Category Archives: All About Jesus!

Abiding With Whom??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #681

18 Friday Sep 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #681  Abiding With Whom???

 

“I am the true vine,

and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me

that beareth not fruit

he taketh away:

and every branch

that beareth fruit,

he purgeth it,

 that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean

through the word

which I have spoken unto you.

4 Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch

cannot bear fruit of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 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 15:1-5

As I write this morning, I am sitting here listening to some great Southern Gospel music and it delights my heart to rehearse the times I have heard and sung many of these songs.  In fact, the word I want to share with you this morning was triggered by and old song; and I pray that it will encourage our hearts to “Abide” in and with Jesus, who wants to “Abide” in and with YOU and me.

Just as Jesus spoke to the disciples in the passage above, He calls us to “Abide” with Him in all our ways; and He promises that if we will “Abide” IN Him we will bear fruit, and even as the Father prunes our lives, we will grow into fruitful branches.  Are you a branch of Jesus’?  Are you fighting the pruning this morning?  Or are you ready to rejoice in the fact that Jesus is “the true vine” and we “are the branches”? Or are you trying to be your own “vine”?

It seems to me, that much of what proports to be ‘Christianity’ today is simply greed and selfish lust dressed up in church clothes!  Jesus paints a different picture of HIS body—a body of commitment to HIM, abiding in HIM personally.  Jesus IS the vine, not the church building, or its hierarchy, much less congregations who are clamoring for entertainment, comfort and prosperity!  The church is The Body of Jesus Christ—branches who are abiding in The Vine!  Paul told Timothy a hard truth—but none the less, truth—and not very popular today!

“Yea, and all that will live godly

in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.”  2 Timothy 3:12

As we spoke the other day, Jesus keeps HIS own, even in the trials and persecutions!  The question is, “Are you HIS own?”  It’s a question that only you can answer, but Jesus knows the answer, and there is a test!

“Nevertheless

the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them

that are his.

And, Let every one

that nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”  2 Timothy 2:19

Are you HIS?  Are you abiding IN HIM?  HE is ready to abide IN you!  If you aren’t HIS, then I invite you to bow before my King Jesus, repent of your sin and ask HIM to forgive your sin; for that is why HE came as the substitutionary (in our place), atoning (making payment for our sin), sacrifice (HE died to BE that very payment for our sin), and He is still saving and changing lives today.  In fact, He transformed me, and HE is ready to give you a new heart and life; or to revive your heart if you are His already!!!  When we receive His life-changing grace, He enables us to walk in that transforming grace as we yield to HIS work in our lives through the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit—abiding IN HIM! Transformed—abiding—and bearing HIS fruit!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2

And there’s an old song that I have been pondering lately, I pray that it will encourage your heart to pursue HIS abiding presence, for HE Has promised to be there for us, for it is HIS abiding IN us that prevails!  Don’t give up—abide!

“Ye are of God, little children,

and have overcome them:

because greater is he that is in you,

than he that is in the world.”  1 John 4:4

       Abide With Me    By Henry Francis Lyte

“Abide with me! fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide!
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

Come not in terrors, as the King of kings;
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings:
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea;
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour:
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless:
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness:
Where is death’s sting? where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.”

Amen and Amen!

Please Don’t Quit??? We Win! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 25

09 Wednesday Sep 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Confidence, Consider Your ways, HOPE

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 25 Please Don’t Quit???  We Win!

 

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain

mine own ways before him.”  Job 13:15

This is for YOU my friend, for I know you are aching.  God knows, and I care!  I want you to know that you are loved by the creator of the universe—the ONE who died for YOU—no matter how many of Satan’s lies you have allowed to put you down—GOD LOVES YOU RIGHT NOW!  And so do I!

I know the pain of walking alone, of the disappointments of those around you who are supposed to love you.  I know the frustrations of being disappointed with yourself.  I know the pain of loss of the dearest things to your heart.  But my dear one, please know that you have those around you and those in heaven above who have led the way, who have left the example for us of faithfulness, and Job is just one, one of the most amazing ones, but there are so many, and the greatest of all is our Lord Jesus, who is standing right there, right now just waiting for you to run into HIS arms and find the healing, restoration, comfort and peace that will dispel the work of the enemy of your life and soul!  JESUS cares!

