Category Archives: Are You Ready

Christmas Ponderings #7 Bible Ballistics: BBs #771

17 Friday Dec 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Are You Ready, Believe God?, Believe IN Jesus, Choose you this day?, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Come To Worship HIM, Trust, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Who are you listening too!, Worship Him!, Worship?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #771   Christmas Ponderings!!! #7

 

As we approach Christmas week, and we think of all the activities, errands, shopping, wrapping, mailing, cards, gifts, baking and cooking we may become overwhelmed, but I want us to take a few minutes today to remind ourselves of the JOY of Christmas, and WHO it’s ALL about!

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

This amazing message is what Joseph received from the angel of The Lord as he was trying to decide on a course of action regarding his “espoused”, Mary, who was by this time some 3 or 4 months pregnant (remember she went to Elizabeth almost immediately after receiving the message from the angel for some 3 months).  Scripture tells us that Joseph was a just man, and only wanted to do the right thing-–even for Mary.  I’ve always wondered about that conversation that Mary had to have with her parents, for while her cousin Elizabeth (the mother of John the Baptizer) knew that her pregnancy was supernatural, we’re not told that her parents had the same spiritual insight.  I don’t mean to be irreverent, but can’t you just imagine Mary telling her parents that she was pregnant, but it was a work of God!  And then she had to tell Joseph—that had to be an interesting conversation—and he simply wanted to do the right thing for Mary!  But once again God stepped in and assured Joseph that his beloved Mary was telling the truth!  I can’t even imagine the courage that it took, for surely the neighbors there in Nazareth were just as “gossipy” as neighbors today, and the rumors flew around town; and remember that Joseph would have been presumed to be the father—one who had violated Mary’s purity, and the marriage contract prematurely.

Yet in all of this, there was one other who believed—Elizabeth; and from their encounter we have two of the most beautiful of all declarations of the faith of two women in all of scripture (excepting perhaps the declaration of Hannah)—one who was past childbearing years and was gifted by God to bear a child!  The other an engaged maiden who was pregnant without benefit of the marriage being consummated!  Elizabeth got the news of her blessing from her husband Zacharias, who also received an angelic visitation and message about “John”!

“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.

14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness;

and many shall rejoice at his birth.

15 For he shall be great

in the sight of the Lord,

and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink;

and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost,

even from his mother’s womb.

16 And many of the children of Israel

shall he turn to the Lord their God.”   Luke 1:11-16

This faithful servant of God received amazing news via an angelic visit!  The angel’s message came to pass, and Zacharias’ wife Elizabeth would receive a visit from another mother of a special child; and six months into her pregnancy, a divine encounter took place, often overlooked in our rush to Bethlehem.

“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.

30 And the angel said unto her,

Fear not, Mary:

for thou hast found favour with God

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive

in thy womb,

and bring forth a son,

and shalt call his name JESUS.

32 He shall be great,

and shall be called

the Son of the Highest:

and the Lord God

shall give unto him

the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign

over the house of Jacob

for ever;

and of his kingdom

there shall be no end.”  Luke 1:26-33

And while Mary may have struggled to accept what the angel told her, she accepted the message from God and then went to visit her cousin Elizabeth.  Maybe to confirm what she had been told, maybe to not be in Nazareth as her condition began to show; we don’t know why, except it seems to have been a God designed visit, and the encounter between these two blessed women of God gives us cause to worship and praise our God for the gift of HIS plan of salvation, which came to fruition through a simple Jewish girl of faith with an amazing devotion to her God!

Let’s simply let these two women bring us to the throne of grace today.  There is nothing I could add to what they have to say.  May we rejoice with such ardor and love!

“And it came to pass, that,

when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary,

the babe leaped in her womb;

and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said,

Blessed art thou among women,

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

43 And whence is this to me,

that the mother of my Lord

should come to me?

44 For, lo, as soon as the voice

of thy salutation sounded in mine ears,

the babe leaped in my womb

for joy.

