Philosophy and Vain Deceit ~

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." (Colossians 2:8)

~~~It is bound to be significant that, in the only place where the Scriptures even mention 'philosophy', we are warned to beware of it! Like wise, the only 'philosophers' mentioned were evolutionary humanists who called the apostle Paul a "babbler...because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection" (Acts 17:18).

The word "philosophy" literally means "love of wisdom," and every philosophy --ancient or modern--is essentially a humanistic devotion to man's wisdom for its own sake.

But such wisdom is false wisdom. It derives in type from "the tree of knowledge," through the "vain deceit" of Satan, who tries to persuade us that partaking of it would "make one wise" and that "your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods" (Genesis 2:17; 3:5-6). It has "indeed a shew of wisdom" (Colossians 2:23), but "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" (1Corinthians 3:19), and eventually all "the wisdom of this world,...[and] of the princes of this world, ...[will] come to nought" (1Corinthians 2:6).

Genuine wisdom on the other hand, is as our text reminds us, "after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power" (Colossians 2:8-10). For in Him "are hid [literally 'stored up'] all treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3).

The Lord Jesus Christ is "the truth" (John 14:6), and is both "the power of God, and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24). This true wisdom is freely available to all who desire it. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God...and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). Therefore, we need never waste our God-given time on human philosophy.-- HMM
~~~~~~~~~~
Institute for Creation Research
Days of Praise
Blessings, Abishag <><

WOW! Thank you, Bex, for these marvelous scripture verses which speak directly to the 'post' made.

The Lord bless you, dear Bex!

Sincerely, Abishag <><

You're welcome Abishag. It was a pleasure to add these to your post. I get much out of what you pass on, but also gather up many of the quotes contained that are helping me add more to the ones I have in my documents. They're invaluable! My memory is terrible, so I find it's easier if I save them somewhere and can refer to them if/when necessary as it relates to a topic being discussed.

Thank you too!

God bless

"Let us search and try
our ways, and turn again to the Lord." Lamentations 3:40


~~OUR modern philosoophy of self-reliance and self-sufficiency has caused many to believe that we can make the grade without God. "Religion," they argue, "may be all right for certain emotional people, but you can't beat a man who believes in himself."

But this self-confident generation has produced more alcoholics, more dope addicts, more criminals, more wars, more broken homes, more assaults, more embezzlements, more murders, and more suicides than any other generation that ever lived. It is time for all of us to take stock of our failures, blunders, and costly mistakes.

It is about time that we are putting less confidence in ourselves and more trust and faith in God.
~~~~~
Prayer For The Day-
'As I examine my heart, I see so much of self there.
I ask that You would forgive me, Lord--my confidence
will be in Your leading.' amen..

Billy Graham/Evangelist
Day by Day

Ephesians 4:13

Till we all come in the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness,
whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Don't listen to "Junk", Listen to God's Word.
There are many looking for a new religion.
Satan and many cunning men will be happy to decieve you with a lie.

Philosophy and Vain Deceit

~~~HUMBLE YOURSELVES --

Proverbs 6:16-19
___________
Humble yourselves
under the mighty
hand of God, that He
may exalt you in due
time. --1 Peter 5:6

----------
It's easy to dislike powerful people who have proud looks. Their very countenance seems to encourage others to throw obstacles in their paths or to be silent objectors.

In today's Bible reading, we are told that God hates seven things. Tellingly, the first is pride. When someone overvalues himslef by undervaluing others, he inevitably reveals it with his proud look. Puffed up in self-conceit, he may devise evil and sow discord. No wonder God hates proud looks.

Proud and powerful people may think they can disregard others' displeasure, but they cannot disregard God's opposition. Peter reminds us not to trust in ourselves but in the One who will exalt us "in due time" (1Peter 5:6). As we submit to Him we avoid the risk that pride brings to our character and we become thankful, humble servants of God.
------------
Naught have I gotten but what I received;
Grace hath bestowed it since I have believed;
Boasting excluded, pride I abase;
I'm only a sinner saved by grace!
---------------------------------------
NO ONE CAN GLORIFY SELF AND CHRIST AT THE SAME TIME.

Our Daily Bread
Blessings <><

~~~AGREEING
WITH GOD

Matthew 15:1-9
~~~~~
"These people draw
near to Me with their
mouth, and honor
Me with their lips,
but their heart is far
from Me.
--Matthew 15:8
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PHONINESS before God is unacceptable. God doesn't want false expressions of worship any more than He wants false statements about people or circumstances (Mark 7:6).

Changing our words are easier than changing our attitude, but true worship requires that all of our heart, soul, and mind agree that God is worthy of praise. Even when our circumstances are sad, we can be grateful for God's mercy and compassion, which are worth more than "lip service", vain philosphy and deceit.

Hypocrisy is a common sin
That grieves the Lord above;
He longs for those who'll worship Him
In faith and truth and love.

________________________________________________
THE DEVIL IS CONTENT TO LET US PROFESS CHRISTIANITY
AS LONG AS WE DO NOT PRACTICE IT.

Our Daily Bread
Blessings <><

---Delight in the Law --

"But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." (Psalm 1:2)

---MOST Christians feel that God's law is harsh and burdensome, and they rejoice that God's grace has set them free from the law. The fact is, however, that the law should be a joy and delight to anyone who really loves the Lord. Even Paul, the great apostle of grace, said: " For I delight in the law of God after the inward man" (Romans 7:22). "The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good" (Romans 7:12). David testified that "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting [or 'restoring'] the soul" (Psalm 19:7).

The majestic 119th Psalm contains no less than 25 specific testimonies to the benefits of the law. For example: "Blessed are those who walk in the law of the LORD" (v.1). "Great peace have they which love thy law" (v.165). "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law" (v. 18). "Thy law is my delight" (v.77).

That God's law was not set aside when Christ came is evident from the first mention of the law in the New Testament: Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law...Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled" (Matthew 5:17-18). That the law was not for Jews only is suggested in its first mention in the Old Testament: "One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you" (Exodus 12:49).

The law cannot save, of course: "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10).

