Category Archives: Born Again

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!!!

How Long Will You Wait??? Bible Ballistics:Vol. 19 NO. 10

07 Sunday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Born Again, TODAY, Today and Forever, Today is the day of Salvation, Tomorrow, Too Late To Call?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 10   How Long Will You Wait???

There is a story in the book of Acts that I want to touch on today, for I think it is so pertinent to the day in which we live—a day much like Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa—curious, but not really wanting to know God or have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, The Son.  Paul had answered Felix the governor of the charges brought against him by the religious leaders, and Felix, being familiar with the situation had allowed Paul to openly respond, and Paul shared Jesus with him/them, and called his accusers into account for the things they accused him of.  Let’s pick jump in and take it on through portions of Acts 24-26!

“And when Felix heard these things,

having more perfect knowledge of that way,

he deferred them,

and said, When Lysias the chief captain

shall come down,

I will know the uttermost

of your matter.

23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul,

and to let him have liberty,

and that he should forbid

none of his acquaintance

to minister

or come unto him.

24 And after certain days,

when Felix came with his wife Drusilla,

which was a Jewess,

he sent for Paul,

and heard him

concerning the faith in Christ.

25 And as he reasoned

of righteousness,

temperance,

and judgment to come,

Felix trembled, and answered,

Go thy way for this time;

when I have a convenient season,

I will call for thee.”  Acts 24:22-25

And just to remind us of what Solomon said, “there is no new thing under the sun”—politicians haven’t changed:

“He hoped also that money

should have been given him of Paul,

that he might loose him:

wherefore he sent for him the oftener,

and communed with him.

27 But after two years Porcius Festus came

into Felix’ room:

and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure,

left Paul bound.”  Acts 24:26-27

I think we learn something from Paul, though, even though I’m sure he knew that a little “grease across the palm” could have purchased his freedom, God had already told him that HE had plans for his travels so Paul took every occasion to share the gospel with Felix for some two years.  He didn’t give up, get tired of the rejection, and he didn’t resort to fleshly solutions.   How about us?  How about you?  Are you and I becoming “weary” in “well doing” or are you like Felix and just keep putting Jesus off.  You don’t know how long you have.

“Boast not thyself of to morrow;

for thou knowest not

what a day may bring forth.”  Proverbs 27:1

To make a long story a bit shorter, Paul went through almost the same things with Festus so he appealed (as a Roman citizen, he exercised his right to appear before the emperor rather than the Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem) to Caesar and in the course of events had the opportunity to speak before King Agrippa, who had heard from Festus about Paul; and it also reminds us that our opportunities aren’t ours to set.

“And he said,

Therefore said I unto you,

that no man can come unto me,

except it were given unto him

of my Father.”  John 6:65

So, as we consider Paul’s encounter with King Agrippa, I think it worthy our examination of our own relationship with Jesus.  What’s your excuse for denying Him?  If you’re HIS, what’s your excuse for not serving HIM now?

“But when Paul had appealed to be reserved

unto the hearing of Augustus,

I commanded him to be kept

till I might send him to Caesar.

22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus,

I would also hear the man myself.

To morrow, said he,

thou shalt hear him.

23 And on the morrow,

when Agrippa was come,

and Bernice,

with great pomp,

and was entered into the place of hearing,

with the chief captains,

and principal men of the city,

at Festus’ commandment

Paul was brought forth.

24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us,

ye see this man, about whom all the multitude

of the Jews have dealt with me,

both at Jerusalem,

and also here,

 crying that he ought not

to live any longer.”  Acts 25:21-24

To continue we see the result of Agrippa’s desire to hear Paul.  After sharing his personal testimony, Agrippa made his famous reply.  Will you stand with Agrippa in rejection or bow in repentance and faith before Jesus, and be born again?

“And as he thus spake for himself,

Festus said with a loud voice,

Paul, thou art beside thyself;

much learning doth make thee mad.

25 But he said,

I am not mad, most noble Festus;

but speak forth the words of truth

and soberness.

26 For the king knoweth of these things,

before whom also I speak freely:

for I am persuaded that none of these things

are hidden from him;

for this thing was not done in a corner.

27 King Agrippa,

believest thou the prophets?

I know that thou believest.

