Category Archives: Trusting Jesus?

Living In Faith Or Presumption??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #639

01 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by in Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Presumption, Speaking The Truth In Love, The Word Or The World?, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #639 Living In Faith Or Presumption???

 

There are a lot of issues floating around in this time of crises and chaos in our world.  We are seeing emotions flare, ideas in conflict, and opinions flying around in abundance.  I have only a few words to share this morning in this regard.  There are those who are claiming to disregard the requests and orders of government officials stating that they are violating their “rights” and are gathering, flaunting their confidence in “God” to deliver them, or protect them from the virus.  It is polarizing people of faith—that is the issue that I wish to comment on this morning.  Is there a difference between standing in faith in God and acting in presumption toward God?  I believe that Scripture gives us clear guidelines in this regard if we will but let them speak and then heed God’s direction.  I share The Word; you will have to decide for yourself what you will do with it.

With that said, I would like to add that being the church is our call, more so than ‘going’ to church. (And I believe that church attendance is a priority, but it is not the do-all, be-all of deciding how to be an affective witness of God’s truth before a lost and dying world.)

“Let every soul be subject 

unto the higher powers. 

For there is no power 

but of God: 

the powers that be 

are ordained of God. 

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, 

resisteth the ordinance of God: 

and they that resist 

shall receive to themselves damnation. 

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, 

but to the evil. 

Wilt thou then not be afraid 

of the power? 

do that which is good, 

and thou shalt have praise of the same: 

4 For he is the minister of God 

to thee 

for good. 

But if thou do that which is evil, 

be afraid; 

for he beareth not the sword in vain: 

for he is the minister of God, 

a revenger to execute wrath 

upon him that doeth evil. 

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, 

not only for wrath, 

but also for conscience sake. 

6 For for this cause 

pay ye tribute also: 

for they are God’s ministers, 

attending continually 

upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore

to all their dues:

tribute to whom tribute is due;

custom to whom custom;

fear to whom fear;

honour to whom honour.

8 Owe no man any thing,

but to love one another:

for he that loveth another

hath fulfilled the law.”   Romans 13:1-8

Paul makes it so clear that we are to be honorable citizens to the government powers and subject ourselves to them (and remember that when Paul wrote the commands above the Roman government was not friendly toward ‘Christians’!) unless the commands directly violate The Word of God!

Jesus Himself gives us the greatest instruction and example in regard to presumption in all of scripture.  I simply ask that you consider what He is saying—and while He was speaking to Satan, He had it recorded for us!  I would encourage you to read the entire passage and consider the three things that Satan tempted Jesus to do; meet His own needs outside of God’s will and timing, to tempt God and His Word; and to worship anyone or anything other than GOD!  And remember, Satan used “The Word” to tempt, but Jesus used “The Word” ‘in context’ to refute him!

“Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city,

and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

6 And saith unto him,

If thou be the Son of God,

cast thyself down:

for it is written,

He shall give his angels

charge concerning thee:

and in their hands

they shall bear thee up,

lest at any time

thou dash thy foot

against a stone.

7 Jesus said unto him,

It is written again,

Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”   Matthew 4:5-7

And just a note, tempting God with His own Word, is still tempting God.  You decide, are you walking and living in faith “IN GOD” (not in your own faith or interpretation of it) or are you being presumptuous toward God, His Will and His Word?  I’m praying that we will hear HIM and not our flesh or the flesh of others!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

Our Hope Is In Jesus–Always!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 19

05 Sunday Jan 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Believe IN Jesus, Changed Lives, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Follow Jesus, God of all comfort!, God's Faithfulness, Great is Thy Faithfulness, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Listening To God, Made like Jesus!, Only One Way, Salvation, Speaking The Truth In Love, Transformed life, Trusting Jesus?, Victory IN Jesus!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 19 Our Hope Is In Jesus—Always!!!

 

The thing that I want to share with you all today, is very simple—my/our hope is truly IN Jesus!  Regardless of the tragedy that our family has experienced in these past weeks, I know that God is still God, God is still good, and I still trust Him!  People have asked how we can go on, and our answer has ever been and ever will be—our confidence is IN JESUS!  He is the King of kings and Lord of Lords, and we pray that our lives will ever help others know that Jesus cares about them/YOU.  I’d simply like to share a few passages of scripture that I pray will encourage your heart today no matter where your life-journey has taken you.  Jesus is still in the life-changing, soul-saving business and He loves you more than you can ever imagine.  In fact, HE came, lived, died and rose again to save sinners just like me!  And I pray that HE is knocking at your heart’s door today!  Open the door and HE will come in to YOU!

