Category Archives: Jesus Saves!

What Can’t REvive??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 20 No. 02

29 Sunday Jan 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Born Again, God's Faithfulness, God's ways are not our ways, Good News, Jesus Saves!, Restoration, REvival, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith

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What Can’t REvive??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 20 No.02

“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:” Ephesians 2:1-6

I love God’s Word, it is so true, hopeful, and enlightening to help us see where we have come from, and to see how urgent it is to help others come to Jesus.  The thing I want us to think about today is what does “Revival” mean?  I have prayed for revival for many years and will continue to pray for it until Jesus comes, or HE allows me to see a real Holy Ghost, heaven-sent, knee-bending, sin-confessing, tear-stained altar (and sadly to me, many young people don’t even know what that is!) filling, life changing, church-altering, REVIVAL!  The kind of revivals that I knew and saw as a child and a young adult that brought conviction to bear on believers to the repenting of sin, the recommitment of hearts and lives, then a world that takes note of the change!

But there is a catch!

Revival: restoration to life, consciousness, vigor, strength, etc. ….an awakening in a church….an evangelistic service or a series of services for the purpose of effecting of a religious (my word is Spiritual) awakening…

The key I want us to note is “restoration”, for to be ‘re’stored, something must exist first; and that is what Paul is pointing out to the Ephesian believers, and to us!  Only when we realize that we are “dead in trespasses and sins” will we see the need to come to Jesus to be “born again”, or as Paul says here in Ephesians 2, that God has “quickened us”, in Blanche’s paraphrase, “God has given us life from the dead”, or as the Apostle John wrote in his gospel:

“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

It’s like what Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3, we “must be born again” by the power of God through the Holy Spirit!  And my friends, if we haven’t received the new birth–NEW LIFE– from Jesus then we are still “dead in our trespasses and sins” and we can’t be “Revived”! Revival is for those who have received new life in Jesus.  It is for those who know Jesus, but have grown cold toward spiritual things, or have lost their ardor, or just become muddled and confused in the fray of life and need a rekindling of the fire in their heart.  Sort of like a fireplace where the coals are either close to the fire and glowing, or they have become cold with the distance between them and the fire!  Jesus IS our fire!

“Wilt thou not revive us again:

that thy people may rejoice in thee?

7 Shew us thy mercy, O LORD,

and grant us thy salvation.

8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak:

for he will speak peace unto his people,

and to his saints:

but let them not turn again

to folly.”  Psalm 85:6-8

God is ever at work conforming His own into the “image of His Son”; our job is to stay near to our “fire” –the fire of Holiness and truth! Jeremiah shared that he had a fire of God’s power in his life, we also have a call, a ministry, a life of obedience, and I think I understand what Jeremiah means, for God’s call is ever on my heart.  I would love to be the one God calls to write the “fluff stuff”, but God has called me to often speak the hard things, may I ever hear his call and like Jeremiah speak as God directs.

“Then I said,

I will not make mention of him,

nor speak any more in his name.

But his word

was in mine heart

as a burning fire shut up in my bones,

and I was weary

with forbearing,

and I could not stay.”  Jeremiah 20:9

So, as I pray for revival amongst God’s own, won’t you join me and seek revival in your own heart–for revival must start with “ME”!  How about you?  And if you don’t know Jesus and are just trying to play the game, use the right words, do the right deeds, be in the right church, or belong to the right group…God wants YOU and YOUR heart not your stuff or your abilities to get to heaven. HE wants you to come through Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice!

“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

 Jesus calls us to Himself for rest as well as life–take HIS yoke, and you’ll never walk alone!

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

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!!!

The Lamb Of God–Sin Offering!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #52

09 Friday Dec 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Hell, JESUS, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Life or Death?, SIN, Sin IS the issue, Still Will I Trust HIM, The Blood Cleanseth us from all Sin, The Blood Of Jesus, The blood of Jesus IS the only Way, Worship Him!

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The Lamb Of God–Sin Offering!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #52

Christmas is about Jesus and how HE came to pay for our sin so that we wouldn’t have to pay for our own sin!  For SIN IS the issue!

“For all have sinned,

and come short

of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

Our sin debt is due–we sinned–we owe the debt for that sin!  BUT GOD–oh, how I love that phrase, BUT GOD–had a plan for our redemption before we ever sinned!  Thank YOU, Jesus, for being willing to come and “dwell among us” to die for me!  God’s gift to all who will come to YOU!

