Category Archives: The Light of The Word IS Jesus

It Must Be Right To God??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #367

22 Tuesday Jul 2025

Posted by in A heart of faith, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God Is In Charge, God Still Reigns, God's glory NOT mine!, God's Judgment, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godly Wisdom, King David?, Kneeling Prevents Stumbling!, Know Whom I Believe, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Knowing Or Going?, Knowing Truth, Listening To God, Living For Jesus, That They May Know, The Broad or Narrow Way?, The Father of Lies!, The Heart is deceitful and dreadfully wicked..., The Light of The Word IS Jesus

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It Must Be Right To God???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #367

As I often write, we must seek God’s face in all our ways, and there are things that are acceptable to God, and others are not.  Even though we live in a culture that denies absolute truth—God hasn’t changed the rules, and I’d like to share an Old Testament picture of this very thing; but first of all a few scriptures to prepare our hearts and minds for truth.

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.

9 Be not carried about

with divers and strange doctrines.

For it is a good thing

that the heart be established with grace…”.  Hebrews 13:8-9a

And the verse that ever stands in my heart.

“There is a way

which seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 14:12

       (Also see Matthew 7:13-14, Proverbs 16:25)

David, one whom God called, “a man after God’s own heart”, made a fatal mistake shortly after he was proclaimed to be King over all of Israel.  I simply want to recount this story and call us to pray that we are so immersed in God’s Word that we can recognize and discern truth from error.  David didn’t obey God’s plan at the first incident, but between then and the second part of the story, he had come to know that God had a right way to do things, and he then could rejoice in his God.  He got over his “pouting” spell and rejoiced.  What are you “pouting” over today?  Will you accept God’s truth or fall for the devil’s lies?  It’s your choice but remember there is a test.  David failed at first, as he got angry, yet when he recognized that God was always right—he got right with God and man.  But don’t miss the account of Michal’s anger over David’s joy in The Lord and remember not everyone will like it when you are walking right with God, for oft times we ‘rain on sin’s parade’!  May we ever walk God’s way regardless of the cost!

“And David said unto all the congregation of Israel,

If it seem good unto you,

and that it be of the LORD our God,

let us send abroad unto our brethren

every where,

that are left in all the land of Israel,

and with them also to the priests and Levites

which are in their cities and suburbs,

that they may gather themselves unto us:

3 And let us bring again the ark of our God to us:

for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul….

…6 And David went up, and all Israel,

to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim,

which belonged to Judah,

to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD,

that dwelleth between the cherubims,

whose name is called on it.

7 And they carried the ark of God in a new cart

out of the house of Abinadab:

and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.

8 And David and all Israel played before God

with all their might,

and with singing,

and with harps,

and with psalteries,

and with timbrels,

and with cymbals,

and with trumpets.

9 And when they came

unto the threshingfloor of Chidon,

Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark;

for the oxen stumbled.

10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled

against Uzza,

and he smote him,

because he put his hand to the ark:

and there he died before God.

11 And David was displeased,

because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza:

wherefore that place

is called Perezuzza to this day.”                                 Portions of 1 Chronicles 13:2-11

David had a good heart, a good intention, and in his mind a good plan.  They wanted to bring the Ark of The Covenant/of God to Jerusalem, the capital city of the nation; a good idea, and it seems that God approved as they worshipped, praised and sang unto Him as they brought The Ark on “a new cart”—seemed like a good idea at the time!  But wait!  God, in the law, had established the mode of transport for the ark, and David missed it.  He was deciding with his own wisdom and apparently without checking with the Levites!  (See Deuteronomy 10:8 & 31:9, 25-26)

But, praise God, David had an attitude adjustment (I believe from God), for after all, he was a man after God’s own heart, but he was a man—a human just like you and me, who made a wrong decision, then got mad when God did not respond as he expected…”but God” brought him to a place of truth and he obeyed. Let’s see what happens as we take note and determine to be found faithful to God’s Word and His way!

“And David made him houses in the city of David,

and prepared a place for the ark of God,

and pitched for it a tent.

2 Then David said,

None ought to carry the ark of God

but the Levites:

for them hath the LORD chosen

to carry the ark of God,

and to minister unto him for ever.

3 And David gathered all Israel together

to Jerusalem,

to bring up the ark of the LORD

unto his place,

which he had prepared for it.

