaluate days?

  A good day is when whatever happens or does not happen is seen and thought of as “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Ps.118:24; Rom.8:28)

  I share my study on Biblical attitude items that I see as essential to a good day:

·         That we exercise healthy reverence (fear & appreciation) for God. (Ex.20:3; Mt.22:33-40)

·         That we gain wisdom. (Job 12:12; Proverbs et al)

·         That we trust that any understanding to be had is through and by God. (Job 28:12-28)

·         That any understanding can only be realized as we depart from evil. (Job 28:28; James 1:5-8)

·         That we don’t demand present understanding of all events. (Job 38:1-41; Isaiah 55)

·         That we accept all days as His day. (Ps.118:24a)

·         That we see God in it. (Ps.118:24)

·         That regardless of events we rejoice in it. (Ps.118:24b; Phil.4:4)

·         That understanding comes by circumspect reverence and love. (Pr.1:7; 2Pet.3:10-11; 1Jn.4:1-21)

·         That we live knowing that life is not about “bread alone”. (Mt.4:4a; Phil.4:11-13)

·         That we manifest living by God’s Word. (Mt.4:4b)

·         That we relate to our fellow man with godliness. (Mt.22:38-39)

·         That we act and react as those indwelt by God’s Holy Spirit. (Jn.1:12; Gal.5:22,23; Eph.5:9)

·         That we don’t make it about us. (Phil.4:5)

·         That we give every care over to God. (Phil.4:6; 1Pet.5:7)

·         That we thereby experience God’s peace. (Phil.4:7,9; 1Tim.2:2))

·         That we fix our thoughts on all that is right and good. (Phil.4:8)

·         That we always check options first with The Guide. (Phil.4:13; 2Tim.3:16-17)

·         That, like them or not, we pray for our leaders. (1Tim.2:2)

·         That we study to show ourselves equipped and approved by God, the Ultimate Judge. (2Tim.2:14-16; 3:16-17; Heb.9:27;11:6)

·         That we seek God’s maturation in it. (Heb.5:12-14; James 1:2-4; 1Pet.2:1-3)

·         That it does not hinge on our getting respect, recognition, and appreciation. (James 1:9-11)

  How now do we define a good day? 

EBB4    

GOD'S UNLIMITED LOVE

 

GOD’s UNLIMITED LOVE

 

1John 4:15-18 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

 

  I’ve been asked why God allowed the serpent (Satan) and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden at Eden.

  To tempt Adam and Eve? No. “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” (ESV Jam.1:13-14)

  The answer is His love. At the very beginning God, in His love, gave man the privilege and responsibility of choice, free will. No serpent, no free will. Without that tree there would have been no free will.

  And here we are today exponentially decision challenged . . . and yet would you want it otherwise? Your life sans free will?

  Choice, free will, is a theme from Genesis thru Revelation in God’s Word. This love of God is without cancellation or limitation.

  Though a struggle I would have it no other way than to live in God’s love.

EBB4

PERFORMANCE

 

PERFORMANCE

 

1Timothy 2:3-6 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 

 

  Christian religion performance involves different ways. The John 14:6 Way or another way; the result of hearing and believing the Biblical gospel as opposed a rule-based way. The latter comprising forever learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth, producing attitude to action outside of God’s Truth. (2Tim.3:7)

  Love of God and people is proper motivation producing lively Romans 12:1-2 worship pleasing to God. Jesus spoke of this. It is an obvious theme in God’s Word: Deut.7:9; 11:1,22; 19:9; 30:16; Josh.22:5; Dan.9:4; Mt.22:34-39; Jn.14:15; 15:10; 1Jn.5:2,3.

  It’s like the difference between obeying traffic rules because it’s the law and not wanting to be penalized . . . or driving carefully because you love family, friends, and strangers. As has been said, “Being a good driver alone doesn’t meet God’s standard.” (Eph.2:8-10)

  It is a great tragedy that since Christ’ atoning death, burial, and resurrection there are wrong way Christian denominations leading masses of people astray.

EBB4

A PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPLANATION

 

A PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPLANATION

 

   Genesis [GNB] 4:1-8 Then Adam had intercourse with his wife, and she became pregnant. She bore a son and said, "By the LORD's help I have gotten a son." So she named him Cain. Later she gave birth to another son, Abel. Abel became a shepherd, but Cain was a farmer. After some time Cain brought some of his harvest and gave it as an offering to the LORD. Then Abel brought the first lamb born to one of his sheep, killed it, and gave the best parts of it as an offering. The LORD was pleased with Abel and his offering, but he rejected Cain and his offering. Cain became furious, and he scowled in anger. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why that scowl on your face? If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling; but because you have done evil, sin is crouching at your door. It wants to rule you, but you must overcome it." Then Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out in the fields." When they were out in the fields, Cain turned on his brother and killed him.

   James 4:1-4 Where do all the fights and quarrels among you come from? They come from your desires for pleasure, which are constantly fighting within you. You want things, but you cannot have them, so you are ready to kill; you strongly desire things, but you cannot get them, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it. And when you ask, you do not receive it, because your motives are bad; you ask for things to use for your own pleasures. Unfaithful people! Don't you know that to be the world's friend means to be God's enemy? If you want to be the world's friend, you make yourself God's enemy.