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me

in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down

with my Father

in his throne.”  Revelation 3:20-21

Paul paints a most glorious picture of our hope in Jesus in his letter to the Romans, let’s peruse those words, and may they sink into your heart and bring you to HIS cross:

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

 and rejoice

in hope

of the glory of God.

 3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure

for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God

commendeth his love toward us,

in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved

from wrath

through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled

to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved

by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy

in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom

we have now received

the atonement.” Romans 5:1-11

Oh, how those words ring in my ears and my heart—one of my favorite phrases in all of scripture: “But God” loves you and sent Jesus to Redeem you, save you, and transform you into “the image of His Son”.  And how do we walk in Him?  Let’s see what the Psalmist has to say—what GOD has to say!

“Fret not thyself

because of evildoers,

 neither be thou envious

against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down

like the grass,

and wither

as the green herb.

3 Trust in the LORD,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest

in the LORD,

and wait patiently

for him:

fret not thyself

because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease

from anger,

and forsake

wrath:

fret not thyself

in any wise

to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off:

but those that wait upon the LORD,

they shall inherit the earth.”  Psalm 37:1-9

Amen and Amen—may we keep our eyes on the One who gave Himself that we might have “abundant life”!

“Be merciful unto me, O God:

for man would swallow me up;

he fighting daily

oppresseth me.

2 Mine enemies

would daily swallow me up:

for they be many

that fight against me,

O thou most High.

3 What time I am afraid,

I will trust in thee.

4 In God

I will praise his word,

in God

I have put my trust;

I will not fear

what flesh can do unto me.”  Psalm 56:1-4

And my total confidence in the promise of God have been, are and ever will be my eternal hope!!!  He is The God who never changes, and never lies!

“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

May you find the hope that God alone can and will give to YOU!

Amen and Amen!!!

Pearl Harbor & A Pearl Of Great Price! Bible Ballistics: BBs #609

11 Wednesday Dec 2019

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, A Father's Love, Born Again, Choices And Consequences, Christmas, Christmas IS?, Church:Dead Or Alive?, Faith, IN Jesus!, JESUS, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Lies, Lies That Defeat Us, Only One Way, Pearl Harbor, Pearl of great price, Remember, Salvation, SIN, The Word Or The World?, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #609 Pearl Harbor & A Pearl Of Great Price!

 

As we continue thinking about the Christmas season and the true “reason” for the “season”, I’m sure some of you are scratching your head and thinking, “What does Pearl Harbor have to do with Christmas?”  Good question!  But as a Navy brat (my precious daddy served in the United States Navy for 22 years, and I’m very proud of his service!) naval things are special to me; and Pearl Harbor was a milestone in both American and world history.  The surprise attack took many lives and rocked the world; yet history records that there were many miniscule warning signs that were disregarded, ignored or misunderstood!  That is the connection to Christmas and the coming of The “pearl of great price”; and just as the US military was caught unprepared by the attack, the world missed the coming of The Messiah!  Some who were seeking God, saw truth, but the rest not only missed the import of His birth—but crucified The “King of Glory”—this “pearl of great price”!  How about you?

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto

a merchant man,

seeking goodly pearls:

46 Who, when he had found

one pearl

of great price,

went

and sold

all that he had,

and bought it.”  Matthew 13:45-46

Will we miss the boat—or worse be destroyed because we didn’t recognize the enemy’s constant ‘surprise attacks’, and miss the true ally and Redeemer of our souls—Jesus?

“And it shall come to pass,

that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord

shall be saved.

22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden

of it.”  Acts 2:21-24

This merchant of pearls recognized true value when he saw it, but so often we are deceived, tricked and lead astray from this One who loves us beyond measure!  This One who gives life, came and took on flesh knowing that most would reject Him, yet He came anyway—for YOU and for ME!  It’s His birth we celebrate!  What or Whom are you celebrating?

“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. AMEN!

So, as we go about our day today I pray that we will consider what we have done with this “babe” in the manger—the one we see all around us–and that we will remember that He came to die for sinful men and women, boys and girls; all who will come to Him in repentance and faith in His substitutionary (in my place), atoning (paid my debt), sacrifice (HE died that I could have eternal life with HIM)!  Talk about a “pearl of great price”; don’t miss the true treasure by believing the lies of the enemy of your soul.  Be sure that you receive the greatest gift of all—don’t be one who “received him not”!  Paul reminds us that while we might be able to fool others—we will never fool God.

“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

And Jesus’ own words to “churches”, warning those who play at “religion” to check out what you’re trusting—for He is the One who knows the truth.

