Luther + + + +

Luther quote

“…They are saints through such a holiness as they freely receive, not through such a holiness as they themselves have gotten by their own industry, good works and merits.”

– Commentary on Galatians, p484

 

When was Christ born? In a 4-yr college education (“crammed” into 6 J) I received no proof of a December birth. In a 60 hr seminary degree (“crammed” into 3 yrs) no verification of a December birth was heard. If you wish to say He was born a different month you’ve no argument from me. What I say – say adamantly is HE WAS BORN. Personally, I wish His birth was not celebrated on 12/25. But I’m glad some people do CELEBRATE His birth albeit on a wrong date. The date of Christ being born is of little-to-no consequence; His birth, life, death/resurrection is the most important fact known to man.

– eab, 11/26/17

 

FAITH

I’ve never been to Bethlehem,

Nor walked by Galilee.

And the hills that knew my blessed Lord,

I may never live to see.

But I’ve tried to trace His footsteps,

Across the Sacred Page.

And by faith, I know He rules today,

As He has in every age.

O Faith, faith without it,

You just cannot please the Lord.

Have faith, faith to doubt it,

Brother you cannot afford.

For faith is the substance

Of things hoped for and yet not seen.

And lack of faith is why the church is so awfully lean.

– eab, Nov. 1973

 

Comfortable? We love our “comfort foods,” our comfortable chairs in our comfortable houses & say to guests “Make yourself comfortable.” Perhaps we’re seeking too much comfort here below. Luke 16 records the Lord’s account of Abraham saying to the damned rich man “…Thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things…NOW he is comforted & thou art tormented”(eab emphasis). “God, help us to have the discipline to endure here the uncomfortable, that we may join in Lazarus’ comforts above.”

– eab, 11/27/17

 

“If plain sense makes good sense, any other sense is nonsense.”

– T W Comadoll, as told by John Whiteman

 

Many people are disciplined who are not disciples of Christ. (Some of these are highly disciplined and pride themselves in their self control.) Discipline can make you happier with yourself, can bring a sense of contentment, and could (unless it becomes a stumbling block) lead to Christ. But discipline, of itself, can never save you – that takes Jesus.

– eab, 11/19/17

 

Luk 16. 10

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”

 

Have you ever “missed the boat”? Did the bus “go off & leave you”? Have you gotten to a depot too late for the train? Did you perchance miss a plane connection? You & I have a final trip coming – – – Friend, we’ll make that departure ON TIME. Every rational soul knows death is coming. And, this is one trip we will NOT miss the boat. Prepare!

– eab, 11/27/17

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Luther + + + +

Luther Quote

“…Nothing under the sun is more hurtful than the doctrine of men’s tradition and works…”

– Commentary on Galatians p.424

 

“Yea, hath God said” is as old as Eden – – – and as young as NASA. (News in ‘16 – NASA don’t want the name “Jesus” to appear in their publications).

– eab, 2/16/16

 

 

MEASURED THINGS

In the beginning – of measured things,

Before the clock of time was wound,

It was know that man would sin,

And a remedy had to be found.

 

After a period of loving thought,

It was decided by the Great Three-In-One,

That God would send man a Gift –

His Fellow Creator, Partner, and Son.

– eab, Nov. ’69

 

The devil tries to make his imitation look real and at the same time, make God’s Genuine appear too expensive. Bargain hunt all you want on earth, but don’t settle for a cheap, imitation “salvation” for your soul.

– eab, 3/7/16

 

 

“I just don’t have enough faith to believe in evolution.”

– R E Carroll, message 2/11/88

 

“Good” people have been influenced to oppose “bad” things (which the Bible does not oppose), while ignoring things the Bible clearly calls SIN.

– eab, 1/5/13

 

 

2Ti 4. 2

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

 

When you admire something it adds to the admiration to turn to a friend (even a stranger) and say “Look!” When we admire Christ (in heart, not just head) it adds to HIS admiration to share it with others, as in Spirit-filled worship times.

