Category Archives: Truth is True

The Truest Blessing!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #774

21 Friday Jan 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Confidence, Encouragement, HOPE, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Saves, Lord, Love Is Action, Never Alone, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #774      The Truest Blessing!!!

 

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,

All power is given unto me

 in heaven

and in earth.

19 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 28:18-20

As I sit here listening to “Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem” (written by R. Fisher Boyce in a milk barn, of all things), and yes, I know it’s past Christmas season, but my Jesus is ever in my heart and I’m so glad HE came and took on flesh; and yes, I’m one of those who thinks that we ought to sing those songs all year long, yet as you can tell by the passage above, I want to talk about our Lord’s departure—but a departure that isn’t final!  Jesus IS coming again!  But that isn’t even the thing I want to share!

So, what is it that I want to share with you this morning?  I want to remind us all, that while we are to take the message of the cross everywhere we go, there’s something just as sweet to my heart from this passage—in fact it’s one of the most important parts of this “Great Commission”, that we sometimes overlook, and even disregard in our zeal to “GO”!

What is it?  It is the simple yet profound truth:

“I am with you alway,

even unto the end of the world”!

Oh, my friends, if I could just find the words to tell you the joy and delight, the strength and power, the comfort and courage, the reassurance and confidence, the absolute ability to press on that this simple yet profound statement brings to my heart, mind, and soul.  I often respond to people’s question, “How are you?”, with a true statement, “I’m blessed beyond measure!”  And this simple verse is part of the reason—in fact one of the greatest reasons–that I do consider myself blessed, and blessed so far beyond any human measure, all because I AM NOT ALONE!  Can you understand what that means?  I think some of you can, especially those of us who have had times in our lives that we felt like we were the most “alone” person in the world!  Yet, the truth of the presence of my LORD, has always come to reassure me that HE was, is and ever shall be with me!  I am never alone—

not in the fiercest storm,

not in the raging battle,

not in the stress of uncertain circumstances,

not even in the face of death—

be it our own impending death,

or that of a dear loved one!

JESUS IS ALWAYS THERE/HERE with me!

His presence is almost touchable it’s so real. I know HE is with me, partly just because HE said HE would be, partly because I have felt HIM so near sometimes, it is beyond my ability to convey to you the “realness” of it.  And I can have that confidence, comfort, and power because I choose to walk with HIM, even as the old hymn says, “HE walks with me, and HE talks with me, and HE tells me I am HIS own”!  (from In The Garden, by Charles Austin Miles).

The author of Hebrews says it succinctly—with another word of reassurance and instruction, “be content”!

“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

I pray that you will receive this word of encouragement and hope, a word of truth that will never fail—not ever—if we are willing to receive it, rest in it, and follow our shepherd.

“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 10:27-28

Are you HIS?  If you are, then stop fretting and rest in your shepherd.  If you’re not HIS, won’t you bow in repentance of your sin, and trust in Jesus’ payment for your sin and mine.  He’s calling today, as Jesus declares in Revelation 3:20!

“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.”

Amen And Amen!!!

Thankful For HIS Care??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 04

15 Monday Nov 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Ask God For Wisdom, Attitude of Gratitude, Comfort, Confidence, Dependence, Follow Jesus, God Knows His Own, God of all comfort!, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, IN Jesus!, TODAY, Trust, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth is True, Wisdom

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 04   Thankful For HIS Care???

 

Today I’d like to share a bit of personal testimony as well as God’s Word; sometimes knowing that others are or have been in the same boat as we have been is a help and an encouragement.  I pray that we can encourage one another!

“Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us

in all our tribulation,

that we may be able

to comfort them

which are in any trouble,

by the comfort wherewith

we ourselves are comforted

of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,

so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.”    2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Paul was sending this second letter to the believers at Corinth to encourage them after his first letter and their response of obedience to his instructions in a most difficult situation.  He was also reminding them that he had suffered trials and difficulties himself, and he is reminding them as well as us, that we are to be an encouragement to one another as we all face difficulties in life, and God can and will use all our trials to minister to others along with ourselves.  God’s comfort and provision isn’t to be “hoarded” but shared for God’s glory, our growth and good as well as good for others.

I have wrestled with a lot of life changes and challenges of late, and while it is just that “a challenge” to know what, when, where, or how to respond to the issues that we deal with almost daily, and to maintain a godly, kind, and honest demeanor to the things that seem to assail us with a vengeance.  Paul reminded the Corinthian believers to remember how God had comforted them, and to realize that our experiences are sent and/or permitted by God for our good and HIS glory!  In fact, it brought me to a new understanding of another passage about God’s sovereign work in our lives.

