Category Archives: Changed Lives

Church Wanted: Dead Or Alive??? Pt. 2 Bible Ballistics: Repost

03 Sunday Dec 2017

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Changed Lives, Church:Dead Or Alive?, Confidence, Dare To Be Different!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Leading Or Mis-Leading?, Living Stones, Made like Jesus!, Perseverance, Salvation, The Only Way, The Same Yesterday, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Thy Will Be Done, Walking With Jesus

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A continuation of this article from last week.  and next week, I hope to have some more to share next week…..

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 10 No.20 Church Wanted: Dead Or Alive??? Pt. 2

As we continue with our thoughts from last week, I’d like to take a bit of a turn. I’d like us to not only examine the state of the church, but the state of our hearts; for the state of the hearts of God’s people is the state of the church. If our hearts are fixed on things other than the love, adoration and worship of Jesus Christ the Son who brings us to the Father, then we are off track! God has a plan to reach the world and He has given it to us—now it isn’t always worked out the same in every local body of believers–but it will always be rooted in the Holy Scriptures and the Holy Son of God who is the Only Way to God! And He hasn’t changed neither has His Word!

“Jesus Christ the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8

Amen and Amen! Let’s press on.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go

ye know,

and the way

ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.

7 If ye had known me,

ye should have known my Father also:

and from henceforth ye know him,

and have seen him.” John 14:1-7

Jesus made it clear to His disciples, as He was about to face the cross, be crucified and rise on the third day, that HE IS the only way to God, and those who believe in Him and receive His sacrifice for our sin, not only know God, but see God—God the Father—for they were, are and ever shall be ONE—Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Amen and Amen!

“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.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.” John 10:27-30

We “must be born again” of the Holy Spirit of God/Jesus, and when we are, we “know” Jesus and because we “know” Him, we also “know” God The Father, and those who were with Him physically had seen the very “I AM”; The God of all creation, for He and the Son are ONE! And those who are HIS, He knows, He saves and He keeps—because salvation is of GOD not man! Always has been, always will be. And when we, the church, try to live, work and function in any other way, we are spinning our wheels! We must ask God to search and reveal to us that which HE sees in our hearts—then we can adjust whatever needs adjusting to walk as HIS sheep! (See John 1:12-13 & 3:16)

“Search me,

O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way

in me,

and lead me in the way

everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

We have a call, as the children of God, to walk in HIS ways, and we can only do that with the power, and strength of the Holy Spirit, and by immersing ourselves in the Word of God. We must know HIS Word or the world will subtly creep into our hearts and minds and lead us astray. Studying and knowing the Word of God and the intimate presence of its author are imperative to a faithful, and productive Christian life. One directed by God and not self!

But there is also a great challenge for those of us who teach, preach and lead the flock now—and sin, selfishness and worldliness will “trickle down” from the top to the flock. We must guard against being “mis-leaders” and be true ‘leaders’, living, working and ministering in the power of His Spirit and His Word! God is holding us accountable!

“Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed:

but ye feed not the flock.

4 The diseased have ye not strengthened,

neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away,

neither have ye sought that which was lost;

but with force and with cruelty

have ye ruled them.

5 And they were scattered,

because there is no shepherd:

and they became meat to all the beasts of the field,

when they were scattered.

6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill:

yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth,

and none did search

or seek after them.

7 Therefore, ye shepherds,

hear the word of the LORD;

8 As I live, saith the Lord GOD,

surely because my flock became a prey,

and my flock became meat

to every beast of the field,

because there was no shepherd,

neither did my shepherds search

for my flock,

but the shepherds

fed themselves,

and fed not my flock;” Ezekiel 34:3-8 

James warned of this same danger to those who were in positions of leadership in the church—God doesn’t take the care of His flock lightly. Nor will He hold a person guiltless who abuses the privilege and call of leadership!

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” James 3:1 (masters=leaders, teachers, preachers)

Jesus revealed the work of His children to Peter after the resurrection.

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?

He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him,

Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas,

lovest thou me?

He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him,

Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas,

lovest thou me?

Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him,

Feed my sheep.

