Category Archives: Trendy Or Truth

You Can Do This!!! But How??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #791

27 Wednesday Apr 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Assurance or Arrogance, Changed Lives, Comfort, Confidence, Conformed to HIS image, Consider Your ways, TODAY, Today And Tomorrow, Today is the day of Salvation, Tomorrow, Trendy Or Truth, Trials, Troubles, Trust, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Uncertainty--God HAS the answer, Under His Wings, Unexpected Interruptions, Victory IN Jesus!, Walk in the Spirit, Walking With Jesus, What's In Your Heart?, What's In Your Mouth?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #791   You Can Do This!!!  But How???

I have a word to share this morning, a word that we all can use on most days and probably today!  And to set just a bit of context before we dive into this first passage, Paul was talking about Israel in the wilderness (and yes, we are to study the Old Testament as well as the New, so we might learn from the testimonies that God recorded for us!), and how we can learn from their choices.  We can know that God is in charge, and our ‘temptations and trials’ are filtered through His fingers of love; we just need to look up, knowing that HE will provide!

“Now all these things happened unto them

for ensamples:

and they are written for our admonition,

 upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth

take heed lest he fall.

13 There hath no temptation taken you

but such as is common to man:

but God is faithful,

who will not suffer you to be tempted

above that ye are able;

but will with the temptation

also make a way to escape,

that ye may be able to bear it.”   1 Corinthians 10:11-13

Paul is teaching us to not only live in the truth of God’s written Word, but to remember the examples HE has recorded for us to learn from as we walk through this world of chaos and confusion.  But we need not be either of those things as those who have seen the promise fulfilled of the Messiah who delivered salvation on the cross—salvation for all who will believe and receive the Gospel that Jesus paid for sin—my sin and yours!  And not only has HE paid for our sin but has given HIS gift of The Holy Spirit, just as HE promised to all those who are born again by His power, His provision and His purposes through The Holy Spirit/The Comforter—the source of God’s provision to His own!

So, let’s peruse some references about who the Holy Spirit is, and what HE would accomplish.  First of all, HE is the one who brings us to faith in Jesus (and the “HE” in this passage from John 1 is a reference to Jesus–“The Word…The Creator…The Light of the world!”  The One who promised to send HIS precious Holy Spirit to HIS own!

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 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.

14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.” John 1:10-14

God brings us to the cross via the conviction (the work of the Holy Spirit in man to bring them to see sin as sin, and Jesus as the only cure, see John 14:16-18 & 16:6-8) of sin which HIS Holy Spirit reveals to man!  He leads to the truth of the gospel—on which I stand like Paul, and you can too!

“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.”  Romans 1:16-17

The gospel that Paul declared and stood on is the foundation of our faith—JESUS, and HIS substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice for sin– the truth we stand upon! Paul also gave us the “Gospel in a nutshell”, if you would allow me to call it that!  Consider how concisely He proclaims Jesus!

“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:”  1 Corinthians 15:1-5

The Gospel IS JESUS:

It can only be shared by those who have “received” it—

Christ died for our sins—the only way (See John 14:6)-

 ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES—

Christ Jesus was buried—HE WAS DEAD—

HE AROSE—on the third day—victorious over—

Sin, death, and hell—

ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES—

HE was seen alive by many witnesses!

Jesus paid the price that only the Lamb of God could pay.  Have you come to HIM in repentance and faith?  I pray that you have and if you haven’t, that you will come to HIM today!  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.”  John 1:29

“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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world

through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”   John 3:16-19

There is so much more that I wish I had time (and finger strength left) to share here, but I pray that God will open our hearts to receive HIS truth as truth—that we will respond in faith and obedience—and share that which we have received, in whatever ways God provides and leads us to!  I would like to share a few passages to encourage and assure us that Jesus died for you and me—for our sin—but when HE died, rose again, and ascended to heaven (until HIS return), HE sent us the amazing gift of HIS Holy Spirit to reside within and lead us into HIS truth, equipping us to minister truth to a lost and dying world.  Jesus promised that The Holy Spirit would bring us into all truth if we will but receive and heed HIS leading in our lives—our every day, our walking about days, our tear-filled days, our laughing days—our EVERY hour days! Jesus promised us all we would need to press on.

