tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13917294436132840452024-03-13T14:08:03.803-05:00A Sabbath ThoughtBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-77896210458759756042020-12-18T18:00:00.006-06:002020-12-18T20:41:36.057-06:00Blessed Is The Man Who Has Realized His Own Utter Helplessness<p> For my Sabbath Thought this week, I wanted to continue reviewing Christ’s instructions to His disciples found in the Beatitudes.</p><p>Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the Poor in Spirit is a most important point to consider in light of the time we are in.</p><p>It seems a surprising way to begin talking about happiness by saying, "Blessed are the poor in spirit." There are two ways in which we can come at the meaning of this word poor.</p><p>As we have them the beatitudes are in Greek, and the word that is used for poor is the word <i>ptochos</i>. In Greek there are two words for poor. There is the word <i>penes</i>. <i>Penes</i> describes a man who has to work for his living; it is defined by the Greeks as describing the man who is <i>autodiakonos</i>, that is, the man who serves his own needs with his own hands. Penes describes the working man, the man who has nothing superfluous, the man who is not rich, but who is not destitute either.</p><p>But, as we have seen, it is not <i>penes</i> that is used in this beatitude, it is <i>ptochos</i>, which describes absolute and abject poverty. It is connected with the root <i>ptossein</i>, which means to crouch or to cower; and it describes the poverty which is beaten to its knees.</p><p>As it has been said, <i>penes</i> describes the man who has nothing superfluous; <i>ptochos</i> describes the man who has nothing at all. So, this beatitude becomes even more surprising. Blessed is the man who is abjectly and completely poverty-stricken. Blessed is the man who is absolutely destitute.</p><p>So, in Hebrew the word <i>poor</i> was used to describe the humble and the helpless man who put his whole trust in God. It is thus that the Psalmist uses the word, when he writes, "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles" (Ps 34:6). It is in fact true that in the Psalms the poor man, in this sense of the term, is the good man who is dear to God. "The hope of the poor shall not perish forever" (Ps 9:18). God delivers the poor (Ps 35:10). "In thy goodness, O God, thou didst provide for the needy" (Ps 68:10). "He shall defend the cause of the poor of the people" (Ps 72:4). "He raises up the needy out of affliction, and makes their families like flocks" (Ps 107:41). "I will satisfy her poor with bread" (Ps 132:15). In all these cases the poor man is the humble, helpless man who has put his trust in God.</p><p>Let us now take the two sides, the Greek and the Aramaic, and put them together.</p><p><i>Ptochos</i> describes the man who is absolutely destitute, the man who has nothing at all; '<i>aniy</i> and '<i>ebyown</i> describe the poor, and humble, and helpless man who has put his whole trust in God. Therefore, "Blessed are the poor in spirit" means: <i>Blessed is the man who has realized his own utter helplessness, and who has put his whole trust in God</i>.</p><p>If a man has realized his own utter helplessness, and has put his whole trust in God, there will enter into his life two things which are opposite sides of the same thing. He will become completely detached from things, for he will know that things have not got it in them to bring happiness or security; and he will become completely attached to God, for he will know that God alone can bring him help, and hope, and strength. The man who is poor in spirit is the man who has realized that things mean nothing, and that God means everything.</p><p>This verse is describing the Pharisaic pride in one’s own virtue with which Jesus was so often confronted and which has all too often made its appearance in later times. “This is the man to whom I will look,” the Lord says, “he that is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (Isa. 66;2). These are the poor in spirit.”</p><p>Christ is describing a radical reversal of the world’s values. We must be careful not to think that this beatitude calls actual material poverty a good thing. Poverty is not a good thing. Jesus would never have called blessed a state where people live in slums and have not enough to eat, and where health rots because conditions are all against it. That kind of poverty it is the aim of the Christian gospel to remove. The poverty which is blessed is the poverty of spirit, when a man realizes his own utter lack of resources to meet life, and finds his help and strength in God.</p><p>Of these lowly people Jesus says, <i>theirs is the kingdom of heaven</i>. We should understand this in the sense of consequence rather than reward. In no sense do they merit the kingdom, but being what they are they possess it. We should understand this in the sense “theirs alone.” Those who are not poor in spirit can never have membership in the kingdom.</p><p>If we take the two petitions of the Lord's Prayer and set them together:</p><p>• Thy Kingdom come.</p><p>• Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.</p><p>we get the definition: The Kingdom of God is a society where God's will is perfectly done in earth as it is in heaven. That means that only he who does God's will is a citizen of the Kingdom; and we can only do God's will when we realize our own utter helplessness, our own utter ignorance, our own utter inability to cope with life, and when we put our whole trust in God. Obedience is always founded on trust. The Kingdom of God is the possession of the poor in spirit, because the poor in spirit have realized their own utter helplessness without God, and have learned to trust and obey.</p><p>So then, the first beatitude means:</p><p><i>O the bliss of the man who has realized his own utter helplessness, and who has put his whole trust in God, for thus alone he can render to God that perfect obedience which will make him a citizen of the kingdom of heaven!</i> </p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">(from The Daily Study Bible, by William Barclay: First Edition. Biblesoft Formatted Electronic Database Copyright © 2015 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved and The Gospel according to Matthew, by Leon Morris, Copyright 1992 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. All rights reserved.)</span></p><p>Enjoy the Sabbath!</p><p>Gary Smith</p>Bob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-59331807736282049242020-12-04T18:00:00.001-06:002020-12-04T21:23:01.666-06:00O the Blessedness of...<p>I have been going through the Gospels as part of my personal Bible study. In going through Matthew 5, 6, and 7, I came across interesting commentary from two sources: <i>The Gospel according to Matthew</i> by Leon Morris and <i>The Daily Study Bible</i> by William Barclay. I felt both sources would be worth considering as part of our Sabbath Thoughts for a few weeks.</p><p><i>Blessed</i> - Various expressions are used by translators for the word <i>blessed</i>. Words like “fortunate” (Anchor Bible) or “happy” (Jerusalem Bible) are how the translators of those works chose to express the Greek word “<i>makarios</i>”. But translating Makarios as happy or fortunate is basically a human way of conveying the meaning and misses the deeper religious meaning.</p><p><i>Fortunate</i> - One of the meanings of fortunate is lucky. The word lucky conveys the idea of things for no apparent reason broke your way. There is nothing to it.</p><p><i>Happy</i> - A word we can understand based on the first 3 letters of the word: <i>hap</i>. The root “<i>hap</i>” which means chance. Human happiness is something which is dependent on the chances and the changes of life, something which life may give and which life may also destroy.</p><p>So what is “the deeper religious meaning”? Let’s look at 2 general facts.</p><p>(1) It can be seen that every one of the beatitudes has precisely the same form. As they are commonly printed in our Bibles, each one of them in the King James Version has the word “<i>are</i>” printed in italic, or sloping, type. When a word appears in italics in the King James Version it means that in the Greek, or in the Hebrew, there is no equivalent word. Therefore, the word added in italics or sloping type was added to bring out the meaning of the sentence.</p><p>This is to say that in the beatitudes there is no verb, there is no word “<i>are</i>”. Why should that be? Jesus did not speak the beatitudes in Greek; he spoke them in Aramaic, which was the language Hebrew people spoke in Jesus day.</p><p>Aramaic and Hebrew have a very common kind of expression, which is in fact an exclamation and which means, "O the blessedness of . . ." The expression ('ashere in the Hebrew) is very common in the Old Testament. For instance, the first Psalm begins in the Hebrew: "O the blessedness of the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly" (Ps 1:1). This is the form that Jesus first spoke in the beatitudes. The beatitudes are not simple statements; they are exclamations: "O the blessedness of the poor in spirit!"</p><p>What is most important, is that the beatitudes are not pious hopes of what shall be. They are not glowing, nebulous prophecies of some future bliss. They are congratulations on what is the blessedness which belongs to the Christian. It is not a blessedness which is postponed to some future world of glory. It is a blessedness which exists here and now. It is not something into which the Christian will enter. It is something into which he has entered.</p><p>True, it will find its fulness in the time after Christ’s return. But for Christians, it is a present reality to be enjoyed here and now.</p><p>The beatitudes in effect say, "O the bliss of being a Christian! O the joy of following Christ! O the sheer happiness of knowing Jesus Christ as Master, Savior and Lord!" The very form of the beatitudes is the statement of the joyous thrill and the radiant gladness of the Christian life.</p><p>(2) The word <i>blessed</i> which is used in each of the beatitudes is a very special word. It is the Greek word <i>makarios</i>. <i>Makarios</i> is the word which specially describes the gods. In Christianity there is a godlike joy.</p><p>The meaning of <i>makarios</i> can best be seen from one particular usage of it. The Greeks always called Cyprus <i>he makaria</i> which means The Happy Isle. They did so because they believed that Cyprus was so lovely, so rich, and so fertile an island that a man would never need to go beyond its coastline to find the perfectly happy life. It had such a climate, such flowers and fruits and trees, such minerals, such natural resources that it contained within itself all the materials for perfect happiness.</p><p><i>Makarios</i> then describes that joy which has its secret within itself. That joy which is serene and untouchable, and self-contained. That joy which is completely independent of all the chances and the changes of life.</p><p>The English word happiness gives its own case away. It contains the root “hap” which means chance. Human happiness is something which is dependent on the chances and the changes of life; something which life may give and which life may also destroy.</p><p>The Christian blessedness is completely untouchable and unassailable. "No one," said Jesus, "will take your joy from you" (John 16:22). The beatitudes speak of that joy which helps us through our pain. That joy which sorrow, loss, pain and grief are powerless to touch. That joy which shines through tears, and which nothing in life or death can take away.</p><p>The world can win its joys, and the world can equally as well lose its joys. A change in fortune, a collapse in health, the failure of a plan, the disappointment of an ambition, even a change in the weather can take away the fickle joy the world can give. But the Christian has the serene and untouchable joy which comes from walking for ever in the company and in the presence of Jesus Christ.</p><p>The greatness of the beatitudes is that they are not wistful glimpses of some future beauty. They are not even golden promises of some distant glory. They are triumphant shouts of bliss for a permanent joy that nothing in the world can ever take away.</p><p>(From The Daily Study Bible, by William Barclay: First Edition. Biblesoft Formatted Electronic Database Copyright © 2015 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)</p><p>Have a pleasant Sabbath evening,</p><p>Gary Smith</p>Bob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-38572253380764314102020-04-03T18:00:00.000-05:002020-04-19T08:51:26.830-05:00Certainty and Reassurance in Uncertain TimesHappy Sabbath to all!<br />
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I wanted to put together some personal reflections concerning the unusual time we are in.<br />
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Viruses have come and gone in the past. There has been sickness and sadly death, but we have never, in my 68 years, had a shut down like we have with the current plague.<br />
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It is hard to imagine how quickly we arrived where we are at today.<br />
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Consider that the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit 29,551.42 on Feb. 12, 2020. The world was fairly stable on that day. The COVID-19 virus was in the news, but it was primarily on the other side of the world.<br />
