Category Archives: Holiness

Clean Water–It’s A Choice??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 23

20 Sunday Jan 2019

Posted by in Clean Water?, Holiness, IN Jesus!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Polluted by the world?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No.23 Clean Water—It’s A Choice???

 

Some time ago a large northern city changed their water source to save some money, apparently without due diligence in regard to the quality of the water that their residents would be consuming, which lead to quite a scandal when the water was found to be harmful to the consumers, a scandal that is still being resolved. While water is essential for human life, it is also an essential element of our spiritual life—for Jesus is the water of life. Good, clean water will promote a healthy population, while polluted water can bring disease, sickness and other issues that result in an unhealthy population.

I’d like is to consider the spiritual consequences of polluted water in our own spiritual life. If we are walking with Jesus, and drinking from the fountain of His Word, led by His Holy Spirit, our lives should then share pure water, not water polluted by the contaminants of the world. Jesus told the woman of the well that if she came to Him for water it would be an eternal source of sustenance and refreshing.

“Jesus answered and said unto her,

If thou knewest the gift of God,

and who it is that saith to thee,

Give me to drink;

thou wouldest have asked of him,

and he would have given thee

living water.

11 The woman saith unto him,

Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with,

and the well is deep:

from whence then

hast thou that living water?

12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob,

which gave us the well,

and drank thereof himself,

and his children, and his cattle?

13 Jesus answered and said unto her,

Whosoever drinketh of this water

shall thirst again:

14 But whosoever drinketh of the water

that I shall give him

shall never thirst;

but the water that I shall give him

shall be

in him

a well of water

springing up

into everlasting life.”   John 4:10-14

As Jesus told this woman of Samaria, and us as well, about “the water that I shall give him”–it is not just for the “after life”, but for “everlasting life”—if you would, for everlasting “living” in this world while we are here, as well for eternity with Jesus in heaven!

When we continually remember that Jesus is our source of all things, we can walk in holy, pure victory every day (not ease but victory!). We can make a difference in this world—but only when we drink from HIS fountain, and allow His Word to pervade our life, our attitudes, and our choices, which will be a reflection of what is truly in our heart; either the filling of the Holy Spirit or the influence of the world—we continually must choose to walk with our Lord or let the darkness pervade our heart and life.

Going back to the law of Moses, God warns us that we aren’t to be led astray by the influences around us—we are to stand fast in God’s ways and not fall for the lies, deceit and perverse ways of the world.

“Thou shalt not raise a false report:

put not thine hand with the wicked

to be an unrighteous witness.

2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude

to do evil;

neither shalt thou speak in a cause

to decline after many

to wrest judgment:

3 Neither shalt thou countenance

a poor man in his cause.”   Exodus 23:1-3

We must keep our eyes on Jesus—and that can often mean a strict line of separation between God’s ways and the world’s ways. We often think that we’re the only ones who have faced the challenges before us, but God warned the children of Israel those many years ago to be cautious of the dangers of ‘lies’—big ones, small ones, seemingly innocent ones, which are still lies and deceit. We are warned to not be false in our own testimony of anything, nor to join the wicked in their lies/deceit regardless of their so-called “good causes”. God said we are to avoid “mob rule”, which can work up a frenzy to the harm of many; nor are we to join others in obstructing justice—for the rich or the poor. We are to follow God not others, no matter how charismatic or charming their lies may seem! God is no part of lies!

“In hope of eternal life,

which God,

that cannot lie,

promised

before the world began;

3 But hath in due times manifested his word

through preaching,

which is committed unto me

according to the commandment

of God our Saviour;” Titus 1:2-3

And while our God IS truth, and “cannot lie”, there is one who is the epitome of all lies, and Jesus called him by name!

“Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth and came

from God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech?

even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father

the devil,

and the lusts of your father

ye will do.

He was a murderer from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth,

ye believe me not.

46 Which of you convinceth me

of sin?

And if I say the truth,

why do ye not believe me?

47 He that is of God

heareth God’s words:

ye therefore hear them not,

because ye are not of God.” John 8:42-47

Even as The Lord Jesus told His disciples before He went to the cross:

“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

Jesus IS Truth, and in Him we can know truth, we can walk in truth, we can live truth. Paul painted so many pictures of the ‘truth’ that we possess in, with and through the salvation that is IN HIM!

“That we should be to the praise of his glory,

who first trusted in Christ.