“I know thy works,

that thou art

neither cold

nor hot:

I would thou wert

cold

or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm,

and neither

cold

nor hot,

I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 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 3:16-18

One simple question in closing: are you clinging to a treasure that is worthless, or have you received HIS “gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich”?  The choice is yours!  Choose wisely there is a test!

 

Hush Money Or True Hope??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 03

01 Sunday Sep 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Approved Unto God, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Encouragement, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Free Indeed?, God's Faithfulness, Gospel, HOPE, I Can Do All Things?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, If not now? When?, JESUS, Light In The Dark, Overcoming By His Blood, Salt & Light, SIN, Speaking The Truth In Love, Stand Fast, That They May Know, The Word Or The World?, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True, Witness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 03  Hush Money Or True Hope???

 

We talked last week about ‘DIY’ and I’d like to take off on that idea and look from another side of the issue.  We are living in a culture that is so full of an “it’s all about me” ideology, and even when we speak truth, we are seen as ‘haters’! I hope that we can let scripture reveal true hope, not placating people with ‘hush’ money, so to speak, by our silence, rather than helping them see Jesus as we speak and share truth!

“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 IS truth, and without Him, we have no hope, no truth, no opportunity to reach a lost and dying world.  Yet when we follow HIM, we can see great things accomplished in His kingdom (even though the world may disregard what we call great ‘in Him’!)

“I can do all

things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”   Philippians 4:13

In the way of the world, unless we have ‘riches’ we don’t have anything to offer; but God does things in ways that are so far beyond the ‘worldly’ way, that we can truly come to have hope and confidence in our Lord and HIS ways—and we aren’t to be ‘quiet’ about it, Jesus said the rocks would ‘cry out’ if men didn’t!

“And when the builders laid the foundation

of the temple of the LORD,

they set the priests in their apparel

with trumpets,

and the Levites the sons of Asaph

with cymbals,

to praise the LORD,

after the ordinance of David

king of Israel.

11 And they sang together by course

in praising

and giving thanks

unto the LORD;

because he is good,

for his mercy endureth for ever

toward Israel.

And all the people shouted with a great shout,

when they praised the LORD,

because the foundation

of the house of the LORD

was laid.”  Ezra 3:10-11

When we see God at work, we can truly learn to trust His hand as well as His heart toward us.  Here we have the children of Israel returning to Jerusalem and they are rejoicing that the temple is rebuilt.  And if you read the entire account, you see that some of the elders of the people wept for the remembrance of the original Temple of Solomon, yet God has restored them by His ‘outstretched arm’, and shown Himself faithful to a people (who much like us) had not been faithful to HIM!  They had suffered the judgment of God, and had truly reaped the ‘whirlwind’, yet God wasn’t finished with them!  His faithfulness is so much more than we can even fathom!  God had spoken truth through His prophets, yet they had listened to the false prophets, and ‘hushed’ up the men of God by ignoring them, persecuting them, and even putting many of them to death.  How sad that we are living in a very similar day.  Will we sell out to the purveyors of “hush money” or will we stand and speak God’s truth?

“And ye shall know the truth,

and the truth

shall make you free.”  John 8:32

Notice that He will “make you free” not ‘set’ you free—when Jesus saves us, He delivers us—especially from ourselves; and we are to give ourselves to Him, His way and His truth—all the way!

“And they overcame him

by the blood of the Lamb,

and by the word of their testimony;

and they loved not their lives

unto the death.”  Revelation 12:11

Jesus doesn’t simply issue a “get out of hell free” card; rather He saves and transforms lives to “be conformed” to HIS image.

“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

Jesus is ever at work conforming us into HIS image; but we have a part in that work as well, we are to yield to His Holy Spirit’s work in our heart and life, remembering that it’s ALL about Jesus. It’s not about ‘pride’ but humbly learning from HIM, following HIM, and touching the world as HE gives us opportunity.

“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

We can trust to HIS care, remembering what Jesus said!

“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 keep our eyes on Jesus, as we feast on His Word.

“Shew me thy ways,

O LORD;

teach me thy paths.

5 Lead me in thy truth,

 and teach me:

for thou art the God of my salvation;

on thee do I wait

all the day.”   Psalm 25::4-5

“For the word of the LORD is right;

and all his works are done

in truth.

5 He loveth righteousness

and judgment:

the earth is full

of the goodness of the LORD.”   Psalm 33:4-5

And to bring all of our thoughts together today, I’d like us to consider an encounter that Peter and John had, taking heart from these who had little in the world’s eyes, but who had JESUS, and they knew HE IS TRUTH—and they took no “hush” money!