“For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

Yet, I am totally amazed that God could love us so much as to know we would sin, but HE had already made preparation in Jesus to deliver us, if we will be repent (turn from my own sin–make a 180 from my own way to God) and come to Jesus in faith, trusting in HIS substitutionary (He stood in my place), atoning (He erased my debt with His own blood), sacrifice (His life of sinless perfection given up on the cross for MY SIN!)!  All this because God loves us from before “the beginning”!

So, I’d simply like to lay out some scriptures for us to ponder today and through this season of celebrating our Savior’s birth!

“Father,

I will that they also,

whom thou hast given me,

be with me where I am;

that they may behold my glory,

which thou hast given me:

for thou lovedst me

before the foundation of the world.”  John 17:24 (Jesus’ prayer before going to Calvary)

We are chosen by God’s grace, mercy, and love!

“Blessed be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who hath blessed us

with all spiritual blessings

in heavenly places

in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us

in him

before the foundation of the world,

that we should be holy

and without blame

before him

in love:” Ephesians 1:3-4

The Apostle Peter also declared this truth.

“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 1:14-21

So, my friends, what will we do with this wonderful gift that God has given to all who will believer and receive HIM, Jesus?  Paul said it best:

“For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory

for ever. Amen.”  Romans 11:36

The gift is provided by God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–if we will only repent of our sin and turn to Jesus in faith!

“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 2:8-10

I pray that you will find hope, strength, and courage in The Lord Jesus whose birth we celebrate with joy and thankfulness in our hearts–for HE came to give HIS LIFE for me and you! May God’s peace reign over your heart and mind, not just at Christmas time, but every day of your journey here on planet Earth!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice

in hope

of the glory of God.”  Romans 5:1-2

Amen and Amen!!!

Christmas Reflections #1!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #51

02 Friday Dec 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Behold the Lamb of God, Blessed by God, Bow Before our God, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, JESUS, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, SIN, Sin IS the issue

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Christmas Reflections #1!!!   A Word from THE WORD!!! #51

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done,

that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord

by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.”  Matthew 1:21-23

Jesus came to take care of the sin issue.  We have sinned–born in sin–choosing to sin–living in sin, willfully sinning– for which the penalty and price is death and hell.  Yet Jesus came to pay the penalty for our sin; all because HE came as the Holy Son of God, born without the nature of sin, for HIS father was, is, and ever shall be The Almighty God.  He had no sin, which made HIM the perfect, holy Lamb of God who would pay for MY sin and yours at Calvary if we will but believe in and give our lives to The Lamb of God, Jesus!

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him,

and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said,

After me cometh a man

which is preferred before me:

for he was before me.”  John 1:29-30

John the Baptizer saw Jesus, and proclaimed that HE was, is and ever shall be the “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”, for HE came to deliver you and me from the payment due for sin–HELL with HIS own blood!  He came because HE loves us. John the Apostle, saw this proclaimed in heaven above, and one day (soon I believe) all will see; some in joy and rejoicing, others in sorrow and regret for eternity!

“And I beheld,

and, lo, in the midst of the throne

and of the four beasts,

and in the midst of the elders,

stood a Lamb

as it had been slain,

having seven horns

and seven eyes,

which are the seven Spirits of God

sent forth into all the earth.

7 And he came

and took the book out of the right hand

of him that sat upon the throne.

8 And when he had taken the book,

the four beasts

and four and twenty elders

fell down before the Lamb,

having every one of them harps,

and golden vials full of odours,

which are the prayers of saints.

9 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…

…. 12 Saying with a loud voice,

Worthy is the Lamb

that was slain

to receive power,

and riches,

and wisdom,

and strength,

and honour,

and glory,

and blessing.”  Revelation 5:6-10 & 12

This IS what we celebrate at this precious CHRISTmas time.  Won’t you honor King Jesus?  If you don’t know HIM, what better time than the season in which we celebrate HIS coming in flesh to pay for your sin and mine!  It’s why HE came, and He is still calling people to Himself today!  Won’t you respond to HIS call.  And may we who know HIM, reflect HIS glory not our selfish flesh?

“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.

14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”  John 1:10-14

Won’t you bow before the King today?  He loves you!  He gave His life’s blood for your salvation.

“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

The door is yours to open to The King!

Amen and Amen!!!