4 And David assembled

the children of Aaron, and the Levites…

…. 12 And said unto them,

Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites:

sanctify yourselves,

both ye and your brethren,

that ye may bring up

the ark

of the LORD God of Israel

unto the place

that I have prepared for it.

13 For because ye did it not at the first,

the LORD our God made a breach

upon us,

for that we sought him not

after the due order.

14 So the priests and the Levites

sanctified themselves

to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.

15 And the children of the Levites

bare the ark of God upon their shoulders

with the staves thereon,

as Moses commanded

according

to the word of the LORD…

… 25 So David, and the elders of Israel,

and the captains over thousands,

went to bring up the ark

of the covenant of the LORD

out of the house of Obededom with joy.

26 And it came to pass,

when God helped the Levites

that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD,

that they offered seven bullocks

and seven rams..

… 29 And it came to pass,

as the ark of the covenant of the LORD

came to the city of David,

that Michal the daughter of Saul

looking out at a window

saw king David dancing and playing:

and she despised him in her heart.

1 Chronicles 16:1 So they brought the ark of God,

and set it in the midst of the tent

that David had pitched for it:

and they offered burnt sacrifices

and peace offerings

before God.

2 And when David had made an end

of offering the burnt offerings

and the peace offerings,

he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.”                         Portions of 1 Chronicles 15:13-16:2

May we pursue God, His Son, His Word and His ways, that we might honor our God and bless those around us.  May we ever be a blessing and not a cause of “a breach”!  Are we willing to seek God’s face through His Word and walk in the truth that He helps us to see and understand.  Blessings on you as we pursue our Lord and His will together!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Without Excuse?? What’s Yours? A Word from THE WORD!!! #357

18 Wednesday Jun 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Holiness, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, the Lamb of God, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, Without a Word?, Witness

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Without Excuse?? What’s Yours? A Word from THE WORD!!! #357

As we look around us today, we find chaos, confusion, catastrophes in weather, wind, ocean and skies, but what are thinking about “these things”, much less doing?  Is there anything we can do?  I think so, but mostly we don’t want to change “me”, my outlook or my lifestyle (not only how I view the world but am I influencing the world around me for Jesus or just sliding by like everyone around me?).

“What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?…

…35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation,

or distress,

or persecution,

or famine,

or nakedness,

or peril,

or sword?

36 As it is written,

For thy sake we are killed all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay,

in all these things

we are more than conquerors

through him that loved us.”   Portions of Romans 8:31-37

Notice that Paul didn’t say these things wouldn’t come, but he clearly reminds us that “in all these things“ we can be “more than conquerors”, but notice we don’t conquer in our flesh but “through him that loved us” enough to die in our place! Paul’s great message of Romans chapter 8 reminds us that our hope, victory and power come from the saving grace of Jesus, His resurrection power, and the indwelling Holy Spirit (God’s confirming and conforming work to remind us that we are His, and that HE is working in all things to conform us into the “image of Jesus”! See verses 28-29) which Jesus imparts to all who are born again!  So, are you walking in victory or have you allowed the enemy to distract you, discourage you, and displace you?  Just get your eyes realigned on the prize—JESUS—not the world!  Are you His?  Are you living by His power or your own?  Do you rely on the Holy Spirit or your own wisdom and the twisted ideas of the world?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, remember there is a test!  Do you have “the Spirit of Christ”?

“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 8:9

We must continue to walk in The Spirit to truly be all that God desires for us to be—not just “do” but to be walking in The Spirit not the flesh.  And oh, my friends, that is a continual battle and even as Jesus did, we can only succeed consistently as we bathe ourselves in His Word!  Look at Matthew chapter 4 and see how Jesus responded to the provocation of the enemy—with The Word!  It’s our only assurance of victory.  Remember we are to think thoughts of truth!

“Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.”  Philippians 4:8

What’s your excuse?  Do you have one?  God is ever, has always, and will continue to speak to mankind, but will we heed?  God says we are without excuse.  Are you pleading an empty cause or are you running to the cross—to the throne of grace?

“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.

20 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.”  Romans 1:18-21

Will you stand before God as one of those who are “without excuse”, or one who has received “the Spirit of Christ”, by repentance and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice?  I stand with Paul and proclaim the verses just preceding this somber warning—Jesus died for me, and you!  Will you heed the call?  Justified by the blood of the Lamb of God, not human effort, no excuses, but Jesus’ blood which cleanses “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.”  Romans 1:16-17

Amen and Amen!!!

