Bible Ballistics: BBs #262 All Because He Lives!!!
The Apostle John wrote much of the New Testament. He was led to write the Gospel of John, 1st, 2nd and 3rd John, and the culminating work of the entire book—THE Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s important to note that “The Revelation” is not the “revelationS”, for the subject of the book, the prime and over-riding purpose in its entirety is ALL about JESUS, and His coming in glory. And He is coming in glory to accomplish His purpose and judge those who have stood against HIM. It’s all about Jesus—past, present and future!!! And, interestingly, all of scripture is about Jesus—from Genesis (which literally means the book of beginnings) to the culmination of all history in The Book of The Revelation. It’s all been written to reveal God and His plan of salvation—Jesus, and He is alive!!!
I’d like us to look at John’s message to believers in his first letter, and it’s message, which we should to take to heart today. We are watching scenes of God’s plan for the ages unfold before us, yet many are un-expectant and unprepared for the troubles that are coming in these last days. And things could become very intense, and difficult for genuine “Bible believing” Christians; those of us who take God at His Word, and hold to a biblical standard of life, faith, practice, and morality. Perilous times are here! Now!
“Marvel not, my brethren,
if the world hate you.
14 We know that we have passed
from death
unto life,
because we love the brethren.
He that loveth not his brother
abideth in death.
15 Whosoever hateth his brother
is a murderer:
and ye know that no murderer
hath eternal life abiding in him.
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God,
because he laid down his life for us:
and we ought to lay down our lives
for the brethren.
17 But whoso hath this world’s good,
and seeth his brother have need,
and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him,
how dwelleth the love of God
in him?
18 My little children,
let us not love in word,
neither in tongue;
but in deed
and in truth.
19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth,
and shall assure our hearts before him.” 1 John 3:13-19
What is John telling us? I think it is simple to receive (though not always easy to live out!) yet we must not only hear what he is saying but also apply it to our “living” each and every day. How do we do that? Only by walking and living in the Holy Spirit’s power and direction in our hearts and lives every moment of every day.
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…….. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:16 & 25-26
Paul, along with John, calls us to walk in the Spirit, “if” we live in the Spirit; that is, if we have been born again of that very Spirit of God. And we can know that we are HIS by the “love” (from the Spirit) that is displayed in our lives, because it is only the love of God that can produce that kind of living. It is the ‘love from God’, which we receive when we are born of the Spirit, saved from our sin by the blood of the Lamb, forgiven, redeemed and transformed!
“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.” Romans 5:1-5
Oh, the beauty of the intertwining of scripture!!! John tells us that the “love of God” exhibited in us, is the evidence of true salvation. And that evidence will provoke the world to hate us, just at it did our Lord and Master, Jesus! But through all of the trials, persecutions, difficulties and hatred, Jesus and His Father are working through us to glorify Himself, to grow our faith and usefulness and display HIS love for others through our love for them. And only by HIS Spirit can we do these things. For HE lives in HIS own, and because HE IS ALIVE we can know HIM and share His Love with the world. “ALL BECAUSE HE LIVES”!!!