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Six weeks later the Dow Jones Average closed at 21,413.44. A most significant drop in 6 weeks. When you consider a 30% drop in that economic barometer that is an indication of a lot wealth that is gone. Will the stock market come back over time?<br />
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Companies are closing, laying off, cutting salaries and people are worried about how they will survive economically after we get past the impact of the virus. Which companies will survive the carnage and who will have jobs?<br />
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Huge stimulus bills have been passed. One bill was 2 trillion. What will be the long-term impact of such a huge spending bill? Will that 2 trillion solve our woes or will more be needed? What will the tax bill be after this is over?<br />
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Will the virus burn out with the heat of summer? Or will it come back in a more virulent form at some point in the future.<br />
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It is amazing how quickly governments have intervened to take control or try to take control of the situation. Is this the shape of things to come as to how the sinister forces at the end of the age will impose their authority over nations and people?<br />
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Most astounding of all, in my opinion, we may not have much of a baseball season if we have one at all.<br />
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The bottom line is there is currently a lot of uncertainty. None of us knows exactly what lies on the other side of the COVID-19 virus. At present, uncertainty is a worldwide condition. Uncertainty is fundamental to the world in which we live apart from God and it always will be.<br />
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But we through God and His word can see beyond all of the current upheaval and uncertainty. God offers us certainty and stability.<br />
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Consider the Sabbath. It comes every seventh day. That is a certainty. We are reassured by the Sabbath that God’s plan to usher in a time of rest is coming.<br />
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Consider the Passover. The Passover comes every year and, at that memorial, we renew our covenant with God and Jesus Christ. We are reassured that we are forgiven of our sins and stand justly before God.<br />
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Additionally, as we keep the Days of Unleavened Bread, we are assured that just as God intervened to save Israel out of Egypt, God is going to save us from this uncertain world and just as He led Israel to the promised land He will lead us to the eternal life in His kingdom.<br />
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Consider Paul’s reassurance in Romans 8:38-39: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”<br />
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Enjoy the certainty and reassurance of God’s Sabbath’s and Holy Days.<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-86477260691136319142019-11-01T18:00:00.000-05:002019-11-01T21:24:18.548-05:00Astros Loss Is But For a MomentIt was my hope that the Houston Astros would make it to the World Series and then win it all. Sadly, that didn’t happen. I am here writing a Sabbath Thought to reflect on that outcome.<br />
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Although the Houston baseball team did not win, the sun rose and it appears to be a clear, cool day ahead. In other words, life goes on. There will be more sporting events ahead and sometimes my team will win and sometimes lose. But win or lose life goes on.<br />
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From a human perspective I’m disappointed. But to take it too seriously indicates a lack of spiritual maturity. I know this because in the past when my favorite team would lose, I was so emotionally invested that it would take some time to get past the loss. Some losses are clearly etched in my mind because of the self-induced trauma of the loss.<br />
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What does God think about the Astros loss? I don’t think He cares overmuch. It’s not that God does not enjoy a good game, but God always has the big picture in mind.<br />
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The picture God always has in mind is expressed in Hebrews 2:10, “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” God never deviates from this goal. Is it our goal as well?<br />
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It is the goal that was moved forward by the Son of God, Jesus Christ, coming in the flesh and dying for the sins of all mankind. Additionally, it is moved forward every day by Jesus Christ living in us through the Holy Spirit, (Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”)<br />
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As human beings we can focus on the temporary (work, games and entertainment) of all kinds. The temporary is unavoidable in this life, but does the temporary we choose to be involved in contribute to that which will become permanent in our lives? We clearly have to make wise choice to pursue eternal life. There is nothing more permanent than eternity.<br />
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Hebrews 13:8 tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” The Father has the same quality. And it is God’s purpose that we will become like God and Jesus Christ, “the same, yesterday, today, and forever.” God is seeking to establish in those He has called permanence. In other words, He is seeking to establish holy, righteous character in our lives. Character that will always meditate on that which right, good and permanent, will always speak in a way that is permanent and will always act in a way that is permanent.<br />
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The World Series is over and we move on to one championship event after another. We can root for our team, but we need to realize that sports and so many other things are temporary. We must never forget that the temporary in whatever form it comes can be a snare to us.<br />
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God is well aware of how we can lose sight of what is really important and permanent. That is why He warns us about our priorities.<br />
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God points to what is really permanent when He instructs us to keep the Sabbath. The Sabbath points to a coming Kingdom that will be permanent. It will be led by the one who is the same, yesterday, and forever.<br />
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Yes, the Astros losing may be disappointing. But what is truly important and permanent is the goal that we must all diligently pursue.<br />
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Have a good Sabbath,<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-23784099187913606792019-09-20T18:00:00.000-05:002019-09-20T19:42:22.593-05:00What Is the Condition of Your Wall?As we take time to observe God’s Sabbath, I thought it might prove helpful to continue the study of walls in the Sabbath Thought for this week.<br />
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Let’s begin with a question. What is the state of your wall? Do we realize that God has assigned us to build a wall and to keep it up?<br />
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Notice the words of God in Ezekiel 22:25-30: The conspiracy of her prophets in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing the prey; they have devoured people; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in her midst. Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and unholy, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy people, and to get dishonest gain. Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, "Thus says the Lord GOD," when the LORD had not spoken. The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it. . . .<br />
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Do we have a wall to keep the enemies of God's way out of our lives and homes? Have we set boundaries against the world, or have we torn down the wall? If we have a wall, are we leaving the gates open and unguarded? Are we willing to fight to defend our families and our church? Or do we just let the enemy stream in unchallenged? Are we willing to stand up to the world?<br />
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This particular wall is not one of brick and stone, but a spiritual wall anchored by God, designed to keep spiritual problems out.<br />
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1 Timothy 5:8 says that if we fail to provide for the needs of our loved ones—both physically and spiritually—we are worse than an unbeliever! Have we done anything to protect our families—or has worldliness hurdled our puny walls, totally pervading every aspect of our lives?<br />
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Satan hates walls. "Let's all be one happy family," he whispers in our ears. "Walls are for the immature. You're spiritually mature now, so you can handle immorality without a problem." Don't fall for this line.<br />
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God Himself teaches us through His example to erect impregnable bulwarks against Satan. He placed cherubim with flaming swords at the entrance to the Garden of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24), and even New Jerusalem will have towering walls and gates (Revelation 21:12, 14). In type, the church is to be a wall (Song of Songs 8:10), within which peace dwells and righteousness flourishes. God supplies this spiritual wall to those who seek His Way, His providence and His will. The work of rebuilding our personal wall is the effort we put into seeking a strong relationship with Him, and He then provides the defenses for us. God becomes our wall.<br />
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David understands this perfectly. He often praises God as his rock, his high tower, his fortress, his wall. "I will love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; . . . my stronghold" (Psalm 18:1-2). For a child of God, no other wall can effectively protect us from spiritual assaults: "He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved".<br />
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God puts a wall around His people to keep Satan at bay, as in the example of Job. Satan complains, "Have You not made a hedge [wall] around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side?" (Job 1:10). Only after God removed the wall could Satan attack Job—and he wasted no time doing so! Surely, we see the lesson in this.<br />
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If we reject God, break down the wall or neglect our relationship with Him, what happens? "Whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent" (Ecclesiastes 10:8). The Bible depicts Satan as a serpent. Many brethren have allowed their walls to crumble, and Satan has struck.<br />
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Sometimes God Himself tears down our walls because of our sins (Isaiah 5:4-5). As Paul puts it, He delivers us to Satan for the destruction of our flesh in the hope we will repent (1 Corinthians 5:5).<br />
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What is the condition of our wall? Is it broken down or in need of repair?<br />
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The surest way to restore the wall is through sincere and complete repentance. Playing at the repair job, daubing bits of untempered mortar here and there, will only increase God's wrath (Ezekiel 13:8-16). Such a wall, lacking God, gives the impression of security but crumbles at the smallest enemy strike. We must be totally committed to restoring our neglected relationship with God, thus restoring God's presence as the wall.<br />
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As you keep the Sabbath day, consider what is the condition of my wall? Upon assessment, if your wall is need of repair, seek God’s help to restore it fully.<br />
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Have a pleasant Sabbath,<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-38645648785223899322019-08-16T18:00:00.000-05:002019-08-16T19:37:42.154-05:00Preparing For a Future That Currently Doesn’t Exist Last week, we had 2 mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and in Dayton, Ohio. The week before we had the same in Gilroy, California. This seems to be a trend in our society which I think all of us as God’s people look forward to ending with the coming of God’s kingdom.<br />
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Melissa MacKenzie, in an article entitled, “The Common Thread Binding These Mass Murders,” (The American Spectator, August 5, 2019), wrote of the shootings, “And none of this is a surprise. After every heinous murderous act, the media spins it and blames. It’s easier than admitting that the culture that they shape is spewing these monsters out at an alarming rate and something more than politics is to blame. In fact, these death eating humans seem to be a product of a culture that is at the same time wealthier, more technologically advanced, and scientifically sophisticated while being morally lost and spiritually empty.<br />
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The most important words from the El Paso killer’s writings are in this line:<br />
