Bible Ballistics: Wisdom to Speak Truth???? Vol. 4 #17

We are on the road again and as I was thinking about traveling, I thought about our journey of faith. When we come to Jesus—we must come to Him in total. Without getting into the ‘Lordship’ debate, suffice it to say scripture tells us that we are to call on the name of the ‘Lord’ Jesus Christ—HE IS LORD. The question is what will you do about it? Will you follow HIM, trust Him and share His truth?

Romans 10:9, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Philippians 2:9-11, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

And in Luke 13:2-3 & 5, Jesus tells us that repentance works hand in hand with faith—two sides of the same coin.

“And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish…. 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

I believe we must always share the gospel in the fullness ‘of grace and truth’ (see John 1:14). We are to call sinners to repentance not just hand them a Band-Aid and try to cover their sin, or even as some do, tell them their sin isn’t important. The scripture is truth, but just as important ‘JESUS IS TRUTH’ as John 14:6 tells us. Remember what Paul said about being a “new creature” in Jesus, and Him in us..

Colossians 1:27b, “…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

We should also keep in mind (especially those of us who deal with ‘perfectionism’ or ‘control’ issues), that just because someone’s not doing it ‘my way’ doesn’t necessarily mean they are doing it wrongly. I am not talking about issues of Biblical integrity but differences of opinion in style, manner or methods and personal preferences.

I have very strong opinions about many things (I know those of you who know me personally are laughing out loud about now!!), and there are issues on which I will not compromise because of my own biblical understanding or personal conviction. When we need to take a stand, it may bring us into conflict with others; but we must maintain grace and peace on our part. We must be sure it is God leading us and not our own ‘ego’, and remember Paul reminds us in Romans 12:17-18,

“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

We are to be salt and beacons of light in the darkness and corruption of this world, while respecting those who are serving Jesus in a different way than we are. Jesus spoke on this very issue to the disciples; I think we can learn a lot from this passage.

Mark 9:33-41, “……., What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. 36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, 37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. 38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 40 For he that is not against us is on our part. 41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.”

We are to stand fast for the truth while understanding that not everyone has the same insight that we have; they may be immature or just seeing things from a different perspective. Or they could be false teachers or preachers. We are to know the word in order to discern truth from error, and to recognize simple differences of opinion or perceptions in contrast to that which is clearly false teaching. There is so much information coming at us today that we must continually guard our hearts and minds to know truth. We must be in the WORD!

Ephesians 4:15, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Are we growing and helping others to do the same?

Do we treasure God’s Word? Have we placed it high on our priority list? If I put the word in—God will bring it out at the right time. Do I judge things by my ‘opinion’ or by the Word of God, in love? Am I willing to let God be God and do His work in the life of His own children? Speaking HIS truth as He gives me opportunity, leaving the consequences to HIM?

Job 23:12 “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Do we love His Word? Do we hunger for it like our ‘necessary food’? I want to? It’s about choices!!

We are to love God and His Word more than life itself. And we are to share what we have received with others, because we can only share that which we have received.

1 Corinthians 15:2-4, “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:”

Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

Do we love Him that much?

Is our testimony based on the blood?

We can have the victory—

in life or in death!!!!

When we experience saving grace and receive the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are compelled to share Christ Jesus with the world. Sharing in our words and actions—our living!! To live what we believe—not just what we ‘say’ we believe; because what I really believe I will live out. And in living it, to reflect the Jesus who saved me, to reflect and reveal the one who changed my heart and life. We are accountable to the truth, to God as well as to one another. (See Hebrews 4:12-13)

Romans 14:1-8, “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”

Who is watching you/me? Are we helping the weak or harming them? Are we speaking His truth and living it before the saved as well as a lost and dying world? Remembering John 15:5, “..without me you can do nothing…”

1 Corinthians 2:12-16, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.”

How do we accomplish all of this? By knowing that we have all we need in Jesus. By staying in His Word!!!

2 Peter 1:3, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:” Living virtuously??

We have all we need in Jesus—so let’s be busy about the “Father’s business”. Jesus is coming soon. Will He find us ready? Will He find us loving one anther or throwing rocks? I’m not calling us to compromise but to follow Jesus, and leave the results to HIM.