13 In whom ye also trusted,

after that ye heard

the word of truth,

the gospel of your salvation:

in whom also after that ye believed,

ye were sealed

with that holy Spirit

of promise,” Ephesians 1:12-13

“But speaking the truth

in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ….

21 If so be that ye have heard him,

and have been taught by him,

as the truth

is in Jesus:” Ephesians 4:15 & 21

“For ye were sometimes darkness,

but now are ye light

in the Lord:

walk as children of light:

9 (For the fruit of the Spirit

is in all goodness

and righteousness

and truth😉

10 Proving what is acceptable

unto the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8-10

It’s not my goodness that is the evidence that I belong to Jesus, but it’s HIS “goodness and righteousness and truth” being displayed in my living before the world as I “walk in the Spirit”, with a heart that is full of Jesus’ “goodness and righteousness and truth”! That will be the ‘proof’ as my mouth speaks forth the things of God! Jesus and James both make reference to this inescapable connection that speaks much louder than mere ‘words’!

“O generation of vipers,

how can ye, being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure

of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.”   Matthew 12:34-36

And again Jesus says:

“But those things which proceed

out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed

evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things

which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands

defileth not a man.”    Matthew 15:18-20

The mouth can be the portal into the heart, to reveal that which is true, right and just, or that which comes out of deceit, wrong and unjust motives. James warns believers to beware of what their mouth reveals.

“Behold also the ships,

which though they be so great,

and are driven of fierce winds,

yet are they turned about

with a very small helm,

whithersoever the governor listeth.

5 Even so the tongue

is a little member,

and boasteth great things.

Behold, how great a matter

a little fire kindleth!

6 And the tongue is a fire,

a world of iniquity:

so is the tongue among our members,

that it defileth

the whole body,

and setteth on fire

the course of nature;

and it is set on fire

of hell.

7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea,

is tamed,

and hath been tamed of mankind:

8 But the tongue

can no man tame;

it is an unruly evil,

full of deadly poison.

9 Therewith bless we God,

even the Father;

and therewith curse we men,

which are made after the similitude

of God.

10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth

blessing

and cursing.

My brethren,

these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain

send forth at the same place

sweet water

and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren,

bear olive berries?

either a vine,

figs?

so can no fountain both yield

salt water

and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man

and endued with knowledge

among you?

let him shew

out of a good conversation

his works

with meekness

of wisdom.”   James 3:6-13

What does our mouth reveal about our walk with the Lord? It grieves my heart that so many who claim the name of Jesus, and even serve in His kingdom in places of leadership have come to accept that which, as a friend wrote recently, presents the “profane mixed with the holy” (From a post by “WholesomeCommunication@Wholesomecommunication” titled “Setting the Spiritual Table”, I encourage you to check out their Facebook page.) God again and again calls us to “be ye holy, as I am holy”, and His holiness is always pure! Even as James says—our words ought to agree with our profession—do we belong to Jesus, and HE to us? Or do our words defile our testimony? Jesus makes it clear that just “saying so” doesn’t “make it so”! Do our words and actions match The Word of The Lord?

“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 7:20-23

And as Jesus goes on to say—it’s the foundation that is the proof, not just the house that is seen above ground! Who is your foundation? Jesus? Where are you getting your water from? Jesus or the polluted water of the world? It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test at the end.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings

of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which 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 foolish man,

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.

28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:”   Matthew 7:24-28

 

A Holy Or A Holey New Year??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 20

30 Sunday Dec 2018

Posted by in Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Consider Your ways, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Follow Jesus, Holiness, Holy, Holy Spirit, Jesus Is The Only Way!, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No.20 A Holy or A Holey New Year??

 

“And make straight paths for your feet,

lest that which is lame

be turned out of the way;

but let it rather be healed.

14 Follow peace with all men,

and holiness,

without which

no man shall see the Lord:”   Hebrews 12:13-14

I love Swiss cheese, and one of its qualities is the large holes that are in the cheese. I can remember as a child thinking that was a rip off—why pay for cheese when it has holes in it, so it’s not all there? But as I grew and matured I learned that the holes in Swiss cheese are part of what gives it its flavor. The holes are caused when elements interact between the lactic acid in the milk and certain bacteria and organisms; the creation of carbon dioxide creates pockets of air that result in the mature cheese having holes. In fact agro-scientists have even figured out how to control the size of the holes by controlling the amounts of certain things that can be added to the milk.

