Category Archives: Only One Way

The Cancer Of Me? The Cure??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #765

23 Tuesday Nov 2021

Posted by in Be not conformed to this world, Crucified With Christ, Giving Or Taking?, God Knows His Own, Only Jesus, Only One Way, SIN, Sowing and Reaping, Speaking The Truth In Love

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #765   The Cancer Of Me?  The Cure???

 

“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

Our culture has made “ME” the focus of all of life, and we have forgotten the “WE” of family, home and community-be it the local area we live in, the church we belong to, or the people to whom we are related by birth, marriage, or choice!  God has called His own to a better way!  The way of the cross which is the only cure to the cancer of sin, self, and the stubbornness of “self”ishness!  For sin is the issue!

“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

You see, the cancer of sin will demand the life of all who do not come to God through the substitutionary (in my place), atoning (making me right at JESUS’ expense), sacrifice (the payment for MY sin) of Jesus Christ The Lord at Calvary.  What are you waiting for?  The cancer will not go away without a cure!  Even physical cancer won’t go away (except for divine intervention) without some kind of treatment for the disease, and most people head to the doctor for a regimen of some sort to cure the cancer.  But we have become content in our sin, selfishness and stubbornness and ignored, denied, or just passed over the only way to life!  And that way is Jesus alone—faith alone, in Christ Jesus alone!

“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

Only ONE WAY—and that is through Jesus via the CROSS.  No shortcuts, not substitutions, no self-help solution. The blood of Jesus is the only cure for sin…the only way to God, and to abundant life.

“Saying,

 The Son of man must suffer many things,

and be rejected

of the elders and chief priests

and scribes,

and be slain,

and be raised the third day.

23 And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

 let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life

for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

 or be cast away?

26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me

and of my words,

of him shall the Son of man

be ashamed,

when he shall come in his own glory,

and in his Father’s,

 and of the holy angels.”  Luke 9:22-26

Jesus makes it clear that being HIS follower will affect what others see in our life, behavior, and devotion!  To whom or what are you/I devoted?  To Jesus?  Then where is the fruit?  Jesus said in Matthew 7 that our connection to God should show in the fruit that our lives produce, and He goes on to say, (in Blanche’s paraphrase) “saying so doesn’t make it so”!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

 and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be

that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them

by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes

of thorns,

 or figs

of thistles?

17 Even so

every good tree bringeth forth

good fruit;

but a corrupt tree bringeth forth

evil fruit.

18 A good tree

cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast

into the fire.

20 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.”  Matthew 7:13-21

So, my friends, whose will are you accomplishing?  God’s, man’s or your own?  Jesus reminds us that there is only one way to God—the narrow road—and if we find ourselves contentedly walking with the crowd, we might want to check on our real spiritual condition.  Jesus makes it clear that when we are following HIM, we will do “God’s will” not someone else’s!  The same thing that Paul shared with us at the beginning of this article—”I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”!  It is truly “all about Jesus”!  The cure—Jesus– will enable us to “present your bodies a living sacrifice” in loving gratitude, and devotion for the sacrifice that HE gave for all who will believe and follow HIM!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2

And in closing two passages that call us to examine ourselves to be sure we truly belong to Jesus.  No change in our life?  You might want to go before God and see what you think has saved you.  God will answer if we truly draw near to HIM!

“For whom the Lord loveth

he chasteneth,

and scourgeth every son

whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening,

God dealeth with you as with sons;

for what son is he

whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement,

whereof all are partakers,

then are ye bastards,

and not sons.

9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh

which corrected us,

and we gave them reverence:

shall we not much rather

be in subjection unto the Father of spirits,

and live?

10 For they verily for a few days chastened us

after their own pleasure;

but he

for our profit,

that we might be partakers

of his holiness.”  Hebrews 12:6-11

And finally, simply put—no change….no Jesus; (not trying to twist words, just calling us to consider) you decide, have you been transformed by the cross.  If not, Jesus is calling to you to come to Him today!

“He hath delivered my soul in peace

from the battle that was against me:

for there were many with me.

19 God shall hear,

and afflict them,

even he that abideth of old. Selah.

Because they have no changes,

therefore they fear not God.”   Psalm 55:18-19

And Jesus Himself said:

“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

He’s waiting for YOU!

Amen and Amen!!!

