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Category Archives: Saved by Grace Through Faith

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

29 Sunday Jan 2023

Posted by Blanche 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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Born Again, Born Again by God's Spirit, Ephesians 2:1-6, Hot or cold?, Jeremiah 20:9, John 1:12-13, Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 85:6-8, Revelation 3:20, Revive US again, Revive us oh Lord?, What can't be revived

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!!!

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Maybe Not Today Or Tomorrow?? A Word from THE WORD!!! $42

14 Friday Oct 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Conformed to HIS image, Consider Your ways, Forgiveness, Holiness, Holy Living, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Readiness, Ready or NOT Here Jesus Comes!, Reaping & Sowing, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Salvation, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Seeing Truth

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1 John 1:6-10, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Are. you ready for Jesus?, Colossians 1:12-17, Faith, Forgiveness, Forgiveness of Sin, Galatians 5:22-25, Galatians 6:7-10, James 4:4-8, Jesus saves Today, Philippians 1:6, Reap What you sow, Reaping and Sowing, Salvation In Jesus, Sowing and Reaping, Trusting Jesus

Maybe Not Today Or Tomorrow?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #42

Maybe not today or tomorrow but you will reap what you sow, God makes that clear; and while we tend to think we can “slide” into heaven on another’s coattail, we must be born again by the blood of Jesus, and when Jesus saves us, HE transforms our lives.  No, we’re not made perfect and mature in an instant, but we do become the redeemed children of God, and grow IN JESUS!

“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:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him

were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible

and invisible,

whether they be thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

or powers:

all things were created

by him,

and for him:

17 And he is before all things,

and by him all things consist.”  Colossians 1:12-17

Has your sin been forgiven?  Paul reminded the Philippian believers that God is the ONE who is working in and through us to bring us to Himself—to glorify Jesus and His Father God through us, when we are saved!!  Who and what are you and I glorifying?  Are we yielding to the work of God in our heart and life—every day? Any day?

“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

So, let’s consider today, and every day, what are we sowing?  What do we expect to reap?  Will it be to God’s glory or our shame.  And yes, we all sin and fail our Lord, but is our heart set on pleasing Jesus or self?  When we fail, do we run quicky to HIS feet for forgiveness and restoration?  Or do we fall to the lies of the enemy and run in the opposite direction?  It’s a question that we each must answer.

“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

Have you been born again, or are you just “playing church”, trying to convince yourself and others that you are “ok”? (See John 1:11-13 & John 3:16-21) Are you counting on your own good works or the blood of Jesus to save and redeem you by HIS substitutionary (in our place), atoning (paying the price for our sin—mine and yours) sacrifice (the cost of my sin and yours—the very blood of the Son of God, who came to shed HIS blood and “take away the sin of the world”!)?  I pray that God will speak to your heart today, as HE is speaking to me.  May we draw near to our God that we may “withstand in the evil day”, for it is here.  If you’re not aware, the “perilous times” have arrived.

“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

Is our behavior in this list of wickedness that identifies the world or are we exercising and exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit.

“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 5:22-25

Examine the two lists, and ask God to reveal to your heart and mine where we are really aligned—with our Lord or the enemy of the souls of men?  James had a most harsh and yet apropos word to close on today.  What will your answer be?

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses,

know ye not

that the friendship of the world

is enmity with God?

whosoever therefore

will be a friend of the world

is the enemy of God.

5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain,

The spirit that dwelleth in us

lusteth to envy?

6 But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.”  James 4:4-8

I pray that God will help each of us to “withstand in the evil day” and be found faithful when HE calls us to Himself; and I can’t help but think that day is nearer than we expect (or are prepared for!).  And just one final reminder that when we fail, we have “an advocate with The Father”!

“If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie, and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:6-10

Amen and Amen!!!

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I Hope That Works For You??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 08

25 Monday Jul 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Are you ready?, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Is Small Insignificant?, It's All About The Cross, It's Your Choice, Redefining Christianity?, Redemption Through HIS Blood, Salvation, Saved by Grace Through Faith, The Crucified Life, The Gospel, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, Time Is Grace!, To Me To Live Is?

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2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, Choices And Consequences, Chose you THIS Day!, Colossians 1:12-14, Ephesians 6:10-13, Galatians 2:20, Hope In Jesus!, I Hope That Works For You?, Jesus Saves!, Mark 8:34-38, Matthew 24:37-39, Matthew 7:21-27, Revelation 3:20, The Deceit of The World, Trusting Jesus or Man?, Trusting Jesus or Self

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 08   I Hope That Works For You???