The Foolishness Of Preaching??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #356

15 Sunday Jun 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Cleansed from all sin, Confidence, Conformed or Transformed?, Conformed to HIS image, Consider Your ways, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, For Such A Time As This, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Signs of the times?, SIN, Sin IS the issue, SMILE!!! Jesus loves YOU!!, Someone is following you!, Sowing and Reaping, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Drought!, The Cross or the world?, The Crucified Life, The foolishness of preaching, The Gospel, The Greatest Evangelist, The greatest evangelist? Dead or alive?, The greatest gift!!!, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, The Lord Is My Shepherd, Today IS Today!, Tomorrow, Touch them while you can?, Transformation

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The Foolishness Of Preaching??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #356

“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.”  1 Corinthians 1:21-24

My heart is grieved that we have, in many places and situations, abandoned this choice of God—”the foolishness of preaching” which is the way that GOD has chosen “to save them that believe”!  Oh dear friends, I have an evangelist that we know, whose family experienced a great loss this week, as they buried their first-born, and I could relate to their pain, but you see, much like me, they had the absolute confidence that their child left this world, and we know whose arms our children passed into!  But so many don’t know The Lord, and likewise their loss brings great remorse, uncertainty, and a grief that has little to no hope!  Yet Paul tells us that God chose preaching as the means to bring the true Good News “to save them that believe”!

Believe what?  Believe in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord for SIN!  It’s why we must share the gospel of Jesus—the only way! Jesus said it Himself—what?  That HE was/is/and ever shall be God in the flesh, the One who came to die for the sins of all who will believe.

“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

No man can come to God but by Jesus!  Why, because no human man, a sinful man, could pay the price to pay for sin, which only a spotless, sinless Lamb of God could pay!  And without His blood payment there is no salvation—for sin is the issue.

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done,

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord

by the prophet, saying,      

23 Behold,

a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.”  Matthew 1:21-23

And as Paul reminds us:

“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

Sin was the issue, is the issue and Jesus came to resolve the sin debt for all who would believe and receive of His abundant grace!  It’s the only way, and preaching is God’s means of getting out the news!  In the simplest terms, preaching is speaking forth God’s truth—not man’s words, but God’s Word!  What are you sharing with people? God’s Word or man’s?  Peter spoke God’s truth in Jerusalem shortly after the day of Pentecost.  It brought amazing results.  But to preach, so to speak, we must know what God says; we must know His Word and put it into our hearts that God can bring it out to others at the right time, and place, unashamedly and boldly but not meanly.  What are you “spouting” out?  God’s Word or the most popular terms that the world is using?  It’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test.

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him doth this man stand here

before you whole.

11 This is the stone

which was set at nought of you builders,

which is become

the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

 given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:10-12

No other name—but the name of Jesus!  No other man—but the God-man-Savior who died for our sin; it’s why He came.  Don’t die in your sin, but rather IN JESUS—the One whom the world calls insignificant, but we know HE IS the Son of God—the Lamb of God.  John the baptizer said it best.  I pray that you’ll come to Him in repentance (turning away from your own sin and turning to The Savior of the world) and faith in the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sin, He still saves and changes lives today.  How about you?

“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

In closing, here is what I call, Paul’s Gospel in a nutshell (so to speak).  It’s what God calls us to preach; let’s go share!

“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 15:3-5 

I praise God for the gift that God imparted to me, many years ago when I trusted in Jesus.  I praise Him for the gift that He gave to my daughter before her death—salvation in a most unlikely spot (but salvation, none the less); I praise God for our evangelist friend and his family, for the same gift that their hope is in as well—a child who belongs to Jesus, both now and for eternity. And as David said so long ago!  May we depend upon God’s ways not man’s!

“And he said, While the child was yet alive,

I fasted and wept: for I said,

Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me,

that the child may live?

23 But now he is dead,

wherefore should I fast?

can I bring him back again?

I shall go to him,

but he shall not return to me.”  2 Samuel 12:22-23

Amen and Amen!!!