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<b>... My whole life I have been preparing for a future that currently doesn’t exist.”</b><br />
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In focusing on the quote from the El Paso killer, “My whole life I have been preparing for a future that currently doesn’t exist,” one can only detect despair and hopelessness.<br />
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The encouraging thing that we can grasp onto in these tumultuous times is we have a sure hope, in the midst of a troubled world. We are preparing for a future which is certain to come into existence.<br />
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Note what the writer of Hebrews had to say in regard to the hope we have as followers of Jesus Christ,<br />
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<ul>
<li>“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end” (Hebrews 6:11)</li>
<li>“That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil” (Hebrews 6:18- 19).</li>
</ul>
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We have “fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.” We have hope in God’s promise to be with us now and hope that “a future” is to come in which mass shootings will be eradicated as righteousness will prevail under the rule of Jesus Christ.<br />
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God has given us the Sabbath as a weekly reminder that a rest is here for us now and will be available to all peoples after the return of the Lamb of God.<br />
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God has given us the fall Holy Days to remind us that Christ will return, set up His kingdom, Satan will be removed, God’s Spirit will be poured out on all people, and the way will be open to all mankind to become a part of the family of God.<br />
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Interestingly, as Christians we are preparing for a world that does not now exist. We can only see it in faith. Looking forward to the hope that is promised, we go about preparing each and every day we live.<br />
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Looking once again at the despairing quote from the article, “My whole life I have been preparing for a future that currently doesn’t exist” we know this young man, most likely, had no idea what God had prepared for him and all mankind.<br />
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Paul addressed this lack of crucial knowledge in 1 Corinthians 2:7-10, “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”<br />
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God has revealed through His Spirit and His word that there is hope for this young man. There is coming a day when he will rise from the grave in the second resurrection and his eyes will be opened to God, God’s forgiveness, and the opportunity to be a part of eternity.<br />
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He never had a clue in this present life, but he will come to see what we see in hope at the present time.<br />
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While tragedy in many different forms goes on day after day, we have hope in God as anchor to our souls.<br />
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Rejoice in God’s Rest,<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-64302554045790964532019-08-02T18:00:00.000-05:002019-08-02T21:03:13.410-05:00 Poor Richard's Misunderstanding of God's JudgmentAs you will probably be reading this around the Sabbath, I thought I would share an interesting observation made by Benjamin Franklin about God’s judgment and the Sabbath.<br />
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Franklin’s observation was made during a trip to the continent (Europe) in the summer of 1761.<br />
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“Franklin noted with pleasure that the observance of religion was not as strict as in America, especially when it came to observing Sundays as the Sabbath. “In the afternoon both high and low went to the play or the opera, where there was plenty of singing, fiddling and dancing,” he reported to a Connecticut friend. “I looked around for God’s judgments but saw no signs of them.” He concluded, with a touch of amusement, that this provided evidence that the Lord did not care so much about preventing pleasure on the Sabbath as the strict Puritans would have people believe. The happiness and prosperity in Flanders he wrote, “would almost make one suspect that the Deity is not angry at that offense as a New England justice.”<br />
“Benjamin Franklin: An American Life", by Walter Isaacson, pp. 199-200).<br />
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Is Benjamin Franklin correct in his assessment of God not making observable judgments about Sabbath-breaking? First of all, Sunday isn’t the Sabbath, so indulging in various amusements would not be in violation of the Sabbath.<br />
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Most sadly neither the religious Puritans nor the people of Flanders knew of the need to observe the 7th Day Sabbath. They were all following the tradition handed down to one generation to another for nearly 1700 years: that the Sabbath was on Sunday.<br />
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Was God judging this matter? Absolutely. Not keeping the Sabbath is sin and just because God does not take action does not mean God does not take notice. On the contrary, God tells us that we will all have to give account to God for our actions (Romans 14:12).<br />
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The saddest conclusion about Benjamin Franklin and God’s judgment is that since there do not appear to be any observable sanctions from the throne of heaven, then everything is OK with God. This is a wrong conclusion reached by Benjamin Franklin in this instance and by mankind in general throughout the ages.<br />
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The breaking of the Sabbath is sin. Even if there is no immediate punishment for this sin, it has been noted by God and there will be a day of reckoning.<br />
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Benjamin Franklin was a wise man in his own way, but the proper understanding of God’s judgment is given by Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes.<br />
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<i>Ecclesiastes 8:11-13</i><br />
<i>11. Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.</i><br />
<i>12. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him.</i><br />
<i>13 But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God.</i><br />
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In other words, just because God does not execute the sentence against sinners immediately, this does not mean there will not be judgment at a future time.<br />
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As we well know, keeping the Sabbath is essential to our relationship with God and always will be.<br />
<br />
Rejoice in the Sabbath Day,<br />
<br />
Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-19684523838353450522019-07-26T18:00:00.000-05:002019-07-27T08:34:12.577-05:00Of Making Many Books There is No EndReading has, throughout my life, provided many enjoyable and profitable moments. I have especially loved history and biography. For example, I am currently reading “Benjamin Franklin” by Walter Isaacson. I chose this book because I have taken an interest in the Founding Fathers of our nation.<br />
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So far, I’ve read about George Washington, John Adams, and Alexander Hamilton. All of the books have been enlightening in that I better understand these men and their successes and failures.<br />
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Yes, reading provides knowledge and entertainment, but in the greater scheme of things how does knowledge of the Founding Fathers profit me as a reader? As I consider all the time and effort I have put into reading, what is the profit?<br />
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To be honest, my reading has been entertaining and enlightening on a human level, but when God evaluates my reading will it matter that I know a lot about the Founding Fathers or any other subject?<br />
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The Bible has some interesting things to say about books and the pursuit of knowledge. Let’s examine a few passages that help us to put the reading of books in the right perspective.<br />
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Ecclesiastes 12:12 “. . . Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.”<br />
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Adam Clarke in his commentary makes the following note on the reading of books,<br />
“Two thousand years have elapsed since this was written; and since that time some millions of treatises have been added, on all kinds of subjects, to those which have gone before. The press is still groaning under and teeming with books, books innumerable; and no one subject is yet exhausted, notwithstanding all that has been written on it. And we who live in these latter times are no nearer an end, in the investigation of NATURE and its properties; of GOD, his attributes, his providence, his justice, and his mercy; of MAN, his animal life, his mode of nutrition and existence, and his soul and its powers; of JESUS, and the redemption by him; of ETERNITY, and what it implies as exhibiting to us the pains of the cursed, and the glories of the blessed. Of several of these we know no more than they who have lived five thousand years before us; nor do we know anything certainly by the endless books that have been published, except what bears the seal of the God of heaven, as published in that word which was declared by His Spirit.<br />
(from Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1996, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.).”<br />
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In other words, loads of books have been produced on every imaginable subject, but what long term contribution has the publication and reading of books produced? Sadly, not much. As Solomon says at the end of verse 12, “much study is a weariness to the flesh.”<br />
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Ecclesiastes 1:18 provides additional insight to Ecclesiastes 12:12: “For in much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” Solomon makes clear from this verse that we can acquire a great deal of knowledge about this physical world. In fact, Paul addresses people who put great effort into reading and learning, but there is something woefully lacking in the end. 2 Timothy 3:7 “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” or as Solomon said it “much study is a weariness to the flesh.”<br />
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Is reading and study wrong? As long as we are reading what is edifying, we are pursuing a positive path.<br />
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Available to us is God’s inspired word from which we can receive everything we need to be complete and fully equipped as members of Gods church (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible offers us something we can never gain from reading many of the books available to us.<br />
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Note what Solomon said as he comes to the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, “And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright — words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. 12 And further, my son, be admonished by these (Ecclesiastes 12:9-12).<br />
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In summary, reading can be instructive and most pleasurable, but we have to realize that most of what we read does not contribute to the path to eternal life. But as we dig into God’s word we can be instructed, “goaded”, or built up by “well-driven nails.” The Bible being the most profitable reading we will ever undertake.<br />
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Have an enjoyable Sabbath,<br />
<br />
Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-63416610352397745412018-12-28T18:00:00.000-06:002018-12-28T21:08:00.027-06:00Be Sober, Be Vigilant“Sobriety checkpoints” are locations where law enforcement officers are stationed to check drivers for signs of intoxication and impairment. Governing authorities, in certain locales, have come to see the need to check drivers for being above the approved limit in regard to alcohol or drug usage. Sobriety enforcement is needed because people have been unable to police themselves. Issues with sobriety are especially common during the end of the year holiday season.<br />
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Interestingly, God wants us to be sober. As Christians we are to be sober or showing “self-mastery”. Christian sobriety is self-government or self-control, the foundation of a strong godly life, growth, and producing fruit. If a person cannot govern himself, if he cannot master his passions, he will certainly not have a good relationship with his fellowman or God. His life will likely be marked by major excesses.<br />
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The biblical writers use this word in various ways: to behave in an orderly manner, to be sober, serious, sane, sound-minded, discreet, self-disciplined, prudent, and moderate. In context of a person controlling himself, Paul writes, "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3; see Titus 2:6; I Peter 4:7).<br />
