Category Archives: Believe IN Jesus

Who Missed Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #133

20 Wednesday Sep 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Advice for the journey, Almost But Lost, Believe IN Jesus, Don't Wait, Fruit of the Spirit, Glory of God, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God Still Reigns, God Who Sees, God's glory NOT mine!, God's Judgment, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godliness will be opposed, Good News, Gospel, Grace, Guard Your Heart, Guard Your Mouth, He Died That We Could Live, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, HE who began it will complete it!, He's Alive, Hell, Hell's Hot, Holiness, Holy Living, If I be lifted up---, IN Jesus!, It's All About The Cross, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus call, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Saves!, The Blood of Jesus Cleanses from SIN, The Gospel, the hope of glory!, This is the Way, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth is True, Walk in the Spirit, Watch Your Words, Who are you listening to?, Words Matter, You can't get yesterday back!

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 Who Missed Jesus???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #133

I am writing this in the semi-light of the dawn, as our power is out, yet fortunately my laptop was charged up!!!  Today my heart was thinking about missed opportunities to share Jesus, but even more significantly those who have missed Jesus because of my failures to walk in The Spirit (Holy Spirit) rather than the flesh!!!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh

lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit

against the flesh:

and these are contrary the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do

the things that ye would…

….22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16 & 25

Paul’s letter to the Philippian believers gives us a great tool to use in our daily struggles.  When ugly, ungodly thoughts, desires or passions come knocking at the door of your mind—just Philippians 4:8 them!  Here’s how:

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye

have both learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.”  Philippians 4:6-9

Stop the temptation at the door by memorizing Phil 4:8 and if the temptation can’t pass the test of ‘true…honest…” then tell the enemy to ‘buzz off’! For when temptation comes, if you’re anything like me, it seems like the struggle is continual—well, my friends, IT IS!  Even as Paul challenges us to walk “in The Spirit”, he is calling us to be a reflection of Jesus not ‘ourselves’; for I find that my flesh and yours can be really ‘ugly’ sometimes—for our flesh still loves the things of this world!  That is why it was so imperative to heed Paul’s call to walk in the power, strength, and direction of The Holy Spirit, in God’s love which HE has planted in our hearts (See Romans 5:1-11) and not our flesh!  Yet sometimes we let old habits rule our behavior, we let old grudges color our outlook, we let unforgiveness rule our hearts and minds and spill over with unkind words and deeds, we let old corrupt words come out of our mouths, we let the enemy have way in our lives rather than The Holy Spirit—it’s why in Paul’s instructions about ‘the armor of God’ he reminds us that we ‘wrestle’ with unseen enemies in this world!!!  Peter also warned us about the very real danger of the “roaring lion” who is out to ruin your testimony and influence just as he is mine.  Peter reminds us of this fact, and the only solution that works!

“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.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11

We are in a battle my friends, a battle for the hearts and souls of men, women, boys, and girls!  What are you and I doing about it?  I pray that we will heed the call and the warnings of scripture and ask God to daily “order my steps in thy word…” (See Psalm 119:133)!  It grieves my soul to see so much of the world making its way into the church!  Instead of calling people to repentance and faith in Jesus, we call them to just bring the world into our midst.  We will never win the world by competing with their modes and means!  Jesus made it clear in many passages as did the Apostles and other writers of scripture. My challenge for us today is to examine my life, as you examine yours against Scripture—what do others see in me?  A reflection of the world—in my speech, my actions, my attire, my habits, my choices of entertainment, music, and venues?  I could make a list but if you’ll simply get into the “WORD” instead of so much of the “world”, you can learn to listen to the precious Holy Spirit, who will guide you into all truth.

“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

Jesus knew HE would be lifted up, crucified for our sin, buried, and raised the third day, all according to the scriptures—all for our salvation; for all who would heed His call, repent, and receive His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN; the choice is yours, for HE is calling today!  Whom will you choose—the Christ of glory or the enemy who wants to take you ‘to hell’ with him?  There is no other message, and regardless of all the attractions of the world, I will stand with Paul and proclaim Jesus.