“What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him also freely

give us all things?”  Romans 8:32

But sometimes he is working, testing and pruning in our lives to do amazing things that we can’t understand!  Don’t give up!  Don’t give in to the one who hates YOU and wants to destroy you and the the amazing things that God has in store.  He wants to destroy the work that you have poured out laboriously for so long.  Don’t give up—but look UP!  Look to The ONE who paid the price, who did all that HE did for you and me.  And don’t forget that I love you—that HE loves you—that there is one standing by you that LOVES you and is suffering to the core for, with and because of your pain.  Don’t give up—but look up.

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if,

when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop

of your souls.”   1 Peter 2:19-25

Please hear the cry of my heart, the tears that are flowing even right now—the tears of love, care and concern for you.  The tears that have cried over my own loss to the enemy of one so dear to me (just as you are), who lost the battle and was taken from me too soon.  My heart can’t bear the thought of watching you walk down a path of wrong choices as she did.  Even as I did, so many years ago; and still suffer from the scars, the sorrows and the consequences of those lies that I believed.  But praise God Almighty, HE rescued me before it was too late.  Please, my dear one, don’t give in to the enemy!

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

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.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”  John 10: 9-11

And this good shepherd, my friend, is calling to you in that mountain of lostness that you are in right now!  Please stop what you’re doing and listen to that voice that is calling so gently to YOU!

“And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

 4 What man of you,

having an hundred sheep,

if he lose one of them,

doth not leave the ninety and nine

in the wilderness,

and go after that

which is lost,

 until he find it?

5 And when he hath found it,

he layeth it on his shoulders,

rejoicing.

6 And when he cometh home,

he calleth together his friends

and neighbours,

saying unto them,

 Rejoice with me;

for I have found my sheep

which was lost.”   Luke 15:3-6

All this because YOU are HIS!

“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

Even as Job knew, I know that you know truth—don’t let your pain hide that truth, don’t forget the goodness that God has poured out on you for so long, because of the troubles of recent days (long days, months and even years, yes, but not compared to the glory HE has for you!)!

“Then said his wife unto him,

Dost thou still retain thine integrity?

curse God, and die.

10 But he said unto her,

Thou speakest

as one of the foolish women speaketh.

What?

shall we receive good

at the hand of God,

and shall we not receive evil?

In all this did not Job sin with his lips.”  Job 2:9-10

Job knew—even in his pain, sorrow and confusion—he knew that his God never fails; that even when we can’t see what HE is doing, we can trust that HIS work is always for our good and HIS glory!

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms

destroy this body,

yet in my flesh

shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see for myself,

and mine eyes shall behold,

and not another;

though my reins be consumed

within me.”  Job 19:25-27

Just as Paul recorded for us, he asked for relief, yet God reminded HIM that HE ‘had this’; that HE is trustworthy—HE never fails—He never says “OOPS”!

“And lest I should be exalted

above measure

through the abundance of the revelations,

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

the messenger of Satan

to buffet me,

lest I should be exalted

above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect

in weakness.

Most gladly therefore

will I rather glory in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ

may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure

in infirmities,

in reproaches,

in necessities,

in persecutions,

in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:7-10

You will never know how I long to carry this burden for you, and while I can help carry it with you, only you can decide to “stand fast in the evil day”!  Only you can decide to pursue the restoration of the JOY of HIS salvation—the salvation that HE has given you; not the salvation that we earn, or deserve, or work for, but the salvation that was paid for at Calvary with the precious blood of our Redeemer, King and Savior, Jesus!  And while HIS grace is sufficient, YOU must avail yourself of it, or keep on trying to reason things out in your own way.

Just remember that God knows your name, and so do I—and I keep it before HIS throne.

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them

that are his.

And, Let every one that nameth

the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.

20 But in a great house

there are not only vessels of gold

and of silver,

but also of wood

and of earth;

and some to honour,

and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself

from these,

he shall be a vessel unto honour,

sanctified,

and meet

for the master’s use,

and prepared

unto every good work.

22 Flee also youthful lusts:

but follow righteousness,

faith,

charity,

peace,

with them that call on the Lord

out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:19-22

Please, my friend, don’t lose heart—but rather take heart in The One who LOVES YOU, and this one who loves you and prays for you even in this wee hour of the morning with tears, love and confidence in The ONE who hears and answers prayer.

“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.”   Hebrews 4:14-16

And I share just some final things that hold me fast and have held me for these many years.  May you and all to whom this reaches out, find hope, help and deliverance today!  My prayers rest on this message!