It is very easy to get caught up in the craziness of this world—the sin, the ungodliness, the temptations, the ease, greed, even forgetting God, and the total rejection of The Lord Jesus Christ!  How, you might ask?  I love Jesus, you might say; I’d never go against HIM!  Yet, we are often so ignorant and neglectful of HIS Word that we fall for the lies of the enemy.  After all they abound on every hand—they are in the music, on the TV, on social media, in the latest popular movies—just a little ‘Kool-Aid’ that has a bit of poison, and a little more, and then a little more until you don’t even notice it.  It is why Paul warned us to put on our armor and be ready to “withstand in the evil day”; and my friends it is here—it is now!

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not

against

flesh and blood,

but against

principalities,

against

 powers,

against

the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against

spiritual wickedness

in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you

the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

 in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.”  Ephesians 6:10-13

It seems that we have so much imitation “Christianity” today, that many have bought the convenient version, rather than the real; yet the real was described by Jesus:

“And when he had called the people unto him

with his disciples also,

he said unto them,

Whosoever will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

35 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it;

but whosoever shall lose his life

for my sake

and the gospel’s,

the same shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

37 Or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?

38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me

and of my words

in this adulterous

and sinful generation;

of him also

shall the Son of man be ashamed,

when he cometh in the glory of his Father

with the holy angels.”  Mark 8:34-38

Jesus clearly calls us to follow HIM and obey HIS WORD, and to do that we must know Jesus through saving grace, forgiveness of sin, and redemption through HIS blood.  And if I truly know HIM, I am called to surrender my will as well as my heart to HIM—take up HIS cross—which is what Paul also called us to do, yet so many today preach and teach and “easy believe-ism” that negates the cross, sin, repentance, and regeneration.  Jesus still saves and changes lives today…but only through the blood; for SIN my friends IS the issue!  If we deny our sin, we’ll never need a Savior!

“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

Did you get it?  Salvation delivers us “from the power of darkness” for by God’s saving power we are “translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son”!  CHANGED—from darkness unto light—The Light—JESUS!!!  Redeemed by HIS blood unto new life, a new creation.  (See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

We are called to take up our cross, live a crucified life, being dead to “self-will” and surrendered to “God’s will” by the power of the cross, Jesus’ blood, and the indwelling Holy Spirit!!!  How’s your choice working?

“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

So, back to our question, ‘Do you belong to Jesus?”; or are you simply shouting “Lord, Lord”, and replaying the ‘days of Noah’?

“But as the days of Noe were,

so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

38 For as in the days that were before the flood

they were eating

and drinking,

marrying

and giving in marriage,

until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

39 And knew not until the flood came,

and took them all away;

so shall also the coming

of the Son of man be.”  Mathew 24:37-39

If I may make a personal observation, and one that I truly believe fits, and have taught for many years, after studying these things for years:  I don’t think Jesus is pointing just to the sin of the days of Noah, but just as importantly, the fact that they were so busy doing “life” that they were oblivious to the message of the impending judgment of God!  America—we need to wake up to the impending judgment and get busy about “my Father’s business”!   Whose business are you taking care of?   Will you be like those in Noah’s day, and just carry on like there’s no tomorrow?  Like Jesus isn’t returning?  Not concerned about the coming flood of judgment, where the lines will be drawn, and if you have rejected Jesus, there will “be HELL to pay”!  No cursing, just fact.

“Even him, whose coming

is after the working of Satan

with all power

and signs

and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness

of unrighteousness

in them that perish;

because they received not

the love of the truth,

that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause

God shall send them strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned

who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure

in unrighteousness.”   2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

You have this life to choose Jesus or reject HIM, and believe me, my friends, you might fool the world around you, you may fool your friends, you may fool your mother, you may fool yourself—but YOU won’t fool JESUS!

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will

of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many

wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.

24 Therefore whosoever heareth

these sayings of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth

these sayings of mine,

and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.”   Matthew 7:21-27

I close with a burdened heart asking that you examine yourself to see how your choices are working out for you?  Have you chosen Jesus?  If not, you can choose to bow before HIM and open the door of your heart to HIS transforming salvation, by repenting of your sin, and believing and receiving HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice made for you and me.  And if you’ll notice above, the rains, floods, and winds came to each house—but only the one founded on “The Rock”—Jesus—stood!  The houses looked the same on the outside, but the foundation made the difference.

Remember the question isn’t “will you bow before Jesus”, but when?  For every knee will bow—either now in this life in repentance and faith, or “then” you will bow before Jesus the Judge with no recourse of salvation.  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test—and it may be coming sooner than you think!

“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!!!