“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.

3 And I was with you in weakness,

and in fear,

and in much trembling.

4 And my speech

and my preaching was not with enticing words

of man’s wisdom,

but in demonstration

of the Spirit and of power:” 1 Corinthians 2:1-4

 This man took the One Way-Jesus Gospel in God’s power, not man’s wisdom, plans, or programs!  He preached Jesus! Will we?

“For Christ sent me not to baptize,

but to preach the gospel:

not with wisdom of words,

lest the cross of Christ

should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy the wisdom

of the wise,

and will bring to nothing

the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.”  1 Corinthians 1:17-21

It’s all about Jesus—because: “it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe”

Oh, that we who believe might return to the message of the cross.  My heart longs for a heaven-sent revival, but I fear that we have come to a place to see the judgment of God upon His own.

Jesus’ and The Cross are not about pantheistic health crazes upon which we try to put “Jesus’ name”, or unholy celebrations to match the world’s evil days, or accepting sin by simply changing its name, I could go on, but I’ve probably said enough.  I remember a time when the church wanted to call people out of the world of sin to the cross and the crucified life, but now it seems more popular to just invite people to bring your sin on into the church, we won’t mind.  There is no need for me to add some “disclaimer” about who or what I’m talking about—take it to Jesus—take it to The Word of God—take it to GOD in prayer, but I think we might have to change some things in our lives!  God is watching and HE will judge His own.

“For the time is come

that judgment must begin at the house of God:

and if it first begin at us,

what shall the end be of them that obey not

the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved,

where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

19 Wherefore let them that suffer

according to the will of God

commit the keeping of their souls    

to him in well doing,

as unto a faithful Creator.”1 Peter 4:17-19

What’s going on in your church?  Do you compromise truth for a crowd?  Do you stand up for Jesus, crucified, buried, risen, and coming again, The Gospel of HIS life-changing salvation or something less?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, remember, there is a test!  And I think the “final exam” is closer than we think!

So, my friends, my question is, “Is my/your life drawing people to Jesus or driving them away?”  Does your/my life reflect a love of Jesus or do the words of our mouth, our life-choices and actions turn them away into hell.  Remember there are only two destinies—heaven or hell?  May we be drawing people to the CROSS, not driving them the other way, or justifying sin to please the crowds we want on our pews?  Only One Way—and HE is the crucified, risen and coming again Savior, JESUS!  I pray that this will touch hearts and change lives.  May we cling to The Cross of Jesus!  I’m not claiming to be perfect, just a simple servant of Jesus who pursues HIM and HIS WORD for my life’s journey!  He does save!  He does give new life!  He is coming soon!!!  I pray that you know Him and will join me in following Jesus not anyone or anything else.

“Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

Amen and Amen!!!

A Bible Or A Phone??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #118

07 Monday Aug 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Believe IN Jesus, Bibe Study, Biblical Boundaries Matter!, Delight of my heart, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Holey, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Phone or Bible?, Tech?, The Word

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A Bible Or A Phone??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #118

Sounds like a conversation that I have with my son on occasion, especially when I go to his church while we are visiting; when the pastor gives the scripture and opens his Bible, I open mine–my son, on the other hand opens up his phone and we have this oft repeated conversation about “that is not a Bible”, and he just smiles, and goes on finding the scripture in his Bible App!  Well, I want to play off of that just a bit this morning, for we live in a “techy” culture, and for an old grandma, I’m pretty ‘techy’ myself–I do love the ‘techy’ stuff and while it often challenges me, I mostly enjoy the intrigue of new apps, downloads and ‘tips’!  I do have a Bible app that I use for quick answers if I’m out and about, but I am totally ‘old-school’ when it comes to Bible reading and Bible study!  I like the feel of pages turning, and I can mark my Bible and it sticks with me better, and yes, I do mark in my Bible, not only notes and cross-references (I’ve been doing my own cross-references for about 30 years and it’s a great learning tool.  When I am reading or studying and read a verse or a passage that seems to go with something else I’ve studied, I go to that passage and cross-reference each to the other.  You’d be surprised at how that helps you remember things that go together!) but observations and insights that come as I’m reading or studying a passage!  I take my notes on paper and write my teaching outlines on paper; I know how much of a page I can fill to teach for an hour.  It’s how I roll, as they say!

