PERSONAL RESURRECTION: The Forever Christmas Gift

 

PERSONAL RESURRECTION: The Forever Christmas Gift

 

Jesus declared “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. … For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” 

 

  The Biblical answer to the question “Is it possible to have an authentic Christmas without Biblically personal resurrection?” is no, we cannot have an authentic Christmas (Christ-worship) without personal resurrection as provided by the John 1:1 Word of God; He that began His life here in a stable manger and finished it on a cruel cross.

  As with all things in genuine relationship with God, Christmas is a John 1:12 family matter. Outsiders may look, but they cannot really see.

  Jesus explained this to Nicodemus and for all to know hereafter in reading the record; individuals must gain new life in order to see clearly God’s kingdom present and future. (Jn.3:1-21)

  As recorded, Paul, a dynamic follower of Christ, explained this rebirth to the congregation in Ephesus. (Eph.2:1-22)

  If you have not gained His new sight through trust in Him, I encourage you to this day to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and receive His gift of present and eternal redemption and all it entails, including Christmas joy beyond this world’s norm.

EBB4

CONSPIRACY THEORIES

 

A CONSPIRACY THEORY IT IS NOT

  Yes, there are conspiracy theories galore.  I opine that they began soon after Adam’s original sinning. But just because they are labeled as such by authorities does not mean they are actually a theory. Depending on common media to decide whether true or false may be a serious mistake; For we are ultimately responsible.

  An example: MAJOR USA BANKS HAVE AMENDED AN AGREEMENT TO FREEZE YOUR MONEY IF THERE’S A BANK FAILURE. A conspiracy theory? Not at all.

  Upon investigation you’ll discover that in the event of bank collapse banks are legally authorized to seize 50% or more of depositor’s funds. They simply recategorize depositors as “unsecured creditors,” giving banks the capacity to avoid insolvency. This being the opposite of a government taxpayer funded “bail-out”. It being a “bail-in” using depositor funding.

  You are not alone in lacking this knowledge. I too missed being informed about the Dodd-Frank Title II Orderly Liquidation Authority (OLA) bill passed several decades ago. Even if I’d heard of it then, would I have grasped the implication of its opaque designation?

  God’s Word warns “… we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, …” (ESV Eph.6) This being an essential life-principle to wisely apply.

  Conspiracy theories are thicker than swarming mosquitoes on the Eastern Shore of Maryland on a summer evening. Insects easily seen. Facts are not always so without scrutiny. Said scrutiny being an onus for many, it being easier to research, discover, and rely upon authentic authorities. (Please contribute your trusted resources for use here.)

EBB4

PS. And then there’s the media choosing when to apply “alleged” or “baseless” and other such guiding words.

WHO/WHAT IS SATAN?

 

"Who/what is Satan? Who/what is the devil?" gotquestions.org

  People’s beliefs concerning Satan range from the silly to the abstract—from a little red guy with horns who sits on your shoulder urging you to sin, to an expression used to describe the personification of evil. The Bible, however, gives us a clear portrait of who Satan is and how he affects our lives. Put simply, the Bible defines Satan as an angelic being who fell from his position in heaven due to sin and is now completely opposed to God, doing all in his power to thwart God’s purposes.
  Satan was created as a holy angel. Isaiah 14:12 possibly gives Satan’s pre-fall name as Lucifer. Ezekiel 28:12-14 describes Satan as having been created a cherub, apparently the highest created angel. He became arrogant in his beauty and status and decided he wanted to sit on a throne above that of God (Isaiah 14:13-14; Ezekiel 28:15; 1 Timothy 3:6). Satan’s pride led to his fall. Notice the many “I will” statements in Isaiah 14:12-15. Because of his sin, God permanently removed Satan from his exalted position and role.
  Satan became the ruler of this world and the prince of the power of the air (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2). He is an accuser (Revelation 12:10), a tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5), and a deceiver (Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:3). His very name means “adversary” or “one who opposes.” Another of his titles, the devil, means “slanderer.”
  Even though he was cast out of heaven, he still seeks to elevate his throne above God. He counterfeits all that God does, hoping to gain the worship of the world and encourage opposition to God’s kingdom. Satan is the ultimate source behind every false cult and world religion. Satan will do anything and everything in his power to oppose God and those who follow God. However, Satan’s destiny is sealed—an eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

STRAW DOCTRINE

 

STRAW DOCTRINE

 

2Timothy [GW] 1:13-14 With faith and love for Christ Jesus, consider what you heard me say to be the pattern of accurate teachings. With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us, protect the Good News that has been entrusted to you. 

