Monthly Archives: April 2020

Fickle Fame–Fickle Followers??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 05

05 Sunday Apr 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Be not conformed to this world, Born Again, Compromise, Cross, Encouragement, Faithfulness, Fickle or Faithful

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 05   Fickle Fame—Fickle Followers???

 

I want to share some food for thought in regard to the “passion” week of our Lord, particularly the four short days between Palm Sunday and the taking of our Lord.

“And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

2 Saying unto them,

Go into the village over against you,

and straightway ye shall find an ass tied,

and a colt with her:

loose them,

and bring them unto me.

3 And if any man say ought unto you,

ye shall say,

The Lord hath need of them;

and straightway he will send them.

4 All this was done,

that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion,

Behold, thy King cometh unto thee,

meek, and sitting upon an ass,

and a colt the foal of an ass.

6 And the disciples went,

and did as Jesus commanded them,

7 And brought the ass,

and the colt,

and put on them their clothes,

and they set him thereon.

8 And a very great multitude

spread their garments in the way;

others

cut down branches from the trees,

and strawed them in the way.

9 And the multitudes

that went before,

and that followed,

cried, saying,

Hosanna to the Son of David:

Blessed is he that cometh

in the name of the Lord;

Hosanna in the highest.

10 And when he was come into Jerusalem,

all the city was moved, saying,

Who is this?

11 And the multitude said,

This is Jesus

the prophet of Nazareth

of Galilee.”  Matthew 21:1-11

Here we have Jesus coming into Jerusalem on this amazing Sunday for, as the Gospels record repeatedly, His “time had come” to be the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin.  As Paul and John each put it, He IS the “propitiation” for our sin!

Propitiation: conciliation; or the means by which atonement or reparation (the making of amends for wrong or injury done) is made—the payment in full for the “wages of sin” which “is death”…

The work that Jesus was going to accomplish at Calvary!

“Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth

to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood,

to declare his righteousness

for the remission of sins

that are past,

through the forbearance

of God;

26 To declare, I say,

at this time

his righteousness:

that he might be just,

and the justifier

of him which believeth

in Jesus.”                     Romans 3:24-26

“My little children,

these things write I unto you,

that ye sin not.

And if any man sin,

we have an advocate with the Father,

Jesus Christ the righteous:

2 And he is the propitiation

for our sins:

and not for ours only,

but also for the sins

of the whole world.”                       1 John 2:1-2

“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.

10 Herein is love,

not that we loved God,

but that he loved us,

and sent his Son to be the propitiation

for our sins.”  1 John 4:9-10

It amazes me that so many today are in the same boat as those people long ago who actually encountered Jesus in person.  Yet we so often become discouraged and distraught when we encounter opposition and flighty people; or we give in to the philosophy of compromise which says we must make the “Gospel” palatable to the masses!  Yet, it seems to me that Jesus was so “unpalatable” to the masses that they killed HIM!  Yet Jesus Himself told us that it would be this way—so, we must choose to follow Him even when we receive fickle responses to our faithfulness to God and His Word, or cave to the demands for compromise on every hand!

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me.

22 If I had not come and spoken unto them,

they had not had sin:

but now they have no cloke

for their sin.

23 He that hateth me

hateth my Father also.”  John 15:17-23

As we look at the account above recording the four days from the “triumphal entry” of Jesus into Jerusalem, how did people change from praising and lauding this very Son of God, to crying “crucify Him…crucify Him”?

“Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

16 And they had then a notable prisoner,

called Barabbas.

17 Therefore when they were gathered together,

Pilate said unto them,

Whom will ye that I release unto you?

Barabbas,

or Jesus

which is called Christ?

18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

19 When he was set down on the judgment seat,

his wife sent unto him, saying,

Have thou nothing to do with that just man:

for I have suffered many things this day

in a dream because of him.

20 But the chief priests and elders

persuaded the multitude

that they should ask Barabbas,

and destroy Jesus.

21 The governor answered and said unto them,

Whether of the twain will ye that I release

unto you?

