Bible Ballistics: Vol. 7 No. 21 Looking To See A Miracle Or Be One???

We are living in a time when people claim to have the ability to demand of God a miracle, either for themselves or others. It’s a time when people are drawn by the allure of a “mystic” and/or “visible” display of the power of God. A time when we hear teachers and preachers who gain great followings from their promise to put on a “miracle” show—to ‘guarantee’ that they can bring healings of all kinds of diseases and problems. But is this an evidence and manifestation of the true Spirit of God, or something else? Are people seeking God and His presence or are they simply looking to demand and manipulate the power and/or presence of God to their own benefit or glory? Jesus addressed this seeking and pursuit of the “miraculous” and it may fly in the face of popular Christian culture and focus.

“Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. 39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:38-40

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day wanted Him to “prove” that He was the Messiah. They wanted a “miraculous” sign to warrant their attention, recognition or acknowledgement of Jesus’ authority and the veracity/truth of what He was saying. They wanted to back Him into a corner and make demands on His agenda and His purpose. Jesus gave import to this issue by giving the same answer to the leaders when they made the same kind of demand a second time.

“The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. 3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.” Matthew 16:1-4

On this occasion Jesus rebuked them for not being able to “discern the signs of the times”. Then He once again says that “A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign”—that our goal isn’t to go around “looking” for miracles to happen to prove “anything” about God. In contrast, when we are walking with God, we will see the miraculous nature of God in all of His work around us, beginning with the creation! The omnipresence of God can be experienced by His children at every turn, yet we are not to go around seeking the visibly “miraculous” to confirm or display His presence and work, that are ever active around us! We are to seek God and His kingdom first and foremost.

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek🙂

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;

and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:31-34

We are not to seek after the things that the world (‘the Gentiles’) seeks after—the miraculous, the spectacular, the blitz and bling, which are all futile in and of themselves. Only God can give purpose and direction to our lives, and our goal is always to be seeking Him. But we often forget that Jesus also said that while we are seeking God, we are also to be seeking “his righteousness”—the righteousness of God! And there is only one way to seek the “righteousness” of God—and that is via HIS son. And it is always by faith—NOT by sight, miraculous or otherwise!

“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

Our focus is to be the message of reconciliation ‘by Jesus Christ”, as Paul mentions in another scripture:

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:27-31

We are to “glory in the Lord” Himself, not in the “tricks” that He can do!!! He isn’t a heavenly ‘genie’ to come at our beck and call, or when we rub the lamp—He is the sovereign, almighty God of the universe—HE IS GOD, and we are NOT!!! We are called to humble ourselves before God and one another—NOT to be dictators to God, as to when, where or how HE is to work in our midst!!!

“…….. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 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.”     1 Peter 5:5b-7

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:10

We should pursue an attitude of humility before God and others—if you would, we are to “BE” the miracle of God’s grace, love and transforming power before the world. Yet much of American Christendom today is seeking to put on a better “show” than the church down the road, trying to harness the power of God for their own glory and benefit—this is NOT biblical Christianity. Humility, devotion to the true grace of God, and a total dependence on God to do the saving IS our biblical responsibility before God. God is our total source in every thing and not our minion, whom we can instruct at our discretion. We are to be HIS servant NOT vice versa!!! (See Job 38, for an interesting perspective!)

“Abide in me, and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

5 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.” John 15:4-5

We are saved to be a reflection of God’s grace and glory before a lost and dying world. The Gospel is what Jesus Christ has done for us at the cross—His death, burial and resurrection for sin. He is the one who took our place—He gives us life for death, and we must be sure that we are bowing before Him, humbling ourselves before Him and not dictating to Him! We are to “BE” a miracle of grace to a world that needs Jesus, not by conforming to the world, but by yielding to the “righteousness” of God which conforms us into the image of Jesus. Not living in the “lusts of the flesh”, but for the glory of God The Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the precious Holy Spirit, whom Jesus has given to be with us through all of our life and journey as believers, through this world of sin and temptation. Being miracles of God rather than seeking after them (I’m talking about selfish demands, not legitimate requests for God’s intervention according to His Word, His Spirit and His Word).

