Category Archives: Transformation

3 R’s To Remember!!! A Word From THE WORD!!! #13

15 Wednesday Jun 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Advice for the journey, All Sufficient God!, Armor of God, Be not conformed to this world, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast!, The 3 R's (or more), The Word, The Word Or The World?, Transformation, Transformed life

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3 R’s To Remember!!!  A Word from THE WORD!!! #13

Most of us “senior citizens” remember the “3 R’s” from our childhood school days—Reading, wRiting, and aRithmatic!—and as funny as it sounds, as I wrote it out, I sit here almost laughing out loud.  Oh, how my heart longs for those simpler days, no not perfect days, but simpler days of laughter, playing outside without fear, riding our bikes, and walking out in the country after dark, moms cooking, and families with dads in the home! But that’s an article for another day; what I’d like to broach today are the three (and maybe more) “Rs” of spiritual warfare, for it is heating up all around us, and I don’t’ know about you, but much of my time is saddened by the crass, rude, and vulgar world we have allowed to develop and flourish around us!  But today, I want us to consider how to “stand fast in the evil day”!  And boy is it here!

Recognition!

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.”  Ephesians 6:13

We must “suit up” with the “whole armor of God” daily—moment by moment in fact!  But what else should we consider?  The tactics of the enemy and our God-given responses which will help us to continue to “withstand”!  First and of great import is the truth that we do have an enemy of our souls; even Jesus addressed this issue.

“The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it

more abundantly.”  John 10:10

The enemy has a name—and he also has a host of helpers who harass, attack, and oppress believers on a regular, if not continual basis; we must be aware and prepared (and don’t overlook those humans who have aligned themselves with his agenda, but remember “we wrestle not against flesh…”!).

“And the great dragon was cast out,

that old serpent,

called the Devil,

and Satan,

which deceiveth the whole world:

 he was cast out

into the earth,

and his angels

were cast out with him.”  Revelation 12:9

A deceiver—a liar—the one who makes promises which are smoke and mirrors—but he is good at what he does, so don’t fall for his lies and tricks (wiles as the KJV calls them and he IS wiley!)!

“Why do ye not understand my speech?

even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father ye will do.

He was a murderer from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth,

ye believe me not.”  John 8:43-45

So, my friends, we must recognize this enemy of our souls, in fact the enemy of all mankind—in total contrast to JESUS who loves us so much HE died in our place, that we could “have everlasting life…”, and having recognized that we have an enemy be prepared to “withstand”; and while I don’t see demons behind every tree, I do know that they are real and at work all around us, and I/we must be ready, for their goal is to “steal…kill..and destroy” every thing and every person that they possibly can!  So, we must be prepared to effectively

Resist!

“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 5:8-9

And James’ reiteration of Peter’s warning!

“Submit yourselves therefore

to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands, ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.”  James 4:7-8

 We must, must “Draw nigh to God” to be equipped for the battle and prepared to “withstand in the evil day”–being

Ready by Remembering!

“But, beloved, remember ye

the words which were spoken before

 of the apostles

of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Jude 1:17

And how do we “remember”, well we must first “member” God’s Word into our hearts and minds.  We must read it, study it, pray it, and there we will find the strength, power, and provision of The Holy Spirit to LIVE IT!

“Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

 rightly dividing

the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

 Ready and remembering by God’s power and Spirit, as we learn to trust to the very “breath” of God in HIS WORD!

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

 for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

Oh, thank you Father God, Jesus our Redeemer, and precious Holy Spirit for the great gift of your written Word, as well as the living Word, Jesus!  It’s in this power of THE WORD that we can find remembering power and standing grace to truly be found faithful before our King.  And the awesome truth that we win!

Reassurance!

“And the devil that deceived them

was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone,

where the beast and the false prophet are,

and shall be tormented

day and night for ever and ever.”  Revelation 20:10

And in closing, one last word of encouragement that I pray will help you know that while God has provided all we need, we must also do our part by seeking HIS face, reading HIS Word, communicating with HIM in prayer and LIVING what we believe before a lost and dying world!  We can’t force Jesus on anyone (HE never did either), but we can live in such a way as to draw people to the cross of our blessed Savior, Redeemer, and KING!

