Category Archives: Jesus–our all in all

Lifting Up Jesus Or ‘Me’??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #77

17 Friday Mar 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, Born Again, Cross, Crucified With Christ, If I be lifted up---, IN HIS TIME!, IN Jesus!, JESUS, Jesus Built A Bridge, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, Lifting up Jesus, Preach Christ and HIM crucified!

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Lifting Up Jesus Or ‘Me’???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #77

“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.”   John 3:14-16

Jesus told Nicodemus that HE would be lifted up “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness”, and later HE told His disciples the same thing; and I believe HE is calling us to understand the very same thing today.  Even as Paul declared, may we make the same commitment in our hearts, our lives, and our words today.  Who are you and I “lifting up”?  Jesus and the cross upon which HE paid for my sin and yours, or our own agenda, our own opinion, our glory, our advancement, our notoriety?  I stand with Paul and hope to always be lifting up Jesus Christ–and HIM alone!

“And I, brethren, when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ, and him crucified…

…. 4 And my speech and my preaching

was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom,

but in demonstration of the Spirit

and of power:

5 That your faith

should not stand in the wisdom of men,

but in the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-2 & 4-5

Jesus was born to die!  To die for your sin and mine–intentionally, on purpose, that we might have eternal life.  It wasn’t by accident, it wasn’t by the power of the Jewish leaders, or the Romans, but by God’s intentional purposes for the salvation of all who will believe, and come to HIM in repentance, and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin.

“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

Just as Peter preached after the ascension of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge

of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

Even as Jesus told His followers before His death; a death they weren’t expecting, but which Jesus wanted them to understand would save all who would believe their message of the cross! (For He also told them that His death would not be the end but that HE would RISE AGAIN! –and HE DID!!!)

“And I,

if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me.

33 This he said,

signifying what death

he should die.”  John 12:32-33

So, my friends, will we choose to lift up Jesus or something else?  The choice is yours, but remember there is a test, and I can’t help but believe that The Master is not very long from coming for His own!  Remember HE died for YOU!  May we who belong to Jesus lift HIM up today–He’ll do the rest!

Amen and Amen!!!

What “Form” Of Godliness??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #62

18 Wednesday Jan 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abiding In The Vine, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Following Jesus, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Which form?

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What “Form” Of Godliness???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #62

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

Paul was instructing this young pastor in many things, including verse 2:15 where he instructed him to “study to shew yourself approved UNTO GOD” (emphasis mine), and then as he continues in chapter 3, he reminds him of the veracity (look it up!) of scripture, and its power to establish our way.  So what is this “form of godliness”?  I think it is the very thing that Jesus talks about in Matthew chapter 7, those who want to impress, succeed, progress, profit, or fit in–regardless of their reasons– those who want to do it their way, but claim to be working “for God” but “denying the power thereof”!  Those who aren’t willing to come to God and let Him work in or through them, for they are too busy doing it ”my way”!  Just as it was then, it is still the same today.  Let’s see what Jesus said about it.

“Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 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 15:4-5

I believe that “form of godliness” is the work we do “without” Jesus!  You can talk the talk, and even pretend to walk the walk, but without really knowing and possessing Jesus, and being HIS child, you/I can do little of real value, and virtually of no value to the kingdom of God.  In fact Jesus told Nicodemus something very similar to this– he was a high-placed religious leader– which reminds us that we can have men’s credentials without having Jesus!

“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

The Apostle John also wrote about this in chapter 1.

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:10-13

Remember the “power” that was denied in 2 Timothy 3 is the power that saves; and just as John says above it’s not by blood (birth, relationships), not by flesh (working it up), nor the will of man (passed on by any other person)!  As the old proverb says, “every pot must sit on its own bottom”!  What are you counting on?  Let’s see what Jesus says.

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he

that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many

wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:21-23

Earlier in this chapter Jesus makes another profound assessment of life choices, which is still true today!

“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.” Matthew 7:13-14

So, my question for us all is, “Do you/I only have a “form of godliness”?” Or have you been “born again” by the blood of the Lamb which cleanses us from all sin, for Jesus is THE ONLY WAY!

“For all have sinned,

 and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Amen and Amen!!!

May I Hide Myself IN THEE??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 26

01 Sunday Jan 2023

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Choices And Consequences, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, One Foundation, Only One Way

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May I Hide Myself IN THEE???     Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 26

“A good name

is rather to be chosen

than great riches,

and loving favour

rather than silver and gold.

2 The rich and poor meet together:

the LORD is the maker

of them all.

3 A prudent man

foreseeth the evil,

and hideth himself:

but the simple

pass on,

and are punished.

4 By humility

and the fear of the LORD

are riches,

and honour,

and life…

….17 Bow down thine ear,

and hear the words of the wise,

and.

18 For it is a pleasant thing

if thou keep them within thee;

they shall withal be fitted

in thy lips.

19 That thy trust may be in the LORD,

I have made known to thee this day,

even to thee.

20 Have not I written to thee

excellent things

in counsels

and knowledge,

21 That I might make thee know

the certainty of the words of truth;

that thou mightest answer the words of truth

to them that send unto thee?”  Proverbs 22:1-4 & 17-21

This passage that I read this morning just hit me as a great verse for this New Year’s Day!  That we truly might strive to pursue God’s truth and heed the words of the Psalmist in that same vein!

