SIMPLE-MINDED?

SIMPLE-MINDED?

  Matthew 25:1-13 Then shall the kingdom of Heaven be likened to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. The foolish ones took their lamps, but took no oil with them. But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom comes! Go out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps have gone out. But the wise answered, saying, No, lest there be not enough for us and you. But rather go to those who sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came. And they who were ready went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut. Afterwards the other virgins came also, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Truly I say to you, I do not know you. Therefore watch, for you do not know either the day or the hour in which the Son of Man comes.

  Mark 8:34-38  And calling near the crowd with His disciples, He [Jesus] said to them, Whoever will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever will save his life shall lose it; but whoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, he shall save it. For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Therefore whoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My Words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man shall also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.

  Thru the years, by surge and creep, the cultural tide has turned against and eroded Christian America. Tragically, as the tide goes out, more are agreeably riding it so as not to be seen as going against the contemporary flow.

  Often, by non-family, Christians are thought to be simple minded with their simple answers from the Bible. Just speaking of the book as God’s Word can bring an unguarded knowing smile. (2Tim.3:16-17) Avow that you nor anyone else can be good enough to gain heaven and see “Oh really?” in eyes. Declare there is but one way to heaven and see “You think!?” in countenance. (Surveys show about 70% of professing USA Christians believe that Jesus is not the only way to heaven, meaning that to them He is a liar. Jn.14:6)

  Pseudo believers, unconverted Peter-like poorly grounded insecure claimants often just clam up in the face of argument and ridicule. (Lk.22:31-34; Mt.26:69-75)

  Not wanting to be thought dim-witted, too many evangelicals draw back from candid expression of love of The Word Living and written. (Jn.1:1) A matter of shameful behavior with dire consequence; hindering the Holy Spirit’s work of maturation within us (1Thes.5:16-21); resulting in our claimed Lord ashamed of us before His Father (Lk.9:23-26). And then in the end, when opportunity for God’s redemption is no more, who will be found as simpleton?  EBB4          

PS. To read of how contradictory and confused American Christians are, go to Barna surveys

http://www.bing.com/search?q=barna+survey+biblical+worldview&form=MSNH14&qs=AS&sk=AS2&sc=8-12&pq=&sp=3

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

Joh 14:1-7 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 

  He was just a little boy, but somewhere he had picked up profanity that his parents worried about. His mother finally told him that because his father is a preacher he couldn’t live in their home if he used those words.

  Well, he forgot. He used one of those words, so his mother packed his little suitcase and took him to the front door and started walking down the sidewalk with him. She watched him tearfully take a few steps away from her. He turned, face wet, and sobbed “But I don’t know where the h_ _ l I’m goin’!?”

  Do you ever feel that way? I don’t! Not since I’ve trusted Jesus as my Savior! It’s a wonderful feeling to know that even if I slip up like the little boy, I’m still going home!

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

LOGOS IS THE FINELY EDGED BLADE

LOGOS IS THE FINELY EDGED BLADE

Hebrews 4:1-13 Therefore, a promise being left to enter into His rest, let us fear lest any of you should seem to come short of it. For also we have had the gospel preached, as well as them. But the Word [logos] preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter into the rest, as He said, "I have sworn in My wrath that they should not enter into My rest;" although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He spoke in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: "And God rested the seventh day from all His works." And in this place again, "They shall not enter into My rest." Since then it remains that some must enter into it, and since they to whom it was first preached did not enter in because of unbelief, He again marks out a certain day, saying in David, "Today," (after so long a time). Even as it is said, "Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. So then there remains a rest to the people of God. For he who has entered into his rest, he also has ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Therefore let us labor to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of unbelief. For the Word [logos] of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing apart of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight, but all things are naked and opened to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. 

THE WORD; LOGOS

THE WORD; LOGOS

It is important to understand logos, Jesus, God Incarnate inseparable from the written. (2Tim.3:16; 2Pet.1:20) Even without looking up every single verse, the significant scope of mentioning is obvious.

EBB4              

John 1:1-4  In the beginning was the Word,G3056 and the WordG3056 was with God, and the WordG3056 was God.

From Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: G3056; λόγος; logos   325 Total KJV Occurrences