Renew!

“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 12:1-3

Amen and Amen!!!

Laws Don’t Change Hearts!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 26

21 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Believe IN Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Confessing Sin, Consider Your ways, Creation, Creator of ALL, Decency, Deniable Truth? Really?, Discernment, Encouragement, Erasing The Lines?, Erasing The Past?, Evil will not win, Eyes that SEE HIM, Father of lies, For Such A Time As This, God Who Sees, God's Judgment, Hate, He Died That We Could Live, Holy Spirit, If not now? When?, In The Beginning, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus In Genesis!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Saves!, Judgment, Know Whom I Believe, Knowing God's Word, Laws Don't Change Hearts, Liars, Lies, No Sin No Need?, Only Jesus, Only One Way, Polluted by the world?, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Repentance, Salvation, Seeing Truth, Speaking The Truth In Love, The Blood Cleanseth us from all Sin, The Blood Of Jesus, The Broad or Narrow Way?, The Word Or The World?, Today is the day of Salvation, Transformation, Walking With Jesus, What's In Your Heart?, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 26  Laws Don’t Change Hearts!!!

 

We are surrounded by confusion on every hand; a time in culture and history when we are not only changing the rules, but people are attempting to change the very foundations of mankind—foundations that were established by God “in the beginning” and they haven’t changed regardless of what “men” may say!  But there’s more—men are also attempting to explain sin away!  They pass laws that try to blame “hate” and “prejudice” to erase the simple truth that man’s heart is evil and sinful men commit sinful acts.

They also are determined to eliminate the presence or influence of God in our world.  If laws could change hearts, God would have stopped with the Ten Commandments, but He knew that it would require a sacrifice for sin to provide that which would change the very hearts of men, women, boys and girls—and yes, we are created “male and female” regardless of what the government says!  Political mandates don’t change the eternal Word of God or it being truth.

“In the beginning

God created the heaven

and the earth…

… 26 And God said,

Let us make man in our image,

after our likeness:

and let them have dominion

over the fish of the sea,

and over the fowl of the air,

and over the cattle,

and over all the earth,

and over every creeping thing

that creepeth upon the earth.

27 So God created man in his own image,

in the image of God

created he him;

male and female

created he them.

28 And God blessed them,

and God said unto them,

Be fruitful,

and multiply,

and replenish the earth,

and subdue it:

and have dominion

over the fish of the sea,

and over the fowl of the air,

and over every living thing

that moveth upon the earth…

… 31 And God saw every thing that he had made,

and, behold,

it was very good.

And the evening and the morning

were the sixth day.”   Portions of Genesis 1:1 & 26-31

While many deride the truth of the first eleven chapters of Genesis, they are the very foundation of what I/we believe about God; in fact, without the truth of Genesis 1-11 we can close the book and go do something better with our time and energies.  For without this foundation and truth of the creation of God there would be no man, no Adam and Eve, no sin and no redemption plan—and without sin and the need of a Redeemer, why would we need a Jesus to become the incarnate Son of God, and be crucified, buried and risen for our sin?  But I know that this is God’s truth, and I will stand upon it in confidence and trust in The God who created all things—Father, Son and Holy Spirit– until HE seals my lips or calls me unto Himself!  We find God the Father and God the Holy Spirit specifically in the first few verses of Genesis, yet people ask, “Where is Jesus?”  Well, friends, I can answer that question; When you look at Genesis 1 you will find that every part of creation was “spoken” by God and came into existence—and who is Jesus?

“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.”  John 1:1-3

Paul also made it clear that Jesus was and is the instrument in the creation of all things—He IS God, not a creation of God!  He is The God-Man-Savior; the One who redeems all mankind who will come to HIM in repentance, and faith in His sacrifice for my sin and yours!

“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:

15 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.”  Colossians 1:12-17

You and I are created “by him, and for him”, HE ought to be my focus and yours; as the author of Hebrews also makes this truth of Jesus, the creator, clear!