He Said I Could Come??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #738

25 Friday Jun 2021

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Born Again, By Him We Live, Changed Lives, Consider Your ways, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Father's Way!, Follow Jesus, Forgiveness, God Who Sees, God's love, Good News, Gospel, Grace, He Died That We Could Live, He IS Alive!, He's Alive, Hearing God, Holy Spirit, If not now? When?, IN Jesus!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus said I could come!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Only One Way, Salvation

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #738 He Said I Could Come???

 

I’m borrowing some thoughts from a blurb I saw of Alistair Begg recently, and it spoke volumes to my heart, and I pray that it will reach hearts, minds, and souls today.

Alistair was talking about how we get into heaven, and he talked about the thief on the cross at heaven’s gate: he couldn’t pass a theology test, he couldn’t quote the doctrinal statement of his church, he couldn’t pass a biblical knowledge test, but when asked ‘why he should get to come into heaven’ he simply replied, “the man on the middle cross said I could come”!  It’s all about Jesus!  It’s not your/my credentials that get us into heaven; it’s not our “love” for God and country; it’s not our good works in the church, the community, or our governmental service!  It’s only through the blood of The Lamb of God who came to pay for our sin.  Only when we look to the cross in repentance and faith will we find salvation and the right to a place in heaven.

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin

of the world.”  John 1:29

Jesus came that we might have eternal life, abundant life here and now and for all eternity.  He died so we could live!

“The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it

more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”  John 10:10-11

Jesus calls us to Himself, just as he invited the thief on the cross, “today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (see Luke 23:43), when he asked Jesus to “remember me….”!  Have you asked Jesus to “remember me”?  If you haven’t, regardless of all your self-acclaimed goodness, Jesus will one day say, “depart from me, I never knew you”!  No sadder words have ever been written or will be spoken.  Yet, the most amazing invitation in the world was spoken to you—and is still valid today!

“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 11:28-20

And I can say, much like the thief on the cross, when I fell on my face in repentance of all my self-righteous arrogance and confessed my sin to Jesus (for I finally saw MY SIN as SIN!) HE touched me, forgave me, and saved me—heart, soul, and mind by HIS power and HIS Holy Spirit, praise God from whom ALL blessing flow!), and I got up a changed woman, not a perfect one, but a redeemed, delivered and transformed one!  How about you?  The Gospel IS JESUS, and I’ll simply share Paul’s words in proclamation of it!

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you

the gospel

which I preached unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory

what I preached unto you,

unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

 4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:”    1 Corinthians 15:1-5

Have you heard the voice of Jesus speaking to your heart?  Have you come toThe crucified, risen and coming again King of Kings?  Don’t reject His call, for it’s the only way into HIS Kingdom!  If God is calling to your heart, don’t delay—don’t deny Him—don’t defy HIS love for you!

“No man can come to me,

except the Father which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:44

Don’t turn HIM away, today is the day of salvation—the devil’s greatest lie is, “You can wait until tomorrow…!”; don’t let today pass you by without 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

Don’t miss heaven by neglect, or procrastination, but receive Jesus today.

“(For he saith,

I have heard thee

in a time accepted,

and in the day of salvation

have I succoured thee:

behold,

now is the accepted time;

behold,

now is the day of salvation.)”.   2 Corinthians 6:2

Won’t you receive HIM today?

“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

There is no other way but Jesus, and HE won’t call forever—don’t wait/waste your opportunity away!

“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’ll simply leave you with one more invitation from Jesus and pray that you will receive HIS love and gift of eternal life today—just as the thief on the cross, The invitation is for YOU too!  Won’t you heed HIS call today—not any of us is guaranteed a tomorrow.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave

his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world

through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten

Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

 that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”  John 3:16-19

Amen and Amen!!!

Monopoly Mentality??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 08

06 Sunday Jun 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Almost But Lost, Approved Unto God, Are You Ready, Beauty of Holiness, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, By Him We Live, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Clothed In His Righteousness, Consider Your ways, Deniable Truth? Really?, Faith, Faithfulness, False Lives, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, God's Presence Not Presents, Gospel, He Died That We Could Live, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, If not now? When?, It's Your Choice, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Judgment, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Listening To God, Monopoly Mentality, Only One Way, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Repentance, Salvation, The Blood Cleanseth us from all Sin, The Word Or The World?, Today is the day of Salvation, Trusting Jesus?, Yesterday

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 08 Monopoly Mentality???

