“Think on these things” (Philippians)

“Prove all things” (1 Thessalonians)

“Try the spirits” (1 John)

“Judge all things” (1 Corinthians 2)

 

The equation in the title represents (4) four words that contribute to each other thereby making a statement. That statement is …”THINK…THINK…THINK things through thoroughly.” It is a rather simple concept but one that is greatly neglected in our country today. This equation has been an enormous help to my family and I. To summarize and shorten the T3Tx3 we can call it “Thinking about our thinking.”

Have you ever taken the time to actually think about how you think? Each day we are all called upon to make decisions and judgments based on what we see and hear. We may hear someone say something upon which we will, like it or not, make a judgment as to it veracity, to its rightness or wrongness, on whether it is good or bad. How do you make this judgment?

Generally speaking we have observed that many Americans will make their judgment upon emotion, presupposed ideas, and prejudice. We will demonstrate by using this political cycle. There are two viable candidates. One is Mr. Donald Trump and the other is Mrs. Hilary Clinton. One of the candidates may make a factual statement but it will be rejected outright due to which one made it. The opposite is true as well. The other candidate may speak a bold faced lie yet it will be accepted due to who said it.

The issues of abortion, gun control, and immigration are fraught with emotion and because of this we doubt anything can ever be accomplished because where emotion reigns facts are ignored.

Another way a person may react without thought is the knee jerker. The knee jerker looks like this, “WHAT DID S/HE SAY!!!….. GRRRRR, We’ll see about this RIGHT NOW!!! The knee jerker can and will cause harm that may never be repaired.  The knee jerker is a shallow and slow witted quick thinker. However, the knee jerker has the ability to change.

We have the ability to change our way of thinking. It will not be easy but it is possibly especially with God’s help. We believe that if we have the ability to process what we see and hear we should avail ourselves of this and appropriate that which God has given us. We also believe that ability to think properly is part of being made in the Image of God.

Before one become a better thinker one must decide first to be a fair minded thinker. That is to say one must…must discipline one’s self to remain neutral until all facts and data are collected and laid out in the proper light and context. In other words, once all data, facts, evidence is collected let one review it all with an open and fair mindedness. This means we must be an objective thinker and our biases are not allowed.

One of the reason Americans have become shallow thinkers and dependent upon emotions and what others think is due to the (24) twenty four hour news cycle. One sees and hears something and must quickly make a judgment because that news story is already on it’s way out. In the pas, when I was a child I remember the news being on at 10 pm each night and that was it. News watchers had an appropriate amount of time to consider what they have just heard and saw. The watcher had time to think think think things through thoroughly and to think about their thinking. People were more civil at this time in our history.

Another example of the unfriendliness to thinking is the salesperson. Whether you meet this person at a place of business, at your home, or on the phone once the pitch is done this person wants your decision NOW. The salesperson will not tolerate a thinker. If you want to take time to think you will lose the great deal he is offering you today. When this occurs refuse the salesperson. This sale person wants the decision made now because they know if you have an opportunity to think about it you will realize it is not such a great offer or you will have time to study reviews on the product.

To be a sound, deep, and independent thinker one must, as we have already said, discipline yourself to be fair minded. One must remain neutral until more data is collected. One will then analyze or weigh the data painstakingly. One must take one’s time and remember to think about your thinking… are you allowing biases to enter? are you trying to make the evidence fit your preconceived notion or worse…your prejudice?

Another step one should consider is the points of view of others. This most helpful but in doing so one must start all over again to vet the various p.o.v.s. Once one has been faithful to fair mindedness one should consider the outcome of one’s decision or conclusion.

We would counsel Christ-ians to commit all your judgments to God before you begin and as you work through the process of proper thinking continue to prayerfully seek God’s wisdom and direction and then prior to coming to a decision or firm conclusion commit the entire process and it’s outcome to God Who judgeth rightly.

We have seen over the past couple of years what kind of horrific damage biased and prejudicial thinking has caused in cases like Michael Brown and many of the other killings. If those involved used a proper method of coming to facts so much damage would have been avoided as well as so many lives changed forever.

We see the same shallow thinking on Face Book. We see it all the time, a person see a graphic pop up which says something negative about someone they dislike and it is “liked” and shared with great speed and passion. This is done without a moments thought to the veracity of the graphic and quote. Beloved brethren and sisters, let us try the spirits before trust them; let us prove all things before we agree with them; let us judge all things with the spirit of discernment before we attach our name to it and by close association our Lord’s Name.

Learning to think about our thinking is a worthwhile goal as one can serve their Lord all that much better for He said, “Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all …thy…mind.