Well, believers in Jesus are called to the “holy” not “holey”! In fact you could say that we are called to be “wholly holy” not affected by the things of the world, but maintaining a “wholly holy” walk before our God and the world that He has called us to be a testimony to! And David was a great testimony of the power of God in the life of someone devoted to God. Even though David had his faults, when he sinned he knew how to repent, return to God and restore his fellowship with God. David records one of the greatest pictures of this from his experience (as well as inspiration) in Psalm 51.

“Behold, thou desirest truth

in the inward parts:

and in the hidden part

thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7 Purge me with hyssop,

and I shall be clean:

wash me,

and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness;

that the bones which thou hast broken

may rejoice.

9 Hide thy face from my sins,

and blot out all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart,

O God;

and renew a right spirit

within me.

11 Cast me not away

from thy presence;

and take not thy holy spirit

from me.

12 Restore unto me

the joy of thy salvation;

and uphold me

with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors

thy ways;

and sinners shall be converted

unto thee.

14 Deliver me

from bloodguiltiness,

O God,

thou God

of my salvation:

and my tongue shall sing aloud

of thy righteousness.

15 O Lord, open thou my lips;

and my mouth shall shew forth

thy praise.

16 For thou desirest not sacrifice;

else would I give it:

thou delightest not in burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are

a broken spirit:

a broken and a contrite heart,

O God,

thou wilt not despise.”   Psalm 51:6-17

While we must keep this in the context in which it was written, (the personal, permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit had not yet been accomplished) the message that David imparts to us, if we will be see it and receive it, is that even when we are in pain due to our own sin and failure returning to the throne of God, and seeking HIS face in repentance, brings His healing, and the restorative work of forgiveness, and bringing us back into intimate fellowship with Him. But He will also restore us to a place of usefulness in HIS kingdom. I love that David’s reveals the progression of God’s restorative work in us, to forgive us when we seek Him, desiring the restoration of our intimate fellowship with God, and the sense of HIS presence in our daily living. It’s almost the same message that the Apostle John gives us in his first letter.

“If we say that we have

fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship

one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive

ourselves,

and the truth

is not in us.

9 If we confess

our sins,

he is faithful

and just

to forgive us

our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:6-9

John reminds us that while Christians aren’t perfect, we do have an “advocate with the Father” when we sin! We have One who can and will forgive us when we confess (agree with God that we have sinned, and not try to rename it, clean it up or agree with the world that it’s ok to sin), and He not only forgives but also cleanse us “from all unrighteousness”! God will restore our fellowship with Him, and also our opportunities of service to HIM. We must understand that when we choose to sin, and walk “in the dark” there are consequences that will affect our lives; and while not all things can be wholly restored when they are broken (especially human relationships and reputations!). Yet the point I want us to see, is that when we strive for ‘holiness’ rather than settling “holeyness”, we will avoid many of the pitfalls of this world; for even genuine believers must understand that while we are free to make our own choices, we are not free to choose the consequences. And as I’ve heard it said before: “Sin will take you farther that you wanted to go, keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and will cost you more that you wanted to pay”, and that is a true principle of God.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,,

that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

So as we strive for holiness in all our ways, I would simply like to share a few passages that will point us in the right direction as we enter a new year. I encourage you to check your Bible concordance and search for the places where God calls us to “be holy”! It can be a great eye-opening exercise.

“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

Did you notice that we are to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy” before our God, and that is “acceptable unto God”, what does that make “holey”? God Himself calls us to holiness!

“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 1:14-16

And where is it “written”?

“And ye shall

be holy unto me:

for I the LORD am holy,

and have severed you

from other people,

that ye should be mine.”    Leviticus 20:26

God hasn’t changed the rules—but HE has given us Jesus, who IS the way to have His laws written in our hearts, rather than on tables of stone—HIS name is JESUS, and He imparts His Holy Spirit to those who are born again!!! And as His own Spirit-filled people we are called to live His Way!

“But the day of the Lord will come

as a thief in the night;

in the which the heavens shall pass away

with a great noise,

and the elements shall melt

with fervent heat,

the earth also

and the works that are therein

shall be burned up.

11 Seeing then

that all these things shall be dissolved,

what manner of persons

ought ye to be

in all holy conversation

and godliness,

12 Looking for and hasting

unto the coming of the day of God,

wherein the heavens being on fire

shall be dissolved,

and the elements

shall melt with fervent heat?