……19 …… And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.”   Portions of John 21:15-19

Peter had denied his Lord three times at the crucifixion, but here Christ asks Peter the same question three times, I think to remind Him of the forgiveness that the blood of Jesus provides. Yet we often forget that in forgiveness of sin, is the commission to go forward and do HIS work: but His work in HIS power, not our own. We are to feed the sheep—those who are Christ’s—and to fish for the sheep that don’t know Him (I know, a bad mixed metaphor, but you get the picture!) and teach them as well. And we can only do that as we heed Jesus closing words in this portion of the passage printed here: “Follow me”! That is the imperative—we are to follow Jesus!

You see, I don’t know who is hungry and needs to be fed; I don’t know who is floundering in the sea and needs to be brought to the shore of salvation—to become HIS sheep! But when I follow the Master, He does know and He is always working to lead us where He wants to use us; and sometimes (often in fact) it is in unlikely places, ministering in unlikely ways to the most unlikely people!!! We must stop measuring things by the world’s standard and “Follow” Jesus, by heeding the voice of His Holy Spirit—dying to self and living unto HIM!

“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

Peter came to know this in power and truth and shared it with the believers in one of his letters later in his life. He called for the leaders to lead in God’s power and the followers to follow in earnest pursuit of holiness and a desire to be Jesus to a lost and dying world. It seems that today many are more interested in plans, programs and gimmicks than in ‘living’ Jesus before the world (It’s easier but that doesn’t make it right!)! And remember the “elders” that he refers to are the leaders, not just elder or aged in physical years (Even as Paul told young Pastor Timothy not to let others hold his ‘youth’ against him—in 1 Tim. 4:12)

“The elders which are among you I exhort,

who am also an elder,

and a witness of the sufferings of Christ,

and also a partaker of the glory

that shall be revealed:

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof,

not by constraint,

but willingly;

not for filthy lucre,

but of a ready mind;

3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage,

but being ensamples to the flock.

4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear,

ye shall receive a crown of glory

that fadeth not away.

5 Likewise, ye younger,

submit yourselves unto the elder.

Yea, all of you be subject one to another,

and be clothed with humility:

for God resisteth the proud,

and giveth grace to the humble.

6 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.” 1 Peter 5:1-7

Praise God HE does care for us, and wants to save and care for those who will believe and come to Jesus! He makes us the building material of His church! We are the church—the living, breathing organism that is “the church”—not a building that can be bought or sold, but a living organism that is “sold out” to Jesus not the world! How about you? Are you living as a part of His body? Let’s peruse a portion of 1 Peter 2:

“As newborn babes,

desire the sincere milk of the word,

that ye may grow thereby:

3 If so be ye have tasted

that the Lord is gracious.

4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone,

disallowed indeed of men,

but chosen of God,

and precious,

5 Ye also, as lively stones,

are built up a spiritual house,

an holy priesthood,

to offer up spiritual sacrifices,

acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion

a chief corner stone,

elect,

precious:

and he that believeth on him

shall not be confounded.

7 Unto you therefore which believe

he is precious:

but unto them which be disobedient,

the stone which the builders disallowed,

the same is made the head of the corner,

8 And a stone of stumbling,

and a rock of offence,

even to them which stumble

at the word,

being disobedient:

whereunto also they were appointed.

9 But ye are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

an holy nation,

a peculiar people;

that ye should shew forth the praises

of him who hath called you

out of darkness

into his marvellous light:

10 Which in time past were not a people,

but are now the people of God:

which had not obtained mercy,

but now have obtained mercy.

11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you

as strangers

and pilgrims,

abstain from fleshly lusts,

       which war against the soul;”   1 Peter 2:2-11

When we are born again, we are “babes” who should desire the “milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby”; and we are to grow into “living” stones that make up the “house” of God, the servants of God, those who offer up “spiritual sacrifices” that are acceptable and pleasing unto God, because we belong to HIS Son!!! What are you doing with your ‘stone’? Are you living for Jesus and sharing His truth, or have you fallen for the lies of the enemy of our souls? Let’s be “living” stones for Jesus—“sold out” to Him and not “for sale” to the highest worldly bidder!

“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

 Let’s all commit today to be a display of the glory of God, doing His work His way. After all—God saved us and set the parameters of HIS work.

“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…..

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things

of the world

to confound the wise;

and God hath chosen the weak things

of the world

to confound the things which

are mighty;

28 And base things of the world,

and things which are despised,

hath God chosen, yea,

and things which are not,

to bring to nought things

that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.”   1 Corinthians 1:21 & 27-29

Just as God reminded Isaiah so many years ago, may we take heed and know that God’s ways are God’s ways!

