Bible Ballistics: Vol. 8 No.16 What Is That I Hear???

 

We live in a world with many voices screaming around us. Some are screaming louder than others, but all calling for our attention, time and devotion. What are we to do about these voices? Are we to heed every voice, turn them all off, or is there some other solution that we need to seek and understand. I believe that one thing which must be done, is to recognize that as believers in Jesus Christ The Lord, we must understand that we are marching to a different drummer; and that there are now, have always been, and will continue to be ‘other’ drummers vying for our attention. The Apostle John spoke the truth about this issue, and we need to learn and take it to heart, especially in these chaotic times about us.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit,

but try the spirits

whether they are of God:

because many false prophets

are gone out into the world.

2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God:

Every spirit that confesseth

that Jesus Christ is come

in the flesh

is of God:

3 And every spirit that confesseth not

that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh

is not of God:

and this is that spirit of antichrist,

whereof ye have heard

that it should come;

and even now

already

is it in the world.”    1 John 4:1-3

John clearly warns us that there are other “spirits” (voices) at work in this world, and not all of them are the “Holy Spirit”—in fact only ONE is the Holy Spirit of Jesus! We must be apprised of the fact that not everything that “quakes” like a duck, and “waddles” like a duck IS a duck! There are false spirits, false preachers, false teachers and false leaders who are constantly working to lead people away from the truth with pleasant sounding platitudes that are in reality half truths wrapped around lies. Jesus described them a little differently.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Matthew 7:15

We MUST know truth so that we can recognize it and discern the real from the false/fake. We must learn to recognize the “wolves” and avoid the pitfalls they lay out for us. John tells us that anything or anyone who refuses to confess (agree whole-heartedly with God) that Jesus Christ is God come in the flesh– to save mankind, to redeem those who will come to Him through His precious blood–are not simply “nice” people with whom we disagree, (And some of them can be very ‘nice’) but are people diametrically opposed to God because they are opposed to the “Son of God” Himself, Jesus Christ! They are, as John says, ‘anti’ Christs, not “The Anti-Christ” of Revelation 13 (and other passages), but they are those who live and function in the “spirit” of “anti” Christ—denying that Jesus possessed complete deity and yet was fully human, and come to pay for our sin on the cross. There is no middle ground, you are either for Him or against Him, you believe “truth” or you believe a “lie”. And what you believe, you believe in your heart, and it will come out in your/our actions. And all choices have consequences—some choices have eternal consequences, set by your choice to “believe in” or “reject” Jesus! (And by belief I am not talking about “mental assent” to His existence, but a recognition of personal sin, repentance of the same and faith in the life-changing salvation and new birth which Jesus died to give.) Jesus made this truth abundantly clear as He was talking to Nicodemus in John 3.

“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.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds

were evil.”    John 3:16-19

So what are our options? To believe or not to believe in who Jesus is, and what He has done—died to redeem those who will come to Him trusting HIM to deliver from sin (See Matt. 1:21)! Not to choose is to choose—it is choosing to remain under the condemnation of the penalty of sin. But today you can trust Jesus and receive the “forgiveness of sins” and “eternal life” “through him”!

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe

on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”     John 1:11-13

Jesus came to redeem, and all of mankind who will hear the voice of God and receive Him can be “saved” from the condemnation and penalty of sin—HELL! But God initiates Salvation, not us; it is only when God speaks to our hearts that we can even realize that we have sinned and that God has provided a Savior (Matt. 1:21). Salvation is all of God—we simply respond in faith to His call—but we must hear His Spirit’s message and call to our hearts and receive by faith what Jesus has already accomplished at Calvary!!!

“But as it is written,

Eye hath not seen,

nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart of man,

the things

which God hath prepared

for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them

unto us

by his Spirit:

for the Spirit searcheth all things,

yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man,

save the spirit of man which is in him?

even so the things of God knoweth no man,

but the Spirit of God.

12 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.”    1 Corinthians 2:9-14

The things of God are “spiritually discerned”, meaning that only the mind willing to hear the Holy Spirit’s convicting voice will respond in faith to the message. We don’t choose God, but He chooses us, and by His grace we are saved. The same God who chooses us also declares, “whosoever will may come”. And while in our finite mind, we can’t rectify those two things (predestination and free will); God in His infinite wisdom, grace and mercy means both!!! God wants all men to come, but He won’t force anyone to believe!

