Category Archives: Approved Unto God

A Confidence Beyond Weariness!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #773

07 Friday Jan 2022

Posted by in All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Approved Unto God, Beauty of Holiness, Choices And Consequences, Doubt and Confusion?, Trials, Troubles, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Walking With Jesus, Weariness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #773 A Confidence Beyond Weariness!!!

 

While I haven’t posted much lately, I have had the faithfulness of God on my mind.  We’ve had some severe health issues facing us lately, and through all of the strain and the weariness, God is ever faithful.  On that I will ever stand, for with Job I count the faithfulness of God above all things

“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

I shall see GOD, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Job knew it, and so do I.  How about you?  We who belong to Jesus shall behold HIM, and yet even more importantly, in this earthly life, is the necessity that we “behold” God here and now, that through HIS Word we come to know HIM more and more personally and intimately!  James reminds us that it is by beholding the reality of God’s person, character, and truth that we can know and behold HIM more and more, here, and now!

“Wherefore

lay apart all filthiness

and superfluity of naughtiness,

and receive with meekness

the engrafted word,

which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word,

and not a doer,

he is like unto a man

beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh

 into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed

in his deed.”  James 1:21-25

As you/I know more and more of God’s Word, and learn to trust to His faithfulness, we can come to know more and more of our/my GOD, my Lord, and my KING.  We can simply glance at truth, without considering its import.  As Paul told his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, we are to “study” to know God’s Word that we might find ourselves approved before GOD, knowing that God’s Word is perfectly sufficient unto all our needs, especially teaching us of Himself!!!

“All scripture

is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

In our vernacular, mature (not sinlessly perfect), and equipped for all that God calls us to be and do!

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

As Paul also tells us about salvation and good works—they work together, by God’s faithful provision.

“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 2:8-10

And as we draw near to HIM, we can learn to be more of what God calls us to be, HOLY, and able to fulfill the “good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them”. (And you’ll note below that our call is to “holiness” not “happiness”, not a very popular thought today!)

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought

unto you

 at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:13-16

It is this confidence in God, HIS Word, and HIS call, that sustains me and will sustain you, if you will but delve into it, and take the truths of God into your heart.  Much like what the Proverbs say:

“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

So, if I may sum it all up, we are all faced with trials, crises, difficulties, and times of extreme weariness; we must each choose what we will do with our crises—will we keep our eyes on Jesus, or on our own resources.  It’s your choice, but remember, there is a test.

“Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher of our faith;”  Hebrews 12:2a

Amen and Amen!!!

The Whole Armor Examined??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #766

26 Friday Nov 2021

Posted by in Approved Unto God, Are You Ready, Armor of God, Power of The Cross, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Stand Fast!, The Word, The Word Or The World?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #766   The Whole Armor Examined???

 

I would like us to look at Paul’s admonition to “put on the whole armour of God”, and hopefully be encouraged to ‘suit up’ and prepare ourselves for the things that God is calling us to be, and do, as we “withstand in the evil day”! I pray that God will speak to your heart—for may it ever be HIS message, not mine!

“Finally,—in conclusion of all the previous instructions-

 Colossians 3:16

  Philippians 4:8

my brethren,–The born again, transformed children of God—

John 3:3, 5-6

John 1:12-13

Revelation 12:11

be strong—we are called to be strong not weak—

2 Samuel 22:33

in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.—our strength isn’t our own, but totally of God, as we yield to and depend upon Father, Son and Holy Spirit daily, step by step–

1 Corinthians 4:20

Acts 1:8

Job 36:22

Psalm 147:5

Matthew 9:6

1 Corinthians 1:18

11 Put on the whole armour of God,–PUT IT ON—ALL OF IT—EVERY DAY—walk, serve, minister in it—

2 Corinthians 6:1-10

1 Thessalonians 5:8

Romans 13:12-14

**Galatians 3:27**

**Ephesians 4:24**

Colossians 3:12-14

that ye may be able to stand—ABLE to stand by God’s power and to HIS glory in all we do (suited up) no matter what others do—

Jeremiah 6:16

Romans 5:1-2

1 Corinthians 2:5

1 Corinthians 10:12

1 Corinthians 15:1-5

Philippians 4:1

against the wiles of the devil.—we have an enemy, a trickster, a deceiver, a liar who seeks to “steal… kill… and to destroy…”. We must be vigilant and AWARE—

1 Peter 5:8-9

John 8:44

Ezekiel 28:1-6

Isaiah 14:12-15

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,—our battle isn’t against the people around us but the unseen forces at work continually around us. Don’t set your heart against people but keep your eyes “fixed on Jesus”; remembering that “the battle is not yours, but God’s” (See 2 Chronicles 20:15+/-)—

Matthew 16:17

1 Corinthians 15:50

but against principalities,                                                                        against powers,                                                                                  against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.—our enemies are unseen, even though they may be manifest in evil persons, we must remember that the battle is the Lord’s—it means we must have the mind of Christ in us to recognize the difference.