Gift/Fruit–Gifts/Fruits??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #347

18 Sunday May 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Fruit of the Spirit, Gifts of the Spirit., Good Citizens, Good Neighbor, Good Samaritan?, Good Stewards, Holy Living, How much goodness is enough?, Sowing and Reaping, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Warfare, Springs of Living Water, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, The Love of God, The Name of Jesus?, The Only Name That Matters

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Gift/Fruit—Gifts/Fruits???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #347

You may have noticed that I haven’t been writing much of late, but it has been a bit crazy in our circle with family issues, illness and the issues of just living life.  But hopefully we’re on the road back to normal—whatever that is!!  I’m sure you understand that; so I thought I’d look at something that we all need to be reminded of, and that is God’s gift to us and His gifts to us, and there is a difference.  I want to spend a little time today considering the difference and where you and I stand in regard to the gift and the gifts.  What have you done with each!  Let’s begin with the Samaritan woman whom Jesus met at the well.

“Jesus answered and said unto her,

If thou knewest the gift of God,

and who it is that saith to thee,

Give me to drink;

thou wouldest have asked of him,

and he would have given thee

living water.”  John 4:10

If you recall much about biblical history, the Samaritans weren’t very well-liked, in fact most Jewish people would go far out of their way to avoid Samaria at all costs; in fact there’s an often-unnoticed misnomer in one of Jesus’ parables, the one we call the “Good” Samaritan; but no one listening to Jesus’ teach would have applied the term “good” to any Samaritan!  Yet, here is Jesus talking face to face to not only a Samaritan, but a Samaritan woman, an immoral woman at that!  But Jesus already knew her need, and He found her worthy of being the first one recorded to whom He revealed His true nature!  He identifies Himself as “the gift of God”, the one who could give “living water” which He went on in verse 14 to declare to her that, “the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life”!  This woman of ill repute and of Samaritan heritage found Jesus to be whom He professed to be, and not only believed what He spoke to her, but then proclaimed that truth to those in her village.  And just as Jesus was the gift to this woman and the others who came to believe in Him before the cross, He is still ready to save and give eternal life to all who will come to Him in repentance and faith in His substitutionary atoning sacrifice!  Paul reminds us over and over of this truth of the “gift of God”!

“But not as the offence,

so also is the free gift.

For if through the offence of one

many be dead,

much more the grace of God,

and the gift by grace,

which is by one man,

Jesus Christ,

hath abounded unto many.”  Romans 5:15

And some of the most familiar verses that I use continually:

“For all have sinned,

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

 In other words, there is nothing we can do to be worthy to come into God’s presence—but God, through Jesus, made a way!

“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 6:22-23

And another of those familiar passages reminds us that salvation is God’s gift to all who will come to Him in faith and repentance.  Have you come?  God’s grace gift is still Jesus!

“That in the ages to come

he might shew the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:7-10

Jesus is the gift of God to us for salvation and eternal life with God; and not only is Jesus “the gift”, but when He saves us, He imparts individual, particular spiritual gifts to each one by The Holy Spirit which Jesus imparts to His own; and these gifts are in God’s purpose for us to minister to those in God’s family and be a witness to those who need Jesus.  What are you doing with your gift/gifts?

“As every man hath received the gift,

even so minister the same one to another,

as good stewards

of the manifold grace of God.

11 If any man speak,

let him speak as the oracles of God;

if any man minister,

let him do it as of the ability which God giveth:

that God in all things may be glorified

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be praise and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 4:10-11

God gifts us for His work, His service and His glory; what are you doing with your gifts?  Won’t you seek Jesus’ face and pursue the work that He has gifted you to do.  You’ll never regret doing that which God has called you to!  Remember that God doesn’t call the “equipped”, rather He “equips” the called.  If you are called, be true to your calling, and Him who called you!

“But unto every one of us is given grace

according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith,

When he ascended up on high,

he led captivity captive,

and gave gifts unto men…

… 11 And he gave

some, apostles;

and some, prophets;

and some, evangelists;

and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints,

for the work of the ministry,

for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith,

and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

unto a perfect man,

unto the measure of the stature

of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about with every wind

of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body

fitly joined together

and compacted by that

which every joint supplieth,

according to the effectual working

in the measure of every part,

maketh increase of the body

unto the edifying of itself in love.”                   Portions of Ephesians 4:7-16

And on a last note in closing, there is also the “fruit of the Spirit”—and note, that is “fruit” (singular) not “fruitS” (plural).  This is God’s work of conforming us into the “image of His Son” (See Romans 8:28-29) as God’s Spirit transforms us day by day in each of these areas of life!

