Category Archives: The Right Jesus!

Do We Still Have Time??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #211

22 Monday Apr 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, Commitment Or Convenience, Compromise, Judgment, Judgment Is Coming, Just Jesus!, Just words won't do?, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Drought!, Spiritual Procrastination, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast!, Standing in the GAP!, Still Will I Trust HIM, Suffering With Jesus, Take Up YOUR Cross, The Cross or the world?, The Gospel, The Heart is deceitful and dreadfully wicked..., The Right Jesus!, The Struggle IS Real?, The Word Or The World?, Time Is Grace!, Today is the day of Salvation, Today IS Today!, Too Late To Call?, True Gospel, True Knowledge, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Unrighteousness, What are you listening to?, What does worldliness look like?, What's In Your Heart?, Who are YOU following?, Wolves in sheep's clothing!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Do We Still Have Time???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #211

I want to share two passages of scripture for our consideration today.  They are portions of two of the letters that Jesus sent to two of the seven churches in Revelation chapters two and three.  I hope to dig into the entirety of the seven church letters that Jesus had John write, for they contain so much that we need to appraise today.  The Lord’s return is eminent and there is much to consider.  I chose these two for comparison today because we see that Jesus has a standard, and while He extends grace, mercy and love to His bride, there comes a place where He will tolerate no more.  I think it worth our time today.  And we may follow up with another next time, that is also pertinent (as they all are!). But for today, I want us to simply consider a very obvious difference between these two churches, so read these verses through and then I’ll make a few simple observations with the hope that we can return to them in more detail at a later date.  Remember this is Jesus’ assessment, not mine; I just want to point out the contrast!

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write;

These things saith he which hath the sharp sword

with two edges;

I know thy works,

and where thou dwellest,

even where Satan’s seat is:

and thou holdest fast my name,

and hast not denied my faith,

even in those days wherein Antipas

was my faithful martyr,

who was slain among you,

where Satan dwelleth.

14 But I have a few things against thee,

because thou hast there them

that hold the doctrine of Balaam,

who taught Balac

to cast a stumblingblock

before the children of Israel,

to eat things

sacrificed unto idols,

and to commit fornication.

15 So hast thou also them

that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans,

which thing I hate.

16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly,

and will fight against them

with the sword of my mouth.” Revelation 2:13-16

Here we have a church that allowed false teachers and leaders to bring in dangerous and heretical doctrine and teaching.  Without going into detail, this church was allowing immorality, idolatry, and division (of the sort that set some with “special” knowledge above others who were “lesser” believers—totally contrary to truth!). Note that Jesus reproves the church for allowing such into their midst, and Jesus recognized that they lived in a wicked culture (and no, Satan didn’t have a home there, but his presence, principles and perversions were rampant, much like today!) and had held fast to much of His truth, yet they had compromised in subtle and dangerous issues.

The thing I want us to take note of today is verse 16, where Jesus called them to repent (to eliminate the danger—the false teachers and leaders—from their midst.), to turn away from these things, and the people who were promoting them.  And He gives them an ultimatum:

 “Repent; or else

I will come unto thee quickly,

and will fight against them

with the sword of my mouth”!

In Blanche’s paraphrase, “you can take care of this business, or I will come and do it myself!”  What a warning!  Will we heed the call of Jesus to keep His bride pure and ready for her call, or will we blindly accept the popular methods, plans, and programs to build Jesus’ church, or cling to the Gospel and trust to Jesus’ alone to guide, direct and teach us as we dig into HIS Word?

The other passage has some unique differences, and that is what I want us to consider in contrasting these two churches and Jesus’ message to each one.

“And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write;

These things saith the Son of God,

who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire,

and his feet are like fine brass;

19 I know thy works,

and charity,

and service,

and faith,

and thy patience,

and thy works;

and the last to be more than the first.

20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee,

because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel,

which calleth herself a prophetess,

to teach

and to seduce my servants to commit fornication,

and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication;

and she repented not.

22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed,

and them that commit adultery with her

into great tribulation,

except they repent of their deeds.

