Category Archives: Unrighteous will not inherit

Attitudes Matter??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #475

14 Friday Aug 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Attitude of Gratitude, Be not conformed to this world, Be Steadfast, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Tuned In To Jesus, Uncertainty--God HAS the answer, Unrighteous will not inherit, Victory IN Jesus!

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Attitudes Matter???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #475

We live in a very trying world, everyone has an opinion, a reason, a cause, a message; yet what is our heart set on? Our attitude toward truth matters…and Jesus IS truth.  What can we learn from scripture today?  We need to have a Biblical view to have a proper attitude, let’s assess what we see in God’s Word!

“Therefore we ought to give

the more earnest heed

to the things which we have heard,

lest at any time

we should let them slip.

2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast,

and every transgression

and disobedience

received a just recompence of reward;

3 How shall we escape,

if we neglect so great salvation;

which at the first

began to be spoken by the Lord,

and was confirmed unto us

by them that heard him;

4 God also bearing them witness,

both with signs and wonders,

and with divers miracles,

and gifts of the Holy Ghost,

according to his own will?” Hebrews 2:1-4

What’s your answer to this question, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation”?  Over and over again scripture reminds us that we need to choose wisely; there is a test—one for believers in Jesus, and a different test for the unbelievers, the difference is what we each choose to do with this “so great salvation”!

“For we are labourers together with God:

ye are God’s husbandry,

ye are God’s building.

10 According to the grace of God

which is given unto me,

as a wise masterbuilder,

I have laid the foundation,

and another buildeth thereon.

But let every man take heed

how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.

16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,

and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

17 If any man defile the temple of God,

him shall God destroy;

for the temple of God is holy,

which temple ye are.” 1 Corinthians 3:9-17

Those who are saved will stand at the “judgment seat of Christ” (see Romans 14:10) to give an account for our deeds done in the flesh, deeds we have done through the Spirit or neglected in our flesh—again it’s about that choose wisely, there is a test!  We who are born again, won’t stand in judgment for our sins which Jesus paid for at Calvary, but rather for what we’ve done for Jesus—have we exhibited the manifestation of the “fruit of the Spirit” or the “works of the flesh”! (See Galatians 5:19-25)

Paul tells us in several places that our task to not let this world wear us down, but to “weary not”; let’s look at two of them.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

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

“For we hear that there are some

which walk among you disorderly,

working not at all,

but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such

we command and exhort

by our Lord Jesus Christ,

that with quietness

they work,

and eat their own bread.

13 But ye, brethren,

be not weary in well doing.”  2 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Believers are to work and provide for their own, not be lazy and unprodouctiv(my words not Pauls). The Apostle Peter also wrote in his second letter, that we are not only called to avoid the evil, we are to follow the example of those righteous ones who went before us.  Let’s consider what he has to say, as he warns us about the false teachers and prophets who would continue to attempt to lead God’s own astray!  May we be wise and heed God’s Word with an attitude of gratitude, as well as an attitude of wisdom that comes from being in His Word diligently.

“But there were false prophets

also among the people,

even as there shall be false teachers

among you,

who privily shall bring in

damnable heresies,

even denying the Lord

that bought them,

and bring upon themselves

swift destruction.

2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways;

by reason of whom the way of truth

shall be evil spoken of.

3 And through covetousness

shall they with feigned words

make merchandise of you:

whose judgment now of a long time

lingereth not,

and their damnation slumbereth not.

4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned,

but cast them down to hell,

and delivered them into chains of darkness,

to be reserved unto judgment;

5 And spared not the old world,

but saved Noah the eighth person,

a preacher of righteousness,

bringing in the flood

upon the world of the ungodly;”   2 Peter 2:1-5

Peter reminds us that Noah was a “preacher of righteousness”; consider that he preached for a hundred years or so, and when the flood came, only eight people escaped—Noah’s family alone.  Noone else believed and received the truth of Noah’s message, and we need to be prepared to live righteous lives no matter what the response of the world is—even of those within the church or close to us.  We are called to follow Jesus no matter the cost.  Our lives are to reflect the righteousness of Jesus no matter the response.  With that thought in mind I leave you with Paul’s reminder to us that we who are born again, have exchanged our sin for Jesus’ righteousness!  Food for thought—that we might be ready for the test!

“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

Ready or not, Jesus is coming again!  What attitude controls you?  Righteousness or worldliness?  It’s your choice but remember there is a test!

Amen and Amen!!!