“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.”  John 16:7-11

And some more from Paul’s letters that I pray will help and encourage each of us to look up, walk straight and press on!  (See Acts 1:1-8)

“In whom ye also trusted,

after that ye heard the word of truth,

the gospel of your salvation:

in whom also after that ye believed,

ye were sealed with that holy Spirit

of promise,

14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance

until the redemption

of the purchased possession,

unto the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:13-14

“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 4:29-32

And the message to the Galatian believers:

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh…

….. 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.”   Galatians 5:16 & 24-25

Are we walking in The Spirit, or our own ways?  Oh, Jesus, please do your work in our hearts through this precious Holy Spirit which you have imparted to all who are born again by HIS work of conviction and awakening to the debt of sin we owed.  Thank you, Lord, for your love, your sacrifice, and your forgiveness of my sin—for paying my ‘sin debt’!

“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 1:12-14

Jesus gives forgiveness of sin, and we should be recognized by actions which reflect the ONE who lives in us.  How about me?   How about you?  Will we honor the One who saved us—the ONE who calls us to walk in “holiness”?  While it’s simple to remember that God “has it”, it’s not always easy to remember how that looks.  Remember that God filters everything that comes into our lives, and whether its “Job” like tragedy and strife, or blessings—He is working “all things” for our good!

“For God hath not called us unto uncleanness,

but unto holiness.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7

“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

‘Nuff said!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

You Are Free To Choose??? Bible Ballistics: Vol 18 No. 15

06 Sunday Mar 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Believe God?, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, Every Knee Shall Bow, Eyes that SEE HIM, Eyes that see not, Righteousness, Salvation, SIN, Sin IS the issue, Sowing and Reaping, The Love of God, The Resurrection Life!, The Right Jesus!, Transgression, Trendy Or Truth

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 15 You Are Free To Choose???

 

“Now therefore fear the LORD,

and serve him in sincerity

and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:14-15

What does it mean to serve The Lord?  It is a choice that we all face!  I think Jesus answers the question better than I can so, let’s consider what HE has to say.  Yet remember that when we know what Jesus says, then we are faced with a decision–to hear and obey or reject HIM and HIS Word and walk in our own darkness.  Why is this important to me?  Because as Joshua proclaimed we will choose—and hear me well–refusing to “choose” is choosing; and there is a consequence to every choice.  Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus (the religious leader who came to him by night for answers) that all choices have consequences.

“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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten

Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”  John 3:16-21

God will not ask where we went to church, or if our parents were believers, whether we impressed others with our works; but as HE told Nicodemus the question will be simple, “have you been born again”?  As Jesus said in verse 3, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”!  Have you been born again, or are you depending on something else to be right with God?  As Jesus says above, whoever “doeth evil hateth the light”; rejecting the light so their deeds won’t be reproved—in other words, they don’t want their own personal sin to be called “SIN”!  Or, as Jesus addresses in Matthew chapter 7, just “saying so”, (just ‘saying’ that you’re right with God, that you ‘know’ The Lord) “doesn’t make it so”!

“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 7:17-23

Just as our vernacular of “saying so, doesn’t make it so”, James reiterates with “faith without works is dead” (dead faith—or as Paul called it, “vain” faith).  Our actions display our real beliefs!

“If a brother or sister

be naked,

and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them,

Depart in peace,

be ye warmed and filled;

notwithstanding ye give them not those things

which are needful to the body;

what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith,

if it hath not works,

is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say,

Thou hast faith,

and I have works:

 shew me thy faith

without thy works,

and I will shew thee my faith

by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God;

thou doest well:

the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know,

O vain man,

that faith without works is dead?”   James 2:15-20

James refers to the evidence of real faith not the “source” of faith.  We don’t work for our salvation, but when we genuinely belong to Jesus there will be evidence of our faith (See Ephesians 2:8-10).  Paul also mentions ‘vain’ faith, referring to the same thing that James is talking about—they didn’t disagree!