But "Christ...redeemed us from the curse of the law" (Galatians 3:13) when He died for our sins. His law (which now includes the entire Bible) is no more a burden but a delight--restoring the soul and bringing true success and great peace to those who love it. --
______________
ICR/HMM
Days of Praise

HIGH-TECH
COMMUNICATION

1 Corinthians 2:6-16
----
We have received....
the Spirit who is from
God, that we might
know the things that
have been freely
given to us by God.
---1 Corinthians 2:12 -
~~~~
WHEN it comes to communication, our world is becoming increasingly high-tech. The popularity of things like Twitter and Facebook might cause some to think the Bible is too old-school. The tech-savvy people of our world might feel deterred because there are no sounds and no nifty graphics in the Bible. But the truth is, there's more high-tech power in God's Word than in any cutting-edge communication tool our world will ever know.

It's not uncommon for a pastor to be told, "When you said that in your message, it was just what I needed." Somehow during the sermon, God spoke to the person's heart with a tailor-made message. If you've ever read the Bible and sensed God speaking directly to you, you know what I'm talking about. God has hard-wired you with His Spirit, who illumines your mind to understand His Word.

Imagine getting a "text message" from the Creator of the universe telling you exactly what you need at exactly the right time. No matter how high-tech this world gets, you'll never experience a more powerful mode of communication!

Rejoice that "we have received...the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God" (1 Cor. 2:12).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE BIBLE MAY BE OLD, BUT ITS TRUTHS ARE ALWAYS NEW.

ODB/JS

Jesus has made us acceptable to God the Father.

--You have your life through Christ Jesus. He became to us wisdom from God. He showed us God's plan of salvation; He was the One who gave us righteousness, sanctification and redemption." (1 Corinthians 1:30) ~

More and more I am becoming aware of the truth that people change people as much as ideas change people. The power of personality is strong. One could find many illustrations to prove that often personality is greater than the idea.

Such is the case with Christianity. The secret of the power of Christianity is not in its ethics. It is not in Christian ideas or philosophy.

The secret of Christianity is found in a Person, and that Person is the Lord Jesus Christ. Men have discovered other philosophical and ethical systems, but they have not found another Jesus Christ.

No one in history can match the Lord Jesus Christ. He is Lord!
----
"When I tell others of Your love,
help me to hide my personality in Yours, Lord Jesus. Amen"

BGEA

-

Beware of Darwin's Dangerous Doctrine---
ICR/HM III,D.MIN -

<http://www.icr.org/article/darwins-dangerous-doctrine/>

Be sure to check all teaching, preaching, reading, and television/radio Christian Programs with Biblical Proof.

Blessings, as we learn the way of the Master, Abishag

We are presented with a temptation with this term. It's the same with the term 'science'. We can allow the world to redefine it, or we can stick to the true meaning.

Real philosophy can only point us to the truth, just like real science. Counterfeit science and philosophy are to be avoided.

All men are either born with or acquire immediately after birth the fundamentals of both real science and real philosophy. No small child takes seriously the proposal that a thing can both exist and not exist for example. They aren't yet stupid enough; their philosophy is too sound.

Real philosophy is beautiful, just as one would expect. Our aversion to the false should not be allowed to interfere with embracing the true.

Lest anyone doubt the beauty of real philosophy, here's a sample


The basics of real philosophy aren't something we need to study much, either, for we already know. He who desires more than the basics I would direct to the book of Proverbs.

Thank you, CTD

I've had to read this one a few times and perhaps I've finally caught the 'intent' of your reply. I do like that idea of reading the Proverbs.

In fact, in case someone would like to get a start on reading the Bible everyday, it is good input to follow the Proverbs, by beginning with the first day of each month. As there are 31 Proverbs, it gives one chapter for each day. If one is missed, simply continue on with that days Chapter.
------
[All men are either born with or acquire immediately after birth the fundamentals of both real science and real philosophy. No small child takes seriously the proposal that a thing can both exist and not exist for example.

The basics of real philosophy aren't something we need to study much, either, for we already know. He who desires more than the basics I would direct to the book of Proverbs.]
-----
STARTING
YOUNG

Proverbs 2
~~~~
My son, if you
...treasure my
commands within
you...you will
understand the
fear of the LORD.
---Proverbs 2:1,5 -

ADDIE was a bit worried. Before we all sat down for Sunday dinner, someone had started eating. That's when our 3-year-old granddaughter said, "We haven't prayed yet." She was concerned that we might forget to give thanks.

Her concern was a good sign. It showed that at her young age, Addie was beginning to form one of those good habits that parents teach their children as part of their instructions for life. This little routine, for instance, helps her see the value of prayer and thanksgiving, which can be a powerful resource for her in the years ahead.

Raising children in an age of hostility toward the Christian faith is not easy. Parents wonder how best to help their little ones learn to trust the Savior and live to please Him. Proverbs indicates that a key to directing children is through purposeful instruction by parents (Prov. 1:8) on such things as listening to wisdom (2:2), seeking discernment (2:3), understanding the fear of the Lord (2:5), recalling parents' teaching (3:1), and gaining insight (4:1). These become habitual when parents give instruction and when children "retain" those words of teaching (4:1-4).

Got kids or grandkids? It's never too early to begin instructing them in wise living.

God gives us children for a time
To teach them how to love the Lord,
To train them in His righteous ways,
To follow and obey His Word.

-----------
The character of your children tomorrow
depends on what you put into their hearts today.----
ODB/DB

Man is rebellious by nature.~~

"So it is that we are saved by faith in Christ and not by the good things we do." Romans 3:28 -

Many people still cling to the notion that man is naturally good. We did not get this from the Greeks. Aristotle said, "There is no good in mankind." We did not get it from Judaism. Jeremiah said, "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). We did not get it from Christian teachings. The Apostle Paul said, "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

We got this illusion, I believe, from the philosophers and psychologists of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries who taught the false doctrine that man is a helpless victim of his environment. The Bible says that man is not naturally good.