– eab, 4/12/13

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Luther + + + +

Luther quote

“In God we may acknowledge the unchangeable and certain motion of the stars of heaven;

the sun each day rises and sets in his place; as certain as time we have winter and summer…”

Table Talk p. 346

 

“Smoking or non-smoking,” was once asked as you entered a restaurant. Someone, rather crudely, suggested it could be asked about eternity. Allow a similar question about eternity, “Sorrowing or non-sorrowing”? It’s highly unlikely there’ll be anything to smoke in hell but we know hell is full of sorrow. Please, Friend leave that road that leads to eternal sorrow.

– eab, 10/20/17

 

WHY WORRY

He knows what is best for me;

Father always knows best.

Maybe activity – when I thought rest.

I can’t see, as well, as He.

And I may cry because of pain,

But help me, Lord, to never complain.

He knows what I will face;

What I could – What I should

He knows. Why worry!

– eab, Nov. ‘73

 

You can love “your idea” of what God is – it may suit you just fine. That “idea” costs you nothing now – it may cost you everything at death’s door. But to see God as the biggest possible Being of correction, love, and perfection, comes much neared to Who He really is.

– eab, 10/17/17

 

“You are in danger…if you depart ever so little from Scripture…from the plain literal mean­ing of any text taken in connection with the context.”

– Wesley, quoted by Samuel Brengle

 

I’m glad God knows (does not have to figure out, KNOWS) the difference between a needy personality and a naughty carnality. God created and loves personalities. God CAN remove all carnality. Now.

– eab, 10/16/17

 

Gen 8. 22

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”

 

“Popular Christianity”? What is that? Truthfully, it’s close to, if not in fact, an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms. If it is “popular” it can’t be truly Christian. And – – – if it’s Christian it is not popular. They killed Christ. He promised that His followers would be mistreated, so if/when you hear of some “christianity” being popular, mark it down; it is NOT Christ’s christianity!

– eab, 10/12/17

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Luther + + + + + +

Luther Quote

“The hair is the finest ornament women have…

I like women to let their hair fall down their back…”

– Table Talk, p.307

 

If your child (grandchild) is popular with his/her peers, please do not feed that popularity. (If they’re not a Believer, you don’t want to increase carnal pride – if they Believe in Christ, you don’t want them to fall through pride.) Love them, respect them but allow them to be normal. The world has had enough Youth-Hero Lives end in tragedy; don’t add your child to that number.

– eab, 10/20/17

 

 

KEEP CURRENT

Make sure your account with God,

Is not sadly in arrears,

When THAT paper comes, in

Which your obituary appears.

– eab, 10/24/17

 

There’ll be millions, uh, make that “M” a “B,” of people in heaven that I’ll not know, yet. God helping my unworthy soul, I intend to shake hands (if shaking hands is a fashion there) or hug my way through that huge crowd, loving them all. Oh, how love will fill that place, that place of Holy Grace.

– eab, 10/21/17

 

 

“It is not possible to pray with confidence toward the Lord

without being aware of His presence.”

– T M Anderson, from his PRAYER AVAILETH MUCH

 

When you see someone you’ve not seen in a while & they’ve changed, vastly changed, you may wonder, “Were those seeds of compromise there all along?” Permit me to flip that – when we see a sinner (stranger or no) may God help us to see that they could become a christian Brother/Sister & then pray to that end.

– eab, 10/21/17

 

 

Luk 11. 2

“When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.”

 

 

Years ago I pastored a lady who more than once stated publicly, “I hope I love God as much as I hate the devil.” (I don’t know where she heard with this awkward expression but I hope she loved God more.) To my knowledge we’re not told to hate satan but we ARE admonished to love God.

– eab, 10/22/17

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Luther ++++++++

Luther Quote

“A woman is, or at least should be, a friendly, courteous and merry companion in life…”

– Table Talk, p.300

 

If your desire to be a “preacher/teacher” of the Word is stronger than your desire to be dead to the world and to be 100% alive unto Christ – You are enamored by a Position, more than a love for the Person of God’s Son.

– eab, 11/25/16

 

BENT METAL

Bent metal in free flow and form

With an internal combustion “mill,”

Has interested many a man or boy

With its style or squeal-tire storm

Watching, hearing it, gave a thrill.

 

Cars whether customized or fast,

May not have or hold your attraction.

What worldly thing has brought you equal joy?

Riveted you in present or past,

Grabbed your time and attention?