We can live confident lives, committed to and focused on the total trustworthiness and sovereignty of our God. He never makes mistakes, and His will is to be our desire—not showmanship!!! Just as we saw in Matthew 6, we are to seek God first, and trust to His sovereign control in every aspect of our lives. Not seeking our will, but HIS!

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come,

     Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13

It is imperative that we keep our eyes on Jesus, knowing that He told us to seek God’s will NOT our own:

“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done”

It requires determination and devotion to “seek” God and His kingdom, not simply His benefits, His works and/or His miracles. We must be willing to seek after “Thy kingdom” and “Thy will”, or we may fall for the allure of the world trying to make “OUR” will God’s, and expecting Him to “perform” when we demand—just as the religious leaders of Jesus’ time demanded a “sign” from Him to satisfy their selfishness. Or we can trust God to be doing HIS work, in our lives, in HIS time!

“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,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.” Romans 8:27-32

Are we willing to trust God with our life and do things HIS way, regardless of what results may or may not come of our efforts. Remember God called us to take the gospel to the world—NOT conforming ourselves or the message to accomplish results! We are called to take the gospel to the world—NOT to join them in their lusts.

“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

9 For we are labourers

together with God:

ye are God’s husbandry,

ye are God’s building.

10 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 3:7-11

There is only one foundation, only one way, and that is through the Gospel of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for sin—only one way—only one message. That is what we are called to share, not the appeal of the world, or it’s methods. We are to preach “Christ and Him crucified”!!! Our lives are to be aligned with an attitude of humility and service to our Lord, NOT behaving as spiritual dictators (although we are to hold one another accountable to righteous living with love and compassion). We are servants of the Most High God, NOT His dictator!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.

3 For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself

more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man

the measure of faith.”    Romans 12:1-2

Paul’s urgent plea is that we be yielded to God in all things so that the world can see Christ in us. We are to “BE” the miracle of God’s grace before the world, not on a pursuit of the miraculous for our own benefit, or to “prove” anything for God or His Son Jesus! God never called us to “prove” His character but to display it! So will you join me in being committed to “BE” a miracle of God’s work of righteousness? Don’t get caught up in the “bling” of the worldly, false teachers and preachers who call others to follow them and “seek” the miraculous—for whatever reason. It’s our calling. May we not seek “proof” but “BE” the proof of God’s redeeming, transforming power before the world. Or you can join the “wicked and adulterous” generation seeking for a sign, the sign that Jesus accomplished in His death, burial and resurrection? And that is the only “sign” that Jesus promised the wicked that they would see! And it’s the sign that the world rejected and keeps on rejecting.

So let’s proclaim and live the truth of Jesus—the miracle of salvation. Jesus is there for you!

“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.” Hebrews 2:17-18

Jesus’ miracle of salvation can transform any one into His miracle of grace. Look up, trust to His grace and then press on—focusing on Jesus Himself, not on just His awesome power. HE IS THE MIRACLE!

“God, who at sundry times

and in divers manners

spake in time past

unto the fathers

by the prophets,

2 Hath in these last days

spoken unto us

by his Son,

whom he hath appointed heir of all things,

by whom also he made the worlds;

3 Who being the brightness of his glory,

and the express image of his person,

and upholding all things

by the word of his power,

when he had by himself purged our sins,

sat down

on the right hand

of the Majesty on high:” Hebrews 1:1-3

The greatest miracle of all is salvation. Is that sufficient for you? His salvation alone is sufficient for “abundant life” and “godliness”! The world seeing the miracle of Jesus IN us, and coming to know Him in all His fullness—no compromise or worldliness required!

“,Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

And the light IS Jesus—not joining the world and trying to bring them to light—but us “Being” light in the dark place, not joining the dark to tell them about the light. The light of God’s righteousness is what the world needs—not false wonders! We don’t have to walk in the “dark” to witness of the “light”!

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

Blessings on your week! Be that miracle of grace!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #267    Praying For You!!!