 

  Murders in Omaha, Nebraska, plus other locales. We hear psychobabble explanations from experts on what likely motivated the murderers.

  If embraced, indeed political paranoia, dysfunctional family, angst, sense of rejection, self-pity, resentment et al may be contributing factors for individual or group, professing Christian or not, but they’re never the base cause. Who does not suffer adverse situation and emotion at times? But does every adverse condition or emotion lead to mayhem, chaos, or murder by individual or group? NO!

  Once again, what does God’s Word say . . . what is to be our life-view/worldview?

  Please bear with me as I role play a bit as Dr. Edwardo el Toro P.S. (Psychobabilist Supremo), explaining the first recorded murder, why Cain murdered Abel. “This young man had serious psychological issues. Not only was he the firstborn, what we like to refer to as ‘the experimental child’, the son that novice parents typically having exceptional expectations of. Because of earlier family indiscretions he lived in an insecure environment, the father still accusatory and resentful toward Cain’s mother for having in their early married life hung out with the wrong company instead helping her husband harvest potatoes and tomatoes and frolic with Leo and Lambkins; she consequently making a disastrous decision, then seducing him to participate, and thereby losing their beautiful peaceful habitat resulting in new unfamiliar constant watchfulness and heavy labor to survive. Along with this their sex life was never the same as in the old wonderful domicile among the flowers. Constantly mulling over paradise lost, they argued regularly blaming one another. Plus, they suffered onus of rejection and guilt at every turn of shovel, uprooting of weeds and chopping briars, plus learning new skills such as how to keep harvests from rotting. Also, Adam was constantly stressed by reviewing questions ‘Why did Jehovah give me this woman? Wasn’t there better available? And why in the world did Jehovah allow that tree and that creature in our yard in the old neighborhood?!’”

  “Oh my yes, yes, Cain was a troubled young man. If only he had come to me or Dr. Phil earlier, he could have been saved and even done good works . . . a vegetarian food pantry maybe?”

  As Christians, we must never cloud our vision with worldly explanations contrary to the Word: none of us are inherently good people (Ps.14:1-3; Rom.3:10, 23); we all are sinful in nature (Rom.8:3); “desperately wicked”, of ourselves capable of evil (Jer.17:9).

  Why did Cain and many since murder? As with Cain, they rejected Jehovah God’s merciful direction and provision, instead choosing their own way. 

EBB4

I AM... the Bread of Life

 

I AM… the Bread of Life

Pastor Hayden Norris

John 6:25-35 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? 

Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. [Note Ex.3:14]

 

Jesus sustains and satisfies your life.

1. Your need is spiritual, not physical.

2. Your motivation is fueled by what you love.

3. Your love for Jesus should trump all other loves. [Note Jn.21:15-17]

BACK IN PLACE

 

BACK IN PLACE

 

Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 

 

I’ve never had a joint out of socket myself, but I remember a young man brought to the ER with his shoulder dislocated from sliding into home plate.

  His shoulder was misshaped. His arm hung useless and he was in extreme pain. When the doctor placed his foot in the young man’s armpit and pushed while pulling on his arm with all his strength, the young man fainted.

  When he aroused a few moments later he could use his arm and the pain was mostly gone.

  When a Christian is “out of place”, disjointed, because of sin it up to the rest of us to go to the person in love to help them get back in place. This even though it may hurt at the time.

Leslie Nivens (12/12/1928 – 3/1/2020)

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LENT?

 

GotQuestions.org: What is the meaning of lent?

 

  Lent is a period of fasting, moderation, and self-denial traditionally observed by Catholics and some Protestant denominations. It begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter Sunday. The length of the Lenten fast was established in the 4th century as 46 days (40 days, not counting Sundays). During Lent, participants eat sparingly or give up a particular food or habit. It’s not uncommon for people to give up smoking during Lent, or to swear off watching television or eating candy or telling lies. It’s six weeks of self-discipline.

  Lent began as a way for Catholics to remind themselves of the value of repentance. The austerity of the Lenten season was seen as similar to how people in the Old Testament fasted and repented in sackcloth and ashes (Esther 4:1-3; Jeremiah 6:26; Daniel 9:3).
  However, over the centuries Lenten observances have developed a much more "sacramental" value. Many Catholics believe that giving something up for Lent is a way to attain God’s blessing. But the Bible teaches that grace cannot be earned; grace is “the gift of righteousness” (Romans 5:17). Also, Jesus taught that fasting should be done discreetly: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:16-18). Jesus’ command to “wash your face” seems to conflict with the practice of rubbing ashes on one’s face on Ash Wednesday.
  Fasting can be a good thing, and God is pleased when we repent of sinful habits. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with setting aside some time to focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection. However, repenting of sin is something we should be doing every day of the year, not just for the 46 days of Lent.
  If a Christian wishes to observe Lent, he is free to do so. The key is to focus on repenting of sin and consecrating oneself to God. Lent should not be a time of boasting of one’s sacrifice or trying to earn God’s favor or increasing His love. God’s love for us could not be any greater than it already is.

PS. Many of my wonderful boyhood friends were R.C. Preceding Easter there was lots of talk about giving up ice cream.