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A person who has self-mastery is even-handed, and his passions are under control. He makes proper use of his drives and desires, and his manner of life is not one of extremes. A person reflecting this quality will be making steady progress in growing into the perfectly balanced character of Jesus Christ.<br />
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Notice that the scriptures point out another way in which we are to be sober. It is in regard to our adversary, Satan. For those that have been called by God in this lifetime, we have eternity at stake here. If Satan can succeed in deceiving us to advocate for him more and more, he greatly increases our chances of being subject to the second death, the eternal death in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:14-15).<br />
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Peter warns us of the dangers that Satan poses to God's people: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:8). According to the Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament, "sober" (Greek nepho) is a verb found in the New Testament only in the figurative sense, implying "sober watchfulness." In addition, "vigilant" (Greek gregoreuo) means "to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)."<br />
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Combining "sober" and "vigilant" paints an interesting word-picture for us. When a person is heavily intoxicated, he wants nothing more than to sleep it off, so it is impossible for the sleeping drunkard to be vigilant about anything. The message for us is that we must be attentive to our physical and spiritual condition so that we do not become spiritually intoxicated. This type of person is exactly the kind whom Satan seeks. If we enter this state, then we make ourselves a prime target to be devoured by the "roaring lion."<br />
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One final thing to consider in regard to sobriety is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:6, “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.”<br />
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The advice given to us is to watch. While asleep, one cannot watch. The Greek word for "watch" can be better translated "alert," and the word for "sober" is more correctly "self-controlled." So Paul advises, "Let us be alert and self-controlled." In other words, while all of the distractions of this world spin dizzyingly around us, we have to be alert to their appeal and controlled enough to discipline ourselves to prioritize in the right way.<br />
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Though such a task is not easy, we must forcibly set our wills to pay attention to those eternal things that are more important. If we fail in this task, we may begin conducting our lives in darkness, and living in darkness leads eventually to spiritual blindness. It is vital to our spiritual health to remain alert and self-controlled!<br />
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As the New Year is about to commence, we might do “a spiritual sobriety check” to make sure that we “alert and self-controlled”.<br />
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Have a most profitable Sabbath,<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-32385615335047980582018-11-16T18:00:00.000-06:002018-11-16T18:56:16.869-06:00Rising Up Early and Speaking a Message of WarningIn my Bible reading, I have been going through the Major Prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel and the Minor Prophets, Daniel through Malachi. As I have been going through the prophets, a thought came to mind concerning the prophets of the 21st century. More specifically, my question is, “Where are the prophets of our time?”<br />
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As one goes back through the prophets, we find examples of messages being given to God’s people from Genesis down to the time of the book of Revelation. This would encompass a time span of about 1500 years.<br />
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For example, we find Noah at a minimum witnessing to his generation even if it was by his example of building a huge ship in a location without access to a large body of water. Did Noah go out and preach or did he simply warn his generation by building a ship? When asked about what he was up to, did he tell them of the flood that was to come unless people turned from their wicked ways? In all probability, yes, but no one heeded.<br />
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To me one of the most vivid reminders of the work of prophets is found in the prophet Jeremiah. There is a phrase that is repeated throughout the book regarding God and His prophets. Let’s consider a few examples of this phrasing:<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Jeremiah 7:13</b> “And now, because you have done all these works,” says the LORD, “and I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you did not hear, and I called you, but you did not answer.”</li>
<li><b>Jeremiah 7:25</b> “Since the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have even sent to you all My servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them.”</li>
<li><b>Jeremiah 11:7</b> “‘For I earnestly exhorted your fathers in the day I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, until this day, rising early and exhorting, saying, “Obey My voice.”</li>
<li><b>Jeremiah 35:15</b> “I have also sent to you all My servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, ‘Turn now everyone from his evil way, amend your doings, and do not go after other gods to serve them; then you will dwell in the land which I have given you and your fathers.’ But you have not inclined your ear, nor obeyed Me.”</li>
</ul>
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The common theme in these verses is that God sent His servants, the prophets, with His message, “rising up early and speaking” a message of warning, but God’s people would not listen. Besides the scriptures cited, God also makes this point in Jeremiah 25:3; 25:4; 26:5; 29:19; 32:33; 35:14; 44:4.<br />
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In reality, God had sent his message from the time Israel came out of Egypt until Jeremiah’s time. God’s warning to turn from their wicked ways had been delivered over a 700 year span and God’s people had not heeded.<br />
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As prophesied the consequences of sin eventuality came to pass as both Israel and Judah were conquered and taken into captivity.<br />
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Beyond Jeremiah’s time God’s warning to mankind continued to be delivered over and over again down to the final message given to God’s people by the Apostle John. Man’s response has continued to be the same: to ignore the prophetic word delivered.<br />
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As we consider this consistent pattern of the prophets rising up early to deliver God’s message, we might ask, “Where are the prophets of our time? Where are the prophets of the 21st century?”<br />
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We may not have many men in the flesh who are powerfully preaching God’s message to the people of our time. But the prophets are still speaking if people are willing to heed.<br />
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One might ask, “Where are the prophets?” In reality, the prophets are speaking in the pages of the most widely published book in the world: The Bible. It is available to all in almost every language and dialect on earth. It is also available whether it is early or late. And it is most applicable to our time.<br />
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The prophets still speak in the pages of the Bible. The question remains, “Will mankind heed the prophetic word God sends to mankind?” That is the question that remains to be answered.<br />
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I hope this Sabbath Thought offers some food for consideration during God’s time of rest.<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-27223354486405509742018-11-09T18:00:00.000-06:002018-11-10T07:27:56.351-06:00Prayer Request for Our Angolan BrethrenOne of the things we enjoy on the Sabbath is being able to meet in peace. In my forty-some years of going to church services, we have been able to meet in peace.<br />
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We have been blessed not to face government or societal suppression and persecution. That is a blessing that has allowed us to meet for Sabbath services, Holy Days and to share the gospel on a wide scale.<br />
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Paul speaks of doors being opened to carry God’s message far and wide:<br />
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<br />
<ul>
<li><b>1 Corinthians 16:9</b> For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.</li>
<li><b>2 Corinthians 2:12</b> Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord</li>
<li><b>Colossians 4:3</b> meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains</li>
</ul>
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It is God who opens doors for us to find halls in which to meet and to hear the Christ’s gospel preached each Sabbath. It is God who makes it possible to meet in peace.<br />
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Just as Paul mentions adversaries in 1 Corinthians 16:9, we have “many adversaries” as well. Those adversaries may be human and they may also be of the spiritual variety as well, but they exist to thwart our coming together in peace and safety.<br />
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At the present time, we have a group of people affiliated with United who seek to meet each week to observe the Sabbath. However, they face a situation in which they might not be able to meet:<br />
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<u>Prayer Request - Angolan Brethren Jorge de Campos, senior pastor, Portuguese speaking areas</u><br />
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The Angolan brethren, which number in excess of 5,000 men, women and children, request your prayers for their continued freedom to fellowship every Sabbath in Angola. The Angolan government just issued a decree that churches, to be able to gather in Angola, need to have 100,000 adult members in the country with their signatures duly notarized. The minimum threshold was established as 2/3 of that number in at least 2/3 of their provinces.<br />
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A number of churches which had been previously registered, had their previous registration revoked. What triggered this situation was that a number of small strange religions started appearing in Angola, originating from Brazil and other African countries, with weird practices causing what the Angolan government deemed as a nuisance and trouble. All churches had to submit their application to be recognized and allowed to continue gathering by yesterday (Monday, November 5th). The Angolan brethren submitted their application as required. They are appealing for an exception on the quantity of members and additionally they are referring to their ‘good works’ in the area of community schools and teachers that they are providing in various Angolan cities.<br />
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The process will now go through governmental review (for an unidentified period of time). We really do not know how long this will take. The Angolan government may ask for additional evidence, such as the notarized signatures, at any future time. As obtaining these signatures is a cost which to many of the local brethren is prohibitive (even though to us is only about US$7 per signature), UCGIA has sent them an unsolicited amount from the GCE approved Portuguese subsidy. This will help them in paying for a number of the notarized signatures of the brethren. The Angolan brethren are very grateful for all the help that they are receiving from UCG. However from now on, they will continue to gather in faith and they request your petitions to our Heavenly Father that they may continue to gather every Sabbath as it is commanded, and as per God’s will.<br />
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Thank you.<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
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We don’t have the power to change this, but God most certainly does. As we do offer up prayers on this matter please remember:<br />
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<b>2 Timothy 2:1-3</b> Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.<br />
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It would be most appropriate that we would offer up our “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks” to God that our fellow brethren in Angola “may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence”.<br />
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Have a pleasant Sabbath,<br />
<br />
Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-66350827814564792182018-10-12T18:00:00.000-05:002018-10-12T18:00:02.602-05:00Biblical Principles in the Political WorldWe, as church members, have been able to go up to the Feast of Tabernacles once again in 2018. It is a time characterized by humility, service, patience, cooperation, giving, thoughtfulness, and sacrifice. Above all the truth of God’s soon coming Kingdom has been expounded. We have been reminded by the speakers of the righteous reign of Jesus Christ on earth and all of the wonderful things that will flow from God’s rule.<br />