“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

While all of this is imperative to our faith, it is also an accusation against our culture, and even the church, which has seemed to remain silent on this unquestionable foundational truth of our faith—both creation and sin!  Paul told us that the heart of man is the issue—not our circumstances or our culture (yet the culture is often influenced by the hearts of wicked men)—that circle of our relationship with God; the one so aptly pictured in the book of judges (which we won’t quote today) which pictures the cycle of mankind, close to God—rejecting God—leaping headfirst into sin—reaping the consequences of sin—repenting and God providing a redemption for repentant sinners!  Just like HE still does today.  Even Jesus calls us to repentance!

“I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish…

…5 I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3 & 5

What does all this have to do with us today?  Well, it has to do with the fact that God knows that sin is/was the issue, and that The Law couldn’t change hearts, only reveal our need for God’s saving grace.  So, God promised that The Law would show them their sin, but He would send One who would be the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin, initiating the New Covenant—the indwelling Holy Spirit who would dwell with all who will believe in Jesus, HE who paid the sin debt for all who would believe.

“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.”  John 14:16-17

Paul makes the distinction very obvious in his letter to the Romans.

“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.”  Romans 1:8-9

Yet, with all this promise in Jesus, Paul reminds us that most will reject the Redeemer and choose to continue in sin, much like what Jeremiah stated!  The bottom line is, SIN is the issue!

“The heart is deceitful

above all things,

and desperately wicked:

who can know it?”  Jeremiah 17:9

And Jesus addressed it too:

“A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.”   Matthew 12:35

Now, back to Paul’s message to the church at Rome—one of the most wicked cities of its time; but sin’s not only in big cities, but in every place—at home, on TV, in movies, on social media– sin in a can you can open at will—it’s just renamed to deceive us!  Yet it’s not the “stuff” or the circumstances that dictate our choices but our own selfish, sinful lusts—and no abundance of laws can change one heart—only the “blood of Jesus that cleanseth us from all sin”!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God

unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 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.”  Romans 1:16-19

While our culture is attempting to erase all the lines of moral absolutes, they are also trying to legislate God out of our lives and replace God with their laws which will supposedly make all men equal, the same—uniform–with no room for evil—or the essentials of creation–NOT!  Sin is in the heart of man, and no law can change that; only the saving work of the blood of Jesus can change hearts and lives.  Paul goes on in chapter 1 of Romans, to remind us that sin will never lift anyone up—but will spiral into total chaos, evil, more sin and the very rejection of God that dooms mankind.

“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.”  Romans 1:20-25

And as Paul goes on to reveal, there is a consequence to every choice, and the choice to reject God will lead to more and more sin, for not only does “misery love company”—sin will not only affect you, but everyone that you come in contact with.  And those who pursue sin, will propagate their lifestyle, their agenda and their corruption regardless of the cost and effect upon themselves or others.

“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 those things

which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with 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, covenantbreakers,

without natural affection, implacable,

unmerciful:”  Romans 1:26-31

All of this they pursue without regard to the judgment of God, for they take pleasure in that which God hates—yes God does hate!

“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.”  Romans 1:32

“These six things doth the LORD hate:

yea, seven are an abomination

unto him:

17 A proud look,

a lying tongue,

and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth

wicked imaginations,

feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness

that speaketh lies,

and he that soweth discord among brethren.”  Proverbs 6:16-19

And in closing, one of the simplest and most profound descriptions of the contrast between the godly and the wicked is Psalm 1.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not

in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth

in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat

of the scornful.

2 But his delight

is in the law of the LORD;

and in his law doth he meditate

day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit

in his season;

his leaf also

shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth

shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so:

but are like the chaff

which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly

shall not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners

in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knoweth the way

of the righteous:

 but the way of the ungodly

shall perish.”  Psalm 1:1-6

And for your consideration, Jesus own words about the nature of the options.

“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.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you

in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly

they are ravening wolves.”   Matthew 7:13-15

Will you be like that “tree planted by the waters” or the condemned/many, apart from God.  It’s your choice–but choose wisely—there is a consequence and a test!

May God open your eyes to see, your ears to hear and your heart to “see God” and come to JESUS!

Amen and Amen!

Revival To “Alive”al??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 24

30 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by in Be not conformed to this world, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Cross, Encouragement, Every Knee Shall Bow, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, God's Judgment, God's love, God's provision, Good News, Holiness, Holy Spirit, IN Jesus!, It's Your Choice, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Only One Way, Salvation, Saved by grace, The Blood Of Jesus, Transformation, Transformed life, Trust God, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 24 Revival To “Alive”al???

