Bible Ballistics: BBs #278  Lord, Don’t You Remember???

 

“Ye shall know them by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes of thorns,

or figs of thistles?

17 Even so

every good tree bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name

have cast out devils?

and in thy name

done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:16-23

A difficult passage to digest, but clear in its simple truth—SAYING SO DOESN’T MAKE IT SO! We can talk about Jesus, we can do ‘religious’ activities, we can even be renowned in our ‘spiritual’ demeanor, but Jesus says that isn’t what it’s all about. So, what is it about? It is about KNOWING Jesus through repentance and faith in His redeeming payment for my sin! Even doing miraculous works isn’t what it is about—it is about Jesus, and His Spirit doing God’s work within and through us! And Jesus goes on in this passage to give us a profound yet simple example of this principle. It’s the old adage in Biblical terms—“What you see isn’t always what you get”! So what is the “will” of God?

“And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40

It’s all about Jesus—but Jesus makes a difference beyond natural appearances. Here’s what Jesus had to say.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.”    Matthew 7:24-27

These two houses apparently looked the same from the outside, but there was an important and initially unnoticed difference—the foundation. One was built on the “rock”—Jesus, and the other which was built on the “sand”—anything other than Jesus. He is the only foundation that lasts.

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-11

“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

So the question comes, “What foundation have you built upon?” Do you talk a good talk, and make a good show of your house, but you’re counting on something to give you life other than Jesus. Are you counting on a prayer, or walking an aisle, or doing good works, or just living your own way while talking about how much you “love Jesus”, like that is a talisman that will place you in good standing with God; while you live your life you own way with no desire for Jesus or the things of God; no time to seek Him or His Word; no time or desire to live a holy life? It’s a question that we all need to consider before it’s too late.

“Examine yourselves,

whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves,

how that Jesus Christ is in you,

except ye be reprobates?

6 But I trust that ye shall know

that we are not reprobates.”      2 Corinthians 13:5-6

Reprobate is used here of one who is “NOT” regenerate (made new in Christ Jesus). It is talking about the same thing that Jesus refers to in Matthew 7, one who talks a good talk but possesses no part of Jesus in reality. An “imitation” believer, a reprobate is one who does not have the Spirit of Jesus Christ within.

“So then

they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God

dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you,

the body is dead because of sin;

but the Spirit is life

because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus

from the dead

dwell in you,

he that raised up Christ

from the dead

shall also quicken your mortal bodies

by his Spirit

that dwelleth in you.”    Romans 8:8-11

When we are “born again”, we receive the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit who regenerates our hearts, minds and souls to become the children of God; and that my friends will make a difference. Jesus will not allow His own children to continue unchecked in sin. So if you are content and happy in your sinful lifestyle you might want to check out what you think makes you right with God!!! God imparts HIS righteousness to those who are His through the blood of Jesus.

“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

We are born of God, we are His children and are enabled to overcome the world of sin, death and hell because of what Jesus did at Calvary for all who will believe in Him. (See John 3 for more)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us the ministry

of reconciliation;

19 To wit,

that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

              21 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 5:17-21

So, my friends what are you depending on. Are you depending on Jesus to remember all “YOUR” good works and deeds that you have tried to do to be good enough for God? Do you want Him to remember all the wonderful works you did “in His name” to impress yourself and others? Or have you trusted your eternal destiny to the cross of Jesus and been transformed by the blood of the Lamb that “cleanseth us from all sin”, and received the indwelling Holy Spirit who continually confirms that we belong to Jesus? The choice is yours, but it’s a choice you need to be sure of.

Are you a “good tree” being a conduit for the power of God? Or are you a “corrupt” tree that will be found out, and cast into the fire! You can hang fruit on a dead branch but it doesn’t make it a tree, especially a good tree. You decide, but remember, there is a test at the end.

“Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

12 For the word of God is quick, (alive)

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul

and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things

are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”    Hebrews 4:11-13

As my mother used to say, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and you can fool all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool God!” HE will remember, and He knows the real condition of your heart! Do you know whose you are? There are only two options. May God bless you to see the truth about yourself, I can’t know but HE does, and I pray that you will heed the truth.

“And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark4:9

“And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man….” Genesis 6:3a

I join Paul in praying this prayer for YOU.

“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (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 6:1-2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 7 No. 26  Loosed And Let Go!!!

 

“And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44 And he that was dead came forth,

bound hand and foot

with graveclothes:

and his face was bound about with a napkin.