“Likewise the Spirit also

helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not

what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself

maketh intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 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.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 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?” Romans 8:28-32

Even as Paul states in verse 26, “the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities”, we can have absolute confidence in God’s work in our lives, and the overflow of HIS work into the lives of others, if we will but trust HIM in all things and obey as we see HIS direction and hear HIS Spirit speaking to our heart and mind—and as we feast on HIS Word!  Just as it says above, the Holy Spirit is ever working in my life and yours, in fact in the lives of every born-again believer—working in us and helping us to know how to walk “according to the will of God”!

Oh, how grateful I am that I don’t have to depend on my own wisdom, for sometimes it is in pretty short supply, but God is never delinquent to supply HIS wisdom to all who will “ask…seek… (and)… knock”!

“If any of you lack wisdom,

let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith,

nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth

is like a wave of the sea

driven with the wind

and tossed.

7 For let not that man think

that he shall receive any thing

of the Lord.”  James 1:5-7

Paul also gives us insight into the wisdom that we are to seek.  But remember that “godly wisdom” isn’t always welcome, but it is where we must stand by HIS power, grace, and provision—trusting the consequences to our Father and Lord!

“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.

22 For the Jews require a sign,

and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified,

unto the Jews a stumblingblock,

and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called,

both Jews

and Greeks,

Christ the power of God,

and the wisdom of God.”  1 Corinthians 1:18-24

Paul goes on to share even more about the difference between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of men.  Oh, that we would learn to recognize the difference!

“Let no man deceive himself.

If any man among you

seemeth to be wise in this world,

let him become a fool,

that he may be wise.

19 For the wisdom of this world

is foolishness with God.

For it is written,

He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

20 And again,

The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise,

that they are vain.

21 Therefore let no man glory in men.

For all things are yours;” 1 Corinthians 3:18-21

I want you to know that as I face the difficulties that come my way, my greatest resource is Jesus Christ my Lord!  I go to HIM in prayer continually, seeking to know how HE wants me to respond in every situation, and going to HIS WORD as the standard for all things.  The Word of God is the standard that God has set, and if we don’t know what it says, we won’t know what God expects.  When I know HIS Word, I will find the confidence and power to run to Jesus instead of the world!

“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.

14 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 4:12-16

I pray that this will help you today and encourage your heart to press on with the greatest Lord and friend, Jesus!  For remember, we win!

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God,

believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house

are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go

and prepare a place for you,

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go

ye know,

and the way

ye know.”  John 14:1-4

And if you don’t know Jesus today, you can come to Him today by repenting of your sin, and trusting to HIS substitutionary (He took our place), atoning sacrifice (He paid our debt) for your sin (The problem we all have and cannot cure.), and receive HIS gift of eternal life.

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

When Is True NOT??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 02

01 Monday Nov 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God Is In Charge, God Knows, God Who Sees, God's Judgment, True Knowledge, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Truth is True, When Is True NOT?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 02   When Is True NOT???

 

“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 7:20-23

In Blanche’s paraphrase, Jesus is clearly telling us that “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!  Many today (and notice that the many are “not” truly following Jesus but claim to be) are using the name of Jesus for a multitude of things that don’t line up with God’s Word.  THAT IS the test—God’s Word is the standard by which we must judge and discern all things—yet today “many” claim to have a “new” revelation, or a “new” word, or a “new” understanding that changes what God has said, in order to accommodate sin!  Yet God has set truth in order, and it cannot be changed by man!  Truth has a name!

“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

The author of Hebrews makes it abundantly clear that this very Word of God—both the living Word, Jesus, and the written Word of God, the Bible—is, has been and ever will be the standard of truth, and every person will be held accountable to it.  What are you accepting as “true”?  Have you checked it out by The Word?

“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

All because Jesus came to earth, walked as a man, lived, and died for our sin, we can be “righteous” before our God and have the honor and privilege of coming into HIS presence for help and support every day, no matter the situation!  Have you run to HIM lately; or have you settled for the counsel of the world?

“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

Oh, how grateful I am that Jesus is my source of strength, wisdom and understanding (for I have very little in myself—so I praise God for such a Savior…). He was “made sin”, so I could be “made” righteous with and before God.