Philippians 2:5-11

Romans 8:37-39

Colossians 1:16

SO—we are to put on our armor–

13 Wherefore

take unto you the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,–we are called to stand, not sit down on the job—

Jeremiah 6:16 (don’t be one of those who would not hear!)

Malachi 3:1-3

Joshua 1:5

Acts 26:16

Romans 5:1-4

Romans 14:10

1 Corinthians 16;13*

2 Timothy 2:19

And how are we to stand?  Paul makes it clear that God’s provision is all we need to “withstand in the evil day”, and brothers and sisters, we are there/here! For this armor, I simply want to give you some scriptures to help and encourage you to “stand”!  Paul repeated it, and so shall I!

having your loins girt about with truth,—Jesus’–

John 14:6

Matthew 24:35

John 14:10

John 8:45

John 8:32

and having on the breastplate of righteousness;—Jesus’

**2 Corinthians 5:21**

Romans 3:22

Romans 1:16-17

Romans 5:18

Romans 14:17

1 Corinthians 1:30

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;–we are to leave footprints of Jesus and HIS salvation, which IS peace with God, everywhere we go—

Romans 1:16-17

Romans 5:1-2

Philippians 4:6-9

Colossians 3:15

Hebrews 13:20-21

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able to quench

all the fiery darts of the wicked.—faith is to be the measure of our walk with Jesus, we are to walk in faith not fear, for faith puts out the fire of those fearful arrows of the enemy—

2 Timothy 1:7

Luke 17:5

1 Thessalonians 3:7

2 Thessalonians 1:4

Hebrews 10:23

1 John 5:4

17 And take the helmet of salvation,–right thinking for the believer is JESUS thinking—

** Philippians 2:5-13**

Romans 12:1-3

Colossians 1:10

1 Thessalonians 2:4

 and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:–God’s Word, the Holy Scriptures, the Bible, this is our only defensive weapon, and is the lifeline of a believer.  Don’t let Satan rob you of this vital lifeline to God—to know Him, to trust Him, to follow Him and share His Word not our own opinions-

Hebrews 4:12-13

1 Kings 8:26

Isaiah 40:8**

Matthew 4:4

1 Thessalonians 2:13

1 Peter 1:23

2 Timothy 2:15

2 Timothy 3:15-16

And last, but absolutely not least—our armor is to be saturated (oiled if you would) with prayer—our communication with God—the privilege of coming into HIS very presence to speak—but most importantly to HEAR—

18 Praying always

with all prayer

and supplication

in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;”  (Ephesians 6:10-18)–

Hebrews 4:14-16

Colossians 1:3

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Acts 12:5

Romans 1:9

2 Timothy 1:3

So, may we suit up, march forward, praying in all things that we might be found faithful…. And just FYI, I didn’t print the scriptures today as there were so many I wanted to share in this message, and it would have been prohibitive for time and space, so please take the time to look them up and read to see what God has to say!!!  My love and prayers are with each of you.

 

Amen and Amen!!!

Inspired NOT Expired??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 09

13 Sunday Jun 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Approved Unto God, God Is In Charge, God Knows, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, The Things of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Thy Will Be Done

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 09  Inspired NOT Expired???

 

I have a word for today that I pray will speak to hearts and help each of us take confidence in God’s Word—our Lode Star—it IS God’s standard!!!

“Heaven and earth

shall pass away,

but my words

shall not pass away.”  Matthew 24:35

The Psalmist rehearses the import of The Word of God, and we can take great comfort and encouragement in the faithfulness of our God and HIS Word!

“For the word of the LORD

is right;

and all his works

are done in truth.

5 He loveth righteousness

and judgment:

the earth is full of the goodness

of the LORD.

6 By the word of the LORD

were the heavens made;

and all the host of them

by the breath of his mouth.”  Psalm 33:4-6

God is creator and Jesus, The Son, was the conduit of HIS creation—for HE is also creator.

“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.”  Colossians 1:14-17

ALL THINGS!  Did you get it?  Paul reminds us that “all things were created by him, and for him”!  And who is “HIM”?  John answers that question for us—and helps us understand that Jesus is the Living WORD, as well as the essence of the Written Word of GOD.

“In the beginning

was the Word,

and the Word was

with God,

and the Word

was God.

2 The same was in the beginning

with God.

3 All things were made by him;

and without him was not any thing made

that was made.