13 Nevertheless we,

according to his promise,

look for new heavens

and a new earth,

wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved,

seeing that ye look for such things,

be diligent that ye may be found

of him

in peace,

without spot,

and blameless.” 1 Peter 3:10-14

Since God has done so much for us, how can we do less than pursue His “holiness”, that He may be glorified and others may see Him in us? And as I close for today, I’d like to offer a challenge to each of us, especially those who participate in social media—watch what you write, what you share, what the comments on your feed say, and ask how YOU are reflecting Jesus? If you claim to belong to Jesus, why do the same ugly words appear on your feed as appear on the pages of the ungodly? If your share things, have you checked out the source? There are a lot of “cutesy”, seemingly nice, even ‘godly’ sounding posts that are coming from sites that are lurking to trip people up and trap them into ‘new age’ bunk that, as scripture says, “even denying the Lord who bought them”? And on a more personal note, are there words coming out of your mouth that shouldn’t be in a “holy” persons vocabulary? Are there actions or gestures that you use that don’t belong in the life of someone pursuing “holiness”? Do you watch and listen to things that blaspheme the Savior that you claim to love? It’s time (and a good New Year’s project) to examine our own lives and ask God to help us draw nearer to HIM and not the world. Whose altar are you really worshipping at? May we be found faithful when He comes—and that may be sooner than we think!!! It’s your choice, but remember there is a test at the end!

“Judge me, O LORD;

for I have walked in

mine integrity:

I have trusted also

in the LORD;

therefore I shall not slide.

2 Examine me, O LORD,

and prove me;

try my reins

and my heart.

3 For thy lovingkindness

is before mine eyes:

and I have walked

in thy truth.” Psalm 26:1-3

“Prove all things;

hold fast that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly;

and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body

be preserved blameless

unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you,

who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-24

‘Nuff said! Amen and Amen!!!

Devotion Or Distraction??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #478

20 Friday Jul 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Holiness, Holy, Holy Spirit

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #478 Devotion Or Distraction???

 

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks,

so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

2 My soul thirsteth for God,

for the living God:

when shall I come and appear before God?”    Psalm 42:1-2

This Psalm has been on my heart and mind all week, and I just wanted to share a few thoughts about it with you today. We live in a busy world—a world that not only distracts us to wicked things, but a world that distracts us in more subtle ways as well. I just can’t seem to escape the thought that I am so easily distracted from God and the things that are pleasing to Him, and as it says we will all “appear before God” and the truth will prevail. (Read Hebrews 4:12-13)

We live in a world that is changing the moorings and leading people away from God by making Him unimportant and minimalizing the things and standards of God. There was a time when black and white were just that, yet now things are being blended together into a mishmash of unidentifiable gray. What truly saddens me is that so many are becoming blinded to the “wiles of the devil”. Things that were once recognized as ‘sin’ are now accepted, and of course “who are we to judge?” Well, to put it simply, I am a child of God, born “of His Spirit, washed in His blood” (From Blessed Assurance, by Fanny J. Crosby) and I believe what HIS Word says and that it IS truth! I am gratefully bound by love and devotion to heed, obey and share it! (And by share I don’t mean beat people over the head with my Bible, but I do mean we are to live out our faith in word and deed continually, without fear or compromise with grace and love.)

I won’t make a list of “do’s and don’ts” but I will mention a few things that we need to be cautious of, and the first is taking Jesus and faith in Him as another distraction of life, rather than devoting ourselves to Him! The Psalmist said that he longed after God as the “deer panteth for the water” (hart is a deer)—and believe me living in Oklahoma with sweltering heat waves, makes ‘panting’ after water a reality. In fact there is no life without water (and Jesus is the water of life!), yet many who claim the name of Jesus, live their lives without any regard for His Word or His ways. God calls His own to live in the power of His Spirit—in holiness.

“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.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth

according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here

in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver

and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition

from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb

without blemish

and without spot:” 1 Peter 1:13-19

When we belong to Jesus, we receive His Holy Spirit to dwell within us and empower us to live a holy life in HIS power! Yet we settle for pantheistic practices, immoral compromise, language straight from the gutters, and pleasures that drive us to do things that are less than pleasing to our Lord. We have simply added Jesus to our list of options, rather than honoring and following Him as the Lord and love of our lives. Jesus, who gave His blood for our life and salvation—I desire to please and draw near to Him rather than the world, yet sometimes it’s so hard to cling to Him when my hands are so full of distractions, but the choice is ours to make!