23 And I will kill her children with death;

and all the churches shall know

that I am he which searcheth

the reins

and hearts:

and I will give unto every one of you

according to your works.

24 But unto you I say,

and unto the rest in Thyatira,

as many as have not this doctrine,

and which have not known the depths of Satan,

as they speak;

I will put upon you

none other burden.”  Revelation 2:18-24

Much like the church at Pergamos, Jesus was pleased with some things that were in the church, and in verse 24 He clearly reveals that there were those who were standing fast to Him, true doctrine, and biblical, godly behavior.  But He rebukes them for the false teachers, whose teaching and behavior was being permitted and practiced by His own children who were following the false ones whom they had permitted to lead them astray. They had welcomed the great “C” word, compromise, and compromise with God’s Word and the true Gospel of Jesus is a dangerous thing to play with.

The thing I most want us to notice and compare here are the differences in Jesus’ judgment upon them; in Pergamos Jesus gave them the opportunity to repent and deal with the issue of the false and immoral teaching themselves, and if they didn’t He would!  Yet, to the church at Thyatira, Jesus made it clear that they had allowed this to go on too long and too far!  Jesus does say that those who were truly His and had become deceived and led into immorality by this false teacher (Jezebel—a name simply in comparison to the Old Testament Character. You can read about her in 1 Kings 16-21 and 2 Kings 9.) needed to repent to escape a severe judgment, verse 22.  But Jezebel and her children would be judged with tribulation and death.  Jesus called individual believers to repent, but He doesn’t call the church to take care of the problem, they had let it go too far, and unlike the church at Pergamos, He didn’t call them to take care of the issue; but He does commend those who had stood fast by His truth were promised that, “I will put upon you none other burden” because they had not participated in this deceit within the body of Jesus—the church!

What did He mean?  I can only give you my understanding out of my own study and experience.  When we stand fast for Jesus, His Gospel, and His Word against those who want to “modernize” the church, it is seldom received well.  And when we stand against the enemy, he can and will use deceived, genuine believers to try to bring the stalwarts into compromise.  But we must stand fast digging into God’s Word so that we can stand upon it with confidence!  Because there were those in this church who had stood fast, Jesus promised them that because they had stood firm, He would add no more to their burden of going upstream against the enemy—even when he uses fellow believers whom we love against us!

So my friends, may we feast on His Word and stand fast—no matter the opposition, ridicule or trouble that may come.  Paul said it best:

“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.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins girt about with truth,

and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all,

taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able to quench

all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer and supplication

in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;” Ephesians 6:10-18

Suit up my friends—the evil day is upon us, even within the walls of our churches! But remember, in Jesus we win!

“He that hath an ear,

let him hear what the Spirit saith

unto the churches.”  Revelation 2:29

Amen and Amen!!!

Are You Washed In His Blood??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #192

01 Friday Mar 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus is our peace, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, One Day Too Late?, One Foundation, Only Jesus, Only One Way, Open The Door to JESUS, The LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT Reigneth!, The Right Jesus!, There IS (Still) A Fountain, This is the Way, Thy Will Be Done, Today is the day of Salvation, Too Late To Call?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Are You Washed In His Blood??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #192

Just a brief word this morning to remind us all, that it is the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from sin; and sin, my friends IS the issue!  But Jesus has paid the price for sin, for all who come to Him in repentance of our sin, and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice on that cross at Calvary!  I just want to share some scripture to remind of us what we have in Jesus; and if you don’t know Him, you can come to Him today, before it is “one day” too late.  You may not have another opportunity.

“Boast not thyself of to morrow;

for thou knowest not

what a day may bring forth.”  Proverbs 27:1

Jesus Himself reminds us that we can’t just come when we want, but only as The Holy Spirit draws us!  If you hear His voice, don’t delay, He may not call again.

“While it is said,

To day if ye will hear his voice,

harden not your hearts,

as in the provocation.”  Hebrews 3:15

And Jesus own words:

“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 me,

except the Father which hath sent me draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:44

The Book of The Revelation reminds of that there is an accounting coming before God.  Ready or not here He comes.

