Category Archives: Holy Spirit

HIS Power NOT Mine??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 12

24 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in Armor of God, Choices And Consequences, Distractions, Faith, Fighting With God's Weapons, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, Full Of what?, Holy Spirit, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Only One Way, Salvation, Strong Tower, The Little Things., The Things of God, The Word, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Trendy Or Truth, True Knowledge, Walking With Jesus, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 12    HIS Power NOT Mine???

 

“O the depth of the riches

both of the wisdom

and knowledge

of God!

how unsearchable

are his judgments,

and his ways

past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord?

or who hath been his counsellor?

35 Or who hath first given to him,

and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36 For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever.

Amen.”   Romans 11:33-36

I saw something the other day, and the gest was that because I have faith “I” have power to do _____, whatever you want to put in the blank.  What I want to say is that it is never my rights, my power, my strength, or my wisdom that I am to walk in!  It is all about God!  It’s HIS power, HIS grace and HIS strength that motivates, empowers, and sustains me for HIS work.  For when I yield to Jesus’ work in me, HE will accomplish all that He is calling, leading, equipping, and directing me to be and do!

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

When we are born again by The Spirit of God, we are enabled to walk in that very Spirit, accomplishing the works of God and not the flesh.  Yet, when we presume to take things upon ourselves, we will find that we are caught up in self-will, self-indulgence, and often disregard of God’s will and His Word! Jesus tells us how to keep our focus right through prayer when HE instructed us to pray, “Thy kingdom come…..Thy will be done”, God’s will not mine—a totally opposite agenda than what many purport today!  We are called to “let this mind be in you” (See Philippians 2:5-11) and to let His Word “dwell in you richly”.  His Word, His way, His will—His power NOT mine!

“Put on therefore,

as the elect of God,

holy and beloved,

bowels of mercies,

kindness,

humbleness of mind,

meekness,

longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another,

and forgiving one another,

if any man have a quarrel against any:

even as Christ forgave you,

so also do ye.

14 And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called

in one body;

and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ

dwell in you richly

in all wisdom;

teaching

and admonishing one another

in psalms

and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts

to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do

in word

or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks

to God

and the Father

by him.”   Colossians 3:12-17

It is with and in the power of God that we are to function, not our own resources!

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth

much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.”  John 15:5

Paul gives the ultimate description of where our resources come from when we put on the armor of God.

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power

of his might.”   Ephesians 6:10

Paul reminded us that by the power of God we are to put on that “armor of God”—not by our own intelligence, wisdom or even our “faith”!  My faith is only as strong as the object in which it is placed—Jesus!  We can choose to be a channel of God’s work or produce our own—and the fruit will reveal our choice.  And that “shield of faith” is what will “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked”—not because of my faith in me, or even my faith in faith, but because of my faith in The One who saves and delivers me, allowing His power to be displayed through my life!

“For other foundation can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.”   1 Corinthians 3:11-14

It’s all about Jesus—not me!  HE is my all in all, my “strong tower”!  And believe me, I run into that tower often!

“For in him

we live,

and move,

and have our being…”. Acts 17:28a

All because of Jesus and the price that HE paid for my sin and yours—it’s why HE came!  He came not to be just an example—though HE was one.  Not just to show us the way to God—although HE did—but because HE IS the way, by His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin–mine and yours!

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

When I order my steps in God’s ways, by His power and for His glory, great and mighty things will be accomplished for the kingdom of God—not because I have great faith, or great wisdom, but because I love, follow and adore The One who is Lord of Lords and King of Kings—the ONLY way to God.

“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

It is only by God’s grace that we can be of service to our King!  WE win because God has provided all we need in Jesus, our soon-coming King!

“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 15:57-58

The work of The Lord—oh what a glory—to serve The One who gave HIS life for me; knowing that HE loves us/me and can be seen and glorified in us/me as we yield to HIS will!  May we never become so distracted by the outward blessings and elements of God’s grace and power that we forget it’s all about HIM not me!

“In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

the forgiveness of sins,

according to the riches of his grace;

8 Wherein he hath abounded

toward us in all wisdom

and prudence;

9 Having made known unto us

the mystery of his will,

according to his good pleasure

which he hath purposed in himself:

10 That in the dispensation

of the fulness of times

he might gather together

in one

all things

in Christ,

both which are in heaven,

and which are on earth;

even in him:

11 In whom also

we have obtained an inheritance,

being predestinated

according to the purpose

of him who worketh all things

after the counsel

of his own will:

12 That we should be

to the praise of his glory,

who first trusted in Christ.”    Ephesians 1:7-12

And as the author of Hebrews reminds us, may we find power, comfort and delight in this loving Lord Jesus, without being distracted or forgetting Who is our power and might!