“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction

with the people of God,

than to enjoy the pleasures of sin

for a season;

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ

greater riches

than the treasures in Egypt:

for he had respect

unto the recompence of the reward.”   Hebrews 11:24-26

How? By “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith”!!! Hebrews 12:2a

Amen and Amen!

The Gospel According To___? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 17

04 Monday Jun 2018

Posted by in Amazing Grace, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Cross, Gospel, Holiness, Holy Spirit, Knowing God's Word, Salvation, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 17 The Gospel According To___?

 

We live in a culture that wants to make the “Gospel” something that “appeals” to the masses, and makes everyone “feel” good. There is no mention of sin, no call to the God’s holiness, nor any call for repentance in this worldly gospel—rather has a message that says God will take everyone to heaven, no matter how they live or what they believe about Him, His Son, His holiness or His Word! God says different!

I used to quote an old adage that said, “God said it, I believe it, and that settles it!” but I’ve changed it to more aptly fit the truth of God’s Word, “God said it, and that settles it—whether I believe it or not!” Whether we ‘believe it or not’, God says there is only “one way” to salvation, and that way is HIS way—His name is Jesus!

As we’ve learned from Daniel’s example, knowing God and His Word makes a difference in our lives that the world can see—in word and deed! What does the world see in me/in you?

“Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.”   Daniel 6:16

Who am I serving? Is my service to God reflecting a true picture of my Lord and His Gospel—the Gospel of God’s Word—much different from the one promoted by the world.

“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

Jesus is the only way of salvation—our salvation is why HE came—to save us from our sin, and only when we are willing to recognize our own sin, repent and believe in His substitutionary (He took my place), atoning (He paid my debt), sacrifice (the paying of a debt He didn’t owe, because I had a debt I couldn’t pay, apart from His death for me) believing and receiving the new birth in His saving work at Calvary, in other words, being born again! There is no other way to God.

“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

Being “born…. of God”, having real life, eternal life in HIM!

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb,

and be born?

5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter into the kingdom

of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.” John 3:3-7

“Ye must be born again”! Apart from being born again, no one can even “see the kingdom of God”; in fact Jesus goes on to say that unless we are born “of the Spirit” we cannot “enter into the kingdom of God”. And that my friend is important—because not every one who claims to know Jesus knows Him. Not everyone who attends church, or does good deeds, or is right in their own eyes, will “enter into the kingdom of God”, but those who are “born again”—they are the only ones who will “see God”! And the verses we looked at in John 1 remind us that it is the Spirit of God—The Holy Spirit—that works the new birth in those who respond to God’s call to repentance and faith.

I know I have belabored this point, but it has been on my heart of late, and after attending a service recently, I was grief stricken to hear the things that I heard, and I must call us all to consider the “Gospel” according to The Word of God—not according to men!

As I was in attendance at this service there was a bit of scripture read, and even a reference or two to Jesus, but never once was there any reference to salvation being in Jesus. There was lots of talk about the works of men, and the goodness of men, but no mention of salvation by grace. In fact there was no music about God, Jesus, grace or salvation, just worldly music that broke my heart—not because it was bad, but because it was so “not” the gospel. In fact, afterwards I thought how sad, that we just went through a service that presented the “Gospel According to Nashville” not the Gospel of Jesus. Why would anyone want to go to heaven and spend eternity with God, when they have no use for Him in this life? Jesus said that we must repent—stop going our way, and turn to HIM? What happened to that Gospel?

“I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all

likewise perish.” Luke 13:3 & 5

We must repent of our way, and go God’s way. And Jesus knows the difference, and will reveal it! In HIS time!

“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,

which 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 foolish man,

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 7:21-28 (Because it was NOT founded/built upon a rock!)

The question is, “Are you building on the ‘rock’ or the ‘sand’?” Have you believed in the true Gospel of Jesus, or the lies of the world, the watered-down Gospel of ‘Nashville’, or ‘Hollywood’, or ‘Detroit’ or ‘New York’? If it is any Gospel other than the biblical one, you need to reconsider what you are trusting in. And if your life isn’t reflecting the truth and Spirit of Jesus in what you ‘do’ (not just what you ‘say’!) you might want to examine what you are counting on to save you!