 

“Wilt thou not revive us again:

that thy people

may rejoice in thee?

7 Shew us thy mercy, O LORD,

and grant us thy salvation.

8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak:

for he will speak peace

unto his people,

and to his saints:

but let them not turn again

to folly.

9 Surely his salvation is nigh them

that fear him;

that glory may dwell

in our land.”   Psalm 85:6-9

The prayer of my heart for many years has been for God to bring revival to HIS people.  I say that for the same reason that I used the title that I did; many seem to think that revival will bring hoards into the church, hence the church would be “revived” but that is far from true.  Revival is the:

“restoration to life, consciousness, vigor, strength…an awakening, in a church or community, of interest in and care for matters relating to personal religion…”

Revival is the awakening of those who have life, whereas salvation brings “life” to the spiritually dead.  It’s what Paul so aptly describes in Ephesians 2.

“And you hath he quickened, (brought to life)

who were dead in trespasses and sins; (dead)

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.”   Ephesians 2:1-3

Much like the picture that Paul painted in his treatise to the Roman church (and Romans is the foundational essence of the Christian faith in a capsule, howbeit a large capsule) that sin is sin, we all have it, and only Jesus can provide the cure, and how the ‘cure’ is worked out in each believer!

“As it is written,

There is none righteous,

no, not one:

11 There is none that understandeth,

there is none that seeketh after God.

12 They are all gone

out of the way,

they are together

become unprofitable;

there is none that doeth good,

no, not one.”  Romans 3:10-12

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth

to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood,

to declare his righteousness

for the remission of sins that are past,

through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say,

at this time

his righteousness:

 that he might be just,

and the justifier

of him which believeth

in Jesus.”   Romans 3:24-26

“For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ

our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

Jesus came to “save his people from their sins” and without being “born again” we are dead in sin! But praise God, Jesus came that we could be “born again” and have eternal life with Him, when we come to Him in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for us.

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born

when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb,

and be born?

5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born

of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”  John 3:3-7

Jesus came that we might have “life, and that they might have it more abundantly”!

So, if the church’s job isn’t to infuse itself with “new members”, what is it?  Well, that is a question that Jesus answered before He left this world to take His place at The Father’s right hand. Let’s consider the call/commission that HE gave to His own—those who are born again!!!

“Go ye therefore,

and teach all nations,

baptizing them

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them

to observe all things

whatsoever I have commanded you:

and, lo,

I am with you alway,

even unto the end of the world.

Amen.”  Matthew 28:19-20

Jesus also made some observations as He spoke to the churches in The Revelation; some pertinent messages that I think we need to consider and heed today, several seem to be apropos to our focus today.

“These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars;

I know thy works,

that thou hast a name

that thou livest,

and art dead.”  Revelation 3:1b

“I know thy works:

behold, I have set before thee

an open door,

and no man can shut it:

for thou hast a little strength,

and hast kept my word,

and hast not denied my name.”   Revelation 3:8

And what I think is the most important for us to consider:

“Because thou sayest,

I am rich,

and increased with goods,

and have need of nothing;

and knowest not that

thou art wretched,

and miserable,

and poor,

and blind,

and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me

gold tried in the fire,

that thou mayest be rich;

and white raiment,

that thou mayest be clothed,

and that the shame of thy nakedness

do not appear;

and anoint thine eyes

with eyesalve,

that thou mayest see.”  Revelation 3:17-18

So, what can we take away from all of this?  I think we must do as God told Israel through the prophet Haggai, “consider your ways”, good advice that God still has for us today.  We must consider our ways and measure them by God’s Word rather than the popular buzz of the world.  The church is to lead the world to transforming life in Jesus, NOT to be “transformed” into the image of the world.  God calls us to be changed into the image of our Lord, The Son; and when we will choose to yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit of Jesus, we will find that revival will come to us, spread to other believers and then the lost will be drawn to the Master.  Just the way that Jesus told us in John!

“And I,

if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me.

