Bible Ballistics: “BBs”  #17

Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

The scripture is full of advise about friendship, here we’re reminded that being a friend produces friends.  Sometimes we are blessed with those friends that become closer than family.  Oh, how blessed we are to have even one such friend.  Thank God and treasure them!!!

What does a friend look like?  How do they behave?

Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” 

Does this describe me? You?  Are we that friend that loves “all” the time?  Or are we a “fair-weather friend”?  Real friends care even when we don’t deserve it.  A brother (not just kin) in adversity is a priceless jewel.

Ecc 4:10 says, “For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”

Are we being a reflection of God’s grace and love to those He grants us the privilege to walk with? 

Jesus told His disciples just before His death,

“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” John 15:15. 

When we belong to Jesus we have the best friend of all.  Are you walking with this friend?  Are you being a friend like Him?  A friend shares, cares and stays!!!

So? Here’s our shot for the day—!!!  Want a friend? Then be a friend.

So? Look up. Imitate your best friend, Jesus!

Bible Ballistics: Source or Resource? Pt. 2 11/10/13 Vol. 2 No.26

As we continue our discussion this week regarding ‘Source’ or ‘Resource’, let’s think about our definitions from last week, the difference was that God can be our total and ultimate source for all things, or we can relegate him to simply one ‘re’source among many to meet our own needs.

We saw that when we come to Jesus for salvation we receive “all we need for life and godliness” and that Jesus changes our lives from being controlled and influenced by Satan and our own flesh to being controlled and led by God’s Spirit when we are made alive in Christ Jesus.  (Eph 2:1-10, you may want to review last weeks article).  The other option is to do it our own way.  The scripture that I’d like to share today is quite a bit longer than I usually list but feel that it is imperative to let God’s word speak and make a few simple observations of the text.  Paul addresses this very problem of going one’s own way in

Romans 1:17-32, “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 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. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do all      

unrighteousness,

fornication,

wickedness,

covetousness,

maliciousness;

full of envy,

murder,

debate,

deceit,

malignity;

whisperers,

30 Backbiters,

haters of God,

despiteful,

proud,

boasters,

inventors of evil things,

disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding,

covenant breakers,

without natural affection,

implacable,

unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

Quite a passage.  Let’s glean the basics here—we can receive the salvation that God offers in Christ Jesus and live by faith and the ‘righteousness of Christ’ (see 2 Cor. 5:21).  Or we can experience the progression of sin and it’s degrading effects upon our life.  **And there are always effects resulting from every choice we make-good or bad.**

The effect of rejecting God’s way for our own begins with the “wrath of God”, even as Jesus himself said in

John 3:18-20 speaking of himself, “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.”   

Remaining under condemnation is the consequence of rejecting God’s way, of being your own ‘source’.  Life/Death and Light/Dark are the choices.

Paul also tells us in Romans 1 that all men are accountable, as God has made himself known to all creation and men reject the knowledge of God and chose to reject the living God, and serve and worship the ‘CREATURE’ rather than the “CREATOR”.  We also see that this choice and continuation in it leads to ‘vain’ wisdom, ingratitude and darkened hearts.  I hope that you will take the time to go through all of this passage and watch the progression sin takes.  From simply ignoring God and His ways to total depravity in every way—sexual sin and perversion are the terminus of man’s ‘self-righteousness’.  Man entrenched in his own way.  God will give him over to reap the consequence of his choices.  Look at the list in verses 28-32– it’s like reading the headlines of our daily newspapers.  WE ARE THERE.  We accept and condone sin as good, and rebuke those who speak the truth of God, as being ‘liars’ and ‘hate-mongers’.

What are you choosing?  To go God’s way or your own?  Have you considered the cost?  Are we believers being bold and courageous with the truth of God—Jesus?  Are we willing to share the truth at the peril of our own lives, jobs, esteem and reputation?  If Jesus tarries and doesn’t return soon we better be ready to pay the price!!!   Read and study the book of Jeremiah—how those who claimed to be God’s own people, but weren’t really, hated the one who was sent by God to call them to repentance.

John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Are we ‘abiding’ in Him and bearing fruit or doing nothing?

 John 8:24,  “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” 

 The only question that matters for all eternity is, ‘do you believe that Jesus is God, and that HE died for YOUR sins’?  If you trust him for salvation the promise is life, but if not as Jesus says here, ‘if ye believe not….ye shall die in your sins.”  It’s your choice.  Choose well, the results are eternal—life or death, heaven or hell.  Examine yourself and share the truth as you have opportunity.

 

 

Bible Ballistics: “BBs”  #16

What does it mean to “love thy neighbor”?  Jesus answers this question during an attempt to trap Him.  With great wisdom He tells us what God requires.

Matthew 22:36-40, “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.”

Am I loving my neighbor or being condescending when I speak the truth of God’s Word in regard to sin? Any sin? All sin?  There is a standard, God’s.

Jesus said above,  ‘to love…. God with all thy heart’.  I will want to obey the God I love.

He also said, “If you love me, keep my commandments”, John 14:15.

