A BAT IS A BIRD?

 A BAT IS A BIRD? 

  There are biblio-skeptics (A new word for us.) that delight in Bible passages like this one from Leviticus, “And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth. … And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, And the vulture, and the kite after his kind; Every raven after his kind; And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl, And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle, And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.” (Lev.11:1-2, 13-19)

  A bat is a bird? If God is creator of all life, all-knowing, and is the author of the book telling about animals . . . would this mistake be in his book? Doesn’t this prove that man wrote the Bible?

  It does not prove any such thing.

  I find it interesting that pseudo or actual intellectuals, as skeptics, take time to read Scripture, but though diligent in their vocation, don’t take time or effort to apply themselves in like manner when studying Scripture.

  The Hebrew word used in Leviticus 11:13 is “owph”, meaning fowl/winged creature, to fly, or has wings.

  So the answer is a bat is not a bird! God never said it is. 

EBB4

WHAT DOES LOGOS EXEMPLIFY?

 WHAT DOES LOGOS EXEMPLIFY?

As John 3:3 born-again believers our professed reliance is centered in logos. Living (Jn.1:1, 14; 3:13; 6:46, 62; 8:58; 16:28; 17;5), Jesus being our example. And written (Jn.2:22; 4:41, 50; 5:24, 38; 8:31, 37, 43; 10:35; 1`2:48; 14:24; 15:3, 20, 25; 17:6, 14; 17:17, 20), the Bible being our book of guidance. In the Word of God lay the answers to all our life questions. Looking to the Word living and written I address 2 recent questions posted on Facebook. (Though stated in different phrases I have abridged them.)

Is not student loan forgiveness justified in light of God’s salvation forgiveness?

Luke 14:28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?

Romans 13:7a Pay to all what is owed to them: 

 

When is kindness more important than being correct?

When considering this question keep in mind that there’s a vast difference between sports etc. opinions and spiritual matters.

Read the Word and note when He and it show kindness or forthright correction, sometimes being both in the same Word. John 3:3 being a prime example of both, being kind in presenting needed correction.

EBB4

HEAVEN

 HEAVEN

Psalm 73:22-26 I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 

I’ve read a lot in God’s Word about heaven – the jewels, the gold, the river of life, and the beauty! I have heard people talk about how they long to see their loved ones who have gone on before, but when I think of heaven, I picture myself cradled like a little child in the arms of my Savior. THAT will be heaven for me!

Leslie Nivens (12/12/1928 – 3/1/2020

ROLLING STONES

 ROLLING STONES

John 11:1-44

  I’ve benefitted from many worthwhile applications of today’s chapter. Yesterday, in reading, I was reminded of one involving our compliant participation in the work of logos.

    Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of Lazarus, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 

  I suspect her why bother was met with agreement by some in that day’s crowd, but it did not deter all.

  Ken Ham wrote “In other words, humans can roll the stone away. That’s man’s responsibility. But only God can raise the dead.”

  I ask you dear fellow traveler, knowing this, how now shall we live?

EBB4

LOGOS

 

LOGOS

 

John 1:1-4 [ESV] In the beginning was the Word (logos), and the Word (logos) was with God, and the Word (logos) was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 

  Jesus, logos, was God Incarnate. 100% God. 100% man. In His capacity He was/is Divine Expression living and written. Searching Scripture reveals this mysterious significant truth.

  Below I list “logos” verses from the gospel of Johm for you to look up and be edified.

 

LIVING

Jn.1:1, 14; 3:13; 6:46, 62; 8:58; 16:28; 17:5

 

WRITTEN

Jn.2:22; 4:41, 50; 5:24, 38; 8:31, 37, 43; 10:35; 12:48; 14:24;

15:3, 20, 25; 17:6, 14; 17:17, 20.

 

  Looking elsewhere in the N.T. record you’ll find “logos”, divine expression: Jam.1:18, 21-23; 3:2; 1Pet.1:23; 2:8; 3:1; 2Pet.1:19; 3:5, 7; 1Jn.1:1, 10; 2:5, 7, 14, 18; 5:7.    