“And from Jesus Christ,

who is the faithful witness,

and the first begotten of the dead,

and the prince of the kings of the earth.

Unto him that loved us,

 and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

6 And hath made us kings and priests

unto God and his Father;

to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

7 Behold, he cometh with clouds;

and every eye shall see him,

and they also which pierced him:

and all kindreds of the earth

shall wail because of him.

Even so, Amen.”  Revelation 1:5-7

“And one of the elders answered, saying unto me,

What are these which are arrayed in white robes?

and whence came they?

14 And I said unto him,

Sir, thou knowest.

And he said to me,

These are they

which came out of great tribulation,

and have washed their robes,

and made them white

in the blood of the Lamb.

15 Therefore are they before the throne of God,

and serve him day and night in his temple:

and he that sitteth on the throne

shall dwell among them.”  Revelation 7:13-15

“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,

Now is come

salvation,

and strength,

and the kingdom of our God,

and the power of his Christ:

for the accuser of our brethren is cast down,

which accused them before our God

day and night.

11 And they overcame him

by the blood of the Lamb,

and by the word of their testimony;

and they loved not their lives

unto the death.”  Revelation 12:10-11

May you run to His cross where you will find forgiveness, hope and restoration for your soul!  If you belong to Jesus, live like it; if you don’t, I beg you to run to this faithful Savior even right now!  He died for YOU!

“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

I want to see you in glory!!!  Let’s be ready!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

You’re A Witness Regardless??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #151

06 Monday Nov 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding In Jesus, Are you ready?, Ask God For Wisdom, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Living in Christ, Living TODAY!, Servanthood, Service, The Right Jesus!, Witness

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

You’re A Witness Regardless???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #151

November has arrived and the Fall here in Oklahoma has been of the yoyo variety this year, we’ve had lovely cool temperatures and I sit here this morning with the door open to the screen to let in the lovely cool air.  I love this time of year, and along with cool temperatures hopefully our minds are sifting through the abundant blessings of God for which we are thankful.  I could make a list, but so could you; but do we?  Sometimes we let the busyness of life cloud out our attitude of gratitude, and gratitude is a much-needed commodity in our culture today—everyday—but especially in a day of ‘entitlement’ thinking we are needed to spread the good news of what God has done for us, you, and me!

The saddest part to me is that we are so busy looking for ‘new’ stuff that we haven’t taken time to consider what God has done for us, the blessings that HE has provided, our salvation, family, friends, possessions, etc…  We have fallen for the Wall Street idea of “new” stuff—all eyes and minds (even mine!) get distracted by the “Sales” that you just can’t miss!  “You have to have this!”  “Your kids have to have that!”  “A new car would get better mileage than our current car!”—knowing that there is no reason we “need” any of these things.  I find myself caught up sometimes, it’s like going to an auction where you can get caught up in the ‘bidding’ and wind up with something that you have absolutely no need for, just because you got caught up in the ‘competition’!  Really?  Where’s my attitude of gratitude?

An attitude of gratitude does help, yet there is something more that I want us to consider today about gratitude; that is being a “witness”!  When we call upon Jesus for our salvation, HE delivers us from sin, shame, and death, and calls us to be HIS witnesses!

“When they therefore were come together,

 they asked of him, saying,

Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again

the kingdom to Israel?

7 And he said unto them,

It is not for you to know the times or the seasons,

which the Father hath put in his own power.