“Now the God of peace,

that brought again from the dead

our Lord Jesus,

that great shepherd of the sheep,

through the blood

of the everlasting covenant,

21 Make you perfect

in every good work

to do his will,

working in you

that which is wellpleasing

in his sight,

through Jesus Christ;

to whom be glory

for ever and ever.

Amen.”   Hebrews 13:20-21

HIS Power NOT Mine!!!

Amen and Amen!

 

 

A Saddened Heart??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 11

17 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in Approved Unto God, By Him We Live, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Do all things decently, Faithfulness, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, God's provision, Gospel, Holiness, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, IN Jesus!, Listening To God, Living Right, Only One Way, Perseverance, Righteousness, Saved by grace, The Word Or The World?, Trendy Or Truth, Victory IN Jesus!, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 11    A Saddened Heart???

 

As I sit here thinking of the things that I have seen come and go, the things that I have loved and lost, the things that I have treasured seemingly vanishing before our eyes, there is a scripture that is often overlooked but it comes to my mind so often, and I believe we ought to consider it as we watch things change all around us.  What are we willing to hold on to and what are we willing to not only let go of but abandon with no regard!

“Thou shalt not remove

thy neighbour’s landmark,

which they of old time

have set in thine inheritance,

which thou shalt inherit

in the land that the LORD thy God

giveth thee

to possess it.”   Deuteronomy 19:14

Many today are not only ‘removing’ the landmarks, they are denying that there ever were any landmarks.  Many are running to abandon the God of The Bible, and The Bible of God Almighty!  Isaiah said it better than I could:

“Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness for light,

and light for darkness;

 that put bitter for sweet,

and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe unto them that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!

22 Woe unto them

that are mighty to drink wine,

and men of strength

to mingle strong drink:

23 Which justify the wicked      

for reward,

and take away the righteousness

of the righteous from him!

24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble,

and the flame consumeth the chaff,

so their root shall be as rottenness,

and their blossom shall go up as dust:

because they have cast away

the law of the LORD of hosts,

and despised

the word of the Holy One of Israel.”  Isaiah 5:20-24

Just as timely, and so much like history, it is said “those who don’t learn from it are doomed to repeat it” (credited to George Santayana), it seems that our nation, as well as the world around us, are choosing to walk in our own way rather than God’s, and He will requite in HIS own time, yet we can gain a great deal of insight from HIS Word!

“For our transgressions

are multiplied before thee,

and our sins

testify against us:

for our transgressions are with us;

and as for our iniquities,

we know them;

13 In transgressing

and lying against the LORD,

and departing away from our God,

speaking oppression

and revolt,

conceiving and uttering

from the heart

words of falsehood.

14 And judgment

is turned away backward,

and justice

standeth afar off:

for truth

is fallen in the street,

and equity

cannot enter.

15 Yea, truth faileth;

and he that departeth from evil

maketh himself a prey:

and the LORD saw it,

and it displeased him

that there was no judgment.”   Isaiah 59:12-15

We must choose what we are going to do with God, His Word and His Son, Jesus!  Even as Joshua called Israel to choose whom they would serve.

“And I have given you a land

for which ye did not labour,

and cities

which ye built not,

and ye dwell in them;

of the vineyards and oliveyards

which ye planted not

do ye eat.

14 Now therefore fear the LORD,

 and serve him in sincerity and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil

unto you

to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods

which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”   Joshua 24:13-15

Even as Joshua made his choice, he called those around him to make their choice—and we are faced with that same challenge today, yet it saddens my heart that we are becoming more and more averse to God’s call to holiness and more and more open to the lies of the enemy of our souls, and the world.  How about you?  Have you given up on God’s call?  Have you decided to just “go along, to get along”?  Or are you hearing and responding to God’s call?

“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:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation

of the world,

but was manifest

in these last times

for you,

21 Who by him

do believe in God,

that raised him up

from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope

might be in God.”   1 Peter 1:13-21

Where is your faith?  Is your faith in God, His Word and His Son?  Are you living a holy life, even as God called Israel to when He gave them the Law through Moses?