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth

in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

All of this brings me to share an old song, that doesn’t seem to be sung very much anymore, yet it is so full of truth and a powerful reminder that it’s all about Jesus.

Rock Of Ages by Augustus M. Toplady

1.Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save from wrath and make me pure.

2.Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

3.Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

4.While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

So, I have but a few simple questions for us today: where are you hiding?  What are you hiding behind?  Where is your confidence placed?  If the answer to all of these isn’t JESUS, you might want to reconsider your choices.  It is your choice but choose wisely there is a test.

“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 that stone, and HE made it clear that HE was, is and ever shall be “the only way” –you can trust in Him, or set HIM at nought as many did all those years ago!

“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

And Jesus told Martha the same thing in a different way.

“Jesus said unto her,

I am the resurrection,

and the life:

he that believeth in me,

though he were dead,

yet shall he live:

26 And whosoever liveth

and believeth in me

shall never die.

Believest thou this?

27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord:

I believe that thou art the Christ,

the Son of God,

which should come into the world.”                    John 11:25-27

Will you proceed through 2023 with Jesus or rely on something or someone else?  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test.

Amen and Amen!!!

Happy New Year!!!

Christ And HIM Crucified??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 21

21 Monday Nov 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 21 Christ And HIM Crucified???

I have a simple and hopefully encouraging word for today–it’s all about Jesus from one of the most profound scriptures in all of The Word (to me!)!  I pray that it will lift your heart this week, as we here in the U.S. celebrate a day of Thanksgiving; while knowing that “Thanks–Giving” is a heart attitude not just a ‘day’ of family, food, and football; not just a ‘day’ for turkey, treats, and too much dessert; not just a day of sharing our blessings, but truly a day to remember and praise God for HIS amazing gifts of love, mercy, and sustenance!  All because we are loved by the Creator of the universe!!

“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.”  John 3:16

And what did God give His Son to do?  To take on flesh, live among sinful men and give HIS life on the cross for our sin!

“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

And for your consideration as we go through this week, hopefully focusing on our “attitude of gratitude”, remembering the beauty of the gift that Jesus became!

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:5-11

May God bless you with eyes to see and ears to hear.  May we each respond in gratitude for the greatest gift ever given!

Oh, that we will truly be found to be a grateful people, believing in this “only begotten son”, and I pray that you will receive HIS gift of “everlasting life” which JESUS bought and paid for at Calvary with HIS own blood! Thank YOU, JESUS!  (See Revelation 1:5)

Blessings on you and yours, my friends.  And may you enjoy a most love-filled HAPPY THANKS-GIVING!!!

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,

and into his courts with praise:

be thankful unto him,

and bless his name.”  Psalm 100:4

Amen and Amen!!!

All About JESUS??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #48

18 Friday Nov 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, It's All About The Cross, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all

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All About JESUS??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #48

Today I would simply like to set our focus on our soon-returning King Jesus!  It’s all about Jesus–for HE is the beginning and the end, and HE gave HIS life for you and for me!  It’s not just at Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or Resurrection time, or even prayer time; it’s about Jesus “ALL” the time, in every moment of every day.

“I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord,

which is,

and which was,

and which is to come,

the Almighty…

….17 And when I saw him,

I fell at his feet as dead.

And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me,

Fear not;

I am the first and the last:

18 I am he that liveth,

and was dead;

and, behold, I am alive for evermore,

Amen;

and have the keys

of hell and of death.”   Revelation 1:8 & 17-18

Paul so powerfully told the Athenians that our God–Father, Son, and Holy Ghost–IS THE GOD!

“For in him

we live,

and move,

and have our being…”  Acts 17:28a

Much like the reminder that Jesus gave the disciples just before He went to the cross.

“Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 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 15:4-5

 Did you catch that?  Jesus said clearly, “without me ye can do nothing”; yet we so often (Probably most often for some of us!) run off on our own tangents thinking “I’ve got this!”, then when we fall flat, we wonder why!  Well, my dear friends, Jesus told us “why” beforehand, “without me ye can do nothing”!  Oh, that we would walk in this truth–how peaceful our lives would be–not without trials and troubles, but we would know HIS peace in the midst of every storm!

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:13

We quote this verse so often, yet we regularly forget to walk in its powerful truth.  Paul gave us another reminder which is one of my favorites–I quote it often to myself!

“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

You see, my friends, we have been redeemed and given the power to walk victoriously over sin, and to live a life pleasing to our Lord Jesus, who is the only way to live this victorious life.  For HE IS the only way to God The Father, heaven, and eternal life.

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

I pray that this brief reminder of “whom” we ought to be thankful for, and how we can walk in HIS victorious power will encourage you today!  For:

“And he saith unto them,

Be not affrighted:

Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth,

which was crucified:

he is risen;

he is not here:

behold the place

where they laid him.”  Mark 16:6

Praise God JESUS LIVES today!  Walk in resurrection power, my friend, remembering that it’s all about JESUS!!  We win!

Amen and Amen!!!