“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

And Paul’s amazing declaration of our blessed hope!

“Who is he that condemneth?

It is Christ that died,

yea rather,

that is risen again,

who is even at the right hand of God,

who also maketh intercession

for us.

35 Who shall separate us

from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation,

or distress,

or persecution,

or famine,

or nakedness,

or peril,

or sword?

36 As it is written,

For thy sake we are killed all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep

for the slaughter.

37 Nay,

in all these things

we are more than conquerors

through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded,

that neither death,

nor life,

nor angels,

nor principalities,

nor powers,

nor things present,

nor things to come,

39 Nor height,

nor depth,

nor any other creature,

shall be able to separate us

from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus

our Lord.”   Romans 8:24-29

With prayers and tears—you are loved.  We win!!!

“Create in me a clean heart,

O God;

and renew a right spirit

within me.

11 Cast me not away

from thy presence;

and take not thy holy spirit

from me.

12 Restore unto me

the joy of thy salvation;

and uphold me

with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors

thy ways;

and sinners

shall be converted unto thee.”   Psalm 51:10-13

Amen and Amen!

Some Things Haven’t Changed??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #677

19 Wednesday Aug 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Knowing God's Word, Speaking The Truth In Love

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #677  Some Things Haven’t Changed???

 

We are living in a world that changes every day, and for the most part the changes aren’t necessarily good.  So often we face an opposition that just wants us to be quiet and/or ‘go away’ (and when Jesus Christ calls us out of this world they will surely get their wish) but we have been called to share the truth of the Gospel of Jesus—that the cross brings new life to those who come to Jesus in repentance and faith!

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,

All power is given unto me

in heaven

and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore,

and teach all nations,

baptizing them

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things

whatsoever I have commanded you:

and, lo, I am with you alway,

even unto the end of the world.

Amen.”  Matthew 28:18-20

Our commission from our Lord is to spread the Good News that Jesus saves!  Only Jesus can save—and He will save all who will come to Him in repentance and faith—the truth that the Apostles shared after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, and the impartation of the Holy Spirit to the believers.

“Be it known unto you all,

 and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him

doth this man stand here

before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought

of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:10-12

In fact, Jesus Himself made it clear that there is only one way to God the Father—through HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice on Calvary!

“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

And this same Jesus IS the same—always!  And HIS Word hasn’t changed either

“Jesus Christ the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8

“In hope of eternal life,

which God,

that cannot lie,

promised before the world began;

3 But hath in due times

manifested his word

through preaching,

which is committed unto me

according to the commandment

of God our Saviour;”  Titus 1:2-3

Jesus is the only way—the only truth—the only way to have eternal life—past, present, and forever.  Jesus not only gives us the answers—HE IS the answer, and when we lift HIM up, HE will accomplish HIS purpose.

“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.”  John 3:14-16

Jesus came to save “his people from their sins”, but the price was HIS life for our sin!  And this is His message to us who are His followers, we are to lift HIM UP—not self, not programs, not popular fads, not entertainment, but JESUS!

“Now is the judgment of this world:

now shall the prince of this world

be cast out.

32 And I,

if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me.

33 This he said, signifying what death

he should die.”  John 12:31-33

And Jesus should be our only priority, and I will stand with Paul and proclaim it unendingly!

“And I, brethren, when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.

…5 That your faith should not stand

in the wisdom of men,

but in the power of God.”   1 Corinthians 2:1-2, 5

My prayer for each of us, is that we will see Jesus Christ clearly and trust to His Word to do HIS work!  We don’t have to compromise to do God’s work.  Even as Jesus said, may we be faithful in doing The Father’s work!

“But he said unto them,

I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

33 Therefore said the disciples one to another,

Hath any man brought him ought to eat?

34 Jesus saith unto them,

My meat is to do the will

of him that sent me,

and to finish

 his work.”  John 4:32-34

May it ever be!  Amen and Amen!!!

What’s Your Water Source??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #676

14 Friday Aug 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Amazing Grace, Cups of cold water!, Have You Heard?, Salvation

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #676     What’s Your Water Source???