“For I am the LORD your God:

ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves,

and ye shall be holy;

for I am holy:

neither shall ye defile yourselves …

…45 For I am the LORD

that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt,

to be your God:

ye shall therefore be holy,

for I am holy.” Leviticus 11:44-45

A simple consideration for us today, “What will you/I do with God’s call upon your/my life?”  Will we bear God’s burden for the lost and dying world around us, sharing Jesus at every opportunity; or will we disregard their plight and continue on with life “as usual”, living worldly lives of compromise,  rather than drawing near to our Lord, and fulfilling that for which He has saved and equipped us.  May we remember that when Jesus saves us out of darkness, and transforms us from being children of the devil, to being Sons and Daughters of God, we “are bought with a price”.

“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

As Paul makes so clear, we can choose the “joy of The Lord” or the sadness of the world!

“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

When God births us into HIS kingdom, we can rejoice in HIM, HIS Word and HIS ways rather than settle for the darkness of the world—for we no longer belong to the works of the devil; and God has already ordained “good works” for us to produce!

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance

of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:    

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”  Colossians 1:12-14

Paul also makes it clear that there is a distinction between the works of The Spirit and the works of the flesh/the devil.

“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.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit,

ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;

Adultery,

fornication,

uncleanness,

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,

witchcraft,

hatred,

variance,

emulations,

wrath,

strife,

seditions,

heresies,

21 Envyings,

murders,

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit

the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

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

Where are you walking?  In the Spirit or the flesh? May God help us to “fix our eyes on Jesus” living ‘kingdom’ lives.  May our hearts be burdened that those around us will see Jesus in us—in all we do.

“Whether therefore

ye eat,

or drink,

or whatsoever ye do,

do all to the glory of God.”   1 Corinthians 10:31

“To whom God would make known

what is the riches

of the glory

of this mystery

among the Gentiles;

which is Christ in you,

the hope of glory:”   Colossians 1:27

“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 15:57-58

Amen!

How Are You “Feeling”??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 07

29 Sunday Sep 2019

Posted by in Approved Unto God, By Him We Live, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Encouragement, Faith, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Growing in Jesus!, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, IN Jesus!, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Let You Light So Shine, Listening To God, Only One Way, Seeing Truth, SIN, Speaking The Truth In Love, The Father of Lies!, The Only Way, The Same Yesterday, The Word Or The World?, Transformation, Trendy Or Truth

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Bible Ballistics: Vol.14 No.07 How Are You “Feeling”???

 

I would like to share a passage with you all today, one that struck me recently as profound in a way that I hadn’t noticed before.

“That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up

into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body

fitly joined together

and compacted by that

which every joint supplieth,

according to the effectual working

in the measure of every part,

maketh increase of the body

unto the edifying of itself

in love.

17 This I say therefore,

and testify in the Lord,

that ye henceforth walk not

as other Gentiles walk,

in the vanity of their mind,

18 Having the understanding darkened,

being alienated from the life of God

through the ignorance that is in them,

because of the blindness

of their heart:

19 Who being past feeling

have given themselves over

unto lasciviousness,

to work all uncleanness

with greediness.

20 But ye have not so learned Christ;

21 If so be that ye have heard him,

and have been taught by him,

as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off

concerning the former conversation

the old man,

which is corrupt

according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed

in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on

the new man,

which after God

is created in righteousness

and true holiness.”  Ephesians 4:14-24

Past feeling: Paul was encouraging the Ephesian believers as he called them to ‘grow’ in their faith in Jesus, not yielding to the lusts of the flesh—the ‘old man’; we are to ‘grow up’ instead of behaving like children “tossed to and fro”.  We are not to be tossed about by “every wind of doctrine”—the popular ‘buzz of the day’; “by the sleight of men”—the trickery of those who want to side-track us from our life of biblical faith, by using “cunning craftiness”—defined by the dictionary as, “being underhand or evil schemes; cunning; deceitful; sly”!  Paul wanted us to recognize that the enemy of our souls is ever busy trying to mislead and deceive with sly devises.

Paul goes on to remind them and us, that we are to live by the power of the Christ who is “in us”, and HE will enable us to work toward the “increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love”.  He also goes on to warn us that we are not to pursue the same walk that the world pursues; for they are following vain efforts.  And the phrase that hit me is most enlightening:

“18 Having the understanding darkened,

being alienated from the life of God

through the ignorance that is in them,

because of the blindness

of their heart:

19 Who being past feeling

have given themselves over

unto lasciviousness,

to work all uncleanness

with greediness.”