All human experience confirms it. Man is rebellious by nature. This first rebellion in history happened in the Garden of Eden, where the environment was perfect and there was no heredity on which to blame it!
~~
'Each time I become obsessed by the idea that my deeds are so noble, let me remember the magnanimity of Your perfect life, Lord Jesus.' Amen~

Day by Day
BGEA

The character of your children tomorrow
depends on what you put into their hearts today.----
ODB/DB

We must believe that real transformation for real people is possible. If not, why bother with church at all?
We are not just playing church or spiritual paddy cakes.
Transformed lives are a " God thing", a genuine work of the genuine living God and He is at work in this generation.
When we are transformed, we appear as light in a generation of darkness.
When they see us, they can begin to see that 'maybe this whole thing about the kingdom of God, maybe, really, is true!'
Thoughts on life transformation by Pastor David Johnson, Group Life Conference, 2009.

And every day.... from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. Acts 5:42 ESV

http://five42.com/2009/04/23/crossr...ch-small-group-conference-via-satellite/

Thank you, Lynn--

------
'History shows that when religion wanes in any country, it is not replaced by popular rationalist philosophy that leads to a universal happiness and peace...The vacuum left by the waning of religion in western countries has been filled by an army of superstitious cults and beliefs.

Perfect secularism by no means casts out fear.'

Quote by: David H.C. Read
-----
'It is a great mistake to think that God is chiefly interested in religion.'

By: William Temple
----
'If your religion does not change you, then you should change your religion.'

By: Elbert Hubbard
-----
'Men will wrangle for religion; write for it; fight for it; die for it; anything but live for it.'

By:C C Colton
----
'Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.'

By: John Wooden ---

Evolution and Psychology ~

Evolution and Psychology are two very different things created by man that have one common goal: to cheat you out of the truth! Be very aware of what the world tries to throw at you. The god of this world (satan) wants you to be deceived and follow him to death. Jesus has come that you might have life! Your Creator made you especially for Himself, and His everlasting Word says all that you need to know about life.

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principlies of the world, and not according to Christ." - Colossian 2:8

"Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." - Psalm 90:1-2

BY: Stephen R Lucas ~

-TOXIC
LOOK-ALIKES
Acts 8:9-23
---
Your heart is not
right in the sight
of God. Repent
therefore of this
your wickedness.
--Acts 8:21-22
---
OUR yard makes poison ivy happy. I learned this the hard way. Even though I was being careful. I came in contact with the plant and ended up with a nasty, itchy rash.

Poison ivy looks like many harmless plants, and it keeps company with some beautiful ones. One gardener couldn't figure out why she got poison ivy whenever she pruned her roses. She later discovered that a poison ivy vine was taking advantage of the tender loving care she gave to her rosebush.

Some people are like toxic plants. They look harmless, and they blend in with people who, like roses, are fragrant and beautiful.

Simon the sorcerer fit this description. He followed Philip and was baptized, but then he asked to buy the ability to lay hands on people so they could receive the Holy Spirit. Peter was appalled at his request and urged him to repent (Acts 8:22).

Sometimes people use the environment of a healthy church as a network for selfish purposes. Like poison ivy among roses, they cause much misery. Like Simon, anyone who does this needs to repent, and everyone else needs to avoid contact with such a person. Spiritual look-alikes appear good but their "fruit" is toxic.
---
A false life belies a true faith. ~-

"Man looks on the outer appearance, but God looks on the heart." You can't fool the Creator of the universe. NO!

ODB/JAL

"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful.
"All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by
anything.-- 1 Corinthians 6:12 --

It seems so many people today are always looking for loopholes in the law. Near the end of his life, the comedian W. C. Fields, who wasn't a Christian, was flipping through a Bible one day. A friend came up and asked him, "What are you doing looking through the Bible? You're not a religious person."

Giving a wry grin, Fields replied, "I'm looking for loopholes."

Now unfortunately for W.C., there are no loopholes in the principles of God's Word!

You and I live under the grace of God and not under the law.
We've been completely liberated from legalism! But the fact that we've been liberated from legalism does not give us license to live however we please. In our freedom, we are bound to a higher law.

As a believer in Christ, you're committed to a greater calling: to follow Jesus Christ. So you must always ask yourself, "Is what I'm about to do purposeful?" Yes, under the grace of Christ you have so many freedoms. But when you abuse the very freedoms God has given you, it shows where your true loyalties lie.

So as you embrace your freedom in Christ, do so knowing that with that freedom comes great responsibility. And "whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).

IN CHRIST, GOD HAS GRANTED YOU ABUNDANT FREEDOM. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO USE THAT FREEDOM TO GLORIFY GOD! -

Are you...Available? Expendable? Adaptable?

BIBLE MEDITATION- -

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
Colossians 2:8

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT-

Jesus never approved of putting the traditions of men above the Word of God (see Mark 7:1-13). What about you? Are you willing to change your life in order that God may use you, or had you rather hold onto your traditions?

There are three qualities I believe every Christian should exhibit:
availability, expendability, and adaptability. We need to be walking with the Lord so closely that we ought to be ready to witness at a moment's notice. It is God's ability and your availability. It is His power and your personality. It is His work and your witness. That's God's plan!

ACTION POINT-

Let's pretend that someone is walking toward you right now with the sole purpose of asking you how they can have a personal relationship with God.
What would you say? Get ready today to give an answer for the hope that is within you (see 1 Peter 3:15).-

--Adrian Rogers/ Love Worth Finding

-COLUMBUS'
ECLIPSE ~~

2 Corinthians 2:14-17
---
We are not, as so
many, peddling the
Word of God.
--2 Crinthinas 2:17 -
---
ON one of the voyages of Christopher Columbus, he found that his crew's food supply was almost depleted. Anchored off the island of Jamaica, he was grateful to be given food by the islanders. But as time went on, the gifts of food decreased so that the crew began to starve.

Columbus knew from an astronomy book that a lunar eclipse would soon occur. He called the islanders together and told them God was angry about their selfishness and would blot out the moon. At first they scoffed. But when they watched the moon slowly become dark, they became terrified and quickly brought food. Columbus said that if he prayed, the moon would be restored. Though we may empathize with his circumstances, Columbus' "message from God" was dishonest and self-serving.