One of the very best things that we can do is to PRAY!!! No matter what comes at us, no matter how our hearts may ache, no matter what answers we can’t seem to find, no matter what direction or understanding we may be seeking —the answer can always be found in prayer. Now I’m not saying the answer will always come “immediately” but it will come, even when it’s not the answer we were expecting or desiring! Our God is always working in our lives to conform us to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ—we have only to seek His face in prayer and through the searching of the scriptures.

“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,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.” Romans 8:28-29

We can pray in confidence knowing that God is working in our lives in every thing— every issue, every crisis, every question, every trial, every pain, and every sorrow—every thing! Your problems and concerns are not a surprise to God, and if we’ll but look to HIM in all these things we will find the strength, wisdom and courage to walk forward and press on with and for Jesus. He is faithful!

But the thing I really want to share this morning is that I am praying for you. And like many of the prayers that I pray for others, my prayer for you is from scripture. There is a storehouse of gold to be mined in the prayers of scripture. The one I’d like to share with you this morning is a prayer that is precious to my heart because it is such an all encompassing and heartfelt yearning for the spiritual good and growth of those God sends into our lives. So this my friends, is the prayer of my heart for you today. May God speak to your heart today and meet you where you are—for while I don’t know your specific need, my God does!!!

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire that

ye might be filled

with the knowledge

of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy

of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful

in every good work,

and increasing

in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power,

unto all patience

and longsuffering

with joyfulness;

12 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 1:9-14

May God bless you to truly to experience and know His presence in “all wisdom and spiritual understanding” today. Amen and Amen! And the reason we can be confident is because of Jesus:

“Who is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him

were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible and invisible,

whether they be thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

or powers:

all things were created by him, and for him:

17 And he is before all things,

and by him all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the body, the church:

who is the beginning,

the firstborn from the dead;

that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:15-18

Bible Ballistics: BBs #266    When I Am Afraid???

We’ve shared some pretty heavy subjects lately, but then I’ve had a heavy burden from the Lord. But today I’d like to share a brief word of encouragement to hopefully brighten your day. We all have things facing us, which may bring alarm and/or fear; but whether it’s health issues, financial issues, family problems, work crises, or just plain frustration and confusion in this crazy world we live in, God has a word for us today.

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”    Psalm 56:3

I love this verse for it’s simple power. We all have times of fear, be it justified or imagined, and that fear must be dealt with. Yet our loving God, who knew we would have to face fear, reminds us that He has us, and the issues that we are facing, in His mighty hand, and we can trust it all to HIM! Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise HIM!!! He is trustworthy and He never fails—NEVER!

“For the Lord your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: 24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever.” Joshua 4:23-24

Joshua had a message of encouragement for the children of Israel, and that message is as true today as it was those thousands of years ago. Just as our God was faithful to lead and protect His children then, HE is still on the throne watching over His children today—those who have come to Him by repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is working through every detail in our life to grow us as well as to glorify Himself through our faithfulness in those fearful times. We are the display case for the power of God!!! But what are we displaying? That is up to us, so let’s choose wisely, because our God never fails! And He IS able!

“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.” Psalm 89:13

But what is our part? Our part is to yield our will to His, to trust Him to direct our steps and provide for our every need, to humble ourselves before God and submit ourselves, as believers, to one another.

“Likewise, ye younger,

submit yourselves unto the elder.

Yea, all of you

be subject one to another,

and be clothed with humility:

for God resisteth the proud,

and giveth grace to the humble.

6 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.” 1 Peter 5:5-7

I hope this bit of encouragement will bless you in this middle of the week, and I pray that God will guide, direct and comfort your heart, regardless of what fears may be looming around you. Remember—look up, trust His grace, and press on!!!

“A word fitly spoken

is like apples of gold

in pictures of silver.” Proverbs 25:11

Amen and amen!

 

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 7 No. 20  Will HE Say YES Or NO???

The “Gospel” is the “Good News”. But “Good News” is only “good news” if you hear it, respond to what you hear and heed the message. The “good news” is that Jesus died for you and me, but if we don’t heed the “Good News” that Jesus paid the price for our deliverance from sin and hell, then it isn’t “good news” to you! Paul reminds us of the truth of the “Gospel” in his first letter to the Corinthians, the “Gospel” in a nutshell, if you would. So here’s the “Good News”:

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen

of Cephas,

then of the twelve:

6 After that, he was seen

of above five hundred brethren at once;

of whom the greater part remain

unto this present,

but some are fallen asleep.