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

God desires for all to come, but He created man in His own image, with a free will and the right and privilege to choose. He gave Adam and Eve the right to choose and they cast us all into the “sin bin”, so to speak. And in the same way, our choices also affect those who come after us—what will you choose? What have you chosen? Who is following in your steps? Have you received the grace and mercy that comes through the “blood of Jesus, which cleanses us from all sin”? Or are you still waiting for some “better time”? Delay is choosing against God—not one of us is guaranteed another tomorrow. Will you be like King Agrippa, or will you believe?

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” Acts 26:28-29

And while we see the unwillingness of Agrippa to believe in Jesus, don’t miss the awesome compassion of Paul. He could have said, “Hey, Agrippa, I can change the message, if it would make it easier for you!” He could have said, “Hey, Agrippa, I can change the message if you’ll simply let me out of prison!” But what Paul said is amazing in response to the “Almost Persuaded” (I think that would make a great song!—oh maybe there already is a song like that–J!). Paul responded with a compassion that felt the need for the salvation of the lost far more than his own physical freedom!!! What would we have asked for? How often do we compromise the message to convince someone to “join” us? It’s Jesus they need to “join” NOT us! Paul desired the salvation of all those who heard his message, that they would hear and receive the truth about Jesus as he had!

“….Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.”

Oh that we could see others in that light; that we could remember that the Creator of all gave Himself on the cross for our/my salvation. What are we willing to give to and for Him? What is He asking us to do that is worthy of anything near what He has done for us? God did it all for me! He delivers us from darkness and brings us into HIS light!!! Jesus IS that light!

“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 1:13-14

Jesus taught that salvation was of God NOT man. The religious leaders found this offensive as they assumed that they had God’s blessing because they were righteous on their own terms. God says something different.

“What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.” Romans 3:9-11

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;

24 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 3:23-16

And why is this so “all” important? Because my friends, there is a day coming when “every knee shall bow” before the Lord Jesus Christ. Either before their own personal Lord, Savior and King, or before the one they rejected, who will then be recognized for who He is—the King—their Judge, with no more opportunity for salvation and redemption—just judgment of all who will not believe! 

“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,” 2 Peter 3:9-11

So, the question we must deal with today is, “Have you heard that voice?” and if you have heard the voice of God’s Spirit speaking to your heart, what have you done in response? Which voices are you heeding? Only ONE voice will bring you to eternal life!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.” John 14:6

“No man can come to me,

except the Father

which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.” John 6:44

“And he said,

Therefore said I unto you,

that no man can come unto me,

except it were given unto him

of my Father.” John 6:65

When we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives, we also receive the Holy Spirit who will lead us into all truth!!! We can know truth—the Person and the “facts”.

“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.)” John 7:38-39

Jesus IS GOD, and He promised us that His Spirit would lead us into all truth so that we can rest in who HE is, and know what He wants us to do, in any given situation, by listening to and heeding HIS Spirit’s working within us.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:1-5

Yet we must remember that when we shine the light of The Lord Jesus Christ and His Word to the world, it will not always (in fact seldom) be received well. That’s one reason that John reminded us that “the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not”! Even Jesus, who IS light, who IS truth, who IS God, was rejected because of His message; and He told us not to be surprised when the world treated us just like it treated Him.

“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 cloak for their sin.

23 He that hateth me

hateth my Father also.

24 If I had not done among them the works

which none other man did,

they had not had sin:

but now have they both seen

and hated both me

and my Father.

25 But this cometh to pass,

that the word might be fulfilled

that is written in their law,

They hated me without a cause.

26 But when the Comforter is come,

whom I will send unto you

from the Father,

even the Spirit of truth,

which proceedeth from the Father,

he shall testify of me:

27 And ye also shall bear witness,

because ye have been with me

from the beginning.” John 15:17-27

Are you being ridiculed for you faith? Are you being laughed at because you won’t compromise the Word of God? Are you not welcome to some places, by some people because you speak the truth? Are you worried that you are “unpopular” because of your belief in Jesus, and/or your holy walk of obedience to “scripture”? Well, my friends don’t worry—they hated Jesus and He was the perfect, sinless Son of God and they crucified Him!!! You press on with that “biblical” walk and remember that the Holy Spirit is walking with you. You may be marching to a different “drummer”, but you’re never marching 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.”    Hebrews 13:5-6

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

“And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless:

I will come to you.” John 14:16-18

So keep on marching, dear friend. We win!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #301 What Footprints Are You Leaving?