“Examine yourselves,

whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves,

how that Jesus Christ is in you,

except ye be reprobates?”   2 Corinthians 13:5

It is the presence of the Holy Spirit in us that is the evidence that we belong to Jesus, that we have truly believed the Gospel of the Cross of Jesus and been born again. Paul gives us the “Gospel in a nutshell”!

“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

Jesus paid it all—the only price that God will accept for sin:

“Christ died for our sins…

that he was buried…

that he rose again the third day…

that he was seen…”

All of this “according to the scriptures”—just as God had promised from Eden to the Cross!

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”   Genesis 3:15

The “seed” would be the victor—the eternal victor over sin, death and hell. And Jesus is that seed, and died for all who will come to HIM in repentance and faith! Only Jesus!

“For this corruptible

must put on incorruption,

and this mortal

must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible

shall have put on incorruption,

and this mortal

shall have put on immortality,

then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,

Death is swallowed up in victory.

55 O death, where is thy sting?

O grave, where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death

is sin;

and the strength of sin

is the law.

57 But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding in the work

of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain

in the Lord.”   1 Corinthians 15:53-58

Jesus is our victory, regardless of what the world says. God isn’t impressed by men’s works and deeds, but by the blood of the Lamb that cleanses from sin. And only Jesus’ blood will do! Anything else will fail at the end!

“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found

written in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”    Revelation 20:14-15

There is a time of accounting coming, and just as Jesus spoke in Matthew 7, saying so won’t make it so! Only being born again by the Spirit of God will make you a child of God! And that is only found at the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, and soon coming KING!!!

“And they sung a new song, saying,

Thou art worthy to take the book,

and to open the seals thereof:

for thou wast slain,

and hast redeemed us

to God

by thy blood

out of every kindred,

and tongue,

and people,

and nation;

10 And hast made us unto our God

kings and priests:

and we shall reign

on the earth.”    Revelation 5:9-10

Regardless of what our culture says about Jesus, only salvation by repentance from sin, and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice will save. And when we are born again, we can follow Him by the power of The Holy Spirit, The Spirit others ought to see at work in us! All because His Spirit dwells in His own, and writes our names in “the Lamb’s book of life”! The Spirit of God working in us—saving us—changing us—all to point others to the cross!

“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.” Romans 8:8-9

Jesus’ righteousness imparted to us, to be displayed before a lost and dying world in need of a Savior! What about you? What Spirit is working in YOU? In me? Are we ready to see Him? Do others see Jesus in us!

“And there shall in no wise enter into it

any thing that defileth,

neither whatsoever worketh abomination,

or maketh a lie:

but they which are written

in the Lamb’s book of life.”    Revelation 21:27

I pray that you are relying on Jesus and not the message being preached by popular culture, music, movies, and TV! Only Jesus saves, and when He does, He makes new creatures out of sinners, and writes our name in “the Lamb’s book of life”. Where is your name written? Are you a “new creature”? Not perfect yet, but redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ alone! The Gospel according to Jesus—not Nashville!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17

Have you called on Jesus to make you a new creature? Are you relying on something other than Jesus? Please consider what you are trusting in!!! It’s your choice, but choose wisely there is a test at the end?

No matter how many times we read or quote the 23rd Psalm (which is the most popular passage of scripture mentioned at Funeral services), no on can truly say “The Lord is ‘my’ shepherd” (emphasis mine) unless we are born again by the blood of the Lamb—just as we read above—the Gospel is Jesus work of salvation, not man’s empty efforts to look good to a world with skewed vision. And if Jesus is not your “shepherd”, then you will come up wanting. Please look to Jesus while there is still time!

“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

5 Not by works of righteousness

which we have done,

but according to his mercy

he saved us,

by the washing of regeneration,

and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

6 Which he shed on us abundantly

through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

7 That being justified by his grace,

we should be made heirs

according to the hope of eternal life.”   Titus 3:4-7

Don’t put it off too long, or you may hear the same message that Daniel had to deliver to Belshazzar:

“…Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.” Daniel 5:27b

I pray that you will hear the voice of Jesus today and judge with ‘righteous judgment’ and respond in repentance and faith. And if you are already HIS, renew your devotion to His person and His Word—to follow with courage and wisdom!