“So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out and fell upon [Shimei], that he died.” (1 Kings 2:46)

Some history and context on the above passage. As David became king of all Israel, a man related to the prior and God rejected King Saul came out to slander and to curse God’s King. The men of David were inclined to kill this rebel but King David commanded them to hold back. David did not want his rule to begin with a slaying.

Many years later as David is an old man and ready to depart this world he counsels Solomon, his son and successor to keep an eye on Shimei and to do what he knows to do as Shimei may attempt a coup, being a kin of Saul, former king. The Word of God records Shimei being dispatched upon the order of King Solomon.

Politics, as many say, has become a blood sport. Politics has lost all appearance of civility. To be sure the political game has always been ugly but the politicians attempted to put their best foot forward. They tried to present themselves as civil and composed. The game seems to have changed.

I would posit that the game became this ugly when we began calling politicians by their first names and neglecting them their title. [I’m guilty of this] We would compare it to very old school catch as catch can wrestling. At the beginning of a wrestling contest the competitors would advance toward the center of the ring, listen to the officials rules and then extend their hand to one another and shake. If this act of respect was refused the match up should be expected to be ugly and even bloody. I have been in this situation and can confirm. In my previous life as a sinner I have left a man with only half his nose attached to his face. In my time on the Jiu jitsu mat I have had to cause a man some long lasting discomfort in his neck region, another with a dislocated shoulder, and another was left with a tremendous amount of pain in his big toe. One may think a man of God shouldn’t do such things and that is their right to think so. However, if I told you what was being done to me at the time I responded so harshly one may understand. We have come to view the political system through this physical and violent lens.

Methinks that one of the candidates would have the other killed if they could get away with it.

Back to my argument. We believe that politics became this ugly and violent when the American people and politicians began calling Mrs. Clinton, “Hilary” and this was started many years ago; it is not new to this cycle. The American people became comfortable calling our leaders either by their first name or their last name and ignoring their title. When Mr. George W. Bush was president people would say his name, Bush with malicious invective. Another way a president is disparaged is by calling him, “This president” again with malicious invective.

This can be supported by Scripture. If one were to study the Gospels one would find only the enemies of Christ calling Him by His first Name. Allies of the Christ would address Him as Lord or Master. Christ would readily accept these titles, too. The Lord Jesus said, “Ye call [M]e Lord and Master and in so doing; ye do well. Right there He tells us of His desire to be called Lord and Master!!!

If in the New Testament one finds Him being called “Jesus” it is because the author is drawing our attention to the humanity of the God Man. Back to the Gospels, one may rightly point out that when we are reading the narrative aspects of the Gospels Christ is often called, “Jesus”. We would remind this close observer that in the narratives of the Gospels it is the Holy Spirit that calls Him “Jesus.”

It would seem to me that the first thing to go, in what will become something uncivil, is addressing others with their title, whether it be Mr., Mrs., Sir, Miss, Mam, Mr. President, Mrs. Secretary, etc. etc. etc.  We would be remiss if we did not counsel you, reader, to address Christ as Lord Jesus for He, Himself, calls for it. In addressing Him with His rightful title roles are kept proper…He is Lord and I am servant. In addressing Him with His rightful title you are simply following etiquette. Also, in 1 Cor. 12:3 we are told that a lost person cannot call Him Lord. To call Him Lord and mean it is a gift…an allowance of the Holy Ghost for lost people have n0 right to even address Him in prayer.

In closing, one is not required to respect the person in office but one is required to respect the office, itself and to pray for the person in office.

“That [the aged women] may teach the younger women to be…chaste…”                                                                                                                                                      (Titus 2:4-5)

 

It seems to us that there are (2) two concerns that a parent or parents have regarding their children and especially our young girls. Those two concerns are the salvation of their everlasting souls and their purity, I.E. their chastity and virginity. One would hope and pray that the former would help with the latter. However, though the indwelling Spirit will be of tremendous assistance we cannot leave all the responsibility to God for the evil one will attack all that the Spirit will do as will our young girl’s desire to remain pure. We as parents must labor with the Holy Spirit in this worthwhile venture.

The following will act as counsel to the involved parent.

Many a parent believe in the “scare them” method.  While there are many things to fear in a sexually active lifestyle this should not be the only approach.  It is wise to share with them the very real dangers such as pregnancy, disease, being forsaken by peers, the harsh judgment of society, a very limited active life, the hardships that a baby born out of wedlock will face, etc. etc. etc.

One reason that the fear method will not be successful if used alone is the same reason people smoke, drink excessively, text while driving, living a promiscuous life as an adult, drinking and driving, using drugs, etc. They, like adults will say to themselves, “That won’t happen to me…I’m smarter than that.”