4 In him was life;

and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light

shineth in darkness;

and the darkness

comprehended it not…

….. 14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”   John 1:1-5 & 14

The question is, “What will we do with The Word?”; both the written Word and The Living Word–JESUS?  God tells us through the Apostle Paul how we ought to use HIS Word!

“Study to shew thyself approved ‘    

unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

“All scripture is given

by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

In line with our title, the thing we have to consider is whether we accept The Word of God as “inspired” or “expired”?  So many today disregard God’s Word, call it irrelevant, outdated or not applicable to our lives today.  Yet God’s Word, as Jesus said, will not pass away; and while Jesus fulfilled much of the law and prophets, especially those regarding HIS first coming, HE will also bring all of the remaining prophecies to fulfillment with HIS return.  While all these things are important—they are part of HIS Word—it all boils down to what YOU have done/are doing with God’s Word—both His written Word and HIS crucified, buried, risen and ascended Son, Jesus.  And the message is clear, The Word is what we need to know “what we believe”; “what is wrong”; “how to correct the wrong”; and “how to walk right and prevent the wrong”!  Paul also gives us instruction to help us live out what we have received from Jesus—the NEW Birth!

“He was

in the world,

and the world was made

by him,

and the world

knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them

that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:10-13

Another of Paul’s words to help you and me.

“Wherefore, my beloved,

as ye have always obeyed,

not as in my presence only,

but now much more in my absence,

work out your own salvation

with fear

and trembling.

13 For it is God

which worketh in you

both to will

and to do

of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things

without murmurings

and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless,

the sons of God,

without rebuke,

in the midst

of a crooked and perverse nation,

among whom ye shine

as lights in the world;” Philippians 2:12-15

What are you “working out”?  The salvation that God has offered to you.  Or the worldliness that pervades us on every hand?  Jesus, The Lamb of God, is not only our Lord but HE left us such an amazing example.  Now don’t misunderstand—HE came to be our sacrifice, not just “an example”; but in HIS coming HE left us the greatest example of all.  But notice the context—the context is about suffering for Jesus.

“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

If you don’t know HIM, you can; He gave HIMSELF for your salvation.  Won’t you trust to His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for your sin and mine.  He’s still calling men, women, boys and girls to HIS cross.  He died for YOU!  It’s what HIS Word reveals throughout the pages of all scripture.  You can receive His “inspired” Word of truth or you can reject it as an “expired” myth and pay for your own sin.

“For when we were yet without strength,

in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled

to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:6-11

Will you answer HIS call upon your heart?  The choice is yours but choose wisely there is a test.

“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.”   Revelation 3:20

The test:

“And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face

the earth

and the heaven fled away;

and there was found no place

for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things which were written

in the books,

according to their works…

…. 15 And whosoever was not found

written in the book of life

 was cast into the lake of fire.”   Revelation 20:11-12 & 15

I pray that you will receive the “inspired” Word of God—Jesus—the conduit of the written Word and the Living Word Himself, who laid down His life for you and me!

“Hereby perceive we the love of God,

because he laid down his life

for us:

and we ought to lay down our lives

for the brethren.”  1 John 3:16

“He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten

Son of God.”  John 3:18

Amen and Amen!!!

Monopoly Mentality??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 08

06 Sunday Jun 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Almost But Lost, Approved Unto God, Are You Ready, Beauty of Holiness, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, By Him We Live, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Clothed In His Righteousness, Consider Your ways, Deniable Truth? Really?, Faith, Faithfulness, False Lives, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, God's Presence Not Presents, Gospel, He Died That We Could Live, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, If not now? When?, It's Your Choice, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Judgment, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Listening To God, Monopoly Mentality, Only One Way, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Repentance, Salvation, The Blood Cleanseth us from all Sin, The Word Or The World?, Today is the day of Salvation, Trusting Jesus?, Yesterday

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 08 Monopoly Mentality???

 

Most of us have played the game of Monopoly at one time or another, some of us more recently than others; and one thing that most everyone remembers about the Monopoly board is getting a “get out of jail free” card.  I think many today have approached Jesus Christ The Lord in that way, and I’d like to take a few minutes to consider this attitude toward Jesus.  It seems to be a most popular ‘gospel’ and attitude toward Jesus.  Many today preach a message of “name it and claim it”—just use Jesus’ name as your own personal ‘heavenly slot machine’; then there are those who preach the ‘feel-good’ message that God only wants you to ‘feel good’ all the time.  I love what C. S. Lewis said in “Mere Christianity”, “We want not so much a Father but a grandfather in heaven, a God who said of anything we happened to like doing, ‘What does it matter so long as they are contented’?”