“Past feeling”, what an amazing phrase!  It reminds me of what Paul told the Romans about those who reject God—that they have chosen to walk away from the true God and to create their own “gods”, their own way!  And that ‘way’ always leads exactly where Jesus said it would lead—to destruction.  We live in a world that purports that we are “all going to the same end” (some kind of ‘god’, but we are simply “taking different paths” to the same ‘heaven’!), but Jesus said something totally opposite.

“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

This One who is “the way”, the only way, makes it clear how the different choices will end:

“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.”    Matthew 7:13-15

Paul also reminds us of the exclusivity of the Gospel (not a popular stand!), and the certainty of the end result—or if you would, the consequences (set by God) are sure for every choice!

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh

reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit

reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary

in well doing:

for in due season

we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

 let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”    Galatians 6:7-10

I know I use this passage a lot, but it is a much-needed message in our culture of “anything goes”, and I am compelled to bring this to our minds often.  The days are evil, and we all need to be reminded that God hasn’t changed—or, in other words—the rules haven’t changed because:

“Jesus Christ

the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”   Hebrews 13:8. Amen!

No matter how the world tries to convince us (and they are succeeding to a great degree, because many are NOT paying attention to God’s Word!), it saddens me that you can hardly watch any kind of media that doesn’t challenge or even clearly attack biblical morality, reason, or the call to ‘rise above’.  Even the so-called family friendly channels present ‘living together’ as ok, drinking and drugs as common place, rebellion and defiance as acceptable!  It is a battle that we must ever be conscious of!

So, let’s go back to Paul’s letter to the Ephesian believers, and observe the practical commands that he shares with us for faithful, godly, obedient living.  Let’s rehearse these facts.

“That ye put off

concerning the former conversation

the old man,

which is corrupt

according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed

in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on

 the new man,

which after God

is created

in righteousness

and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying,

 speak every man truth with his neighbour:

for we are members one of another.

26 Be ye angry,

and sin not:

let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

27 Neither give place

to the devil.

28 Let him that stole

steal no more:

but rather let him labour,

working with his hands

the thing which is good,

that he may have to give

to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication

proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good

to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace

unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,

whereby ye are sealed

unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness,

and wrath,

and anger,

and clamour,

and evil speaking,

 be put away from you,

with all malice:

32 And be ye kind

one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4:22-32

The transformed Christian life is living not just by ‘rules’ but by the indwelling Holy Spirit who will lead us into “all truth”!  We must continually strive to ‘grieve not’ the Holy Spirit’s work in our heart, mind and life!  When God changes a life, HE changes it from the inside out—not just a white-wash on the outside—knowing that “freely ye have received, freely give” (See Mt. 10:8).  We receive the righteousness of Christ by the power of His Spirit.  We can have victory over the flesh if we will but walk in The Spirit and not yield to our flesh (which is always calling us to veer off the narrow way—and we will find that popularity will often flee when we choose to follow Jesus!)

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…

…25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk

 in the Spirit.”   Galatians 5:16 & 25

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new

….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.”   Portions of 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Oh, to be a reflection of His life to a world so dark and corrupt—may we be salt and light by His power, as we continually sacrifice our will to HIS!  Not in arrogance of what we can do, but in total confidence of what God can and will do through us as we yield to the work of HIS Spirit in us!  I’m so grateful that it depends on Jesus not me—I must simply walk by ‘faith’ and not by sight!  For oft-times ‘what you see’ ain’t ‘what you get’!  Remember that Satan is the ‘father of lies’ and a ‘fulltime deceiver’!  But we can win as we refuse to conform to the world by yielding ourselves to Jesus!

“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.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself

more highly than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man

the measure of faith.”  Romans 12:1-3

Amen and Amen!  May God speak to each of us that we may reflect HIS glory in all our ways!  Transformed by Jesus, not conformed to the world! Remember, “The Light Of The World Is Jesus” (written by Philp P. Bliss)!

Who’s Trampling Who??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 04

08 Sunday Sep 2019

Posted by in A Father's Love, Church:Dead Or Alive?, Confessing Sin, Discipline, Faith, Forgiveness, Holy Spirit, Repentance, Trampling The Blood of Jesus?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 04   Who’s Trampling Who???