It’s Not Just About Spelling??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #395

11 Saturday Oct 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Come out of her, God's ways are not our ways, Godly Wisdom, It's All About The Cross, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Unrighteous will not inherit

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It’s Not Just About Spelling???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #395

It seems to me that we are living in a time when it is all about the ‘Gospel of “me”…’; it’s not about Jesus anymore, it seems to be about the gratification of our flesh, popularity, the best show or entertainment, or even catchy phrases to grab followers!  We have even taken that which God exalted, that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father…” (See Philippians 2:5-11), and made Jesus’ name a talisman, or a lucky coin you drop in the God-slot-machine and pull the handle for your prize!  I simply say—on the contrary!  God is not a heavenly slot machine that you can manipulate, or dictate to, or order around with your out of context scriptures!  God is God and when we take scripture and twist it to meet our own desires and fleshly lusts, we have missed the truth and import of scripture.  Let’s look first of all at what Jesus said about a biblical prayer life, and our life before the world as well.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven…”  Matthew 6:9-10

Not only do we use Jesus’ name to fulfill our own lusts and desires, but we also forget that Jesus told us that we are to pray for God’s Kingdom to come (in me!); and for God’s will to be done (in me), and in the earth—”as it is in heaven”!  And how is God’s will done in heaven?  Let’s take a look at John’s glimpse into the very throne room of God.

“And the four beasts had each of them

six wings about him;

and they were full of eyes within:

and they rest not day and night, saying,

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty,

which was,

and is,

and is to come.

9 And when those beasts

give glory and honour and thanks

to him that sat on the throne,

who liveth for ever and ever,

10 The four and twenty elders

fall down

before him that sat on the throne,

and worship him

that liveth for ever and ever,

and cast their crowns

before the throne, saying,

11 Thou art worthy, O Lord,

to receive glory and

honour and

power:

for thou hast created

all things,

and for thy pleasure

they are

and were created.”  Revelation 4:8-11

Is this what your response to God looks like?  Or are we begging and pleading with God for our will to be done by Him, regardless of its nature, or its alignment with His Holy Word?  We are like spoiled children, pitching a fit to get our own way!  It seems that we are more concerned with “My will be done”, than God’s!

Jesus talks about our privilege as His sheep, to pray in His name, but that is a holy privilege not a license to sin, live our own way, or have popularity, prosperity, personal gain in whatever arena is of import to you and me!

“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.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:26-30

Jesus tells us to ask in His name, but He also gave us the caveat to that promise! It’s not for our own desires, but for the glory of God.  It makes me extremely sad to see and hear people claiming to pray “in Jesus’ name” yet the things they ask are often for selfish gain in one way or another.  Even when their mouth is saying “Praise God”, their life is saying, “Praise me!”  Let’s examine our life by what Jesus said; and note that He refers to The Holy Spirit (which would come at Pentecost) as “the Spirit of truth”; I find this of great import, for so many claim to be speaking from the “Spirit”, but their words do not align with God’s Word!  To ask “in Jesus’ name” isn’t a magic formula, but rather it is an identification with the Son Of God, who IS truth!  If your use of His name doesn’t align with His Word, then it doesn’t align with Him!  Do our words (regardless of whose name we use) glorify self or The Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

“Believest thou not that I am in the Father,

and the Father in me?

the words that I speak unto you

I speak not of myself:

but the Father that dwelleth in me,

he doeth the works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Father,

and the Father in me:

or else believe me

for the very works’ sake.

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you,

He that believeth on me,

the works that I do shall he do also;

and greater works than these shall he do;

because I go unto my Father.

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name,

that will I do,

 that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name,

I will do it.

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless:

I will come to you.”  John 14:10-18

Do we love Jesus and “keep my commandments”? The author of Hebrews reminds us that the plumbline of all things IS The Word of God, we can choose to heed The Word or reap the consequences of wrong thinking/believing.

“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

Our accounting before God will be according to God’s Word not our own loose handling of the same; God knows, and truth will be open before Him!  Jesus also told us that our lives are to be serving Him, and that which we ask “in His name” is to be in order to bring glory to God and to increase His kingdom?  How are you using His name?  Do you love Him, or only what you think He will do for you?

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

If a man love me,

he will keep my words:

and my Father will love him,

and we will come unto him,

and make our abode with him.

24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:

and the word which ye hear is not mine,

but the Father’s which sent me.

25 These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.”             John 14:23-26

Jesus had so much to say about the transition from His physical presence to the indwelling Holy Spirit for those who were His own.

“Ye are my friends,

if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15 Henceforth I call you not servants;

for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth:

but I have called you friends;

for all things that I have heard of my Father

I have made known unto you.