“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand” Ro. 14:4. Let’s serve our master faithfully!!

John 21:22, “Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” Don’t expect to know what God is doing in someone else’s life!!!

Blanche’s paraphrase:

‘Follow your Lord and don’t sweat the rest”.

Help the weak,

testify to the lost and

stay intimate with YOUR LORD!!!

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #90 Are You A Bully??????

I am sometimes a bit annoyed by all the “bully” emphases that we see and hear. Not because I think bullying is ok, but because I think we may often have an idyllic perspective. Do I manipulate, intimidate or use my position or power to force others to comply with my will? While we all have the right and privilege to hold opinions, and we should feel free to share them at appropriate opportunities, we don’t have the right to violently impose our will on others (I’m not referring to orderly, authoritative, instructional imposition of will for the good of the recipient, or corporal punishment for wrongs committed).  Each person is created in the image of God and can choose what they believe and what they do (understanding that for every choice there is a consequence).

Now that doesn’t make wrong right or vice versa, but let’s share some food for thought. While we as Christians, believers in Jesus Christ, want to share our faith (in fact we are commanded to share the gospel of Jesus), we must understand and know that not all want to hear and we must be prepared for rejection and suffering from the world, for the message we share. People can be mean!

Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”

Proverbs 20:11, “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.”

The heart of man without God is deceitful—young and old. Our confidence must be in God not the ‘goodness’ of man. Bullies have always been, are now and always will be. Until Jesus comes to establish HIS kingdom on this earth and brings this ‘age’ and world to judgment, there will be no ‘bully’less world. But it shouldn’t be true of me/us!!

2 Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

There is a price for following Jesus.

Are you willing to pay it?

By living godly—‘in Christ Jesus’?

It’s what we believers are called to do!

Suffering persecution?

So??? Here’s our shot for today. Do right not wrong. But don’t be surprised by the evil that comes against YOU when you are following Jesus and living a godly life. There will always be bullies but we shouldn’t be one, but rather stand up for the bullied in righteousness!!

1 Thessalonians 5:15, “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”

1 Peter 3:8-10, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:”

Think on these things. Free from evil words, lies and actions!! Living “godly in Christ Jesus”!!!

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #89 Who Are You Voting For??

Well that got your attention!! Really I’m not writing about ‘whom to vote for?’ but rather I’d like to call us to better stewardship of our citizenship.

We worked an election recently and I was saddened that only about 5% of the registered voters showed up to vote. While this doesn’t take into account those who were sick or infirmed, it also doesn’t account for those who have never registered to vote. What does that have to do with anything, you might ask? Well, I think as Christians we have an obligation to participate in the civil process. It’s not only our heritage but also our calling as godly followers of Jesus. We are called to be salt and light in the darkness(See Matt. 5:13+).

Remember, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is  that good men do nothing.” Edmund Burke

Matthew 7:12-14 says, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Not because it’s hidden but because they are drawn by the ‘broad way’.

We are to be lighthouses of righteousness in the darkness. To do the right thing toward others, regardless of the response!! To obey Christ is to treat others rightly. But it doesn’t stop there; we must understand that we will NEVER, yes I said NEVER, be the majority in this world. We who belong to Jesus have entered in at the ‘straight gate’—that only way to God, Jesus per John 14:6—which leads to life!! But what we modern day Christians often forget is that there is the “broad way” that leads to destruction/hell and MANY go that way, while FEW choose the narrow way!!

So???? Here’s our shot for today.

Do your part.

Be a faithful steward on the narrow road–

of our freedoms—

which we can loose–

unless we stand up

and stand fast.

Romans 13:7, “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”

1 Timothy 2:1-4, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” By our living testimony!!

We are to live right to influence the world.

Do your part!!

Leave the consequences to God.