“As we said before, so say I now again,

If any man preach any other gospel

unto you

than that ye have received,

let him be accursed.”    Galatians 1:9

Amen and Amen.

 

 

 

Tidbits From Daniel #1 ??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 12

22 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Bloom Where You're Planted!, Choices And Consequences, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Dare To Be Different!, Dependence, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Holiness, Knowing God's Word, Let You Light So Shine, Perseverance, The Only Way, Trials, Trust God, Walking With Jesus, Worship Him!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 12 Tidbits From Daniel #1???

 

I just concluded teaching a two-part course on the book of Daniel, and thought I would like to spend the next few weeks considering some of the jewels that can be found in this amazing part of God’s Word. Many people avoid studying the book of Daniel because of the prophecies that it contains, yet there is so much practical information that we miss when we neglect this precious and practical portion of The Word of God, which shows us how to live a blessed and wholly holy life before God and man.

The account of Daniel begins at the first Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, and most believe that Daniel was a mid-teen, or thereabout; and with that in mind, it becomes even more impressive that this young man and his three friends had the impact on Babylon that they did.

“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand……..

3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs,

that he should bring certain

of the children of Israel,

and of the king’s seed,

and of the princes;

4 Children in whom was no blemish,

but well favoured,

and skilful in all wisdom,

and cunning in knowledge,

and understanding science,

and such as had ability in them

to stand in the king’s palace,

and whom they might teach

the learning

and the tongue of the Chaldeans.”   Portions of Daniel 1:1-4

Here we find Daniel and his friends—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—taken captive by the Babylonians, not for imprisonment, but rather to be trained for service to King Nebuchadnezzar (we’d call it brain-washing). While Israel had rebelled against God, and were receiving the judgment that God had warned them of, particularly by the prophet Jeremiah, Daniel and his friends were found to be faithful servants of God Almighty, caught up in the judgment of their nation. So what did these four young men do in this situation? Well, this my friends, is an amazing account worth spending the next few Sundays considering.

While we in our culture, would expect them to be angry, bitter and uncooperative toward their captors, the picture that God gives us of these young men ought to be inspiring and call us to examine our own walk with God. What are we willing to endure for the sake of ‘faithfulness’ to our God? What circumstances do we ‘use’ to ‘excuse’ our bad responses to God and others—those who are watching us to see if we will really live what we say we believe Let’s continue looking at the recorded account—it speaks very clearly.

Remember that according to the parameters set by the king, these were outstanding young men—

skillfull in all wisdom—

cunning in knowledge—

understanding science—

having ability to serve the king—

teachable!

And on top of all of that, they were young men with—“no blemish….well favoured”! Some say there were dozens of them taken, and some accounts say it could have been a hundred, but regardless of how many there were, we do know that the record tells us that there were only four who stood fast before their God! These Jewish young men were taken to Babylon, offered the finest of the King’s food and drink, given the ‘royal’ treatment—but much of what was expected of them would have violate the Law of God.

“And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank:

so nourishing them three years,

that at the end thereof

they might stand before the king.”    Daniel 1:5

It wasn’t simply the food that they were given, they were also given new names, to reflect Babylonian culture, in an effort to erase and replace their Jewish heritage. And this was especially note-worthy in light of these four faithful young men.

“Now among these were of the children of Judah,

Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah:

7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs

gave names:

for he gave unto Daniel

the name of Belteshazzar;

and to Hananiah,

of Shadrach;

and to Mishael,

of Meshach;

and to Azariah,

of Abednego.” Daniel 1:6-7

Daniel meant, “Judge of God”; Hananiah, “God has favored”; Mishael, “Who is what God is”; and Azariah, “God has helped”; so the Babylonians changed each of their names to a name that referenced a ‘Babylon god’ rather than Jehovah God of Israel! These young men had been transported hundreds of miles from their homes, their families and their Temple (which would later be destroyed by these same Babylonians); they are suffering the judgment caused by the disobedience of others, so what do you think they did? Well friends, we don’t have to guess! God tells us clearly what they did, not only Daniel, but his friends as well (How do we know? By their behavior and unity with Daniel, that’s how!)!

