Bible Ballistics: BBs #234 A New Year’s Challenge To Shine!

As we come to the close of the year 2015, I thought it would be a good thing to offer a challenge to each of us as we go into the new year of 2016! It’s a new year, with 366 new days—yes it’s a Leap Year— of new opportunities and new challenges. And may we remember that for each day, God’s grace is sufficient.

“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.” Matthew 6:34

We are to focus on “TODAY” because it’s all we have. There is evil all around us and it flourishes all by itself, we don’t have to seek it or contribute to it, for it will be there in our face. But on the other hand we’re not to run from the conflict either, we are called to seek God’s face and His kingdom at every turn with each new day, not to be distracted by the pressures or temptations of the world:

“(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:32-33

God has promised in so many places to care for His own, and HE always keeps His promises, even though we often don’t. We serve the God who is working through our trials and circumstances to reveal and manifest Himself to us and to the world, which is watching us every day.

Paul, when faced with a difficult trial/infirmity that caused him great consternation, prayed and asked God specifically to remove the trial from him on three separate and specific occasions, and God’s answer gives us great insight into the motives and principles of God—God is more concerned about my holiness, and likeness to Jesus than my comfort and pleasure:

“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Because of Christ’s strength given to me through the Holy Spirit, I can also say with Paul, “I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me”; because it’s Him at work in me, HIS power that sustains, NOT mine, so I also can “take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake….” Take pleasure? Really? You’re kidding? Not in the least, Paul is reminding us that we are living as pilgrims in this fallen world, and that what God is doing isn’t always easy, pleasant or even recognizable as “good” to the world, but we can know that while we march to a ‘different drummer’, we can march on knowing our God is always at work in us.

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”  Romans 8:26-27

Because God’s Spirit is within us, and working in us, making intercession for us in all things (good and bad, simple and difficult, now and later) we can rest assured of His ability to not only “KNOW” what’s going on, but to also “KNOW” what He is doing, when it needs to be done, and that He is allowing each and every particular thing in our lives for a reason! And that reason?

“28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28-29

God is working “all things” for our good, for His glory, for the promulgation (Yes, go look it up) of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and conforming us to the likeness of Jesus. Our part is to “stand” strong in Him and “shine” for Jesus. I’d like to close with a familiar passage, but with a twist. In Ephesians 6 we are called to be “strong” and to “stand”, but I’d like to take the liberty of calling us to see the word “stand” as the word “shine”, and examine our own lives to see what we are “shining” forth to the world? Jesus or something else?

“Finally, my brethren, be strong (to shine) in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand (shine) against the wiles of the devil. 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. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand (shine on) in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (keep shining). 14 Stand (shine) therefore,

having your loins girt about with truth,

and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able to quench

all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer and supplication

in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;” Ephesians 6:10-18

So, my challenge to each of us is that we will ‘stand’ and ‘shine’ for Jesus—the only way to God—with our armor on each and every day, so we can ‘stand’ and ‘shine’ with:

Truth—a life Transformed by The Truth on a Cross!

Righteousness—a life Reflecting Redemption!

Peace—a life Profuse with His very Presence!

Faith—a life Fastened to the Only sure Foundation!

Salvation—a life of Service to and for the Savior!

Word of God—a life of Worth reflecting His Word to a

  lost and dying World!

As you reflect on the past year, fix your eyes on Jesus to prepare for tomorrow. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with each of you in the coming year!

Due to the winter storm and Internet service being “iced” down already there will be no Bible Ballistics post today. 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #233   Even A Child Is Known!!!

Merry Christmas—He came for YOU!!!

“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his

work be pure, and whether it be right.”    Proverbs 20:11

Proverbs declares to us than even “a child” is known by what he does—his behavior. And Jesus Christ was no different, when he came to be the “Redeemer” of the world. He came to save all who would believe in Him:

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

And only Jesus could and did bring deliverance to mankind—to all who would believe in His atoning, substitutionary sacrifice for mankind’s sin! Praise God HE came because He loves us, because the Father God of all creation loves us.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 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.” John 3:14-18

Jesus came for YOU—that you and I might have eternal life!!! And Jesus the real, flesh and blood, Savior of the world lived a sinless life in this world, to go and pay a price for sin He had NOT committed, but you and I had. He paid the price HE didn’t owe, because YOU and I owed a debt we couldn’t pay apart from His provision. Praise God for His mercy and grace. All because of a “child” who was know for His doings.

