Bible Ballistics: BBs #118 A Christmas Fortnight-More Angelic Messengers!!!

We looked earlier at the angelic birth announcements preceding the birth of John and Jesus. God made these prophecy-fulfilling declarations through angelic messengers. We ought to appreciate the wondrous revelations without letting our focus be wrongly aligned on God’s servants rather than God Himself. Scripture clearly tells us the role of angels.

Hebrews 1:13-14, “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Ministering spirits—for God, to us. Not to be worshipped.

2 Peter 2:11, “Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.” While they are greater in power and might than we are, they are not presumptuous to accuse but to call on God. Neither should we be presumptuous toward God or these unseen powers.

Jude 1:9, “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” We can learn from Michael, the great archangel—to trust God to rebuke the unseen angelic powers. Don’t presume on God or overstep our authority either before God, the world or those “…… principalities, … powers, … rulers of the darkness of this world, … spiritual wickedness in high places.“ (Eph 6:10b)

Now back to our Christmas Fortnight—God sent angelic messengers to announce not only Jesus’ coming birth, but also the very birth itself. And God chose the lowliest of the low to make this announcement to—to shepherds. Those often looked down upon by others. Even in our American history, there has been the stigma of ‘shepherds’ being unwanted in ‘cattle’ country. Turf wars even came out of this animosity. Yet GOD chose ‘shepherds’ to be the recipients of HIS GREAT GOOD NEWS.

Luke 2: 8-17, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 …. as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”

So how about YOU? Have you received and believed the “Good News” of the Savior born for you? The Savior born to DIE for YOU? We also see that the shepherds not only heard the message, but they believed it, acted upon it, and received the truth they heard and saw. But they didn’t stop there!!! They then spread the word about this ‘child’. How about us? Are we spreading the truth—if not let’s get busy? The news is still GOOD!!! This child born to die for our sin—still saves, TODAY!!!

Bible Ballistics: Christmas Fortnight-Really?? Vol. 5 #05

We have been talking about Christmas. There is a lot of debate going around about Christmas—is it good? Is it bad? Is it worthwhile or vain? While those are good questions, I’ll only deal with my perspective of these things and how we are often perceived.

I must say that there are valid historical issues that many wrestle with concerning Christmas, and I do understand that there is cause for consideration. The thing that I would like to deal with is what are we celebrating? I would like to tell you what I celebrate—I celebrate Jesus. When I celebrate Christmas, it is because I love Jesus and I celebrate HIM everyday of the year. Every day that I draw breath, I thank and praise God for sending HIS own son to be made flesh that He might live in a body of flesh and “DIE” for me, and all who will believe.

I’ve read the articles, I’ve checked the historical data and while I understand and comprehend the issues, I take issue with the accusations and attitudes that seem to fly at this time of year. Paul tells us that idols are not of any significance and we who know God, know that HE is the only true God. Jesus gives us the highest order of things.

Matthey 22:35-40, “Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

I love God!! My mother and father loved God and lived godly lives in front of my siblings and me. I don’t remember a Christmas that we didn’t know that Jesus was the object of our worship. I knew from the time that I was a small child that Jesus wasn’t born on “December 25”, but we ‘celebrated’ His incarnation on that day. Our season was full of giving to others as well as to one another. Just as I knew from the time I was in grade school that there were not ‘3’ days and nights between Friday and Sunday of Jesus death and resurrection. Why? Because I was taught to reason and focus on Jesus not the ‘peripherals’. It was a time when love, laughter and generosity ruled in our home. Where we were taught that all the decorations, tinsel and lights were not the issue but Jesus was the issue. I treasure those memories and I didn’t then, nor do I now worship an idol—I worship Jesus. I praise God that HE came and took on flesh for me. I can enjoy the beauty of God’s creation and see His glory in things that the world has tried to pervert. I don’t have to pervert them, or reject them when I can see God and glorify HIM in His creation.