An additional method to helping our young girls remain chaste is holding purity up as a goal. We should explain the good points of purity and how it will benefit them greatly both now and later in life. Some of these benefits include better marriage later in life as they will be able to give something to their husband that they will ever be able to give another. Also, the marriage bed will not be a place where comparing will threaten their marriage bed. The young Christ-ian girl should be reminded often that her body and her life do not belong to her but unto God who has purchased her by His Blood. Her body does not belong to any one else including a boyfriend and he needs to be told this. Our daughters should be reminded that intact purity will honour herself, her parents, her future husband and most importantly her God Who loved her and gave Himself for her.

Other ways to help her is to take the fear method and turn them into positives and not just negatives as a baby born within the bonds of a marriage will have a better life as well as there will be no STDs to haunt the rest of her life.

One can help a young girl remain pure in more ways that words but by actions and examples.

The relationships in the child life are of tremendous value. The healthy and loving relationship between her mother and father are of incalculable weight as is the friendship between her and her father. If one looks at the family life of a a young lady that is with child out of wedlock one will often find a broken family. This young girl, if there is a father in the home, it will be a strained relationship. When there are strained relations between the daughter and father, if there is any relationship, the young girl will seek that kind of relationship from another and will do much to realize it. It has been said that girls end up marrying a man that reminds her of her father. This could be a great thing or a thing or horror.

Another way to help our daughter remain pure is the relationship between ourselves and the boyfriend. When I counsel fathers with the following I usually receive laughter. Let me state this clearly…I do not mean this to be a statement of levity but a statement of soberness and gravity.  The father should leave certain items out for the boyfriend observation and consideration. Some items that could be left out would be fixed bladed knives, brass knuckles, firearms magazines and catalogs, as well as martial arts “how to” books. One need not draw the boyfriend attention to these items; he will find them on his own. One need not wait for a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship to be announces before leaving these items out as one does not know when a friendship will bud out of friendship. A father should be slow to be the b.f.s pal. One should keep the b. friend from being overly comfortable around you but you should see to it that the b.friend is in the home often.  When the boy friend become “father approved” allow him to feel at home with you. After all that being said concerning the boyfriend let me sum it up thusly, Let the boyfriend be afraid to cross you and then afraid to disappoint you.

We as the parent(s) of a young girl/woman who is in a relationship with a boy let us make it a priority to meet and to develop a strong relationship with his parent(s). One can usually judge the boy by the parents and vice versa. It would be a good move to introduce yourself to his pastor and introduce you pastor to the boy. It is also a smart move to allow this young couple to visit each others church.  Some of you reading this may think we are going a little overboard. You will not think this if your daughters leave the narrow path that leads to Heaven. There is no such thing as going overboard when it comes to your daughters well being short of murder!!!

The most important thing one can do is to pray for your daughter and to pray with your daughters…often.  Next to one’s love for God and the love for one’s spouse is the love for your daughter.

In closing, Trust God and your daughter to God and seek God’s help in raising a godly daughter you can trust.

Develop a deep relationship with your child that they will strive to please you and be fearful to disappoint you…not fearful of angering you but breaking your heart.

Now, what if your daughter has lost her purity? How should you react?  Do not react…respond but do not react. Do not look at this as a reflection on you. She should be your focus and not yourself.  How should you then respond?  You should respond by having a discussion with her but pray first. The content of the discussion should be your confession of sin….WHAT?  Yes!  You must begin this difficult discussion with the confession of your sin(s). You must remove the large piece of wood from your eye before you can see the dust in her eye.  Start from the presupposition that she is already aware or her sin. However, do not make the mistake of thinking you cannot confront this sin because you committed the same sin when you were her age. This is a stupid (harsh word but meant) position that weak parents pretend to take. If the parent is saved then that sin is remembered no more by God. If you are not a Christ-ian you have still learned a lot since your teenage years and are aware of the difficulties young and single motherhood poses. If your child has lost her purity be understanding and love her and then pray for her. Tell her you will, with God’s help be very present in her life.

Finally, Beloved Reader, You may implement all of the above and your child may still fail to remain pure.  If you have done all you can…if you have done everything write her failure does not reflect you. Remember also God can work all things out for her good if she loves Him.

 

“…Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed.”                                                                                                                                                        (Job 38:11)

In the above text from Job we see the LORD taking poor Job to school. On one hand we call him poor Job because he appears to be the subject of God’s annoyance. However, on the other hand Job belongs to a very small collection of men that can say, “but now mine eye seeth [T]hee.”

God is instructing Job as to how He created and upholds the earth and all things in it, on it, and around it and that is by the “[W]ord of {H]is power (John 1; Colossians 1; and Hebrews 1). All things alive and nonliving are subject to the will of God and there is no exception. All things spiritual are subject to God’s will and there is, again, no exception.