8 But ye shall receive power,

after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:

and ye shall be witnesses unto me

both in Jerusalem,

and in all Judaea,

and in Samaria,

and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

9 And when he had spoken these things,

while they beheld,

he was taken up;

and a cloud received him out of their sight.”   Acts 1:6-9

Jesus makes it clear that when we are saved “ye shall be witnesses unto me”!  We are enabled to be witnesses for Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit who is imparted to every born-again believer, Jesus gives us all we need—the power of the Holy Spirit and His Holy Written Word!  We can deny it, we can pass it off on the preachers and teachers, we can just neglect it!  But my friends the truth is that YOU/I ARE witnesses right now; are. you a good witness, living in the power of the Holy Spirit and the power of God’s Holy Word?  The question isn’t are you a witness—for YOU are a witness!  The question is whether we are being “good and faithful” witnesses, or we are being poor and negative witness?  It’s your choice and mine but choose wisely for God is holding us accountable for our witness!  Not by the number of tracts we gave out, but by what people see in our lives; do they see Jesus or the world.  It’s not about perfect attendance pins, or how much we ‘give’, or if we work tirelessly in some ministry!  Rather it’s about how closely we are walking with Jesus!  And to walk closely with Jesus we have to get to know HIM through prayer, and Bible Study—not just reading the Bible but digging in and letting God’s Word direct your/my steps, and the fellowship of like-minded believers in a Bible-preaching church!

When we are following Jesus, some may not like it; you may not be the most popular person at the office; you may make some people mad for your biblical stands; you may even be ridiculed and spoken ill of, but Jesus said this was to be the norm for those who loved HIM and followed HIM!

“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 15:18-21

Even in the beginning of His ministry Jesus mentioned this cost of being HIS witness.

“Blessed are they which are persecuted

for righteousness’ sake:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye,

when men shall revile you,

and persecute you,

and shall say all manner of evil against you

falsely,

for my sake.

12 Rejoice,

and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets

which were before you.”  Matthew 5:10-12

We don’t hear a lot of preaching and teaching on this subject, but I believe it is much needed, and it’s one of the reasons that I write at all, especially on this subject, and in this season of “gratitude”– a time when we can take stock of our possessions, our blessings, our callings, our faithfulness to The ONE we call Lord, and the opportunities which HE gives us.  I pray that you will take some time this month, even today, to go before The Lord Jesus and seek HIS face asking to know HIM more and hear from HIM with your Bible open to help you nail it down!  If you ask, HE will reveal truth to you (one of the functions of The Holy Spirit!)!  Yet there is a cost to discipleship—a cost many aren’t willing to pay!  How about you?  Paul warned his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, about being prepared for the cost of being Jesus’ witness, disciple, follower, lover!

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers

shall wax worse and worse,

deceiving,

and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things

which thou hast learned

and hast been assured of,

knowing of whom thou hast learned them;”   2 Timothy 3:12

We are called to keep our eyes on The Prize, Jesus, and like Paul I pray that my life will reflect the glory of Jesus, drawing people to HIS cross, and helping to grow HIS children in The Word.  Peter also has a word of wisdom about this suffering.

“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake,

happy are ye:

and be not afraid of their terror,

neither be troubled;

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:

and be ready always to give an answer

to every man that asketh you a reason

of the hope that is in you

with meekness

and fear:

16 Having a good conscience;

that, whereas they speak evil of you,

as of evildoers,

they may be ashamed that falsely accuse

your good conversation in Christ.

17 For it is better,

if the will of God be so,

that ye suffer for well doing,

than for evil doing.

18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins,

the just for the unjust,

that he might bring us to God,

being put to death in the flesh,

but quickened by the Spirit:”  1 Peter 3:14-18

In closing, another word from Peter that I pray will encourage you, as well as a word from Paul’s letter to the Galatian believers that speaks to us all—a crucified life, for Jesus paid it ALL!!!  How can we be less than faithful witnesses before a lost and dying world?  It’s a question only you can answer—only I can answer!  It’s your choice and mine, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted

for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

 this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself to him

that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins

in his own body on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop of your souls.”   1 Peter 2:20-25

Paul’s challenge to us all!  May our ‘witness’ be of Jesus rather than the world—who needs our LORD JESUS desperately!!!

“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!!!

You Are Free To Choose??? Bible Ballistics: Vol 18 No. 15

06 Sunday Mar 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Believe God?, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, Every Knee Shall Bow, Eyes that SEE HIM, Eyes that see not, Righteousness, Salvation, SIN, Sin IS the issue, Sowing and Reaping, The Love of God, The Resurrection Life!, The Right Jesus!, Transgression, Trendy Or Truth

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 15 You Are Free To Choose???