They said, Barabbas.

22 Pilate saith unto them,

What shall I do then with Jesus

which is called Christ?

They all say unto him,

Let him be crucified.

23 And the governor said,

Why,

what evil hath he done?

 But they cried out the more, saying,

Let him be crucified.

24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing,

but that rather a tumult was made,

he took water,

and washed his hands before the multitude, saying,

I am innocent of the blood

of this just person:

see ye to it.

25 Then answered all the people, and said,

His blood be on us,

and on our children.”   Matthew 27:15-25

So, I challenge each of us to be sure that we are using The Word of God as our standard and not the reactions, polls, and popular opinions of the world.  Many will ‘say’ they are friends of Jesus, but then balk at biblical ‘Christians’, biblical ‘morality’ and the desire to live biblically.  We must be ready to stand on The Word—but to stand on it, we must know it!

“I charge thee therefore

before God,

and the Lord Jesus Christ,

who shall judge the quick and the dead

at his appearing

and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word;

be instant in season,

out of season;

reprove,

rebuke,

exhort

with all longsuffering

and doctrine.

3 For the time will come

when they will not endure sound doctrine;

but after their own lusts

shall they heap to themselves teachers,

having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears

from the truth,

and shall be turned unto fables.”  2 Timothy 4:1-4

The choice is yours and mine; will we speak, preach, teach, share the truth “in season, out of season” as we have opportunity?  Will we hold to “sound doctrine” or compromise truth to popular demand?  Will we be those who change from “hosanna” to “crucify HIM”; or will we “stand fast in the evil day”!  My dear friends—truth is our only hope; and Jesus IS that truth; both the living hope, the written hope and the crucified, buried, and RISEN hope!  The risen Lord who IS OUR HOPE!!!  We ought never to be the “fickle” flock—but those who are faithfully following our Lord and sharing HIS truth, even when our closest family and friends oppose us!

“But speak thou the things

which become sound doctrine:”  Titus 2:1

To God be the glory—great things HE has done, is doing, and will ever do.  Open your ears and eyes and let God use YOU today—YOU may change someone’s life forever!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

which according to his abundant mercy

hath begotten us again unto a lively hope

by the resurrection of Jesus Christ

from the dead,

4 To an inheritance

incorruptible,

and undefiled,

and that fadeth not away,

reserved in heaven for you,

5 Who are kept by the power of God

through faith

unto salvation ready to be revealed

in the last time.”  1 Peter 1:3-5

Keeping Our Eyes On The Prize??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #640

03 Friday Apr 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Confidence, Courage, Praise God Today!, Trials, Trust God, Trusting Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #640 Keeping Our Eyes On The Prize???

 

I would like to share a word of encouragement today for all of us as we continue to watch the world caught up in this pandemic.  Those of us who know Jesus, should have a confidence and peace that will cause others to see our Lord Jesus in us, rather than the worldly chaos that is all around us.  May you take heart in these reminders.

“Brethren, I count not myself

to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth unto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling

of God

in Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 3:13-14

When we recognize our calling to follow Jesus, rather than the call of the world, we will find that we have to “forget” something, and set our sights, if you would, “on things above”!  Remembering that we have a great testimony of the faithful to encourage us!  Not a cheering squad in heaven, but rather, testifiers to the faithfulness of our God.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy

that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand

of the throne of God.”   Hebrews 12:1-2

I encourage you to read through Hebrews chapter 11 for a boost to your faith, hope and confidence in The God Almighty of the universe, and His Son Jesus! Isaiah gave us a picture of God’s faithfulness even when we have great trials surrounding us!  God never said we wouldn’t have trials, or that simply speaking “His Name” would make us immune to the realities of life in a broken world, but  He did promise that He would be there with us, and He would accomplish His purpose in, with, and through us, if we will but trust to HIS perfect will and provision!

“But now thus saith the LORD

that created thee, O Jacob,

and he that formed thee, O Israel,

Fear not:

for I have redeemed thee,

I have called thee by thy name;

thou art mine.

