Bible Ballistics: Christmas Fortnight-Why?? Vol. 5 #06

We talked last time about the ‘when’ of Christmas. That Jesus was, is and always will be God, our Redeemer. So true, and we have to make sure that we remember that  ‘Christ’ Jesus is Christmas. Today we’ll consider the ‘why’ of Christmas, and why this birth is of such import that we celebrate it.

Jesus came for one reason—to save sinful man. Every man, woman, boy and girl who will come to Him will find the cure for the disease that plagues the human race. SIN!! Sin is the issue now, it was the issue then and it will continue to be the issue until Jesus returns and sets up His eternal kingdom.

Matthew 1:19-21, “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

He ‘shall save’ HIS people from their sins. His people? Of course–those that He created and placed on planet earth. His people that chose to sin and go their own way and not His.

Genesis 2:16-17, “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” They did and brought death on all mankind!!

God gave man moral responsibility. He created man with a free will and here God gives the man the opportunity to choose. And Eve and Adam chose to disobey God. They chose to reject God’s word and listen instead to lies of the enemy. (See Genesis 3) That old serpent, the deceiver who lied to them—still lies to people today. All who will listen, in fact? There is coming a time when he will be defeated, but that time is yet in the future. For the time being the only way to overcome Satan is through the blood of Jesus.

Revelation 12:9-11, “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

Our Lord came that we might have life from the dead. We who were dead in sin have been brought back to life, by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus our Lord.

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

Romans 6:22-23, “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.”

We all have the plague of sin, yet Jesus came to cure sin. While we all have sinned, Jesus came and paid for sin HE didn’t commit. He paid a debt He didn’t owe, because I owed a debt I couldn’t pay.

2 Corinthians 5:21, “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.”

Hebrews 4:14-16, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Jesus didn’t just come as a baby in a manger to make a cute story for people to pass down and share with others! He came as the ‘God-man” to redeem fallen, sinful man, because we couldn’t save nor redeem ourselves from that death penalty of sin–Only Jesus’ sacrificial, atoning death could do that. So He went to Calvary for you and me—it’s WHY HE CAME. And as Ephesians 2 tells us so clearly—we who were once ‘dead in trespasses and sins’ have been brought to life in Jesus. If you don’t know Him, I invite you to call on the one who came for you. That babe born in the manger came to die for you and me. He’s still here for YOU!!!

Ephesians 2:1-10, “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.”

Won’t you call on Jesus! Why did HE come? He came for you!!! Won’t you trust HIM with your life and let HIM save and change your life forever? Then you can walk with Him in life every day. And if you already know HIM—walk with HIM closely every day!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #119 A Christmas Fortnight-When???

As we celebrate the incarnation of the Messiah Jesus Christ, I’d like to remind us all that Jesus didn’t begin in Mary’s womb. He has always been, still is and always will be. As Hebrews 13:8 says,

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

Our Lord Jesus — always God!!! When?

Gen 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Father, Son and Holy Ghost/Spirit.

John 1:1-4, “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.” Jesus is creator God. Why? He declared it Himself!

John 10:30, “I and my Father are one.” Jesus is one with the Father!!! He claimed to be God—HE is!!!

Mark 1:1, “And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” God the Father declared it so!!!  It’s truth!!!

Colossians 1:14-17, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” He created all things and holds them together. How? Let’s see what Hebrews 1:1-3 has to say,

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:” He upholds “all things” by HIS power–Jesus is creator with His Father and the Holy Spirit. HE purged sin– for all who will come to him in repentance and faith.

It’s why He came.

Born to die for YOU and ME!

When? Before the foundation of the world, God set Jesus Christ to be our redeemer.

1 Peter 1:18-21, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.” Jesus did it all so we could have life!

So, as you celebrate during this season, and every day—

remember who it is that gave HIS life for you and me!!!

God took on flesh—

came as a babe—

that HE might redeem us

back from the penalty of sin

at Calvary,

and give us eternal life—

in Christ Jesus.

Do you know HIM personally? If not He’s waiting for you.

Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Jesus wants fellowship with you—He died for the privilege.

How can you come? Come believing in the “gospel”, which is:

1 Corinthians 15:1-5,   “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:”

Accept His death, burial and resurrection for your sin. He came for YOU and me!!! Won’t you seek Him while He may be found? Is He knocking at your hearts door? Simply open the door to HIM!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #118 A Christmas Fortnight-More Angelic Messengers!!!