Aware of those who "peddled" God's Word for their own desires, the apostle Paul wrote, "We are not, as so many, peddling the Word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God" (2 Cor. 2:17).

At all times, we must be on guard not to misrepresent God's message to acquire what we want from others. With a heart yielded to God, we must honestly share spiritual truths that will benefit those who hear.
---
The purpose of sharing God's truth is to profit others, not to prosper ourselves.

ODB/DF

-How Can Things Invisible Be Seen?
-By: Henry Morris, Ph.D.

"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse" (Romans 1:20).-

This powerful verse introduces Paul's burning description of the descent of ancient human societies that once "knew God" (Romans 1:21) into evolutionary paganism, idolatry, and wickedness. This deterioration was willful and inexcusable, for they had abundant evidence of God's nature and power in the very creation which they had chosen to worship instead of the Creator (Romans 1:25).

Even though God Himself was invisible (being omnipresent), they could easily see the evidence of His existence and His grace in creating and sustaining all things, "for God hath showed it unto them" (Romans 1:19). "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork" (Psalm 19:1).

Since these things were "clearly seen" and "understood" by men "from the creation of the world" (that is, from the time the world was created), it is obvious that there have been men and women there to see and understand these things ever since the world was created.

This assures us that the creation did not take place billions of years before men appeared on earth, as our theistic evolutionists and progressive creationists would like to believe.

Men and women have been on earth ever since its very beginning (see also Mark 10:6; Acts 3:21), and all should have recognized and worshiped the true Creator God.

That being true, how much more inexcusable are our modern evolutionists--whether atheistic, pantheistic, or polytheistic--who not only reject the testimony of God in creation, but also His far more complete testimony in Scripture and in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

ICR/HMM

-The Sleight of Men

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." (Ephesians 4:14)
----
There are many winds of doctrine blowing in the religious atmosphere today, and most of these are ill winds, indeed. The number of strange philosophies and occult movements seems almost endless, not only in this country but perhaps even more in others. Sad to say, new Christians seem particularly vulnerable: These involve more than just differences of interpretation as between Baptists and Methodists, or even as between Catholics and Protestants.

The word "sleight" is from the Greek kubeia, from which we derive the English word "cube," and actually refers to cubical dice or other devices for gambling. It is used only once in the New Testament, warning against taking spiritual chances on novel philosophies and practices. These originate with men who are deceivers, having been deceived themselves by Satan or his demonic agents. The phrase "cunning craftiness" is one word in the Greek, a word also translated "subtlety" in 2 Corinthians 11:3, referring to how the devil "beguiled Eve through his subtlety."

Young Christians especially are exhorted therefore to "grow up into (Christ) in all things" (Ephesians 4:15). Likewise, the closing words in the writings of the apostle Peter were to "beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:17-18).

And that's the key when evaluating some new notion. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20). HMM

-Brutish Fools

"O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this." (Psalm 92:5-6)

In God's sight, brutish men are not those who act like animals, but those whose understanding of God is like that of animals. And those who are fools are not those who seem stupid about the ways of this world, but those who refuse to understand the ways of God.

The various applications of the adjective "brutish" in the Bible are significant. For example, "he that hateth reproof is brutish" (Proverbs 12:1). Speaking of those whose god is not the true God of creation, but who are satisfied with their self-centered faith, the prophet says: "Every man is brutish by his knowledge" (Jeremiah 51:17).

Our text stresses the sad truth that "brutish" men do not appreciate either God's great works or His deep thoughts. They refuse to see either the tremendous evidences of intelligent design in the works of God or the profound depths in the plan of God.

The wonderful psalms of David twice stress that "the fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" (Psalms 14:1; 53:1). And the great apostle Paul, speaking of such people, said that "professing themselves to be wise, they became fools," for they have "changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator" (Romans 1:22, 25).

Such attitudes, unfortunately, seem to be those of the dominant scientists and educators of our day. They insist that young people be taught naturalism only, ignoring the fact that there is no evidence whatever for a naturalistic origin of life or man. Belief in evolution requires more blind faith than belief in God and creation. We should not be impressed and influenced by brutish and foolish philosophies.

-ICR/HMM

-Balaam's Error and Today's Evangelicals
-By: Henry Morris III, D.Min. *

If Balaam lived among today’s evangelicals, he would be considered a great man. His public sayings would be widely known, and his “ministry” would have great impact (Numbers 22:6). In his day, Balaam was also known for his “prayer power.” That is, when he spoke to the Lord, Balaam usually got an answer (Numbers 22:8, 18, etc.). He certainly would have been at home among many of today’s televangelists.

But Balaam had an appetite for monetary success and a desire for secular recognition (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11). He willfully embraced error in spite of the Lord’s warnings and with clear knowledge beforehand that he was doing wrong (Numbers 22–24). In so doing, he foreshadowed the likes of the foolish teachings of Harold Camping, the damnable writings of Rob Bell, the oily compromise of Peter Enns, and the open betrayal of Scripture by “evangelical” academics like Bruce Waltke and the fellows of BioLogos.

How do “good” people become “enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:18)?

Basic Biblical Guidelines

Of the many passages in the Bible that contain information or warnings about false teaching, there are four key New Testament passages that will help answer that question. In 2 Peter 2:1-3, the apostle Peter lists five characteristics of the leaders of false teaching:

They will come from “Christian” churches or backgrounds.
They will deny the Lord Jesus in some way.
They will become very popular.
They will cause shame to the ideals of Scripture.
They will use human greed and hidden meanings to deceive.

These character checks might be satisfactory in and of themselves, since they would quickly identify some of the more notorious “cult” leaders of the last 200 years. Jim Jones, famous for leading the Guyana mass suicide, was a Baptist preacher in California for many years. Joseph Smith, who has never been known for being “biblical,” founded what has become the largest “Christian” cult movement in the world, the Mormons. Charles T. Russell, founder of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, became disenchanted with orthodox Christianity and began issuing prophetic predictions in light of special signs and mysteries he found in the Great Pyramid of Egypt. Not only did he make highly publicized and false predictions of the second coming of Christ and the end of the age, but his successors continued to do so for several decades.