 

Man and his fine female, life’s mate,

Travel, scrimp, even have small strife,

Fascinated by small or larger toy,

And sadly find out when its too late,

Tinsel and fluff stole their whole life.

 

Stop! Eternity calls us soon –

Heaven’s hope or hell’s dread await,

Don’t be fooled by any devilish decoy,

Do far more than hunt or be a loon,

Think honestly – it’s a good trait.

 

Full salvation – yours and others

Can be real, if you repent now.

True, holy living you can now enjoy.

Your present act may save your brothers,

Bible reading will tell you how.

 

God does not hate fast or neat cars;

Many a hobby is not sin.

But metals or man-made alloy,

Can’t compare with life beyond the stars,

The heaven – God would like you in.

– eab, 10/19/05

 

“Make-up”? What are you making up FROM? Seriously? Was the God-provided-color not enough? What are you making up TO? Are you making up to please the falseness of our fallen, fleeting culture?

-eab, 12/16/15

 

“When a man is not really right he’d rather not meet the true prophet of God.”

– V O Agan, message 2/12/98

 

The Bible will be more interesting when you know the Author.

and MOST interesting when you can call the Author, “Father” (and LOVE Him as such)!

– eab, 10/30/14

 

Psa 126. 5 – 6

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves.”

 

Hearing bad news is a way of comparing ourselves, i.e. feeling “good” that we’re not as “bad” as the guy/gal in the news. By contrast the Good News (Gospel) shows us how bad we really are – – – and how much we need Christ.

– eab, 7/14/13

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Luther, Geographical Holiness

Luther Quote

“Without God’s will and our own consent, the evil cannot hurt us…”

– Table Talk, p.265

 

Time appears to be a parenthesis in or a parallel track beside Eternity. They are slightly related, yet are so unalike. (Your time and your neighbor’s are not the same, even if you were born the same day.) Eternity is the main passage continuing forever. Each man’s time comes alongside eternity, runs “parallel” for days or decades, then takes an exit to never have that same relationship again.

– eab, 12/22/16

 

GEOGRAPHICAL HOLINESS

In geography

It is very plain to see

A wedge of rock and soil stands between

The old land they knew

And the one they’re going to

Observing this is neither cold or mean

 

There’s a Red Sea and there’s a river

They both are to deliver

The walkers, who walk through their lines

Each saw a crisis hour

Each represents its power

That crossing over forever defines.

– eab, Oct. ‘99

 

God made trees round (or for you technical minds J “roundish”). Why? We do not understand the Mind of God, (Isa 55.9) nor will we in heaven but I suggest one reason and this, to me, “sounds like God” watching out for men. The axe-man/saw-man has an easier time at the beginning as his tool “eats its way” into the tree. It gets harder as he progresses to and through the widest part but then gets easier again as he pull toward the end. God is so gracious and this is may be one way He is.

– eab, 12/15/16

 

“…It is highly probable that the Valdenses or Vaudois had already in this century [7^th] retired into the valleys.”

– Johann Lorenz von Mosheim (1693-1755) Ecclesiastical History

 

We were made with the capacity (it seems the necessity) to worship. We will worship something, someone. The devil is busy propping up cheap substitutes in place of God. Run from all these. God and God Alone is worthy of worship for youth, mid-age, and old. Jesus was once your age, if you’re 33 or younger. If you’re above that, the Father is the Ancient of Days, eternally worthy of our worship!

– eab, 12/9/16

 

 

Luk 12. 4

“And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and

after that have no more that they can do.”

 

 

Ritual requires a “ritualizer” some man up front whose hands, voice (or both) lead through his “onzy, twozy, threezy.” Ritual is visual. Communion is heart-to-heart, warming the heart. It is personal, personalized, not “one-size-fits-all” or “if you don’t fit in, we’ll cut you out.” Salvation is soooo one-on-one but religions are not. Religion makes men alike. Salvation takes men to the height of individuality here & who knows how much more in heaven. God’s not afraid of individuality – religious leaders are.

– eab, 12/8/16

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Luther + + + + +

Luther Quote

…The devil continually seeks to put another Christ into my mind.”