EBB4

LESSONS FROM DAVID

 

LESSONS FROM DAVID

 

  1Samuel CEV 26:7-16 That same night, David and Abishai crept into the camp. Saul was sleeping, and his spear was stuck in the ground not far from his head. Abner and the soldiers were sound asleep all around him. Abishai whispered, "This time God has let you get your hands on your enemy! I'll pin him to the ground with one thrust of his own spear." "Don't kill him!" David whispered back. "The LORD will punish anyone who kills his chosen king. As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD will kill Saul, or Saul will die a natural death or be killed in battle. But I pray that the LORD will keep me from harming his chosen king. Let's grab his spear and his water jar and get out of here!" David took the spear and the water jar, then left the camp. None of Saul's soldiers knew what had happened or even woke up--the LORD had made all of them fall sound asleep. David and Abishai crossed the valley and went to the top of the next hill, where they were at a safe distance. "Abner!" David shouted toward Saul's army. "Can you hear me?" Abner shouted back. "Who dares disturb the king?" "Abner, what kind of a man are you?" David replied. "Aren't you supposed to be the best soldier in Israel? Then why didn't you protect your king? Anyone who went into your camp could have killed him tonight. You're a complete failure! I swear by the living LORD that you and your men deserve to die for not protecting the LORD's chosen king. Look and see if you can find the king's spear and the water jar that were near his head."

  1Corinthians 13:11 [ESV] When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 

 

  Have you ever had a wild idea like David’s or Gideon’s? Gideon’s spelled out as a clear directive from God (Judges 7:7-15); David’s something through Abishai with his “Hey, how about let’s do this …”; followed by David’s agreement by courage, fancifulness, or impression by God’s Spirit? We don’t know, but what we do know is that he did not draw back from stepping out in faith.

  I believe that he did so because of his “man after the heart of God” spirit. (Acts 13:22)

  And that David, when the simple solution was at hand and encouraged by his kinsman Abishai with hand poised to grasp King Saul’s spear and make one deadly accurate thrust, reasoning with David that surely God had delivered Saul into David’s hand for the purpose of destroying him; David did not sin by disobeying God through some hasty shortcut to success. (1Sam.24:6-12; 1Chron.16:22; Ps.105:15) Plus, shouldn’t we consider that David shortly before was prepared for just such opportunity by his waiting on God’s provision experience with Nabal? (1Sam.25:2-42)

  I believe so, considering David a most thoughtful reflective man as indicated time and again by his many recorded Psalms.

  David did not however abstain from emulating Gideon’s example (Judges 7:16-25) as Gideon obeyed God’s directive; something that today is referred to as psychological warfare, disrupting the enemy’s organizational structure through fear and anxiety within, certainly accomplishing far more than if he had made for the painting of himself a cowardly murderer and leaving King Saul a martyr for his followers to rally around. (These are strictly my considerations after the fact, not at all seen as David’s present tense reasons for abstinence from slaying Saul.)

  What would I have done at David’s age? Need I say?!

  But I am no longer a precipitous emotional adolescent. I am now an elder learning the lessons of David; and sharing them with my, for the most part, younger fellows. 

EBB4  

PEACE FOR THE JUDICIOUS

 PEACE FOR THE JUDICIOUS

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 

  Do astute people knowingly hire a mechanic that cannot repair his own vehicles? A carpenter that cannot build a shed in his own backyard? A dentist with crooked rotten teeth?

  In Harper’s magazine September issue it is reported that the “Minimum percentage of North American psychologists who have a lifetime history of mental health difficulties: 80” And yet Christians increasingly rely on them instead of seeking Biblical counsel:

John 14:27 [NLT[ “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” 

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

  Be wise, seek the only true peace that can be had.

EBB4

ARE MORMONS "CHRISTIANS"

 

Are Mormons "Christians" as defined by traditional Christianity?

The answer to that question is easy and straightforward: "no." Nevertheless, even as the question is clear, the answer requires some explanation.

The issue is clearly framed in this case. Christianity is rightly defined in terms of "traditional Christian orthodoxy." Thus, we have an objective standard to define what is and is not Christianity.