The so-called “health, wealth, and prosperity” gospel that has consumed much of the Pentecostal and charismatic movements since the 1970s primarily attracts those given to human greed, and has been led by such notorious characters as
and many others whose behavior is so bizarre and unethical that even secular media has aired their hypocrisy for all to see.

Yet that “gospel” continues to garner followers and the movements continue unabated. Evidently, a more serious departure from the biblical ideal is necessary for some to take notice.

The All-Encompassing Error~

Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:2-3)

The anti-Trinitarian teachings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, who view Jesus as a created individual, second in power, but never equal to Jehovah.

The public position of the Mormons is more subtle. Mormons pray in Jesus’ name, call Him the Son of God, and talk about His death on the cross, His resurrection, and His second coming. What they do not talk openly about is their own belief that Jesus is the son of Elohim and Mary, brother to Satan, and approved as Savior only after a vote of the Council of gods.

The Christian Scientists are today not often taken seriously except by the New Age intelligentsia, but this cult was a major force of division and schism in the early part of the 20th century. They did not deny the deity directly; they just changed the meaning of the word.

[u]The Battle Is for Our Mind[/u]

Sadly, many well-meaning people are attracted to these movements without ever considering the issues of truth or error. The battle is fought and won or lost in our mind. Circumstances, feelings, popular acceptance, and even miraculous signs are all subject to deceptive manipulation and distortion. Our minds can be deceived (2 Corinthians 11:3).

The passage that outlines the “subtlety” of the enemy is Genesis 3:1-5. It specifies a three-stage process:

Dispute the accuracy of God’s Word: “Yea, hath God said…”
Deny the ability of God to do what He said[u]: “Ye shall not surely die…”

Denigrate the actions of God toward man: “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”
Fundamental to all error is the way that one approaches the written Word of God. Doubt about the accuracy and integrity of Scripture, once entertained, is the first step onto a spiritual slide that ends in utter heresy.

All false religions have other writings that attempt to explain what God “really” meant to say. [u]Mary Baker Eddy authored Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures in 1875, and it is still used by Christian Scientists today. The Mormons study The Pearl of Great Price and Doctrine and Covenants. Jehovah’s Witnesses faithfully read Let God Be True, Make Sure of All Things, as well as The Watchtower to maintain their understanding of “truth.”

More subtle yet, however, are the writings of some Christian denominations and religious leaders. Roman Catholicism insists that the writings of the church fathers, the various encyclicals, creeds, papal bulls, etc., are to be used to properly understand the truth “contained” in the Scriptures. Mainline denominations have been voting approval to statements and creeds that openly defy clear teachings of the Bible, all in the name of “tolerance” and “love.” Christian television regularly airs “revelations” and “visions” and “experiences” that have nothing in common with biblical truth. Regardless, some evangelists are building huge empires preaching these “damnable heresies” (2 Peter 2:1) and leading “captive silly women laden with sins” (2 Timothy 3:6).

All of that pales into insignificance when we begin to grasp the insidious inroads of compromising Bible teachers in the seminaries and in parachurch organizations across this nation. Two fundamental positions emerge from analysis of the writings, blogs, and teachings of those who knowingly embrace a hybridizing of God’s foundational truths:

The message of Scripture must be subject to the “discoveries” of science, philosophy, psychology, history, logic, or academic analysis and scholarship.
The Bible, therefore, cannot (indeed must not) be taken as a literal or historically accurate document. All of the biblical text must be “interpreted” in light of a theological system, scholarly historical analysis, or “proven” science.
The result is an increasing fear of controversy among pastors to deal with the errors, a growing ignorance of biblical doctrine being replaced by a “love for God” and “one another” that is both emotional and amorphous, and an ever-increasing withdrawal from “absolute truth.”

How can this growing dilemma be solved?

There are certain absolutely clear teachings in the Scriptures that impact the way the entire message is understood. Departure from or rebellion against these clear biblical basics will surely bring God’s judgment and set those who follow teachings against these basic doctrines on the “broad road” that leads “to destruction” (Matthew 7:13).

[Please click on the address below and follow this thread. It is quite lengthy, but very informative for all true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. The creation of all things, from nothing, by the direct fiat of God


2. Sin and death are an intrusion into the creation

3. A worldwide flood during the days of Noah

4. The repentance and salvation of all men is the main objective of God

5. Jesus Christ shall return bodily to the earth.

6. Destruction of the entire universe will come

God will complete His work in this age (2 Peter 3:10-12) and will usher in the eternal “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13) under the reign of God’s Son, the Savior, Jesus Christ, as the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16).

There is much more, of course, in the text of Scripture—all of which is to be our study and lifelong source of truth.

The apostle Jude’s strongly worded letter insists that when we distort “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints,” it will bring to the forefront of our churches “certain men [who] crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 3-4).

May God protect us. May God challenge us. May we see His hand bring revival among His churches through the communication of His truth.
----------------
Please check this out thoroughly! <www.icr.org> / ACTS & FACTS / Article: Balaam's Error AND TODAY'S EVANGELICALS

-Grace Makes All the Difference

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast."
--Ephesians 2:8

If life is “because I have to”—where’s the joy in that?

Too often I hear folks rejecting Christ because they think the Christian life is all about rules and regulations—all about stifling, suffocating ritual.

It happens when we confuse Christ with legalism. Legalism is joyless because it’s endless. There is always another class to attend, another person to teach, another mouth to feed.

Grace! It makes all the difference. I like this quote:

"Gone are the exertions of law-keeping, gone the disciplines of legalism, gone the anxiety that having done everything we might not have done enough. We reach the goal not by the stairs but by the lift . . . God pledges his promised righteousness to those who will stop trying to save themselves."

Grace offers rest. Legalism? Never.

--Max Lucado

-Seeking Signs -

"An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (Matthew 12:39-40)

If there was ever "an evil and adulterous generation," it is surely this present one and, once again, there is a widespread seeking after signs (same word in the Greek as "miracles"). The almost explosive rise of the so-called New Age movement has produced an amazing interest in all forms of occultism and supernatural phenomena: astrology, channeling, ESP, near-death experiences, UFOs, meditation, and mysticism of many strange varieties.