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb

was carried,

whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple

which is called Beautiful,

to ask alms of them that entered

into the temple;

3 Who seeing Peter and John

about to go into the temple

asked an alms.

4 And Peter,

fastening his eyes upon him with John, said,

Look on us.

5 And he gave heed unto them,

expecting to receive something

of them.

6 Then Peter said,

Silver and gold have I none;

but such as I have

give I thee:

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth

rise up and walk.

7 And he took him by the right hand,

and lifted him up:

and immediately his feet and ankle bones

received strength.

8 And he leaping up stood,

and walked,

and entered with them into the temple,

walking,

and leaping,

and praising God.”  Acts 3:1-8

Peter and John gave of what they had (who they possessed, and who possessed them), and yet they were tempted to cave!  And for time and space we’ll just jump to the response from the rulers.  (You can read chapters 3 and 4 for the whole picture!). They proclaimed Jesus at each turn, and when threatened they stood firm—and weren’t “hushed” up by threats; they were trusting to HIS care!  Remember not everyone is happy with God’s working in the lives of men, women, boys and girls!

“And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

2 Being grieved that they taught the people,

and preached through Jesus

the resurrection from the dead.

3 And they laid hands on them,

and put them in hold unto the next day:

for it was now eventide…

….16 Saying, What shall we do to these men?

for that indeed a notable miracle

hath been done

by them

is manifest to all them

that dwell in Jerusalem;

and we cannot deny it.

17 But that it spread no further among the people,

let us straitly threaten them,

that they speak henceforth to no man

in this name.

18 And they called them,

and commanded them

not to speak at all nor teach

in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them,

Whether it be right in the sight of God

to hearken unto you

more than unto God,

judge ye.

20 For we cannot but speak the things

which we have seen

and heard.

21 So when they had further threatened them,

they let them go,

finding nothing how they might punish them,

because of the people:

for all men glorified God

for that which was done.”   Portions of Acts 4:1-21

So my challenge for us today is a call to be faithful to our Lord; to grow in His Word, to be bold—but not arrogant, to be confident—but not prideful, to be ready to follow HIM in all—no matter where HE leads us, or what the cost may be.  We won’t let the enemy ‘hush’ us up, but we will “stand fast in the evil day”!  We never know how God will use our willingness to obey!

“But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:”  Ephesians 4:15.

Amen and Amen!

Talking Or Taking??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 18

16 Sunday Jun 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Just Talking?, Trusting Jesus?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 18   Talking Or Taking???

 

I’m sure you’re wondering about the title today, but it’s one that came to me the other day, and I want to share it with you today.  Being from the Gulf Coast, I love the water and enjoy spending time at the shore—or any body of water; and if you’ve been around the water very much you are familiar with life-jackets, the devices worn when in the boat, or just around the water by non-swimmers.  There are also life-preservers on large ships of all kinds, the ones that the candy is named for (you know the little lifesavers candy rolls), and a unique thing that I’ve observed about both life-jackets and life-preservers, is that when they are needed, the person needing to be rescued (or kept safe before-hand) doesn’t ‘talk’ to the object, but he eagerly and gratefully puts it on for life!  Well, my friends, it’s the same way with Jesus; you can talk about Him all day, you can attend every church service in your town, you can walk a hundred aisles, and be baptized a dozen times, but just talking “about” Jesus and doing seemingly “religious” things isn’t enough—it’s not about talk, it’s possession, salvation and transformation that are the evidence that we belong to Jesus—we have been made one with HIM.  So, let’s peruse a few passages from God’s Word to learn what we can.  Oh, to be One with HIM—not just a talker but a taker—having taken God’s gift of salvation—Jesus!

“That they all may be one;

as thou, Father,

art in me,

and I in thee,

that they also may be one

in us:

 that the world may believe

that thou hast sent me.”  John 17:21

“Wherefore the Lord said,

Forasmuch as this people draw near me

with their mouth,

and with their lips

do honour me,

but have removed their heart

far from me,

 and their fear toward me

is taught by the precept of men:

14 Therefore, behold,

I will proceed to do a marvellous work

among this people,

even a marvellous work

and a wonder:

for the wisdom of their wise men

shall perish,

and the understanding of their prudent men

shall be hid.

15 Woe unto them

that seek deep to hide their counsel

from the LORD,

and their works

are in the dark,

and they say,

Who seeth us?

and who knoweth us?”  Isaiah 29:13-15

God identified the problem of Isaiah’s day—one much the same as in our day—that the people talked a great ‘talk’, but they didn’t truly know the God whom they “professed”!  As we sometimes here today in regard to “walking the walk, not just talking the talk”!  Jesus encountered this same kind of thing among the religious leaders of his day.