We are not talking here about the postmodern conception of Christianity that minimizes truth. We are not discussing Christianity as a mood or a sociological movement. We are not talking about liberal Christianity that minimizes doctrine or sectarian Christianity that defines the faith in terms of eccentric doctrines. We are talking about historical, traditional Christian orthodoxy.

Once that is made clear, the answer is inevitable. Furthermore, the answer is made easy, not only by the structure of Christian orthodoxy (a structure Mormonism denies) but by the central argument of Mormonism itself - that the true faith was restored through Joseph Smith in the nineteenth century in America and that the entire structure of Christian orthodoxy as affirmed by the post-apostolic church is corrupt and false.

In other words, Mormonism rejects traditional Christian orthodoxy at the onset - this rejection is the very logic of Mormonism's existence. A contemporary observer of Mormon public relations will not hear this logic presented directly, but it is the very logic and message of the Book of Mormon, and the structure of Mormon thought. Mormonism rejects Christian orthodoxy as the very argument for its own existence, and it clearly identifies historic Christianity as a false faith.

What does Mormonism reject?

The orthodox consensus of the Christian church is defined in terms of its historic creeds and doctrinal affirmations. Two great doctrines stand as the central substance of that consensus. Throughout the centuries, the doctrines concerning the Trinity and the nature of Christ have constituted that foundation, and the church has used these definitional doctrines as the standard for identifying true Christianity.

Mormon Doctrine vs. Christian Doctrine

The Mormon doctrine of God does not correspond to the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. Mormonism rejects the central logic of this doctrine (one God in three eternal persons) and develops its own doctrine of God - a doctrine that bears practically no resemblance to Trinitarian theology. The Mormon doctrine of God includes many gods, not one. Furthermore, Mormonism teaches that we are what God once was and are becoming what He now is. That is in direct conflict with Christian orthodoxy.

Contemporary Mormonism presents the Book of Mormon as "another testament of Jesus Christ," but the Jesus of the Book of Mormon is not the only begotten Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, or the one through whose death on the cross we can be saved from our sins.

Normative Christianity is defined by the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the other formulas of the doctrinal consensus. These doctrines are understood by Christians to be rooted directly within the Bible and rightly affirmed by all true believers in all places and throughout all time. As one leading figure in the early church explained, the true faith is recognized and affirmed everywhere, always, and by all (Vincent of Lérins defined the orthodox tradition as those truths affirmed "ubique, semper, ab omnibus").

The major divisions within Christian history (Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism) disagree over important doctrine issues, but all affirm the early church's consensus concerning the nature of Christ and the Trinitarian faith. These are precisely what Mormonism rejects.

Without a doubt, Mormonism borrows Christian themes, personalities, and narratives. Nevertheless, it rejects what orthodox Christianity affirms and affirms what orthodox Christianity rejects. It is not Christianity in a new form or another branch of the Christian tradition. By its own teachings and claims, it rejects that very tradition.

Richard John Neuhaus, a leading Roman Catholic theologian, helpfully reminds us that "Christian" is a word that "is not honorific but descriptive." Christians do respect the Mormon affirmation of the family and the zeal of Mormon youth in their own missionary work. Christians must affirm religious liberty and the right of Mormons to practice and share their faith.

Nevertheless, Mormonism is not Christianity by definition or description.

Andy Naselli further discusses the question, "Are Mormons Christian?" in the video below:

I am always glad to hear from readers. Write me at mail@albertmohler.com. Follow regular updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AlbertMohler.

Dr. Albert R. Mohler serves as President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

HIDING FROM THE STORM

 HIDING FROM THE STORM

Psalm 32:7-8  Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. 

  Storms terrify several of my friends, but they seldom bother me. I do remember a few years ago when black clouds and high winds resulted in my taking a pillow, a book, and a flashlight and closed myself in a small inner closet. In the closet it was calm and quiet. I could not even hear the wind. After some time I opened the door and saw the storm had passed. There were trees down and a lot of damage, but I had weathered the storm in perfect peace.

  God is my spiritual hiding place where the storms and troubles of life pass over without bothering me. I weather the storms in perfect peace.

