Bible Ballistics: BBs #279 Am I Teachable???

I’d like to share a bit today about being “teachable” before God. Sometimes we get so busy, rushing about taking care of “busy-ness” and getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, that we are deaf to the voice of our Lord. So I’d like to share a few passages today that remind us that God is there to lead and guide our steps, and to teach us His ways through His Word and His precious Holy Spirit (Who dwells within each individual who belongs to Jesus).

The question is, “Are we devoted servants of the Lord God Almighty and His Son Jesus Christ?” Or are we striving to be a “dictator to the Father”; rather than praying “Not my will, but thine be done”, do we often pray, “My will be done on earth, and God, YOU need to confirm it-now!” We are called to be the servants of the LORD—NOT His dictators, as much popular teaching encourages today. Our focus needs to be on Him, letting God, be GOD!

“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10

“Shew me thy ways, O Lord;

teach me thy paths.

5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me:

for thou art the God of my salvation;

on thee do I wait all the day.

6 Remember, O Lord,

thy tender mercies

and thy lovingkindnesses;

for they have been ever of old.

7 Remember not the sins of my youth,

   nor my transgressions:

according to thy mercy

remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake,

O Lord.

8 Good and upright is the Lord: therefore

will he teach sinners in the way.

9 The meek will he guide in judgment:

and the meek will he teach his way.”  Psalm 25:4-9

We need God—He doesn’t “need” us, but He sent Jesus because He loves us!!! It is HIS mercy that delivers us through the blood that Jesus shed for all who will believe.

“For thou art great,

and doest wondrous things:

thou art God alone.

11 Teach me thy way, O Lord;

I will walk in thy truth:

unite my heart to fear thy name.

12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God,

with all my heart:

and I will glorify thy name

for evermore.” Psalm 86:10-12

Did you get that, “thou art God alone”? Our purpose is to love Him, to serve Him and to praise Him for being God! And praise God; we don’t have to do it on our own. He is teaching us by His Spirit if we will but listen, learn and obey!

“Teach me to do thy will;

for thou art my God:

thy spirit is good;

lead me into the land of uprightness.” Psalm 143:10

And when we are willing to learn from Him, then we can share with those God places in our path. Are we being teachable or dictating? May I ever be teachable dear Lord!

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,” 2 Timothy 2:24

Bible Ballistics: BBs #278  Lord, Don’t You Remember???

 

“Ye shall know them by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes of thorns,

or figs of thistles?

17 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 7:16-23

A difficult passage to digest, but clear in its simple truth—SAYING SO DOESN’T MAKE IT SO! We can talk about Jesus, we can do ‘religious’ activities, we can even be renowned in our ‘spiritual’ demeanor, but Jesus says that isn’t what it’s all about. So, what is it about? It is about KNOWING Jesus through repentance and faith in His redeeming payment for my sin! Even doing miraculous works isn’t what it is about—it is about Jesus, and His Spirit doing God’s work within and through us! And Jesus goes on in this passage to give us a profound yet simple example of this principle. It’s the old adage in Biblical terms—“What you see isn’t always what you get”! So what is the “will” of God?

“And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40

It’s all about Jesus—but Jesus makes a difference beyond natural appearances. Here’s what Jesus had to say.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.”    Matthew 7:24-27

These two houses apparently looked the same from the outside, but there was an important and initially unnoticed difference—the foundation. One was built on the “rock”—Jesus, and the other which was built on the “sand”—anything other than Jesus. He is the only foundation that lasts.

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-11

“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

So the question comes, “What foundation have you built upon?” Do you talk a good talk, and make a good show of your house, but you’re counting on something to give you life other than Jesus. Are you counting on a prayer, or walking an aisle, or doing good works, or just living your own way while talking about how much you “love Jesus”, like that is a talisman that will place you in good standing with God; while you live your life you own way with no desire for Jesus or the things of God; no time to seek Him or His Word; no time or desire to live a holy life? It’s a question that we all need to consider before it’s too late.

“Examine yourselves,

whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves,

how that Jesus Christ is in you,

except ye be reprobates?

6 But I trust that ye shall know

that we are not reprobates.”      2 Corinthians 13:5-6

Reprobate is used here of one who is “NOT” regenerate (made new in Christ Jesus). It is talking about the same thing that Jesus refers to in Matthew 7, one who talks a good talk but possesses no part of Jesus in reality. An “imitation” believer, a reprobate is one who does not have the Spirit of Jesus Christ within.

“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.