16 Ye have not chosen me,

but I have chosen you,

and ordained you,

that ye should go and bring forth fruit,

and that your fruit should remain:

that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father

in my name,

he may give it you.”  John 15:14-16

Did you see the connection between bearing fruit with and for Jesus and asking and receiving from The Father.  We can’t go maverick and expect Jesus’ blessing upon us, and His answers to our demands.  I think that we, much like the religious leaders of Jesus day, are wanting to please God in our flesh and get HIS blessings by our own goodness!  Let’s see what Jesus had to say about choices, behavior and truth, to us!

“Ye hypocrites,

well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

8 This people draweth nigh unto me

with their mouth,

and honoureth me

with their lips;

but their heart

is far from me.

9 But in vain they do worship me,

teaching for doctrines

the commandments of men.”  Matthew 15:7-9

We must continue to be diligent to work and walk in God’s ways, knowing what His Word says, and diligently ordering our steps according to that Word!  So are you and I using words made of letters, claiming to speak in Jesus’ name; or is our life aligned to His Holy Word?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“O death,

where is thy sting?

O grave,

where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death

is sin;

and the strength of sin

is the law.

57 But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:55-58

And in closing Jesus’ own words to us all, for remember, saying so, doesn’t make it so!

“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 7:21-23

Amen and Amen!!!

Please be sure that your prayers, your words, your life before a lost and dying world is grounded in Jesus, HIS Word, and His ways, and not just empty letters that may spell His name but not be of Him; don’t be just “saying…Lord, Lord”!

Is God’s Word Truth??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #393

01 Wednesday Oct 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's Judgment, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godly Wisdom, The Things of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?, There IS a Test!, This is the Way, Time Is Grace!, Too Late To Call?, Transformed life, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Uncertainty--God HAS the answer, Unrighteous will not inherit, Victory IN Jesus!, What are you hungry for?, What are you listening to?, What do you SEE?, What's in your book?, What's The Word?, Who are YOU following?, Who are you listening to?, Who will you believe and follow?, Who's Listening Anyway?, Whose Sheep are You?

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Is God’s Word Truth??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #393

I feel led to write this article today, as I just read some startling statistics that break my heart; but I have no doubt that they reflect where our culture is.  The bottom line was that less than 10% of those who claim to be “Christians” actually believe the Word of God/The Bible to be true, authoritative and useful for ordering our lives before a Holy God!  So, I want to share what the Word of God has to say about itself.  It’s your choice, as to what you believer, but choose wisely for there is a test; and believe it or not, God’s Word is and ever will be the plumbline!

“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

You may deny the veracity of The Word of God, but your denial will not diminish the truth that it is what you will stand and be judged by one day!  What you do with Jesus and His Word is truly your choice, but the consequences have already been set.  Paul gives us a most powerful declaration of the truth of the Bible—God’s Word!  Other’s words may be tempting to believe as they usually (almost always) feed the fleshly desires, rather than the truths of God!

“If we believe not,

yet he abideth faithful:

he cannot deny himself.

14 Of these things put them in remembrance,

charging them before the Lord

that they strive not about words to no profit,

but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:13-15

And just an observation, if we are called to “rightly” divide the word of God, it is implied that there is a way to “wrongly” divide (or interpret and apply it) God’s Word.  What are you doing with the Bible?  Are you taking other’s opinions of what it says, or are you digging in yourself to see what God says?  Whether we believe and accept it or not, God remains faithful and His Word is true; again I say, it’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test!  Let’s look at what else Paul told this young pastor!

“All scripture

is given by inspiration of God, and

is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be

perfect,

throughly furnished

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

Just FYI, the word ‘perfect’ here means stable and mature, it is not a reference to attaining sinless perfection!  This is calling us to understand that it is the Bible, God’s Word, which can help us to know truth (doctrine); to reveal our failure and sin (reproof); to correct us and set our feet back on the road of the light of our God (correction); and one of the greatest things is that it helps us to learn the ways of righteousness (the preventive measures for a godly life, instruction in righteousness!)!  Then Paul lifts us up to see that this very Word of God is what will help us to be mature, useful and equipped spiritually for whatever good works God may set before us!  Oh, to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, and our heart and flesh feasting on His Word.  It’s like medicine for the soul and our weak flesh.

Jesus said it best as He dealt with the temptation of Satan face to face!

“And when the tempter came to him, he said,

If thou be the Son of God,

command that these stones be made bread.