Jesus saith unto them,

Loose him, and let him go.” John 11:43-44

Here we find Jesus at the grave/tomb of Lazarus. Jesus had come in response to the call of Mary and Martha for Jesus to attend their sick brother. Jesus had intentionally delayed his visit, and even these two precious friends of Jesus, didn’t understand the delay. They had expected Jesus to come when they sent for him, and that He would come and heal Lazarus as He had been healing people throughout His three years of ministry.

But Jesus had a different plan. Even the disciples didn’t understand what was going on, they simply knew that if He returned to Judea His life would be in great danger. But even that danger was a part of God’s plan, but not before Jesus’s encounter with Lazarus. Martha questioned the delay and acknowledged that if Jesus had come sooner, Lazarus wouldn’t have died!

“Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died………………………………………………………..32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” John 11:21 & 32

These two sisters were broken-hearted at the loss of their brother, and were just plain confused that Jesus had not come to heal His good friend and follower, Lazarus. But Jesus tried to redirect their attention to greater things, but just like us they couldn’t get past the “immediate” to see the “eternal”! Yet Jesus, even in His perfect sinless perspective, had compassion on them and understood their sorrow. It brought Him to tears.

“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping……., he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled…… Jesus wept.” John 11:33,35

“Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”  John 11:23-27

Martha believed the right things about Jesus, but she wasn’t prepared for what was about to take place. Jesus was about to give a preview of His glory that would be displayed in a matter of just a few short weeks. The time when He would display that glorious power in His own resurrection by the power of God—but unlike Lazarus, Jesus would never die again. He would accomplish what was necessary to be and provide “eternal” life for all who would believe in HIM!

But before that glorious event, Jesus would display his power over death and the grave and call Lazarus out of the tomb that held him. I’ve heard many say that Jesus called Lazarus by name so that all the other dead folks wouldn’t come forth as well, and be that so or not, Jesus was about to make HIS glory and power evident before those who would believe it. And the amazing thing to me is that many of those who saw this wonder refused to believe in Jesus.

“Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. 47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.” John 11:45-47

People saw and acknowledged the miraculous nature of what Jesus was doing, but refused to believe that He was the Messiah. Much like today, people want to see “miracles” but reject the one who gives “life”. Jesus came to set us free from the bonds of sin, just as he instructed those around Lazarus to set him free:

“Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.” John 11:41-44

Jesus gave instruction to “Loose him, and let him go”, and the same is true for us when we are “born again”, Jesus gives us life and sets us free from sin, death and hell!

“Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:35-36

Jesus says that we will be “free”! But what does He mean, free from what? In the context of this passage, Jesus is contrasting the dependence on the “Law” and “heritage” of Abraham as spiritual security, with the freedom of “sonship”. Jesus confronted religion with the truth about sin. Jesus said that those who are dependent on themselves and the sin that rules their lives apart from HIS “salvation” are “servants” of sin. They are bound by the sin that controls their lives and only Jesus can give freedom from that sin—the sin that brings death, destruction and hell to those who refuse to come to HIM.

“ 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

And who is that “gate”, that “strait gate”? Jesus is the gate, the one and only way to life and glory, through His death, burial and resurrection.

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know,

and the way ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:1-6

Jesus is “the way” that leads to “life”— the only “way” that leads to “life”–eternal life, abundant life—life free from the bondage of sin! Jesus came to loose us from the bondage of sin, and give us that “life” by His life’s blood! He paid the price for our sin at Calvary and by faith we can receive the “eternal life” that He gives, and his life enables us to overcome sin and live a victorious life above the weight of sin. He brings us from death to life.

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved😉 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:1-10

Many of us are familiar with parts of this passage, but in it’s context it takes on a glorious message of victory. What does Paul tell us here? Let’s just peruse the highlights (but please spend some time digging into its depths at your liesure) today.

We are all dead in trespasses and sin—

God raises us from the “dead” in Jesus—

The “lost” act like the “lost” but that’s past—

 When we are lost we live like it—

 When we are saved we can live like it—

 Jesus gives us life by grace that overcomes—

God gives us salvation/life by grace and faith—

God raises us up to life in heavenly places—

 It’s grace that saves not out works—

But we are saved to do good works—

God’s good works—

By His power—

For His glory—

It’s what we’re saved to do—

Because of what Jesus sets us free to be!

And when we are set free from sin by the grace of God and the blood of Jesus we have the power to live an overcoming life. We don’t have to let sin have its way in our hearts or in our everyday lives.

“What shall we say then?

Shall we continue in sin,

that grace may abound?

2 God forbid.

How shall we,

that are dead to sin,

live any longer therein?

3 Know ye not,

that so many of us as were baptized

into Jesus Christ

were baptized into his death?