– Table Talk, p.263

 

Mom – can you make home-made bread? If so, please teach your daughter. You don’t know how? Would you be willing to humble yourself enough to make mistakes in front of her, & the two of you learn together? Do you know how to sew? Your daughter may need that skill some day & will thank you for teaching her. (Again be willing to acquire this skill together.) There will not only be the acquisition of great handiness but such affords a time to bond with your daughter like few other things. I wish you well.

– eab, 10/8/17

 

“LORD, I LOVE YOU”

There are “Now I lay me’s,”

And “Thank You for the spuds.”

There are “help me’s for this test,”

And, “Father, I need new duds!”

There is “If You’ll get me out of here,”

And, “Lord, I’d sure like to shoot a deer.”

But none of these, no matter how sincere

Compare to, “Lord, I love You, I’m glad you’re near.”

– eab, Oct. ‘89

 

 

Dad – do you know how (literally) to use a hammer? If you do, please teach your son. Buy him hand-tools on birthdays, Christmas, etc. – he’ll not be losing yours (hopefully J) & will learn how to locate & preserve his own. Maybe you’re more mechanically inclined (few are “master” of everything). Show him what you know about how things work & therefore how he can repair them. Your son will be a better man for leaning various skills – AND – he’ll be better from having learned them from you.

– eab, 10/8/17

 

“TV doesn’t go with holiness.

TV started with the devil and its still of the devil.”

– Lester Roloff (uncertain date/location)

 

The Call to Pray, to become a “secret closet prayer” is open to all Believers. Church leadership isn’t – the novice (1Ti 3.6) is excluded. Church pastoring (if congregation has men) isn’t – the female is excluded (1Ti 2.12 & 3.2). Some may be tempted to chafe at these “limitations.” Instead let us glory in unlimited Prayer Access. Preaching can catch a man’s eye (too much). Being a church leader also can catch his eye. When God passes out rewards we may see the highest ones go to prayers in the closets.

– eab, 10/8/17

 

 

1Th 3. 12

“And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all…”

 

Is it just my observation or do you see it? Seems when I see a pastor/retired pastor in a service where he’s not speaking he seldom, if ever, says “Amen.” (Thank God for exceptions.) I started saying “Amen” in church at about 14. I didn’t start pastoring ‘til I was 32 so I had 18 yrs of “amending.” “…As ye would that men should do to you do ye also to them…” surely applies to the practice of supporting the preacher. Amen?

– eab, 10/8/17

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Luther + + +

Luther Quote

“…Our adversaries intend to make a confederacy with the Turk…”

– Table Talk, p.218

 

The form of government we profess to be modernity’s best actually militates against us deeply understanding The Kingdom. Christ is not a temporary “president.” He is King. Even earthly kings are often kings-for-life. Christ is King “for Life” and since He lives forever, He’ll be our King for all eternity. Amen & Amen!

– eab, 8/1/17

 

 

SWEET NAMES

We all have a different name for our mate;

Some to please, and, some to aggravate.

Some go by Sweetheart, and some by “Bud.” *

Some answer to Darling, and others to “Dud.”

But the sweetest name. and the stickiest too

– like glue;

Is the one made by the bee

– called “Honey.”

eab, Oct. ’65   * What my dad, Clyde D Bryan, called my mother.

 

Hollywood would like you to see their stuff as “mere entertainment.” They do not want you to see their agenda, That they are influencing your thinking, That they are programming you toward societal change (upheaval?) Toward beliefs in aliens, etc. The more you watch hollywood (at YOUR expense) the more you WILL think like they want you to think. STOP!

– eab, 8/26/17

 

“When the teachings of men conflict with the Word of God,

it would be wise to go with God.”

– Henry Morris, PhD (I got to hear him in person c. 1968.)

 

The greatest Being is unseen, as of yet. His voice has been heard. His “hand” has been witnessed. His Word has been “tasted.” But perhaps we mortals have sensed Him best & most often, when we “feel” His presence. Holy saints (Heb 12.14) will someday SEE our Heavenly Father in peace. Wonderful!

– eab, 9/30/17

 

Joh 13. 38

“Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.”

 

Never consider suicide! Did you give yourself “life”? Then it is not yours. To TAKE your life is to steal. Life’s origin is in God. He alone has the right to decide your last day on earth – As He decided your first day here! Suicide is not right. Suicide is wrong. Please, friend, do not add this wrong to your list of wrongs. Ask Jesus Christ to forgive of ALL your sins. He can!