We looked earlier at the angelic birth announcements preceding the birth of John and Jesus. God made these prophecy-fulfilling declarations through angelic messengers. We ought to appreciate the wondrous revelations without letting our focus be wrongly aligned on God’s servants rather than God Himself. Scripture clearly tells us the role of angels.

Hebrews 1:13-14, “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Ministering spirits—for God, to us. Not to be worshipped.

2 Peter 2:11, “Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.” While they are greater in power and might than we are, they are not presumptuous to accuse but to call on God. Neither should we be presumptuous toward God or these unseen powers.

Jude 1:9, “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” We can learn from Michael, the great archangel—to trust God to rebuke the unseen angelic powers. Don’t presume on God or overstep our authority either before God, the world or those “…… principalities, … powers, … rulers of the darkness of this world, … spiritual wickedness in high places.“ (Eph 6:10b)

Now back to our Christmas Fortnight—God sent angelic messengers to announce not only Jesus’ coming birth, but also the very birth itself. And God chose the lowliest of the low to make this announcement to—to shepherds. Those often looked down upon by others. Even in our American history, there has been the stigma of ‘shepherds’ being unwanted in ‘cattle’ country. Turf wars even came out of this animosity. Yet GOD chose ‘shepherds’ to be the recipients of HIS GREAT GOOD NEWS.

Luke 2: 8-17, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 …. as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”

So how about YOU? Have you received and believed the “Good News” of the Savior born for you? The Savior born to DIE for YOU? We also see that the shepherds not only heard the message, but they believed it, acted upon it, and received the truth they heard and saw. But they didn’t stop there!!! They then spread the word about this ‘child’. How about us? Are we spreading the truth—if not let’s get busy? The news is still GOOD!!! This child born to die for our sin—still saves, TODAY!!!

Bible Ballistics: Christmas Fortnight-Really?? Vol. 5 #05

We have been talking about Christmas. There is a lot of debate going around about Christmas—is it good? Is it bad? Is it worthwhile or vain? While those are good questions, I’ll only deal with my perspective of these things and how we are often perceived.

I must say that there are valid historical issues that many wrestle with concerning Christmas, and I do understand that there is cause for consideration. The thing that I would like to deal with is what are we celebrating? I would like to tell you what I celebrate—I celebrate Jesus. When I celebrate Christmas, it is because I love Jesus and I celebrate HIM everyday of the year. Every day that I draw breath, I thank and praise God for sending HIS own son to be made flesh that He might live in a body of flesh and “DIE” for me, and all who will believe.

I’ve read the articles, I’ve checked the historical data and while I understand and comprehend the issues, I take issue with the accusations and attitudes that seem to fly at this time of year. Paul tells us that idols are not of any significance and we who know God, know that HE is the only true God. Jesus gives us the highest order of things.

Matthey 22:35-40, “Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

I love God!! My mother and father loved God and lived godly lives in front of my siblings and me. I don’t remember a Christmas that we didn’t know that Jesus was the object of our worship. I knew from the time that I was a small child that Jesus wasn’t born on “December 25”, but we ‘celebrated’ His incarnation on that day. Our season was full of giving to others as well as to one another. Just as I knew from the time I was in grade school that there were not ‘3’ days and nights between Friday and Sunday of Jesus death and resurrection. Why? Because I was taught to reason and focus on Jesus not the ‘peripherals’. It was a time when love, laughter and generosity ruled in our home. Where we were taught that all the decorations, tinsel and lights were not the issue but Jesus was the issue. I treasure those memories and I didn’t then, nor do I now worship an idol—I worship Jesus. I praise God that HE came and took on flesh for me. I can enjoy the beauty of God’s creation and see His glory in things that the world has tried to pervert. I don’t have to pervert them, or reject them when I can see God and glorify HIM in His creation.

While I will continue to focus on Jesus, and call others to do the same, I believe we are to respond to one another in love. We may have differences of perspective on God’s Word and it’s meaning, but we are to extend love and respect to one another. We don’t have to beat one another up over our differences. Jesus Himself said that the evidence to the world that we are HIS isn’t in our doctrine-as important as that is–; nor is it in our hierarchy, our polity or our viewpoints!!! Jesus said in John 13:34-35:

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

We are to love one another as Christ Jesus loved us. Perfect ‘agape’ love is what we are to display to one another and to the world. Love that does what is best for the recipient, not the giver!!! God’s love cost the life of HIS son to pay for my sin. I am to love you, and all those who belong to the Master (as well as the lost world) with love that does what is best for you, not me. I am to obey God and share HIS truth as I understand it and have opportunity to share it, remembering where I was when God reached down to and for me!!!

