ADVERSITY SHOULD INCREASE ASSURANCE

ADVERSITY SHOULD INCREASE ASSURANCE

Sunday, July 09, 2017

Hebrews [MKJV] 12:1-14 Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest you be weary and faint in your minds. You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons, "My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and He scourges every son whom He receives." If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons, for what son is he whom the father does not chasten? But if you are without chastisement, of which all are partakers, then you are bastards and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us, and we gave them reverence. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For truly they chastened us for a few days according to their own pleasure, but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness. 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,…

  Satan is not as God. Satan is not a omni-faceted person. Satan does not have free reign.

  Far too much credit for adversity is given to Satan.

  Satan delights in trying to or actually convincing us that he is behind all adversity in our lives when he is not. Believing this lie of Satan’s word . . . is contrary to God’s Word, and is the attempt to absolve ourselves of responsibility.

  Here are some aspects of adversity I’ve learned and accept:

·         Ever since original sin life here is generally adverse. (Gen.3:14-19)

·         Because of my sinfulness I contribute to my and the community adverse conditions. (Jer.17:9; Mk.10:18; Rom.3:10, 23)

·         Because of the sinful nature of all others, Christian or not, there is incalculable combined synergy of adverse action and function. (Rom.3:10, 23; Jam.4:1-3)

·         Mankind will never remedy the core problem. Though well-intended, man’s efforts to resolve adversity are typically temporary patches commonly with unintended adverse effects and affections that contribute to and complicate the core problem. (TNT, nuclear weapons and generation, antibiotics, etc.)

·         Our attempts at relieving adversity sometimes compounds adversity.

·         God may allow adversity as it may suit His greater purpose and because He loves us. (Job chapter 1; Heb.12:1-17)

·         Satan does what he can to contribute adversity. (Job 1:6-12; 1Pet.5:8; also note Pr.28:15)

·         Rather than wasting ourselves fretting over adversity, we should seek and implement personal godly exercising; for godliness with contentment is the greatest gain and is authentic worship. (Rom.12:1-3; 1Tim.6:6; 2Pet.1:3-7; 3:11)

·         It is wise to consider adversity as clarion call for self-examination. (1Cor.11:28-32; Heb.12:12-13)

·         Knowing the truth about adversity, we should practice healthy accountability. (Pr.11:13; 2Cor.6:14; Col.3:13; Eph.4:32; Jam.5:16)

  A caution: Self-examination may easily become unhealthy examination resulting in distracting focus on woulda-coulda-shoulda, overburdening, or some form of the still ever-popular blame shifting recorded in Genesis 3:12-13.

  Self-examination must be primarily centered on The Word (Jn.1:1; 2Tim.3:15-16) in our relationship to God, He who loves us above all others. (Rom.5:8)

  Self-examination for Christian is never to be about winning or losing, but always about lessons unto maturation; correction of active life-view producing lifestyle pleasing to God. (Jn.16:33; Rom.12:1-3)

  Let’s know and appreciate adversity in correct perspective!

EBB4

PS: Originally contemplated and written 7/16/14. Topically reviewed and thought upon this past week. I consider reviewing topics an Ephesians 6:10-18 exercise. 

SICKNESS AND DEATH IN BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

Friday, July 07, 2017

  Longtime pal Al Heger and I are “Getting up there.” as we say. From time to time we remind each other of our mortality. This morning he sent me the following cartoon as a reminder.

(Photo wouldn't transfer. It shows 2 old coots sitting on a park bench feeding pigeons while a pir of vultures stares at them.)

Genesis 2:16-17; Philippians 1:21; Revelation 14:12-13

  Beginning with KJV Genesis 2:17 and ending with Revelation 14:13 “die” is mentioned 321 times in 299 verses. Beginning with Genesis 21:16 and ending with Revelation 21:8 “death” is mentioned 372 times in 342 verses. Additionally there are other words and terms addressing the subject.

  Though little studied or taught on, death and dying are major topics in Scripture. Judging from observation, I suspect more effort is invested in studying arguable future event(s) than examining probable infirmity and inevitable episode of death. Rejection of mortality consciousness is expensive in the end.

  As disciples of Christ ours is to see reality. We only do this when our view is according to and through God’s Word; this the way we are to see all events, including sickness and eventual death.

  Adam’s rebellion cost not just Eden’s wonderful environ, but also was at the price of perfect health of mind and body. Consequently Adam and Eve and all since die; not simply die, but an unavoidable death (Heb.9:27) preceded by sickness in mind and body. For some outwardly no more than anxiety, cold, or flu. For others, obvious mental and physical problems of serious magnitude. Whatever the grading the benchmark standard is original Eden perfection. This includes comparative sanity.