But my point for this post is that we need to be careful (especially people like me who are a bit over the top on things!) of our focus.  I have recently removed myself from social media, except for the Bible Ballistics’ postings, for it was consuming too much of my time and energy and I was just too prone to aggravation over so much of what I saw and/or read, even from people I know and love!  You might call it ‘intake overload’!  So, my challenge for each of us today is to consider ‘where does my time go’?  How much time do I spend with Jesus, in the Bible, in personal intercession for others, in pursuing God and a holy lifestyle?  How much time do I spend (for me it was a matter of ‘wasting’ time!) with social media, television, movies, books other than God’s Word, frivolous activities that can mislead or cause others to stumble or fall?  How much time am I devoting to godly pursuits?  When was the last time you “called” someone instead of sending a ‘text’ or an email?  Human voice and touch are still superior to technology!  Let’s see what God says.

“Be not deceived:

evil communications

corrupt good manners.

34 Awake to righteousness,

and sin not;

for some have not the knowledge of God:

I speak this to your shame.” 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

Or as the NASB puts it:

“Do not be deceived:

Bad company corrupts good morals.”

Paul is warning believers that we must guard our hearts, our minds, and our associations; the things we spend time with will affect our behavior.  I learned this years ago in a real and ‘in-your-face’ kind of way.  I was young and away from home and I love mystery books, movies and shows so I was reading Perry Mason mysteries and I found another series by Erle Stanley Gardner about a detective and his lady boss, who had a filthy mouth.  Well, my parents didn’t use bad language and we didn’t associate with many people who did, but this lady detective had a vulgar mouth, and while I didn’t curse then, still don’t, I found myself thinking of those words and phrases when something would go wrong!  Finally, I realized that I was putting those ‘words into’ my heart and mind, and they were trying to come ‘out’!  So, I made the choice to put those books away, and haven’t read them again.  Why, might you ask; if you enjoyed them?  Because just as Paul warned the Corinthian believers, I was allowing “bad company” to “corrupt my good morals”!

This lesson came crashing back into my heart and mind after finding so much foul language and vulgar talk on social media.  I hate seeing “those words” and it is becoming more and more prevalent, even from the mouths (or typing) of people of normally good morals.  If it was wrong “then” it’s still wrong “now”!  It seems some don’t even realize they are speaking like the world, it’s time to consider a change!  God calls us to holiness and not worldly vulgarity, or lewdness–but it is all around us!

“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

God calls us to live holy lives “in all manner of conversation”, referring to our lifestyle not just our speech!  How sad it makes me when I hear people using vulgar expressions, much less the plain, outright ‘down and dirty’ language.  Our language is to reflect our love of and devotion to God, His Word, and HIS ways!

“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

In bringing all this together, I pray that we will recognize that technology, social media, television, radio…whatever the device… can be used for good, where possible, and avoided when it is using you to promote and pass along evil!  Are you using the technology, or is it using you?  Are you setting priorities that are godly and for your good as well as the good of those around you?  Is your influence pointing others to Jesus or hell?  Have we made God’s Word a priority? Prayer?  Intercession?  Church attendance (in a Bible believing, Bible preaching church–and they are becoming harder to find, as Satan’s influence is pervading even the church) and not just attendance but participation.  Are your priorities leading others to the cross or to hell?  And regardless of how we justify it or excuse our behavior, language, or actions, there are little feet, eyes and ears coming along behind us; and may we all remember that they are paying attention to what we “do” more than what we “say” we believe!

