Bible Ballistics: BBs #138     Relevant or Reliable Pt1???

Once again I am seriously concerned about our world, our nation in particular. Another ‘popular’ preacher has publicly ridiculed the Word of God and HIS standards. In this persons comments they said that unless the church embraces the homosexual culture and approves of their agenda, we would not be “relevant”. Well, I believe he’s right in the part about us not being “relevant”, because nowhere in God’s Word do I find that He calls us to be ‘culturally relevant’!!!

I do see time and time again that God calls us to be messengers of ‘truth’, bearers of ‘Good News’, to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ in the corruption and darkness. I also see the darkness overtaking the world and we who know Jesus Christ must stand fast ‘in the evil day’ (see Eph. 6:10-18)—we are there folks, like it or not—we are there!

So lets hear what the Word calls us to do:

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:1-4

I don’t find Paul calling his son in the faith, to be ‘relevant’! Now, please don’t misunderstand me, I believe the gospel is totally ‘relevant’ but unless people hear the truth of the gospel, that sin is death but Jesus brings life, we will never BE ‘relevant’ to lost and fallen mankind. Nowhere does God call us to compete with the world, and especially NOT to compromise with the world’s methods. Let’s see what Paul called Timothy (and us) to do:

First Paul reminds us that we will stand in judgment before the Almighty God for our handling of this trust of the gospel.

He also reminds us that “ALL” men, women, boys and girls, will stand before this Holy God to give an account—

SO—we are to:

PREACH THE WORD — (God’s Truth)

BE INSTANT (be at hand, stand, be ready)

In Season and Out of Season (whether it’s convenient or NOT, well received or NOT)

REPROVE (Convince of WRONG, that it is wrong)

REBUKE (Reveal God’s disapproval of things)

EXHORT (Come near and encourage right action)

With long-suffering (perseverance) and doctrine (instruction in truth).

WHY?   Because the time has come that men (the world)

WILL NOT heed the truth—they don’t want to hear it!!

But they will surround themselves with those who speak what they want to hear!! They will continue in their sin and wrong while calling it right.

So??? Know truth for yourself!!  We must get into God’s Word, know it for ourselves and stand on “The whole counsel of God”!!! We’ll continue this study on Sunday.

Bible Ballistics: BBs #137     Lost OR Found???

Where is your confidence? What do you think will take you to heaven? Are you sure of what you are counting on to save you from hell for all eternity? Not a very light topic, but the one that God has placed on my heart today.

What confidence can we have in our future?

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Paul assures us here that we are absolutely secure “in Christ Jesus our Lord”, but what does that mean? Well, it doesn’t mean that you can say a prayer, walk an aisle, cry tears, or sign a card and have heaven assured to you! It does mean that IF I am “in Christ Jesus”—I have God’s assurance of a heavenly home! But how do I know I’m “in Jesus”? Good question! But, again let’s consider what can’t place us “in Jesus”: religion cant put you there, denominations can’t put you there, the preacher, the Sunday School Teacher, your parents or grandparents can’t put you there. Neither can baptism; confirmation, education or connections put you there. Then who or what can? ONLY GOD!!!

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13

Being “born…of God”, by the grace of God through faith in His Son Jesus and His death for YOUR sin! The good news is, He’s still saving hearts and changing lives today the same way!

“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:” ! Cor. 15:1-4

The gospel=good news for all men—that Jesus died for our sin, that he purchased our salvation with HIS blood, that he was buried, and rose again the third day—all “according to the scriptures”!!! He died for you and me! He is calling to you, if you will but turn from your own way and believe in Jesus! Not simply mental ascent but true faith—a firm persuasion and confidence in Him, who is revealed by a change in your heart, mind and life. The blood never fails, but there is ‘vain’ faith as Paul mentions above—faith that is in word only, never in substance. Need more evidence?

“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 1:13-14

God’s love is totally unconditional but His forgiveness is not, it is conditioned on our acceptance and faith in HIS Son Jesus. Conditioned on whether we have received Him and taken HIM as LORD of our lives. That means:

“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

I die to me and live by the powerful truth that “Christ liveth in me”. When I receive Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior—I receive His Holy Spirit as an indwelling presence to lead and guide my steps, my life!!!

 “…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” Col. 1:27

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

Christ Jesus in us and we in HIM!!! And even more assurance that when we belong to Jesus He is at work in our lives: If your lifestyle doesn’t reflect the work of Jesus living within you, then you might want to check out what you think ‘saved’ you? This question is of eternal import to you and me, to all those we love. It’s not a ‘hope so’ confidence but a ‘know so’!!! HOW? By examining ourselves to see if you are “in Jesus” and if Jesus is “in you”? The evidence is true: Romans 8:9-11

“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. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

So??? Here’s our shot for today! Are you ‘LOST’ or ‘FOUND’ “in Him”? Jesus cares for you and so do I!!!