“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:”  1 Corinthians 15:1-5

I know it seems like I am “beating a dead horse”, but I am so burdened for our whole culture (including many churches in America); including people that you and I love who have bought into an ‘easy believe-ism’ that says just use Jesus’ name, pray in HIS name, go to church in HIS name, carry a Bible, even be baptized, if you like, but don’t believe the “gospel” that Jesus came to “save HIS people from their sins” (See Matthew 1:21)—after all, sin is irrelevant today, right?  NOT true.  SIN IS THE ISSUE, and Jesus IS the only cure, as Peter said so well right from the beginnings of the ministry of the church.

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him

doth this man stand here before you

whole.

11 This is the stone

which was set at nought of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation

in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:10-12

Paul gives a description of those who have been born again and transformed by the power of Jesus’ blood, for our reconciliation and transformation cost Jesus’ own blood at the cross!  Yet so many today discount the blood of Jesus—they want to use His name to purchase fire insurance with no recognition of HIS Lordship, or that they are “bought with a price….you are not your own“!  (See 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

“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

Let’s continue and see what Jesus said about HIS sheep?

“Jesus answered them,

I told you,

and ye believed not:

the works that I do in my Father’s name,

they bear witness of me.

26 But ye believe not,

because ye are not of my sheep,

as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.”   John 10:27

Jesus’ sheep are called to live transformed lives; transformed by the power of the blood and the continuing work of The Holy Spirit who indwells every genuine believer.  Who said so?  God’s Word says so!

“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.”  Romans 8:8-10

Who have you chosen to follow? There is a consequence to every choice so choose wisely—there is a test.  Every knee shall bow—so the question isn’t “Will you bow?”; for you “will bow”!  The question is when? (See Philippians 2:5-11). Will you bow before Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or will you bow before HIM as your judge when it is too late for salvation?  I pray that you will choose Jesus, for I believe HE IS coming soon!

Amen and Amen!

Seasonal Or Steadfast??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #720

08 Thursday Apr 2021

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Abiding In Jesus, Are You Ready, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Holy Living, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Seasonal or Steadfast?, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast!, Trendy Or Truth, Trials, Troubles, Trusting Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #720  Seasonal Or Steadfast???

 

As we see so much chaos, sickness and uncertainty around us today, I would like to share a word or encouragement and warning at the same time.  It’s so easy to get caught up in the circumstances and forget the surety and certainty of The God whom we serve.  HE is the same always and the rules haven’t changed; and Jesus doesn’t change to accommodate culture or generation.  HE never changes!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

Paul encouraged the young ‘preacher boy’ Timothy to stand fast in truth and not waver—we need to heed that same word of truth today.

“I charge thee therefore before God,

and the Lord Jesus Christ,

 who shall judge the quick and the dead

at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word;

be instant

in season,

out of season;

reprove,

rebuke,

exhort

with all longsuffering

and doctrine.

3 For the time will come

when they will not endure sound doctrine;

but after their own lusts

shall they heap to themselves teachers,

having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears

from the truth,

and shall be turned

unto fables.”  2 Timothy 4:1-4

Sounds like today, doesn’t it?  But Paul calls us, as well as Timothy, to stand fast, regardless of the season or times, the responses of other, or the trends of the moment.  We’ve been called to follow Jesus, to take up our cross and not fall for the lies of the devil.  Peter warns us clearly about the constant spiritual danger around us.

“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.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us

unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory

and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11

Sometimes we must endure seasons of suffering, trials and challenges, yet it is important that we keep our eyes on Jesus and not on the trials, or the blessings and provisions of deliverance themselves.  King Hezekiah, went to God in earnest prayer requesting healing from what the prophet told him was a fatal illness, and God answered his prayer.  But Hezekiah didn’t use the 15 years that God granted him with wisdom and humility, but rather made poor choices, and left Judah in the hands of an unprepared young king who became one of the worst, if not the worst since Ahab, kings causing more harm, and misleading more people of Judah, than just about any other King.  Don’t be a Hezekiah and blow it after God blesses and delivers; if /when God brings you into a season of opportunity, keep your eyes humbly on Jesus not yourself, or the blessing you received!