 

We often talk about the “Armor of God” as scripture tells us to put on, and this morning as I was praying about what to share with you (As well as praying on my own “Armor of God”), I was drawn to the “Gospel of Peace” in which we are to walk along this Christian journey! I also thought about the uniqueness of this armor—the first three pieces of armor represent what we “receive” IN Jesus when we are born again; while the second three pieces can represent what we are to do IN and through the power of Jesus that we receive by the Holy Spirit. And of course all of the armor is made more effective by the seventh piece—PRAYER!

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand 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…..”   Ephesians 6:13-18a

Not to diminish the import of the first two pieces of armor, I want to focus on the third, the “preparation of the gospel of peace” which is to be our footwear. Why is that important? I think part of the importance of this piece of the armor is not only that it protects our feet as we walk, but it is also to be the “mark” of our journey. What do I mean? I mean, as we walk through this life as a follower of Jesus Christ and a believer in His death, burial and resurrection for our sins, we are to leave “footprints” of “Good News”! The Good News of the Gospel of peace. What peace are we talking about? Let’s allow scripture to answer that question, and Romans chapter 5 gives us great insight.

“Therefore

being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:”    Romans 5:1

But why do we need to “have peace with God”? We aren’t His enemy are we? Well, since you asked, yes we are. Because of Eve’s and Adam’s ‘sin’, man became alienated from God—the personal relationship and fellowship that they had experienced with God before ‘sin’, died! They were now alienated from the God who created them (And that is one reason it is important that we believe the first 11 chapters of the Bible—if those chapters aren’t true, then there is no creator, there was no “Adam and Eve”, there was no sin, and we don’t need a Savior!), Yet God didn’t leave them without a remedy. God loved them and told them that He had already made provision for their restoration and redemption back into His favor. They could once again have an intimate relationship with God because He would provide ONE to save and deliver them. One who would make the way for them to be at peace with God once again; and Paul goes on in Romans 5 to describe this redemption, this Gospel of ‘peace’!

While this is a rather lengthy passage, I think it is well worth our consideration as it can help us to see what a great gift God provided for us IN Jesus Christ our Lord! And when we have “peace with God”, how could we not leave footprints of this “Good News” everywhere we go? We shouldn’t (You know, we should not, not, pun intended!!!)!

“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.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love

toward us,

in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified

by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved

by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we

have now received

the atonement.”    Romans 5:2-11

How can that NOT be Good News? Yet if it is such good, good news, why would we keep it to ourselves? Why would we not take the truth of the salvation that Jesus provides to those who will believe, everywhere we go? And just as importantly, shouldn’t our lives leave “footprints” of His glory, love and sacrifice for the world? If someone were following my footprints, where would they end up? Am I leading people to Jesus or somewhere else? Are my footprints a reflection of the Lord Jesus Christ I claim to serve, or do they reflect worldliness rather than Jesus?

I think back to the old western movies, and the “trackers” who could follow the “footprints” of the horses and apprehend the “bad guys”. I think our ‘footprints’ should lead others to desire to apprehend the Savior who died for them. Are we leaving “beautiful” footprints for others?

“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15b

Bible Ballistics: BBs #300 Where Ever HE Leads, I’ll Go???

 

I can’t believe it’s been four years since I started writing Bible Ballistics, and about three years since I added the “BBs” to the venue. It has been amazing to see God minister to others, as well as myself, as He works in our hearts through The Word. I also want to thank each of you for your encouragement (especially in the early days), your input, your ideas and suggestions for improving the presentation and format of this ministry. I look forward to ministering to all those who God will send our way as we share The Word (The person of Jesus as well as the written Word) in the power of His grace, His truth and His Spirit!!!

“Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:104-105

But God’s Word can only be a “lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” when we open it and read it. And as we read it continually, and study it’s truths it will become a part of us, bringing a growing confidence in God, and strengthening us to stand against the attacks of the enemies of God. And if you remember, our only offensive weapon in the “armor of God” is the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”! And in preparation for each day:

“Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

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

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins girt about with truth,”    Ephesians 6:11-14a

And my dear friends, it IS “the evil day”!!! We are facing evil on every hand and our overcoming power is found only in The Lord Jesus Christ! And as we overcome we are able to affect the world around us. We are able to be a reflection of Jesus to the world! We, as the children of God, are called to be light and salt to this corrupt and dark world—where ever HE leads us to go, whatever HE leads us to do, whether HE calls us to stop, go, speak or act. Are you available? As the old adage says, “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called!” And that is so true—if we will simply abide in Jesus then He will provide the strength, wisdom and courage we need to press on, and stand fast. But we must let go of what we are clinging to, and instead cling to the Savior and His cross (See John 15:1-5), and ‘press on’!