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.”    Romans 8:8-11

When we are “born again”, we receive the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit who regenerates our hearts, minds and souls to become the children of God; and that my friends will make a difference. Jesus will not allow His own children to continue unchecked in sin. So if you are content and happy in your sinful lifestyle you might want to check out what you think makes you right with God!!! God imparts HIS righteousness to those who are His through the blood of Jesus.

“He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 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 1:11-13

We are born of God, we are His children and are enabled to overcome the world of sin, death and hell because of what Jesus did at Calvary for all who will believe in Him. (See John 3 for more)

“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

So, my friends what are you depending on. Are you depending on Jesus to remember all “YOUR” good works and deeds that you have tried to do to be good enough for God? Do you want Him to remember all the wonderful works you did “in His name” to impress yourself and others? Or have you trusted your eternal destiny to the cross of Jesus and been transformed by the blood of the Lamb that “cleanseth us from all sin”, and received the indwelling Holy Spirit who continually confirms that we belong to Jesus? The choice is yours, but it’s a choice you need to be sure of.

Are you a “good tree” being a conduit for the power of God? Or are you a “corrupt” tree that will be found out, and cast into the fire! You can hang fruit on a dead branch but it doesn’t make it a tree, especially a good tree. You decide, but remember, there is a test at the end.

“Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

12 For the word of God is quick, (alive)

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul

and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things

are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”    Hebrews 4:11-13

As my mother used to say, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and you can fool all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool God!” HE will remember, and He knows the real condition of your heart! Do you know whose you are? There are only two options. May God bless you to see the truth about yourself, I can’t know but HE does, and I pray that you will heed the truth.

“And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark4:9

“And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man….” Genesis 6:3a

I join Paul in praying this prayer for YOU.

“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”   2 Corinthians 6:1-2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 7 No. 26  Loosed And Let Go!!!

 

“And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44 And he that was dead came forth,

bound hand and foot

with graveclothes:

and his face was bound about with a napkin.

Jesus saith unto them,

Loose him, and let him go.” John 11:43-44

Here we find Jesus at the grave/tomb of Lazarus. Jesus had come in response to the call of Mary and Martha for Jesus to attend their sick brother. Jesus had intentionally delayed his visit, and even these two precious friends of Jesus, didn’t understand the delay. They had expected Jesus to come when they sent for him, and that He would come and heal Lazarus as He had been healing people throughout His three years of ministry.

But Jesus had a different plan. Even the disciples didn’t understand what was going on, they simply knew that if He returned to Judea His life would be in great danger. But even that danger was a part of God’s plan, but not before Jesus’s encounter with Lazarus. Martha questioned the delay and acknowledged that if Jesus had come sooner, Lazarus wouldn’t have died!

“Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died………………………………………………………..32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” John 11:21 & 32

These two sisters were broken-hearted at the loss of their brother, and were just plain confused that Jesus had not come to heal His good friend and follower, Lazarus. But Jesus tried to redirect their attention to greater things, but just like us they couldn’t get past the “immediate” to see the “eternal”! Yet Jesus, even in His perfect sinless perspective, had compassion on them and understood their sorrow. It brought Him to tears.

“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping……., he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled…… Jesus wept.” John 11:33,35

“Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”  John 11:23-27

Martha believed the right things about Jesus, but she wasn’t prepared for what was about to take place. Jesus was about to give a preview of His glory that would be displayed in a matter of just a few short weeks. The time when He would display that glorious power in His own resurrection by the power of God—but unlike Lazarus, Jesus would never die again. He would accomplish what was necessary to be and provide “eternal” life for all who would believe in HIM!

But before that glorious event, Jesus would display his power over death and the grave and call Lazarus out of the tomb that held him. I’ve heard many say that Jesus called Lazarus by name so that all the other dead folks wouldn’t come forth as well, and be that so or not, Jesus was about to make HIS glory and power evident before those who would believe it. And the amazing thing to me is that many of those who saw this wonder refused to believe in Jesus.

“Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. 47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.” John 11:45-47

People saw and acknowledged the miraculous nature of what Jesus was doing, but refused to believe that He was the Messiah. Much like today, people want to see “miracles” but reject the one who gives “life”. Jesus came to set us free from the bonds of sin, just as he instructed those around Lazarus to set him free:

“Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.” John 11:41-44

Jesus gave instruction to “Loose him, and let him go”, and the same is true for us when we are “born again”, Jesus gives us life and sets us free from sin, death and hell!

“Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:35-36

Jesus says that we will be “free”! But what does He mean, free from what? In the context of this passage, Jesus is contrasting the dependence on the “Law” and “heritage” of Abraham as spiritual security, with the freedom of “sonship”. Jesus confronted religion with the truth about sin. Jesus said that those who are dependent on themselves and the sin that rules their lives apart from HIS “salvation” are “servants” of sin. They are bound by the sin that controls their lives and only Jesus can give freedom from that sin—the sin that brings death, destruction and hell to those who refuse to come to HIM.

“ Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

And who is that “gate”, that “strait gate”? Jesus is the gate, the one and only way to life and glory, through His death, burial and resurrection.

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know,

and the way ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:1-6

Jesus is “the way” that leads to “life”— the only “way” that leads to “life”–eternal life, abundant life—life free from the bondage of sin! Jesus came to loose us from the bondage of sin, and give us that “life” by His life’s blood! He paid the price for our sin at Calvary and by faith we can receive the “eternal life” that He gives, and his life enables us to overcome sin and live a victorious life above the weight of sin. He brings us from death to life.

“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: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:1-10

Many of us are familiar with parts of this passage, but in it’s context it takes on a glorious message of victory. What does Paul tell us here? Let’s just peruse the highlights (but please spend some time digging into its depths at your liesure) today.

We are all dead in trespasses and sin—

God raises us from the “dead” in Jesus—

The “lost” act like the “lost” but that’s past—

 When we are lost we live like it—

 When we are saved we can live like it—

 Jesus gives us life by grace that overcomes—

God gives us salvation/life by grace and faith—

God raises us up to life in heavenly places—

 It’s grace that saves not out works—

But we are saved to do good works—

God’s good works—

By His power—

For His glory—

It’s what we’re saved to do—

Because of what Jesus sets us free to be!

And when we are set free from sin by the grace of God and the blood of Jesus we have the power to live an overcoming life. We don’t have to let sin have its way in our hearts or in our everyday lives.

“What shall we say then?

Shall we continue in sin,

that grace may abound?

2 God forbid.

How shall we,

that are dead to sin,

live any longer therein?

3 Know ye not,

that so many of us as were baptized

into Jesus Christ

were baptized into his death?

4 Therefore we are buried with him

by baptism into death:

that like as Christ was raised up

from the dead

by the glory of the Father,

even so

we also should walk

in newness of life.

5 For if we have been planted together

in the likeness of his death,

we shall be also

in the likeness of his resurrection:

6 Knowing this,

that our old man

is crucified with him,

that the body of sin

might be destroyed,

that henceforth we should not serve sin.

7 For he that is dead

is freed from sin.

8 Now if we be dead with Christ,

we believe that we shall also live with him:

9 Knowing that Christ

being raised from the dead

dieth no more;

death hath no more dominion over him.

10 For in that he died,

he died unto sin once:

but in that he liveth,

he liveth unto God.

11 Likewise

reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed

unto sin,

but alive unto God

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”    Romans 6:1-11

And as Paul puts it in another way:

“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

Being crucified with Jesus Christ, we can live by His death, burial and resurrection. It is a wonderful promise of life—life in and through Jesus Christ. The abundant life that HE alone can give.

But how does that work out for us on a day-to-day basis? Let’s consider some scripture to equip us for living the “crucified life”. It’s not easy but it can be simply described.

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh……..

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;

Adultery,                     

fornication,

uncleanness,        

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,         

witchcraft,

hatred,                 

variance,

emulations,          

wrath,

strife,                   

seditions,

heresies,                     

21 Envyings,

murders,                     

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.” Galatians 5:16 & 19-26

A long list, but one that helps us discern between the good and the evil. What to pursue and what to avoid, and we also have a checklist for “thinking”.

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts

and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.” Philippians 4:6-8

We must understand that much of our warfare with the enemy is in our mind—so think on the things of God. Check every thought by the test of the “word”!   But don’t stop there; bring your thoughts into obedience to Jesus.

“For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare

are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down

of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge

of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought

to the obedience of Christ;”    2 Corinthians 10:3-5

And in closing, one of my favorite passages. Simply put—trust God for your living!! Every day and in all your ways!!! Walk in the Spirit and you won’t fulfill the “lusts of the flesh”!!!

“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.”     Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #277  Let Your Heart Smile!!!

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”   Proverbs 17:22

Sometimes we simply need a “smile”. So I thought I’d just spend a little time today sharing a few “smiles” with you. We all need to have a “merry heart”! And one of the best ways to have a merry heart is to praise the Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and His Son, Jesus!