 

Bible Ballistics: Perfection or Perseverance???? Vol. 4 #16

Some of us wrestle with “perfectionism’ and whether or not that is what God is asking of us. As you can see from the definitions below—there is a difference between striving for perfection and perseverance. Perfection is trying to be ‘without fault’ and we all must admit we can’t accomplish that. But God calls us to perseverance—to press on by, with, for and to His glory. Let’s see what we can learn about this from scripture. I would like to simply highlight and briefly comment on the scriptures that God has laid on my heart today. There are a few lengthy passages but let God lead you through His truth today as we seek to know Him through HIS Word!! What are you seeking?

Perfection: “the state of being free from all flaws or defects”

Perseverance: “steadfast in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success”

1 John 1:1-10, “ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that

God is light,

and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

**7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ

his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.**

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

**9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.**

**10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”**

How did this all come about? Through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God, for our SIN—for MY SIN. And His sacrifice enabled the imparting of the indwelling Holy Spirit—the NEW COVENANT!!

Hebrews 8:10, “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord

;** I will put my laws into their mind,

and write them in their hearts:

and I will be to them a God,

and they shall be to me a people:**”

Hebrews 10:16, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord,

I will put my laws into their hearts,

and in their minds will I write them;”

Both of these passages refer back to Jeremiah & Ezekiel, where God made the promise of the ‘New Covenant’, which was the promise not only of the Redeemer, but also of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who would enable us to ‘walk in the Spirit…..not the flesh’

Jeremiah 31:31-24, 33:15, 32:37-40, and Ezekiel 11:19-20

In Acts 1:4-5, Jesus told His disciples to… “Wait for the ‘promise’ “,

“And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”

The New Covenant equates to the indwelling Holy Spirit—He enables us to know God’s Word, His will and His way—every day in all circumstances.

This promise fulfilled by Christ’s work, and the Spirit coming at Pentecost, results in our being able to walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16,18, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

:18, “ But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.”

Galatians 5:24-25, “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Because we have received the Holy Spirit of God/Christ, we are partakers of the New Covenant and He enables us to forsake the flesh and overcome by the Spirit. But we also have a part in victorious living. Paul helps us understand what we are to do, and also to avoid.

2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.“ Feast on the good and avoid the ‘profane’. I don’t need it–neither do you–God said so!!!!

Neither does God leave us guessing about what we are to study and why.

2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.“ (Perfect here meaning mature not flawless)

Study Scripture,

to be instructed,

to grow to maturity—

so that we can yield to God

and His good works

seen through us.

The Psalmist also reveals to us how faithful our God is to meet our needs and grow us into the “image of His Son”. (See Romans 8:28-29)

Psalm 19:9-14, “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

**14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.**”

Psalm 37:23-24, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.”

The decision is yours. Will you depend on God and persevere in HIS power by the cross? Or will you strive to appear to be ‘perfect’ to others—flawless, but lost.

Ephesians 2:13, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

John 3:16-18, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #88 Rivers of Living Water In YOU??

We talked about water on Wednesday and I’d like to continue in that vein of thought. I was reading in Oswald Chamber’s “My Utmost for His Highest” this week, and he referred to a phrase in John caught my eye.

John 7:37-39, “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”

I’ve read this passage numerous times but the Lord brought a new thought to my mind as I read it again. This is not a one time event—I believe and it’s done, but I believe, I believe, I believe!!! –Yesterday (back to the day of my conversion/salvation), today and tomorrow– I BELIEVE!!!

I did—

I do—

I shall!!!

But it doesn’t stop there!! Because I ‘AM’ a believer in my being—I ‘SHALL’ have ‘rivers of living water’ flowing out of me!! By the presence of the precious Holy Spirit that Christ has given us at our salvation, we have HIS water within (the Spirit), and are to let it flow in all we do.

What about you? Do you have Jesus? Have you yielded to His Lordship, and bowed the knee before Him and believed on Him for YOUR salvation? If not—please call on Him today.

“(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” 2 Corinthians 6:2. Today is your day.

If you have Jesus, if you have given Him your life and allegiance, then you have that river within you. Have you dammed it up? Are you keeping the goodness to yourself? Then I have but one thing to say—

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

So?? Here’s our shot for today.

Let the river flow—

Let God spill over in all you do—

Everywhere you go—

All the time!!!