Bible Ballistics: Who Really Loves YOU? Vol. 5 #15

This week everyone has been talking about ‘love’!!! But Valentine’s Day has come and gone and immeasurable resources have been spent on flowers, candy, dinners and the like to show love. But what does love really looks like.

1 John 4:10-12, “Herein is love,

not that we loved God,

but that he loved us,

and sent his Son

to be the propitiation   (propitiation means payment for)

for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us,

we ought also to love one another.

12 No man hath seen God at any time.

If we love one another,

God dwelleth in us,

and his love is

perfected in us.”

We can only express real “LOVE” when we know the love of God. How do we come to know and have that kind of love? Only through Jesus, and His work in our hearts:

“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.” Romans 5:5-6

God loved us so much that He not only created us but He sent Jesus to pay for our sins. Jesus came to be the bridge across the chasm that sin had made between God and man. But how do we receive this great gift of love? In Christ who died for sinners. And when we receive His gift of Salvation, He also puts His love within us through the work of the Holy Spirit. We are redeemed by His saving grace in the ‘new birth’!!! New life that Jesus imparts to us includes “the love of God”—God’s love placed in my heart. Then I can express HIS love to the world by His power and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

But at what price was this gift? HIS life for MINE!!!

John 3:14-18,

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;

but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned:

but he that believeth not is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

Jesus would be ‘lifted up’ to pay for SIN—yours and mine. Jesus came to save sinners not to condemn them, but don’t miss what Jesus tells us here: “he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed.” Jesus came to save, and salvation is by faith in His sacrifice for us—His blood saves us. His love poured out at Calvary, paid the debt that we owed for our own sin. And God’s love is more than an escape from Hell; it is abundant life!  Power to live for God and not against HIM! It is Life through His power and strength not our own. How?

“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

We are saved by faith and we serve by surrender to Jesus: By dying to ourselves and living by faith in what He has done and is doing in my heart and life—because I love HIM.

John gives us more insight into this love in His first letter:

1 John 3:16-18,23

“Hereby perceive we

the love of God,

because he laid down his life for us:

and we ought to lay down our lives

for the brethren.

17 But whoso hath this world’s good,

and seeth his brother have need,

and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him,

how dwelleth the love of God in him?

18 My little children,

let us not love in word,

neither in tongue;

but in deed and in truth…..

23 And this is his commandment,

That we should believe

on the name of his Son Jesus Christ,

and love one another,

as he gave us commandment.”

God saves us to mirror HIS love to the world and to our brothers and sisters in Christ!!! To love in action not just words. We are to be Christ Jesus to the world:

His hands—

His feet—

His tongue—

HIS HEART!!!

HIS LOVE!!!

Let’s celebrate the ‘Love of God’ in all we do and say. May others be drawn to Jesus because they see HIM in our lives and actions? He loves the world and so should we!

 

 

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #136 A Bag of Dirt or A Little Greed????

Continuing our thoughts about Naaman, the leprous general who came to Elisha for healing: this pagan man who was an enemy of Israel, came to the God of Israel and found Him faithful, and became His worshipper. What a life-changing transformation! But there’s more to the story than Naaman!

Now back to Elisha, the prophet and his servant Gehazi–

Elisha—“And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant. 16 But he said, As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.” Verse 16

Elisha understands that Naaman’s focus needs to be on the God who heals, not the prophet, so he refuses his gift. God’s mercies are not for sale!!! Elisha is committed to the God of the gifts and healings, not financial gain. He was committed to see that Naaman’s focus stayed on God. Elisha’s reward was from God, in seeing the conversion of one lone, leper, general of an enemy army. The Great and Almighty God cared enough to reach out and reveal Himself to a Syrian General, through healing! All because of a little girl who loved God!!! Suffice it to say, Elisha was dependent on the God of all gifts, not the gifts of this wealthy, grateful, healed and converted man.

What a breath of fresh air, a servant of God concerned about the souls of men so much that he doesn’t pursue their wealth. His pursuit was of God, not wealth. His concern was that Naaman’s spiritual focus to stay on God, not on this prophet of God, simply the vessel of God’s work. What do we think about our service? Are we distracted by the applause, the praise of men, or the financial perks to the spoiling of our ability to keep people focused on God?