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In returning home, if we tuned in to the news, in whatever format, we find strife, conflict, and a complete lack of civility in all too many situations. It is hurtful to see people raging at one another over things that could be settled peacefully if God and His word prevailed.<br />
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Let’s imagine God and His word being the foundational principle on which we decided who would be a justice of the Supreme Court.<br />
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The strife that unfolded in the selection process of a judge to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Anthony Kennedy was based upon a false premise. The false premise is that the right to have an abortion is a court ruling that must be defended no matter how down and dirty the opponents of the nominee have to go to defeat him.<br />
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If all parties accepted God and His word as the final arbiter, then the abortion issue would not be an issue at all. They would be led to see that life begins at conception. The miraculous cell splitting process that begins to unfold in the womb is the beginning of a human life. From God’s standpoint all human beings are precious because they all have the potential to be part of the family of God (Hebrew 2:10). From God’s point of view the Sixth Commandment, “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13) would be the guiding principle.<br />
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A couple of other biblical principles which would have been helpful in sorting out the nomination process:<br />
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<ul>
<li>The 9th Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. (Exodus 20:16)</li>
<li>1 Corinthians 13:4-8, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.</li>
</ul>
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Sadly, we don’t see the application of biblical principles in the political world. As a result, we will continue to see strife and conflict on regular display.<br />
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The good news is that we are nearing the end of the time when raw, carnal nature will be on display on the nightly news. We have been reminded by going up to the Feast that Christ will return to this earth and judge in righteousness and equity for all.<br />
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Rejoice this Sabbath in the rest that is sure to come through the return of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:11).<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-14316651004730094252018-06-08T18:00:00.000-05:002018-06-08T21:00:18.565-05:00Hope: An Anchor of the SoulKate Spade, Anthony Bourdain are two celebrities who have recently taken their own lives. How many others have ended their lives this week?<br />
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These individuals had money, celebrity and every good thing life could offer. Yet on some level something was missing and they concluded there was no point in going on in this life.<br />
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I don’t know either one of the celebrities mentioned above but I am acquainted with a young man who Liz and I came to know through camp. For several years it seemed that he was getting his life together. Then he decided, for reasons we don’t understand, to reverse course and go back into the world. In fairly recent times, he made another stab at coming to church services and getting his life in order. Sadly, he could not continue on the positive path and ended his life. His funeral was this week.<br />
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There are varying reasons why someone would choose to end their life. Thankfully, for most of those who commit suicide we know that God is merciful. There is a coming second resurrection and a time for them to embrace God’s vision for man and get on the path to salvation.<br />
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Many of us still living can probably hearken back to dark times in our lives. We may have contemplated that there was no reason to carry on. The ending of life may have seemed like a viable option. However, this is not godly thinking but Satan’s mindset. The fact that we are still living indicates we chose the better path.<br />
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God desires that each and every person who has been given life would fulfill His purpose in their lives. But most people don’t know what God’s purpose is and they have no hope. Paul made this point in Ephesians 2:12-13, “That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”<br />
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In the verse cited, Paul points out what gives a Christian hope. As Christians, we have Christ, we are part of the commonwealth of Israel (the Church, the body of Christ), and we have entered into covenant with God so we can enjoy the blessings of God’s promises. All of this has been made possible through “the blood of Christ.”<br />
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I would venture to say that Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain knew nothing of Ephesians 2:12-13 and were therefore without hope and without God in the world.<br />
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Additionally, I would say the young man who ended his life recently did get a glimpse of God’s great plan for him. Sadly, he did not grasp it well enough to establish it as a foundational part of his life. He was not at peace and lost hope. When one reaches this low ebb, this dark place, it actually seems like a reasonable decision to end one’s life.<br />
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The question for all of us who remain in the faith, “Do we have peace and hope?”<br />
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Regardless of the setbacks, disappointments, and other difficulties in life, we can be at peace. Peace is a state of mind that allows us to hold it together no matter what tribulations we face. In this life we can be at peace. In addition to being at peace, we can have the immovable hope of God’s coming Kingdom. As it is said in Hebrews 6:18-19, “. . . we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast….”<br />
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As we have this state of mind, we can reject the negative pull of discouragement and hopelessness and instead keep our eyes on the goal: eternal life in God’s Kingdom. That goal gives us every reason to keep pushing on until the end of the race.<br />
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Happy Sabbath<br />
<br />
Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-21160554495173403832018-06-01T18:00:00.000-05:002018-06-01T19:14:49.647-05:00If You Diligently Heed the Voice of the LORD Your GodAs a minister, one of my duties is to visit the sick and as request is made to anoint as instructed in James 5:14. Last week, I went to Texas Medical Center in order to visit with a lady from the Houston congregation who had undergone surgery.<br />
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In going to the Medical Center, I was amazed at how much it had expanded since I moved to Houston in 2011.<br />
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Here are a few facts about the Medical Center: The Texas Medical Center (TMC) is a 2.1-square-mile medical district and neighborhood in south-central Houston. Over sixty medical institutions, largely concentrated in a triangular area between Brays Bayou, Rice University, and Hermann Park, are members of the Texas Medical Center Corporation—a non-profit umbrella organization—which constitutes the largest medical complex in the world. The TMC has an extremely high density of clinical facilities for patient care, basic science, and translational research. Finally, the Texas Medical Center employs over 106,000 people, hosts 10 million patient encounters annually, and has a gross domestic product of US$25 billion.<br />
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It is a truly amazing facility. A number of members have sought treatment there and have received excellent medical care.<br />
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From the first time I visited the medical complex, I have been overwhelmed by the concentration of buildings and the bustling nature of the services offered there.<br />
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My most significant conclusion about my visit to the Medical Center last week is that the facility is full of people with a whole variety of ailments.<br />
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Why so many sick and injured people? I think it is reflective of the fact that we live in a world that is sick on many levels and sadly that is not going to change much until we turn back to God and live by His word.<br />
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God’s blessing on a people who live by His word is spelled out in Exodus 15:26 “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”<br />
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While medical science can address our ailments and offer some relief and healing, they do not through medical procedures address the core issue which is moral.<br />
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If our society would “do what is right in His (God’s) sight” and “give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes”, then we will not be plagued by the sicknesses and diseases all too common in the 21st century.<br />
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God promises us that there is a world that is coming that will be healthy and massive medical center will no longer be necessary.<br />
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As we keep the Sabbath, we can rejoice that there is a rest to come.<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-73569305208909016582018-02-16T18:00:00.000-06:002018-02-16T18:03:27.477-06:00Sin Lies at the Door for All of UsAs the Sabbath begins, we can rejoice in the peace, purpose, and hope that God gives to us. Sadly, remembering our Creator and being reminded of the plan of God does not block out everything from a week that has come to an end.<br />
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This week a young man went into a Florida school and opened fire killing and wounding students and faculty.<br />
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One of the sad things about the event is that people had noticed and reported warning signs about the nineteen-year old shooter. The young man had been expelled from school, and surely the faculty of the school had issued warnings about the destructive path the young man had been on.<br />
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It is a strange quirk of human nature that human beings all too often fail to heed warnings of danger. The failure to listen to wise counsel leads all too often to serious consequences.<br />
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To me this coincides with the biblical example found in the story of Cain and Abel.<br />
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The two sons of Adam and Eve came to God with offerings. God recognized Abel’s offering because it met the criteria that God had apparently established. Cain’s offering did not meet the standard God had established. Note Genesis 4:5, “He (God) did not respect Cain and his offering.” Not only did God not respect Cain’s offering but He did not respect Cain because of his wrong attitude.<br />
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Did Cain have a wrong attitude? We only have to look at the end of Genesis 4:5 where we find Cain filled with anger and “his countenance fell” over God’s rejection of his offering. If you had been on the scene of this event, Cain’s wrong attitude would have been clearly visible.<br />
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Did God recognize the problem? We only have to look at Genesis 4:6-7 where God addresses Cain’s wrong attitude, “So the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it."”<br />
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God pointed out that Cain was being ruled by sin and if he did not change his line of thinking there would be a terrible outcome. God counseled Cain to recognize his wrong mindset and rule over it. God knew the potential that could unfold if Cain did not reverse his course. Sadly, Cain did not heed God’s counsel. He allowed anger to rule and explode into the murder of his brother.<br />
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As we look at the all too common atrocities in our world, we are not going to end their occurrence until we recognize that “sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you and you should rule over it.” Until men and women recognize sin lurking at the door and take measures to reject the sinful mindset, evil of all kinds will continue.<br />
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Unfortunately, how many people are self-aware enough to reject sin? Even if the majority of the world’s population are oblivious to the need to rule over sin, we in the church know this to be a crucial aspect of the Christian life.<br />