 

As many of you know, we live in Oklahoma; it’s summer, and it’s HOT, really hot, triple digit hot!  A cool drink of water is welcome to quench the thirst and keep a body hydrated in extreme heat, yet there is a heat beyond imagination for those who refuse to drink of Jesus’ offer of “living water”!  The woman of Samaria—an outcast, a woman of ill-repute, a loner, a woman despised by ‘decent’ women—simply came to get her water for the day (remember she had no “faucet” to turn on!) but she came at noon!  Most of the women would draw water early in the morning or in the late evening, the cooler parts of the day; yet this woman, the outcast, came at noon and who did she find but Jesus—a Jew!  And Jesus added amazement to her day by simply asking for a drink of water; but then HE led her to see that HE could give her “living water”! (It would be good to take some time today and read the entire chapter for yourself.)

“There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water:

Jesus saith unto her,

Give me to drink…

…9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him,

How is it that thou, being a Jew,

askest drink of me,

which am a woman of Samaria?

for the Jews have no dealings

with the Samaritans.

10 Jesus answered and said unto her,

If thou knewest the gift of God,

and who it is that saith to thee,

Give me to drink;

 thou wouldest have asked of him,

and he would have given thee

 living water.

12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob,

 which gave us the well,

and drank thereof himself,

and his children,

and his cattle?

13 Jesus answered and said unto her,

Whosoever drinketh of this water

shall thirst again:

14 But whosoever drinketh of the water

that I shall give him

shall never thirst;

but the water that I shall give him

shall be in him a well of water

springing up

into everlasting life.

15 The woman saith unto him,

Sir, give me this water,

that I thirst not,

neither come hither to draw.”   Portions of John 4:7-15

Later, at a feast in Jerusalem, Jesus called men, women, boys and girls to Himself, the very source of God’s “living water”—water that can quench the thirst of your soul and mine!!!  I’m so grateful that Jesus came to me, not in person like the Samaritan woman, but in just as desperate a condition, and Jesus revealed my black heart, so that I could see what HE saw, then HE called me to repent and trust HIM to save me, rather than my own self-generated, good works done to impress others and convince them that I was a ‘good’ person.  Oh, praise HIS name, Jesus knew about me, and He knows about you!  Won’t you take of His water? You’ll find His grace and peace unequaled; I came to Him over 40 years ago, and HE has never failed me—ever!  Especially in this last few months of dealing with the grief over the loss of my only daughter, HE has carried me, comforted me, dried my tears, and reminded me over and over again to come to HIS cross for more of HIS life-sustaining water!  Oh, what a wonderful Savior!  Pour it on Lord, pour it on?

“In the last day, that great day of the feast,

Jesus stood and cried, saying,

If any man thirst,

 let him come unto me,

and drink.

38 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 7:37-39

Jesus came to be the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin and yours; He not only can and will save you, but He will fill your soul with peace, joy and rest!  His water has never run dry when I come to Him in the sweltering heat of life, even knowing the many times that I fail Him—HE never fails me!  His water is an ever-flowing artesian well of life, restoration, and refreshing to my soul!  I invite you to take of HIS water and forsake that muddy puddle that you’ve been drinking from.  Jeremiah recorded God’s judgment concerning the choice of “drinking water”!

“Hath a nation changed their gods,

which are yet no gods?

 but my people have changed their glory

for that which doth not profit.

12 Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this,

and be horribly afraid,

be ye very desolate,

saith the LORD.

13 For my people have committed two evils;

they have forsaken me

the fountain of living waters,

and hewed them out cisterns,

broken cisterns,

that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:11-13

There is a time coming for those who will choose to follow Jesus in repentance and faith, when we will lay down our burdens, rest in His presence, drink of those fountains eternally without restraint, and have our tears wiped away!  Oh, glorious day!  Hallelujah!  May we be found faithful when HE calls, and I can’t believe it’s long till that trumpet sounds!  Are you ready!

“They shall hunger no more,

neither thirst any more;

neither shall the sun light on them,

nor any heat.

17 For the Lamb

which is in the midst of the throne

shall feed them,

 and shall lead them

unto living fountains of waters:

and God shall wipe away all tears

from their eyes.”  Revelation 7:16-17

May you have a blessed day and be filled with Jesus’ “water of life” today!!!

Amen and Amen!

GOD Needs A__Good__??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 22

09 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Be not conformed to this world, Building on The Rock or The Sand?, Choices And Consequences, Consider Your ways, He Died That We Could Live, IN Jesus!, Salvation, Saved by grace, The Broad or Narrow Way?, True Knowledge, Trusting Jesus, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 22 GOD Needs A ___Good___???

