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Category Archives: Seeing Truth

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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Drought Relief??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #28

12 Friday Aug 2022

Posted by Blanche in 'Tis The Season?, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Doubt and Confusion?, Drink at the well, Drinking at Jesus' fountain, Drought & Patience?, Drought Relief, Seeing Truth, Spiritual Drought!, Trust, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth is True

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Come to the fountain of life, Drinking at Jesus' Well, Drought Relief, Ezekiel 34:26, Hosea 6:1-3, Jesus still saves today, John 4:13-14, John 6:35, Proverbs 3:5-8, Psalm 126:3-6, Psalm 72:6, Soul rain!, Trust and Obey!, Trust in the Lord, Water of Life, Where are you drinking?

Drought Relief???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #28

As I sit here in my chair praying for rain for our parched ground, I also asked God to send the showers of revival upon my soul.  Those showers of HIS mercy, grace, and renewal when we are parched; maybe I’m the only one, but I don’t think so.

I want to share some of God’s refreshing “rain” of The Word with you this morning, hopefully to refresh parched souls—yours and mine.

“Come, and let us return unto the LORD:

for he hath torn,

and he will heal us;

he hath smitten,

and he will bind us up.

2 After two days will he revive us:

 in the third day he will raise us up,

and we shall live in his sight.

3 Then shall we know,

if we follow on to know the LORD:

his going forth is prepared

as the morning;

and he shall come unto us

as the rain,

as the latter

and former rain

unto the earth.”  Hosea 6:1-3

Ezekiel, spoke of restoration of the people and the land, I think it can also be applied to our dry hearts!

“And I will make them

and the places round about my hill

a blessing;

and I will cause the shower to come down

in his season;

 there shall be showers of blessing.”  Ezekiel 34:26

“He shall come down like rain

upon the mown grass:

as showers

that water the earth.” Psalm 72:6

While Jesus wasn’t specifically talking about ‘rain’ when he spoke to the woman at the well, HE was telling us all that HE is the water of life, that HE alone can and will quench our thirsty soul.  Won’t you drink of this water of life today?

“Jesus answered and said unto her,

Whosoever drinketh of this water

shall thirst again:

14 But whosoever drinketh of the water

that I shall give him

shall never thirst;

but the water that I shall give him

shall be in him a well of water

springing up into everlasting life.”   John 4:13-14

Have you been to Jesus’ water well?  Are you His, but so tired and weary that you feel like you’re about to die of “thirst”!  Well, my friend, we have access to that well always!  Don’t let the enemy cut us off from our supply…let’s drink from that well, and let Jesus refresh our soul, heart, mind, and life that we may go forth and not only receive the “showers of blessing” but be the ‘showers of blessing’ to others who are “dying of thirst for Jesus”!

“And Jesus said unto them,

I am the bread of life:

he that cometh to me

shall never hunger;

and he that believeth on me

shall never thirst.”  John 6:35

I hope that this brief word has encouraged you, it has me, as I sit here writing it!  May we diligently remember that our well is as close as a prayer, don’t let Satan distract us from our source of spiritual rain upon our souls, and water to quench our spiritual thirst.  There is no other “drink” that will satisfy.  Only Jesus can satisfy your soul!  Oh, Jesus, may we feast at your table, drink from your well, and go forth bearing “precious seed” to a world in desperate need of a Savior!  The fountain of Eternal Life—the water that makes things and people come alive!

“The LORD hath done great things for us;

whereof we are glad.

4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD,

as the streams in the south.

5 They that sow in tears

shall reap in joy.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth,

bearing precious seed,

shall doubtless come again

with rejoicing,

bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:3-6

Lord Jesus, YOU know the tears and thirst that plague our souls are often for our healing, and to teach us to lean upon YOU in all our ways!!!  May we…read…heed…and find the peace of relief!

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD,

and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

and marrow to thy bones.”  Proverbs 3:5-8

Please send the showers of revival on us, Lord?  Amen and Amen!

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Will You Not Hear? Or See??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #775

26 Wednesday Jan 2022

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, Have You Heard?, Have you not heard, Have you not seen?, He Died That We Could Live, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, He was born to die for our sin, He's Alive, Listening To God, Seeing Truth, SIN, Sovereignty

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An accounting is coming, Isaiah 40:21-28, Jesus Is The Only Way!, John 3:16-19, John 3:20-21, John 3:3-7, Philippians 2:8-11, Receive or Reject?, Repentance, Repentance and Faith, Repentance Or Rejection?, Revelation 20:11-15, Revelation 6:9-11, Will you not hear?, Will you not see?

Bible Ballistics: BBs #775   Will You Not Hear?  Or See???

