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, 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd 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”!!!

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 7 No. 18 What’s Your Answer???

I’d like to take some time today to deal with a topic that is dear to my heart, the Word of God. Because it is in the Word of God that we find the wisdom, grace and truth that we need to live and walk confidently before our God, and before a lost and dying world. We must remember that we are in enemy territory—the enemy of our souls; the enemy of mankind—and we will encounter opposition. Almost the entire book of 1 Peter deals with believers’ suffering for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and my friends it’s where we also are living.

If you haven’t noticed, we who are living out our Biblical faith in the world today, are encountering opposition, ridicule and even outright suffering for that faith, and we must prepare ourselves for the increase of this kind of response in our culture. We are living in a time when Biblical Faith is in 180-degree opposition to the trends and direction in which our American culture (and the world) is heading. We have opportunities to make a difference, but to do that we must, I repeat, we must, equip ourselves with the Word of God in order to be able to “give an answer”—the right answer—for what we believe and why. We are “hate mongers” as some accuse us, because we know that truth is truth no matter whether people want to hear it or not. We must understand that the world is headed to “hell in a hand basket”, and if we don’t warn them, then we stand remiss before God. We must share the “Good News”, but in order to do that we must also share the “bad news”– that the “wages of sin is death”—and not only is sin deadly, but hell is hot and eternity is long. Yet there is ONE way (and only ONE way) to avoid hell, and that is through the substitutionary, atoning payment for sin that Jesus Christ made at the cross. As Peter reminds us:

“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake,

happy are ye:

and be not afraid of their terror,

neither be troubled;

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:

and be ready always

to give an answer

to every man that asketh you

a reason of the hope that is in you

with meekness and fear:”    1 Peter 3:14-15

A “reason of the hope that is in you”—that is our call, our goal, our passion. We are to share the hope that is “in you”, yet we can’t share what’s “IN” us, unless Christ IS “IN” us!!! He is our hope both now and in eternity—the ONLY hope for all mankind. We can’t give an answer unless we know the answer, and Jesus is the answer to every question!!! But if I’m not His, and He’s not “IN” me, and I’m not “IN” His Word—then my answers may be askew. Do you have the right answer? Do you know Jesus, who is the answer? Is He in YOU?

“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 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:

28 Whom we preach,

warning every man,

and teaching every man in all wisdom;

that we may present every man perfect

in Christ Jesus:

29 Whereunto I also labour,

striving according to his working,

which worketh in me mightily.”     Colossians 1:25-29

Our confidence IS “Christ in you, the hope of glory”—it’s what God does in and through us when we receive Jesus Christ and His saving work in our hearts and lives; and when we know the truth we have the opportunity to warn men of the coming judgment and the deliverance and salvation available in Jesus, only Jesus. As Jesus proclaimed in Revelation 3:20:

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

When we hear the voice of the One who died for our salvation, and open the door to Him, HE WILL come in and abide with us. And having Jesus abiding with us, and abiding in and with Him is “priceless”, learning that it’s all about HIM, and not about us. We come to know that we are “striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily”!!! It’s Him mightily working in us! You see Paul isn’t talking about “his” own mighty work, but about “God’s” mighty work in and through him. And that’s what God wants to do through you and me, if we’ll but trust in His power, and walk in His truth and grace continually.

Are we willing to pay the “price” no matter what God asks us to do, no matter whether it’s big or small in the world’s eyes. God wants us to recognize that HE is the power, and when we are yielded to Him, we can do HIS work mightily, but the price may include opposition and persecution. Yet we will never walk through anything alone. Our confidence is in our God, not our circumstances. How much confidence do you have in God? Have you been in the “Word” enough to know that you know, that you know? Only familiarity with the Word and its author will build that kind of confidence!! I’ve got to tell you, I trust Him, yet with the unsure father who answered Jesus question about his faith, I also have to ask God to help me:

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Mark 9:23-24

Oh, that we could understand that Jesus is ready, willing and able to “help thou mine unbelief”!!! Jesus is faithful to display His power and grace in our lives, even as we face our limitations, because HE knows our needs and our shortcomings, and He has promised that we’ll never walk alone!

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. 8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:5-8

Praise God that we have the ultimate assurance and confidence– “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”! We can take confidence in HIS Sovereign control in all things, especially in our personal life!!! No matter our circumstances, we can walk in confidence even when suffering or persecutions come our way. And my dear friends, if Jesus Christ delays His return we will see more and more suffering and persecution. What will you do when what we believe to be truly “Biblical” faith and practice is against the law? Endure or fold?

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if,

when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self

bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd and Bishop

of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:19-25

 

The example of our Lord Jesus Christ is the key to confidence. As He endured all that He went through for us, knowing that God was in charge; so we can do as He did, and commit ourselves “to him that judgeth righteously”! We can trust that God is at work on our behalf—conforming us into the image of the Son.

“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.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him

also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing

to the charge of God’s elect?

It is God that justifieth.” Romans 8:28-33

So just a word of encouragement for your week, may you rest in Jesus and trust all your difficulties to HIM and His grace, His power and His Word! After all:

“If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Remember, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

Bible Ballistics: BBs #261      I Can Because He Did!!!

 

“Not that I speak in respect of want:

for I have learned,

in whatsoever state I am,

therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

and in all things

I am instructed

both to be full

and to be hungry,

both to abound

and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:11-13

We often hear this verse used to claim “God’s” power to do things; yet often times it is taken out of context to re-enforce a mindset of the “prosperity” teaching which is very presumptuous on God. When we observe this verse in it’s context, we find that Paul is talking about “contentment” with our circumstances—we can trust our past, present and future to our sovereign God. Paul is calling us to learn trust and contentment in God’s sovereign control of our lives, to know and rest in the assurance that whether we are abased or abounding, we can trust it all to our God. Whether we are hungry or full, we can trust that to our God as well, and because our God is trustworthy “I can do all things through Christ”, because Jesus has provided all that we need:

“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: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4

We are saved to thrive in God’s Spirit, power and grace. We are enabled by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, to be all that God has purposed for us—we can do “all” things that HE calls, equips and leads us to do!!! Remember Jesus’ model prayer, “THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE”? We are to seek God’s will and God’s work, not our own comfort, ease and indulgence!!! Jesus said:

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10b

I can do “all”, because He has done “all” that is demanded of our Holy God to provide “peace” with 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.” Romans 5:1-2

We can rejoice in the Lord who saves, transforms and empowers us to accomplish HIS purposes in our life. Every-day, simple folks like you and me—no “star” power required except to be born again– who belong to Jesus and are “in” Him! Made a new creation—a redeemed creation–because Christ was willing to take our place on the cross!

“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

Because of what Jesus’ sacrifice did–HE took my place– I can reflect HIS righteousness to a world full of darkness and corruption; reflecting HIS work because He makes me/you a “NEW” creation, in which His Spirit dwells !!!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Galatians 6:15

So “I can do all things through Christ” because Christ knowingly, willingly gave HIMSELF for YOU and ME!!! Won’t you take Him at His word? He died for you, that you could have an abundant life—trust Him today. If you know Him, go for it—do all that HE is calling YOU to do, in and through Him! After all, He gave HIS all for YOU!

“I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling,

and not the shepherd,

whose own the sheep are not,

seeth the wolf coming,

and leaveth the sheep,

and fleeth:

and the wolf catcheth them,

and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth,

because he is an hireling,

and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd,

and know my sheep,

and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me,

even so know I the Father:

and I lay down my life for the sheep.”    John 10:11-15