While I will continue to focus on Jesus, and call others to do the same, I believe we are to respond to one another in love. We may have differences of perspective on God’s Word and it’s meaning, but we are to extend love and respect to one another. We don’t have to beat one another up over our differences. Jesus Himself said that the evidence to the world that we are HIS isn’t in our doctrine-as important as that is–; nor is it in our hierarchy, our polity or our viewpoints!!! Jesus said in John 13:34-35:

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

We are to love one another as Christ Jesus loved us. Perfect ‘agape’ love is what we are to display to one another and to the world. Love that does what is best for the recipient, not the giver!!! God’s love cost the life of HIS son to pay for my sin. I am to love you, and all those who belong to the Master (as well as the lost world) with love that does what is best for you, not me. I am to obey God and share HIS truth as I understand it and have opportunity to share it, remembering where I was when God reached down to and for me!!!

Romans 5:6-11 says, “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.”

Christ died for lost mankind—including me. How about you? When we were ‘without strength’—‘Christ died for’ us– each one of us. We were sinners, (and are sinners, just saved sinners now—we all fall short every day), and Jesus died for sinners. But He didn’t just die for me/us to be ‘saved from wrath through Him’, but also for us to be ‘justified’ (made right in standing with God), saved from wrath, and reconciled to God, because sin had made us enemies with God. Jesus saved and saves us by His life, and the Holy Spirit then works within us (see verse 5 of Romans 5). Therefore we can “joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ” who purchased our ‘atonement’ (the payment for our wrong/sin), and we can ‘re’joice every day because as 2 Corinthians 5:21 says,

“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.”

Christ’s death at Calvary takes our sin, and His blood imparts HIS righteousness to our account, when we are ‘born again’. Because the ‘blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin’—delivers and cleanses us from our sin!!! (See 1 John 1:7, 9).

That’s what ‘Christmas’ is to me!!! Jesus come in the flesh to pay for my sin.

Hebrews 2:14-17, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” All people!!!

And dear ones, I celebrate that incarnation every day of the year and during December I love to take opportunities that God provides to share the Good News of what Jesus did, with those who are often more open to HIS salvation during this season than perhaps any other time of the year. Whatever you do with the “Christmas” issue I hope that we will each extend love and respect to those with different viewpoints than our own. May the “love of God” be seen in us despite our differences?  As Paul reminds us,

Colossians 3:8-17, “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

So what am I saying? I’m saying we are to love one another, as Christ loved us. When we were weak, lost and sinful Jesus loved us and saved us. We are to love others that are perhaps weak in their faith; to forgive those who are arrogant in their faith; to speak the truth in love to all in the faith, and even more so to those on the outside, who need the gospel of Salvation in Jesus our Lord.  Remember:

Romans 14:3-5, “Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”

As Paul tells us in Ephesians 4, we are one body in Christ Jesus, and God is growing us to maturity in HIM. Let’s rejoice in Jesus always.

Ephesians 4:15, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

My prayer is that with Paul I can say, “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 1:2   Only one message—only one way!!!

I desire to have integrity toward my God, His Word and His glory. May we share in love and not contempt, whether we celebrate “Christmas” or not. Whether we have this persuasion or another, may we let others see the love of God in all that we say and do, not belittling or being spiteful, but with  kindness and love, sharing Jesus. I’ll close with Jesus’ own words:

John 10:10, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

I find it interesting that Jesus says He came that we might have “life…..more abundantly”!!! He said that He gave His life that we might have ‘life’ not ‘right’!!! Are you standing in ‘love’ or your view of ‘correctness? It’s your choice. We are to “study” to be approved to God, but never without love!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #117 A Christmas Fortnight-Angelic Messengers!!!

The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ was a supernatural event. God stepped into time and became man. Why would he do this? Because HE loved us and as scripture reveals in Hebrews 2:14-18:

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” He can comfort YOU!!!

He was born to die: to take on flesh and blood for you and me– to pay the debt of sin that we owe, and give us eternal life through the cross. HE WAS BORN TO DIE FOR ME!!! And that’s cause to celebrate! God made all this known to the parties involved through angelic messengers. This God who hadn’t spoken openly for over 300 years, now stepped into time and humanity and announced this great event through His angelic messengers. They were sent to three special, chosen, particular people who would play a part in God’s great unveiling. Just regular, everyday, godly servants of the Most High God—chosen to receive messages from God Himself. Ponder on these things as we celebrate the birth of our Lord.