Even in Christian circles, there is an unhealthy interest in new revelations and other supernatural signs. The Lord Jesus, however, rebuked those who wanted special signs before receiving Him. "Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe" (John 4:48). He has already given us the greatest of all signs--His bodily resurrection from the dead, the best-evidenced fact of all history--and this should suffice, as He told the scribes and Pharisees in our text.

In fact, there is a real danger in seeking such signs and wonders, for many of these things--while perhaps supernatural--are not from God. "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matthew 24:24).

Unlike the first generation of Christians, we now have the complete written Word of God, both Old and New Testaments, and it is sufficient for every need of every believer until Christ returns, "whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts" (2 Peter 1:19).

--ICR/ HMM

--Legalism and Philosophies/ John 3:1-36 --

-John 3:1-36
~~
-Situation:
Nicodemus belonged to the highest governing body of the Jewish people, the Sanhedrin. Many of these Jewish leaders were bound by tradition and legalism.

-Observation:
Jesus came to free men and women from slavery to sin and from the chains of legalism.

-Inspiriation-
The meeting between Jesus and Nicodemus was more than an encounter between two religious figures. It was a collision between two philosophies. Two opposing views on salvation.

Nicodemus thought the person did the work; Jesus says God does the work...

These two views encompass all views. All the world religions can be placed in one of two camps; legalism or grace...

A legalist believes the supreme force behind salvation is you. If you look right, speak right, and belong to the right segment of the right group, you will be saved. The brunt of responsibility doesn't lie with God; it lies within you.

Spirituality, Jesus says, comes not from church attendance or good deeds or correct doctrine, but from heaven itself. Such words must have set Nicodemus back on his heels. But Jesus was just getting started...

Salvation is God's business. Grace is His idea, His work, and His expense. He offers it to whom He desires, when He desires. Our job in the process is to inform the people, not screen the people.

The question must have been written all over Nicodemus's face. Why would God do this? What would motivate Him to offer such a gift? What Jesus told Nicodemus, Nicodemus could never have imagined. The motive behind the gift of new birth? Love.
"For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Nicodemus has never heard such words. Never. He has had many discussions of salvation. But this is the first in which no rules were given. No system was offered. No code or ritual. "Everyone who believes can have eternal life in him," Jesus told him. Could God be so generous?
----
-Application
Are there religious "rules" you observe but do not understand? Did God command them, or did mere people create them? Do they help you feel close to God? If so, keep them. Are some confusing to you? Ask your pastor to explain them to you.

-Exploration-
Legalism
--Matthew 5:17,21,22; 12:9-12; 1 Corinthians 10:25-27 -
----
'And as the hands of Jesus opened for the nail, the doors of heaven opened for you.'
--Max Lucado (He Chose the Nails)

--Compromising Grace

-Galatians 2:11-21
---
When Peter had
come to Antioch,
I withstood him to
his face, because he
was to be blamed.
--Galatians 2:11
----
Paul had to confront Peter for compromising grace (Gal. 2:11-16). Peter had been fellowshiping with Gentiles, but when the Judaizers arrived (who believed that sinners are saved through Jesus plus keeping the law of Moses), Peter separated himself from the Gentiles. He ostracized them while professing to be one with them. Seeing this hypocrisy, Paul confronted Peter face to face for cowering to a legalistic system that was powerless to change lives. He vigorously reminded Peter that grace leads to freedom from sin's slavery and to obedience to God.

Having courageous conversations with fellow Christians can be difficult, but they will promote purity and unity. We can carry out our responsibility to one another to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), by walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lord, give us courage to confront
Believers who have strayed;
And then with gentleness restore
By coming to their aid.
---
-A well-chosen word can speak volumes.

--ODB/MW

--SALVATION ~~
--
Before he encountered Christ, Paul had been somewhat of a hero among the Pharisees....

Blue-blooded and wild-eyed, this young zealot was hell-bent on keeping the kingdom pure--and that meant keeping the Chrisitans out. He marched through the countryside like a general demanding that backslidden Jews salute the flag of the motherland or kiss their family and hopes good-bye.

All this came to a halt, however, on the shoulder of a highway...That's when someone slammed on the stadium lights, and he heard 'the voice'.

When he found out whose voice it was, his jaw hit the ground, and his body followed. He braced himself for the worst. He knew it was all over...He prayed that death would be quick and painless.

But all he got was silence and the first of a lifetime of surprises.

He ended up bewildered and befuddled in a borrowed bedroom. God left him there a few days with scales on his eyes so thick that the only direction he could look was inside himself. And he didn't like what he saw.

He saw himself for what he really was--to to use his own words,... 'the worst of sinners.'
...Alone in the room with his sins on his conscience and blood on his hands, he asked to be cleansed.

...The legalist Saul was buried, and the liberator Paul was born. He was never the same afterwards. And neither was the world...

The message is gripping: Show a man his failures without Jesus, and the result will be found in the roadside gutter. Give a man religion without reminding him of his filth, and the result wil be arrogance in a three-piece suit. But get the two in the same heart--get sin to meet Savior and Savior to meet sin--and the result just might be another Pharisee turned preacher who sets the world on fire. ~~
---
Study Guide

1)What does Saul's conversion teach you about God?

2)What is the most mysterious thing to you about salvation?

--Wrong on Two Counts-

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29)
-----

When the Sadducees, who were the theological, philosophical, and scientific elite of the day, came to Jesus with a trick question in an attempt to discredit Him, He responded with the stinging rebuke in today's verse. While His response dealt specifically with the fact of resurrection and the nature of the afterlife, His twofold evaluation of self-reliant scholars still fits today, particularly in regard to evolutionary speculations.