 

“Having therefore, brethren,

boldness to enter into the holiest

by the blood of Jesus,

20 By a new and living way,

which he hath consecrated

for us,

through the veil,

that is to say,

his flesh…

…22 Let us draw near

with a true heart

in full assurance

of faith,

having our hearts sprinkled

from an evil conscience,

and our bodies washed

with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith

without wavering;

(for he is faithful that promised;)

24 And let us consider one another

to provoke unto love

and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling

of ourselves together,

 as the manner of some is;

but exhorting one another:

and so much the more,

as ye see the day approaching…

….29 Of how much sorer punishment,

suppose ye,

shall he be thought worthy,

who hath trodden under foot

the Son of God,

and hath counted the blood of the covenant,

wherewith he was sanctified,

an unholy thing,

 and hath done despite

unto the Spirit of grace?”    Portions of Hebrews 10:19-29

My heart is burdened for a world going to “hell in a hand-basket”, and a church that seems to be caving to the culture, rather than calling believers to live, what C. S. Lewis called, lives of “piety”; a reverence for God, and a devout fulfillment of (what a person sees as) an obligation of love to his/her religious beliefs (Our Lord Jesus and His Word!).  In other words, a complete devotion to being right with God, doing right before God and man, and making an impact on the world, whether they realize it or not!  (For the world is waiting for the Righteous to live Righteously—to be salt and light to draw the lost to a faithful Redeemer!). Yet we live in a time when many who claim the name of Jesus live their lives in complete disregard to the Lord whose name they claim; who spend their time, energy, resources and efforts living it up, drinking it up, lusting it up, shacking up, lying it up, mocking and ridiculing those who continue to hold up the standard of holy  living! Now, I understand that Jesus has given us freedom to exercise our beliefs and convictions as we see fit; but when what many seem to ‘see fit’ is in direct conflict to The Word of God, it’s time to take a stand with grace, firmness and love—but we must take a stand!

The author of Hebrews strongly reminds us that our lives are to be ordered in holiness because a “Holy” price has been paid for our salvation, “by the blood of Jesus”! And earlier in the book, he also tells us that we can have confidence in our access to Him, the One whose blood bought our salvation—our heavenly intercessor (See Hebrews 7:25)!

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points

tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:14-16

I love this passage, and I run to it often, yet today I see so many run to other things; they don’t practice spiritual boldness and confidence in the One they profess to love, but arrogantly use His name for their own purposes, to excuse their sin, or saying that “Jesus will forgive me”!  And that is true, but while God’s love is totally unconditional, His forgiveness is not!

“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.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:8-10

Here we find that Jesus can, will and does forgive those who face their own personal sin and failure—AS SIN!  He also says that when we continue to claim that our choices are not sin, we “deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us”…“his word is not in us”!  But John so graciously holds out the scepter of hope—if we will but “confess our sins”, Jesus will faithfully, willingly, lovingly respond to our humble confrontation of our own sin for “he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins”—but praise God HE doesn’t stop there; HE goes on to tell us that not only will He extend his forgiveness to the repentant, but HE will also, “cleanse us from all unrighteousness”—He will help us to overcome our selfish, worldly, and holiness-defeating (my own new word!) choices and actions! Hallelujah!  Praise God—Jesus will “cleanse us from all unrighteousness”!  Did you get that—”from all unrighteousness”—Jesus wants to cleanse us from all our SIN and failures!  John is talking to believers!  That’s you/me, we who follow HIM, we who belong to HIM!

But don’t miss that last phrase, for John also warns us that those who continually claim the name of Jesus and live like the devil may have a different problem:

“If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us”!

If we have Jesus we do have “The Word” in us in the form of Jesus’ Holy Spirit, who transforms God’s own (genuine believers) into the image of Jesus!  Paul addresses this issue most clearly!

“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 8:9

And back to Hebrews, we also see that “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!

“But if ye be without chastisement,

whereof all are partakers,

then are ye bastards,

and not sons.”   Hebrews 12:8

When we belong to Jesus and we sin, HE, through the power of The Holy Spirit, will discipline us, correcting, convicting, and bringing us to repentance and restoration.  Or there is another option for those who truly belong to Jesus yet refuse to be restored to usefulness and holiness; it’s a seldom mentioned statement, but it is as true as any other scripture.