The angels of Heaven are subject to God as are (s)atan, the fallen angels and demons. In Job 1 we see that (s)atan is subject to God’s pleasure. We see another lying spirit (possibly [s]atan) in 2 Kings. God desires to cause trouble for Ahab and a lying spirit offers his services and God approves. We know that King Saul was also vexed by an evil spirit sent from God.

Paul, in Ephesians 6, tells us that we wrestle against spiritual foes.

Throughout the Gospels we see our Lord casting out demonic forces from their victims again and again. If one studies the life of John Wesley one will learn of his many bouts with the demonically possessed. John Calvin and many others, including Luther can attest to bouts with the demonic.

We are slow to opine and are even less dogmatic on the topic of current day demonic possessions. However, we will state that some of the horrendous murders we are seeing today in and out of our country seem to be more than simply human anger and hate. When a man, said to be a loving son kills his mother and cuts out her heart and laughs until police arrive does not seem to be a mere human exploit although, on the other hand, human depravity knows no bounds.

So what is it that keeps [s]atan and wicked forces from attacking us at this second? As we have already learned the demonic forces are always ready to fall upon us and destroy us. In the case of King Saul, man is not able to withstand their subtle attacks much less violent. King Ahab was a plaything to his lying spirit. In the New Testament there were some self styled exorcists that were violently attacked and stripped naked.  So what is it that keeps these ancient, powerful, demons that know your every weakness at bay?

The only thing that keeps you safe at every moment is the restraining Hand of Almighty God. We saw above and in the Gospels that it is with great ease that God uses and or dismisses the demonic. We stand no chance otherwise as we can not even see our enemy for it is invisible. God however, sees all. The dark is light to Him. All things stand naked before Him…your motives, your intentions, your thoughts, your desires, your sin…you, dear reader stand as naked before God. The Christ-ians knows this and praised his All seeing, All knowing, All powerful God. The sinner hears this and should be terrified..horrified but the deadness of his spirit cannot see the Kingdom of God and the King Who is very angry and will have all knees bowed…saints and sinners alike.

What is your standing before God?  Are you saint or sinner; friend or enemy; saved or lost; hopeful or hopeless? Reader, call upon the Name of the Lord and be saved from your sins and all their consequences…do so now.

As God restrains our/your wicked enemy by His Hand of Power and Mercy so to does He retrain the elements in what we call outer space.  Reader, look at the planets in space. They are so very, very unfriendly to life, let alone human life. They are however, the creation of our God Who is always friendly to his people and those that will believe and to those who will not believe. Look at those planets and then turn and behold this planet which…”in the beginning God created.” This earth is friendly to all life forms and especially humans. Why is this? How is this?

Why is this? because “our God is in the [H]eavens: [H]e hath done whatsoever [H]e hath pleased and Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did [H]e in [H]eaven , and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.” (Psalms 115:3; 135:6)

How is this? [He upholds]all things by the [W]ord of [H]is power. This means that at this moment God is upholding all things while He restrains the elements of space from making this world uninhabitable (Hebrews 1:3).

We ask, as did the disciples, “What manner of [M]an is this?”

I have spent much of my life seeking an answer to that question and I have been blessed to have done so. I plan to continue this seeking for the rest of my life into Eternity and then throughout Eternity.

“…the Holy Ghost said, Separate [M]e Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”  (Acts 13:2)

“And the contention was so great between [Paul and Barnabas], that they departed asunder one from another…” (Act 15:39)

 

To summarize the texts above: Paul was called Saul before being called Paul. As Saul he hated with great hatred the Christ-ians and their ascended Leader. Saul had been given authority to punish, even kill any “found in that way” of Christ-ianity. Saul decided to go to Damascus for it was rumoured that many Christ-ians were there.On his way, while breathing out threats, he was apprehended by the Risen, Reigning and Blinding Lord of Glory. He was asked by this, brighter than noon day sun, “Why persecutest thou [M]e?

Saul upon hearing this question replies, “Who art [T]hou, Lord?”  The answer is Jesus…the Lord Jesus.

Saul spends (3) three days blinded in a cell when one of God’s servants was sent to Saul with directions and to baptize him. Upon being baptized Saul regained his sight.

Saul began to preach Christ straightway however, he was not well received nor was the Christ he preached. After many days it became needful for Saul to escape Damascus and travel to Jerusalem and join in with the other disciples but they feared him and his past, “But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles” and there he remained until our text, Acts 13:2 came to pass.

Saul/Paul and Barnabas was used greatly by God. Even though there was great success for the Kingdom Acts 15:39 came to pass. Paul and Barnabas had no little dispute over Barnabas’ nephew who had departed prior. Barnabas wanted to bring his nephew, John Mark (author of Gospel of Mark), back to the mission field but Paul disagreed flatly. The dispute was so great that these two split up. Years later Paul desired this same John Mark to be sent to him as he would be of value.