7 After that, he was seen of James;

then of all the apostles.”     1 Corinthians 15:1-7

What will you do with this “Good News”? What have you done with it? There are only two choices available: accept it as truth and receive the salvation that Jesus died to provide for all who will come to Him in repentance and faith; or reject the only hope for your deliverance from the penalty of sin—death and hell. I know that’s pretty short and blunt, but it’s the truth and we live in a world and culture that denies the truth of God and is giving false hope to a lost and dying world, saying “there are many ways to God/Heaven”. We’re living in a culture where even the “church” is often giving out the wrong message in a misguided desire to reach “more” people! But to reach them with false hope, and a watered down “Gospel” isn’t really reaching them at all. As we talked about recently, if the watchman doesn’t give out the call—the lost will still die in their sin, and the watchman will be held accountable. But our focus for today isn’t the watchmen but YOUR personal response to the true “Gospel” of Jesus Christ.

Paul clearly gives us the truth in the passage above:

It is a received message, for Paul didn’t invent it—                                                                   He just shared what he had received—                                                                                        The “Good News” that Jesus saves. Have you received the truth?

It is the only way to salvation—deliverance from the penalty of sin. Have you heard and recognized the truth of Jesus?

There is a “vain” faith—an imitation that looks good, sounds good, but isn’t really in Jesus but some other way, usually a ‘self-made’ way to God. What kind of faith do you have?

What Paul received, he shared. When he came to Jesus in repentance and faith, he accepted Jesus and the call to spread the “Good News”!!! If you belong to Jesus, what are you doing with the “Good News”?

The “Gospel” is ALL about Jesus.

       He died for OUR sins, according to the scriptures.

       He was buried, because He really died, for us.

        He was resurrected, according to the scriptures–

He was, is and always will be God’s only plan for saving a lost and dying world.

         He was seen alive by many witnesses.

Witnesses who often gave their lives sharing the truth of Jesus’ bodily resurrection from the dead, because it displayed His victory over sin, death and hell, just as God had promised!

So the question comes to mind, “What have you done with the ‘Gospel’”? There is no other way, and Jesus Himself gives us the message so clearly throughout His life and ministry on this earth.

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3 & 5 (He said it twice!)

And why do we need to repent? Because we have gone our own way and not God’s way (by birth into sin, and by personal choice), and only the suffering, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ could pay the debt that our sin incurs.

“Surely he

hath borne our griefs,

and carried our sorrows:

yet we

did esteem him stricken,

smitten of God,

and afflicted.

5 But he

was wounded for our transgressions,

he was bruised for our iniquities:

the chastisement of our peace was upon him;

and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we

like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned every one to his own way; and

the Lord

hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”     Isaiah 53:4-6

All our sin was laid upon Jesus!

“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.” Matthew 1:21-23

“God with us”, and praise God, HE, Jesus, came, HE lived a sinless life, and HE died for you and me!!! We needed a Savior and HE came to pay for my sin and yours. Jesus alone—the God Man– could provide eternal life for those who would believe in Him; and not only eternal life, but also abundant overcoming life; life guided and directed by the Holy Spirit of God; life that can walk with the Lord Jesus, and also can rest in HIM in all the busy-ness and chaos of the world.

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

And that rest can and will only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God who came and gave Himself that we might have life, hope and peace, the peace of God as well as peace with God.

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

“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:44

Well, if Jesus is the only way to the Father (and HE is), and no one comes to Jesus unless the Father draws Him (and He does), then how do we come? Only one way, and it’s all of God, from God, by God and through God:

“And I will pray the Father, and

he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless:

I will come to you.” John 14:16-18

Jesus promised His indwelling Spirit would come and be our “Comforter”, the “Spirit of Truth” (and remember Jesus IS truth), who at that time was dwelling with them (Jesus Himself in the flesh), yet would be within them after HE physically left this world!!! Oh what a wonderful promise, the “New Covenant”, Jesus with us always.