  It is difficult to watch those we love, once strong and dynamic, waste away due to illness; it is only by seeing life and death candidly in the light of God’s Word is sanity and courage realized in and through Christ’ freedom and peace. This is absolutely so whether at bedside or abed. Otherwise we live in fearfully in the shadow of death.

  Not thinking about life and death is a form of fear; fear that denies us the perfect love of God. (2Cor.13:11; 1Jn.4:17-18)

  I pray that as your life clock ticks on you may agreeably allow the Lord to direct your heart into the love of God, into the patience of Christ; keeping His commandments, willingly permitting His truth to work in you to His honor and glory; realizing the love of God perfected; by this knowing that you are secure in Him, without the inhibition of fearfulness walking even as He walked in life and death. (2Thes.3:5; 1Jn.2:4-6) 

EBB4

KARMA?

KARMA?

Thursday, July 06, 2017

 On Sunday, March 19, 2017 with concern I aired the following essay. Though only a few months ago I’m running it again today. Why? Out of concern unease for my fellows because I still hear and read professing Christians commonly using the term when commenting on life. Doing so verbally, in writing, attitude wise is not only misleading to novice Christians and non-believers, it stands speakers and writers in serious place of God’s displeasure. (Mt.12:36-37; Heb.10:31)

+++++++

  As a follower of Jesus Christ I don’t use certain terms contrary to the Word of God. “karma” is one. The following from GotQuestion.org explains. Please search and consider all verse references.

EBB4

Question: "What does the Bible say about karma?"
  Karma is a theological concept found in the Buddhist and Hindu religions. It is the idea that how you live your life will determine the quality of life you will have after reincarnation. If you are unselfish, kind, and holy during this lifetime, you will be rewarded by being reincarnated (reborn into a new earthly body) into a pleasant life. However, if you live a life of selfishness and evil, you will be reincarnated into a less-than-pleasant lifestyle. In other words, you reap in the next life what you sow in this one. Karma is based on the theological belief in reincarnation. The Bible rejects the idea of reincarnation; therefore, it does not support the idea of karma.
  Hebrews 9:27 states, “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…” This Bible verse makes clear two important points which, for Christians, negate the possibility of reincarnation and karma. First, it states that we are “destined to die once,” meaning that humans are only born once and only die once. There is no endless cycle of life and death and rebirth, an idea inherent in the reincarnation theory. Second, it states that after death we face judgment, meaning that there is no second chance, like there is in reincarnation and karma, to live a better life. You get one shot at life and living it according to God’s plan, and that is it.
  The Bible talks a lot about reaping and sowing. Job 4:8 says, “As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.” Psalm 126:5 says, “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” Luke 12:24 says, “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” In each of these instances, as well as all the other references to reaping and sowing, the act of receiving the rewards of your actions takes place in this life, not in some future life. It is a present-day activity, and the references make it clear that the fruit you reap will be commensurate with the actions you have performed. In addition, the sowing you perform in this life will affect your reward or punishment in the afterlife.
  This afterlife is not a rebirth or a reincarnation into another body here on earth. It is either eternal suffering in hell (Matthew 25:46) or eternal life in heaven with Jesus, who died so that we might live eternally with Him. This should be the focus of our life on earth. The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:8-9, “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
  Finally, we must always remember that it was Jesus whose death on the cross resulted in the reaping of eternal life for us, and that it is faith in Jesus that gives us this eternal life. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “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.” Therefore, we see that the concept of reincarnation and karma is incompatible with what the Bible teaches about life, death, and the sowing and reaping of eternal life.

CELLED IS A VERB?

CELLED IS A VERB?

Wednesday, July 05, 2017

Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Ephesians 2:1-8 You were once dead because of your failures and sins. You followed the ways of this present world and its spiritual ruler. This ruler continues to work in people who refuse to obey God. All of us once lived among these people, and followed the desires of our corrupt nature. We did what our corrupt desires and thoughts wanted us to do. So, because of our nature, we deserved God's anger just like everyone else. But God is rich in mercy because of his great love for us. We were dead because of our failures, but he made us alive together with Christ. (It is God's kindness that saved you.) God has brought us back to life together with Christ Jesus and has given us a position in heaven with him. He did this through Christ Jesus out of his generosity to us in order to show his extremely rich kindness in the world to come. God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God.

  Once again, God’s Word has but one interpretation, but more than one application for personal circumstance. And so it is with the above Scripture addressing our individual need for redemption; the forgiveness of our sins unto eternal life present and hereafter. But what of application to reliance on anything that facilitates feeling we are at the center for those moments of usage?