 

Most of us have heard the slogan, “_____needs a few good men…”!  But I’d like us to talk about our God, and while God doesn’t “need” anything, there are some things that God says about what HE desires for His own, for all mankind.

“The Lord knoweth how

to deliver the godly

out of temptations,

and to reserve

the unjust

unto the day of judgment

to be punished:”  2 Peter 2:9

“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 truly desires for all to “come to repentance”, for His desire is that none “should perish” but come to Jesus for salvation.  Yet the thing we need to remember is that God isn’t looking for a “few”, nor is He looking for “good” men, He is calling to all who will hear and heed His message of salvation IN JESUS; recognizing that Jesus came to save sinners, not “good” men, those who think they can save themselves.

Paul talked about this ability to recognize our need of a Savior; and as long as we are “good” enough on our own, why would we need a Savior?  But when we see our sin, and understand that we can’t save ourselves, then we can see our need and come to know the One who can remedy our sin problem.

“And the grace of our Lord

was exceeding abundant

with faith

and love

which is in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a faithful saying,

and worthy of all acceptation,

that Christ Jesus came into the world

to save sinners;

of whom I am chief.”  1 Timothy 1:14-15

Paul talked of this to the Roman believers to remind them of this very thing.

“As it is written,

There is none righteous,

no, not one:

11 There is none that understandeth,

there is none that seeketh after God.

12 They are all gone out of the way,

they are together become unprofitable;

there is none that doeth good,

no, not one…

…. 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;

24 Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:”  Romans 3:10-12 & 22-24

God doesn’t need us, but we need Jesus; and just as Jesus said in Matthew 7, we must choose wisely for there is only one way—Jesus—and while the broad way may be appealing, it is deceptive.  So, we must consider God’s truth and receive His forgiveness for our sin, by choosing HIS path–JESUS!

“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…

…. 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 7:13-14 & 21-23

Forgiveness is found only in Jesus, yet just as the song says, the truth IS “Jesus Saves” still! (Written by Priscilla Jane Owens).

“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

Truly we only find that forgiveness when we humble ourselves before God, seeking His forgiveness in Jesus death, burial and resurrection for our sin!

“But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.

9 Be afflicted,

and mourn,

and weep:

let your laughter be turned

to mourning,

and your joy

to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves

in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”   James 4:6-10

And as God wants us to know, and choose wisely, He is ever seeking those who will come to HIM!  Remember, as my former pastor says, “Jesus died for our sin, so we don’t have to die IN our sin!”

“The eyes of the LORD

are in every place,

beholding the evil

and the good.”  Proverbs 15:3

So then, who is the “good” one?  No one!  But when Jesus saves and transforms our lives, we are changed into the image of The Son; we are changed from lost sinners to saved saints (and saints aren’t perfect, just forgiven, redeemed and being transformed—see Romans 8:28-29!)!  One of my favorite passages, helps us understand this principle—Jesus saves us “from” our sin, so we won’t have to die “IN” our sin! (See Matthew 1:21)

“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

It’s because of God’s saving work that we can understand with the Psalmist, that the “good” man mentioned by the Psalmist is only “good” by God’s saving grace! (Remember Romans 3!)

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth

in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

So, my question for us today is simply this, “Are you one of those who will respond to God’s call?”  Will you recognize your true condition and come to the Savior in repentance and faith?  Will you allow God to save, redeem and transform you?  Or will you go your own way, choosing to pay for your own sin.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“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

By HIS salvation we can know the power of a truly transformed life, having a renewed heart and mind by the power of Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s Word, and His Holy Spirit.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed

to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

 and perfect,

will of God.

3 For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man

the measure of faith.”  Romans 12:1-3

I pray that you will find peace, joy and rest in this transforming power of salvation in Jesus.  For Jesus isn’t just seeking a “few good men/women”, but all who will see their sin and know that HE is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”!

Won’t you come to this loving Savior who died for you?  And if you already know Him, won’t you share this truth with those around you who don’t?  May God raise us up—the army of The Lord–remembering that:

“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat,

Thus saith the LORD unto you,

Be not afraid

nor dismayed

by reason of this great multitude;

for the battle is not yours,

but God’s.”    2 Chronicles 20:15

Blessings on you and yours.  I pray that you will be one of the “few there be that find it”!

Amen and Amen!!!