Luke 1:11-13, “And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.”

A birth announcement to an elderly father-to-be!!!

Luke 1:26-29, “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.”

A birth announcement to a young virgin girl engaged to be married.

Matthew 1:19-21, “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Confirmation to a righteous and gentle man in the midst of a dilemma, of God’s will for his life, Mary’s life and her child’s.

While we don’t generally see ‘angelic’ messengers, the same God who spoke then, speaks to hearts and lives today. Whatever HE is speaking to your heart, won’t you listen?

Bible Ballistics: BBs #116 A Christmas Fortnight-God With Us!!!

The season of Christmas is upon us and I’ll be sharing a “Christmas Fortnight” again this year but with a twist. I’ll be sharing my take on Christmas in each article, but instead of writing a short article each day of the fortnight (2 weeks), I’ll be sharing on the regular days plus Christmas Day, and that will equate to a fortnight! I hope this will be a blessing, as well as be informative for each of us.

We’ll begin with a simple passage from Matthew 1:21-23:

“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.”

The Promise of the Messiah!!!

He shall be called Jesus!!

He shall save His people from their sins!!

He fulfilled the promise!!

He was born of a virgin!!

He shall be called Emmanuel!!

Jesus came to Redeem us from SIN!! Sin is the issue—we are all sinners, and Jesus came that we might be saved from our sin! ‘God with us’—here to redeem sinful man. Do you know HIM? If not, He’s here for YOU!! Look to the Cross!!

Bible Ballistics: God Has Our Days—All of Them?? Vol. 5 #04

Are you wondering about what will happen tomorrow? We all do from time to time. Sometimes we fret and stress over tomorrow, when there is only one who knows about tomorrow, and that is God. So what do we do with days of trials, or days of crises and sorrow? How do we know how to live our days to the fullest, when we are running on empty? Only with God’s help can we live life to the full every day, and the Psalmist reminds us where we can find the answers!!!

Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

Ask the God who wants us to live each day wisely.

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.”

With God’s help, we can live and value the life that He has given to each of us, no matter where we are or what circumstances may surround us. God has made each of us for His glory and our good. Again the Psalmist addresses this very thing, when he reminds us that we are God’s creation and that acknowledging Him, as such, we can really value life because we know the giver of Life. That while God is God and I am not, I can trust Him with all I have because He cares for me!!!

Psalm 100:3, “Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

Psalm 139:14-16, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.”

Before we were born, God knew where each of us would be today!!! Where are YOU?   Guess who knows?

Verse 16 in the NASB says,

“Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;

And in Your book were all written

The days that were ordained for me,

When as yet there was not one of them.”

God numbers our days before we even have them. He even tells us that our lives are more important than sparrows, and that the “very hairs of your head are all numbered”. But are we making good use of our days? Some of us may not have as many hairs to count, but if we are still breathing we are of value to God. He has a purpose for our lives and He is working on, in and through us today. You are of great value to GOD!!! God is faithfully caring for His own and we don’t have to fear those who are against God and therefore, us!!

Matthew 10:28-31, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

My focus and confidence can be in God–not the enemy of my soul, or man. When I belong to Jesus and am in the center of HIS will then I am in the safest place in the world. I don’t have to envy others—their lives or their possessions– I can be content in Jesus and walk in power and victory!

Acts 4:11-13 says of Jesus, “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. 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” While they didn’t like what they heard they had to acknowledge that these ‘uneducated’ men had been with JESUS!!

What about you and me? What do people notice about us?

That we are a fan of a particular sports team?

That we have an accent from a particular region of the world or country?

That we hold to a particular political persuasion?

Or do they notice that we have undeniably “been with Jesus”?

Am I willing to walk so closely with Jesus that His life is seen in me in all that I do and say? That is my prayer!! How about you? And when we are walking so closely with Jesus we can know our days are in HIS hands. Two passages sum it all up for us today:

Hebrews 13:5-6, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Conversation=lifestyle)

Psalm 118:4-6, “Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 5 I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. 6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” Even more importantly we are on the “Lord’s side”!!!

Food for thought. Have a blessed week living for Jesus and trusting the outcome to HIM!!!