“But Daniel

purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion

of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested

of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile

himself.” Daniel 1:8

One of the greatest words in the Bible—“but”—reveals exactly what kind of young man Daniel was, as well as his three friends. Daniel in the same situation as all the other captives, made a decision—a determined decision—that he would “not defile himself”! Daniel’s heart was set on God—and he decided to trust to God’s grace and provision rather than the King of Babylon’s desires. But don’t miss what Daniel decided, “that he would not defile himself”; it is so important that we understand that Daniel had determined that while he was ‘ceremonially’ defiled already (because he had been castrated, the ultimate defilement for a Jewish male) he would do nothing, that was within his power to control, to defile himself! Daniel was determined to be right before God, and he sets an example that many of us need to learn from today. Notice what Daniel did with his decision, “therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself”. Daniel respected the authority of those over him. He didn’t jump and scream, he didn’t call for a demonstration, he didn’t throw down his marbles and try to leave—instead Daniel exhibited the godliness of a man totally dependent upon God! Daniel “requested” permission to do things differently than the rules called for, in order to be “undefiled” before his God! Daniel exhibits the character of a godly follower of God/Jesus, who walked in righteousness in the easy or the difficult. Why do we so often excuse our choices with our circumstances? Daniel shows us that when we put God and His ways first, He will meet us where we are—standing for HIM!

“Now God had brought Daniel

into favour

and tender love

with the prince of the eunuchs.

10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel,

I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink:

for why should he see your faces

worse liking than the children which are of your sort?

then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.

11 Then said Daniel to Melzar,

whom the prince of the eunuchs

had set over

Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah,

12 Prove thy servants,

I beseech thee,

ten days;

and let them give us pulse to eat,

and water to drink.

13 Then let our countenances be looked upon

before thee,

and the countenance of the children

that eat of the portion of the king’s meat:

and as thou seest,

deal with thy servants.

14 So he consented to them in this matter,

and proved them ten days.” Daniel 1:9-14

Here we have the hierarchy of politics, a leader who really liked Daniel, but he was afraid of the fallout of making a decision that might go sour! Yet Daniel and his friends continued on in their pursuit of the right way before their God, and asked the next servant in line, Melzar, to “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days”! These young men were willing to trust themselves to God’s total provision, and asked this servant to put them to “test” for 10 days, and that they would be willing to accept whatever decision he made, based on what ‘he’ saw in their appearance! No anger, no pouting, no demands, no bargaining with God—Daniel knew where he was situated; yet his faith was still in his GOD! He never wavered in his faith, because his faith was in GOD and not himself. And that is where we often go wrong—we continually try to be “self-sufficient”, and that is always temporary! Even as Jesus said, “without me you can do nothing”, Daniel understood that only God could deliver them out of their present dilemma, and that He would bring glory to Himself, and accomplish their ultimate good through His purposes for them in Babylon. Oh, what adventures they had in store! How about you and I—what are we missing out on?

“So he consented to them in this matter,

and proved them ten days.

15 And at the end of ten days

their countenances appeared fairer

and fatter in flesh

than all the children

which did eat the portion

of the king’s meat.

16 Thus Melzar took away the portion

of their meat,

and the wine that they should drink;

and gave them pulse.

17 As for these four children,

God gave them knowledge

and skill

in all learning

and wisdom:

and Daniel had understanding

in all visions
and dreams.

18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in,

then the prince of the eunuchs

brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

19 And the king communed with them;

and among them all was found none like

Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah:

therefore stood they before the king.

20 And in all matters

of wisdom

and understanding,

that the king enquired of them,

he found them ten times better

than all the magicians

and astrologers

that were in all his realm.”     Daniel 1:14-20

There is so much that is overlooked in this passage, because we often pass right over the beauty of what God was doing for four young men of faith, who exercised their faith, and saw God display His glory to them and through them in an amazing way!

“As for these four children, 

God gave them knowledge 

and skill 

in all learning 

and wisdom: 

and Daniel had understanding 

in all visions

and dreams.“

Did you get it? “God gave them”……these who stood for God in faith, and God stood by them and made His glory to shine in them! And not only did God bless them to excel in this time of training and instruction, but they came out and stood before the King, who found them:

“ten times better

than all …..”!

Did you get it again? Not only were they better than their peers, they were “ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm”! Ten times better—than all of the “magicians and astrologers” in service to the King! God had a plan for these young men, and the King of Babylon saw in them the extraordinary (the hand of God). Imagine that !!! God at work on behalf of His own! God at work in the midst of difficult circumstances! And that same God is at work for you and me, why would we choose to trust anything other than God The Father, and The Lord Jesus Christ? Glory!

“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.” 1 John 4:4