Jesus/God has given us the call to follow HIM in all our ways, and the best “way” to do that is to be filled with HIS Spirit and HIS Word!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…

…. 24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16 & 24-26

 Finally Paul’s great call to his son-in-the-ministry, as well as a call to each of us–to set God’s Word as a priority!  Are you using your phone more than God’s Word?  Check it out! Are you “vainly babbling” or standing “unashamed” before your Lord?

“Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.

16 But shun

Profane

and vain babblings:

for they will increase

unto more ungodliness.”  2 Timothy 2:15-16

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers

shall wax worse and worse,

deceiving,

and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things

which thou hast learned

and hast been assured of,

knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child

thou hast known the holy scriptures,

which are able to make thee wise unto salvation

through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 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 3:12-17.

Amen and Amen!!!

Simply To The Cross I Go??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #44

21 Friday Oct 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, By Him We Live, By His Grace, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Salvation, Take Up YOUR Cross

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Simply To The Cross I Go??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #44

“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

It’s so easy these days for people to preach and share anything but the “Cross”!  It’s easy to hear a message of indulgence, no-demand salvation, almost anything but the call to “take up your cross and follow me” is dangled before the church and the world claiming to offer a “get out of jail free” card—fire insurance- with no regard for the price that Jesus paid for the salvation of those who would come to HIM by faith for forgiveness of sin, and a new birth.  I believe that we must cling to the cross of Jesus and all that it means, for without it there is NO salvation!

“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

We have been “translated…into the kingdom of his dear Son”, Hallelujah, Amen!  That means our heart is new born, our tongue speaks a new language, and our mind can be renewed every day by HIS power and love through the indwelling Holy Spirit who indwells each genuine believer, as we pursue HIS holiness through The Word of God.  Jesus explains it clearly:

“Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things,

and be rejected

of the elders

and chief priests

and scribes,

and be slain,

and be raised the third day.

23 And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life

for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?

26 For whosoever shall be ashamed

of me and of my words,

of him shall the Son of man

be ashamed,

when he shall come in his own glory,

and in his Father’s,

and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:22-26

Many say they can’t understand the “crucified life”, but it’s relatively simple: when we come to the cross of Jesus, we exchange our dead self for new life IN Jesus, a new life that leads us to glory with Jesus!  Paul made it pretty clear as he wrote to the believers in Ephesus; and my friends, if you’ve never been a lost sinner, it’s not likely that you’ve ever had any need for Jesus Christ the Savior, Lord, and King!  You might want to check out what you are depending on to take you to heaven, for there is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun?  What are you pursuing?  Have you seen your sin?  Have you brought it to Jesus’ cross?

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead

in trespasses

and sins;

2 Wherein in time past

ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince of the power

of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires

of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love

wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together,

and made us sit together

in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come

he might shew the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.”  Ephesians 2:1-10

What are you “walking in”?  Jesus’ way or your own?  Jesus’ way or the world’s?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.  For you see, our “works”, be they good, bad, or indifferent, won’t save us, but when we come to Jesus, God leads unto “good works” for God’s glory and our good!  I choose Jesus and have determined to pursue HIM each day!  Won’t you join me?

“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

I pray that you will come to HIS cross today!  Amen and Amen!!!

I’m Stumped??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #788

08 Friday Apr 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Are You Ready, Believe IN Jesus, Bibe Study, Blessed by God, By His Grace, Choices And Consequences, HOPE, Obedient or NOT?, One Day Too Late?, Only Jesus, Only One Way, Possession or Pretense?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #788       I’m Stumped???

I am truly stumped as I look around and see things going on that grieve my heart –things that I can’t help but believe also grieve the heart of God.  Let’s peruse scripture and see what we find.

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name,

that will I do,

that the Father may be glorified

in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing

in my name,

I will do it.

15 If ye love me,

keep my commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world

cannot receive,

because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless:

I will come to you.”  John 14:13-18

Here, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure to the cross (His resurrection and ascension, although they couldn’t grasp the import or reality that HE would die {first}, and be resurrected), even though they couldn’t grasp it all at the time.  Yet, there are some simple principles that we seem to miss, overlook, or simply neglect and disregard.  I have no desire to debate the issue of “which” commands we are to follow, for in its simplest form, Jesus is calling us to heed HIS word/words and receive and learn from the precious Holy Spirit, whom HE would send at Pentecost some 50 days later.