  I have a cellphone, but it definitely doesn’t have me. Though supposed to always be near at hand, it is not. At times I must search for it or have grandchildren locate it. I pray to God I never become celled: in bondage of phone as lost-without appendage.

  As followers of Christ we are “in Christ” and are to act accordingly. Shouldn’t this include not being in phone?

  I am not saying the cellphone is Satan’s instrument. They are a useful tool. But what if we are in bondage to the instrument, especially if for entertainment, getting attention, boredom or stress relief? Doing so is far beyond the risks involved in distracted driving. It the practice of being distracted from living “in Christ”, He sacrificed Himself to save us from eternal separation from God. May we never lose sight of He who is the one true GPS! (Jn.14:6)

EBB4

GOD'S BLESSING DISPLAYED

GOD’S BLESSING DISPLAYED

Tuesday, July 04, 2017

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12

  May we each and every one this day rejoice in God’s blessing, doing so with knowledge of Him, remembrance, appreciation . . . and with reading that which provokes us to thoughtfulness.

EBB4

THINKING

THINKING

Monday, July 03, 2017

2Corinthians 10:3-5 For though walking about in flesh, we do not war according to flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, pulling down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ;

  Verses and passages have but one interpretation. However, they do often have more than one application for the individual. This morning I share personally in the hope of helping others with the same mental workings.

  Thought I’m not plagued with anxious thought, as I’ve shared before, I have loads of thoughts. My mind is like a salad being tossed with many thoughts coming in, sticking, or exiting. At this moment it is happening. A single word, sentence, picture, sight, sound, smell et al may generate much mental activity, very quickly stirring me to move far from topic at hand.

  Indeed Paul reminds us that what subject matter we think about may be sinful in disobedience to Christ. Considering that sin means missing the mark, I can do so by lack of disciplined mental focus.

  Exercising suppression helps, but is tiring in the long run. It requires stamina that at 81+ is not in supply as once was. Plus suppressing may be sinful as it may inadvertently bring 1Thessalonians 5:19 into play.  

  Notating and filing mentally or on paper is much more workable. I share a few written ones from yesterday morning:

·         Matthew chapter 1 isn’t just a genealogical account. It shows God’s planning, His grace and mercy, His fulfilling a number of prophecies, and is proof of the veracity of Scripture.

·         Who was the first gentile to convert to Judaism? (This was a totally unconnected out-of-the-blue thought.)

·         God didn’t order Joseph to marry Mary. God gave him permission to violate Jewish law. (Thanks Ernie!)

·         Matthew 1:21, to the Jew collective deliverance. To me and other such, seen as individual deliverance.

·         Having conquered the Jewish nation, the Romans were the controlling occupation force. The Word (Jn.1:1, 14) told his followers to obey Roman law. If we were conquered by the Muslim, would Jesus say obey Shariah law? (Mt.5:41; Rom.13:1)

  Some of you identify with me and my blessing that I could allow to be a curse. Has my story been helpful? I pray so.

EBB4

PS. I know others have the opposite function. They are like a train on track. My Uncle Elmer was so. This requires a totally different discipline. Sidings?

VANTAGE POINT

VANTAGE POINT

Sunday, July 02, 2017

2Corinthians 10:5b … take every thought captive so it is obedient to Christ.

John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the road.”

Philippians 4:4-9  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

  There are places that because of the obtuse angle of intersecting roads, one cannot get a clear vantage point. We have two such places near our home. Most of the time copilot Ann is with me, and, like some CSI scene, calls out “clear!”. Other times, when alone, I must contort my aging body, twisting about to see if it is safe to move on. This is the physical, typically simple in resolution. But then there is the far more difficult at times; the non-physical; clear thinking: thinking that is clearly Biblically objective, not humanly subjective.

  The lack of clear vantage point is a recurring problem for believers in travelling The Road, self included. There are times when I think subjectively instead of objectively; doing so in spite of knowing that it is wrongheaded and hearted. Yesterday morning was just such an occasion. (Interestingly, it was not far past the two common physical spots.)

  I am not to blur or negate my vantage point by being subjective to ingrained prejudice resulting from past education and bad or good experiences previous to beginning or while being on The Road.

  Though I must admit that suddenly obscured vision is not pleasant travel, it certainly is a great attention getter, reminding me that I am not THE WORLD’S CLEARIST THINKER IN ALL OF MAN’S HISTORY, and that being on The Road I must not forgot thinking according to The Truth, and driving in harmony with The Life.  EBB4 (7/14/08)