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Acts 10:38

And this child, became a man, lived a pure and sinless life, was taken prisoner, was beaten, mocked and ridiculed before being crucified on that cruel, heartless cross—all because His heart was set on delivering you and me. Do you know that love? He came for YOU!!! Jesus emptied Himself willingly to make a way for you and I to have eternal life, to know the God who loves us and to spend eternity in heaven with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit—the triune God. HE LOVES YOU. How much? Paul paints a great picture of how much Jesus really cared for us.

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who,

being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 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.”     Philippians 2:5-11

So as I wish you a most glorious and merry Christmas today, I simply have one question for you—Have you bowed before HIM? The question is not “will you bow”, for God tells us that “every knee” will bow!!! The question is simply will you bow before Him now as your Lord and Savior, or will you bow before HIM on that day when He judges all men as the “judge”, with no further opportunity for salvation? The choice is yours; please choose wisely—it’s of eternal importance to you and those you love, those who are following your example.

Merry Christmas from all of the Brittains in our house, to each and every one of you on this glorious CHRISTmas day!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #232   You Shall Call His Name Jesus!!!

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

He will “shall save his people from their sins”! Notice, He saves us “from” our sins—not “IN” our sins! We live in a culture, even a Christian culture, that implies, if not outright declaring, that you can be right with God and live your own way. NOT!!! Scripture clearly tells us that belonging to Jesus is NOT simply a matter of “speaking” His name and claiming to have “fire insurance”, but a real, genuine and evident regeneration–a change of “heart”– that will be indicated by a changed and regenerated life.

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers

of the inheritance

of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom

of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”   Colossians 1:12-14

God does a work in our hearts and lives within, He:

Delivers us from “darkness”–

Transfers us “INTO” Jesus’ kingdom—

Redeems us through Jesus’ blood—

Forgives our sins through that same blood!

Our sins are “forgiven”, which not only means they are not counted against us, but also implies that they have been replaced by something else, we are given a new power to overcome the draw of sin in our lives. How? By the work of God’s substitutionary sacrifice of His own SON, for my sin, and the working of His Holy Spirit within me, applying and working the righteousness of Jesus into me and you who believe in and receive the gift of God—the gift of the Holy, Son of God. This Jesus, who was God, is God and ever shall be GOD!

“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

10 And ye are complete in him,

which is the head of all principality and power:

11 In whom also ye are circumcised

with the circumcision

made without hands,

in putting off the body of the sins

of the flesh

by the circumcision of Christ:

12 Buried with him in baptism,

wherein also ye are risen

with him

through the faith

of the operation of God,

who hath raised him from the dead.

13 And you,

being dead in your sins

and the uncircumcision of your flesh,

(what we WERE—DEAD IN SIN)

hath he quickened

together with him,

having forgiven you all trespasses;

14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances

that was against us,

which was contrary to us,

and took it out of the way,

nailing it to his cross;

(what we ARE—Alive, forgiven, overcomers by the blood)

15 And having spoiled principalities

and powers,

he made a shew of them openly,

triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:9-15

We have victory in JESUS, because HE saves people “from their sins”—we are enabled through the blood of Jesus, to overcome the power of the enemy because we have received the “righteousness” of Jesus.

“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.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

It’s all about Jesus and what HE did in coming as a babe, in living a holy life without sin, in giving Himself as “MY” sacrifice on the cross. And His sinless, substitutionary death, gives “righteousness” in exchange for sinfulness to all who will trust in HIM. We no longer have to walk in the world’s sinful ways when we die to sin and live through Jesus.

“I am crucified with Christ:”–dead to self & the flesh

nevertheless I live;”–alive IN Jesus

yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:”–Jesus lives IN me

and the life which I now live in the flesh”—I live life

I live by the faith of the Son of God,”–I live by FAITH

who loved me,”–because His love is now IN me

and gave himself for me.”—because He DIED for me   Galatians 2:20

We must come back to biblical Christianity—new life in Christ—not a watered down imitation “faith” that has no power because God’s NOT in it: Because Jesus is NOT in it. Only Jesus can give new life, and when HE does it’s real and it’s evident—in varying degrees, yes—but it’s evident. James makes it clear that genuine faith is expressed and seen by a “living” faith not by empty, dead words:

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:17-20 (vain man=empty, not real)