“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” Psalm 95:1

When I am down, one of the things I do is to sing praises to the Lord, or to listen to great praise and gospel music. Music and praise will lift the drooping heart and mind! Our God not only “reigns” over all, but HE cares about us, and that is good news, worthy of praise and a grateful heart.

“But let all those

that put their trust in thee

rejoice:

let them ever shout for joy,

because thou defendest them:

let them also that love thy name

be joyful in thee.” Psalm 5:11

       “I will praise thee, O Lord,

with my whole heart;

I will shew forth

all thy marvellous works.

2 I will be glad

and rejoice in thee:

I will sing praise to thy name,

O thou most High.” Psalm 9:1-2

When we praise our God, the enemy will flee, because he hates being around praising people. When we resist his schemes to defeat us, we will find courage to press on and find that God will lift our hearts and our spirits. So rejoice in the Lord today, for He cares for you. We must simply trust to our God, and let “God be God”! So stop trying to fret, and figure it out, and focus on God’s faithful goodness—He cares, so:

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary

the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist

stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished

in your brethren

that are in the world.”     1 Peter 5:6-9

So, press on with Jesus, He has it all in His control, and He’s working in, with and through His own! SMILE! REJOICE!

“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.” James 1:17   SMILE!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #276  Your Cross Or HIS???

We talked Sunday about the cross and the sufficiency of the “substitutionary, unique, biblically specific, and perfect” sacrifice for sin that Jesus supplied at Calvary, for all who will trust Him! I’d like to continue in that vein of thought this morning, and talk about what “cross” you and I are depending on to deliver us from the penalty of sin, which is death and hell.

Cross, is partially defined in the dictionary as (It can also be used as other parts of speech which aren’t our focus today):

1a :  a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution
b often capitalized :  the cross on which Jesus was crucified


2
a : crucifixion
b :  an affliction that tries one’s virtue, steadfastness, or patience


3
a :  a device composed of an upright bar traversed by a horizontal one; specifically :  one used as a Christian symbol
b capitalized :  the Christian religion


4 a
: a structure (as a monument) shaped like or surmounted by a cross


The cross can refer to the object or device of wood apart from Jesus, the “Cross” on which Jesus died, a monument in the shape of a ‘cross’, or the one I’d like to focus on today, “2 b” “an affliction that tries one’s virtue, steadfastness, or patience”! Many people have a cross of their own invention-not the only sufficient, atoning sacrificial death of Jesus on the Cross of Calvary.

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14

Wow! Does Paul really mean “by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world”? I believe that it is the truth—Christ died for us that we might live to HIM by HIS power NOT our own.

“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. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Galatians 2:20-21

To know Jesus Christ is to be crucified with HIM! The “cross” isn’t a pretty little ornament that people wear as jewelry (though they do), nor is it an emblem that is found on graves and gravestones (though it is used that way also), and it isn’t the good works that we may try to do, nor our sufferings in this life! The “cross” we’re talking about, represents the ONLY payment for the sins of the world. Jesus came to give HIS life for that payment—His sinless, perfect life was offered willingly to pay the debt that none could pay on their own.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Jesus shed His blood for sinners like you and me, so we wouldn’t have to face hell for our own sin. We were enemies of God because of our sin, yet God had a plan for our deliverance—JESUS! The Savior of the world, who loves us and bought our salvation with His own blood, will give us life for death if we but come to Him in repentance and faith.

“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.” Romans 5:6-10

Jesus came to deliver sinners, and we (who are all sinners) can be delivered from the penalty of sin (which is eternal death and hell) if we will but trust HIM and take up HIS cross by faith and walk by His Spirit in grace and truth. Your own “good” works will never save you! Nor your perceived or real physical or mental suffering in this life! Your family isn’t your cross! Your ailments aren’t your cross! Your difficulties or limitations aren’t your cross! Your cross is “death” to self, and “life” from and for Jesus.

“What?

know ye not

that your body

is the temple of the Holy Ghost

which is in you,

which ye have of God,

and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price:

therefore glorify God

in your body,

and in your spirit,

which are God’s.”    1 Corinthians 6:19-20

So, whose “Cross” are you counting on? The cross of Jesus who saves from sin, and gives eternal “life”; or are you depending on your own works, goodness, suffering, money, family ties, influence, or position to deliver your soul from sin and hell? Only Jesus and His cross can get you across the chasm of sin and hell to heaven!

The choice is yours, but choose wisely. There is a test at the end!

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:24-26

What are you counting on? Yourself or Jesus? It does matter! “..no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6b

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12