33 This he said, signifying what death

he should die.”  John 12:32-33

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

even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”  John 3:14-16

He was lifted up for our sin, may we ever lift HIM up to draw others to the cross! Like Paul, I believe the church is called to stand on the gospel of Jesus and not the imitation “religion” of the world, entertaining people right into hell.  False security is no security.  May we determine to stand fast in the sufficiency and total provision of the cross.

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony

of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:2

And as Jesus said of Himself:

“…….I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

So, will you join me in truly pursuing Jesus and praying for revival amongst born again believers, so that our transformation into truly holy reflections of our Lord will draw others to the cross—by HIS transforming power!

“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.”  Romans 12:1-2

May our lives ever be reflective of Jesus; may we truly be the evidence that God is ever at work around us?  May we be found faithful to HIS WORD; knowing it’s God’s standard that we will be judged by, not man’s!

“For the word of God

is quick,

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 4:12-13

The choice is yours, but there will be an accounting before God, and only those who have bowed before the cross will be able to stand by JESUS’ blood.

Amen!

How Are You “Feeling”??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 07

29 Sunday Sep 2019

Posted by in Approved Unto God, By Him We Live, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Encouragement, Faith, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Growing in Jesus!, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, IN Jesus!, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Let You Light So Shine, Listening To God, Only One Way, Seeing Truth, SIN, Speaking The Truth In Love, The Father of Lies!, The Only Way, The Same Yesterday, The Word Or The World?, Transformation, Trendy Or Truth

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Bible Ballistics: Vol.14 No.07 How Are You “Feeling”???

 

I would like to share a passage with you all today, one that struck me recently as profound in a way that I hadn’t noticed before.

“That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up

into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body

fitly joined together

and compacted by that

which every joint supplieth,

according to the effectual working

in the measure of every part,

maketh increase of the body

unto the edifying of itself

in love.

17 This I say therefore,

and testify in the Lord,

that ye henceforth walk not

as other Gentiles walk,

in the vanity of their mind,

18 Having the understanding darkened,

being alienated from the life of God

through the ignorance that is in them,

because of the blindness

of their heart:

19 Who being past feeling

have given themselves over

unto lasciviousness,

to work all uncleanness

with greediness.

20 But ye have not so learned Christ;

21 If so be that ye have heard him,

and have been taught by him,

as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off

concerning the former conversation

the old man,

which is corrupt

according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed

in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on

the new man,

which after God

is created in righteousness

and true holiness.”  Ephesians 4:14-24

Past feeling: Paul was encouraging the Ephesian believers as he called them to ‘grow’ in their faith in Jesus, not yielding to the lusts of the flesh—the ‘old man’; we are to ‘grow up’ instead of behaving like children “tossed to and fro”.  We are not to be tossed about by “every wind of doctrine”—the popular ‘buzz of the day’; “by the sleight of men”—the trickery of those who want to side-track us from our life of biblical faith, by using “cunning craftiness”—defined by the dictionary as, “being underhand or evil schemes; cunning; deceitful; sly”!  Paul wanted us to recognize that the enemy of our souls is ever busy trying to mislead and deceive with sly devises.

Paul goes on to remind them and us, that we are to live by the power of the Christ who is “in us”, and HE will enable us to work toward the “increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love”.  He also goes on to warn us that we are not to pursue the same walk that the world pursues; for they are following vain efforts.  And the phrase that hit me is most enlightening:

“18 Having the understanding darkened,

being alienated from the life of God

through the ignorance that is in them,

because of the blindness

of their heart:

19 Who being past feeling

have given themselves over

unto lasciviousness,

to work all uncleanness

with greediness.”

“Past feeling”, what an amazing phrase!  It reminds me of what Paul told the Romans about those who reject God—that they have chosen to walk away from the true God and to create their own “gods”, their own way!  And that ‘way’ always leads exactly where Jesus said it would lead—to destruction.  We live in a world that purports that we are “all going to the same end” (some kind of ‘god’, but we are simply “taking different paths” to the same ‘heaven’!), but Jesus said something totally opposite.

“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

This One who is “the way”, the only way, makes it clear how the different choices will end:

“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.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly

they are ravening wolves.”    Matthew 7:13-15

Paul also reminds us of the exclusivity of the Gospel (not a popular stand!), and the certainty of the end result—or if you would, the consequences (set by God) are sure for every choice!