It seems that the lesson here is the need for some to grow apart so that they may grow up apart. This principle we are painfully familiar with. About (10) ten years ago we departed from a ministry that we had been a part of for many years. This departure was over a disagreement of doctrine as well as a bad spirit having moved in.

Since departing we took to teaching and preaching out of our home and here and there. We are very fulfilled in our station.

Ten (10) years later my daughter and I are walking into Walmart and cross paths with the pastor of the church we left. Before maturing in the Lord we would have avoided this pastor at all costs. That was before maturing in the Lord. We called out to this pastor by saying, “Hey, I know you.”  and we then shared about (15) fifteen minutes of sweet fellowship. Since then we have broken bread (3) three times. We have both stated our doctrinal stands, neither giving in nor compromising yet God is pleased because two of His children are dwelling together in perfect peace.

This pastor and I have always been brothers for God calls us both His sons but now we are friends again. One could look at this situation and say so much time was lost but I prefer to look at it as much growth gained. While breaking bread with my brother a thought came to me, as I was looking at (3) three trees. The trees were planted far too close together. All three trees would have massive die back unless a wise landscaper dug them up and replanted them farther apart which would allow then to grow properly. This, methinks, was the purpose of God, the wise Planter.  My brother and I were growing to close and needed to be relocated so that we might grow more fully.

Some might ask about the doctrinal differences and further question whether two can walk together lest they be agreed.

The answer I would give is in the affirmative. There is historical precedence for two men holding these two differing views walking together in perfect peace. As to the Biblical question, “Can two walk together lest they be agreed?” The answer is dependent upon the difference of opinion for example can a Christ-ian and a catholic walk together? In one sense they can. They could discuss the Trinity, Christ’s Son-ship to the Father, Christ’s deity, etc. However when it comes to the Eucharist, Mary’s  position in their church, prayers to saints, or confessions to a man or their works soteriology we cannot walk with them nor can we ever worship with them. Can a Christ-ian walk with a J. Witness? – No. Is a Christ-ian able to walk with a Mormon? No. These two cults have “another Jesus” than the Scriptures. Can a Calvinist walk with an Arminian? Yes. One simple way to determine whether one can walk with another is by determining whether or not you will walk in Heaven with this person. That determination is based on whether or not Christ Jesus is your Lord and Saviour? Have your many sins been forgiven by Holy and Righteous God? Is God your Father? is Christ Jesus your Elder Brother? does the Holy Spirit of God dwell within you. Do you love the Lord Jesus with all your mind, body, strength and heart? Do you love your Bible?  Do you love your Christ-ian brothers ans sisters?  Do you seek to obey God’s Word? Do you long to see Christ’s return? Do you enjoy telling others of Christ for from the heart the mouth speaketh. Do you love discussing Christ with other believers?

The questions above will give you a sense of where you are in relation to Christ. I would, as Paul does, advise you to examine thyself to see if thou art in the faith. Elsewhere Peter admonishes us to make our calling and election sure…which means your fruit will reveal what kind of tree you are. You day to day action will identify you as Christ’s own or not.

In closing, I’m so glad to have reconnected with my brother and my friend.  Application: is there any in your past that you might seek and find?

“Prove all things” (1 Thessalonians 5)

The they we refer to are politicians. In the era before television and the (24) twenty-four hour news cycle politicians could contradict themselves and get away with it. However, it isn’t so easy today or is it?

It should be surprising that today’s politicians will contradict themselves, tell bold faced lies as well comment on something that any one with eyes can see is not right. We said should surprise us but when one understands the depravity of human nature and the need for power and control nothing is surprising.

The latest example is the fallout after the (2nd) second debate between Mr. Trump and Mrs. Clinton. Mrs. Clinton and the media are pushing the narrative that she was stalked by Trump. If one watched the debate or saw any news coverage afterward it sure seems like he did. Clinton said something like this…when it was Donald’s turn I returned to my podium and gave him his space (paraphrased). However, so did Trump!

The way the cameras were set up it looked as though he was right behind her and hovering.  This was not the case. Trump like Clinton stood at his podium. We would posit the following…Clinton and the producers of this debate planned for this as it was Clinton that roamed to Trumps side and stood in front of him! She is a master at deception and why wouldn’t she be for she learned it from her father who was a liar and a murderer from the beginning and the lusts of her father she will do.

There are (3) guilty parties involved in this matter. Hilary Clinton, the media, and those who readily except the lies she puts forth, I.E. Those that fail to use their mind, their eyes, and their ears.