“For my thoughts

are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways

my ways,

saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways,

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven,

and returneth not thither,

but watereth the earth,

and maketh it bring forth and bud,

that it may give seed to the sower,

and bread to the eater:

11 So shall my word be

that goeth forth out of my mouth:

it shall not return unto me void,

but it shall accomplish

that which I please,

and it shall prosper

in the thing

whereto I sent it.”    Isaiah 55:8-11

So, dear friends, I challenge each of us to be diligent to let God’s Word do its “perfect work” in us, and be the faithful witnesses to the world that HE has saved us to be. May we truly be “sold out” to HIM, and not “for sale” to the world and it’s bling and ease. Jesus is coming, and He told us:

“And, behold,

I come quickly;

and my reward is with me,

to give every man

according as his work shall be.

13 I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the end,

the first and the last.” Revelation 22:12-13

He spoke us into existence—may He be pleased with our use of His gifts to us. May we each find out what God is doing around us and join HIM in HIS work—as ‘living stones’ not a ‘dead church’! Praying that He will ever be seen in you and me!!! Always!!!

Church Wanted: Selling Or Standing??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 10 No. 19

26 Sunday Nov 2017

Posted by in Changed Lives, Compromise, Confidence, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, Leading Or Mis-Leading?, Perseverance, Salvation, SIN, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Trials, Walking With Jesus

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A Repost from several years ago, but an issue I want to revisit, so I’ll share this one and the Part 2 next week, and then share some more current information.

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 10 No.19 Church Wanted: Selling Or Standing???

 

On our recent travels, I saw a sign that absolutely pricked my heart and soul in a way that I wasn’t expecting. We passed by a little church and this was the sign that was posted across the door: “Church for Sale”! Now, in and of itself, a ‘For Sale’ sign in front of a building, regardless of what it once was, isn’t particularly unusual, but it struck me to my soul, as I read that sign, that many churches today have already put a “for sale” sign on their doors, and they’ve sold out to the world pretty cheaply!

I don’t mean to be harsh, but we are living in a culture that has so invaded the church of Jesus Christ, that it is often difficult to tell the difference between the church and the world—creating an imitation church, if you would. And there are imitation ‘churches’, just as there are imitation ‘Christians’—always have been always will be.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be

that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them

by their fruits.

       Do men gather grapes of thorns,

or figs of thistles?” Matthew 7:13-16

Jesus made it clear in His preaching that there is only One Way to God, and He is that way. It is a “strait gate” and yet it is not the only gate open to people: there is a “wide” gate, a “broad” way, but its end is “destruction”! And just as importantly, it is the most popular gate, “many there be which go in thereat”—and we need to recognize the fact that the draw of the world is great –but Jesus has called us to be faithful to proclaim HIS truth, and the reality that “narrow is the way”, and a way which we are not to attempt to “widen” or compromise the Word of God, regardless of how “few” believe our message!

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof are the ways of death.”   Proverbs 16:25

The church has never been called to a smooth/easy way, or to try to make the way of Jesus an appealing one; we are called to lift up the cross and the hope that it brings through the blood of Jesus Christ alone.

“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.

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 3:14-19

Jesus came to save those who will believe in His work at Calvary. He knew that was His destination even as He spoke to Nicodemus, and He declared, even before the cross, that His atoning death was the only answer—before, during and after! And the salvation that He offers is the only thing that saves people “from their sins”, but those who reject Him will die in their sins! Men still love “darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil”, and we will never win the world by conforming the church to align with the evil that men love. We must call people to repentance and faith in Jesus—to turn from their “sin”, not to make them feel at home in their “sin”! And I’m afraid that much of what is purported to be “church” is simply trying to make sinners comfortable in their sin—don’t ever make anyone feel uncomfortable. But my dear friends, the conviction of sin that the Holy Spirit brings, is the only thing that will bring people to the cross. Without the power of God, no one will ever come to the cross, and making sin look good will never bring anyone to the cross!

“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.

45 It is written in the prophets,

And they shall be all taught of God.

Every man therefore that hath heard,

and hath learned of the Father,

cometh unto me.” John 6:44-45

The church is called to preach the truth and call people to it—not compromise the truth and let people believe they can relish sin while claiming the name of Jesus! Christ’s church isn’t called to be like the world, but to call the world to the cross! It’s the only “Gospel” that saves and transforms lives—and it’s the message that we must cling to! May we ever join with Paul and “preach Christ crucified”—never “selling out” to the world for numbers, popularity, wealth, ease, political correctness or prominence!