“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:” Colossians 1:27

Christ Jesus within you and me, who will believe!!! It’s why Jesus came and accomplished the work of salvation, the atonement for our sin, and the redemption (buying us back for the power of the enemy, Satan, see Col. 1:13-14) of our souls and our lives. And in that redemption on the cross, He sealed the New Covenant, which is the promise of God dwelling within us (See Jeremiah 31:31-33 and Ezekiel 36:25-29)! Oh what glory—God’s glory within us so we don’t have to take this Christian journey alone. He has promised to never leave His own!!

“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.”    Hebrews 13:5-6

We can be confident because the Lord Himself, through His Spirit, is with us always and is accomplishing God’s work in us.

“But when the Comforter is come,

whom I will send

unto you

from the Father,

even the Spirit of truth,

which proceedeth from the Father,

he shall testify of me:” John 15:26

 

And by His Spirit we can overcome the opposition of this world. We can walk in victory by walking “in the Spirit” and then we won’t “fulfill the lusts of the flesh”! Jesus revealed even more of what His Spirit would do for His children.

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart,

I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come,

he will reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment:

9 Of sin,

because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness,

because I go to my Father,

and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment,

because the prince of this world is judged.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he,

the Spirit of truth,

is come,

he will guide you into all truth:

for he shall not speak of himself;

but whatsoever he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath are mine:

therefore said I,

that he shall take of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.” John 16:7-15

What assurance to know that God the Son has given us His Spirit to empower our victory in this walk of faith. But that’s not all; He also gave us His Word. And by that Word we can know how to order our steps, what truth looks like and acts like, and can join the Psalmist and pray:

“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalm 119:133

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23

And when we are focused on the face of our Lord, and dig into His Word we will come to understand that we must die to self and live to Him.

“And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?” Luke 9:23-25

The very same message that Isaiah shared—we have all gone our own way!! Only in giving our lives to Jesus and accepting HIS life, can we truly live. I must repent of MY sin, stop going my own way and take up the cross of Jesus and receive His life for my death sentence. It is the power of the cross—Jesus gives life, eternal life—life for death!

“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

Praise God, I can live “by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”! What less could I do but give myself to Him. And the very Lord who offers us life, knows those who are truly His own. Do you know you are His? It’s a matter of life and death, for a day is coming when we will all give an account of our choices—whether we have chosen life in Jesus, or chosen to pay for our own sin ourselves. You see, the question isn’t “will you bow before Jesus”, but “when will you bow”? Because “every knee shall bow” before Him and “every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”(See Philippians 2:5-11)! The question is, will you bow before Him now as your Lord and Savior, or will you reject/ignore Him now and bow before Him then as your judge. It will be one or the other, and it’s your choice—but a choice with eternal consequences. And no matter who you may be able to fool in this world, you can’t fool the Lord Jesus Christ. He knows His own!!!

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19

So the question to be answered is, “are you His”? If you aren’t you can be! But if you aren’t, no measure of pretense or imitation will fool the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will stand before Him one day. What will you hear there?

“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. 24 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 7:21-27

Will you hear “depart”, or “well done”? When Jesus says “NO” it means no!!! Oh to hear His “welcome home precious child”! Are you building on the “Rock Of Ages” or the “Sinking Sand”? It’s your choice, but the storms will come! And after the storms will you stand on the “Rock” or fall with the “Sand”? Will you hear depart? Or will you hear ‘well done’?

“His lord said unto him,

Well done,

thou good and faithful servant:

thou hast been faithful over a few things,

I will make thee ruler

over many things:

enter thou into the joy of thy lord.……..

23 His lord said unto him,

Well done, good and faithful servant;

thou hast been faithful over a few things,

I will make thee ruler

over many things:

enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21 & 23

Will you hear “enter thou into the joy of thy lord”? Or will you hear “NO” way you ‘unprofitable servant’?

“His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant,………… 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:26 & 30

Will you say “yes” to Jesus, and hear “enter in”, or will you say “no” to His loving sacrifice for you, and hear “no” when you want to enter His Kingdom. The choice is yours but the consequences are eternal–Yes or No? It is life or death?