  And I thank and praise God for it!

Leslie Nivens (12/12/1928 – 3/1/2020)

CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM

 

CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM

There are politicians and other influencers calling for the GOP to be the party of Christian Nationalism. What is Christian Nationalism? Should Christians be involved? If so, in what way?   EBB4

+++
  Christian nationalism is most often employed as a derogatory term. It is crucial to realize that labels can be unfairly used to trigger an emotional response. Beliefs require more than superficial connection to biblical faith to be truly “Christian,” just as vague similarities between two ideas do not make them equivalent. Such distinctions are often lost in the exaggeration and melodrama of modern communication. It’s common to attack opposing views using the most provocative language possible. Terms like communist, hate, radical, racist, fascist, supremacist, and traitor are applied to views that don’t reasonably fit those definitions. Nationalism falls into this category, at times.
  Broadly speaking, biblical Christianity neither implies nor includes “Christian nationalism.” Christians are obligated to individually submit to the will of God (Romans 12:1) and to support one another along those lines (John 15:12). In practice, this means advocating for government actions consistent with a Christian worldview (Proverbs 14:34). It includes defying government commands to commit sin (Acts 5:29). At the same time, a believer’s primary mission is not earthly, let alone political (John 18:36). In fact, the main descriptor for a Christian’s relationship to government is “submission” (Romans 13:1), not “domination.” Perspectives such as Christian Dominionism or Kingdom Now theology rightly invite accusations of “Christian nationalism,” though such perspectives are not reflected in Scripture.
  Nationalism is a sense of loyalty and commitment to one’s country. It includes belief that the country ought to self-govern, pursue self-interests, and encourage shared cultural attributes. Such goals are neither good nor bad in and of themselves. Appreciation for one’s culture, language, traditions, music, history, or achievements is a fine thing. The same holds true for efforts to sustain those legacies. What’s inappropriate is an idolatrous, idealized vision of the country that presumes some clique within the nation is superior to all others. Therefore, “nationalism” is rarely used as a criticism without qualification: it is tied to factions such as “white nationalism” or “Christian nationalism.”
  The core of those criticisms is not that it is wrong to be nationalist, in the blandest sense of the word. Rather, the implication is that it’s wrong to promote a narrow caricature of the “ideal” nation. Such details separate healthy love of country from the idolatry of factional nationalism. Any yet the word nationalist is what provides these criticisms with emotional punch. The term is something of a political boogeyman, evoking a sense of control, oppression, subjection, or dominance. Decrying a position as “[whatever] nationalism” implies an effort to force society to kowtow to [whatever] perspective.
  Critics will often claim “Christian nationalism” when there is the slightest connection between a person’s faith and his or her political or social views. From that perspective, any desire to see laws reflecting godly morality or protecting Christian expressions of faith in public life is invalid nationalism and should be rejected. The same strategy is often used against pro-life or pro-Israel sentiments or support for biblical sexuality. At times, any politically conservative stance conflicting with progressive morality is waved away as “Christian nationalism.”
  By that standard, any approach to politics could be belittled as invalid “nationalism.” It would be misleading and unfair to characterize all support for LGBTQ civil rights as “homosexual nationalism.” Those who believe in the separation of church and state are not “atheist nationalists.” The activists who opposed Jim Crow-era segregation were not “black nationalists.” And voters whose morality is defined by the Bible are not “Christian nationalists.” That’s not to say persons identified with sexual, religious, or ethnic groups can never be described as extremists; rather, the point is that advocating specific perspectives does not automatically imply radical nationalism.
  Many people identify as “Christian.” With careful context, reasonable persons can identify as “nationalists.” Modern culture uses the phrase Christian nationalism to imply something well beyond a simple overlap of those terms, however. Attitudes that follow biblical principles can’t be fairly described using the popular definition of Christian nationalism; the attitudes that the label implies are not part of a biblical worldview.    GotQuestions.org

 

“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, I often review the above.   