How said that we are trying to bring God down to our standard rather than pursuing the holiness that is God!  As Billy Graham once said to Phil Donahue, one of the early talk show hosts on television, “you’re trying to create God in your image” rather than realizing that we are made in God’s image but have fallen due to sin.   And that is an idea that is flourishing today—make the gospel fit us rather than recognizing our sin, repenting and turning to Jesus Christ for salvation—we just want a “grandfather” in heaven, doling out gifts and treats to his ‘grandchildren’.  We simply want a “get out of jail free” card, live how we want—do our own thing—but not have to pay for our sin; in fact, we don’t even want to bring sin into the equation!  Sin is old-fashioned, and we don’t have to call anything sin these days—if it feels good to you, it’s ok, just do it.  If it makes me ‘happy’ it will be pleasing to God.  But God says something different!

“Woe unto them that draw iniquity

with cords of vanity,

and sin

as it were with a cart rope:

19 That say,

Let him make speed,

and hasten his work,

that we may see it:

and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel

draw nigh

and come,

that we may know it!

20 Woe unto them that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness for light,

and light for darkness;

that put bitter for sweet,

and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe unto them

that are wise in their own eyes,

and prudent in their own sight!”  Isaiah 5:18-21

Paul paints an amazing picture of man’s relationship to God, and SIN IS the issue.  Sin is a disease which we are born with, a disease for which we all have a bill due, one we will either pay for ourselves– for our sin in hell– or we can accept Jesus’ payment of HIS own blood shed at Calvary for our sin by repentance and faith and have eternal life with HIM!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test (and I believe it is coming soon!)!

“For when ye were the servants of sin,

ye were free from righteousness.

21 What fruit had ye then in those things

whereof ye are now ashamed?

for the end of those things is death.

22 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 6:20-23

Are you serving “sin” or God?  Do you simply want a “get out of jail free” card, or have you “become servants to God”?  Do you desire to live having “fruit unto holiness”, or living your own way, dabbling in the sin and walking in the darkness of this world?  God says that you can choose to live in sin but notice the consequence: “For the wages of sin is death”!  And according to Paul’s clear truth: you can choose to live in sin or choose to come to Jesus in repentance and faith to be justified (made right with God!)!

“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 3:23-24

Paul also told the Romans what this looks like, I invite you to consider this with me—it is so imperative that we understand what Jesus has done for us and will do for those who come to HIM in repentance and faith!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given

unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more, being reconciled,

we shall be saved

by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.

12 Wherefore,

as by one man sin entered into the world,

and death by sin;

and so death passed upon all men,

for that all have sinned:”  Romans 5:1-12

If SIN IS the issue—JESUS IS the only cure!  But when Jesus transforms a life—it is HIS work, and it shows.

“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

Salvation is Jesus’ work of redemption, not man’s work of “self-righteousness”, or “good works”, or an “altered” standard!  When we belong to Jesus, we become new creations of God.

“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

Jesus took on my sin, so that I could receive HIS righteousness, and HIS Spirit dwelling in me, which will be evident to one degree or another.  What’s evident in your life?  Jesus? Or a “get out of jail free card”?  Jeremiah and Jesus both have something to say about our attitude toward God.

“…my people have forgotten me days without number…”. Jeremiah 2:32b

Let’s consider Jesus’ own commentary for those who only want to use His name rather than come to HIM in repentance and faith.  As my mother used to say, “You can fool all of the people some of the time, and you can fool some of the people all of the time, but you can’t fool GOD!”  Who are you trying to fool? (See Matthew 16:24-25)

“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.

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings

of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

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 foolishman,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 7:20-27

And in closing, some food for thought; a passage that is often disregarded, but it is truth, and we must consider it.  I will simply call our attention to the qualifier: “such WERE some of you”…..”but ye are sanctified”.  It doesn’t matter what sin we “had”; it matters what Spirit controls us NOW!  For as Paul says in Romans 8:9b, “if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his”! I hope that you will ponder the words of scripture and measure with God’s judgment not man’s, “be not deceived”!

“Know ye not

that the unrighteous shall not inherit

the kingdom of God?

Be not deceived:

neither fornicators,

nor idolaters,

nor adulterers,

nor effeminate,

nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves,

nor covetous,

nor drunkards,

nor revilers,

nor extortioners,

shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you:

but

ye are washed,

but

ye are sanctified,

but

ye are justified

in the name of the Lord Jesus,

and by the Spirit of our God.”  1 Corinthians 6:9-11

And a final word from Jesus:

“Judge not according to the appearance,

but judge righteous judgment.”  John 7:24

With a Proverb:

“There is a way

that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

The choice is yours but choose wisely—there is a test!  God’s WORD not mine!

Amen and Amen!!!