 

Most of us have played the game of Monopoly at one time or another, some of us more recently than others; and one thing that most everyone remembers about the Monopoly board is getting a “get out of jail free” card.  I think many today have approached Jesus Christ The Lord in that way, and I’d like to take a few minutes to consider this attitude toward Jesus.  It seems to be a most popular ‘gospel’ and attitude toward Jesus.  Many today preach a message of “name it and claim it”—just use Jesus’ name as your own personal ‘heavenly slot machine’; then there are those who preach the ‘feel-good’ message that God only wants you to ‘feel good’ all the time.  I love what C. S. Lewis said in “Mere Christianity”, “We want not so much a Father but a grandfather in heaven, a God who said of anything we happened to like doing, ‘What does it matter so long as they are contented’?”

How said that we are trying to bring God down to our standard rather than pursuing the holiness that is God!  As Billy Graham once said to Phil Donahue, one of the early talk show hosts on television, “you’re trying to create God in your image” rather than realizing that we are made in God’s image but have fallen due to sin.   And that is an idea that is flourishing today—make the gospel fit us rather than recognizing our sin, repenting and turning to Jesus Christ for salvation—we just want a “grandfather” in heaven, doling out gifts and treats to his ‘grandchildren’.  We simply want a “get out of jail free” card, live how we want—do our own thing—but not have to pay for our sin; in fact, we don’t even want to bring sin into the equation!  Sin is old-fashioned, and we don’t have to call anything sin these days—if it feels good to you, it’s ok, just do it.  If it makes me ‘happy’ it will be pleasing to God.  But God says something different!

“Woe unto them that draw iniquity

with cords of vanity,

and sin

as it were with a cart rope:

19 That say,

Let him make speed,

and hasten his work,

that we may see it:

and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel

draw nigh

and come,

that we may know it!

20 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!”  Isaiah 5:18-21

Paul paints an amazing picture of man’s relationship to God, and SIN IS the issue.  Sin is a disease which we are born with, a disease for which we all have a bill due, one we will either pay for ourselves– for our sin in hell– or we can accept Jesus’ payment of HIS own blood shed at Calvary for our sin by repentance and faith and have eternal life with HIM!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test (and I believe it is coming soon!)!

“For when ye were the servants of sin,

ye were free from righteousness.

21 What fruit had ye then in those things

whereof ye are now ashamed?

for the end of those things is death.

22 But now

being made free from sin,

and become servants to God,

ye have your fruit unto holiness,

and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ

our Lord.”  Romans 6:20-23

Are you serving “sin” or God?  Do you simply want a “get out of jail free” card, or have you “become servants to God”?  Do you desire to live having “fruit unto holiness”, or living your own way, dabbling in the sin and walking in the darkness of this world?  God says that you can choose to live in sin but notice the consequence: “For the wages of sin is death”!  And according to Paul’s clear truth: you can choose to live in sin or choose to come to Jesus in repentance and faith to be justified (made right with God!)!

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:”  Romans 3:23-24

Paul also told the Romans what this looks like, I invite you to consider this with me—it is so imperative that we understand what Jesus has done for us and will do for those who come to HIM in repentance and faith!

“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.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given

unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more, being reconciled,

we shall be saved

by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.

12 Wherefore,

as by one man sin entered into the world,

and death by sin;

and so death passed upon all men,

for that all have sinned:”  Romans 5:1-12

If SIN IS the issue—JESUS IS the only cure!  But when Jesus transforms a life—it is HIS work, and it shows.

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:”   Philippians 1:6

Salvation is Jesus’ work of redemption, not man’s work of “self-righteousness”, or “good works”, or an “altered” standard!  When we belong to Jesus, we become new creations of God.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us the ministry

of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world

unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses

unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then

we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”   2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Jesus took on my sin, so that I could receive HIS righteousness, and HIS Spirit dwelling in me, which will be evident to one degree or another.  What’s evident in your life?  Jesus? Or a “get out of jail free card”?  Jeremiah and Jesus both have something to say about our attitude toward God.

“…my people have forgotten me days without number…”. Jeremiah 2:32b

Let’s consider Jesus’ own commentary for those who only want to use His name rather than come to HIM in repentance and faith.  As my mother used to say, “You can fool all of the people some of the time, and you can fool some of the people all of the time, but you can’t fool GOD!”  Who are you trying to fool? (See Matthew 16:24-25)

“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.