Let me be very, very clear at this point. We do not support Mr. Donald Trump and all the wicked things that spew forth from his heart. We do however, support many of his ideas. The question then is can they be separated for from a man’s heart the man speaketh. One thing that would make it easier to vote for trump is Mike Pence who is “a Christian, a Conservative, and a republican and in that order.” God may have moved to put Pence on the ticket to make it easier to vote for Trump. We like to think that for all intents and purposes Pence would be President of the United States.

When one compares the (2) two candidates we see one confesses and apologizing for things said and done in the past while they other will tell you that you saw something when you clearly didn’t and vice versa.

Whether one chooses to vote or to sit this election out let us be thankful that the choice is ours. Let us be Thankful and let us Acknowledge God that He saw fit and allowed us to be born in this great nation. Having said that let us share a teaching from Scripture regarding the nation that is in the midst of departing from God. The departing nation will  get the leader that it has rightly earned. This truth is seen time and time again throughout the Bible. Another truth is the wicked king will cause the people to sin even more.

Another Biblical truth is that God will hear when His people cry out in despair, confession, and repentance. Brothers and sisters the time to cry out to God arrived long a go but has not past…yet. Let us seek God while He may be found.

This country has barely survived Obama and he may be voted in again in the person of Hilary Clinton. One with open eyes can see what (2) two terms under an anti Christ has done but can it stand a (3rd) third. Another possibility one should consider. In 2017 Obama may very well become the Secretary General of the U.N. which will become King of the World under his control.

Another Scriptural truth is found in Roman thirteen. All power is subject to God’s Sovereign Authority. There is no power except that power which God’s ordains. This truth is of comfort to those that love and are loved by the Almighty but it should be a source of dread to those who oppose God and His righteous will. A sign or an indication that God is displeased with a nation and it’s people is the leadership as we have already stated and also per Romans chapter one is the homosexual agenda gaining power as well as the events described in 2 Peter chapter three. One could also look into Isaiah ch. two and three. While some might say that Isaiah 2-3 describe God’s dealings with a past nation and not with America per se  it does show some of God’s methods and it would be applicable to America today.

Back to the 2016 election cycle. We have said in one Facebook post that we plan to “stand” out but in another we allured to voting be one’s duty. To be honest we are not sure what we will do. We are a registered Republican and we are without a doubt anti-(d)emocrat. However, to be sure we are 100% Monarchy and that is to say we support King Jesus. The Lord Jesus Christ is my Leader and my faith is in Him. The Words of Christ are forever trustworthy. Christ will not mislead you, ever!

We will share with our readers one standard by which we judge a person we are newly introduced to. We like to know where a person stands in relation to Jesus Christ. The answer given is a start to understanding someone. One must watch for fruit that either supports their answer of disproves the answer. For example, We were driving on a busy road  and noticed a number of vehicles driving around another vehicle that had pulled over. We noticed the man inside the stopped car was vomiting large…very, very large amounts of blood both inside and outside of his car. We quickly pulled over to provide assistance and the first thing we asked him was, “Do you know the Lord Jesus?”  He said he did with fervor. This man’s candid answer told me much about him and the likelihood of his bloods condition.

The same is true of the 2016 presidential candidates.  It is safe to say  that based on the actions and words of these politicians that they do not know Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Hilary Clinton has proven to be a deceiver as was said above and Donald Trump said it all when he admitted to having never sought God’s forgiveness.

We now pose a question of great import to you my reader. Do you know Christ Jesus to be the Son of God who lived a pure and perfect life Who died a death in the place of sinners? Who was buried and rose again on the third day?  Do you, my beloved reader, know Christ as your Lord and Saviour?  Has there ever been a time when you submitted yourself to Him as your Lord and sought Him to be your Saviour?

It is clear in the Word of God that God commands men (a women) everywhere to repent. The Word states elsewhere that all will suffer God’s unending wrath if they obey not the Gospel.  We say again dear reader, submit to the Lord Jesus Christ and find Him to be your Saviour for “there is none other [N]ame under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. ” (Acts 4:12)

One question must needs be asked in order to understand the above Gospel. Christ is called Lord and Saviour throughout the Word. Preachers call upon sinners to “Be saved.” But from what are sinners to be saved from? Most assume and many pr/teach that it is from Hell one is saved from. To be true salvation from Hell is a benefit of Gospel Salvation but it is not the primary thing one is saved from.

When Gabriel visited Mary he told her very plainly that her Son should be “called Jesus for He shall save HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SIN(s).”  The Lord and Saviour saves His people from their sin. The people of Christ are saved from their sin…its penalty, its power, its pleasure and someday its presence!!! In other words Christ’s people are saved from sin, self, and (s)atan.