 

“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

What does it mean to serve The Lord?  It is a choice that we all face!  I think Jesus answers the question better than I can so, let’s consider what HE has to say.  Yet remember that when we know what Jesus says, then we are faced with a decision–to hear and obey or reject HIM and HIS Word and walk in our own darkness.  Why is this important to me?  Because as Joshua proclaimed we will choose—and hear me well–refusing to “choose” is choosing; and there is a consequence to every choice.  Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus (the religious leader who came to him by night for answers) that all choices have consequences.

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten

Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”  John 3:16-21

God will not ask where we went to church, or if our parents were believers, whether we impressed others with our works; but as HE told Nicodemus the question will be simple, “have you been born again”?  As Jesus said in verse 3, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”!  Have you been born again, or are you depending on something else to be right with God?  As Jesus says above, whoever “doeth evil hateth the light”; rejecting the light so their deeds won’t be reproved—in other words, they don’t want their own personal sin to be called “SIN”!  Or, as Jesus addresses in Matthew chapter 7, just “saying so”, (just ‘saying’ that you’re right with God, that you ‘know’ The Lord) “doesn’t make it so”!

“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

Just as our vernacular of “saying so, doesn’t make it so”, James reiterates with “faith without works is dead” (dead faith—or as Paul called it, “vain” faith).  Our actions display our real beliefs!

“If a brother or sister

be naked,

and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them,

Depart in peace,

be ye warmed and filled;

notwithstanding ye give them not those things

which are needful to the body;

what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith,

if it hath not works,

is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say,

Thou hast faith,

and I have works:

 shew me thy faith

without thy works,

and I will shew thee my faith

by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God;

thou doest well:

the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know,

O vain man,

that faith without works is dead?”   James 2:15-20

James refers to the evidence of real faith not the “source” of faith.  We don’t work for our salvation, but when we genuinely belong to Jesus there will be evidence of our faith (See Ephesians 2:8-10).  Paul also mentions ‘vain’ faith, referring to the same thing that James is talking about—they didn’t disagree!

“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

I know it seems like I am “beating a dead horse”, but I am so burdened for our whole culture (including many churches in America); including people that you and I love who have bought into an ‘easy believe-ism’ that says just use Jesus’ name, pray in HIS name, go to church in HIS name, carry a Bible, even be baptized, if you like, but don’t believe the “gospel” that Jesus came to “save HIS people from their sins” (See Matthew 1:21)—after all, sin is irrelevant today, right?  NOT true.  SIN IS THE ISSUE, and Jesus IS the only cure, as Peter said so well right from the beginnings of the ministry of the church.

“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

Paul gives a description of those who have been born again and transformed by the power of Jesus’ blood, for our reconciliation and transformation cost Jesus’ own blood at the cross!  Yet so many today discount the blood of Jesus—they want to use His name to purchase fire insurance with no recognition of HIS Lordship, or that they are “bought with a price….you are not your own“!  (See 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

“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 continue and see what Jesus said about HIS sheep?

“Jesus answered them,

I told you,

and ye believed not:

the works that I do in my Father’s name,

they bear witness of me.

26 But ye believe not,

because ye are not of my sheep,

as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.”   John 10:27

Jesus’ sheep are called to live transformed lives; transformed by the power of the blood and the continuing work of The Holy Spirit who indwells every genuine believer.  Who said so?  God’s Word says so!

“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.

10 And if Christ be in you,

the body is dead because of sin;

but the Spirit is life

because of righteousness.”  Romans 8:8-10

Who have you chosen to follow? There is a consequence to every choice so choose wisely—there is a test.  Every knee shall bow—so the question isn’t “Will you bow?”; for you “will bow”!  The question is when? (See Philippians 2:5-11). Will you bow before Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or will you bow before HIM as your judge when it is too late for salvation?  I pray that you will choose Jesus, for I believe HE IS coming soon!

Amen and Amen!