 

  The above picture was recently posted on Facebook. It getting a number of “Like” from professing Christians. But is it truly Biblically “sound doctrine”? Is it Holy Spirit inspired?  Does it project the Good News entrusted to God’s John 1:12 family of 2Corinthians 5:20 ambassadors?

  The nice manger picture and caption “One unplanned pregnancy saved us all.” is false on all counts! It is not sound doctrine. Not being sound doctrine, it is not Holy Spirit inspired. It is absolutely contrary to the Good News.

·         The birth of Jesus Christ was planned: Isa.7;14; 9;6; 53:3-7; Zech.9:9; 12:10; Ps.22:16-18

·         Jesus’ birth saves no one: Jn.3:3-21; Acts17:2-3

·         God’s Holy Spirit never contradicts God’s Word: Jn.16:4-15; 17:17

  Beware the quaintness of straw doctrine in its many sentimental forms.

EBB4

AGING WELL? Part Four

 

AGING WELL? Part Four

  Isaiah [ESV] 58:11-12 And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. 

  1Thessalonians 5:16-21 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. 

  Mother had always lived an active happy live, enjoying people and they enjoying her. Was she ever sad? Not that I saw while her dear Ed lived.

  At the family and friends gathering after Dad’s funeral, Mom had me silence the crowd as she said she wanted to make an announcement. “My life is over.” she firmly declared. And so she unhappily lived her remaining years. For those who loved her it was a “Where did Charlotte go?” experience.

  God does not fix people. He prescribes His Word written and exemplified through Jesus. It is our choice as to whether we embrace or reject His provision. Adverse emotions may arise, but it is our choice whether to inflate or deflate them; to give them place or displace them; to allow them to dominate our life or not. Legitimate Biblical guidance we may squelch, or not. (Phil.4:4-8)

  At any time in our life we may deny ourselves God’s available:

Love (Gen.1:28; 2:7, 21-22; 3:8; Jer.31:3; Jn.3:16; 15:9-11; Rom.5:6-8;)

Significance (Isa.58:11-12; Jer.29:11)

Security (Ps.139:1-3; Rom.8:1-2, 28, 31132; Phil.4:19; Heb.13:5).

  Relying on the Word, living and written, “We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2Cor.4:16) Being one of the “We” always being a matter of choice.

EBB4

AGING WELL? Part Three.

 

AGING WELL? Part Three

Genesis 2:15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. 

Proverbs 18:14 A human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?

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

  Feelings are largely a matter of personal perspective, individual responses varying in situations.

  Most people like feeling useful. I am one. But it should never be the reason for being, though for some it is an essential driving emotion.

  The man was an energetic determined person that accomplished admirable goals in the face of adversities. The Great Depression for one. Though as a boy I didn’t understand and consequently didn’t think much of it at the time, he told me “When I don’t feel useful anymore, I don’t want to live.”

  As he grew old his body developed problems that curtailed his favored activities. He compensated by initiating a large vegetable garden plus a few other less demanding pursuits. Within a few years they became too difficult and he curtailed them.

  After age 80 he required hospitalized “adjustments” to his lifestyle. During his last hospitalization he decided the “Useful?” question, and refused sustenance even when the staff allowed his favorite foods and drinks brought in.

  It took 6 weeks for my beloved father to die of malnutrition.

  Feelings are largely a matter of perspective, individual responses varying in situations.

EBB4

AGING WELL? Part Two.

 

AGING WELL? Part Two.

Ecclesiastes [ESV] 12:1-14 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed, and the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low—they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets—before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity. Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. 

  As we aged well, someplace along our lifeline we discovered that the main goal is not happiness for self, our children, or any others. The main goal being as Jesus summarized: To love God and therefore love people. (MK.12:28-34) Authentic happiness being a possible byproduct of doing so.

  This mature endeavor very much entailing true worship as Paul spelled it out: I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But set your mind to be right-minded, even as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith. (MKJV 12:1-3) Anything less than this, including reliance on good works and/or awesome religious ritual, is immature on our part.

  This I know and am still learning.

EBB4