Jesus called His disciples to understand that they would approach the Father from this point forward on the basis of` Jesus’ name, and the work that Jesus is about to accomplish on the cross—His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN, that would completely fulfill the promise of redemption through the Messiah! Jesus was, is and ever shall be the true Messiah—the soon-returning Messiah and King—and HE is the “way” to The Father, in “spirit and truth”!  But there seems to be a presumption on God today that says, we dictate “in the name of Jesus” and God must comply!!!  NOT!  Jesus makes it clear that what we ask is to be asked, done, and accomplished “that the Father may be glorified in the Son”!   He is directing our hearts and minds to understand that we are working in, through and for the glory of God, not ourselves-either individually or in some corporate way-for Jesus clearly calls us to “love” HIM and express it by being willing to “keep my commandments”!  Not very hard to understand, but seemingly today it is!

It seems that we live in a “pick and choose” world where we claim the name of Jesus yet, pick and choose what parts of His Word, His will, or His way, that we will comply with.  We aren’t willing to align our lives to biblical principles, nor does it seem that we are willing to follow The LORD in love and obedience.  I’m stumped?  “If ye love me”?  Do we?

In my opinion, Jesus’ words hold the answer, and while we can’t look at all of “His words”, let’s look at a few key things that should shed some light on the true principles and expectations of scripture and its author (Jesus).

“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.”   John 8:42-43

This is part of a great confrontational discourse with the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, in fact the last few weeks of His earthly journey.  Jesus is making it clear that if they didn’t truly know God—they had no personal relationship with The Father, through faith in the coming Messiah; in fact, the Messiah who had come and was standing in front of them—they didn’t know HIM!  BUT they didn’t believe so they accused Him of being false!  Jesus made short work of their “smart answers” and plainly claimed that HE had come from God.  He also implied that they couldn’t hear because they had no “spiritual ears” to hear.  He goes even farther by making an angering and abrupt statement—we’d say, “not very nice”, but Jesus spoke only truth—in the right way, at the right time, for the right reasons.  How will you respond to HIM?

“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 8:44-27

Paul also commented on this truth in his letter to the Ephesian believers.  It all comes down to “parentage”!  Whose child are you?  Have you been born again and become a “child of God”?  Or are you still controlled by the enemy, who lies, deceives, and seeks to “steal, and to kill, and to destroy”! (See John 10:10)

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince

of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all

had our conversation in times past

 in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature

the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)”.   Ephesians 2:1-5

Paul also went on to remind us that while salvation is by grace through faith, it is a work of God, when HE calls us to become HIS own!

“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 back to Jesus’ own words in John 14:

“He that hath my commandments,

and keepeth them,

he it is

that loveth me:

and he that loveth me

shall be loved of my Father,

and I will love him,

and will manifest myself to him.”   John 14:21

And in closing, another word of Jesus’ for us to ponder.  Are you claiming HIS name but not walking HIS way?  Do you claim the name of Jesus, but walk your own way, or will you truly yield to The Spirit of God and reflect the love, grace and truth that IS “Christ in you, the hope of glory”!

“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…

….. 10 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 1:1-4 & 10-13

Won’t you come to Jesus?  Are you already His?  Do our lives reflect whose we are?  May we pursue God and His righteousness:

“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 5:21

Amen and Amen!!!

You Are Free To Choose??? Bible Ballistics: Vol 18 No. 15

06 Sunday Mar 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Believe God?, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, Every Knee Shall Bow, Eyes that SEE HIM, Eyes that see not, Righteousness, Salvation, SIN, Sin IS the issue, Sowing and Reaping, The Love of God, The Resurrection Life!, The Right Jesus!, Transgression, Trendy Or Truth

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 15 You Are Free To Choose???