“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.

22 For the Jews require a sign,

and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified,

unto the Jews a stumblingblock,

and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called,

both Jews

and Greeks,

Christ the power of God,

and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness

of God

is wiser than men;

and the weakness

of God

is stronger than men.”   1 Corinthians 1:19-25

Preaching the cross of Jesus and “Christ crucified” is the only message that we have—and it has always been seen by the world as a “stumblingblock” and “foolishness”; but we must never abandon the truth for compromise. We must never sell out for signs, wonders, and worldly illusions. We must never believe the deceit of the enemy and fall for the lies that Satan is spreading throughout western Christendom today, that being like the world will win the world!

“But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

13 For such are false apostles,

deceitful workers,

transforming themselves

into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel;

for Satan himself

is transformed into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing

if his ministers

also be transformed

as the ministers of righteousness;

whose end shall be

according to their works.”    2 Corinthians 11:12-15

Satan often deceives people by pretending to be “an angel of light”—and he has no qualms about telling half-truths, which in reality are lies—just plain lies! And his demon assistants and followers do the same. Remember that saying so doesn’t make it so! Jesus Himself told us the same thing as He warned that not everyone who claims to be His really is His!

“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 7:21-23

Jesus reminds us that just ‘saying so’ isn’t enough; we must know Him in salvation, through repentance and faith in the blood that He shed for SIN! Even doing what appears to be “great” things before the world isn’t necessarily proof of belonging to Jesus. Remember the “angel of light”! Satan is busy imitating real believers, and the day is coming when he will even try to imitate the Son of God! We must be sure that we are sharing, preaching and teaching God’s truth as the Bible tells it! Paul warned the Ephesian church that there would be false teachers and leaders from among their own flock. Just being “in” the church doesn’t mean that we “are” the church.

“And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons……………22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there………24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God...…27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves,

and to all the flock,

over the which the Holy Ghost

hath made you overseers,

to feed the church of God,

which he hath purchased

with his own blood.

29 For I know this, that after my departing

shall grievous wolves enter in among you,

not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves shall men arise,

speaking perverse things,

to draw away disciples

after them.

31 Therefore watch, and remember…..

32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Portions of Acts 20:17-32

Paul knew, even then, that there were those who were self-motivated in their work, not genuinely following Jesus—and the same is still true today. That is why it is imperative that we know the Word of God, so we can discern truth from deceit! And dear friends, there is a lot of deceit going around today, and so many are being misled and deceived because they don’t know the Word of God! What about you?

Are we more concerned with avoiding conflict and not suffering for our faith, or are we following Jesus with our whole hearts, not selling out to the world, regardless of the cost? Jesus said a lot about the cost of following HIM!

“And he said unto them,

Ye are from beneath;

I am from above:

ye are of this world;

I am not of this world.

24 I said therefore unto you,

that ye shall die in your sins:

for if ye believe not that I am he,

ye shall die in your sins.”    John 8:23-24

And again:

“If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you

out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.”   John 15:18-19

“These things I have spoken unto you,

that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation:

but be of good cheer;

I have overcome the world.”   John 16:33

Paul also prepared Timothy for the cost of following Jesus!

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12

Jesus prayed for us, and we also need to pray for wisdom and courage to “stand fast in the evil day”—and my friends, we are there. We must be ready to hold on to the truth and not sell out to the world! It’s the difference between life and death. The gospel and its good news are the reason that we have been left in this world.

“I have given them thy word;

and the world hath hated them,

because they are not of the world,

even as I am not of the world.

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them

out of the world,

but that thou shouldest keep them

from the evil.

16 They are not of the world,

even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them through thy truth:

thy word is truth.

18 As thou hast sent me

into the world,

even so have I also sent them

into the world.”   John 17:14-18

God has only One Way-Jesus! God has only One Message-Jesus and His cross, and it is the message that we must stand on—without apology and without compromise. We must not sell out to the world; we must follow the way that God has laid out, and that is the Gospel. Salvation in Christ alone, by faith alone—transforming grace!

“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…..