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Empty Chairs??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 17

23 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Cross, Perseverance, Polluted by the world?, Power of The Cross, Reaping & Sowing, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Redefining Christianity?, Salvation, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Stand by ME!, Still Will I Trust HIM, Truth, Tuned In To Jesus, Turn to God's Word, Victory IN Jesus!

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1 Corinthians 1:17-25, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Acts 4:12, Compromise The Gospel, Daniel 9:4-19, Daniel Prayed, Isaiah 5:20-21, It's All About The Cross, Joshua 24:14-15, Luke 13:3-5, Matthew 28:19-20, Nothing save Christ and Him crucified, Simply To Thy Cross I Cling, The empty chair?, The Gospel of the CROSS, Truth Without compromise

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 17      Empty Chairs???

 

I heard a message some years ago with an object lesson about three chairs, representing the generational obligation of those who believe in God.  The first chair was occupied by the one who believed God and followed Him in obedient devotion, much like Joshua and his declaration:

“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 24:14-15

I saw a post recently reminding us that our job as born-again believers, is to not only believe the gospel that Jesus Saves, but to live the life-changing transformation that the new birth produces, and to share the Gospel at every opportunity, especially when others inquire of the reason we live ‘differently’ (See 1 Peter 3:15).  Yet, it seems to me that we haven’t joined Joshua in living, “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”; but have rather caved to the compromising influences of the world allowing our homes and families to be so attached to the world, that our children and grandchildren have refused or ignored the call to take the next seat.  Often, even when they do fill the second seat, they are so compromised with the world that their children and grandchildren see no difference between the church and the world.  But to me the saddest part is that we have been so negligent of The Word of God, that we have brought our small ones to accept the things that the world calls good, even though God calls them evil.  We have become like the people of Isaiah’s day and are due the same “woe” that God pronounced on them.  Perhaps it’s why we are where we are?  What about that chair?  Are we leading the little ones to know and love Jesus?

“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 5:20-21

Repetition usually notes importance of an issue, and Paul addresses this same issue—we cannot rely upon the “wisdom” of men over God’s—we must fill our “chair” with the same determined boldness that Joshua did; Joshua, who called all Israel to “choose you this day”, is our example of godly obedience rather than worldly compromise? We must stand fast on God’s Word?  Yet, what I observe today is the message to just “add Jesus” to your life—no repentance—no change—no transforming salvation; but rather a call to just add Jesus to whatever else you’re leaning on for fulfillment, satisfaction, prosperity, financial success, making Jesus an “addendum” rather than THE Savior and Redeemer!  Salvation requires the recognition of our own sin, then total reliance upon the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus to save us from the penalty of sin—hell, and the transformation that the cleansing blood of Jesus works!  We must heed God’s plan—simple but true (and I note ‘Blanche’s paraphrase’ of Jesus’ own words).

“I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish…

…. 5 I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.”  Luke 13:3 & 5

“As you go about your daily living,

teach all nations

(Anyone and everyone

God may place in your path),

baptizing them

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost

(Leading them to identify with Jesus

and His church

through the obedience of baptism):

20 Teaching them to obey/observe

all the things that I have commanded you

to do:

and, take heart,

I am with you always,

even unto the end of the world.

Amen.”   Blanche’s paraphrase of Matthew 28:19-20

Even as the Apostle Peter proclaimed in the book of Acts:

“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

Paul’s message to the Corinthian believers is also profound, yet so simple!  We must NEVER abandon the message of the cross—which is, that sin cost Jesus His life, so that we could have eternal life!  Paul puts it so much better than I do!

“For Christ sent me not to baptize,

but to preach the gospel:

not with wisdom of words,

lest the cross of Christ

should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy

the wisdom of the wise,

and will bring to nothing

the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom

knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign,

and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified,

unto the Jews

a stumblingblock,

and unto the Greeks

foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called,

both Jews and Greeks,

Christ the power of God,

and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God

is wiser than men;

and the weakness of God

is stronger than men.”  1 Corinthians 1:17-25

So, what about the third chair?  If the first chair fails to impart truth to the next generation, then the second chair may be filled, but often by one with weak faith, or even vain faith (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-5), leaving the third chair empty; for the truth of God’s plan has been disregarded for the plans of men—so like Israel of long ago, we will see the judgment of God fall upon our nation as well; all for the want of faithful moms and dads, teachers and preachers, and believers willing to stand by the cross—Salvation in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith in JESUS alone—”the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin”!  Amen and Amen!!!

This, my friends, will hopefully lead us to call upon our God and to pray the prayer of Daniel 9; a hard prayer to pray, but the loving prayer of a humble man of God who loved his people enough to identify with their sin and spiritual failure, yet interceding, asking God to move and spare us because of HIS mercy not our merit.  I know this is a lengthy passage, but too powerful to shorten!  I pray that you will ponder its import.