2 When thou passest through the waters,

I will be with thee;

and through the rivers,

they shall not overflow thee:

when thou walkest through the fire,

thou shalt not be burned;

neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

3 For I am the LORD thy God,

the Holy One of Israel,

thy Saviour… ”   Isaiah 43:1-3a

God never said we’d never have difficulties—but He did say we’d never walk through them alone (and Isaiah implies here that these are not things of our own making or presumption).  May these words ring in your heart and mind as you face a broken, sick world that is going crazy around us.

“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.”   Hebrews 13:5-6

May God bless and comfort your heart; and may He also grant you wisdom in your decisions in this difficult time.

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

 

Living In Faith Or Presumption??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #639

01 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by in Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Presumption, Speaking The Truth In Love, The Word Or The World?, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #639 Living In Faith Or Presumption???

 

There are a lot of issues floating around in this time of crises and chaos in our world.  We are seeing emotions flare, ideas in conflict, and opinions flying around in abundance.  I have only a few words to share this morning in this regard.  There are those who are claiming to disregard the requests and orders of government officials stating that they are violating their “rights” and are gathering, flaunting their confidence in “God” to deliver them, or protect them from the virus.  It is polarizing people of faith—that is the issue that I wish to comment on this morning.  Is there a difference between standing in faith in God and acting in presumption toward God?  I believe that Scripture gives us clear guidelines in this regard if we will but let them speak and then heed God’s direction.  I share The Word; you will have to decide for yourself what you will do with it.

With that said, I would like to add that being the church is our call, more so than ‘going’ to church. (And I believe that church attendance is a priority, but it is not the do-all, be-all of deciding how to be an affective witness of God’s truth before a lost and dying world.)

“Let every soul be subject 

unto the higher powers. 

For there is no power 

but of God: 

the powers that be 

are ordained of God. 

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, 

resisteth the ordinance of God: 

and they that resist 

shall receive to themselves damnation. 

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, 

but to the evil. 

Wilt thou then not be afraid 

of the power? 

do that which is good, 

and thou shalt have praise of the same: 

4 For he is the minister of God 

to thee 

for good. 

But if thou do that which is evil, 

be afraid; 

for he beareth not the sword in vain: 

for he is the minister of God, 

a revenger to execute wrath 

upon him that doeth evil. 

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, 

not only for wrath, 

but also for conscience sake. 

6 For for this cause 

pay ye tribute also: 

for they are God’s ministers, 

attending continually 

upon this very thing.

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.

8 Owe no man any thing,

but to love one another:

for he that loveth another

hath fulfilled the law.”   Romans 13:1-8

Paul makes it so clear that we are to be honorable citizens to the government powers and subject ourselves to them (and remember that when Paul wrote the commands above the Roman government was not friendly toward ‘Christians’!) unless the commands directly violate The Word of God!

Jesus Himself gives us the greatest instruction and example in regard to presumption in all of scripture.  I simply ask that you consider what He is saying—and while He was speaking to Satan, He had it recorded for us!  I would encourage you to read the entire passage and consider the three things that Satan tempted Jesus to do; meet His own needs outside of God’s will and timing, to tempt God and His Word; and to worship anyone or anything other than GOD!  And remember, Satan used “The Word” to tempt, but Jesus used “The Word” ‘in context’ to refute him!

“Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city,

and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

6 And saith unto him,

If thou be the Son of God,

cast thyself down:

for it is written,

He shall give his angels

charge concerning thee:

and in their hands

they shall bear thee up,

lest at any time

thou dash thy foot

against a stone.

7 Jesus said unto him,

It is written again,

Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”   Matthew 4:5-7

And just a note, tempting God with His own Word, is still tempting God.  You decide, are you walking and living in faith “IN GOD” (not in your own faith or interpretation of it) or are you being presumptuous toward God, His Will and His Word?  I’m praying that we will hear HIM and not our flesh or the flesh of others!

Amen and Amen!!!