45 And blessed is she that believed:

for there shall be a performance

of those things which were told her

from the Lord.”   Luke 1:41-45

And Mary’s response:

“And Mary said,

My soul doth magnify

the Lord,

47 And my spirit hath rejoiced

in God my Saviour.

48 For he hath regarded the low estate

of his handmaiden:

for, behold, from henceforth

all generations shall call me blessed.

49 For he that is mighty

hath done to me great things;

and holy is

his name.

50 And his mercy is on them that fear him

from generation to generation.

51 He hath shewed strength

with his arm;

he hath scattered the proud

in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He hath put down the mighty

from their seats,

and exalted them

of low degree.

53 He hath filled the hungry

with good things;

and the rich

he hath sent empty away.

54 He hath holpen his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy;

55 As he spake to our fathers,

to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

56 And Mary abode with her about three months,

and returned to her own house.”  Luke 1:46-56

May you find comfort knowing the fullness of joy that is found in The Word of The Lord!

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!!!

Paying Attention! Really??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #764

19 Friday Nov 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All Sufficient God!, Are You Ready, Comfort, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Influence, Opposition to Godliness, Paying attention, Rejoice IN The Lord, This IS The Day

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #764   Paying Attention!  Really???

 

“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.”  Ephesians 6:13

We are called to take the armor of God, to put it on, to be gird about, having its parts in/on our heart, mind and soul for every day’s challenges.  The problem is that we often get so distracted that we forget, or get busy, or just plain don’t pay attention.  I pray on this armor most every morning, yet sometimes we have those emergencies that interrupt our regular set of tasks and dash off without “suiting up”—it happens to me and I’m sure it happens to you; and there are those times we simply are so accustomed to something that we truly don’t pay attention.  This happened to me just recently, when my son sent a text, and since he sends the same text most every day when we get to visit, I just read the first “good morning” and called him.  He answered and laughed and said, “You didn’t read the whole message, did you?”  And of course, I had to say no, so he advised me to read it for it said “don’t call” this morning……ha ha ha ha.

We both had a good laugh and talked later in the day, but the point I want to make is that we must pay attention to what’s going on, even when (in fact especially when) we think we know what is going on!  We need to be ready for whatever the day may bring by putting on “the whole armour of God”!  Don’t get caught as I did, by presuming you know what you may not know!  Be in God’s Word, praying “without ceasing”, and trusting to HIS care.  We can’t be obsessed with being in control when that, my friends, is GOD’s job, and HE always does it perfectly!  So here are some scriptures that I pray will encourage your heart and mind to “look up” rather than “around” at all the chaos surrounding us!

“Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him who prospereth

in his way,

because of the man who bringeth wicked devices

to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise

to do evil.”  Psalm 37:7-8

“No man can serve

two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God

and mammon.

25 Therefore I say unto you,

Take no thought for your life,

what ye shall eat,

or what ye shall drink;

nor yet for your body,

what ye shall put on.

Is not the life

more than meat,

and the body

than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air:

for they sow not,

neither do they reap,

nor gather into barns;

yet your heavenly Father

feedeth them.

Are ye not much better than they?”   Matthew 6:24-26

“This is the day

which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24

So, what will you rejoice in?  Choose Jesus!  He truly is that friend who “sticketh closer than a brother” and speaking for myself—I sure am glad….!  Keep your eyes on JESUS!

Amen and Amen!!!

Real Love Speaks Truth??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 25

11 Monday Oct 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Are You Ready, Speaking, Speaking The Truth In Love, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 25 Real Love Speaks Truth???

 

There is a lot of talk these days about “love”, but God’s definition of love is quite different from the world’s view of “love”, and so many equate “love” with ‘not making waves’; but we are called to speak the truth in love—God’s love! Scripture is replete with instructions that help us know the difference between ‘lust’ and ‘love’!  After all, God IS love!

“That ye would walk worthy of God,

who hath called you unto his kingdom

and glory.