“Therefore

 if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us the ministry

of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses

unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors

for Christ,

as though God did beseech you

by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

So, the next time you hear something that doesn’t seem to “set well” in your spirit, take it to God’s Word and check it out, and verify whether it is “true” or “NOT”, then order your steps accordingly, praying for God’s wisdom as you go to HIS throne of mercy for help!  He is always faithful to provide when we will but ask!

“Beloved,

believe not every spirit,

but try the spirits

whether they are of God:

because many false prophets

are gone out into the world.”   1 John 4:1

Jesus called them “wolves in sheep’s clothing”!  And I can’t help but believe that we are inundated with “wolves” today!

“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…..”   Matthew 7:13-16a

Peter used the metaphor of “lions” rather than sheep, but his warning was the same, be aware of what you hear and see, and let God’s Word guide your steps, not the culture!

“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:

Notice the traits that Peter calls us to rely upon, traits of righteous character and humility before our God.  And ‘sober’ isn’t simply a reference to ‘outside substances that control us’, but a reference to our life of self-control—or even more accurately, “spirit control”!  Peter calls us to “God-control” by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in humility, dependence upon God’s care, self-controlled, vigilant (always on guard), and aware that we have an enemy whom we are to resist (and “he will flee”, see James 4:7), knowing that regardless of our circumstances, our God is ever faithful to the situation!  Oh, how true HE IS—we can depend on HIM—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—while doing our part!

“Rejoice in the Lord alway:

and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation

be known unto all men.

The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts

and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things,

which ye have both

learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.”   Philippians 4:4-9

‘Nuff said!

Amen and Amen!!!

Validated Not Void!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #759

15 Friday Oct 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, All About Jesus!, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Salvation, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #759     Validated Not Void!!!

 

Jesus IS the only way to God, eternal life, and abundant life in this world.  Yet, we so often slough Him off and go our own way.  I would like to share a few thoughts with you about The One who has bought our salvation, provided The Way to restoration with God, and our complete validation as a child of God—not just the creation of God, but a child born again by The Spirit of God.

“He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:11-13

This is truly the amazing grace of God who loves you and me!  But we must come while God is working in us, while HIS voice is calling us to Himself.  As God said in Genesis 6, “my spirit shall not always strive with man”!  Don’t pass by and ignore the voice of God who gave HIS “only begotten Son” to die in your place and mine; for all who will believe/trust, in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN will receive new life in JESUS.  SIN is the problem—we all have it, we can’t fix it, but Jesus can and will fix it for you if you will but humble yourself, repent of your sin and receive HIS gift of eternal life.  Isaiah says it beautifully.

“Seek ye the LORD

while he may be found,

call ye upon him

while he is near:

7 Let the wicked

forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man

his thoughts:

and let him return

unto the LORD,

 and he will have mercy upon him;

and to our God,

for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts

are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways

my ways,

saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher

than the earth,

so are my ways higher

than your ways,

and my thoughts

than your thoughts.

10 For as the rain

cometh down,

and the snow from heaven,

and returneth not thither,

but watereth the earth,

and maketh it bring forth

and bud,

that it may give seed to the sower,

and bread to the eater:

11 So shall my word be

that goeth forth out of my mouth:

it shall not return

unto me void,

but it shall accomplish

that which I please,

and it shall prosper

in the thing whereto I sent it.”  Isaiah 55:6-11

And if I may make a bit of a tie in, God’s Word, that came forth from HIM IS Jesus!

“Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth

and came from

God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.”  John 8:42

Jesus IS God, came from God, and is One with The Father, and Is The WORD that comes “forth out of my mouth”, as the Apostle John records for us.

“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.

4 In him was life;

and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth

in darkness;

and the darkness

comprehended it not.”  John 1:1-5

       “I and my Father are one.”  John 10:30

The question is, will you choose to receive the ‘light’ and walk in it, or will you continue to walk in the dark and refuse to “comprehend” HIS light!  Jesus Himself, made it the clearest of all.  May you heed HIS Words?

“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

The choice is yours.  Darkness and hell, or the Light of Jesus, and heaven!  Choose wisely, there is a test!

Amen and Amen!!!

Real Love Speaks Truth??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 25

11 Monday Oct 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Are You Ready, Speaking, Speaking The Truth In Love, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 25 Real Love Speaks Truth???

 

There is a lot of talk these days about “love”, but God’s definition of love is quite different from the world’s view of “love”, and so many equate “love” with ‘not making waves’; but we are called to speak the truth in love—God’s love! Scripture is replete with instructions that help us know the difference between ‘lust’ and ‘love’!  After all, God IS love!