And in Luke 12:3 & 5 he says twice, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

If I claim to love God, and my neighbor I am obliged by love to warn others of the cost of sin (death/hell see Ro 3:23 & 6:23).  Real love calls people to come to repentance and faith in Jesus’ death for our sin. God clearly declares in Ezekiel 3:18,20 & 33:8, that if we warn not the unrighteous of the coming judgment, we will be accountable.So love your neighbor—share Jesus.  Jesus IS truth (John 14:6).

So? Here’s our shot for the day—??   Speak Truth.

So? Keep looking up. Don’t keep truth a secret!!!

Bible Ballistics: Source or Resource? 11/03/13 Vol. 2 No.25

Recently I was listening to Tony Evans on the radio and he said something that stuck with me and I’d like us to consider it today.  Is God our ‘Source’ or a ‘Resource’?  Two similar words, but they have some distinct differences that are worthy of our consideration.

Source- a person, place or thing from which something comes or can be obtained.

Resource-a stock or supply of money, materials, staff and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function.

Our question is whether these two options affect or indicate our relationship with God.  Is God my ‘source’ or only one of many ‘resources’?  The first thing we must always consider is that I actually belong to Jesus.  If I have been born again 1 Peter 1:22-23 says,

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”  

Peter tells us that we are born of incorruptible seed, by the word of God—Jesus.  Remember John 1:1+ reminds us that Jesus IS the ‘Word’—

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” 

This is one of the primary passages that tell us that Jesus

IS GOD,

He IS CREATOR and

He IS light.

A light for our souls and our life—n fact without Him we don’t have life—

He is the source and sustainer of

real,

eternal,

spiritual life,

the new birth.

How can this be? We see in verses 12-13 of this same chapter,

“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.”   

Jesus makes us ‘sons of God’ when we trust in his atoning death as payment for our own personal sin.  Then I have a relationship with God—I become a ‘son of God’—I have a new and eternal spiritual source of real, abundant life.

John 10:10b, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”   

Ephesians 2:1-6 reveals a contrast of real life and death,

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”   

Before our salvation we were:

dead in sin,

walking with the world forces and through the power and influence of Satan’s forces (the same as the world forces, see Ephesians 6:12),

living in the lusts of our flesh and

fulfilling the desires of our minds

–children of wrath along with all the lost world.  Hard words but true ones.  We are created by God but living under Satan until we come to faith in Christ.

This passage tells us that when we are born again we are “quickened”, that means made “alive” from the deadness of our trespasses and sins and receive ‘eternal life’ instead of eternal death.   Paul repeats this in

verse 1 –quickend you,

verse 5 –quickened us with Christ, and

verse 6 –raised us up (from the dead) together and caused us to sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus.

And that is our present state spiritually, and one day soon that will be our physical location.  YOU can live in, through and by Jesus’ power.  If you have been born again, HE IS YOUR SOURCE!!!

So when God/Jesus is my source I can:

be alive unto God “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Ro. 6:11—;

be truly alive by HIS Spirit in me; “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.”  Ro. 8:11—;

be confident that God is working IN ME; “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”  Phil. 1:6—

know that Christ is in ME, and He will bring me to glory.“ To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” Col. 1:27 —

All this from my ‘Source’, the one who

saves,     supplies and    keeps me.

In contrast I can choose to live my own life, my own way and us the ‘resources’ of God to meet my own needs and become what I want to be.

James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

However Romans chapter 1 gives a clear picture of those who, knowing the ‘resources’ of God, chose to worship and serve the creature rather than the creator.

But since we are out of time and space, we’ll continue this side of our discussion next week.  In conclusion for today, what do I consider God to be?

Is He my source of all things-

wisdom, grace, power and truth–LIFE?

Or is He only a resource from which I draw when there is no other available? You know, the ‘firehouse’ God on whom we call only when there is an emergency.  Have a blessed week thinking on these things and join us again next week.

 

Bible Ballistics: “BBs”  #15

As we discuss this last of our 5 D’s, Dependence, what can we learn when we have such a mindset of “independence” around us.  Am I ‘independent’ of or ‘dependent’ on God?

Dependence– “The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else”.  A synonym of dependent is trust-to rely on to have faith in.

Do I really trust God?  On whom or what do I depend?  Self? Money? Power? Others or popular opinion? What does scripture say to us?

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

We are called to trust/depend on God with ALL our heart and NOT to lean on our own understanding.  When we depend on God, He promises to direct our paths.

The question is, ‘do I want God directing my steps?’

Romans 8:28-29a reminds us that our God is “trustworthy”!!

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son,” 

When we belong to Jesus, we can know that GOD is working all things in my life to conform me into the image of Jesus.  What more could we desire? Am I striving for Debt-free, Diligence, Discernment, Decency, and Dependence?

So?  Here’s our shot for the day—?????  Strive to depend on God and pursue Him seeking to be Dependent, Decent, Discerning, Diligent, and working to be Debt-free.  

So?  Keep looking up. Depend on God every moment!!