13 For this cause also

thank we God

without ceasing,

because, when ye received the word of God

which ye heard of us,

ye received it not as the word of men,

but as it is in truth,

the word of God,

which effectually worketh also

in you that believe.”   1 Thessalonians 2:12-13

While God’s Word has little value to most these days, there is a consequence to not receiving the truth of God; for while God gives every person the freedom to choose Jesus or reject Him, there is a price to pay when we reject the truth for the lies of the enemy of our soul!.  Jesus was/is very clear about who the “liar” is; and ‘who’ is ‘whose’; and HE didn’t mince any words to those who opposed HIM!  And by the way, those who opposed HIM most were those who claimed to be ‘religious’!  That’s why we are called to “receive” Him not just ‘claim’ HIS name. (See John 1:12-13). Truth is ‘true’ whether it’s easy to hear and receive or not!  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“Ye do the deeds of your father.

Then said they to him,

We be not born of fornication;

we have one Father,

even God.

42 Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth and came from God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech?

even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father

ye will do.

He was a murderer

from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth,

ye believe me not.

46 Which of you convinceth me

of sin?

And if I say the truth,

why do ye not believe me?

47 He that is of God

heareth God’s words:

ye therefore hear them not,

because ye are not of God.”  John 8:41-47

And how much did they reject Him, you might ask, well John  goes on to tell us how much!

“Then took they up stones

to cast at him:

but Jesus hid himself,

and went out of the temple,

going through the midst of them,

and so passed by.”  John 8:59

And if we back up a little, we will find out that not everyone who ‘hears’, wants to truly ‘listen’ and heed the hard truths of HIM who loves us so much that HE gave HIS life for us!

“From that time

many of his disciples went back,

and walked no more with him.”  John 6:66

Who are you choosing to walk with?  Paul told the Thessalonian believers that consequences would apply to those who willfully reject, as well as those who hear the truth and don’t respond—whether because they think they have time, or because of any other reason, even pretending to be righteous on their own without Jesus.  Paul clearly tells us that without Jesus, it won’t matter who you impress, or what you claim to believe.  Just because truth may be difficult to receive, doesn’t make it any less true!  And remember “WHO” IS truth.

“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 then shall that Wicked

be revealed,

whom the Lord shall consume

with the spirit of his mouth,

and shall destroy

with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him,

whose coming is after the working

of Satan

with all power

and signs

and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness

of unrighteousness

in them that perish;

because they received not

the love of the truth,

that they might

be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them

strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned

who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure

in unrighteousness.”  2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

There will come a time when those who willfully reject truth will no longer have opportunity to receive truth—not a popular teaching, but it is God’s truth.

Just as Jesus Himself makes it clear above, that HE IS truth, and no other truth will make you right with God, or have peace with God, or belong to HIM! (See John 1:12-13)

Paul gives us such a powerful summary of all that we have because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, and our sin in Romans 5, here are some portions of that chapter!

“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.”   Romans 5:1-2

“And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died

for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more, being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:5-11

The thing that we must decide is what will we do with Truth?  Jesus IS truth, and what we do with HIM is the truth of the Gospel. Jesus made it very clear that the choice is ours, but there is a consequence to every choice.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange

for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come

in the glory of his Father

with his angels;

and then he shall reward

every man

according to his works.”   Matthew 16:24-27

Paul puts the truth of the Gospel in a ‘nutshell’ for us, and 1 Corinthians 15 is a great passage to memorize to keep the truth of the Gospel handy in your memory bank to share with others as we have opportunity!!!

“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:”  1 Corinthians 15:1-5

We are saved to speak God’s truth in love; but speaking God’s truth without compromise, even in a world gone crazy with lies!  Jesus is THE “ONE” WAY to God, and we must make sure we don’t miss it, for if we miss Jesus, we miss it all.  But as we speak the truth in love, it is to be full of grace and mercy—but speaking well God’s truth!  Peter and Paul both spoke on this issue, may it touch your heart today.

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech

be alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know how ye ought to answer

every man.”  Colossians 4:5-6

“But sanctify the Lord God

in your hearts:

and be ready always

to give an answer

to every man that asketh you

a reason of the hope

that is in you

with meekness

and fear:

16 Having a good conscience;

that, whereas they speak evil of you,

as of evildoers,

they may be ashamed

that falsely accuse

your good conversation in Christ.”   1 Peter 3:15-16

And a final word from the Apostle Peter, for each of us to keep in mind—for our enemy is becoming bolder every day!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

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

Amen and Amen!!!