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As the Passover draws close, we need to recognize that “sin lies at the door” for all of us. Do we recognize the pulls and pressures of sin? Do we seek to repent of those sins that still plague us? Do we beseech God for His help to rule over sin?<br />
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As we ready ourselves to come before God at Passover, is our attitude like that of Abel: humble, faithful, obedient, offering the first and best? Or is our attitude like Cain: prideful, disobedient, offering that which is blemished?<br />
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Where we stand in regard to the Passover is a most worthwhile consideration for the Sabbath.<br />
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Have a pleasant and profitable Sabbath,<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-55362111843283081232018-02-02T18:00:00.000-06:002018-02-02T18:14:10.630-06:00Remember That Time That Guy in the Bible Interpreted That Dream? Both of Them?For your consideration this Sabbath, I’d like to hearken back to the time of the prophet Daniel. We were asked to write down, as part of the Scripture Writing, Daniel 2:21, “And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” In writing down the verse for the day, I looked at the verses before and after.<br />
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Daniel 2:21 is recorded in the context of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. The king had the dream and he sought for it to be interpreted. The Chaldeans, astrologers, and magicians were asked to supply the details of the dream and the interpretation. The king was not going to tell them the dream out of fear they would make up an answer of some kind. The penalty for not revealing the details of the dream and the interpretation was death.<br />
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The response of those tasked with interpreting dreams was to express the impossibility of such a task, “The Chaldeans answered the king, and said, "There is not a man on earth who can tell the king's matter; therefore no king, lord, or ruler has ever asked such things of any magician, astrologer, or Chaldean. It is a difficult thing that the king requests, and there is no other who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh." (Daniel 2:10-11).<br />
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There was panic among the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans. They were all in fear of the death penalty being imposed for their failure to fulfill the king’s request. They knew that they had no way to discern the dream nor interpret it.<br />
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The king’s guard, Arioch was sent out to execute the wise men of Babylon. In the process of carrying out the king’s command, he came to Daniel. He was told of the king’s demand and he went before Nebuchadnezzar to request time to interpret the dream.<br />
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Where did Daniel go for a solution? He went to God, who, “… reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.” Daniel knew that he had no special skill to answer King Nebuchadnezzar, but God knew the dream and its interpretation. In other words, Daniel knew God could shine His light on what was in the darkness for physical human beings.<br />
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My thought, as I looked at this scenario playing out, was to consider the possibility that Daniel was aware of a similar situation almost 1000 years in the past? Daniel was well aware of the scriptures, since they had been in the possession of the children of Israel since the time of Moses. Was Daniel encouraged in his dire situation by the example of Joseph interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams recorded in the book of Genesis?<br />
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The Bible doesn’t tell us that Daniel drew encouragement from God revealing the Pharaoh’s dream and meaning to Joseph. But we can surmise, if Daniel remembered the biblical record, then Joseph’s experience could translate to his own time and situation.<br />
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The related experiences of Daniel and Joseph provide us just one example of why familiarity with the Bible record is so important to our everyday lives.<br />
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Have a pleasant Sabbath day,<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-86679470053764445922018-01-19T18:00:00.000-06:002018-01-19T19:18:06.924-06:00Congratulations! You Now Have a Degree in OpinionsI am reading Not A Day Care: The Devastating Consequences of Abandoning Truth by Dr. Everett Piper. The book caught my attention from the start so I thought I would share one of his observations about the current state of university education. Dr. Piper can speak with some authority on higher education since he is President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University.<br />
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He states, “Our universities are doing a tremendous disservice, both to students and our culture, by letting students think they can bend reality to fit their whims. In the real world, people don’t get paid to be selfish and disruptive, but rather, to be productive members of society. They are rewarded for cooperation and teamwork, not for dividing people because they have negative feelings about another race or feel offended by those from a different socioeconomic background. Our universities are producing a generation of Americans who are unable to function in the real world. We are quickly becoming a culture of Peter Pans, believing we can avoid reality in a Neverland of our own making. We’re encouraging students to embrace their selfish fantasies and to expect everyone around them to bend and submit to their narcissistic whims and personal prejudices. We have created a generation that expects to receive affirmation for every feeling they have and every emotion they feel. Objective reality doesn’t matter. Subjective opinions are king.<br />
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“Many of today’s universities seem content to give degrees in opinions, as opposed to degrees grounded in knowledge and the classical pursuit of wisdom, beauty, and truth. I once warned our graduating students of this danger in an Oklahoma Wesleyan commencement address:<br />
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Today we are all here to celebrate! You have made it. Over the next few minutes I’m going to give you a long-winded commencement address. . .. But after I’m done, I’m going to call you up to the stage. You’ll stand to my left and wait for your name to be called. Then you’ll march proudly across the stage. I’ll thereby, shake your hand, give you your diploma and whisper in your ear, “Congratulations! You now have a degree in opinions. “. . . That’s insulting isn’t it? I surely hope you got more than that from your college education! Today as you graduate, I do not care what your opinion is, nor should you care that much about mine. You did not major in opinions. I’m not going to give you a diploma in opinions. A good education is not about opinions. It’s about learning what’s true.<br />
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“Pol Pot, Mao, Robespierre, Stalin, Chavez, Hitler, Mussolini and all the despots of history had opinions—and it did not end well. Opinions always lead to slavery and bondage, but Jesus told us that the truth shall set you free. I surely hope if you majored in nursing that you have a little more knowledge today about of the truths of biology, physiology, and chemistry than you did before you came here. Because if you’re going to administer medication to me on the basis of your opinion, stay away from me. You are dangerous. If you’re going to design an airplane on the basis of your opinion, please tell me which one it is because it will never fly. Today we are celebrating truth, not your opinion. Now come and get your diploma” (Not A Day Care, Piper, page 15- 17).<br />
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As Christians, we are focused on the truth found in the word of God. The word of God is not opinion, but it is instead the truth (John 17:17).<br />
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We might ask ourselves this Sabbath, “Is my life based upon the truth or opinion?” Truth leads to life and opinion leads only to death. I hope we are all choosing life based on the truth.<br />
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Happy Sabbath,<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-68768293575964891672017-12-01T18:00:00.000-06:002017-12-01T18:00:58.476-06:00The Whirlwind of the Sexual RevolutionWe are currently being made aware of one sexual scandal after another. We learn of new scandals among legislative leaders and entertainment icons. Should we be surprised at mass of revelations of sexual impropriety? Not really.<br />
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The prophet Hosea said a long time ago, "They sow the wind, and reap the whirlwind.” Mankind sows the wind when sin becomes a way of life. Sin may not be punished immediately so man continues to sin. If sin is punished, it is not that bad of a punishment, so man continues in sin. Eventually, a tipping point is reached and a harvest is reaped that comes in like a whirlwind.<br />
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What is unfolding before our eyes with the downfall of large numbers of men in power is the byproduct of the sexual revolution which began in the 1960’s.<br />
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In the 1960’s an all-out assault on sexual mores was undertaken. The sexual revolution was sold in our society as a good thing. Sexual freedom would allow people to remove the shackles of repressive, puritanical morality and experience freedom. People are sexual beings, and they need to explore their sexuality when they feel ready, without fear of guilt or shame.<br />
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This theme has been drummed into our heads continually, especially in movies and on television. Think of shows like Friends or Sex in the City, which casually promote the idea that you can have sex with multiple partners with no effect on a future marriage relationship.<br />
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A culture was built as a consequence of the sexual revolution. The revolution has been in progress for more than 40 years. Now that the whirlwind is hitting, people in favor of that revolution are shocked that there are casualties.<br />
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The reality is that when you remove the moral fences around human nature, human nature runs wild. The revolutionaries told men and women it was perfectly acceptable to pursue sexual fulfillment with abandon. With no limits, what is coming out, in our time, regarding sexual immorality should not be a surprise.<br />
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We as a society used to have standards of behavior in regard to sexual morality. However, the societal revolutionaries destroyed decent behavior among men.<br />
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Once you have torn down the wall of sexual boundaries, can that moral wall be re-established? It can be re-established if men and women are willing to turn back to the biblical standards that guided our nation throughout most American history.<br />
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Imagine if we turned back to a one sentence guideline: You shall not commit adultery. Putting this one boundary back in place limits sexual interactions between men and women to marriage only. If this limit were heeded, there would be no sexual harassment since men and women would be dedicated to their spouse or the one who will become their spouse.<br />
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It would be wonderful to see a return to the morality God revealed in His word.<br />
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The good news is there is coming a time when that will be a reality. As Christians our hope is that day will come soon.<br />
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Enjoy God’s Sabbath day,<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-85285027296398356682017-11-17T18:00:00.000-06:002017-11-17T18:00:18.571-06:00Controversy Aside We Have A Lot To Be Thankful ForThanksgiving. What comes to mind?<br />
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For most of my life, Thanksgiving was a day to give thanks to God for the bounty that we have been given in this land and to enjoy a bounteous feast. It has been a time of family, friends, football, and fond memories.<br />
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I grew up with the image of the pilgrims and the Native Americans from the Wampanoag tribe enjoying a fall harvest celebration together. The images associated with Thanksgiving relate to my early years of education and pictures associated with that event such as The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth by Jennie Brownscombe.<br />
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My image of Thanksgiving was always positive, innocent, and uplifting. If you had asked me, “Is Thanksgiving controversial?” I would have been surprised that the question would have been asked.<br />