Christ-ians are saved from the above because they have been justified in the court of Righteous and Just God and this was accomplished through the death of The Lord Jesus. They were and are sanctified through the resurrection of Christ and progressively sanctified through their continued subjection to Christ and submission to His pleasure. This is not a works salvation but merely a means to the sanctified life.

Again, where do you stand in relation to the Lord Jesus Christ?

God willing and or allowing we hope to begin, continue, and complete a series on ideas many Christ-ians and non believers hold concerning the spiritual and many there are. Some of these misconceptions or ideas can be default settings within one’s mind.

One extreme example that may be given is the golden calf of the Israelite’s. They were fearful as Moses had been absent for many days. They therefore, defaulted to idolatry. Another could be the people of Ephesus defaulting to their “Diana” chant when they were threatened with Another God…or rather the Only Living God that does not and will not share His Glory with a pagan image.

Some of the misconceptions and wrong ideas we will discuss will (DV) include but necessarily in this order and there may be times we will write upon other subjects, also. Here is a list of topics:

• This passage or verse of Scripture says this or means this to me.
• Life has been so good lately, when’s it gonna all fall apart?
• You have just come out of a trial, you will soon be entering a trial, or you are in the midst of a trial right now.
• If I do this God must do that.
• God is wringing His Hands as He waits to punish me.
• “Judge not lest ye be judged.”
• We are all of God’s children; God loves everyone; “God is Love.”
• There are many ways to God.
• All we can do now is pray.
• I can improve God’s opinion of me or make Him love me more if I serve…serve…serve.
• Once saved is always saved.

Are you, beloved, represented in the above list? I would wager you are as We default to some of these as well. Some of the above are doctrinal and others are more personally held ideas. Some of them may even be subconscious and one may even deny holding such an idea. And they are being honest as far as they know. They must be shown their wrong thinking. Sometimes it will be painful but once faced and dealt with the pain alleviates and one is encouraged by their new groth spent.

 

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance…” (1 Timothy 4:6)

“…I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance…” (2 Peter 1:12)

 

As with all Christ-ians there are multiple pitfalls for the minister of God. These pitfall can be found in many areas. There are the pitfalls of sin and of service. When service becomes to all and the end all to a believer said believer has fall into a pitfall. When doctrine has become all of one’s life at the expense of worship or worship at the expense of doctrine a pitfall has been stumbled into. If one of God’s holy attributes have become the main focus while all other holy attributes are ignored a pitfall has…you get the idea.

A serious pitfall for the preacher is to believe that messages must all be fresh and always contain new “material.” There is a fine line to be walked in this area. The message, which is supposed to be from God, need not be “new manna” however at the same time there must be “new manna” as well as the tried and truth truths.

I have  known preachers, no matter the material always ends up back on “soul winning” and service. This good man, after having a guest preacher speak on the importance of worship for (5) straight services, ranted on service for the next several weeks! It was infuriating to say the least. One might as if both ministers were not guilty of the same. One spoke on worship only and the other on service only. We would answer with a resounding, “NO.” You see when a church receives message after message on “serve…serve…serve.” week after week, month after month it becomes essential to balance things out. For example if a church is fed a steady diet of unsound arminians it becomes very needful to counter that with a steady and sound diet of Calvinism.

As a pr/teacher for over (20) twenty years we have heard, “Well, I know that already.”  We have also heard, “Are we still studying that book ?” It is rare if ever they have been able to relate to us what it was exactly we studied the week from that book.” The truth is that if a person attends church services for many years they will hear must of what they have already heard. That is not to say that they will never hear anything new as the Word of God is a living Word from a God that reveals new truths to the faithful student and follower of Scripture.

You can see from our text above that both apostles know and teach others that bringing the Christ-ian into remembrance of sound doctrine exhortations from the Word of God. How many would roll their inner eyes and say, ” I know all about this” if when they are asked to turn to the Ten Commandments in  Exodus 20? When at the same time they would have a very hard time reciting the 10 Commandments?  It would be comical in not so sad.

To the faithful minister we would council thusly, Teach and or preach what God has given you and do not be concerned with other things. We would add this, make sure that which you preach or teach IS from God.

To the church member, humble thyself in the presence of the Living Word of the Living God and be thankful that you are accounted amongst God’s very own. There are multitudes upon multitudes that shall never be given the hope that offered unto you.

In other words Beloved, “Open they heart, open they mind, and close they mouth.”

 

“…an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.” (Acts 21:16)

“And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone…”                                                                                                                                                    (Exodus 34:35)

“…looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.”                                                                                                                                                        (Acts 6:15)

 

This Aged Glower has his fruit of joy ripening greatly.

