Bible Ballistics: “BBs”                   September 10, 2013

• “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”  Genesis 1:1

A good place to start is always at the beginning!!  Let’s spend some time today looking at our God, the creator, the one who was there in the beginning—our beginning not HIS!!

• 1 John 4:7-9 says, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”

• Our creator God loves us.
  • He loves us even when we sinned (original sin then & personal sin now).
    • He redeems us (buys us back) because of that love,
      • redemption that cost His son’s life on the cross.

Because, He wanted us to be right with HIM….(see Ro. 5:1-10)

• 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 

Our creator so loved us that he planned for our redemption even before sin came into our world.  He loved ME and YOU that much,

• 1 Peter 1:18-20 says, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, …….. 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.”

So??????  Here’s our shot for the day—!!

• God loves you.

• HE created you—special YOU.

• HE provided His son a sacrifice for our sin.

• All before we were ever born….

How special are YOU?

• Special enough to have God’s love—available in Jesus.

So??????  Remember you are LOVED.  Keep looking up!!!

Bible Ballistics: Genuine or Imitation? 09/08/13 Vol. 2 No.17

It’s good to be home in Oklahoma and even with scorching heat we are very grateful and glad that the Lord has brought us safely home.

So much is going on around us, so many claims, so many stories.  What is true?  What is not?  John 8:32 & 36 tell us,

• “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…..36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

Jesus is the truth—we can know Him and He will make us free.  Free from the lies of the world.  Free from the bondage of sin and the world’s ways.

• Are we free or bound to the world?
• Are we wearing a “hypocritical” mask or
• are we the “real deal”?

2 Corinthians 13:5 says,

• “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 

Paul calls us to examine our OWN selves to see if we are really ‘in the faith’.  How do we do that?  How do we ‘prove’ ourselves?  This verse also asks if we ‘know …..that Christ is in you?”.  Can we know?  Well, as usual, let’s look at the Word.

1 Corinthians 15:1-5,

• “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

Paul declares here that the only way to salvation is through the cross.  He also calls the Corinthians to be sure they have not believed in vain.

• Vain means, ‘producing no result; useless;…..having no meaning or likelihood of fulfillment’.

Is my faith ‘real’ or ‘vain’?  This is the question that we will ponder this week.  Do I know the truth of Col 1:27

• “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

Is Christ in me? Do I have the “hope of glory”?  1 John 5:13 reminds us,

• “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 

• We can know.
  • I can know.
    • YOU can know.

What does real faith look like?  Hebrews 11:1,6 says,

• “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen….6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Real faith is defined in ‘Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary’ as including………

• ”1) a firm conviction, producing a full acknowledgement of God’s revelation or truth…..
• 2) a personal surrender to Him….
• 3)a conduct inspired by such surrender….”

To paraphrase, total confidence in the God who is God, not just in what He does but who HE IS—GOD, and submission to Him for “LIFE”.  Eternal Life.  Because as we see above in Hebrews 11,

• “without faith it is impossible to please him….”, and “he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Substance not blind trust, evidence not “pie in the sky”. Are you convinced?

Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:20-21,

• “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

He tells us that those who do the will of God are the ones who will enter the kingdom.  Just saying so doesn’t make it so!!! He states it even more clearly in John 3:3

• “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”   

We must be born again. 

• And John 1:12-13,  “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God”.   

BORN OF GOD!!!  We receive the new birth from GOD!!!

• It is not something we inherit from our family,
  • nor is it something that we can produce by our own strength or determination,
    • nor even by the good will of others who may love and care for us.

It’s only when we “repent” and turn to Jesus in faith that we receive this gift of salvation from God.

In John 8:24 Jesus makes it very plain—“

• I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”

Matthew 1:21, reminds us why Jesus came—

• “ And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Jesus came to save us from our sin.  If we never see our sin we’ll never repent, and if we never repent we’ll never look to Jesus to be saved by that faith we are speaking about.  (See John 11:25 & 14:6—Jesus is the ONLY WAY)

We could list many scriptures that tell us to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved”.  But suffice it to say that we must repent and believe to receive.  Praise God, He hears and answers.  Even the cry of the penitent tax collector in Luke 18:13

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”  

Two men—one who had no need for salvation (he thought), and one who saw his need for salvation and called on the only one who could save him.  God answered his prayer.   As Romans 3:23 declares,

• “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” “ But praise God he also reveals in

• Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” 

• Have we seen our own sin?
  • Turned from it to God?
    • Received HIS new birth?

That is the question.

Who will pay your debt? Jesus? Or yourself? 

• In Deut. 30:19 God said,  “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:”

Examine, prove and check your heart to see if you are in the faith.  Choose you this day “whom you will serve” (see Joshua24:15).  Not sure?  Ask God, He’ll reveal truth to you.

• James 4:8 &10 “ Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded …….10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

Bow before HIM—He will lift you up.

 

Bible Ballistics: “BBs”

Just a reminder today—we are in a battle.  We who belong to Jesus are in enemy territory and we can stand because of our confidence in Jesus and what He has done for us.

Ephesians 6:10-18 gives us our marching orders…..

”Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”—Remember God is our source of strength.

‘11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil’.—Satan is your enemy.

‘12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places’.—Your battle is mainly spiritual not physical, though it often involves the physical .

‘13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’—You MUST have on your armor NOW.