“That ye would walk worthy of God,

who hath called you unto his kingdom

and glory.

13 For this cause also

thank we God

without ceasing,

because, when ye received the word of God

which ye heard of us,

ye received it not as the word of men,

but as it is in truth,

the word of God,

which effectually worketh also

in you that believe.”   1 Thessalonians 2:12-13

While God’s Word has little value to most these days, there is a consequence to not receiving the truth of God; for while God gives every person the freedom to choose Jesus or reject Him, there is a price to pay when we reject the truth for the lies of the enemy of our soul!.  Jesus was/is very clear about who the “liar” is; and ‘who’ is ‘whose’; and HE didn’t mince any words to those who opposed HIM!  And by the way, those who opposed HIM most were those who claimed to be ‘religious’!  That’s why we are called to “receive” Him not just ‘claim’ HIS name. (See John 1:12-13). Truth is ‘true’ whether it’s easy to hear and receive or not!  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“Ye do the deeds of your father.

Then said they to him,

We be not born of fornication;

we have one Father,

even God.

42 Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth and came from God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.

43 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.

46 Which of you convinceth me

of sin?

And if I say the truth,

why do ye not believe me?

47 He that is of God

heareth God’s words:

ye therefore hear them not,

because ye are not of God.”  John 8:41-47

And how much did they reject Him, you might ask, well John  goes on to tell us how much!

“Then took they up stones

to cast at him:

but Jesus hid himself,

and went out of the temple,

going through the midst of them,

and so passed by.”  John 8:59

And if we back up a little, we will find out that not everyone who ‘hears’, wants to truly ‘listen’ and heed the hard truths of HIM who loves us so much that HE gave HIS life for us!

“From that time

many of his disciples went back,

and walked no more with him.”  John 6:66

Who are you choosing to walk with?  Paul told the Thessalonian believers that consequences would apply to those who willfully reject, as well as those who hear the truth and don’t respond—whether because they think they have time, or because of any other reason, even pretending to be righteous on their own without Jesus.  Paul clearly tells us that without Jesus, it won’t matter who you impress, or what you claim to believe.  Just because truth may be difficult to receive, doesn’t make it any less true!  And remember “WHO” IS 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

“And then shall that Wicked

be revealed,

whom the Lord shall consume

with the spirit of his mouth,

and shall destroy

with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him,

whose coming is after the working

of Satan

with all power

and signs

and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness

of unrighteousness

in them that perish;

because they received not

the love of the truth,

that they might

be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them

strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned

who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure

in unrighteousness.”  2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

There will come a time when those who willfully reject truth will no longer have opportunity to receive truth—not a popular teaching, but it is God’s truth.

Just as Jesus Himself makes it clear above, that HE IS truth, and no other truth will make you right with God, or have peace with God, or belong to HIM! (See John 1:12-13)

Paul gives us such a powerful summary of all that we have because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, and our sin in Romans 5, here are some portions of that chapter!

“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.”   Romans 5:1-2

“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 5:5-11

The thing that we must decide is what will we do with Truth?  Jesus IS truth, and what we do with HIM is the truth of the Gospel. Jesus made it very clear that the choice is ours, but there is a consequence to every choice.

“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

Paul puts the truth of the Gospel in a ‘nutshell’ for us, and 1 Corinthians 15 is a great passage to memorize to keep the truth of the Gospel handy in your memory bank to share with others as we have opportunity!!!

“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

We are saved to speak God’s truth in love; but speaking God’s truth without compromise, even in a world gone crazy with lies!  Jesus is THE “ONE” WAY to God, and we must make sure we don’t miss it, for if we miss Jesus, we miss it all.  But as we speak the truth in love, it is to be full of grace and mercy—but speaking well God’s truth!  Peter and Paul both spoke on this issue, may it touch your heart today.

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech

be alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know how ye ought to answer

every man.”  Colossians 4:5-6

“But sanctify the Lord God

in your hearts:

and be ready always

to give an answer

to every man that asketh you

a reason of the hope

that is in you

with meekness

and fear:

16 Having a good conscience;

that, whereas they speak evil of you,

as of evildoers,

they may be ashamed

that falsely accuse

your good conversation in Christ.”   1 Peter 3:15-16

And a final word from the Apostle Peter, for each of us to keep in mind—for our enemy is becoming bolder every day!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

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

Amen and Amen!!!