4 But he answered and said,

It is written,

Man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word

that proceedeth

out of the mouth of God.”              Matthew 4:3-4

What if our diets were as set on God’s Word as on the physical food that we love –some of us way too much!  So in closing I just want to remind every one of us that there is a day coming when we will give an account—let us consider the fate of those who don’t know Jesus; yet also we need to consider that every genuine believer in Jesus will also give an account.  Are you living according to God’s Word?  How can you if you don’t know it?  You can’t!  So dig in my friend; dig in and feast on the riches of all that God has sent to us in this amazing love letter—from Genesis to Revelation!  It’s all true—whether you believe it or not!

“And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face the earth and the heaven

fled away;

and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things which were written

in the books,

according to their works.

13 And the sea

gave up the dead which were in it;

and death and hell

delivered up the dead which were in them:

and they were judged

every man

according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever

was not found written in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”  Revelation 20:11-15

No second chances!

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die,

but after this the judgment:” Hebrews 9:27

Then consider Paul’s explanation of the believer’s accounting.

“For other foundation can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.

16 Know ye not

that ye are the temple of God,

and that the Spirit of God

dwelleth in you?”  1 Corinthians 3:11-16

Are you ordering your steps with Jesus or the world?  It’s your choice but remember there is a test.  May we pray with the Psalmist today?  And the next today…….  And the next today…

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:139

Amen and Amen!!!

God’s Way Or What??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #381

01 Monday Sep 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God Who Sees, God's Call, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, Good News, Gospel, Grace, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Preach Christ and HIM crucified!, Preaching Jesus, Preaching truth about SIN, Ready or NOT Here Jesus Comes!, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Redemption or Rehearsal?, Redemption Through HIS Blood, The Gospel, The greatest gift!!!, The Heart is deceitful and dreadfully wicked..., Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True, Turn to God's Word, Unrighteous will not inherit, Victory IN Jesus!, Walking by Faith or Sight?, Walking With Jesus, What are you listening to?, Who are YOU following?, Who are you listening to?, Who will you believe and follow?, Whose Sheep are You?, Wolves in sheep's clothing!, You can't get yesterday back!

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God’s Way Or What??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #381

I would like to share a few thoughts with you today, and some of them may not be well-received, for they may fly in the face of what some if not many in our day pursue and purport to be truth.  I think God makes it clear that Jesus is, was and ever shall be the plumbline.

“Jesus Christ

the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

I love the Gospel of John as it reveals Jesus throughout as the “I Am”; even the religious leaders bristled at this claim, and on several occasions when Jesus spoke clearly that HE was the “I AM” they wanted to stone Him!  Note that Jesus didn’t claim to be the “I might be”, the “I was” or even the “I will be”!  John starts his gospel with the great “In the beginning” passage which clearly declares that Jesus was, is and ever shall be God!  Jesus even said it of Himself (a claim which many say He didn’t make, but He absolutely did!)!

“Then came the Jews round about him,

and said unto him,

How long dost thou make us to doubt?

If thou be the Christ,

tell us plainly.

25 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.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

31 Then the Jews took up stones again

to stone him.”  John 10”24-31. (notice the “again”)

Jesus is God, the God-man-redeemer; the Savior of all who will come to Him in repentance of their sin, and trust in/believing in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice which pays for sin!  And sin, my friends, is the issue.  The angel told Joseph that very thing when he told him that Mary was indeed pregnant with the Messiah!

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done,

that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord

by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name

Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.”             Matthew 1:21-23

Oh, thank you Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that you had already provided the salvation we needed, before our father Adam sinned! That is also in The Word of God!

“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

Even in His priestly prayer for us, Jesus reminds us of His eternal deity before creation!

“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.”   John 17:24

Peter also made this clear in his first letter to scattered believers.

“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

So, why, you might ask, am I belaboring this point?  I’ll answer that question!  The gospel hasn’t changed, but we are living in a culture that is marginalizing Jesus and His gospel of “the blood of The Lamb” that is necessary for the forgiveness of sin!  Sin has been removed from most preaching, as well as the cross and that “the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin”, for it is offensive to many and has been removed from many (if not most) churches today.  In its place is a message of just “love like Jesus loved”—and, yes, Jesus “so loved the world” that He died for our sin, but unless we recognize our sin as sin and are ready and willing to turn from our sin to the cleansing, saving and transforming power of Jesus Christ the crucified, buried and risen Lord, we may have religion, but we have missed salvation by a mile!  Jesus Himself calls us to repentance which leads to saving faith.