“Not as though I had already attained,

either were already perfect:

but I follow after,

if that I may apprehend that

for which also I am apprehended

of Christ Jesus.

13 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.

15 Let us therefore,

as many as be perfect,

be thus minded:

and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded,

God shall reveal even this

unto you.”      Philippians 3:12-15

Paul tells us that if we desire to be “perfect” (which means mature, not ‘sinless perfection’), we must forget our past weakness, failures and fears, and look to Jesus Christ as we walk forward in HIS power, by HIS Spirit. We are called to press on, to be mature and know that if we will but listen to the promptings of His Holy Spirit, we can know the way to go (See Is. 30:21). So suit up, forget the past, and press on toward the prize—Jesus!!! And Jesus hasn’t left us alone:

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.” John 14:25-27

So where ever you are in life—

Young or old—

Affluent, poor or middle class—

Athlete or infirmed—

Able or disabled—

Free or imprisoned—

Take heart—God knows where you are and HE still has a plan for you to know Him; to grow in Him; to live a victorious life “in Jesus” wherever you may be. Will you go or stay wherever He leads? His path is the safest place on earth to be!!! Will you trust yourself to HIS care where you are NOW? Will you follow Him wherever HE leads?

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,

from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the Lord,

which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:

he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel

shall neither slumber

nor sleep.

5 The Lord is thy keeper:

the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day,

nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out

and thy coming in

from this time forth,

and even for evermore.”    Psalm 121:1-8

“……. 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……” Hebrews 13:5b & 6a

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 8 No.15 I Disagree!!! Now What???

 

We all encounter times of disagreement, but how do we handle this as believers and followers of Jesus. Does scripture address this difficulty? I believe it does, and I’d like to spend just a bit of time today looking at some scriptures for us to consider in light of this question.

First off I’d like us to consider a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas—and it was a dispute about ministry; one from which I think we can learn a lot, for the short term and the long term. First we must consider the context; Paul and Barnabas had been on their first missionary journey and were united in their love for the Lord, and His call upon them to take the Gospel to a lost and dying world. First and foremost they each had the call of God on their lives.

“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

2 As they ministered to the Lord,

and fasted,

the Holy Ghost said,

Separate me

Barnabas

and Saul

for the work

whereunto I have

called them.

3 And when they had

fasted

and prayed,

and laid their hands on them,

they sent them away.

4 So they,

being sent forth by the Holy Ghost,

departed unto Seleucia;

and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

5 And when they were at Salamis,

they preached the word of God

in the synagogues of the Jews:

and they had also John

to their minister.” Acts 13:1-5

(And note that “John” here, is the same John Mark/Mark referred to in the following passages.)

God called Paul and Barnabas, and they set out to follow the Lord’s call and to obey the commission of the Holy Spirit, as well as the church at Antioch. They took John Mark with them on their journey, but he turned back shortly after they started out. This failure of John Mark (We don’t know the reason for John Mark’s return) had a great impact upon Paul. Paul and Barnabas had an extensive first missionary journey and then returned to the church at Antioch, to report and regroup. When the time seemed right, they endeavored to continue their journeys and check on the churches they had begun, but then a disagreement arose between them.

“Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. 36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

37 And Barnabas determined

to take with them John,

whose surname was Mark.

38 But Paul thought

not good to take him with them,

who departed from them

from Pamphylia,

and went not with them

to the work.

39 And the contention was so sharp

between them,

that they departed asunder

one from the other:

and so Barnabas took Mark,

and sailed unto Cyprus;

40 And Paul chose Silas,

and departed,

being recommended by the brethren

unto the grace of God.

41 And he went through Syria

and Cilicia,

confirming the churches.”     Acts 15:35-41

Did you get that? Scripture says of them, “the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other”!!! The disagreement was so intense that they separated. But isn’t it wrong to divide/separate? I don’t think so, for there are just times when we face differences of opinion and conviction that are just incompatible with each other;(See Amos 3:3) and to minister intimately with someone else we must be able to agree on the important things, and “staff” is one of the most important things which those in ministry grapple with—the ability to join together for the good of the kingdom. So what was the outcome for Paul and Barnabas?