“Art thou greater

than our father Abraham,

which is dead?

and the prophets

are dead:

whom makest thou thyself?

54 Jesus answered,

If I honour myself,

my honour is nothing:

it is my Father

that honoureth me;

of whom ye say,

that he is your God:

 55 Yet ye have not known him;

but I know him:

and if I should say, I know him not,

I shall be a liar

like unto you:

but I know him,

and keep his saying.

56 Your father Abraham

rejoiced to see my day:

and he saw it,

and was glad.”   John 8:53-56

Yet Jesus also talked about the cost of following Him, and the cost isn’t just in words!  Saying so doesn’t make it so; but taking hold of that ‘life-preserver’ and clinging to it for salvation, deliverance from sin’s penalty, and the “joy of The Lord” which is our strength is more than amazing; and well worth the price!

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come

in the glory of his Father

with his angels;

and then he shall reward

every man

according to his works.”    Matthew 16:24-27

Jesus makes it clear that when we come to Him in repentance and faith (knowing that I am a sinner, and I can’t fix it, and believing that Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection have paid the price for my sin—believing it and knowing HE IS the only “life-preserver” worth clinging to for eternal, abundant “life”!) we are to take up HIS cross daily—identify with HIM, and who He is—

God in the flesh—

The Son of Man—

The Son of God—

The Savior of the world—

The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world—

The Way, The Truth, The Life—

And while we could go on, I want us to see is that just talking about Jesus, going to church, or any other thing that we think can make us right with God isn’t what salvation is.  Faith in Jesus alone, in His sacrifice, will make us right with God. Jesus actually refers to those who only ‘say so’ without possessing Jesus/being possessed of HIM!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be

that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

 but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them

by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes of thorns,

or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree

cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.”  Matthew 7:13-20

Jesus said “we” would know people by their actions, but He didn’t say we’d always be right; yet God is always right–the ultimate judge; and even when people misjudge, God always knows truth—The Truth, Jesus, and what we—you and I– have done with HIM!!  As Jesus told the disciples in John 14:6:

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”

Jesus IS the only real life-preserver, so let’s go back to Matthew 7; Jesus makes it clear that being HIS child is more than ‘talk’, and being HIS follower, HIS very own, will become evident.  He does know His own.  How about you?

“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

“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 7:13-21

We need to understand that God’s way isn’t our way—Jesus IS the only way to God, because HE was, is and always has been God’s perfect provision for our salvation!  Only Jesus—only, ever!

“Father, I will that they also,

whom thou hast given me,

be with me where I am;

that they may behold my glory,

which thou hast given me:

for thou lovedst me

before the foundation of the world.

25 O righteous Father,

the world hath not known thee:

 but I have known thee,

and these have known

that thou hast sent me.” John 17:24-25

Paul writes:

“Blessed be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who hath blessed us

with all spiritual blessings

in heavenly places

in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us

in him

before the foundation of the world,

that we should be holy

and without blame

before him in love:”    Ephesians 1:3-4

Peter also gave us another reminder of HIS eternal being.

“Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition

from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish

and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest

in these last times

for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God,

that raised him up

from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith

and hope

might be in God.”   1 Peter 1:18-21

I don’t want to hear “I never knew you” from The Lord Jesus!  How about you?  Jesus said that He ‘never’ knew them; not He knew them and forgot, or that He knew them, but they slipped, or even that He knew them, and they missed the boat; but Jesus clearly declared that He “never knew” them!  These who boasted of what “they” had done for Jesus, not one word of what HE had done through them (much like the name it-claim it folks who say if we _____, then God must____! NOT then, not now!)  Are you just talking about Jesus or are you being a reflection of HIS glory in you—the presence of HIS precious Holy Spirit in us—Jesus has given to us “peace with God”, that which HE bought with His own blood!  What are you clinging to?  The blood of Jesus, or your own ways?  Are you just talking about Jesus, or are you truly clinging to Him in total trust and dependence for every step of the way?

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God…

..5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad

in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet

without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love

toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:1-2 & 5-8

All because Jesus loves you and me!  I implore you to join me in clinging to the One who loves you and gave Himself for you and me.  If you don’t know Him, I invite you to call upon Him today.  If you do know HIM, then I invite you to join me in seeking HIS face in all our ways.  Are you talking about Him or taking Him unto yourself? (Or in other words, do you talk about HIM or to HIM?)

“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

Amen and Amen!