“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

When we walk in The Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord, we will reflect His nature, character and righteousness—our behavior reveals what is in our heart.  Yes, we all have moments of weakness or failure, but it is not to be our continual way!  Jesus places His Holy Spirit within us to work in us the glory of God.  Paul gives us a challenge to this kind of living, so in closing I share one of my favorite passages.

“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.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself

more highly than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God

hath dealt to every man

the measure of faith.” Romans 12:1-3

May you know the “gift of God” Jesus, as your Lord and Savior, and may you then recognize His touch of grace in your life and exercise the spiritual “gifts” that He will bestow upon you! And because of this, we can boldly come to our Lord when we are in need!

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:14-16

Amen and Amen!!!

Who Is Your Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #334

30 Sunday Mar 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Gospel, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, The Cross or the world?, The Gospel, The greatest gift!!!, The Light of The Word IS Jesus

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Who Is Your Jesus???       A Word from THE WORD!!! #334

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him doth this man stand here

before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought

of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:10-12

The Apostle Peter shortly after Pentecost, and the healing of a lame man, was called to give an account (so to speak), and he delivered the ultimate message unto the people there; and I think it’s a message that we have leaned away from in these days.  It seems to me that we have thought of everything under the sun to “reach” people (so called) and in order to gain crowds, money, popularity, and acceptance in a world that is lost and dying except the simple, pure and true message of Jesus.  Peter proclaimed to those who participated in the crucifixion of Jesus that “there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved”!  It’s not saying a prayer (although we can call upon Jesus in prayer), it’s not walking an aisle (although we can walk an aisle and find counsel to repent and be saved), it’s not living a good life, doing deeds, saying verses—it’s coming to Jesus.  And how does that take place?  I don’t think it is found in the big, the loud, the flashy, the giveaways, but scripture makes it clear that God calls for it to be done His way!

“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 1:18-25

When our plans seem smarter than God’s, we better back up and take a look at what we are settling for to look good before the world—even the ‘church’!  God chose the “the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe”; what makes us think we can come up with a better plan.  When we preach (and preaching is sharing God’s truth from HIS Word!) it is up to people to choose whether they will “believe” or not!   It is by repentance of our sin and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin that we are saved—nothing more –nothing less!  God chose the preaching of the Gospel to save the lost—how sad that we think our plans are better; how sad that so often today, preaching is frowned upon and we replace it with light-hearted entertainment, music that sounds like the world, players that look like the world; and it seems our favorite pastime is to laud the famous and popular ‘stars’ and lift them up as examples regardless of what God has said in His Word.  Our Pastor mentioned one of these passages this morning and I thought how apropos!

“Woe unto you,

when all men shall speak well of you!

for so did their fathers

to the false prophets.”  Luke 6:26

There is nothing wrong with being recognized or praised for a job well done; but Jesus is talking here about those who appease the world to be praised or advanced along the ladder of worldly success—even within ‘church’.  What happened to Jesus?  We have emasculated Him and made Him some namby-pamby, soft-soap sharer of love and peace.  Read the Gospels and you’ll find a man of power, boldness to speak God’s truth—so much so that they put Him to death for what He said and did!  Yes, He loved us so much that He went to Calvary—but He puts a call upon those who will come to Him.  He saves and transforms, He doesn’t just condone sin and send us on our way.  He calls us to HIS way! We are to be a reflection of His glory and righteousness before a world that is becoming more and more hostile toward Jesus, His truth and His followers.  The question is who are you following?  It’s a part of the gospel that we seldom hear.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?”  Matthew 16:24-26

And as He also said in Matthew 7!

“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

There are two roads—two destinations, and only Jesus can save us and lead us on that narrow road.  Jesus’ own warning to His disciples that following Him would come at a high cost—did you notice the contrast between the “many” and “the few”?  Where is Jesus in your gospel?  Is He the name it and claim it heavenly slot machine in your life?  Or have you picked up that cross, denying self and clinging to The One who died for our salvation.  Which road will you choose?  Will you be among the “many” or “the few”?  it’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test!  Will you come to the real Jesus or be deceived by the wolves in sheep’s clothing? (again see Matthew 7:15-28)

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me.”  John 15:17-21

In closing I simply want to call us to pick up God’s Word and discover the real Jesus for yourself.  Bow before His cross in humble repentance of your sin (if you haven’t already), and trust in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for you and me!  Then take up that cross and follow your KING, declaring with Paul that “I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”!!!

“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

Amen and Amen!!!