Well, the immediate outcome is that two teams went out in the service of God rather than one. Paul chose Silas and Barnabas took Mark and departed in a different direction from Paul. I think we see these two personalities in a conflict that was unresolvable for whatever reason, and we know from scripture that Barnabas was an encourager (See Acts 4:36). He had come along side “Saul” when no one wanted to have anything to do with him, and helped him to find acceptance in the fellowship of the first church (Remember he had been a persecutor of believers before his conversion to faith in Jesus.) In contrast, we have the fiery Paul, full of zeal and uncompromising ardor. He couldn’t deal with the apparent immaturity of John Mark, and give him a second chance—uncompromisingly so!!! Barnabas on the other hand, as the great encourager, saw great potential in John Mark, and wanted to be a part of mentoring and growing this young man into a valuable servant for the Lord Jesus Christ. So what happened to Mark and Barnabas?

While we don’t know the details, we do know that this same young man later penned the Gospel of Mark. We also know that later in life even Paul had a change of heart toward what this young man had become—likely due to the commitment of Barnabas to Mark at the cost of his joint ministry with his great friend and brother, Paul. And even Paul himself affirms the outcome of this ministry of Barnabas’ devotion to being the encourager that God called and equipped him to be. Even as Paul fulfilled the ministry that God called him to, he also, prior to his death, publicly (in his letter) affirmed the value of this same John Mark.

“Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:11

So what do we learn from this? I think we can surmise that sometimes God allows us to experience divisions that will benefit the whole, while often being painful to the immediate participants. Separation is frequently painful, but we must consider what God is doing, and trust HIM to accomplish HIS purpose for us and those that we may be caused to separate from. God may be doing something that we can’t yet see!!!

Jesus reminded his own disciples of this human desire to require compliance beyond what God requires. Just because someone doesn’t do it like we do, that may or may not mean they are wrong. Unless it’s a “Thus sayeth The Lord”, we need to examine the import of the issue that we are using as a measuring stick toward others. After all they may be measuring us by a different ruler as well. Let’s stand on the Word and let the Word stand for itself. Let’s see what Jesus said, when faced with a similar situation.

“And John answered and said,

Master,

we saw one casting out devils

in thy name;

and we forbad him,

because he followeth

not with us.

50 And Jesus said unto him,

Forbid him not:

for he that is not against us

is for us.” Luke 9:49-50

The very disciples of Jesus thought everyone had to be in their group to be “in the right”. But Jesus said to let their words and actions speak for themselves; if they are in tune with Jesus and The Word of God on the foundational issues, if they are solid on the side of Jesus, then we are not to “forbid” them. Truth will become evident if they are “wolves in sheep’s clothing”. If they are working in the “name” of Jesus, we are to take it to Jesus and let God be God. (I am NOT referring to blatant and open heresy or outright false teaching that contradicts the Word of God!)

But there are also times when people will disagree with us for standing on God’s truth, and following the leading of our God through His Holy Spirit, and the His Word. Then we must keep on following Jesus and discern (divide) truth just like Jeremiah was told by God, “if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them”! There is that which is precious to God, and that is to be our bedrock, and not the “vile”. Consider Jeremiah’s situation. Have you been there? Are you there now? God has a plan, and if it involves separation—let God take care of it.

“Thy words were found,

and I did eat them;

and thy word was unto me

the joy and rejoicing

of mine heart:

for I am called by thy name,

O Lord God of hosts.

17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers,

nor rejoiced;

I sat alone because of thy hand:

for thou hast filled me with indignation.

18 Why is my pain perpetual,

and my wound incurable,

which refuseth to be healed?

wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar,

and as waters that fail?

19 Therefore thus saith the Lord,

If thou return,

then will I bring thee again,

and thou shalt stand before me:

and if thou take forth the precious

from the vile,

thou shalt be as my mouth:

let them return unto thee;

but return not thou unto them.

20 And I will make thee unto this people

a fenced brasen wall:

and they shall fight against thee,

but they shall not prevail

against thee:

for I am with thee

to save thee

and to deliver thee,

saith the Lord.

21 And I will deliver thee

out of the hand of the wicked,

and I will redeem thee

out of the hand of the terrible.”     Jeremiah 15:16-21

Oh praise HIS dear name!!! When we are walking with God, and walking in HIS way, we may face intense opposition from the world, from family, from co-workers, from those we love the most—but God has promised to be with us and deliver us. Yet we are to be grounded and rest on God’s sovereignty. Jeremiah is called the weeping prophet because he preached to a people for some 40 years, with a broken heart, with little response, much rejection, ridicule as well as persecution and imprisonment. What about us?