‘14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;’—You MUST stand in Jesus’ –HE is truth and righteousness (see Jn 14:6 & 2 Cor. 5:21).

‘15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace’;—Jesus ALONE gives us peace with God and of God (see Romans 5:1)

‘16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked’.—Make sure your faith is in the right place, in Jesus’ power not your own (see Philippians 4:13 & Hebrews 11:1,6)

‘17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:’—The battle is in your mind & heart, guard them with the Word.  If you’ll put it in, God will bring it out at the right time (see John 14:26 & Phil 4:7).

‘18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;’—Remember, prayer is your lifeline—keep the line open and active continually.(See 1 Thes. 5:17, Rom 1:9, & 2 Tim 1:3).

So?  Here’s our shot for the day—?????  Suit up—be ready.

So?  ??????  Keep looking up!!!

Bible Ballistics: “BBs”                     09/04/13

Philippians 4:1,4-7 “1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved… 4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Paul reminds us of our relationship to one another—beloved. He called his beloved to “stand fast in the Lord”. Let’s consider this call today.  Stand fast dearly beloved. How?  Well, since we have a “therefore”, we ask ‘what’s it there for?’  When we refer back to chapter 3, we see it’s because of our soon returning KING, Jesus.  We can do all that we are called to do because of Jesus:

• Stand Fast IN THE LORD.

• Rejoice in the Lord always…..and AGAIN…Rejoice (we need repetition).

• Live a life of moderation—not given to extremes in our behavior and interactions with others, visible moderation—self-control.

• Why?  Because the LORD IS AT HAND.

So?  Here’s our shot for the day—!!!!

• Be careful for nothing—don’t worry!!!

• but pray about every thing gratefully! (notice it’s not everything but ‘every thing’—each step, every step)

So?  The results –the incomprehensible “peace of God”-which shall keep your hearts and minds—through Christ Jesus! 

• Need peace today?
  • Stand,
  • rejoice,
  • exercise moderation–control yourself,
  • don’t worry
  • and PRAY!!!!

So?  ??????  Keep looking up!!!

Bible Ballistics: A Race? September 1, 2013 Vol. 2 No.16 

After being on the road this week, I couldn’t help but think of our spiritual journey and our readiness to see our Lord when our journey ends.  We are on a journey and we are to be ready for whatever comes our way. 

·      Proverbs 27:1 says,  “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”

Live for today-it’s all we have! 

In parts of Matt 6:24-34, Jesus said

·      “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?…..But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”  (sounds like our Proverb above doesn’t it?)

So what about my journey, my race? Am I seeking God first? Am I seeking HIS kingdom?  Driving home this week, half way across the country, we had to make some decisions.  When would we leave, which route would we take, would we travel in the daytime or nighttime?  Would we drive straight through, or stop and make some visits?  Our trip required some planning and a commitment to stay on track to get home.  Our spiritual journey also involves some thought.  We often get so caught up in our “faith” talk that we forget about the “walk” talk– the “Walk” itself.  No matter the length or difficulty of our journey it all begins with one step (Jesus), it continues with steps—some small, some large, but steps (still in Jesus).  The above verses call us to be single-minded in this journey, to continually seek God’s kingdom and not our own. 

·      Mammon is “wealth regarded as an evil influence or false object of worship and devotion”. 

We cannot serve God and mammon!!!  Who am I serving?  God? Or me? Where are my steps going? 

Scripture also teaches that we are to make provision for our needs and those of our families. 

·      1 Tim. 5:8 says, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

How are we to provide God’s way?   

·      1 Tim 6:6-10 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

It’s not the money that is the “root of all evil” but the “love of money”.  And though we are not to be ‘in love’ with money, we do have an obligation to provide for our own.  

How?  God will lead us in this pursuit.  If we will follow!!!

·      James 4:15 “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” 

Not focusing on money, but focusing on God who will guide us in right ways to provide. Are we working for the Lord or just “mammon”?  How about you?  Are we ready if Jesus called us home today?  Would we hear “well done thou good and faithful servant” or something else?  

·      Remember, “my God shall supply….”  (See Phil 4:19)

And although we are blessed every moment, our final reward isn’t in this life. 

·      Hebrews 11:13-16, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”

We see in this passage that “these” other believers who have preceeded us into glory,  

·      1)‘died in faith’,

·      2) had ‘not received the promises’,

·      3) saw ‘them afar off’,

·      4) were ‘persuaded of them’ (the promises),

·      5) ‘embraced them’,

·      6) ‘confessed them’,

·      7) knew they were ‘strangers and pilgrims on the earth’,

·      8) ‘seek a country’ (not on this earth),

·      9) but ‘an heavenly’ one,

·      10) and knew finally, that God is their God, and He is  ‘unashamed to be called their God’,

·      11)and that He has ‘prepared for them a city’   

·    Seeking God and His reward not just earthly riches (See Matt. 6:19-20). 

We who have placed our faith in Jesus Christ for salvation have a “better country” to which we are going.  This life and its troubles aren’t ‘as good as it gets’, praise God.  Our journey has a heavenly destination, and our focus can be a heavenly one.  Where are your eyes?

Jesus proclaimed this same message in

·      John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”   

In conclusion,

·      “…let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”  Hebrews 12:1b-2a. 

Have a great week “walking” with Jesus….