 

As I hear and see things going on around us, I have to be careful to keep my “eyes on Jesus” and remember that GOD is absolutely in control; yet, I often see all the wickedness, evil and lies and I cry with the saints “under the altar” (a reference to those martyred for The Lord, in my opinion) those gone on before us who saw the same evil that we are seeing today.  How can I say that, you might ask?  Well, I can say that right from God’s Word!

“And when he had opened the fifth seal,

I saw under the altar

the souls of them that were slain

for the word of God,

and for the testimony

which they held:

10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying,

How long, O Lord,

holy and true,

dost thou not judge

and avenge

our blood

on them that dwell

on the earth?

11 And white robes were given

unto every one of them;

and it was said unto them,

that they should rest yet

for a little season,

until their fellowservants also

and their brethren,

that should be killed as they were,

should be fulfilled.”   Revelation 6:9-11

Without being trite, we need to understand that the book of The Revelation is the revealing (the unveiling) of Jesus Christ The Lord and how HE will accomplish HIS purpose on the earth and will judge all those who refuse to receive HIM and the salvation HE died to purchase.  As I read through this book, and teach it often, I see again and again the progression of the hearts of men who refuse God’s gift of salvation; and it takes me back to John chapter 3 (and remember John wrote both books, plus 1, 2, & 3 John).

“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

Men, women, boys, and girls are choosing every day to refuse the savior without recognizing the cost to their souls, their lives, and their loved ones.  Jesus made it clear that we refuse HIM, because:

“men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil”

We only have this life, however long or short it may be, to accept the gift of God.  Isaiah the prophet said the same thing, even as Solomon warned us that nothing is new around us—we may try to change the name, dress it up in fresh style, or make the bling shinier—but the truth is, it’s the same “pig” with a bath, but it’s still a “pig” or a lie from the devil!

“Have ye not known?

have ye not heard?

 hath it not been told you

from the beginning?

have ye not understood

from the foundations of the earth?

22 It is he

that sitteth upon the circle of the earth,

and the inhabitants thereof

are as grasshoppers;

that stretcheth out the heavens

as a curtain,

and spreadeth them out

as a tent to dwell in:…

….yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth:

and he shall also blow upon them,

and they shall wither,

and the whirlwind shall take them away

as stubble.

25 To whom then will ye liken me,

or shall I be equal?

saith the Holy One.

26 Lift up your eyes on high,

and behold who hath created these things,…

….. 27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob,

and speakest, O Israel,

My way is hid from the LORD,

and my judgment is passed over

 from my God?

28 Hast thou not known?

hast thou not heard,

that the everlasting God,

the LORD,

the Creator of the ends of the earth,

fainteth not,

neither is weary?

there is no searching

of his understanding.”   Portions of Isaiah 40:21-28

God has given us JESUS, we must choose what we will do with HIM, HIM who is God’s gift of salvation by HIS death, burial, and resurrection for our sin!  And remember that saying you “won’t choose” is choosing, for there is an accounting coming, both Paul and John tell us about it.

“And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:80-11

The question isn’t “will you bow”, for you will bow, according to God’s Word!  The question is, “when will you bow?”! You can bow before Jesus as Lord in this life, or you will bow before HIM as your judge in “that day” with no opportunity for salvation!

As Jesus told Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again”:

“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 reminds us that we will all give an account to the God we have rejected if we aren’t born again!

“And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face the earth

and the heaven

fled away;

and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things which were written

in the books,

according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead

which were in it;

and death and hell

delivered up the dead which were in them:

and they were judged

every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”  Revelation 20:11-15

My friends, I pray that you will hear the voice of Jesus calling to you today.  If you are HIS, that you will not only trust Him for your salvation but obey HIM with your life!  If you don’t know Jesus, I invite you to repent of your sin, to see sin as sin, to turn from it TO JESUS trusting to HIS substitutionary (He died in your place), atoning (HE paid for your sin debt, which earns death and hell without Jesus!), sacrifice (HE willingly laid down HIS life for your sin and mine, dying that we might live with HIM eternally!) offered to you, if you will but hear HIS voice, and see how much HE loves you.

“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.

21 To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me

in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down with my Father

in his throne.”  John 3:20-21

May you hear with your ears, and see with your eyes, and receive Jesus into your heart and life!  And then you can walk with HIM and talk with HIM and hear HIM remind you that YOU belong to JESUS—now and for eternity!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

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Who’s Serving Who??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #722

16 Friday Apr 2021

Posted by Blanche in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Hearing God, Heaven or Hell, Holiness, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, How much goodness is enough?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Power of The Cross, Seeing Truth, Servanthood, Service, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Procrastination, Stand Fast!, Still Will I Trust HIM

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2 Corinthians 13:5, 2 Timothy 2:19, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Wisely, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Galatians 2:20, Jesus paid it all, Matthew 6:19-24, Matthew 6:31-34, Psalm 37:23-24, Romans 5:1-11, Serving God, Spirit-vs-Flesh, The Crucified Life, Who's On THE Throne?, Who's Serving Who?