We have something the world can’t give, and that’s peace with God (as well as the “peace of God“) and the “love of God” (not my love “for” God, but the love from God put in me by His Holy Spirit)! And that’s something that the world doesn’t have and can’t give—only Jesus can and He will, just ask HIM!!!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also

we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad

in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.”    Romans 5:1-5

So, my question for us today is, “Have you been “saved” from your sins?” Or are you still living in your own way and in your own sin, and just trying to tack the ‘name of Jesus’ onto your own way? It’s a hard question, but one of eternal import. I pray that you will make sure of your standing with God today by bowing before HIM and seeking His face and His wisdom. If you truly ask HIM, He will reveal Himself to YOU!!!  May you truly know the “Christ” of CHRISTmas!

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

He came for YOU!!!

Bible Ballistics: A Collector Or A Connoisseur??? Vol. 7#05

Just a brief word today, a break from our usual long articles on Sunday. I just wanted to call us to take a look at our hearts at this time of year when everyone is looking at “stuff”!!! My question is simply are you a “collector” or a “connoisseur”?

Connoisseur: An expert judge in matters of taste, origin from an obsolete French “conoistre”, meaning to “KNOW”.

Collector: A person who collects things of a specified type.

What I’m asking today is are we those who “collect” things (of any type—just to have those things), or are we the one who “knows” what is ‘real’ good taste? Are we just gathering stuff, or are we growing into productive children of God, who know the real values in this life?

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night;

in the which the heavens shall pass away

with a great noise,

and the elements shall melt with fervent heat,

the earth also and the works that are therein

shall be burned up.  

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved,

what manner of persons ought ye to be

in all holy conversation

and godliness,

12 Looking for

and hasting

unto the coming of the day of God,

wherein the heavens

being on fire shall be dissolved,

and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

13 Nevertheless we,

according to his promise,

look for new heavens

and a new earth,

wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved,

seeing that ye look for such things,

be diligent

that ye may be found of him

in peace,

without spot,

and blameless.” 2 Peter 2:10-14

Peter, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (see 2 Peter 1:20-21) reminds us that this world is temporal! Temporal: Related to worldly as opposed to spiritual affairs; secular. In other words—TEMPORARY—not lasting.

We, who follow Jesus, serve the creator of the universe, who came to die for our redemption, and HE is coming again, and when He returns He will make all things new! And since this temporal world will pass away, we should keep our focus on the eternal. And that my friends, is a hard thing to do consistently, because the pull of the world and all it’s glitter is ever tugging at our hearts and minds. What we see, hear, and deal with on a daily basis, constantly calls us from the really important things of life but Jesus calls us to:

“…..take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek🙂 for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 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.” Matthew 6:31-34

While the world is racing after “more”, “bigger”, “better”, “faster”, “smarter”, we are called to continually seek “the kingdom of God, and his righteousness”!!! To do things God’s way—not the world’s! Knowing that God has our best interest, our spiritual growth and our value to the Kingdom in mind, not the latest “gizmo” that ‘everyone else’ is chasing after today, but will be forgotten tomorrow.

It seems amazing that we are so easily distracted, but then I am reminded that we have been conditioned to “keep up with the Joneses” by the advertising gurus! So who are you trying to keep up with? Are you “collecting” more stuff, or learning to “know” God more and choosing the things that please Him?

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:25 (also 14:12 )

“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.” Matthew 7:13-14

Do we “know” that one right way? The narrow way? Are we going that way? Or are we being sucked into the “broad” way and “UN”knowingly, heading for destruction? We need to choose wisely, as Joshua long ago called Israel to do:

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

We must choose which way we are going to walk (and in reality we’re always choosing—whether rightly or wrongly)! The times are evil, and the enemy is busy about his business; but what about us? What are we busy about? Are we seeking God in all our ways; becoming “connoisseurs” or settling to be “collectors” of stuff that will perish in the end. Only one choice will last for eternity. Don’t let the glitter of any “season” fool you into missing the only “right” choice!!!

And I’d like to close with some words of our Lord Jesus, who calls us again and again to keep our priorities straight:

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,

where moth and rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.”    Matthew 6:19-21

Only you can decide! Only you can make the choice to be either a “collector” or a “connoisseur”! Stuff, or true knowledge and “taste”–yes it’s an earthly choice, but a choice with eternal consequences. Maybe you need to “Have A Little Talk With Jesus”!

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 He’s waiting for YOU!