A BODY OUGHTA KNOW

 

A BODY OUGHTA KNOW

 

Colossians 2:2-4 … that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and to all riches of the full assurance of the understanding, to the full knowledge of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And I say this that not anyone should beguile you with enticing words.

 

  Though I can’t remember the last time I heard it, “A body ought to know …” was another cultural saying I grew up with. (For those of you never exposed to Far Eastern dialogue, it speaks of knowledge necessary to get along in life.)

  Another was “There oughta be a law!” but I’ll say no more on it because in the ensuing decades our elected legislators and unelected bureaucrats enacted in spades.

  There are many things we do need to know to live well.

  Though not necessarily essential to everyone, here’s an example: During the early months of WWII 12,000 military were killed. During that same time period over 6,400 USA civilians lost their lives working in armament factories. A fact that may or may not make a difference in our life.

  There is however information that is essential to live beyond temporal plodding.

  King Solomon pointed this indispensable life-truth out: “The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; to know wisdom and instruction; to recognize the words of understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and uprightness; to give sense to the simple, knowledge and judgment to the young man; the wise hears and increases learning; and understanding ones get wisdom; to understand a proverb and its meaning; the words of the wise, and their acute sayings. The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of your father, and forsake not the law of your mother; for they shall be an ornament of grace to your head and chains around your neck.” (Pr.1:1-9)

  For the Christian disciple of Christ, how is this implemented?

  First, by regular reading and studying what Jehovah God says in His Word, the Bible: “Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. But shun profane, vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. … All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfected, thoroughly furnished to every good work. (1Tim.2:15-16; 3:16-17)

  Secondly, living with a God’s Word life-view; meaning in every question, problem, pleasure, $$ management, choosing friends, selecting a spouse, work, challenge, desire, temptation, et al . . . we ask “What does God’s say on the matter?” and if we don’t know the answer we find out!

  Thirdly, knowing what God says on the matter, we do so.

  Hear James as he reminds: “Who is wise and knowing among you? Let him show his works by his good conduct with meekness of wisdom.” (Jam.3:13)

  Dear fellow sojourners, these are things a body definitely oughta know. 

EBB4

A CURSE UPON OUR CHILDREN

 A CURSE UPON OUR CHILDREN

 

James 3:8-10 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

 

  Reading James for personal application, and again assuming “curse” and “cursing” means as when I smash my finger, I became curious and checked Strong’s, finding that it is far more than profanity.

  The words have to do with “imprecation” and “execration”.

  Imprecation means to invoke evil on someone. Execration is crudely akin to it.

  My mind, as it is oft wont to do, then segued to a contemporary cultural form of imprecating our children apart from truth.

  There is something today deemed the WCI (Worthy Child Index), a reflection of the self-esteem movement, it apart from God and godliness, it all about ego-centrism. Wanting a child to not suffer lack of ego-centric self-esteem requires a high level of excusability with overemphasis on mental and physical accomplishments as personal identity. Acted out by Christians that claim belief in God’s Word this requires denying biblical truth about ourselves. (Rom.7:18; 12:1-3)

  Listening to Christian parents, what I most often hear is conversation bragging about their children’s successes in sports, academics, et al, with seldom a mention of good Christian character traits. So what do children hear and believe as the way to live?

  Making grades, awards, and achievements as quantifying identity curses our children to walk apart from God. Additionally, in this practice our children are stressed as they compete to be winners by this world’s standards rather than dwell in Christ’ peace. (Jn.16:33) (Example: A ball game is not seen as sport or exercise, but as a striving for identity.) And where does it leave them when they lose that worldly identity?

  Let us take care that we not imprecate our beloved children with worldly standard. 

EBB4.