Bible Ballistics: BBs #722  Who’s Serving Who???

 

We often wonder why so many are so confused, frustrated and dissatisfied around us; well, one reason why is that many who “claim” the name of Jesus are walking in direct opposition to HIS Word.  We change the name of our “pet” sin, we listen to the world that says there is ‘NO” sin, or we follow the crowd that is going on that broad way to destruction.  But who am I?  Well, I am a Bible toting, Bible believing, Jesus trusting woman who still believes that God means what HE says!  He created Adam and Eve, He called their sin sin, and He had already provided a Redeemer to restore us to relationship and fellowship with God if we will but “repent” of our “sin” and give our all to Jesus.  Or, if you would, be willing to die to self and live to, for and through Jesus’ Holy Spirit which he has given to all who believe!  Paul said it much better than I can.

“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.”  Romans 5:1-11

We want heaven but we don’t want to get there God’s way!  Kind of like the old song says, “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die…” (Lester Flatt words in the Bluegrass version of a country song written by Jim Collins and Mary Dodson, as best as I can ascertain), especially die to self!  Paul describes a different relationship with his LORD!

“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

And last but surely not least is Jesus’ warning to us all about divided loyalties.  Who are you serving?

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,

where moth and rust doth

corrupt,

and where thieves break through

and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust doth

corrupt,

and where thieves do not break through

nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.

22 The light of the body is the eye:

if therefore thine eye be single,

thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil,

thy whole body shall be full of darkness.

If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness,

how great is that darkness!

24 No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”  Matthew 6:19-24

Jesus also told us the way to be a faithful servant to The Lord Jesus Christ.

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:31-34

So, what will you do with Jesus?   Will you be born again (and if you are born again, will you live in obedience to Jesus and HIS Word?) and follow Jesus, or will you follow that “broad way…. that leads to destruction”?  Are you serving HIM?  Or expecting HIM to serve your lusts?  Just a few questions to pique your “thinking hat”:

What comes out of your mouth regularly?

Who are you sleeping with?

How are you treating those under you?

How are you parenting (and by that, I mean are you leading your children to Jesus or turning them over to a world that will take them straight to hell-post haste?)

How are you using your resources—for God or for self?

Who are you trusting?  Jesus or self?

What are you entertaining yourself with?

You get the idea; I pray that God will open our eyes and ears to see and hear HIS truth, and order our lives, our steps accordingly.  My prayer is that God will be “delighted” in me?  How about you?

“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

“Examine yourselves,

whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves,

how that Jesus Christ is in you,

except ye be reprobates?”  2 Corinthians 13:5

And as Paul said so concisely, God knows!  Do you?

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them

that are his.

And, Let every one

that nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”  2 Timothy 2:19

Amen and Amen!!!

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Laws Don’t Change Hearts!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 26

21 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by Blanche in All About Jesus!, Believe IN Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Confessing Sin, Consider Your ways, Creation, Creator of ALL, Decency, Deniable Truth? Really?, Discernment, Encouragement, Erasing The Lines?, Erasing The Past?, Evil will not win, Eyes that SEE HIM, Father of lies, For Such A Time As This, God Who Sees, God's Judgment, Hate, He Died That We Could Live, Holy Spirit, If not now? When?, In The Beginning, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus In Genesis!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Saves!, Judgment, Know Whom I Believe, Knowing God's Word, Laws Don't Change Hearts, Liars, Lies, No Sin No Need?, Only Jesus, Only One Way, Polluted by the world?, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Repentance, Salvation, Seeing Truth, Speaking The Truth In Love, The Blood Cleanseth us from all Sin, The Blood Of Jesus, The Broad or Narrow Way?, The Word Or The World?, Today is the day of Salvation, Transformation, Walking With Jesus, What's In Your Heart?, Who are YOU following?

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Choices And Consequences, Choices Matter, Colossians 1:12-17, DI, Falling For The Lies, Genesis 1:1-3, Genesis 1:26-31, Hebrews 1:1-3, Jeremiah 17:9, John 14:16-17, John 1:1-3, Laws Don't Change Hearts, Luke 13:3-5, Matthew 12:35, Matthew 7:13-15, Proverbs 6:16-19, Psalm 1:1-6, Romans 1:17-31, Romans 1:32, Romans 1:8-9, Sin IS the issue, Sin takes us down

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 26  Laws Don’t Change Hearts!!!