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things

of the world to confound the wise;

and God hath chosen the weak things

of the world to confound

the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world,

and things which are despised,

hath God chosen,

yea, and things which are not,

to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:21 & 27-31

Many today don’t want to suffer with or for Jesus, but when we compromise to avoid conflict and opposition, we forget that people were continually in conflict with Jesus, and the religious people of His day were often in 180-degree opposition to HIM! So, will we stand with our Lord, or sell out to the world for the sake of ease? The world is invading the church, and has caused many churches to so conform to the world that there’s more of the world in the church than of the church in the world. Think on these things and we may continue this train of thought later. Blessings on your week as you stand fast, pressing on with our Lord Jesus– knowing and trusting HIM and HIS Word! Sell or stand?

It’s Not Optional??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 10 No. 17

05 Sunday Nov 2017

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Changed Lives, Confidence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Made like Jesus!, Salvation, SIN, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 10 No.17    It’s Not Optional???

 

I’d like us to take some time today to consider Who we belong to. Even we who follow Jesus, often spend so much time thinking about ‘self’ that we fall into the trap of the world and order our lives without due consideration of what God and His Son Jesus are calling us to “be” and ‘do’! We often forget that we have given our life to Jesus! We also seem to forget that we belong to Jesus when we choose to trust Him, believing in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin, and His saving grace that we have received.

“What?

know ye not that your body

is the temple

of the Holy Ghost

which is in you,

which ye have of God,

and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price:

therefore glorify God

in your body,

and in your spirit,

which are God’s.”    1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Jesus makes it clear that we are either His children or we are the children of the enemy of mankind; and when we belong to Jesus, we are called to “take up our cross and follow” Him! He calls us to die to self and live unto HIM in all our ways, and that is not optional. Let’s consider the commands of Jesus and what He both calls us to be and do, as well as what He warns us about in our future when we do! What “god” are you sacrificing yourself to? (See Eph.2)

“This is my commandment,

That ye love one another,

as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life

for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends,

if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15 Henceforth I call you not servants;

for the servant knoweth not

what his lord doeth:

but I have called you friends;

for all things that I have heard

of my Father

I have made known unto you.

16 Ye have not chosen me,

but I have chosen you,

and ordained you,

that ye should go

and bring forth fruit,

and that your fruit should remain:

that whatsoever ye shall ask

of the Father

in my name,

he may give it you.

17 These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you

out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater

than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”   John 15:12-21

This is a message that we don’t hear much about these days! When we hear about persecution of believers, we often consider it optional, or inconceivable that Christians should suffer for their faith. But Jesus Himself told us that it would come. He wanted to prepare us for the truth that when we choose to follow Him, to trust in Him as our Lord and Savior, we could expect to be treated as HE was—when we act as HE did. Speaking the truth of God to a lost and dying world. Speaking HIS truth in love! The love of God that enables us to recognize truth, and reject the lies of the enemy—and we do have an enemy.

“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.” John 8:42-45

Truth is spiritually discerned, and only God can reveal Himself and His truth to each of us!

“But as it is written,

Eye hath not seen,

nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart of man,

the things which God hath prepared

for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them unto us

by his Spirit:

for the Spirit searcheth all things,

yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man,

save the spirit of man

which is in him?

even so the things of God

knoweth no man,

but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received,

not the spirit of the world,

but the spirit

which is of God;

that we might know the things

that are freely given to us

of God.

13 Which things also we speak,

not in the words

which man’s wisdom teacheth,

but which the Holy Ghost teacheth;

comparing spiritual things

with spiritual.

14 But the natural man

receiveth not the things

of the Spirit of God:

for they are foolishness unto him:

neither can he know them,

because they are spiritually

discerned.”   1 Corinthians 2:9-14

I simply want to call each of us to consider that serving Jesus with our whole being isn’t optional—it is the call of God on every child of HIS!

“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

Are you and I behaving like “sons of God”, or have we allowed the tarnish of the world to dim His glory in us? Have you come to Jesus, and received His life-transforming new birth? Have you heard the voice of God calling you to Himself? If you have heard His voice, I pray that you will receive Him today! You can only come when HIS Spirit draws and calls to repentance and faith—that revealing of truth to lost and darkened hearts! Or do you have ears that don’t hear and eyes that won’t see?

“And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.” Isaiah 6:9

“For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.” Isaiah 64:4

Only God can open blinded eyes, and stopped up ears! But He will open them for those who will respond to His call.