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings

of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

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 foolishman,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 7:20-27

And in closing, some food for thought; a passage that is often disregarded, but it is truth, and we must consider it.  I will simply call our attention to the qualifier: “such WERE some of you”…..”but ye are sanctified”.  It doesn’t matter what sin we “had”; it matters what Spirit controls us NOW!  For as Paul says in Romans 8:9b, “if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his”! I hope that you will ponder the words of scripture and measure with God’s judgment not man’s, “be not deceived”!

“Know ye not

that the unrighteous shall not inherit

the kingdom of God?

Be not deceived:

neither fornicators,

nor idolaters,

nor adulterers,

nor effeminate,

nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves,

nor covetous,

nor drunkards,

nor revilers,

nor extortioners,

shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you:

but

ye are washed,

but

ye are sanctified,

but

ye are justified

in the name of the Lord Jesus,

and by the Spirit of our God.”  1 Corinthians 6:9-11

And a final word from Jesus:

“Judge not according to the appearance,

but judge righteous judgment.”  John 7:24

With a Proverb:

“There is a way

that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

The choice is yours but choose wisely—there is a test!  God’s WORD not mine!

Amen and Amen!!!

Cross Only By The Cross!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 07

31 Monday May 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Are You Ready, Born Again, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Cross, He's Alive, Hearing God, Heaven or Hell, It's Your Choice, Light In The Dark, Listening To God, One Day Too Late?, Only Jesus, Only One Way, Our God Reigns

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 07 Cross Only By The Cross!!!

 

“Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name

under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

While many around us today proclaim a gospel of “self-righteousness” and multiple ways to God, the scriptures proclaim the exclusiveness of the CROSS—only One way that was provided by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ The Lord!  We will all cross over that ‘vale of death’ and not to be trite, but as the realtors are known to say—it’s “location, location, location”!  Where will YOU spend eternity?  You can come by the cross and have life or you can refuse the cross and face the fires of hell.  My only confidence is in the Cross of Jesus!

“But God forbid

that I should glory,

save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom the world is crucified unto me,

and I unto the world.”  Galatians 6:14

Like Paul, we are to cling to the cross—we are to call others to the “only way” to God—not seek, find or claim that there are many “ways” to God!  Jesus said there is only “one way” to The Father!

“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 this “one way” who is Jesus, is GOD!  And yes, HE claimed to be GOD!  We must make a choice and either believe in Jesus and who HE claimed to be or deny Who HE IS and go our own way, or someone else’s way!

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

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

Are you HIS sheep?  Have you heard HIS voice—HIS knock at your heart’s door, calling you to repent and believe in HIS sacrifice for your sin?  He has come to give life to those who will follow HIM, yet there will be judgment on those who reject HIM!

“Then said Jesus unto them again,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me

are thieves and robbers:

but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”  John 10:7-11

Life or death, even as Moses called those whom he led, to choose God and life, or reject him and, in essence, choose death.  It’s your choice, just as it was theirs—what will you choose.  Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus, who came to Him seeking to know truth—Jesus gave it to him, and the message is the same to us today.  What will you do with The Truth—Jesus IS Truth!  Will you seek and know HIM, or will you default to condemnation?

“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…

….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…

…..14 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.”                           Portions of John 3:3-20

What have you done with Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross?  Are you depending on ‘religion’ or ‘relationship’?  Jesus longs to have a relationship with YOU!  He died to prove it!

“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

 Only the cross will bring “life”—but God has given each of us the choice. What will you do with Him when HE comes knocking at your heart’s door?  I pray that you will hear HIS voice and come and let God bring you new birth?

“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

We come to Jesus just as we are, in humble repentance and faith, He makes us a new creature, and gives us new life “in Christ”!  What is the world seeing in you?  To whom have you chosen to align yourself?  I pray that it’s Jesus—it’s your choice!  But choose wisely, there is a test.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us the ministry

of reconciliation;

19 To wit,

that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

He took our sin and imparts to us HIS righteousness!  Are you letting HIM shine through you?  May we ever bring glory to our Lord—bearing HIS holiness before a lost and dying world of darkness.  Amen and Amen!!!

“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.”  1 Peter 1:13-16