 

We are surrounded by confusion on every hand; a time in culture and history when we are not only changing the rules, but people are attempting to change the very foundations of mankind—foundations that were established by God “in the beginning” and they haven’t changed regardless of what “men” may say!  But there’s more—men are also attempting to explain sin away!  They pass laws that try to blame “hate” and “prejudice” to erase the simple truth that man’s heart is evil and sinful men commit sinful acts.

They also are determined to eliminate the presence or influence of God in our world.  If laws could change hearts, God would have stopped with the Ten Commandments, but He knew that it would require a sacrifice for sin to provide that which would change the very hearts of men, women, boys and girls—and yes, we are created “male and female” regardless of what the government says!  Political mandates don’t change the eternal Word of God or it being truth.

“In the beginning

God created the heaven

and the earth…

… 26 And God said,

Let us make man in our image,

after our likeness:

and let them have dominion

over the fish of the sea,

and over the fowl of the air,

and over the cattle,

and over all the earth,

and over every creeping thing

that creepeth upon the earth.

27 So God created man in his own image,

in the image of God

created he him;

male and female

created he them.

28 And God blessed them,

and God said unto them,

Be fruitful,

and multiply,

and replenish the earth,

and subdue it:

and have dominion

over the fish of the sea,

and over the fowl of the air,

and over every living thing

that moveth upon the earth…

… 31 And God saw every thing that he had made,

and, behold,

it was very good.

And the evening and the morning

were the sixth day.”   Portions of Genesis 1:1 & 26-31

While many deride the truth of the first eleven chapters of Genesis, they are the very foundation of what I/we believe about God; in fact, without the truth of Genesis 1-11 we can close the book and go do something better with our time and energies.  For without this foundation and truth of the creation of God there would be no man, no Adam and Eve, no sin and no redemption plan—and without sin and the need of a Redeemer, why would we need a Jesus to become the incarnate Son of God, and be crucified, buried and risen for our sin?  But I know that this is God’s truth, and I will stand upon it in confidence and trust in The God who created all things—Father, Son and Holy Spirit– until HE seals my lips or calls me unto Himself!  We find God the Father and God the Holy Spirit specifically in the first few verses of Genesis, yet people ask, “Where is Jesus?”  Well, friends, I can answer that question; When you look at Genesis 1 you will find that every part of creation was “spoken” by God and came into existence—and who is Jesus?

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word

was with God,

and the Word

was God.

2 The same

was in the beginning

with God.

3 All things were made by him;

and without him

was not any thing made

that was made.”  John 1:1-3

Paul also made it clear that Jesus was and is the instrument in the creation of all things—He IS God, not a creation of God!  He is The God-Man-Savior; the One who redeems all mankind who will come to HIM in repentance, and faith in His sacrifice for my sin and yours!

“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

You and I are created “by him, and for him”, HE ought to be my focus and yours; as the author of Hebrews also makes this truth of Jesus, the creator, clear!

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners

spake in time past

unto the fathers

by the prophets,

2 Hath in these last days

spoken unto us

by his Son,

whom he hath appointed

heir of all things,

by whom also he made the worlds;

3 Who being the brightness of his glory,

and the express image of his person,

and upholding all things

by the word of his power,

when he had by himself purged our sins,

sat down on the right hand

of the Majesty on high;”  Hebrews 1:1-3

While all of this is imperative to our faith, it is also an accusation against our culture, and even the church, which has seemed to remain silent on this unquestionable foundational truth of our faith—both creation and sin!  Paul told us that the heart of man is the issue—not our circumstances or our culture (yet the culture is often influenced by the hearts of wicked men)—that circle of our relationship with God; the one so aptly pictured in the book of judges (which we won’t quote today) which pictures the cycle of mankind, close to God—rejecting God—leaping headfirst into sin—reaping the consequences of sin—repenting and God providing a redemption for repentant sinners!  Just like HE still does today.  Even Jesus calls us to repentance!

“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

What does all this have to do with us today?  Well, it has to do with the fact that God knows that sin is/was the issue, and that The Law couldn’t change hearts, only reveal our need for God’s saving grace.  So, God promised that The Law would show them their sin, but He would send One who would be the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin, initiating the New Covenant—the indwelling Holy Spirit who would dwell with all who will believe in Jesus, HE who paid the sin debt for all who would believe.

“And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.”  John 14:16-17

Paul makes the distinction very obvious in his letter to the Romans.