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However, I have learned that our national day of Thanksgiving is indeed controversial. I learned of many facts and number of controversies associated with the day by reading, Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience by Melanie Kirkpatrick.<br />
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The controversies concerning Thanksgiving range from minor details to significant issues, at least in some people’s minds. Some examples of the controversies:<br />
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<ul>
<li>The offering of Thanksgiving was probably not in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621.</li>
<ul>
<li>The giving of thanks was a part of Native American harvest celebrations long before the Pilgrims.</li>
<li>Additionally, cases can be made for pre-Plymouth thanksgivings, by Spanish, Huguenot, and other English immigrants from Europe.</li>
</ul>
<li>It is doubtful Thanksgiving took place on the fourth Thursday in November.</li>
<li>It is possible turkey, which is Thanksgiving mainstay, was not a part of the Pilgrim thanksgiving.</li>
<li>There are some Native Americans who reject the holiday viewing it as the beginning of the end for the indigenous peoples of North America.</li>
<li>The Zinn Foundation provides schools with an essay on the history of Thanksgiving which informs students:</li>
<ul>
<li>The holiday is used by government leaders as a political tool.</li>
<li>Governor William Bradford’s On Plymouth Plantation is a “fable” and an “early example of ‘Euro think.”</li>
<li>As for Thanksgiving Day itself, students are informed the day celebrates “aggression and enslavement.”</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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I don’t site these controversies to put a damper on Thanksgiving, but to make a point about the way things work in our world. Man seems to be able to make a mess of even a day of thanksgiving.<br />
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However, we, as Christians, we seek to look beyond this world to our Creator. Looking to the Creator of heaven and earth is what a day of thanksgiving is all about.<br />
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If you observe Thanksgiving on this coming Thursday, tune out the controversies, the football, and other worldly distractions. Seek to focus on your thankfulness to God who has given you life, family, blessings, and, if you are feasting that day, all the food on the table.<br />
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The Bible is replete with the word “thanks” which is worthy of our exploration before Thanksgiving. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms%20136&version=KJV;AMP;NASB;ESV;NKJV" target="_blank">Psalm 136</a> is especially meaningful in that it reminds us to give thanks to God.<br />
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Why?<br />
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Because God’s great mercy upon us and all mankind, endures forever.<br />
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Have a truly thankful Thanksgiving Day.<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-70417040840242591372017-11-10T18:00:00.000-06:002017-11-10T18:00:12.485-06:00A Wasted Mind Can Be Transformed“A mind is a terrible thing to waste” is a slogan coined by Arthur Fletcher, the former head of the United Negro College Fund.<br />
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A mind is a terrible thing for anyone waste especially if the mind is focused on murder.<br />
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Last Sunday, a man with serious mental health issues walked into a church meeting and opened fire on those gathered there. Sadly, this act of murder was the product of a long journey: arrest for abusive actions, dishonorable discharge from the service, incarceration, mental health treatment. Even though the man had his problems addressed, they were not resolved.<br />
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From a Christian point of view this act of murder began in the man’s mind. The sixth commandment tells us, "You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13). But keeping the sixth commandment in the letter, literally not committing the act of murder, is only the first line of defense against this sin.<br />
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Jesus Christ explained that the sixth commandment is to be kept not only in the letter, but in the spirit. Christ explains the full application of the sixth commandment in Matthew 5:21-22, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.”<br />
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Christ is saying that murder begins in the heart with anger and hatred. When anger and hatred reside in a person’s heart they eventually burst forth in derogatory words and eventually into murderous actions.<br />
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Jesus described the point of origin of murder and other sins in Mark 7:21-23, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man."<br />
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Evil thoughts, fueled by unresolved anger, fester in a person’s mind until murder seems to be the obvious course of action.<br />
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Recently our nation has been plagued by a couple of mass murders. Why? Because something has gone very wrong in the minds of those who have perpetrated the slaughter of their fellow man.<br />
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The mind is a terrible thing to waste on hatred and rage that manifests in murder. Imagine the bondage and turmoil of someone with this mindset.<br />
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Jesus Christ came to set us at liberty from such life-destroying thinking. Christ’s work is to set us free from unresolved anger and hatred. As Christians we are told, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1). It would seem that the man who murdered the church-goers was entangled in a yoke of bondage.<br />
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Following Christ’s example and admonition, we can forgive those who have sinned against us (Matthew 6:14-15). Instead of nursing anger toward another, we can forgive them of their sin and allow God to deal with the sinner in his mercy and wisdom. We don’t have to carry the burden of anger and vengeance.<br />
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In harmony with Christ’s teaching Paul tells us, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). In other words, as we humble ourselves before God, we can reject the worldly way of anger and hatred, and be renewed in godly thinking.<br />
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Thankfully, the path that is “good and acceptable” and in perfect harmony with God’s will is available to us as followers of Jesus Christ.<br />
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Additionally, we know that there will come a time when the young man with the mind so twisted by hatred will be able to enjoy the liberty we now enjoy. At that time his mind will no longer be wasted by anger and hatred.<br />
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It is why we pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 5:10).<br />
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Have a pleasant Sabbath,<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-54194670674335904462017-11-03T18:00:00.000-05:002017-11-03T21:41:20.902-05:00Consider Where Our Minds Are SetLast Wednesday night was a late night for many living in and around Houston. Why? Because the Astros were in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In the 56th season of Major League Baseball in Houston, there’s no need for the Astros or their fans to shrug their shoulders, drop their heads and mutter, “Wait till next year.”<br />
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With the final out of the game, my wife and I jumped for joy over the victory. Being baseball fans, we have done the same in 1988 as the Dodgers beat the Oakland A’s on a Kirk Gibson home run, and in 1990 as the Cincinnati Reds topped the Oakland A’s.<br />
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We’ve also endured the crushing loss of the Texas Rangers (our favorite baseball team) to the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2011 World Series. They had three chances to win it all and failed. It was agonizing for us. It is still a bad memory.<br />
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In the exhilaration of victory and the agony of defeat, what does it all mean in the greater scheme of things? In actuality, not much.<br />
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There will be another baseball season in 2018 and another World Series. Hopefully there will also be an Astros victory, but life, with all of its good and evil continues on.<br />
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For example, a large number of victims of the Hurricane Harvey flooding continue to struggle with getting their lives back in order. As stated in the previous paragraph, good and evil continue on relentlessly.<br />
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Baseball is entertainment and while it offers us the joy of a victory at times, we still have to get up, go to work, and deal with everyday life. Most importantly, as Christians, we must never allow entertainment or temporary things to divert us from the ultimate purpose for which we have been given life by our Creator.<br />
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Is watching a baseball game wrong in God’s sight? Watching the World Series is not a bad thing as long as we keep our priorities straight. Paul tells us what is important in 2 Corinthians 4:18, “While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things<br />
which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”<br />
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The World Series is something that we can see in this visible world and it is temporary. We must keep this in mind as we go through life as Christians.<br />
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We realize that there are things that are of far greater value than a ball game. In fact, the things that really matter are eternal.<br />
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While the 2017 World Series clash between Houston and LA was quite the exciting drama, it is still something temporary and of far less value than eternity.<br />
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Where must we focus? “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)<br />
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As we observe the Sabbath, we might consider where our minds are set.<br />
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Have a pleasant Sabbath,<br />
<br />
Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-56243043641839512812017-09-08T18:00:00.000-05:002017-09-08T18:00:20.716-05:00Why We Should Care About Natural DisastersHere in Houston we have been through Hurricane Harvey. For some of us, the hurricane has passed. We are dry and getting on with our lives.<br />
<br />
But for several in our congregation they are still in various stages of dealing with the after effects of the storm. They are dealing with minor to major flood losses. They still need our help to one extent or another. So, we cannot just move on with our lives just yet.<br />
<br />
More than that another hurricane, Irma, is raging the Caribbean and a threat to the islands and the mainland of the United States. If Hurricane Irma was not enough to worry about, we also have Hurricane Jose building up steam. While Jose is a long ways out, it is a threat of which it would wise to be mindful.<br />
<br />
If hurricanes were not enough to worry about, we also have wildfires raging in Montana and Idaho. As of today, about 118,000 acres have been blackened. This pushes the current wildfire into the category of a mega-fire. Wildfires are not only being battled in Montana, but in California and in the Province of Victoria in Canada.<br />
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For us living in Houston, we’ve got our problems to worry about so who cares about disasters going on in other areas?<br />
<br />
My point is we should care about suffering and loss going on elsewhere even if we did not suffer loss from Harvey.<br />
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From my perspective going through the experience of Hurricane Harvey heightened my sense of empathy and compassion for those going through disasters in faraway locations. Suffering faraway may not impact me directly, but I understand a little bit better what they are going through. Frankly, I don’t want anyone to go through a Harvey.<br />
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We have the perfect example of Jesus Christ in regard to man’s suffering. Jesus is far from the suffering that goes on all around this globe and as a spirit being why should He care? Thankfully, He does care and cared enough to become a human being in order to better understand the suffering that goes with being a human being.<br />
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Paul wrote of Christ’s experience in Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time<br />
of need.”<br />