Mat_8:8, Mat_8:16, Mat_12:32, Mat_15:19-23 (7), Mat_22:46, Mar_2:2, Mar_4:14-16 (4), Mar_4:18-20 (3), Mar_4:33, Mar_5:36, Mar_7:13, Mar_16:20, Luk_1:2, Luk_4:32, Luk_4:36, Luk_5:1, Luk_7:7, Luk_8:11-13 (3), Luk_8:15, Luk_8:21, Luk_10:39, Luk_11:28, Luk_12:10, Luk_22:61, Luk_24:19, Joh_1:1 (3), Joh_1:14, Joh_2:22, Joh_4:41, Joh_4:50, Joh_5:24, Joh_5:38, Joh_8:31, Joh_8:37, Joh_8:43, Joh_10:35, Joh_12:48, Joh_14:24, Joh_15:3, Joh_15:20, Joh_15:25, Joh_17:6, Joh_17:14, Joh_17:17, Joh_17:20, Act_2:41, Act_4:4, Act_4:29, Act_4:31, Act_6:2, Act_6:4, Act_6:7, Act_8:4, Act_8:14, Act_8:25, Act_10:36, Act_10:44, Act_11:1, Act_11:19, Act_12:24, Act_13:5, Act_13:7, Act_13:15, Act_13:26, Act_13:44, Act_13:46, Act_13:48-49 (2), Act_14:3, Act_14:25, Act_15:7, Act_15:35-36 (2), Act_16:6, Act_16:32, Act_17:11, Act_17:13, Act_18:11, Act_19:10, Act_19:20, Act_20:32, Act_22:22, Rom_9:6, Rom_9:9, Rom_15:18, 1Co_4:20, 1Co_12:8 (2), 1Co_14:36, 2Co_1:18, 2Co_2:17, 2Co_4:2, 2Co_5:19, 2Co_6:7, 2Co_10:11, Php_1:14, Php_2:16, Col_1:5, Col_1:25, Col_3:16-17 (2), 1Th_1:5-6 (2), 1Th_1:8, 1Th_2:13 (3), 1Th_4:15, 2Th_2:2, 2Th_2:15, 2Th_2:17, 2Th_3:1, 2Th_3:14, 1Ti_4:5, 1Ti_4:12, 1Ti_5:17, 2Ti_2:9, 2Ti_2:15, 2Ti_2:17, 2Ti_4:2, Tit_1:3, Tit_1:9, Tit_2:5, Heb_4:2 (2), Heb_5:12-13 (2), Heb_7:28, Heb_12:19, Heb_13:7, Heb_13:22, Jas_1:18, Jas_1:21-23 (3), Jas_3:2, 1Pe_1:23, 1Pe_2:8, 1Pe_3:1 (2), 2Pe_1:19, 2Pe_3:5, 2Pe_3:7, 1Jn_1:1, 1Jn_1:10, 1Jn_2:5, 1Jn_2:7, 1Jn_2:14, 1Jn_3:18, 1Jn_5:7, Rev_1:2, Rev_1:9, Rev_3:8, Rev_3:10, Rev_6:9, Rev_12:11, Rev_19:13, Rev_20:4

words, 48

Mat_10:14, Mat_12:37 (2), Mat_24:35, Mat_26:44, Mar_8:38, Mar_10:24, Mar_12:13, Mar_13:31, Mar_14:39, Luk_1:20, Luk_3:4, Luk_4:22, Luk_9:26, Luk_20:20, Luk_21:33, Luk_23:9, Luk_24:44, Joh_14:23, Act_2:22, Act_2:40, Act_5:5, Act_7:22, Act_15:15, Act_15:24, Act_15:32, Act_18:15, Act_20:35, Act_20:38, 1Co_1:17, 1Co_2:4, 1Co_2:13, 1Co_14:9, 1Co_14:19 (2), Eph_5:6, 1Th_2:5, 1Th_4:18, 1Ti_4:6, 1Ti_6:3, 2Ti_1:13, 2Ti_4:15, 2Pe_2:3, 3Jn_1:10, Rev_1:3, Rev_21:5, Rev_22:18-19 (2)

saying, 33

Mat_15:12, Mat_19:11, Mat_19:22, Mat_28:15, Mar_7:29, Mar_8:32, Mar_9:10, Mar_10:22, Luk_1:29, Joh_4:37, Joh_4:39, Joh_6:60, Joh_7:36, Joh_7:40, Joh_8:51, Joh_8:55, Joh_12:38, Joh_15:20, Joh_18:9, Joh_18:32, Joh_19:8, Joh_19:13, Joh_21:23, Act_6:5, Act_7:29, Act_16:36, Rom_13:9, 1Co_15:54, 1Ti_1:15, 1Ti_3:1, 1Ti_4:9, 2Ti_2:11, Tit_3:8

sayings, 16

Mat_7:24, Mat_7:26, Mat_7:28, Mat_26:1 (2), Luk_6:47, Luk_9:28, Luk_9:44, Joh_10:19, Joh_14:24, Rom_3:4, Rev_19:9, Rev_22:6-7 (2), Rev_22:9-10 (2)

account, 8

Mat_12:36, Mat_18:23, Luk_16:2, Act_19:40, Rom_14:12, Heb_13:17 (2), 1Pe_4:5

speech, 8

Act_20:7, 1Co_2:1, 1Co_2:4, 1Co_4:19, 2Co_10:10, 2Co_11:6, Col_4:6, Tit_2:8

matter, 4

Mar_1:45, Act_8:21, Act_15:6, Act_19:38

utterance, 4

1Co_1:5, 2Co_8:7, Eph_6:19, Col_4:3

things, 3

Luk_1:3-4 (2), Act_20:24 (2)

communication, 2

Mat_5:37, Eph_4:29

reason, 2

Act_18:14, 1Pe_3:15

thing, 2

Mat_21:24, Luk_20:3

work, 2

Rom_9:28 (2)