“If any man see his brother sin a sin

which is not unto death,

he shall ask,

and he shall give him life

for them that sin not unto death.

There is a sin unto death:

I do not say that he shall pray for it.

17 All unrighteousness is sin:

and there is a sin not unto death.”    1 John 5:16-17

It’s as if Jesus is saying to a believer who just won’t learn, if you won’t learn down there, I’ll just bring you home for some remedial classes (and I use this as example not as an assumption on scripture, but remember that GOD is the judge of ‘time limits’, so to speak, not us!).  But there is more that we need to consider, in regard to my phrase about “saying so doesn’t make it so”; Paul mentions it in passing in 1 Corinthians 15, and I think it worth our consideration.  Is your faith real or vain?  What commentary does your/my life make about our faith?  Only you/I can really answer that question, but it’s a question that we all need to ask ourselves; for there is a day coming when Jesus will require an answer!

“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.”    1 Corinthians 15:1-2

Jesus makes it clear, not only for those who claim His name, yet walk in the devil’s way, but also to those who live an imitation Christian life!

“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

Jesus didn’t stop there; He went on to use an example that we often disregard and write-off as a children’s song; but Jesus gives us a clear line of delineation—what foundation you choose to build your house (life) upon is important! There are two options, and while the houses may look alike on the outside (or not), it will become evident when the storms come (and they will come, for HE said they ‘would’ come, not ‘if’ they come!).

“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 7:24-27

What we “DO” is all dependent on Jesus, for each believer, every child of God!  That’s a fact!  It’s all about HIM not me!

“I am the vine, ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.”   John 15:5. Amen!

And to bring things together, let’s go back to Paul, who reminds us that we can ‘judge’ ourselves by God’s standard and stay on the “narrow” way, or we can excuse, cover-up, justify and lie about our life-choices, and God will judge!  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“For if we would judge ourselves,

we should not be judged.

32 But when we are judged,

we are chastened

of the Lord,

that we should not be condemned

with the world.”   1 Corinthians 11:31-32

(And just FYI, this passage is referring to believers living in an unworthy manner, receiving God’s judgment on their sin, not their souls.). I pray that God will convict our hearts and help each of us recognize our sin, repent, be forgiven and restored to the full use to our “vine” and see HIM bring much fruit out of our lives.  May we live as “iron sharpeneth iron” toward each other, not as rotten apples spreading corruption to everyone and everything we touch!   I would simply like to go back to our title today; are you trampling under-foot the blood of Jesus; the prayers and tears of a loved one who is still praying for you; the efforts of a friend who has called you to truth as you walk down that “broad” way to destruction; the call of The Holy Spirit on your heart?   Remember, Jesus gave His all for you/me, and if you go to Hell it will be over all these who have tried to stop you; and if you are a rebellious believer, the same is true for you—remember there is a “sin unto death” for the believer, not hell but a shortened opportunity to serve our LORD JESUS!!!

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in

to him,

and will sup

with him,

and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

Amen and Amen!!!

If Not Now? When? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 19

24 Monday Jun 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Changed Lives, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, If not now? When?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 19   If Not Now? When?

 

When I consider all that is going on in our world, in our churches and in our families, I can’t help but think of the choices that we all make, and how they affect and trickle down to those around us.  Spiritual strength, character, salvation and revival comes from God!  Yet God has given mankind the opportunity to choose-we can choose to have HIS true spiritual strength through the saving, transforming, new life IN Jesus.  The only “life” that will grow powerful, godly character which can change our culture, and it starts with one person!  “One person” at a time, who will act now; affecting “one family” at a time; reviving “one church” at a time’; spreading that revival to “one community” at a time; to effectively change a world that is lost and drowning in darkness and corruption.  But we can only change the darkness by living “the light” of transformed lives as the redeemed; the redeemed living like the “redeemed”!  That means we who are born again living and heeding The Word of God as The Word/Words of God!  And, oh my dear friends, we must do it NOW!

If not NOW? When will we stand up for Jesus—not in mean, harsh, vindictive ways, but as our Lord Jesus did, taking the truth with us everywhere we go, among all whom we encounter!  Holy living isn’t reserved for Sundays or Wednesdays (or whatever times you have church meeting/service)—we must live for Jesus every day.  If not now, if not today, when?  Let’s consider what God records three times in His Word!