The Aged Glower is loved by God and he loves God. Having said that let me say this, all Christ-ians are love by God. However, this aged Christ-ian is animated by this knowledge.  Flesh and blood did not reveal this love to him; it was His Father which is in Heaven that revealed this great love to him….Personally.

The Glower has experienced God in a sacred way. We are not hinting that he has had an extra Biblical fellowship with God. We are saying that he has seen and heard God with a great measure of faith….he that hath eyes to see and an ear to hear….

Moses, returning from Mt. Sinai and his time alone with God, had a reflective Glow upon his visage. The people called for him to veil his face. Moses was a Glower in the most literalness of ways.

It is written that Stephen had the face of an angel. We do not know what that means exactly, but it is safe to say Stephen had a Christ-ian glow upon him. This Glow, like Moses comes from time spent with God.

We have seen many glowers. They simply reflect God’s glory. These glowers are easily spotted by this writer. We can pick these glowers out of a crowd. Some have challenged our claim and they have seen it proven. This does not speak to any special ability of my own; it speaks to the reflective glory of God upon His most favoured.

 

A warning……and a reminder…(s)atan’s minions will transform themselves into  ministers of light… One must always…always…always try the spirits and prove them whether they are of God or the wicked one.

Some of the most dangerous haters of our souls  are the shiniest and brightest of ministers….Joel…

The shining minister glistens with gifts, words, knowledge, understanding, sympathy, empathy….he deeply cares fro you and yours.

One may test the spirits by asking, ” What think ye of Jesus Christ?”

The only acceptable answer is…”Jesus Christ is the Eternal Son of God; God Incarnate, King of kings and Lord of lords.”

The cults all deny this truth.

Christ said, “I am the Light of the world” and He expects His Light and Glory to be reflected upon our countenance. He said, ” Let Your light so shine.”

“An old disciple, with whom we should lodge,” (Acts 21:16 b)

“From henceforth let no man trouble me…”  (Galatians 6:17 a)

 

The traits of the aged recluse are shared by the aged knower and the aged mystic at times. For these aged believers love to spend time with God and His Word. The aged recluse is not reclusive from a lack of love for others.

The reclusive Christ-ian tends to be a pr/teacher or writer. As men like St. Augustine, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, and Arthur W. Pink belong to this type.

Augustine and Calvin both longed to be reclusive academics. God would deny both of them their desire in part. He would allow them their reclusive nature but they would write for and minister God’s people all their lives.

J. Edwards would spent up to (13) thirteen hours a day in study. He felt that his flock would be better fed by his reclusive time in study than by his time spent in private visitation with individuals. That is not to say he ignored those he was responsible for.

Arthur W. Pink or A.W. Pink as he is known by many  spent 30 plus years faithfully putting forth “The Studies in the Scriptures,” a magazine of deep spiritual content. Pink wrote and edited the (25) twenty-five to (28) twenty-eight page magazine. His beloved Vera would proofread and type the articles. This magazine required almost all of their time. They never had children for this work was their offspring. They had a immense letter writing ministry that pastored many a soul.

Another reason an aged believer might find himself in seclusion is due to the low spiritual condition of his day’s local church. He cannot, in good conscience tolerate the over all teaching that comes from the church not does the church desire to tolerate his views on Christianity. The holy recluse has not simply awoke to a self seclusion. This recluse has seen much “church” and heard many “sermons” and seen many “saved” He has been in the company of many boldfaced liars as they sing hymns.

When this type of aged believer does spend time with others his thoughts are on God and what God is doing in the life of the person he is spending time with. If the person he is spending time with is not a believer he is thinking about how much better off they would be if they were a believer.

There are “built in” dangers for this type of believer as there is for others. The aged knower is in danger of being “puffed up”, the aged mystic is in danger of being misled by another spirit and the recluse is in danger of their thought life being over run by thoughts displeasing to God as well as being tempted with personal sins.

The prophets of Scripture by their very spiritual nature must be reclusive. The Old Testament prophets were seen and heard when they were filled with messages from on High. They were necessarily reclusive so that they were ever ready to answer God with the prophetic, “Here am I, LORD.”

John the Baptist was a recluse in the wilderness awaiting God’s call to fulfill God’s ordained plan for his life. The Lord Jesus, though He was a very public figure and was surrounded by many He, too was a Recluse at heart. Many times do we read of His rising before day to go into a mountain to pray or how He would spend entire nights in prayer. One will also note if one reads deeply, “He was [A]lone, praying, [H] is disciples being with [H]im.” Surrounded , yet Alone.

As already mentioned elsewhere, Paul chose to travel on foot as his friends chartered a ship. As also noted, Enoch and Noah walked (Habitually) with God. Let it be said, as they walked habitually with God, they then did not  and could not walk habitually with men.