“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

“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.

45 It is written in the prophets,

And they shall be all taught of God.

Every man therefore that hath heard,

and hath learned of the Father,

cometh unto me.” John 6:44-45

Jesus is growing His own into His image, and He works tirelessly accomplishing His work in us (See Ro. 8:28-29)! Do you have eyes and ears that are open to the Savior? If so, yield to His work in your heart, mind and life today, if you know Him. Won’t you renew your devotion and commitment to Jesus, and walk in His ways, reflecting His Glory and His Word!!! . If you don’t know Him, you can!

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

Only one cause—SIN!!! Only One cure—JESUS!!!

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

The choice is optional—the consequence is NOT!!! The choice is yours! Choose wisely, there is a test!

That’s NOT Compromise Is It? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 10 No. 16

29 Sunday Oct 2017

Posted by in Changed Lives, Compromise, Confidence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, Living Right, Salvation, The Word, The Word Or The World?, TODAY

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 10 No.16 That’s NOT Compromise Is It?

 

“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

Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ”, and many find that an extreme idea. What is Paul calling us to do? He, along with our Savior, has called us to live a life that is “crucified with Christ”—a life that is lived in the power of the cross! The cross, an instrument of death; a method of execution that our Savior endured for you and me! Yet we so easily disregard this call to the crucified life, believing that God is more concerned about our “happiness” than our “holiness”! God is concerned with working in our lives that we will be “conformed to the image of His Son”! And my friends, that isn’t a painless journey!

Even Jesus addressed this idea of the “crucified” life.

“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 shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself, or be cast away?”    Luke 9:22-25

Jesus clearly tells us that anyone who will “come after me” must “take up his cross daily” to follow Jesus! And taking up “your” cross means dying to self, because “Christ liveth in me”! And if Jesus lives “in me”, then I can trust Him to enable me to live out my faith in HIM, because I now can “live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”! Jesus gave it all on the cross for you and me, He brought in the “New Covenant”, which is the imparting of the indwelling Holy Spirit to every believer. And if I will yield to HIS work and directing in my heart, I can walk in obedience and victory by HIS power!

So what does this have to do with “compromise”? Well, compromise has many meanings, but the one that we will consider today is:

Compromise: to make a dishonorable or shameful concession.

When we settle for anything less than that which The Holy Spirit is leading us to know, be or do, it is a concession to something less than God’s best for us. Paul reminded us of the high calling of the cross.

“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

God calls us to be a “living sacrifice” unto HIM!!! That is the crucified life, which we can only live successfully through the “mercies of God”—His power working in us by HIS Holy Spirit, our “reasonable service”! He also calls us to “be not conformed to this world”! Conformed means shaped like, in other words, we not to allow the world to make us into its image—because we are being “conformed” to the image of Jesus! You can’t do both!!! Anything less than the “transformed” life IS compromise, for transformed means “made new”—it’s from the Greek word that we know as “metamorphosis”, a caterpillar being “transformed” into a butterfly! Are we renewing our minds with God’s Word? Are we yielding to His Spirit and dying to our fleshly desires? Not easy, but by God’s mercies and His Holy Spirit we can live a crucified life victoriously!

“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……

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”    Galatians 5:16-17 & 25

We are to walk in the Spirit not the flesh, because the flesh will compromise every time! But when we die to ourselves and live unto Jesus, we can have HIS power for every day living, we can live daily in “newness of life”!

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

4 Therefore we are buried with him

by baptism

into death:

that like as Christ was raised up

from the dead

by the glory of the Father,

even so we also should walk

in newness of life.

5 For if we have been planted together

in the likeness of his death,

we shall be also

in the likeness

of his resurrection:” Romans 6:3-5.   (This whole chapter would be beneficial to read!)

We can walk in resurrection power, when we yield to The Holy Spirit of God/Jesus. We can walk in that newness of “life”—the “life” of Jesus in us.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

So our question for today is, “Are we living the crucified life—the new life in Jesus Christ?” Or are we so caught up in the compromise of the world that we’ve missed the crucified life? Are you following Jesus or your flesh; Jesus or the world; Jesus of popular opinion? Only you can answer these questions, but I’d like to leave you with a few scriptures to think on this week, a few verses to help you assess your living by The Word Of God.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”    Romans 8:28-31

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds😉 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”   2 Corinthians 10:3-5

“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.”    Philippians 4:8

If you will “think on these things” you will find that you will grow and learn to recognize “compromise” which you may not be seeing now. God calls us to live the crucified life because it is a wonderful life to live in union with His Holy Spirit, who dwells within every genuine believer. Are you following Jesus? Are you following the world? Are you allowing the world to shape your life into its mold? Satan is busy in these last days, but we can have victory IN JESUS!