“Wherefore the Lord said,

Forasmuch as this people

draw near me with their mouth,

and with their lips do honour me,

but have removed their heart

far from me,

and their fear toward me

is taught by the precept of men:” Isaiah 29:13

God told the prophet Isaiah that His own people (those who claimed His name, for His blessings, when it was convenient, but had no regard for what His Word called them to be and do—sound familiar?) talked the ‘talk’ but they had no real ‘walk’ with Him!  How about us?  God identified this condition in those who had replaced the true “fear toward me” with the “precept of men”—in our vernacular, they had replaced what God said with men’s watered-down justification for sin! Jesus repeated this commentary in His own earthly ministry.

“Ye hypocrites,

well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

8 This people draweth nigh unto me

with their mouth,

and honoureth me

with their lips;

but their heart

is far from me.”   Matthew 15:8

And again:

“Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him,

Why walk not thy disciples

according to the tradition of the elders,

but eat bread with unwashen hands?

6 He answered and said unto them,

Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites,

as it is written,

This people honoureth me with their lips,

but their heart is far from me.

7 Howbeit in vain

do they worship me,

teaching for doctrines

the commandments of men.

8 For laying aside the commandment of God,

ye hold the tradition of men,

as the washing of pots and cups:

and many other such like things ye do.

9 And he said unto them,

Full well ye reject

the commandment of God,

that ye may keep

your own tradition.”  Mark 7:5-9

Ouch! What would Jesus say to us?  He who has called us to Himself, said that those who are truly His are to follow Him; not because ‘following’ Him saves us, but because when He saves us, we should want to follow the ONE who gave His life for ours. God knows who we really are—who I am? Who YOU are!!!

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them

that are his.

And, Let every one that nameth the name

of Christ

depart from iniquity.”  2 Timothy 2:19

We aren’t saved because we depart from evil, but by the blood of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin—by repentance and faith in HIS accomplished work at Calvary, but as HIS, we ought to avoid it!  Paul said it best:

“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 2:4-10

God loves YOU and ME enough to give His own Son to pay a debt that HE didn’t owe; because we owed a debt we couldn’t pay apart from death and hell!  When Jesus saves us, He saves us “unto good works”!  We are God’s “workmanship” for we are “created in Christ Jesus”!  So, what are your works saying about “whose” you are? If not now?  When?  When will you start to live for Jesus?  He isn’t looking at your words, but your heart, for what is IN the heart, will come OUT!

“Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 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…”    Matthew 15:17-20

How about you/me?  Do we “yet understand” that God has only one standard—JESUS—The Living Word, as well as the One who breathed scripture through chosen “men of God” (See 2 Peter 1:19-21)!  If not now? When?  WE must stop judging ourselves by the world’s standard instead of God’s.  Just because we change the name of sin, it’s still sin.  Oh, dear ones, we must cling to Jesus’ cross and His Word, taking up our cross NOW!  Please join me in seeking HIS face continually, not just washing our physical hands, while leaving our hearts unchecked and vile?  Apart from the life-changing power of His blood, we have no hope, yet in Him we can be victorious!  How about you?  Now?

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

and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes,

and be slain,

and be raised the third day.

23 And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life

for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

 and lose himself,

or be cast away?”  Luke 9:22-25

What advantage?  NONE! Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus!

“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.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.”  John 3:14-20

I pray that you will ponder these things and ask God to show you the true condition of your heart.  Please seek Jesus while He may be found!  I’ve talked to so many who say “When I get this new job, then I’ll come”; “When I get past this crises, then I’ll come”;  “I just can’t let go of this__________” (sin, unforgiveness, guilt, anger, selfishness, or self-reliance—it doesn’t matter what’s in your ‘blank’, if it keeps you from Jesus, it will lead you to hell—and that’s sad, for Jesus died for YOU to miss Hell!)!  Whatever is standing between you and God is something that Jesus can and will overcome if you’ll but come to HIM.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:

 if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me…

22 He that hath an ear,

 let him hear what the Spirit saith …”    Revelation 3:20 & 22a

Don’t miss heaven for neglect!  I’m praying that you will find Jesus, if you haven’t already! If you go to hell, it will be by trampling the blood of Jesus, and in spite of this servant’s prayers! I’m also praying that if you know HIM, you will take up YOUR cross and follow Him; and that cross isn’t your ‘difficulties’, it IS dying to “self” by living to, for, with and through 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

Amen and Amen!