“And I prayed unto the LORD my God,

and made my confession, and said,

O Lord,

the great and dreadful God,

 keeping the covenant

and mercy

to them that love him,

and to them that keep his commandments;

5 We have sinned,

and have committed iniquity,

and have done wickedly,

and have rebelled,

even by departing from thy precepts

and from thy judgments:

6 Neither have we hearkened

unto thy servants the prophets,

which spake in thy name

to our kings,

our princes,

and our fathers,

and to all the people

of the land.

7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee,

but unto us confusion of faces,

as at this day;

to the men of Judah,

and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem,

and unto all Israel,

that are near,

and that are far off,

through all the countries

whither thou hast driven them,

because of their trespass

that they have trespassed

against thee.

8 O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face,

to our kings,

to our princes,

and to our fathers,

because we have sinned against thee.

9 To the Lord our God

belong mercies

and forgivenesses,

though we have rebelled against him;

10 Neither have we obeyed

the voice of the LORD our God,

to walk in his laws,

which he set before us

by his servants the prophets.

11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law,

even by departing,

that they might not obey thy voice;

therefore the curse is poured upon us,

and the oath that is written

in the law of Moses

the servant of God,

because we have sinned against him.

12 And he hath confirmed his words,

which he spake against us,

and against our judges that judged us,

by bringing upon us a great evil:

for under the whole heaven

hath not been done as hath been done

upon Jerusalem.

13 As it is written in the law of Moses,

all this evil is come upon us:

yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God,

that we might turn from our iniquities,

and understand thy truth.

14 Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil,

and brought it upon us:

for the LORD our God is righteous

in all his works which he doeth:

for we obeyed not his voice.

15 And now, O Lord our God,

that hast brought thy people forth

out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand,

and hast gotten thee renown,

as at this day;

we have sinned,

we have done wickedly.

16 O Lord, according to all thy righteousness,

I beseech thee,

let thine anger and thy fury

be turned away

from thy city Jerusalem,

thy holy mountain:

because for our sins,

and for the iniquities of our fathers,

Jerusalem

and thy people are become a reproach

to all that are about us.

17 Now therefore, O our God,

hear the prayer of thy servant,

and his supplications,

and cause thy face to shine

upon thy sanctuary that is desolate,

for the Lord’s sake.

18 O my God,

incline thine ear,

and hear;

open thine eyes,

and behold our desolations,

and the city which is called by thy name:

for we do not present our supplications

before thee

for our righteousnesses,

but for thy great mercies.

19 O Lord, hear;

O Lord, forgive;

O Lord, hearken

and do;

defer not,

for thine own sake,

O my God:

for thy city

and thy people

are called by thy name.”  Daniel 9:4-19

May we recognize as Daniel did, that only God can do the work of salvation—yet God gives us the responsibility to recognize the need for compassionate hearts to see the sin that has caused our demise, and seek God’s mercy, grace, and love for restoration; by asking for HIS forgiveness in our own lives, and conviction of sin unto repentance for those around us.  Amen and Amen!!!

“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

Let’s fill our chair and prepare those around us to continue to pursue God and fill the next chair.  May God have mercy on America—on our world!

Amen and Amen!!!

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What Jesus Do YOU Profess??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 13

21 Monday Feb 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God's ways are not our ways, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Women, Good News, Gospel, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Renewing or Reviewing, REvival, Saved by Grace Through Faith, The Right Jesus!

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1 Corinthians 15:1-5, 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, 1 John 1:7, 1 Peter 1:15-21, Built on the Rock, Built on the Rock or the Sand?, Built on the Sand?, Choosing Jesus, John 1:10-13, John 3:5-7, Matthew 1:21-23, Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 7:17-23, Matthew 7:24-27, Real Salvation, Revelation 3:20, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Salvation, The Real Jesus, Trying to fool God, We will give an account

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 13   What Jesus Do YOU Profess???

 

I know that sounds like an odd question and title, but with a heavy heart it is a subject that just keeps coming back to my heart and mind.  I see and hear so much around me, both from the people that I love dearly, as well as from the general information that bombards us continually.  So, what do I really mean?  I’d like to use scripture to answer that question.