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh

reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit

reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary

in well doing:

for in due season

we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

 let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”    Galatians 6:7-10

I know I use this passage a lot, but it is a much-needed message in our culture of “anything goes”, and I am compelled to bring this to our minds often.  The days are evil, and we all need to be reminded that God hasn’t changed—or, in other words—the rules haven’t changed because:

“Jesus Christ

the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”   Hebrews 13:8. Amen!

No matter how the world tries to convince us (and they are succeeding to a great degree, because many are NOT paying attention to God’s Word!), it saddens me that you can hardly watch any kind of media that doesn’t challenge or even clearly attack biblical morality, reason, or the call to ‘rise above’.  Even the so-called family friendly channels present ‘living together’ as ok, drinking and drugs as common place, rebellion and defiance as acceptable!  It is a battle that we must ever be conscious of!

So, let’s go back to Paul’s letter to the Ephesian believers, and observe the practical commands that he shares with us for faithful, godly, obedient living.  Let’s rehearse these facts.

“That ye put off

concerning the former conversation

the old man,

which is corrupt

according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed

in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on

 the new man,

which after God

is created

in righteousness

and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying,

 speak every man truth with his neighbour:

for we are members one of another.

26 Be ye angry,

and sin not:

let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

27 Neither give place

to the devil.

28 Let him that stole

steal no more:

but rather let him labour,

working with his hands

the thing which is good,

that he may have to give

to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication

proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good

to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace

unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,

whereby ye are sealed

unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness,

and wrath,

and anger,

and clamour,

and evil speaking,

 be put away from you,

with all malice:

32 And be ye kind

one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4:22-32

The transformed Christian life is living not just by ‘rules’ but by the indwelling Holy Spirit who will lead us into “all truth”!  We must continually strive to ‘grieve not’ the Holy Spirit’s work in our heart, mind and life!  When God changes a life, HE changes it from the inside out—not just a white-wash on the outside—knowing that “freely ye have received, freely give” (See Mt. 10:8).  We receive the righteousness of Christ by the power of His Spirit.  We can have victory over the flesh if we will but walk in The Spirit and not yield to our flesh (which is always calling us to veer off the narrow way—and we will find that popularity will often flee when we choose to follow Jesus!)

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…

…25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk

 in the Spirit.”   Galatians 5:16 & 25

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new

….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.”   Portions of 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Oh, to be a reflection of His life to a world so dark and corrupt—may we be salt and light by His power, as we continually sacrifice our will to HIS!  Not in arrogance of what we can do, but in total confidence of what God can and will do through us as we yield to the work of HIS Spirit in us!  I’m so grateful that it depends on Jesus not me—I must simply walk by ‘faith’ and not by sight!  For oft-times ‘what you see’ ain’t ‘what you get’!  Remember that Satan is the ‘father of lies’ and a ‘fulltime deceiver’!  But we can win as we refuse to conform to the world by yielding ourselves to Jesus!

“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 12:1-3

Amen and Amen!  May God speak to each of us that we may reflect HIS glory in all our ways!  Transformed by Jesus, not conformed to the world! Remember, “The Light Of The World Is Jesus” (written by Philp P. Bliss)!

Honoring Or Dishonoring??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #557

22 Wednesday May 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Dishonor, Every Knee Shall Bow, God Is In Charge, Honor Or Dishonor?, How much goodness is enough?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Our God Reigns, Sanctified To Serve!, The Only Way, The Word Or The World?, Transformation, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #557    Honoring Or Dishonoring???

 

As much of our country is enduring difficult weather events, I am reminded of the truth that ‘man’ isn’t in charge!  And as we think of the God who is, I’d like to spend some time this morning considering our actions toward the God who Reigns! While the world can often be condescending to people who believe in Jesus, it is important to keep our focus on what God says, not what others, or even we ourselves, may think about Him, but what God says!  For truth is still truth no matter what is popular or accepted as ‘politically correct’! God has made clear that HIS standard is HIS Word—not ours!

“For the word of God is

quick,

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 4:12-13

God is the creator and the judge!  And He will judge according to His Word not mine or yours!