“So then they that are in the flesh

cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God

dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”  Romans 1:8-9

Yet, with all this promise in Jesus, Paul reminds us that most will reject the Redeemer and choose to continue in sin, much like what Jeremiah stated!  The bottom line is, SIN is the issue!

“The heart is deceitful

above all things,

and desperately wicked:

who can know it?”  Jeremiah 17:9

And Jesus addressed it too:

“A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.”   Matthew 12:35

Now, back to Paul’s message to the church at Rome—one of the most wicked cities of its time; but sin’s not only in big cities, but in every place—at home, on TV, in movies, on social media– sin in a can you can open at will—it’s just renamed to deceive us!  Yet it’s not the “stuff” or the circumstances that dictate our choices but our own selfish, sinful lusts—and no abundance of laws can change one heart—only the “blood of Jesus that cleanseth us from all sin”!

“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.

18 For the wrath of God

is revealed from heaven

against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men,

who hold the truth

in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known

of God

is manifest in them;

for God hath shewed it

unto them.”  Romans 1:16-19

While our culture is attempting to erase all the lines of moral absolutes, they are also trying to legislate God out of our lives and replace God with their laws which will supposedly make all men equal, the same—uniform–with no room for evil—or the essentials of creation–NOT!  Sin is in the heart of man, and no law can change that; only the saving work of the blood of Jesus can change hearts and lives.  Paul goes on in chapter 1 of Romans, to remind us that sin will never lift anyone up—but will spiral into total chaos, evil, more sin and the very rejection of God that dooms mankind.

“For the invisible things of him

from the creation of the world

are clearly seen,

being understood

by the things that are made,

even his eternal power

and Godhead;

so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that,

when they knew God,

they glorified him not

as God,

neither were thankful;

but became vain

in their imaginations,

 and their foolish heart

was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise,

they became fools,

23 And changed the glory

of the uncorruptible God

into an image made

like to corruptible man,

and to birds,

and fourfooted beasts,

and creeping things.

24 Wherefore God also gave them up

to uncleanness

through the lusts

of their own hearts,

to dishonour their own bodies

between themselves:

25 Who changed the truth of God

into a lie,

and worshipped

and served the creature

more than the Creator,

who is blessed for ever.

Amen.”  Romans 1:20-25

And as Paul goes on to reveal, there is a consequence to every choice, and the choice to reject God will lead to more and more sin, for not only does “misery love company”—sin will not only affect you, but everyone that you come in contact with.  And those who pursue sin, will propagate their lifestyle, their agenda and their corruption regardless of the cost and effect upon themselves or others.

“For this cause

God gave them up unto vile affections:

for even their women

did change the natural use

into that which is against nature:

27 And likewise also the men,

leaving the natural use

of the woman,

 burned in their lust

one toward another;

men with men

working that which is

unseemly,

and receiving in themselves that recompence

of their error which was meet.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God

in their knowledge,

God gave them over

to a reprobate mind,

to do those things

which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all

unrighteousness,

fornication,

wickedness,

covetousness,

maliciousness;

full of envy,

murder,

debate,

deceit,

malignity;

whisperers,

30 Backbiters,

haters of God,

despiteful,

proud,

boasters,

inventors of evil things,

disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers,

without natural affection, implacable,

unmerciful:”  Romans 1:26-31

All of this they pursue without regard to the judgment of God, for they take pleasure in that which God hates—yes God does hate!

“Who knowing the judgment of God,

that they which commit such things

are worthy of death,

not only do the same,

but have pleasure

in them that do them.”  Romans 1:32

“These six things doth the LORD hate:

yea, seven are an abomination

unto him:

17 A proud look,

a lying tongue,

and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth

wicked imaginations,

feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness

that speaketh lies,

and he that soweth discord among brethren.”  Proverbs 6:16-19

And in closing, one of the simplest and most profound descriptions of the contrast between the godly and the wicked is Psalm 1.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not

in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth

in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat

of the scornful.

2 But his delight

is in the law of the LORD;

and in his law doth he meditate

day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit

in his season;

his leaf also

shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth

shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so:

but are like the chaff

which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly

shall not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners

in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knoweth the way

of the righteous:

 but the way of the ungodly

shall perish.”  Psalm 1:1-6

And for your consideration, Jesus own words about the nature of the options.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be

that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you

in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly

they are ravening wolves.”   Matthew 7:13-15

Will you be like that “tree planted by the waters” or the condemned/many, apart from God.  It’s your choice–but choose wisely—there is a consequence and a test!

May God open your eyes to see, your ears to hear and your heart to “see God” and come to JESUS!

Amen and Amen!

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