Responses to ZOEY & CHILDREN

 

RESPONSES TO ZOEY & CHILDREN

AMEN,  Shark

Penalize the child for the “parents” sin?! Cashmere Lion

I feel like this is not right. We are to love and not judge even if I don’t agree with their lifestyle. Lana

I'm not judging against the decision.  Why would lesbian/gay people want to have their children taught Christianity when the Bible is clearly against it?  I suspect, it's because they want to cause trouble.  This child should not be used as a pawn by radical parents and the academy chose to nip it in the bud.  Penny

 A missed opportunity to witness the one but to 3 people! Albert

Jesus said in Matthew 19:14 "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." He didn't say, "...unless your parents are gay."  That said, there has to be standards set in place if you're going to run a school with moral codes. The "parents" (actually only one is the parent) are living in sin openly and it's those two faggot fools that are causing the problem for the child. The school could say, "Only the PARENT can participate, be recognized, and register the child." If that doesn't suite the two faggots, then the problem falls back on them and THEIR decision will affect the blameless child.  … I have an additional thought on the gay "parents." If they are both women then one could be the mother, even if thru artificial insemination. However, if it's two males then the odds are not too good for one to be an actual parent. What a sick world in which we live!!   Jim 

All other responses centered on Matthew 19:14 EBB4

NOT MY WILL, BUT THINE

 NOT MY WILL, BUT THINE

Luke 5:4-5 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 

  My aunt was killed in an automobile collision and my 2 cousins came to live with my parents and grandparents. One morning my mother gave the young boy a simple chore to do. When finished he asked “Aunt Ruth, I’m done. What do you want me to do now?”

  Mom asked him to sweep off the porch. She said his little shoulders drooped and he responded “Well, I don’t want to, but I will because you want me to.”

  Little Norman and good ’ole Peter were no different than the rest of us. There many times when I’d rather not, but as God wants me to, I will!

Leslie Nivens (12/12/1928 – 3/1/2020)

ZOEY AND CHILDREN

 

ZOEY AND CHILDREN

Zoey enjoyed her pre-school year at Bible Baptist Academy, but the school’s leadership decided she cannot participate in kindergarten there. The reason being that her parents are in unbiblical same sex marriage.

Is this a truly a decision aligned with God’s will, or not?

EBB4

GOD KNOWS

 

GOD KNOWS

Thought for critical thinking discussion in the light of God’s Word: The USA is a mixed economy, an olio of classical liberalism (free markets) and bureaucratic socialism. In our nations early times it was primarily the former, then through man-centered democracy things changed

A core change was/is the shift to bureaucracies established to decide and manage public “needs”. So now we have government heavily weighed by socialism.

In Epoch Times, July 27-Aug.2, Mark Hendrickson stated “… in a typical year, more than 90% of the rules that Americans must live by (or else be fined or otherwise punished) are promulgated by bureaucrats rather than enacted by legislators.”

Furthermore: According to the Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Clyde Wayne Crews, in 2020, Congress passed 178 laws, while executive branch unelected bureaucrats issued 3,353 binding rules. That’s a 19 to 1 ratio favoring socialistic governing.

“If you want to put a dollar figure on the cost of bureaucratism in the United States, economists John Dawson and John Seater calculated the 2011 gross [national] product of $15.1 trillion could have been $53.9 trillion – 3 ½ times greater -- if federal regulations had remained at their 1949 level.”

If at all, how do you think this relates to Scripture? If so, how?

 

Does everyone have a "God-shaped hole"?

  The “God-shaped hole” concept states that every person has a void in his soul/spirit/life that can only be filled by God. The “God-shaped hole” is the innate longing of the human heart for something outside itself, something transcendent, something “other.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 refers to God’s placing of "eternity in man’s heart." God made humanity for His eternal purpose, and only God can fulfill our desire for eternity. All religion is based on the innate desire to “connect” with God. This desire can only be fulfilled by God, and therefore can be likened to a “God-shaped hole.”
  The problem, though, is that humanity ignores this hole or attempts to fill it with things other than God. Jeremiah 17:9 describes the condition of our hearts: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Solomon reiterates the same concept: “The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live…” (Ecclesiastes 9:3). The New Testament concurs: “The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so” (Romans 8:7). Romans 1:18-22 describes humanity ignoring what can be known about God, including presumably the “God-shaped hole,” and instead worshiping anything and everything other than God.
  Sadly, too many spend their lives looking for something other than God to fill their longing for meaning—business, family, sports, etc. But in pursuing these things that are not eternal, they remain unfulfilled and wonder why their lives never seem satisfactory. There is no doubt that many people pursuing things other than God achieve a measure of “happiness” for a time. But when we consider Solomon, who had all the riches, success, esteem, and power in the world—in short, all that men seek after in this life—we see that none of it fulfilled the longing for eternity. He declared it all “vanity,” meaning that he sought after these things in vain because they did not satisfy. In the end he said, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
  Just as a square peg cannot fill a round hole, neither can the “God-shaped hole” inside each of us be filled by anyone or anything other than God. Only through a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ can the “God-shaped hole” be filled and the desire for eternity fulfilled. GotQuestions.org