“And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things which were written

in the books,

according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead

which were in it;

and death and hell delivered up the dead

which were in them:

and they were judged

every man

according to their works.”  Revelation 20:12-13

God knows who we are, and He knows all “the thoughts and intents of the heart” of every heart and mind—yours and mine; and He has revealed through His Word, what we need for “life and godliness” (See 2 Peter 1:3-4)! The question isn’t the question that Pilate asked of Jesus, “What is truth?” (See John 18:38), but rather what have we done with “truth”?  Jesus IS truth—in essence, in reality, in body and in eternity.  HE is the standard of judgment.

“Because he hath appointed a day,

in the which he will judge

the world

in righteousness

by that man whom he hath ordained;

whereof he hath given assurance

unto all men,

in that he hath raised him

from the dead.”  Acts 17:31

God raised Jesus from the dead to save us, to prove that HE is the only way!  Many say today (and have for years) that Jesus isn’t the only way to God, and that He never claimed to be God!  Well, my friends, I beg to differ—HE did both!

“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

“My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

32 Jesus answered them,

Many good works have I shewed you

from my Father;

 for which of those works

do ye stone me?

33 The Jews answered him, saying,

For a good work

we stone thee not;

 but for blasphemy;

and because that thou,

being a man,

makest thyself God.”  John 10:29-33

The Jewish leaders clearly understood what Jesus was saying, and they were going to stone Him for blasphemy; but because He is truth, He spoke truth and declared to them—and to US—that He was, is and ever shall be God.  In fact, in another place He claimed His eternal being.

“Jesus said unto them,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

Before Abraham was,

 I am.”  John 8:58

Jesus IS God, and HE is the standard of judgment for all, and all will bow before Him and acknowledge HIM for who HE is.

“And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”    Philippians 2:8-11

So, my friends, the question isn’t “What is truth?” but “Who” is truth!  And the answer is, JESUS IS truth, and every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess.  The real question is “when” will you bow!  Will you bow before Him now as Lord and Savior of your life, in repentance and faith–giving your life to Him; or will you reject Him now and bow before Him ‘then’ as your judge, with no recourse for salvation.  Yet I want us to consider what you/I are doing with the life that He has given to us, and as believers the “life” that HE purchased for us—HIS abundant life?  Scripture is replete with admonitions to holy and faithful living for our Lord, for even believers will give an account of our actions (but at the judgment seat of Christ, not the great white throne, see Revelation 20, and Romans 14:10, and 2 Corinthians 5:10)! Let’s look at a few things for your consideration today:

“Marriage is honourable in all,

and the bed undefiled:

but whoremongers

and adulterers

God will judge.”  Hebrews 13:4

Sex outside of God’s design for marriage (one man and one woman becoming one flesh—you get the picture) is sin.  Adultery is the umbrella term for all sexual deviance—sex before marriage, outside of your marriage; and whoremongers (a fitting word for our culture) are those who are consumed with sexual activity of every kind and sort (Read Ro. 1:18-32), yet “God will judge”!

“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.

20 But in a great house there are

not only vessels of gold and of silver,

but also of wood and of earth;

and some to honour,

and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself from these,

he shall be a vessel unto honour,

sanctified,

and meet for the master’s use,

and prepared unto every good work.”    2 Timothy 2:19-21

Is my/your life an “honor” unto our God, or a dishonor?  Are we continually purging ourselves of those things which dishonor our God?  Are we seeking God’s face and yielding to HIS work of sanctifying us?  It’s my choice and it’s yours, what will I/you do?  Or are you thinking, “I’m good enough”?  When is ‘good enough’ ‘good enough’?  Only one ‘goodness’ will do—the goodness or righteousness of GOD—the righteousness which only Jesus provides at the Cross!

“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 5:21

It’s all about Jesus! And when we know Him, when we are “in him” by His saving grace, only then can we live that new life!

“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.”   2 Corinthians 5:17-19

Will we bring honor to our King, knowing the price that Jesus paid for our ‘reconciliation’—the forgiveness of sins—treasuring the gift of forgiveness of sin, and sharing this truth through HIS love with the world?  I pray that God will speak to our hearts through HIS Word—the written Word and Jesus, the living Word!

“In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”  Colossians 1:14