4 Therefore we are buried with him

by baptism into death:

that like as Christ was raised up

from the dead

by the glory of the Father,

even so

we also should walk

in newness of life.

5 For if we have been planted together

in the likeness of his death,

we shall be also

in the likeness of his resurrection:

6 Knowing this,

that our old man

is crucified with him,

that the body of sin

might be destroyed,

that henceforth we should not serve sin.

7 For he that is dead

is freed from sin.

8 Now if we be dead with Christ,

we believe that we shall also live with him:

9 Knowing that Christ

being raised from the dead

dieth no more;

death hath no more dominion over him.

10 For in that he died,

he died unto sin once:

but in that he liveth,

he liveth unto God.

11 Likewise

reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed

unto sin,

but alive unto God

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”    Romans 6:1-11

And as Paul puts it in another way:

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Being crucified with Jesus Christ, we can live by His death, burial and resurrection. It is a wonderful promise of life—life in and through Jesus Christ. The abundant life that HE alone can give.

But how does that work out for us on a day-to-day basis? Let’s consider some scripture to equip us for living the “crucified life”. It’s not easy but it can be simply described.

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh……..

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;

Adultery,                     

fornication,

uncleanness,        

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,         

witchcraft,

hatred,                 

variance,

emulations,          

wrath,

strife,                   

seditions,

heresies,                     

21 Envyings,

murders,                     

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.

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 & 19-26

A long list, but one that helps us discern between the good and the evil. What to pursue and what to avoid, and we also have a checklist for “thinking”.

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts

and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.” Philippians 4:6-8

We must understand that much of our warfare with the enemy is in our mind—so think on the things of God. Check every thought by the test of the “word”!   But don’t stop there; bring your thoughts into obedience to Jesus.

“For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare

are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down

of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge

of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought

to the obedience of Christ;”    2 Corinthians 10:3-5

And in closing, one of my favorite passages. Simply put—trust God for your living!! Every day and in all your ways!!! Walk in the Spirit and you won’t fulfill the “lusts of the flesh”!!!

“Trust in the Lord

with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.”     Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #277  Let Your Heart Smile!!!

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”   Proverbs 17:22

Sometimes we simply need a “smile”. So I thought I’d just spend a little time today sharing a few “smiles” with you. We all need to have a “merry heart”! And one of the best ways to have a merry heart is to praise the Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and His Son, Jesus!

“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” Psalm 95:1

When I am down, one of the things I do is to sing praises to the Lord, or to listen to great praise and gospel music. Music and praise will lift the drooping heart and mind! Our God not only “reigns” over all, but HE cares about us, and that is good news, worthy of praise and a grateful heart.

“But let all those

that put their trust in thee

rejoice:

let them ever shout for joy,

because thou defendest them:

let them also that love thy name

be joyful in thee.” Psalm 5:11

       “I will praise thee, O Lord,

with my whole heart;

I will shew forth

all thy marvellous works.

2 I will be glad

and rejoice in thee:

I will sing praise to thy name,

O thou most High.” Psalm 9:1-2

When we praise our God, the enemy will flee, because he hates being around praising people. When we resist his schemes to defeat us, we will find courage to press on and find that God will lift our hearts and our spirits. So rejoice in the Lord today, for He cares for you. We must simply trust to our God, and let “God be God”! So stop trying to fret, and figure it out, and focus on God’s faithful goodness—He cares, so:

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary

the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist

stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished

in your brethren

that are in the world.”     1 Peter 5:6-9

So, press on with Jesus, He has it all in His control, and He’s working in, with and through His own! SMILE! REJOICE!

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17   SMILE!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #276  Your Cross Or HIS???

We talked Sunday about the cross and the sufficiency of the “substitutionary, unique, biblically specific, and perfect” sacrifice for sin that Jesus supplied at Calvary, for all who will trust Him! I’d like to continue in that vein of thought this morning, and talk about what “cross” you and I are depending on to deliver us from the penalty of sin, which is death and hell.

Cross, is partially defined in the dictionary as (It can also be used as other parts of speech which aren’t our focus today):

1a :  a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution
b often capitalized :  the cross on which Jesus was crucified


2
a : crucifixion
b :  an affliction that tries one’s virtue, steadfastness, or patience


3
a :  a device composed of an upright bar traversed by a horizontal one; specifically :  one used as a Christian symbol
b capitalized :  the Christian religion


4 a
: a structure (as a monument) shaped like or surmounted by a cross


The cross can refer to the object or device of wood apart from Jesus, the “Cross” on which Jesus died, a monument in the shape of a ‘cross’, or the one I’d like to focus on today, “2 b” “an affliction that tries one’s virtue, steadfastness, or patience”! Many people have a cross of their own invention-not the only sufficient, atoning sacrificial death of Jesus on the Cross of Calvary.