“For I am not ashamed

of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God

unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein

is the righteousness of God revealed

from faith

to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.”   Romans 1:16-17

Paul reminded the Roman believers that the “gospel of Christ” is God’s love and power revealed through the substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice which Jesus made at Calvary.  And Matthew told us in the story of the birth of Jesus exactly why HE came, as God assured Joseph that Mary’s child was the promised Messiah, that she had not been unfaithful or immoral, and why Jesus was coming!  The child that she would deliver, would deliver all who will believe from sin, death, and hell.  (See 1 Corinthians 15:55-57)

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins…

….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 on flesh, so that HE could die for you and me—in our place, for our sin–for all who would receive HIS sacrifice in repentance and faith.  For contrary to popular opinion today, SIN IS the issue; and it doesn’t matter whether you claim to be a Christian or you openly deny Jesus, there is a debt to be paid, and only those who choose to follow Jesus in true repentance and faith in HIS payment for sin, receiving the “new birth” (being born again) will reflect HIS glory.  Paul gives us the “Gospel” in a nutshell—let’s see what it says.

“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

Much like what John shares with us regarding Jesus’ clear declaration that “ye must be born again”, it is essential that we receive “truth” as “truth”, and not have “vain” faith—and if you don’t know, “vain” faith can be called ‘imitation’, ‘false’, ‘pretend’; as Jesus talked about those who simply “say”, “Lord, Lord”!

“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

And Jesus himself removes all doubt of the meaning.  And just FYI, “verily, verily” means “truly, truly”!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

“Jesus 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 3:5-7

Then there is the profound truth of Matthew chapter 7; and while I won’t put the whole chapter here, I would encourage you to make it a priority to read it and ask God to convict and touch your heart to receive HIS truth in whatever way HE speaks to you.  For without the conviction of the Holy Spirit you will never know the same Jesus that I do.  For just as “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”, it is also clear that no one comes to Jesus unless “the Father which hath sent me draw him”!  If you hear the voice of Jesus calling you, please respond in repentance of your sin, faith in His redeeming work, and open the door and HE will come in!

“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

“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

And on to Matthew 7:

“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.

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 7:17-23

What does all of this have to do with you?  It affects your eternal destiny, and every person must choose; if you say you refuse to choose, you need to understand that you “have chosen”.  There are two ways—Jesus leads to life on the “narrow way”—the “broad way” leads to destruction!  Will you be part of the “few” or the “many”?  You can join the crowd—go your own way—live in sin, immorality, debauchery, or even try to “clean up your act” yourself; but what will you do about your sin?  For sin is the issue!  It’s the problem, the disease if you please, and Jesus IS the only cure.

“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

Paul makes it clear that “SIN” is the issue, and the “gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”!  Jesus calls us to follow HIM and when we do it will show!

“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

I am so concerned about those around me/us, who claim the name of Jesus, yet their lives are steeped in the sin of the world—are you settling for shacking up, drinking up, doping up, consumed with greed, lust, power and all the disasters that these things can (and usually do, for we do “reap…what we sow”) bring. Why are we, as parents and grandparents, so eager to send our young ones off to Nashville, Hellywood, New York City, or all the other places that offer fame and success (in the world’s eyes) yet are fraught with sin, drugs, illicit sex, heart break and disaster—yet we seem to be so blinded by the bling of the world, and/or the “bottom-line” of $$$ that we are failing to see the dangers that abound when we choose the world over Biblical Christianity and The Jesus who calls us to godliness and holiness, not what is passing for the “Jesus’ Gospel” in many circles today.  Circles that say that ‘anything’ goes, the “heavenly “grandfather” only wants you to be “happy”—sin your heart away, just wear a Jesus shirt, or a cross around your neck, go to church but refuse the work of The Word of God, and God’s precious Holy Spirit, working and seeking  to transform HIS children into the “image of Jesus”!  This is the gospel that “I am not ashamed” of!  The transforming power of heaven-sent, Holy Ghost, blood bought redemption that transforms “sinners” into saints, not puts some soap and powder on a pig for a show!  (See Romans 8:28-29)

“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 1:15-21

What Gospel are you counting on?  What Jesus are you depending on? It makes a difference whether you build upon the “rock” or the “sand”!  And in closing, let me simply say, this often-sung children’s song—IS “The Gospel” which I am not ashamed of!  How about you?  Will you be “astonished” at this truth, or trust to it for your salvation, in real biblical repentance and faith salvation bought by the “blood of the lamb”?  Please come to Him while there is still time!  Won’t you choose to “walk in the light”!

“But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ

his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.”  1 John 1:7

“Therefore

whosoever heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.

28 And it came to pass,

when Jesus had ended these sayings,

the people were astonished

at his doctrine:”  Matthew 7:24-27

Praying that God will speak to our hearts and do the work that only HE can do, and that we will listen to HIS voice?

“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

I’m praying for you and yours and well as me and mine!!!  The time is short!

Amen and Amen!!!

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