cause, 1

Mat_5:32

communications, 1

Luk_24:17

concerning, 1

Php_4:15

do, 1

Heb_4:13

doctrine, 1

Heb_6:1

fame, 1

Luk_5:15

intent, 1

Act_10:29

mouth, 1

Act_15:27

move, 1

Act_20:24

preaching, 1

1Co_1:18

question, 1

Mar_11:29

reckoneth, 1

Mat_25:19

rumour, 1

Luk_7:17

say, 1

Heb_5:11

show, 1

Col_2:23

speaker, 1

Act_14:12

talk, 1

Mat_22:15

tidings, 1

Act_11:22

treatise, 1

Act_1:1

word’s, 1

Mar_4:17

BY FAITH

BY FAITH

Our nations stance has wrapped itself around conflict and despair. There are those within our borders who are choosing to ignore it. There are those within our borders who complain about it. There are those within our borders whose focus is to lay blame for it. There are those within our borders whose walk is weary – all contributing to the escalation of discouragement that is sweeping the land. Discouragement is a powerful weapon of Satan's.

How can we resolve this turmoil? What stance should we have? Let's be direct! We need to become unified around the same goal. We can find resolution - by giving it all to Him. We must recognize the need for God's offer of reconciliation through Christ Jesus. When we let worry, strife, and discouragement embrace our life, it literally chokes the Word, making it unfruitful (Mark 4:19). If we would be more concerned about using faith to serve our Lord than serving ourselves, then He would see to it that our needs are met (Matthew 6:33; Luke 17:8). I know we're capable of such a faith, but we've really got to get out of this self-serving attitude (James 4:3) and use our faith to serve others (Matthew 25:40) and Him. Look at us! As a country, collectively, we have lost focus. We are not following through on anything, not really.

If you don't know him, let me introduce you to Nehemiah. Nehemiah - a man who walked by faith, a man of devout prayer, and perseverance. His quest was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem against all the odds. Discouragement did not hamper Nehemiah's efforts – his stance was firm, and he overcame. As a great leader would; he unified the people around the same goal, and he directed their attention to the Lord. Nehemiah was victorious in his quest! He did so, with the help of our God (Nehemiah 6:15-16). Let's face it - Faith is what shapes character. Faith is facing the future with the confidence that God is at our side. Faith is following through…

Tonda L. Tavernier

GETTING PAST THE MANGER

GETTING PAST THE MANGER

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Luke 2:1-7 And it happened in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (This taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be registered, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee to be taxed (out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David). And he took Mary his betrothed wife, being with child. And while they were there, the days for her deliverance were fulfilled. And she brought forth her son, the First-born, and wrapped Him, and laid Him in a manger-- because there was no room for them in the inn.

  Christmas is a wonderful time with baby Jesus receiving much adoration. For those of us that love cuddling little babes, it makes for a special connection.

  But what about beyond Christmas warm fuzzy sentiment?

  Consider our natural mindset: A baby requires our care. As Lord, He requires our caring.

  For me to better think this thru, I paraphrased John 14:15, “If you adore me so much . . . do as I say.”

  It is one thing to adore a helpless little baby, and quite another to esteem the mature Lord that expects His worshippers to follow Him beyond oohing and aahing a diapered child.

  Merry Christmas is not calendar limited unless we make it so. 

EBB4

WRONGLY DIVIDING

WRONGLY DIVIDING LABOR

Monday, August 10, 2020

  Matthew 16:24-25 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

  1Thessalonians 5:18-19 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit.

  2Thessalonians 3:10-11 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

  Work is not man’s bane, but holy assignment from our Creator. (Gen.1:28-31; 2:15, 20a) Looking at work as something to be avoided is missing not just His assignment, but erring seriously from His wisdom, and thereof great blessing lost.

  Affecting shunning of work is embraced curse for both individual and nation. We don’t have to be a history major to see that choosing “Living on the dole.” opposed to honorable work has destroyed more than one civilization and is eroding more than one this day.

  Along with rejecting work as holy assignment is another injurious wrongly dividing of sum that is God’s. It is Gnostic belief from ancient pagan Greek thought and philosophy: The concept that there is a spiritual world and a physical world; Spiritual being higher, the physical lower. The present common cataloging being Spiritual versus Secular, as though secular is distinctly different category than spiritual.

  This dualistic mindset is both congregant and congregational harmful, suppressing God’s Holy Spirit and thereby hindering our holy assignment. (1Thes.5:18-19)

  To believe that “full-time Christian service” comes under title different than garbage collector, lawyer, ditch digger, engineer, tradesman, artist et al . . . and that it requires seminary lettering, pastor, overseas missionary is detrimental to overall health and vigor.

  How can we possibly live with cheerful heart in godly preservation if we live a divided life?  (Prov.17:22; 1Thes.5:23) Unless we live with renewed thinking, we cannot! (Rom.12:1-3) All that trust Lord Jesus Christ, whatever their position in life are called to full-time service. (Mt.16:24-25; Philemon)

  I close with Paul’s exhortation on the matter: “Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect. Because of the kindness that God has shown me, I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers. Our bodies have many parts, but these parts don't all do the same thing. [1Cor.12:1-31] ... Don't be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord. Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually. … Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.’” (GW Rom.12:1-21, underlining mine.)

EBB4