28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul,

Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

29 And Paul said,

I would to God,

that not only thou,

but also all that hear me this day,

were both almost,

and altogether such as I am,

except these bonds.”  Acts 26:24-29

Will you stand with Paul for all of eternity IN JESUS, or will you bow before Jesus in judgment with that said wail: I was “almost persuaded…. but lost”?  I pray that you will hear the voice of God’s call and come to Jesus today!

“…I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

“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

“(For he saith,

I have heard thee in a time accepted,

and in the day of salvation

have I succoured thee:

behold, now is the accepted time;

behold, now is the day of salvation.)”.   2 Corinthians 6:2

Today may be all we have.

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!

He Said I Could Come??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #738

25 Friday Jun 2021

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Born Again, By Him We Live, Changed Lives, Consider Your ways, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Father's Way!, Follow Jesus, Forgiveness, God Who Sees, God's love, Good News, Gospel, Grace, He Died That We Could Live, He IS Alive!, He's Alive, Hearing God, Holy Spirit, If not now? When?, IN Jesus!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus said I could come!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Only One Way, Salvation

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #738 He Said I Could Come???

 

I’m borrowing some thoughts from a blurb I saw of Alistair Begg recently, and it spoke volumes to my heart, and I pray that it will reach hearts, minds, and souls today.

Alistair was talking about how we get into heaven, and he talked about the thief on the cross at heaven’s gate: he couldn’t pass a theology test, he couldn’t quote the doctrinal statement of his church, he couldn’t pass a biblical knowledge test, but when asked ‘why he should get to come into heaven’ he simply replied, “the man on the middle cross said I could come”!  It’s all about Jesus!  It’s not your/my credentials that get us into heaven; it’s not our “love” for God and country; it’s not our good works in the church, the community, or our governmental service!  It’s only through the blood of The Lamb of God who came to pay for our sin.  Only when we look to the cross in repentance and faith will we find salvation and the right to a place in heaven.

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin

of the world.”  John 1:29

Jesus came that we might have eternal life, abundant life here and now and for all eternity.  He died so we could live!

“The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it

more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”  John 10:10-11

Jesus calls us to Himself, just as he invited the thief on the cross, “today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (see Luke 23:43), when he asked Jesus to “remember me….”!  Have you asked Jesus to “remember me”?  If you haven’t, regardless of all your self-acclaimed goodness, Jesus will one day say, “depart from me, I never knew you”!  No sadder words have ever been written or will be spoken.  Yet, the most amazing invitation in the world was spoken to you—and is still valid today!

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest

unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.”   Matthew 11:28-20

And I can say, much like the thief on the cross, when I fell on my face in repentance of all my self-righteous arrogance and confessed my sin to Jesus (for I finally saw MY SIN as SIN!) HE touched me, forgave me, and saved me—heart, soul, and mind by HIS power and HIS Holy Spirit, praise God from whom ALL blessing flow!), and I got up a changed woman, not a perfect one, but a redeemed, delivered and transformed one!  How about you?  The Gospel IS JESUS, and I’ll simply share Paul’s words in proclamation of it!

“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

Have you heard the voice of Jesus speaking to your heart?  Have you come toThe crucified, risen and coming again King of Kings?  Don’t reject His call, for it’s the only way into HIS Kingdom!  If God is calling to your heart, don’t delay—don’t deny Him—don’t defy HIS love for you!

“No man can come to me,

except the Father which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:44

Don’t turn HIM away, today is the day of salvation—the devil’s greatest lie is, “You can wait until tomorrow…!”; don’t let today pass you by without Jesus.

“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

Don’t miss heaven by neglect, or procrastination, but receive Jesus today.

“(For he saith,

I have heard thee

in a time accepted,

and in the day of salvation

have I succoured thee:

behold,

now is the accepted time;

behold,

now is the day of salvation.)”.   2 Corinthians 6:2

Won’t you receive HIM today?

“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

There is no other way but Jesus, and HE won’t call forever—don’t wait/waste your opportunity away!

“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

I’ll simply leave you with one more invitation from Jesus and pray that you will receive HIS love and gift of eternal life today—just as the thief on the cross, The invitation is for YOU too!  Won’t you heed HIS call today—not any of us is guaranteed a tomorrow.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“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.”  John 3:16-19

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!!!