By the time Darwin had published his book Origin of Species, attributing evolutionary progression to natural selection, he had probably become an atheist and so set about to ascribe creation to natural causes. He attributed to nature abilities which clearly belong to God alone. He knew something of the Scriptures, but his memoirs show that he had little understanding of basic biblical teaching. He felt that if there was a God, He had little power or had not been involved in the affairs of this earth. Most atheistic evolutionists today follow Darwin's intellectual footsteps.

But what of Christian intellectuals, theistic evolutionists, progressive creationists, or advocates of the framework hypothesis, who claim to know God but yet deny His awesome power in creation? They too reject the clear teaching of Scripture regarding creation, relegating God to the mundane task of overseeing the evolutionary process, reducing His power to something man can accomplish. Peter aptly describes this attitude when he calls it willful ignorance (2 Peter 3:5).

It has been suggested by some that all human error can be traced to one or both of these categories: not knowing (and/ or believing) the Scriptures, and underestimating the power of God.

--ICR/JDM

--Godliness in Form Only

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (2 Timothy 3:5)

-Those with a "form of godliness" are much more difficult to recognize than those who are openly wicked. Jesus gave His most harsh criticism to the hypocritical leaders of the religious sects of His day. Jesus also warned of "false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matthew 7:15).

On another occasion, Jesus illustrated the challenge of identifying those who looked like God's people but were really "tares" that the Enemy had sown among the wheat. In His parable, Jesus indicated that even the "servants of the householder" might uproot the wheat along with the tares (Matthew 13:24-30). The Corinthian church was warned about the same problem when they were told that "Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14).


We are strongly urged to "turn away" from these kinds of people. They have the ability to cause serious damage among the churches. They will "creep" into "houses" (a metaphor for churches—1 Timothy 3:15) and will lead "silly women" away with many different desires (2 Timothy 3:6). They will resist the truth and will have power like the magicians of Egypt who deceived Pharaoh and opposed Moses. And like those magicians, their minds are corrupt (focused on sin) and are already condemned (2 Timothy 3:8).

The good news is that they will be forcibly stopped and exposed as foolish (2 Timothy 3:9). Peter notes that they will have swift destruction (2 Peter 2:1-3) and will utterly perish in corruption (2 Peter 2:12-13). Like the magicians who produced snakes, blood for water, and frogs aplenty (Exodus 7-8), they will be unable to go any further and will be forced to say, "This is the finger of God" (Exodus 8:19).

--ICR/HMM III

--NOT
INTERESTED
IN RELIGION~~

-John 5:18,37-47
----
How often I wanted
to gather your
children together, as a
hen gathers her chicks
under her wings.
--Matthew 23:37-
---
-A radio ad for a church caught my attention: "Because you've heard about Christianity, you might not be interested in religion. Well, it might surprise you--Jesus wasn't interested in religion either. But He was big on relationship and teaching us to love one another." It continued, "You may not like everything about our church, but we offer authentic relationship, and we're learning to love God and each other. You're welcome to visit."

This church may have overstated things about Jesus and religion because Scripture does speak of "true religion" in James 1:27 as helpful deeds toward others. But Jesus did have difficulties with religious people of His day. He said the Pharisees, guided by tradition and rules not by love for the Lord, "outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside[they] are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness" (Matt. 23:28). They didn't have the love of God in their hearts (John 5:42). Jesus wanted relationship with them, but they were "not willing to come to [Him]" (v.40).

If being "religious" means following rules so we can look good--instead of enjoying a relationship with the Savior--Jesus isn't interested. He offers forgiveness and love to all who want an intimate relationship with Him.

-True religion is to know
The love that Christ imparts;
True religion is to show --
This love to burdened hearts.--
----
-THERE IS A LONGING IN EVERY HEART THAT
ONLY JESUS CAN SATISFY. ~~
---ODB/AC

--DARWIN'S DAY ~~

-"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction" (2 Peter 2:1)

-THOUSANDS of clergy have signed "An Open Letter Concerning Religion and Science." On the Sunday closest to Charles Darwin's birthday, these "pastors" eulogize him and endorse evolutionary science as compatible with the Bible. Here are five reasons why this idea is grossly wrong.

The Bible has absolutely no hint of ages of evolutionary development. Forcing the "days" of Genesis 1 to mean "ages" can be done, but there is no support for that idea in the rest of Scripture (Psalm 33:6-9; 148:5-6; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 4:11; etc.).

Evolution is not observed at all today. Empirical science is based on observation and verification. Nothing (from bacteria to people) is "evolving" into a "higher order." Period.

Fossil data do not show any transitional forms. If evolution occurred prior to recorded history, it can only be documented by the fossils embedded in the water-deposited rocks of earth. Those "missing Links" are still missing.

God's character absolutely forbids evolutionary methods. God's holiness demands truth, and His omniscience demands perfection. He cannot know what is best and then "create" something inferior. He wrote that He took six days to create the universe (Exodus 20:11). And He cannot lie!

God's stated purpose for creating excludes evolution. The creation reveals the Creator (Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1-4), gives authority to the message of Jesus Christ (John 1:1-14; Colossians 1:16-18), and is the foundation for the gospel and for worship (Revelation 14:6-7. Creating is what God does at the moment of the new birth (Ephesians 2:8-10).
-
--ICR/HMMIII / FAMOUS ONE!
<http://youtu.be/jwWOH_ZRtSg>
--------

--More Than We Can Ask or Think


--BIBLE MEDITATION:
“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Ephesians 3:20

--DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
-To be found in Jesus, Paul says, is worth more than all of his religion, race, and ritual. It is a relationship with the Almighty God. It is Jesus. Paul says, “I’m tired of trying. I’m going to start trusting.”

Basically, Paul lived a life of working his way to heaven before he met the Lord on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9). Legalism is a terrible thing. It is a harsh task master under which no one can succeed.

Liberty, not legalism, is what the Lord Jesus Christ offers. Freedom, not bondage. Relationship, not religion. We give up nothing for which Jesus will not abundantly offer more than we could ever hope or dream.

--ACTION POINT:
-Read Colossians 3:11. What does it mean for Christ to be your “all in all”?
--Adrian Rogers~~

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up; for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk of coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."
--(Eph. 5:3-4)

--ONE WAY TO SALVATION ~~
--“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” - John 14:6

------------
--Materialism says, “Buy your way out.” The politician says, “Legislate.” The army says, “Fight.” Industry says, “Work.” The philosopher says, “Think.” But Jesus says, “There’s no way out but through Me.”