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.”  Luke 13:3                                 (and He repeats it in verse 5)

Paul makes it clear that if we fail to preach sin, repentance and faith in Jesus alone for salvation, we are perverting the gospel.  I’ll let Paul speak for himself; he says it better than I can.

“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 book of Acts clearly declares that it’s all about sin and Jesus’ blood shed for our sin, and only Jesus can and will save.

“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’s clear message is trustworthy, what have you done with it?

“For all have sinned, and come short

of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth

to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood,

to declare his righteousness

for the remission of sins that are past,

through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say,

at this time his righteousness:

that he might be just,

and the justifier of him

which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:23-26

“For when ye were the servants of sin,

ye were free from righteousness.

 21 What fruit had ye then in those things

whereof ye are now ashamed?

for the end of those things is death.

22 But now being made free from sin,

and become servants to God,

ye have your fruit unto holiness,

and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:20-23

So, my friends what have you don’t with Jesus?  Are you reveling in your sin, confident that you play the church game, but you’ve never been washed in Jesus’ blood to forgive your sin and cleanse your heart and make you new.  That’s the message of the Gospel of Jesus!  It’s not saying some prayer, or getting dunked, or even walking an aisle to shake someone’s hand.  It’s hearing the voice of Jesus’ Spirit speaking to your heart and showing you your sin—not anyone else’s—and being willing and ready to bow before Jesus and ask Him to forgive your sin and save and heal your soul and impart to you the new birth (read John 3)!

I’ll simply close with Paul’s declaration of God’s choice of preaching!  Preaching!  Not games, or entertainment or smooth words—but the preaching of The Gospel of Jesus’ salvation through His blood!  I pray that you’ll meet Him at the cross and find Him sufficient to save!  Don’t put off till tomorrow that which may not be offered again!

“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.

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 1:17-24

It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

Amen and Amen!!!

Righteousness Exalts A Nation??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 20

11 Monday Apr 2022

Posted by in Confidence or Presumption?, Consider Your ways, Look UP, Looking up Or around?, Righteousness, Righteousness exalts a nation, Unrighteous will not inherit, Unrighteousness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 20   Righteousness Exalts A Nation???

“Righteousness

exalteth a nation:

but sin

is a reproach to any people.”   Proverbs 14:34

Righteousness: 1. the quality or state of being righteous…2.  righteous conduct……3. the quality of state of being just or rightful…

Scripture gives us the most profound and insightful thoughts on the subject, let’s look and consider God’s Word!

“Thy throne,

O God,

is for ever and ever:

the sceptre

of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.

7 Thou lovest righteousness,

and hatest wickedness:

therefore God,

thy God,

hath anointed thee

with the oil of gladness

above thy fellows.”  Psalm 45:6-7

A reference to not only God’s righteousness, but the righteousness of the Lord Jesus who would be exalted for the sacrifice HE made for our sin at Calvary.

“And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

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

“And the heavens shall declare

his righteousness:

for God is judge himself.

Selah.”  Psalm 50:6

Jesus made a most profound and yet simple declaration about “righteousness”, and it is up to each of us how we will respond.

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat? or,

What shall we drink? or,

Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father

knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow

shall take thought for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:31-34

Will we pursue the “first” of God’s kingdom, or our own?  Will we be recipients of God’s “righteous” provision in Jesus, whose death, burial, and resurrection for victory over sin is our only hope; or will we choose our own unrighteousness, refusing God’s offer of love, forgiveness, and salvation? It’s your choice!

Even as Paul told believers to put on the “breastplate of righteousness” –Christ’s righteousness–imparted to us by God’s grace, and our response of faith to the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus for SIN!  When individual sin spreads through the land unchecked, it erupts into a state of national “UN”-righteousness.  What will be the result?  Just look around us!   We can disregard the gift of God and reap the consequences or accept Jesus, spreading the good news everywhere we go!

“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 5:21

We can choose to be a part of sharing God’s truth of redemption through Jesus, or we can be a part of acerbating the problem of “UN”-righteousness!  And just a few more scriptures regarding those who choose unrighteousness.

“Woe

unto them that decree

unrighteous decrees,

and that write grievousness

which they have prescribed;

2 To turn aside the needy

from judgment,

and to take away the right

from the poor of my people,

that widows may be their prey,

and that they may rob the fatherless!”   Isaiah 10:1-2

Will you choose God, while HE may be found!  May we pray and live a life that promotes righteousness, affecting real change in our world!

“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

The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test coming, and it may be soon.  Even as Paul encouraged us:

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Amen and Amen!!!