 

“Now therefore fear the LORD,

and serve him in sincerity

and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:14-15

What does it mean to serve The Lord?  It is a choice that we all face!  I think Jesus answers the question better than I can so, let’s consider what HE has to say.  Yet remember that when we know what Jesus says, then we are faced with a decision–to hear and obey or reject HIM and HIS Word and walk in our own darkness.  Why is this important to me?  Because as Joshua proclaimed we will choose—and hear me well–refusing to “choose” is choosing; and there is a consequence to every choice.  Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus (the religious leader who came to him by night for answers) that all choices have consequences.

“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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 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.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”  John 3:16-21

God will not ask where we went to church, or if our parents were believers, whether we impressed others with our works; but as HE told Nicodemus the question will be simple, “have you been born again”?  As Jesus said in verse 3, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”!  Have you been born again, or are you depending on something else to be right with God?  As Jesus says above, whoever “doeth evil hateth the light”; rejecting the light so their deeds won’t be reproved—in other words, they don’t want their own personal sin to be called “SIN”!  Or, as Jesus addresses in Matthew chapter 7, just “saying so”, (just ‘saying’ that you’re right with God, that you ‘know’ The Lord) “doesn’t make it so”!

“Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree

cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will

of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many

wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”   Matthew 7:17-23

Just as our vernacular of “saying so, doesn’t make it so”, James reiterates with “faith without works is dead” (dead faith—or as Paul called it, “vain” faith).  Our actions display our real beliefs!

“If a brother or sister

be naked,

and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them,

Depart in peace,

be ye warmed and filled;

notwithstanding ye give them not those things

which are needful to the body;

what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith,

if it hath not works,

is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say,

Thou hast faith,

and I have works:

 shew me thy faith

without thy works,

and I will shew thee my faith

by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God;

thou doest well:

the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know,

O vain man,

that faith without works is dead?”   James 2:15-20

James refers to the evidence of real faith not the “source” of faith.  We don’t work for our salvation, but when we genuinely belong to Jesus there will be evidence of our faith (See Ephesians 2:8-10).  Paul also mentions ‘vain’ faith, referring to the same thing that James is talking about—they didn’t disagree!

“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

I know it seems like I am “beating a dead horse”, but I am so burdened for our whole culture (including many churches in America); including people that you and I love who have bought into an ‘easy believe-ism’ that says just use Jesus’ name, pray in HIS name, go to church in HIS name, carry a Bible, even be baptized, if you like, but don’t believe the “gospel” that Jesus came to “save HIS people from their sins” (See Matthew 1:21)—after all, sin is irrelevant today, right?  NOT true.  SIN IS THE ISSUE, and Jesus IS the only cure, as Peter said so well right from the beginnings of the ministry of the church.

“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

Paul gives a description of those who have been born again and transformed by the power of Jesus’ blood, for our reconciliation and transformation cost Jesus’ own blood at the cross!  Yet so many today discount the blood of Jesus—they want to use His name to purchase fire insurance with no recognition of HIS Lordship, or that they are “bought with a price….you are not your own“!  (See 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

“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

Let’s continue and see what Jesus said about HIS sheep?

“Jesus answered them,

I told you,

and ye believed not:

the works that I do in my Father’s name,

they bear witness of me.

26 But ye believe not,

because ye are not of my sheep,

as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.”   John 10:27

Jesus’ sheep are called to live transformed lives; transformed by the power of the blood and the continuing work of The Holy Spirit who indwells every genuine believer.  Who said so?  God’s Word says so!

“So then they that are in the flesh

cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you,

the body is dead because of sin;

but the Spirit is life

because of righteousness.”  Romans 8:8-10

Who have you chosen to follow? There is a consequence to every choice so choose wisely—there is a test.  Every knee shall bow—so the question isn’t “Will you bow?”; for you “will bow”!  The question is when? (See Philippians 2:5-11). Will you bow before Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or will you bow before HIM as your judge when it is too late for salvation?  I pray that you will choose Jesus, for I believe HE IS coming soon!

Amen and Amen!