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15

And a side note in closing, if you don’t have time or desire for HIM now, why would He have a place for you then?

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21

Is Jesus your treasure?

Bible Ballistics: BBs #265    Standing In The Gap!!!

 

Those of us who belong to Jesus have been called to share the truth of the gospel, even though we live in a world that has gone after lies; lies about almost any subject that you’d like to mention. So how are we to respond? We must hold fast to the truth, and even when we are opposed on every hand we must cling to, and speak out the truth that Jesus is the ONLY way to God; Jesus is the only way to have peace with God; the only way to have a relationship with God; the only way to receive the forgiveness of sin (See Colossians 1:12-14). And without a personal relationship with God, through repentance and faith in the only Son of God and His death in your place and mine, there is no real hope—now or in eternity. JESUS is the truth and we must hold Him high.

“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

Jesus said of Himself, that HE is the only way to come to the Father. But how do we come to Jesus? We must come to Him realizing our lost, hopeless and desperate condition in our own sins—that we have a problem that we can’t fix. We must come to know and understand that while the “wages of sin is death”, God has made a way for us and Jesus is that way. We must trust and believe that those “wages” have been paid by Jesus; that while “the wages of sin is death”, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Jesus came to deliver us from the power of sin—from the eternal death in hell—and yes, hell is real, but even more so, the “life” that Jesus gives! The choice is ours, yours and mine! (See Romans 3:23 & 6:23)

“And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. 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.” John 8:23-24

We must believe that Jesus is God the Son, and that He came to dwell in a body of flesh through a virgin birth, that He lived a sinless life, and willingly went to Calvary to pay for MY sin! I have only to see my sinful condition before God, repent of my sin (simply turn from my way to God’s way, see Isaiah 53:6) and give myself to Jesus in faith and total dependence. And when we know the grace and mercy of God’s salvation in Jesus, then we are to share that truth with our world. Sharing with our lives, our words, our actions, and our responses to the evil around us—being a testimony of God’s truth, grace, holiness and love, through the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit.

But who is speaking truth. We hear lies all around us—calling people to be ‘happy’, ‘confident’, and full of “SELF” esteem, when what we need is the gospel which reveals our sin, and calls us to the only Savior, Jesus Christ The Lord!!! But are we standing in the gap of lies with the truth?

“The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. 30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. 31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God.” Ezekiel 22:29-31

There is a price to pay for going our own way; we will “reap” what we “sow”!!! God makes His truth available through His Word, and we who know it are responsible for knowing and sharing it, but we have often failed to do so. Whose way are you going? Your own, or God’s? And we can only do God’s work God’s way, through HIS Son and HIS Spirit and power.

“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.” John 15:5

We must choose to be God’s true and faithful servants, so we don’t fall for he lies of the enemy ourselves. And we also must prophesy the truth—Jesus! God has a message for those who share “lies”.

“And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the Lord;

3 Thus saith the Lord God;

Woe unto the foolish prophets,

that follow their own spirit,

and have seen nothing!

4 O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.

5 Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. 6 They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying,

The Lord saith:

and the Lord hath not sent them:

and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.

7 Have ye not seen a vain vision,

and have ye not spoken a lying divination,

whereas ye say,

The Lord saith it;

albeit I have not spoken?

8 Therefore thus saith the Lord God;

Because ye have spoken vanity,

and seen lies,

therefore, behold,

I am against you, saith the Lord God.”    Ezekiel 13:1-8

So, the decision is yours. Will you trust your life and salvation from sin to Jesus? If you already belong to Jesus, will you live a life of obedience, reflecting the holiness of our Lord Jesus Christ to the world? The choice is ours—and the future of our world depends upon us—will we share the truth and bring others to the Savior that we love, or will we be false prophets who give people false hope, or by our silence give them no hope at all? May we all be listening to the voice of the Lord as we walk through this wicked and desperate world? We who know Jesus have been called to follow Him, and share His truth—HE IS TRUTH!!! The world needs us to “stand in the gap”—won’t you join me and ‘stand’?