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

It’s all about GOD—NOT about ME!!! Let’s see what happens when the focus turns to self rather than God.

Gehazi—“But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. 21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? 22 And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.”

How far will greed/covetousness take you? Let’s see how far it took Gehazi:

It stirred up jealousy and disregard of God’s grace—

“Naaman this Syrian”, THIS ENEMY–

Not, ‘praise God for His salvation’! Why?

       To disrespect the example of his master, Elisha—

“my master hath spared” THIS man–

Not, ‘praise God for such selflessness’! Why?

To presumptuously ignore Elisha’s wisdom—

 “I will run after him, and take somewhat”

 Not, ‘praise God for priceless grace’! Why?

Why? Because Gehazi was full of covetousness for the wealth of “THIS” man, which Elisha had wisely refused to accept? He was resentful that “THIS” foreigner, “THIS” enemy, “THIS” leper, received from God but Elisha refused his gift. He had no compassion, no awe and wonder, no praise for the goodness and power of God. He had no delight in the witness this man would bear of the Almighty God to his world. He had no eyes to see spiritual truth and the glorious grace and power of the God he claimed as his own!!! He was ‘blinded’ by the glitter of the silver, gold and fine clothes. He missed the blessing because his heart was consumed with ‘GREED’!!! What about us? And at what price?

“But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. 26 And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? 27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.”

Now, he even lies to his master. Elisha, broken-heartedly, reproves Gehazi and pronounces God’s judgment on him—the leprosy of Naaman. What price greed$$$? A heritage of disease on his entire posterity.

So??? Here’s our shot for today. Where is our heart?

Set on the things and values of God,

or have we allowed sin and greed to run us

into trouble?

                      Into debt–

Into disregard–

of the heart of God for others?

Into jealousy and disregard–

for others?

For God’s work?

For compassion toward our enemies?

You get the idea. Do you need to check your ‘bling’ quotient today! Does it have more of you than God does? Are you serving out of devotion and love, or ‘greed’ of some kind? Are we selfless and wise like Elisha, or resentful and jealous because of greed? Only YOU can answer these questions!!!

James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #135 Just a Bag of Dirt????

The Old Testament story of Naaman is a familiar one, but I’d like to take a closer look at a portion of this story and consider what we see, with perhaps a new insight.

If you don’t remember, Naaman was a commander of the Syrian Army (Israel’s enemy), and he had leprosy. Yet he had a little slave girl (captured from Israel) in his home that told her mistress something interesting:

“And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.” 2 Kings 5:3

This little Jewish girl had confidence in her God, even though she was a slave in a foreign place. Our confidence in God isn’t affected by geography, when we keep our eyes on him! This unnamed girl’s faith in her God stood firm, as well as her confidence in the ‘prophet’ of God–a man she knew served God faithfully and powerfully.   What does our service reveal to others? Does our service produce confidence in our God or ridicule?

Of course the word gets to Naaman, who winds up in Israel at the command of his king, seeking to be healed. He goes to the king and causes the king great fear and distress, because he can’t heal anyone—and certainly not of leprosy!

So? Elisha to the rescue:

“And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.” Verse 8

Elisha sent for the man to come to him, and he would “know that there is a prophet in Israel”. Not only know that there was a ‘prophet’ in Israel, but a ‘prophet’ of the one, true and living God of all creation. So Naaman goes to Elisha, who sends instructions by his servant, Gehazi, which completely offends Naaman and sends him off in a rage. (Ever been there?) But he finally concedes at his servants bidding, he obeys and is healed. And Naaman’s response?

“ And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant…... 17 And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules’ burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the Lord.” Verses 15 & 17

God revealed himself and we learn a lot about true conversion from Naaman.

 He KNEW that God was God and only God was God—

He offered a gift/blessing to Elisha in gratitude—

He made known his commitment—

To serve only God—

To offer sacrifices to God only–

He took a reminder with him–

Naaman couldn’t stay in Israel, so he took a little bit of ‘Israel’ with him–a bag of dirt. Perhaps to make a special place to offer his worship to the Almighty God of Israel—HIS God now!!!

So??? Here’s our shot for today.

Do you “know that there is no God” except

the Almighty God of the Universe,

and His Son Jesus?

Are you grateful for His revelation to you?

Is He receiving your commitment and sacrifices?

Do you remember the God who saved you?

Who keeps you?

Are you serving only HIM?

Maybe you need to get back down to ‘earth’ and reset your priorities. We’ll check out Elisha and Gehazi on Friday? We’ll look at two men with two different attitudes toward God, His service and toward Naaman.