There are also issues that we may differ on for which we must allow grace, things that are subject to personal understanding, maturity, personality and giftings. Paul gives us great advise in this regard in Romans 14.

“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.

9 For to this end Christ both died,

and rose,

and revived,

that he might be Lord

both of the dead

and living.

10 But why dost thou judge thy brother?

or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?

for we shall all stand

before the judgment seat of Christ.

11 For it is written,

As I live,

saith the Lord,

every knee shall bow to me,

and every tongue shall confess

to God.

12 So then every one of us

shall give account

of himself

to God.” Romans 14:1-12

So the question isn’t, “Do we agree on everything?” But “Are we ready to give an account?” Are we seeking the “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” as we walk the Christian life in purity and devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God. I’d simply like to close this article with Paul’s admonition to the Ephesians:

“I therefore,

the prisoner of the Lord,

beseech you that ye walk worthy

of the vocation

wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness

and meekness,

with longsuffering,

forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep

the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.”    Ephesians 4:1-6

Bible Ballistics: BBs #299 Ask, Seek And Knock. Really???

 

“And I say unto you,

Ask,

and it shall be given you;

seek,

and ye shall find;

knock,

and it shall be opened unto you.

10 For every one that asketh

receiveth;

and he that seeketh

findeth;

and to him that knocketh

it shall be opened.

11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father,

will he give him a stone?

or if he ask a fish,

will he for a fish give him a serpent?

12 Or if he shall ask an egg,

will he offer him a scorpion?

13 If ye then, being evil,

know how to give good gifts

unto your children:

how much more shall your heavenly Father

give the Holy Spirit

to them that ask him?” Luke 11 9-13

This familiar passage is often misunderstood as a ‘blank check’ to believers, rather than a call to a focus on GOD rather than self! Who or what are we seeking? Are we seeking God, His will, and His way, with a heart willing and ready to hear, obey and follow HIM by His “Holy Spirit”? That is the point—HIS “Holy Spirit” to answer, reveal and open with the right answers, in the right time and place!!!

“But without faith it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder

of them that diligently seek him.”    Hebrews 11:6

“Seek ye the Lord

while he may be found,

call ye upon him

while he is near:” Isaiah 55:6

God calls us to Himself, that we can heed His call, when we believe in His Son. He calls us to be focused and attuned to HIS will—the will of The Father, and The Son, seeking to please HIM!!! We are not called to enhance our will by the power of God, but by the “power of God” to enhance the lives of others, and the opportunities and influence that He gives to each of us. Today is the day of Salvation—not tomorrow, and ‘today’ is the day of faithful service not the self-absorbing prosperity mindset of many. Our focus is to be God-centered, not self-centered.

“(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

We are to ask, seek and knock on whatever questions, confusion or doors lay before us. We are to share the Good News of God’s grace and salvation at every opportunity!

“Ho, every one that thirsteth,

come ye to the waters,

and he that hath no money;

come ye, buy, and eat; yea,

come, buy wine and milk

without money

and without price.

2 Wherefore do ye spend money

for that which is not bread?

and your labour

for that which satisfieth not?

hearken diligently unto me,

and eat ye that which is good,

and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

3 Incline your ear,

and come unto me:

hear,

and your soul shall live;

and I will make an everlasting covenant

with you,

even the sure mercies of David.” Isaiah 55:1-3

We aren’t to seek the things of the world, which never satisfy, we are to seek, ask and knock for the things of God—the things which God will give freely to all who seek HIM. Just as Jesus told Nicodemus:

“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.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds

were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds

should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”    John 3:14-21

So we must choose—dark or light!! We can come to Jesus and receive life and light, or—we can go for our own way, we can seek our own way, we can knock down that door for selfish gain or we can:

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found”

We can keep on doing that “self” thing, and fail:

“…ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts….” (See James 4:1-7)

So you choose, what will you ask for? What will you seek? What doors will you knock on (or knock down)? Here are a few passages to help you choose.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13

Get it? THY kingdom come, THY will be done!!! In all things, THY will be done—even as Jesus Himself prayed.

“….and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:41b-42

We can follow the example of Jesus and “ask……seek…and …..knock”, pursuing God’s will, God’s ways and God’s purposes, rather than our own! He does hear and He does answer!!!

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” 1 John 5:14

Amen and Amen