If Not The CROSS, What??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #755

29 Wednesday Sep 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, Are You Ready, By Him We Live, Choose You This Day!, Consider Your ways, Cross, Crucified With Christ

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #755  If Not The CROSS, What???

 

I am burdened greatly that we seem to have mindlessly set aside the CROSS in our zeal, compassion, and sometimes a simple desire to “help” people.  Yet, like Paul I truly believe we must, yes, we must, get back to the cross; for no matter how much kindness, love, compassion, and benevolence we bestow on those in need—be it spiritual, physical, emotional, or any other apparent need—when we put meeting their material or emotional needs over, or in place of, the need to bring them to see that they need the cross, we have missed the mark.

Paul had a lot to say about the preeminence of the cross and the Gospel of the cross of Christ Jesus.  Let’s peruse a few.

“For I will not dare to speak

of any of those things which Christ

hath not wrought by me,

to make the Gentiles obedient,

by word and deed,

19 Through mighty signs and wonders,

by the power of the Spirit of God;

so that from Jerusalem,

and round about unto Illyricum,

I have fully preached

the gospel of Christ.”    Romans 15:18-19

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

be with you all. Amen.

25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you

according to my gospel,

and the preaching of Jesus Christ,

according to the revelation

of the mystery,

which was kept secret

since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest,

and by the scriptures of the prophets,

according to the commandment

of the everlasting God,

made known to all nations

for the obedience of faith:

27 To God only wise,

be glory through Jesus Christ for ever.

Amen. ……”     Romans 16:24-27a

And one of the most powerful and foundational calls for us to be faithful to preach Christ and HIS CROSS:

“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.”    1 Corinthians 2:1-2

Nothing but JESUS–and the call for us to live unto Christ through the new life that HE gives to each one who comes to HIM in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for MY sin and yours! And by the power of HIS HOLY SPIRIT, we can die to self and LIVE UNTO JESUS in all we are, and all we do!

“I am crucified

with Christ:

nevertheless

I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith

of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”   Galatians 2:20

Jesus Himself, makes it clear that it’s all about HIM, and only HIM!

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see

the kingdom of God…

… 5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born

of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again…

… 14 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.”   Portions of John 3:4-16

The Apostle John clarified this “birth” in chapter 1 of His Gospel:

“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 1:12-13

And as Jesus declared before His death:

“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 12:32-33

He died for YOU and ME—HIS life for mine!  What is your life preaching?  What “Gospel” are you spreading?  Jesus or some other message?  As the Apostle Paul reminds us again and again, our hope isn’t in “doing” good but it’s in “being” Christ’s and “having” HIS Spirit within us: “Christ in you, the hope of glory”!  Oh, if we could just return to and pursue devotion to “Jesus Christ, and him crucified”!  That’s the only hope that is real HOPE, and may we be lifting up Jesus and not man’s philosophies, plans or programs!

“Whereof I am made a minister,

according to the dispensation of God

which is given to me for you,

to fulfil the word of God;

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid

from ages

and from generations,

but now is made manifest

to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known

what is the riches of the glory

of this mystery among the Gentiles;

which is

Christ in you,

the hope of glory:

28 Whom we preach,

warning every man,

and teaching every man

in all wisdom;

that we may present every man

perfect in Christ Jesus:

29 Whereunto I also labour,

striving according to his working,

which worketh in me mightily”.   Colossians 1:25-29

In closing for today (for we will come back to this theme again!) may we ever take Romans 12:1-2 as our battle plan, remembering that “the battle is not yours, but God’s” (See 2 Chronicles 20:15)!  Yet, we have a part—may we pursue God in every step—HIS way not ours!  And if I may add, ‘God’s will’ will never contradict or compromise HIS Word!

“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

All by HIS power—not mine!!!

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth

much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.”  John 15:5

Amen and Amen!!!