“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death.

And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz

came to him, and said unto him,

Thus saith the LORD,

Set thine house in order;

for thou shalt die, and not live.

2 Then he turned his face to the wall,

and prayed unto the LORD…

… And Hezekiah wept sore.

4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out

into the middle court,

that the word of the LORD came to him,

saying,

5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah

the captain of my people,

Thus saith the LORD, the God of David

thy father,

I have heard thy prayer,

I have seen thy tears:

behold, I will heal thee…

…6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years;

and I will deliver thee and this city

out of the hand of the king of Assyria;

and I will defend this city

for mine own sake,

and for my servant David’s sake.”  2 Kings 20:1-6

Has God answered your prayers?  Have you responded to God’s grace with humble gratitude, or presumption, or even disregard?  We must be continually vigilant to stand fast in the “evil day”, just as Peter called us to above.  I pray that God’s Word will help us to stand fast and be like Jeremiah; being so devoted to God, regardless of the circumstances, that we are compelled to obey and serve HIM faithfully in spite of the circumstances or response!

“…I am in derision daily,

every one mocketh me.

8 For since I spake,

I cried out,

I cried violence and spoil;

because the word of the LORD

was made a reproach unto me,

and a derision, daily.

9 Then I said,

I will not make mention of him,

nor speak any more in his name.

But his word was in mine heart

as a burning fire

shut up in my bones,

and I was weary with forbearing,

and I could not stay.”  Jeremiah 20:7b-9

May we stand with this same assurance knowing that “our God reigns” and that HE WILL accomplish HIS purpose in and through us if we will but heed HIS voice!  I pray God’s blessings and work in your heart today, knowing that HE is working in, on, with and through you and me!

“What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him also

freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing

to the charge of God’s elect?

It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth?

It is Christ that died,

yea rather, that is risen again,

who is even at the right hand of God,

who also maketh intercession

for us.

35 Who shall separate us

from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation,

or distress,

or persecution,

or famine,

or nakedness,

or peril,

or sword?

36 As it is written,

For thy sake

we are killed

all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep

for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things

we are more than conquerors

through him

that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded,

that neither death,

nor life,

nor angels,

nor principalities,

 nor powers,

nor things present,

nor things to come,

39 Nor height,

nor depth,

nor any other creature,

shall be able to separate us

from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus

our Lord.”  Romans 8:31-39

We win IN JESUS!!!  May you stand steadfast and not seasonally!  Our Lord’s return is truly imminent, are you ready?  I pray that you are and if you’re not that you will call on HIM today!

Amen and Amen!

Naked Or Clothed??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #679

26 Wednesday Aug 2020

Posted by in All Sufficient God!, Confidence, Constant, Trendy Or Truth, Trials

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #679  Naked Or Clothed???

 

I was listening to a preacher on the radio yesterday and his message about Job was very timely for me, and I wanted to share a few of my own thoughts with you this morning about Job—one of my favorite books. (But I must tell you that if you’ve never read it, it will be a hard read the first time through, but then as you read it again and again the beauty of Job’s confidence in God is so encouraging, not even counting God’s confidence in Job, oh that God may have confidence in me!)!

“Then Job arose,

and rent his mantle,

and shaved his head,

and fell down upon the ground,

and worshipped,

21 And said,

Naked came I out of my mother’s womb,

and naked shall I return thither:

the LORD gave,

and the LORD hath taken away;

blessed be the name of the LORD.

22 In all this Job sinned not,

nor charged God foolishly.”  Job 1:20-22

Job encountered what many consider the most extreme trials and testing of anyone recorded in scripture, and I would tend to agree.  But one thing that we must consider is that God knew Job, and HE knows us, and the trials that He sends, allows and orchestrates in our lives are for our good and HIS glory.  We also learn that we can “be like Job” in trusting to God’s care, knowing that God’s sovereign control is not only an absolute certainty, but HE is always worthy of our worship and devotion, no matter the test.  I have found great comfort and confidence in my own trials, and I pray that you will grow in grace, peace and confidence in God’s perfect work in your life.