Jesus will save you by His grace, and He’ll save you all by Himself or you won’t be saved at all.

When you are saved by the grace of God, you are saved instantly, and you are saved eternally. Your goodness is not enough to save you, and your badness is not enough to keep you away. Jesus loves you so much that He died to save you.

-Have you taken Jesus at His Word and followed His way of salvation? Maybe you have a friend who needs this truth today. Share it; don’t suppress it.~~
--Adrian Rogers~~
~~~~~~~~~~
--"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15).~~

-YOU KNOW what 'you' believe, but can you explain your faith to people who don't share it? The key to doing that is to understand what 'they' believe.

--"The wrath of God is being revealed from Heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.
For since the Creation of the world God's invisible qualities--His eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened."
--(Romans 1:18-21 NIV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[The book, 'WHAT THEY BELIEVE' by Harold J Berry is no longer available at CBD. I have ordered 'Handbook of Today's Religions' / by: Josh McDowell and Don Stewart. If this book is helpful to those who do not know or are not sure of the many various 'religions', cults, etc,' circulating the planet, I will come back with a review. Otherwise, stay in the Word of God. Do not fall for any religion that tells you to 'add their other books to compliment' the Bible. NO! The Bible always interprets itself.]

---BEWARE!

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
---(Colossians 2:8)

--In spite of the resources available to the twice-born—and in spite of assurance, order, steadfastness, a good walk that is rooted and built up in Him—it is still possible for a Christian to be plundered by the world’s crafty message. We can “fall from [our] own stedfastness” (2 Peter 3:17) or even lose “those things which we have wrought” (2 John 1:8).

The one who “spoils” a believer will use philosophia, a Greek word that means “fond of wisdom.” It is used only one other time, in Acts 17:18 of the philosophers on Mars Hill. Interestingly, the biblical word for “wisdom” is most often used in a negative way when referring to man’s wisdom. “Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” (1 Corinthians 1:20). Believers can be robbed of their steadfastness in Christ if they become fond of the wisdom of the world.

The spoiler also uses “vain deceit” and the “traditions of men” to plunder the believer. Jesus castigated the Pharisees because they had “made the commandment of God of none effect by [their] tradition. . . . teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:6, 9). Paul warned Timothy that he must avoid “profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: which some professing have erred concerning the faith” (1 Timothy 6:20-21).

The robber will even use “the rudiments of the world.” The term “rudiment” means “to belong to a series, to be in rank” or “to come to an agreement.” Essentially, this technique is using logic to “prove” a point, securing a change of mind.
We are told the world’s rudiments will “spoil” us when the logic is “not after Christ.”
--ICR/ HMM III

--WE CAN TRUST GOD, ALWAYS~~

When troubles come our way, we can be stressed and upset, or we can trust God. Scripture says to set your minds and keep them set on what is above…..the higher things (Colossians 3:2). When giants are in the land, when doubts swarm your mind, turn your thoughts to God. Your best thoughts are God-thoughts. He is above all this mess!

Scripture declares of God, He is “the most High over all the earth” (Psalm 83:18). Later on the same psalmist asks, “Who among the sons of the mighty is like the LORD?” It’s a good question! Pain does not plague God. The economy doesn’t faze him. The weather doesn’t disturb him. Diseases don’t infect him and death cannot claim him.

The apostle Paul says God is “able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). Ponder the holiness of God. Let his splendor stun you, inspire you, and chase your troubles away!

**--God is With You Everyday/ML~~**
["My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
--Philippians 4:19 NASB~~]
~~~~~~~~~
--A LEGACY LIFE~~

-WHILE STAYING in a hotel in a small town I noticed that the church across the street was having a service. People were jammed into the church with a flowing out onto the sidewalk. When I noticed a hearse by the curb, I realized it was a funeral. And given the crowd, I assumed that it was the celebration of the life of some local hero--perhaps a wealthy businessperson or a famous personality. Curious, I said to the desk clerk, "That's an amazing turnout for a funeral; it must be for a famous person in town."

"No," he replied. "He wasn't rich or famous but he was a good man."

This reminded me of the wisdom of the proverb that says, "A good name is more desirable than great riches" (PROV. 22:1). It's a good idea to think about what kind of legacy we are leaving for our family, friends, and neighbors. From God's perspective it's not our resume' or the amount of money we've accumulated that matters but rather the kind of life we have lived. We live our life here on earth to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.

When a friend of mine passed away, his daughter wrote, "This world has lost a righteous man and in this world that is no small thing!" It's that kind of legacy that we should be seeking for the glory of God~~

--LIVE TO LEAVE A LEGACY FOR GOD'S GLORY.~~
--ODB/JS~~--/ 'You're the Lion of Judah'/ Robin Mark
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHiskcgd4d4>
------

---WHO AND WHAT TO ESTEEM~~~

“Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.”
---(Hebrews 11:26)--

We hear much today about the importance of self-esteem, with the implication that lack of self-esteem is the cause of many of the personal problems and antisocial activities of so many young people (and others as well) these days.

But this is not the biblical perspective. The problem really is too much self-esteem. The biblical command is that we should “in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3). The man Moses was once a prince of Egypt, probably in line to become the pharaoh, but he chose Christ and the people of God instead, “esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt” (today’s text)..

Paul the apostle could have become the greatest teacher and leader in the religious/political life of his own Jewish people, but he said: “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:7-8).

Similarly, the apostle James assures us that we should “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations”—that is, trials that test your faith—“knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3).

Therefore, if we would truly conform to the will of God for our lives, we should be esteeming others more than cultivating self-esteem in ourselves, esteem knowing and serving Christ more than all the riches and fame of the world, and esteem it a joyful privilege when we are enabled to grow more like Him through the trials and testings He permits us to share.
--ICR/ HMM--/ Lord, I Need You--/ Matt Maher ~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS9e0nxHP-w>