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14

Wow! Does Paul really mean “by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world”? I believe that it is the truth—Christ died for us that we might live to HIM by HIS power NOT our own.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Galatians 2:20-21

To know Jesus Christ is to be crucified with HIM! The “cross” isn’t a pretty little ornament that people wear as jewelry (though they do), nor is it an emblem that is found on graves and gravestones (though it is used that way also), and it isn’t the good works that we may try to do, nor our sufferings in this life! The “cross” we’re talking about, represents the ONLY payment for the sins of the world. Jesus came to give HIS life for that payment—His sinless, perfect life was offered willingly to pay the debt that none could pay on their own.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Jesus shed His blood for sinners like you and me, so we wouldn’t have to face hell for our own sin. We were enemies of God because of our sin, yet God had a plan for our deliverance—JESUS! The Savior of the world, who loves us and bought our salvation with His own blood, will give us life for death if we but come to Him in repentance and faith.

“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.” Romans 5:6-10

Jesus came to deliver sinners, and we (who are all sinners) can be delivered from the penalty of sin (which is eternal death and hell) if we will but trust HIM and take up HIS cross by faith and walk by His Spirit in grace and truth. Your own “good” works will never save you! Nor your perceived or real physical or mental suffering in this life! Your family isn’t your cross! Your ailments aren’t your cross! Your difficulties or limitations aren’t your cross! Your cross is “death” to self, and “life” from and for Jesus.

“What?

know ye not

that your body

is the temple of the Holy Ghost

which is in you,

which ye have of God,

and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price:

therefore glorify God

in your body,

and in your spirit,

which are God’s.”    1 Corinthians 6:19-20

So, whose “Cross” are you counting on? The cross of Jesus who saves from sin, and gives eternal “life”; or are you depending on your own works, goodness, suffering, money, family ties, influence, or position to deliver your soul from sin and hell? Only Jesus and His cross can get you across the chasm of sin and hell to heaven!

The choice is yours, but choose wisely. There is a test at the end!

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:24-26

What are you counting on? Yourself or Jesus? It does matter! “..no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6b

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 7 No. 25 What Will You Do At Calvary?

 

As I was listening to a wonderful message/lesson from our pastor this morning I was brought to reflect on the thief on the cross next to Jesus. A man, guilty of the crimes that he was accused of and sentenced to die on a cross. One of the most gruesome forms of death, which the Romans used, for the most desperate of criminals, and this man found himself in this most desperate situation (Next to our Lord!).

Here was a man who went up the same mountain that Jesus walked up, a man who was crucified next to the Son of God, but one who justly deserved the fate he was receiving. This man’s time with Jesus is a great picture of what our Lord came to do. This thief walked up that mountain, in the darkness of sin, lost, hopeless and seemingly with no way out, but what occurred there deserves our attention.

“Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.” Matthew 27:38

“And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.” Mark 15:27

We have two thieves, both guilty, condemned sinners—both hanging on crosses, dying for their crimes along with the innocent Son of God. Yet there is a most significant difference, one left changed, one didn’t. What was the difference? They both went up thieves, but one came down different (yes, dead but not the lost sinner who went up that morning), the other one came down to reap the just desserts of his own personal choices without Jesus.

Paul’s personal testimony to King Agrippa gives us insight into the difference—the effects of the Gospel of Jesus, which Paul heard from the Lord Himself at their encounter:

“But rise,

and stand upon thy feet:

for I have appeared unto thee

for this purpose,

to make thee a minister

and a witness

both of these things

which thou hast seen,

and of those things

in the which

I will appear unto thee;

17 Delivering thee

from the people,

and from the Gentiles,

unto whom now I send thee,

18 To open their eyes,

and to turn them from darkness

to light,

and from the power of Satan

unto God,

that they may receive

forgiveness of sins,

and inheritance

among them

which are sanctified

by faith that is in me.”    Acts 26:16-18

“To turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God….”—what Jesus came to do for all who would come to Him, “by faith that is in me”! Jesus came to Calvary for that very thief who was dying beside Him, and He came for you and me if we will look to HIM!

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” Isaiah 9:2

Jesus came to reveal Himself as that “great light” to all who walk in darkness, and that includes you and me. It also included both of those thieves who were there beside Jesus Christ, The Son of God! Yet what was their response? Each had a choice. What will you do with your choice?

“Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. 39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, ……. …..43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.” Matthew 27:38-39 & 43-44

These two thieves were reviling Jesus along with the passersby and the religious leaders; they just joined in with the crowd (just like today). How often people of our day do the same, yet something changed for one of these thieves. There are always choices: and there were those who believed on Him and were sorrowful at what was happening to Jesus, as well as the scoffers and rejecters.

“And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. 28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.” Luke 23:27-28

At some time during the suffering of The Lord one of the thieves made a choice different from his companion. And when we come face to face with the question, “What will you do with Jesus?” we making a decision that has eternal consequences! Choose wisely!

“And one of the malefactors which were hanged

railed on him,

saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself

and us.

40 But the other answering

rebuked him, saying,

Dost not thou fear God,

seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

41 And we indeed justly;

for we receive the due reward

of our deeds:

but this man hath done nothing amiss.

42 And he said unto Jesus,

Lord,

remember me

when thou comest

into thy kingdom.

43 And Jesus said unto him,

Verily I say unto thee,

Today

shalt thou be with me

in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43

We find here the same dilemma that is played out every day in the lives of men and women all over the world. One person demanded deliverance on his terms, saying to Jesus: “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us”! He had no faith in Jesus; he simply wanted relief from his present difficult situation, which he had brought on himself, by his own choices. Both of these men were reviling Jesus, yet something had brought a change to one of these two thieves. During this reviling of Jesus, one thief recognized his lost and sinful condition and the sinless person hanging next to him. He acknowledged Jesus as “Lord”—the “Lord” of HIS “kingdom”, and He chose to ask for the only thing that could deliver him—the saving grace of the One giving His own life as the sacrifice for our sins!!! The sacrifice for your sins and mine; the sins of the thief hanging on that other cross. A man who couldn’t go through any religious rituals, who couldn’t do anything to show his remorse, but in his acknowledgment of his own need, he turned to the only one who could deliver him from the wages of his sin—death.

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:20-23

Sin is the issue and Jesus is the only solution to our sin problem. And while one thief recognized his own sinfulness, and trusted that Jesus had the power and authority to deliver him, the other missed the same opportunity.

“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

Jesus is the giver of “eternal life”, because He bought and paid for our salvation with His own blood, right next to these two thieves—one believed and one didn’t. What about you?

“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ

our Lord.” Romans 6:22-23

Jesus offers eternal life to all who will believe and accept Him as their Lord and King! But we must see that we are in darkness and only Jesus can bring us into the light.

“This I say therefore,

and testify in the Lord,

that ye henceforth walk not

as other Gentiles walk,

in the vanity of their mind,

18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated

from the life of God

through the ignorance

that is in them,

because of the blindness

of their heart:”    Ephesians 4:17-18

We are all born into darkness, we all have that in common with the thief, with one another, and Paul states the facts of the situation in Ephesians 2:1-6:

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked

according to the course of this world, according to the prince

of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all

had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead

in sins,

hath quickened us

together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together,

and made us sit together

in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians 2:1-6

It is imperative that we recognize our sin and turn to Jesus—the light of the world, which is in darkness without HIM!

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

“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

Jesus the one– “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins”! He overcame sin, death and hell for us, that we might have life!!!

“Who gave himself for our sins,

that he might deliver us

from this present evil world,

according to the will of God

and our Father:

5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”   Galatians 1:4-5

Jesus gave Himself for me and for you, but what will you do with Him and His sacrifice for you? Will you walk up that hill of recognition of sin, and let Jesus bring you down a new creature “in Christ”? But we must understand that when we follow Jesus and identify with Him, we will pay a price. What people did to Him they will do us who belong to Him.

“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.” John 15:19-21

So, what is your response? Will you walk up Calvary’s Hill to Jesus, or go your own way? And if you already belong to Jesus, recommit yourself to be all that God has created and called you to be, because Jesus is our life and hope!

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

Please don’t choose to walk without Jesus, but rather walk with Him, and then you can do “all” that He has called you to do. Walk in Jesus’ light—and rejoice in Him because:

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

And you can—in His light!!! Remember:

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” Isaiah 9:2

Yes, you can!!! Because He is the light who has come!!! Won’t you walk with Him? The light that He gives will brighten every step of your way!!!

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1

Will you (Or have you already?) walk up that Hill of Calvary and face your sin, and believe that Jesus is sufficient to deliver you from the penalty of sin, death and hell? If you will, you can walk down with that same assurance that delivered the thief who called on the only hope he had—JESUS! And He’s still the ONLY hope for life eternal!!!

“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

The ONLY Way for YOU and ME!