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Jesus Christ through His human experience understands the ups and downs of human life. He can sympathize with the weakness of mankind and extend mercy and grace to mankind even if they don’t deserve it.<br />
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We live in a time when there are a multitude of disasters unfolding or about to unfold. We know what it is to suffer through a disaster. Hopefully, our experience has helped us to be more sympathetic toward those who are suffering.<br />
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My hope and prayer is that God would be merciful toward those who could be impacted by the hurricanes, wildfires and other natural disasters. If we cannot help directly, we all have the opportunity to go before the throne of grace to beseech God to help those who are in fear and suffering.<br />
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Enjoy the Sabbath rest and pray that all will be able to enjoy the rest that God provides soon.<br />
<br />
Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-77444171934121343452017-09-01T18:00:00.000-05:002017-09-01T20:26:50.160-05:00And When He Saw Him, He Had CompassionAs one looks at Houston on Friday, September 1, 2017, it is a remarkably different condition compared to the previous Friday. Since Hurricane Harvey came our way trillions of gallons of water have fallen upon Houston and areas east of Houston.<br />
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We see on our televisions the vast destruction of flooded homes and people suffering in despair as they cope with the loss of all they own.<br />
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Clearly, Houston is down. What is heartening is that people in the community and surrounding communities have risen to the occasion to help those who are down at this time. The attitude of sacrifice and service is heartening to all of us.<br />
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At the same time, we have the opposite example of taking advantage of the situation for personal gain or to kick those who are down. As you think of those involved in looting or running scams, those involved in these actions have come to have a predatory nature. They see people forced from their homes by the flooding as an opportunity to take advantage of their plight. Instead of seeing their neighbor in a downtrodden condition and in need of help, they see them as easy prey.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LylaIDXrMr0/WaoENOa257I/AAAAAAAADxU/Xg1ND1t5-XYzoKRA8svbirQPk0_EbA8PwCLcBGAs/s1600/Charlie%2BHebdo%2Bdrowned%2Bin%2Btexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="634" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LylaIDXrMr0/WaoENOa257I/AAAAAAAADxU/Xg1ND1t5-XYzoKRA8svbirQPk0_EbA8PwCLcBGAs/s320/Charlie%2BHebdo%2Bdrowned%2Bin%2Btexas.jpg" width="252" /></a><br />
Not only do we see some looting taking place, but we also have those who make truly insensitive statements. One such statement was made on the cover of the French magazine, Charlie Hebdo. The cover reads “God Exists! He Drowned All the Neo-Nazis of Texas.” The words accompany an<br />
illustration showing swastika flags and arms raised in a Nazi salute -- all submerged in water, the New York Post reports. Instead of compassionate words, those at the magazine have chosen to kick those who are down.<br />
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While we see looting and scamming and harsh words, we also see people who are putting on display that they care for their fellow men and women. They are serving, sacrificing, and giving because they saw their neighbor in need.<br />
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Christ explained for us the model we are to follow in Luke 10:30-36. In this teaching about who constitutes a neighbor, Christ begins his story with the heartless thieves assaulting a traveler and leaving him wounded along the road. We then have a priest and a Levite who see the wounded man and ignore his plight. It is the Samaritan who sees the helpless condition of the injured man and intervenes to help.<br />
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We know this as the story of the Good Samaritan and it is an example for us. What was the motivation of the Samaritan? The answer is found in Luke 10:33, “But a certain Samaritan,<br />
as he journeyed, came where he was. w”<br />
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This is a quality that we must develop as we grow to the maturity of Jesus Christ. It was a fundamental quality displayed by Jesus Christ throughout his ministry, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).<br />
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The tragedy that has unfolded with Hurricane Harvey is not over. The needs of those who have suffered loss will be around for a while. As Good Samaritans, when we see a need in our community, we have the opportunity to show compassion to those in need. Our helping those in need can be a group effort by the local congregation, but it can also be individual displays of compassion and service to those in our community.<br />
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A good Sabbath to everyone,<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-31265445514611004592017-08-11T18:00:00.000-05:002017-08-11T18:00:05.013-05:00Comfort Your HeartsHeresy is a most hurtful cancer that can ravage a church congregation. One of Paul’s purposes in writing to the Colossian church was to address the false teachings that had infected a portion of the people there. In his letter he admonished the hearers to "see to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ" (2:8).<br />
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Right teaching is essential to keeping God’s people on the right track. Paul recognized that sending a letter was helpful, but there was more that was needed. Paul saw that he needed to send someone to the Colossians to help them in addressing the spiritual challenges they were having.<br />
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Paul chose to send a man named Tychicus. Why would Paul choose to send this particular man? He speaks of this elder as “a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord (Colossian 4:7).<br />
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Paul referred to him as a “brother” indicating a closeness and a bond that had developed in his work as an apostle. He knew the character of the man he had designated to travel from Rome to Colossae. Paul also notes that he was a “faithful minister and fellow servant”. Paul, with these words, expresses that Tychicus has been trained in the faith and has proven that he would adhere to the faith in working with the Colossian church. In other words, he had great confidence in Tychicus being able to point the Colossians toward sound biblical teaching which would give them stability.<br />
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Finally, he points to Tychicus as being a servant to the people of God. Service is the hallmark of minister and Tychicus had obviously displayed that in working for Paul.<br />
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So Paul was sending Tychicus to the Colossians to relay to them what was happening with Paul in Rome and to find out how the Colossians were doing.<br />
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Additionally, Tychicus was to do something most important for the Colossian Christians. “I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts” (Colossians 4:8). Tychicus was to learn their “circumstances” and to “comfort” their hearts.<br />
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Being a part of a congregation in which there is heresy is anything but comfortable. It creates division and stress for the membership. Additionally, if the false teaching is not eradicated, it will inevitably lead to division.<br />
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Paul tasked Tychicus with comforting the hearts of the Colossian church members. He would do this by encouraging them, teaching them the truth, and refuting the errors that were being propagated in their midst.<br />
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2 Corinthians 1:3-4 states, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Our God is a “comforter” and He works in us through the Holy Spirit to become men and women who can comfort and encourage others.<br />
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Paul had seen Tychicus grow as a Christian and a minister. Knowing his qualities allowed Paul to confidently send this faithful man to provide comfort and encouragement to the Colossians.<br />
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Hopefully, we are becoming men and women who can comfort and encourage the hearts of others in the congregation.<br />
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Have a pleasant Sabbath,<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1391729443613284045.post-70910962321813283932017-07-28T18:00:00.000-05:002017-07-28T20:15:50.640-05:00Be Anxious For NothingWe live in age where anxiety and stress are all too common. Webster’s dictionary defines anxiety as:<br />
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• A state of uneasiness and apprehension, as about future uncertainties.<br />
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Worry is a prime example of apprehensive behavior as we imagine the future in its worst-case terms.<br />
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Obviously, anxiety must have been a feature of Paul’s time since he addresses it in his letter to the Church of God in Philippi. In his letter he says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).<br />
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“Be anxious for nothing!” In other words, don’t worry or fret at all. How is that even possible when we have to deal with the uncertainties and stresses of life?<br />
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How do we avoid anxiety? By avoiding thinking about them? By absorbing ourselves in other pursuits? Avoiding facing the challenges in our lives or worrying about them are unhealthy paths that don’t bring resolution to life’s troubles.<br />
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Additionally, we can address the distresses of life by working this out our own way. We only have to look at Abraham’s choice to work out having a child his own way. We are still dealing with that choice and its outcome in the 21st century.<br />
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Paul gives us a prescription for dealing with the anxieties of life in verse 6. He tells us, “. . . in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. . .” In other words, we don’t avoid, gloss over or minimize our concerns and challenges. We think about them, then take them to God in prayer.<br />
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Who knows better than God our predicaments, lacks, and the challenges we are facing? God knows our condition and our needs.<br />
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No limits are placed on what we can bring before our God. Note we are told, “in everything” go to God in prayer. Whatever challenges we may be facing, we can take them to God.<br />
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Four words are used in verse 6 in regard to going to God:<br />
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• Prayer (proseuche) describes a believer's approach to God.<br />
• Petition (deesei) emphasizes requesting an answer to a specific need.<br />
• Thanksgiving (eucharistias) is an attitude of heart which should always accompany one's prayers.<br />
• Requests (aitemata) speak of definite and specific things asked for.<br />
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As we take our matters to God in “prayer and supplication”, we trust that He hears us. We trust that He will act in the way and at the time that is best for us. By putting our trust in God, we can let go of the matters that are making us anxious.<br />
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What is the outcome of placing worries and concerns into God’s hands through the spiritual solution of prayer? The natural outcome of seeking God’s involvement is, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).<br />
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As we look at the examples in the Bible, we see the followers of God, repeatedly going to God with those issues that confronted them. The Psalms are replete with examples of taking matters to God’s sanctuary. Asaph states, “I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph” (Psalm 77:11-15).<br />
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The Apostle Paul said something similar to the Hebrew Christians, “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without<br />
wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:19-23).<br />
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Life can make us anxious, but the solution is to go to God in prayer. We can go into the very sanctuary of God in heaven with everything that confronts and know God will be there for us. Knowing that, we can be at peace in a way the world has difficulty understanding.<br />
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Have a pleasant Sabbath,<br />
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Gary SmithBob the Bereanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08937850067973641333noreply@blogger.com0