“Ye are of God, little children,

and have overcome them:

because greater is he that is in you,

than he that is in the world.

5 They are of the world:

therefore speak they of the world,

and the world heareth them.

6 We are of God:

he that knoweth God

heareth us;

he that is not of God

heareth not us.

Hereby know we the spirit of truth,

and the spirit of error.

7 Beloved, let us love one another:

for love is of God;

and every one that loveth

is born of God,

and knoweth God.” 1 John 4:4-7

Blessings on your week as your pursue the crucified life instead of compromise! For “greater is he”!!!

Changed Lives??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 10 No. 15

22 Sunday Oct 2017

Posted by in Changed Lives, Confidence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Free Indeed?, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Let You Light So Shine, Salvation, SIN, The Only Way, The Word

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 10 No.15      Changed Lives???

 

A shorter article today than I normally write on Sundays, but I’d like to share a topic that’s dear to my heat. While we live in a culture that minimalizes the gospel and churches that promote a gospel of convenience and meaninglessness, the Gospel of Jesus is the Gospel of transformed lives—lives, hearts, souls and minds set free from sin.

We aren’t set free from the presence of sin yet, but we are set free from the power of sin in our lives as we will yield to the Holy Spirit of Jesus! God had promised The Messiah throughout the entirety of the scriptures, and Jesus was/is the fulfillment of all of those promises! Yet He wasn’t the promise that would save people “in” their sin, but “from” it!

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:21-23

Jesus was coming “save his people from their sins” by paying the price for SIN; and through His atoning, substitutionary sacrifice on the cross He would give His Holy Spirit to dwell within HIS own. Jesus came to be “God with us”! He was and is the fulfillment of the New Covenant—the Spirit of God within us, far beyond tablets of stone.

“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

32 Not according to the covenant

that I made with their fathers

in the day that I took them

by the hand

to bring them out of the land of Egypt;

which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

33 But this shall be the covenant

that I will make with the house of Israel;

After those days, saith the LORD,

I will put my law

in their inward parts,

and write it

in their hearts;

and will be their God,

and they shall be my people.”    Jeremiah 31:31-33

Jesus death and resurrection accomplished the New Covenant, which paid the price for sin, and enabled the Holy Spirit of God to dwell within each believer. When we claim to belong to Jesus (and Him to us) yet still relish the sin that He saves from (without any discipline from God), we might want to check what we think saved us, for the blood of Jesus saves the sinner from their sin and makes us a new creation. Jesus revealed HIS ‘New Covenant’ to his disciples before He went to the cross.

“And he took bread,

and gave thanks,

and brake it,

and gave unto them, saying,

This is my body

which is given for you:

this do in remembrance of me. 

20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying,

This cup

is the new testament

in my blood,

which is shed for you.”    Luke 22:19-20

The blood of Jesus IS the New Testament—not the 2nd portion of scripture– but the New Covenant that Jeremiah and Ezekiel promised! The New Covenant in the blood of Jesus, through repentance and faith, makes new creatures.

“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge,

that if one died for all,

then were all dead:

15 And that he died for all,

that they which live

should not henceforth live unto themselves,

but unto him which died

for them,

and rose again.

16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man

after the flesh:

yea, though we have known Christ

after the flesh,

yet now henceforth know we him

no more.

17 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 5:14-21

Ephesians 2 reminds us that what we ‘were’ we no longer ‘are’—we were “dead in trespasses and sins” but through he blood of Jesus we are now “created in Christ Jesus unto good works”!!! Changed lives are the testimony of a true and supernaturally regenerate life. Life that only Jesus can impart through His blood! Its evidence being our service in “good works” which ‘God’ has purposed for us—not to earn our salvation–but as the testimony of our being saved “from” our sin!!!

“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

Changed lives are a testimony that we really belong to Jesus! Has He changed your life? May we ever live and reflect HIS truth before a lost and desperate world! Amen!!!