BELIEVERS ENJOY ASSIGNED RIGHTEOUSNESS

 

BELIEVERS ENJOY ASSIGNED RIGHTEOUSNESS

  Ephesians 2:8-10 clearly explains there is nothing we of ourselves can do to gain present and eternal life. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!! For as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; “ (Rom.3:10) There is however the John 14:6 Way.

 

Romans [ESV] 3:21-25 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 

 

  The only eternal life qualifying righteousness is provided to individuals as they wholly trust Jesus.

 

Romans 4:11, 22-24 And he [Abraham] received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: … And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

Romans 5:13 For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. [Also note Hebrews chapter 11]

 

  The core meaning of imputed is “assigned”, Old and New Testament believers being assigned righteousness essential to present and eternal redemption. In reviewing the above truth included in God’s Word we understand that this has always been central to the Way. (Jn.14:1-6)     

EBB4

GUIDED BY HIS EYE

 GUIDED BY HIS EYE

Psalm [MKJV] 32:8-9 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you, My eye shall be on you. Be not like the horse, or like the mule, who have no understanding, whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, so that they do not come near you. 

  I read about a man who trains horses by using only his eyes and body language. Nothing was said about how he gets the horses to “look” at him.

  Psalm 32:8 doesn’t mention that we should look toward God, but that is what we have to do. Look to Him – ALWAYS IN ALL WAYS – so He can guide us with His eye.

Leslie Nivens (12/12/1928 – 3/1/2020)

 

PS. Soon after trusting Lord Jesus Christ, for good reason, I took Psalm 32:8-9 as my life verses. EBB4

BORN AGAIN?

 

What does it mean to be a born again Christian?

 

The classic passage from the Bible that answers this question is John 3:1-21. The Lord Jesus Christ is talking to Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin (the ruling body of the Jews). Nicodemus had come to Jesus at night with some questions.

As Jesus talked with Nicodemus, He said, “‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’ ‘How can a man be born when he is old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, “You must be born again”’” (John 3:3-7).

The phrase "born again" literally means "born from above." Nicodemus had a real need. He needed a change of his heart—a spiritual transformation. New birth, being born again, is an act of God whereby eternal life is imparted to the person who believes (2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1-4, 18). John 1:12, 13 indicates that being "born again" also carries the idea of "becoming children of God" through trust in the name of Jesus Christ.

The question logically comes, "Why does a person need to be born again?" The apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:1 says, "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins" (NKJV). To the Romans he wrote, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Sinners are spiritually “dead”; when they receive spiritual life through faith in Christ, the Bible likens it to a rebirth. Only those who are born again have their sins forgiven and have a relationship with God.

How does that come to be? Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." When one is saved, he/she has been born again, spiritually renewed, and is now a child of God by right of new birth. Trusting in Jesus Christ, the One who paid the penalty of sin when He died on the cross, is the means to be "born again." "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

If you have never trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, will you consider the prompting of the Holy Spirit as He speaks to your heart? You need to be born again. Will you pray the prayer of repentance and become a new creation in Christ today? "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God" (John 1:12-13).

If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and be born again, here is a sample prayer. Remember, saying this prayer or any other prayer will not save you. It is only trusting in Christ that can save you from sin. This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing for your salvation. "God, I know that I have sinned against you and am deserving of punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness—the gift of eternal life! Amen!"

Have you made a decision for Christ because of what you have read here? If so, please click on the “I have accepted Christ today” button below.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

If you have any questions, please use the question form on our Bible Questions Answered page.  GotQuestions.org