– eab, 10/2/17

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Luther + +

Luther Quote

…The number of upright and true Christians

in every place is very small…”

– Table Talk, p.177

 

If you & your cohorts start secretly doing wrong (against church, school, government, medicine, science, a corporate competitor) it’s “normal” to hide your evil. Since what you’re doing is wicked, it’s likely you’ll lie if/when you’re discovered. It’s also likely you’ll try to label the person who calls for truth a “conspiracy theorist” & hope the label sticks. If it sticks & societal conditioning has reached a corrupt enough stage, the truth teller is written off as “crazy or fringe” (at least strange) & your disgusting deed is “safe.” Liars do not like Truth Tellers. A real Truth Seek wants truth in every area of life. Do YOU? Well – – – do you?

– eab, 9/19/17

  

O ADAM

“Where art thou, O Adam;

Man I made & his personal Madam?”

They answered Him not a word,

As if they had not heard.

In it’s grip, sin had’em.

– eab, Sept.  2014

 

Two groups of people will be alive at “…the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…”(identical words-1Co .7, 1Th3.13, 1Th5.23 & 2Th 2.1): A.) Those to whom His revelation is wonderful, “…comfort one another with these words” (1Th4.18), B.) those to whom His coming is horrible; they’ll “mourn” (Mat24.30) & “wail” (Rev1.7). Upon which side would you be?

– eab, 9/19/17

 

“…There is nothing that makes us love a man

as much as praying for him…’”

– Wm. Law, from his SERIOUS CALL

 

Mat 5. 44

“…Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

 

Dear parent/Christian school personnel – are you willing to admit the evilness of halloween? My stops yesterday included a supplier for home improvement. I see little connection between their business & statutes of witches – complete with caldron & rat. There was a skeleton of a horse (man-made materials) with a human skeleton astride. There was a dinosaur (about $300) for a scarier look. Our wicked world is getting deeper into satanism. He “glorifies” & encourages death. Please awaken and avoid this horrid day.

– eab, 9/19/17

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Misc.

A Quote From Luther

“…Many have had the Holy Spirit before the birth of Christ,

and yet he was not revealed unto them.”

– Table Talk, p.106

 

 

Who will come first Christ or the antichrist? If Christ is first why did He warn not to be “deceived” (Mat 24.4, Mar 13.5, Luk 21.8)? Consider 2 more vv: Mat 24.30b “…then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn and they shall see the Son of man coming…” & Rev 1.7 “…He cometh with clouds and every eye shall see him…all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.” Why mourning/wailing? Will they do this because they’ve already taken the Mark (thinking he was real) & NOW know they’re damned? Think.

– eab, 8/29/17

 

 

D E A T H

D “death” was once a known, but distant foe.

E (each one dies you eventually come to know)

A and yet, we hate to admit facts, ancient, grim

T (thinking how we’d out-run, out-smart him)

H how wrong: “appointed…once to die” – we all go.

– eab, 8/29/17

 

 

Many rich men/women are trying to make “heaven” out of some corner of earth. They accumulated enough to buy a huge yacht, a fine building (have penthouse on entire floor or two), own sections of land, a private jet. They travel & dine first class & dress well. Sadly, if they’ve not submitted to Jesus Christ they’ll never see the real heaven & the one they’ve idolized will collapse. As I’ve driven by some nice homes I’ve prayed that they enjoy it but have a better one above (or similar words).

– eab, 8/29/17

 

 

“The mere fact of GLOSSOLALIA or any other estatic utterance

is no evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit.”

1. F. Bruce, BOOK OF ACTS

 

 

Gal 6. 7

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

 

 

The last couple of yrs I’ve become increasingly aware of satan’s deception. I wish I could awaken you. The devil has strongholds (Rev12.9 “…deceiveth the whole world…” Rev18.23 “…all nations deceived”) & is strongly using US via massive “news,” TV, & hollywood’s devilish industries. Yes, Friend there IS danger of YOU being deceived (some of you already are). Pray. OPEN your eyes. Learn to question everything but the Bible & become better acquainted (reading, memorizing, meditating) with It.

– eab, 8/29/17

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