Romans 5:6-11 says, “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.”

Christ died for lost mankind—including me. How about you? When we were ‘without strength’—‘Christ died for’ us– each one of us. We were sinners, (and are sinners, just saved sinners now—we all fall short every day), and Jesus died for sinners. But He didn’t just die for me/us to be ‘saved from wrath through Him’, but also for us to be ‘justified’ (made right in standing with God), saved from wrath, and reconciled to God, because sin had made us enemies with God. Jesus saved and saves us by His life, and the Holy Spirit then works within us (see verse 5 of Romans 5). Therefore we can “joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ” who purchased our ‘atonement’ (the payment for our wrong/sin), and we can ‘re’joice every day because as 2 Corinthians 5:21 says,

“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.”

Christ’s death at Calvary takes our sin, and His blood imparts HIS righteousness to our account, when we are ‘born again’. Because the ‘blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin’—delivers and cleanses us from our sin!!! (See 1 John 1:7, 9).

That’s what ‘Christmas’ is to me!!! Jesus come in the flesh to pay for my sin.

Hebrews 2:14-17, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” All people!!!

And dear ones, I celebrate that incarnation every day of the year and during December I love to take opportunities that God provides to share the Good News of what Jesus did, with those who are often more open to HIS salvation during this season than perhaps any other time of the year. Whatever you do with the “Christmas” issue I hope that we will each extend love and respect to those with different viewpoints than our own. May the “love of God” be seen in us despite our differences?  As Paul reminds us,

Colossians 3:8-17, “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

So what am I saying? I’m saying we are to love one another, as Christ loved us. When we were weak, lost and sinful Jesus loved us and saved us. We are to love others that are perhaps weak in their faith; to forgive those who are arrogant in their faith; to speak the truth in love to all in the faith, and even more so to those on the outside, who need the gospel of Salvation in Jesus our Lord.  Remember:

Romans 14:3-5, “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.”

As Paul tells us in Ephesians 4, we are one body in Christ Jesus, and God is growing us to maturity in HIM. Let’s rejoice in Jesus always.

Ephesians 4:15, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

My prayer is that with Paul I can say, “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 1:2   Only one message—only one way!!!

I desire to have integrity toward my God, His Word and His glory. May we share in love and not contempt, whether we celebrate “Christmas” or not. Whether we have this persuasion or another, may we let others see the love of God in all that we say and do, not belittling or being spiteful, but with  kindness and love, sharing Jesus. I’ll close with Jesus’ own words:

John 10:10, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

I find it interesting that Jesus says He came that we might have “life…..more abundantly”!!! He said that He gave His life that we might have ‘life’ not ‘right’!!! Are you standing in ‘love’ or your view of ‘correctness? It’s your choice. We are to “study” to be approved to God, but never without love!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #117 A Christmas Fortnight-Angelic Messengers!!!

The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ was a supernatural event. God stepped into time and became man. Why would he do this? Because HE loved us and as scripture reveals in Hebrews 2:14-18:

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” He can comfort YOU!!!

He was born to die: to take on flesh and blood for you and me– to pay the debt of sin that we owe, and give us eternal life through the cross. HE WAS BORN TO DIE FOR ME!!! And that’s cause to celebrate! God made all this known to the parties involved through angelic messengers. This God who hadn’t spoken openly for over 300 years, now stepped into time and humanity and announced this great event through His angelic messengers. They were sent to three special, chosen, particular people who would play a part in God’s great unveiling. Just regular, everyday, godly servants of the Most High God—chosen to receive messages from God Himself. Ponder on these things as we celebrate the birth of our Lord.

Luke 1:11-13, “And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.”

A birth announcement to an elderly father-to-be!!!

Luke 1:26-29, “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.”

A birth announcement to a young virgin girl engaged to be married.

Matthew 1:19-21, “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Confirmation to a righteous and gentle man in the midst of a dilemma, of God’s will for his life, Mary’s life and her child’s.

While we don’t generally see ‘angelic’ messengers, the same God who spoke then, speaks to hearts and lives today. Whatever HE is speaking to your heart, won’t you listen?