We also need to remember that the measuring stick is God’s Word, not our feelings or popular opinion (which changes about ever 5 minutes!)!  God will not judge you by your standard or any other human’s standard, but by His Word.  That is one of the reasons that it is important for us to know The Word, and to live according to its dictates rather than 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

When our confidence and focus is on our God, we can proclaim with the author of Hebrews, that we know where to go in any and every trial.  And I have to tell you, I have found HIM ever faithful, not only this past eight months, but always!  You can trust HIM—run to HIM—and depend upon HIS faithful care—always!

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points

tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”   Hebrews 4:14-16

So, will you stand naked and bare before God, or clothed in the garments of Jesus’ righteousness that HE imparts to every believer!  May we each choose to stand fast in HIS provision—not naked but clothed in HIM!

“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,

 and make not provision for the flesh,

to fulfil the lusts thereof.”  Romans 13:14

 

“Lie not one to another,

seeing that ye have put off the old man

with his deeds;

10 And have put on the new man,

which is renewed in knowledge

after the image of him

that created him:”   Colossians 3:9-10

“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 4:22-24

I pray that these will help us all to adjust our focus, put on the righteousness that Jesus has given to us, and walk as faithful witnesses before a lost and dying world, by HIS power not our own—and to truly worship in “spirit and in truth”!  Are you naked?  Or are you clothed in His righteousness?  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“For he hath made him (Jesus)

to be sin for us,    (you and I)

who knew no sin; (Jesus)

that we might be made (you and I)

the righteousness of God

in him. (Jesus)”  2 Corinthians 5:21

Whose righteousness are you wearing?

“But we are all as an unclean thing,

and all our righteousnesses

are as filthy rags;

and we all do fade

as a leaf;

and our iniquities,

like the wind,

 have taken us away.”  Isaiah 64:6

Amen and Amen!

Truth Or More Tragedy??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 18

12 Sunday Jul 2020

Posted by in Ask God For Wisdom, Be not conformed to this world, Stand Fast!, Trendy Or Truth, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 18   Truth Or More Tragedy???

 

I had a topic for today’s post, but after reading an article just this morning, I feel I must address what I see as as dangerous mindset of many today.  It seems we are so biblically uninformed that we are willing to trade our biblical foundations for cultural ideologies.  Much like the passage that I had originally intended to focus on, God spoke to Jeremiah about what Israel had traded truth for.

“Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this,

and be horribly afraid,

be ye very desolate,

saith the LORD.

13 For my people have committed two evils;

they have forsaken me

the fountain of living waters,

and hewed them out cisterns,

broken cisterns,

that can hold no water.”   Jeremiah 2:12-13

I am intimately acquainted with “hold no water” today, after having “plumbing issues” this week, and because our hot water heater wouldn’t “hold water” we had to have things re-routed, moved, changed and replaced.  It seems that is what we are doing with our biblical faith!  It is falling prey to popular or even unpopular cultural ideas, and that’s what I want to talk with you about this afternoon.  I saw an article that was calling on a certain group of believers to change a symbol of their denomination—and in my opinion not just their denominational icon, but the very core of our faith!  We must take a stand on truth—we must stop trading truth for appeasement, we must stop interpreting our faith through the eyes of our culture and start to, once again, interpret our culture in light of biblical truth.  Please, our very future depends upon our choices today!  Jesus told us that we would face opposition, but it shouldn’t come from within (but it often does, even as it did with our Lord!).  We should be leading people to the cross not away from it.  We are to help the world see Jesus and HIM crucified, not erase the very paths that lead to the cross and salvation.

“As it is written,

Behold, I lay in Sion

a stumblingstone

and rock of offence:

and whosoever believeth on him

shall not be ashamed.”   Romans 9:33

Paul addressed this truth of the offense of the gospel to the world, and throughout history we have had to “stand fast in the evil day” to hold to the cross of our Lord Jesus!

“Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture,

Behold,

I lay in Sion a chief corner stone,

elect,

precious:

and he that believeth on him

shall not be confounded.

7 Unto you therefore which believe

he is precious:

but unto them which be disobedient,

the stone which the builders disallowed,

the same is made the head of the corner,

8 And a stone of stumbling,

and a rock of offence,

even to them which stumble

at the word,

being disobedient:

whereunto also they were

appointed.

9 But ye are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

an holy nation,

a peculiar people;

that ye should shew forth the praises

of him who hath called you

out of darkness

into his marvellous light:” 1 Peter 2:6-9

The article that I read made some valid personal observations, but, in my opinion, the conclusions that he made were interpreting the ‘symbols’ through his cultural experience (which I am not denying are very important) but we can’t change the gospel or the truth of what the cross stands for because some have perverted it!  The cross of Christ Jesus is the very “corner stone” of our faith.

“And said unto him,

Art thou he that should come,

 or do we look for another?

4 Jesus answered and said unto them,

Go and shew John again those things

which ye do hear and see:

5 The blind receive their sight,

and the lame walk,

the lepers are cleansed,

and the deaf hear,

the dead are raised up,

and the poor have the gospel

preached to them.

6 And blessed is he,

whosoever shall not be offended

in me.”  Matthew 11:3-6

Paul warned the Ephesian leaders that the time would come, and even people would come, who would challenge the truth of the cross, even coming from among their midst!

“Wherefore I take you to record this day,

that I am pure from the blood of all men.

27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you

all the counsel of God.

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves,

and to all the flock,

over the which the Holy Ghost

hath made you overseers,

to feed the church of God,

which he hath purchased

with his own blood.

29 For I know this, that after my departing

shall grievous wolves enter in

among you,

not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves

shall men arise,

speaking perverse things,

to draw away disciples

after them.”  Acts 20:26-30

As God’s children, and followers of Jesus Christ, we must hold to HIM and HIS truth—we must interpret the events around us in light of the freedom of the cross, not let culture change it into a perverted object that evil men have tried to make it through the centuries.  Where will we stand, or more importantly “come down” (or fall down)?  On the side of the gospel, which interprets all things in light of God and HIS Word (truth), rather than the twisted words of men!  (Peter talks about the men of ‘twisted words’ [read 2 Peter 2]!), those who take God’s words and try to make them suit an agenda, and greed, rather than aligning our lives in accord with God’s Word—the whole counsel of God!).  Paul only had one message, and I pray that I will live the same way!

“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

May we join Paul and stand fast on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the power of the cross—the only power that matters—no matter how others have perverted it in the past, in the present or may in the future!

“For Christ sent me not to baptize,

but to preach the gospel:

not with wisdom of words,

lest the cross of Christ

should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross

 is to them that perish

foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and will bring to nothing

the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom knew not God,

 it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.”  1 Corinthians 1:17-21

May the cross ever BE our banner of truth.

“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.

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear,

and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching

was not with enticing words

of man’s wisdom,

but in demonstration

of the Spirit

and of power:

5 That your faith should not stand

 in the wisdom of men,

but in the power of God.”   1 Corinthians 2:1-5

May my/your life always be lived and testify of what the Christ of the cross has done for me/you.  Will you join me and stand fast on Christ Jesus, crucified, risen and coming again.  May we be found faithful to HIS cross for it truly is the only “power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth”!  What about you?

“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

I stand fast on the truth of The Word of God.

“For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:2

Crucified for my sin and yours—Jesus who died as my/your substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice for sin—for all who will believe!  I will not abandon the cross.  And just for extra measure:

“I indeed baptize you with water

unto repentance:

but he that cometh after me is mightier than I,

whose shoes I am not worthy to bear:

he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost,

and with fire:

12 Whose fan is in his hand,

and he will throughly purge his floor,

and gather his wheat into the garner;

but he will burn up the chaff

with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:11-12

Amen and Amen!!!