Category Archives: When Will You Bow?

Bullets And Bible-Thumpers!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No. 04

18 Sunday Feb 2018

Posted by in Approved Unto God, Bullets Or Bible-Thumpers, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, For Such A Time As This, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, No Sin No Need?, Salvation, SIN, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Walking With Jesus, When Will You Bow?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No.04 Bullets And Bible-Thumpers!!!

 

We have experienced another recent tragedy here in our country, and it seems to have stirred up more strife than unity, and I’d like to offer some thoughts in regard to that conflict. It seems that everyone has an opinion, and I’d like to simply examine the current climate in light of biblical truth. We Christians sometimes seem to think that we ought to be in the spotlight—popular and accepted as purveyors of truth without question—no matter how we live.

My mind goes to a couple of devoted believers that have passed on from this life into eternity, one with not much fanfare, except from his friends and family; the other was a man of some influence whose absence will be lauded by people near and far. And each of them lived a life of faith—two men who prayed for healing (as well as those who loved and cared for them) and didn’t receive the healing that they each expected, but they both stood fast in their trust in Jesus and His perfect will for them and left a testimony of faith that has inspired and affected hosts of people—saved and unsaved, because they held to God’s Truth, God’s Word!

So what does this have to do with the recent tragic school shootings? I think it is the very heart of the tragedies around us! We have failed to recognize the conflict between sin and faith in God. As always, we want to examine the scriptures to see what we can discover. The scriptures are our guide for living. One of my favorite passages that speaks to the differences between light and dark is Psalm 1.

“Blessed is the man

that walketh not in the counsel

of the ungodly,

nor standeth in the way

of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat

of the scornful.

2 But his delight

is in the law of the LORD;

and in his law doth he meditate

day and night.

3 And he shall be

like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit

in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth

shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so:

but are like the chaff

which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly

shall not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners

in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knoweth

the way of the righteous:

but the way of the ungodly

shall perish.” Psalm 1:1-6

The Psalmist makes the contrast between those who are “blessed” and the “ungodly”—there are two forces at work in this world and we must choose who we will follow and believe—the enemy of our soul or The God of all creation, who sent His Son to die for our sin! And only those who accept Jesus and follow Him are the “righteous”!

“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 

Jesus, the sinless Son of God came to give new life to lost and dying humanity. With Him we can have life, but without Him we will answer for our own sin. And what we must see and understand is that while God is calling men to reconciliation, they enemy of our souls is leading men, women, boys and girls straight to Hell—and deceiving them into believing that it won’t be a bad place to be!

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince

of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also

we all had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature

the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together

with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together,

and made us sit together

in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come

he might shew the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:1-10

We are all born into a sinful world, in a sinful body with a sinful nature and mind—but Jesus came to give “new birth” to all who are “born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” by faith in His substitutionary, atoning, death for our salvation. Jesus saves us out of the clutches of the devil and gives us new life—for which we rejoice! But not all people believe, and we must expect the conflict that we will encounter—and we will encounter opposition. And SIN is opposition! As long as sin is rampant in this world, we will have tragic happenings and wicked tragedies interrupt our world! And no matter what we may say or do, people will not be willing to hear or believe that God IS the only answer. Only redeemed and changed lives will produce a changed world

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers

of the inheritance

of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom

of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”    Colossians 1:12-14

Since sin is the issue, until people are ready to deal with sin, we will never see a change in our culture, our nation or our world! But we are living in a world that makes light of God, faith, and the value of life based in Biblical principles—then we are surprised when tragedy comes, and people blame everything under the sun but SIN! It’s the bullets, it’s the guns, it’s the drugs, it’d the liquor, it’s the economy, it’s the president, anything but SIN! Until we recognize that people don’t want to hear our message, we will keep scratching our heads and letting ourselves be pulled into useless debates rather than the proclamation of the truth!

One of scriptures clear examples of this is the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah was called to preach to a rebellious people, going there own way instead of God’s way, and they expected to reap good things not the consequences of their sin! An amazing parallel to today, so let’s look at a message from Paul before we look at Jeremiah. It’s a passage that reminds us of a culture that is “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.

6 For of this sort are they which

creep into houses,

and lead captive silly women

laden with sins,

led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning,

and never able

to come

to the knowledge

of the truth.”    2 Timothy 3:1-7

Jeremiah also dealt with a people who didn’t want to “learn“; and God even warned Him that this would be his mission.

“Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me,

Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. 10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms,

to root out,

and to pull down,

and to destroy,

and to throw down,

to build,

and to plant…….

17 Thou therefore gird up thy loins,

and arise,

and speak unto them

all that I command thee:

be not dismayed at their faces,

lest I confound thee before them.

18 For, behold,

I have made thee this day

a defenced city,

and an iron pillar,

and brasen walls

against the whole land,

against the kings of Judah,

against the princes thereof,

against the priests thereof,

and against the people of the land.

19 And they shall fight against thee;

but they shall not prevail against thee;

for I am with thee,

saith the LORD,

to deliver thee.”   Jeremiah 1:9-10 & 17-19

God told Jeremiah that the people would not heed his message! And Jesus told us the same thing:

“And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy;

and there abide till ye go thence.

12 And when ye come into an house,

salute it.

13 And if the house be worthy,

let your peace come upon it:

but if it be not worthy,

let your peace return to you.

14 And whosoever shall not receive you,

nor hear your words,

when ye depart out of that house or city,

shake off the dust of your feet.

15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment,

than for that city.

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep

in the midst of wolves:

be ye therefore wise as serpents,

and harmless as doves.

17 But beware of men:

for they will deliver you up

to the councils,

and they will scourge you

in their synagogues;

18 And ye shall be brought before

governors and kings

for my sake,

for a testimony

against them

and the Gentiles.”     Matthew 10:11-18

Paul gave us a very similar warning, one we don’t hear much about today. Today we are surrounded with a Christian culture that is often so consumed with ‘acceptance’ that they change the message of the Gospel to be accepted, popular, big and successful in the world’s eyes rather than God’s. Jeremiah’s message wasn’t received or followed by the masses, but he was God’s faithful servant to the end—and even though he wasn’t popular or heeded most of the time—he never changed the message that GOD had given Him. What about us? If we stand fast we will be opposed, just like those who opposed Jeremiah—and we can expect the same kind of thing when we follow Jesus and His Word.

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12

Jeremiah, as well as Paul suffered for holding to the truth—the truth that sin will never bring us into right relationship with God!!! Never! And sin will never lift us up, but it will drag us down. It’s why we blame everything for our nations woes except sin–“for all have sinned”! Read Romans 3!

“Go and tell Hananiah, saying,

Thus saith the LORD;

Thou hast broken the yokes of wood;

but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron.

14 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;

I have put a yoke of iron

upon the neck of all these nations,

that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar

king of Babylon;

and they shall serve him:

and I have given him the beasts of the field also.

15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah;

The LORD hath not sent thee;

but thou makest this people

to trust in a lie.

16 Therefore thus saith the LORD;

Behold, I will cast thee from off

the face of the earth:

this year thou shalt die,

because thou hast taught rebellion

against the LORD.

17 So Hananiah the prophet died

the same year in the seventh month.”  Jeremiah 28:12-17

Believers are called to be light shinning in the dark—not to join the darkness to be accepted! As an old gospel song says, “We’re not trying to change any hearts, we’re just getting used to the dark”! What about you and me? Are we walking in the light–or getting used to the dark? Are we debating bullets or sharing God’s Word—the truth about SIN!!! Acknowledging “sin” is the only road to salvation!!!

I’d much rather be called a “Bible-Thumper” and stand on God’s truth, than receive the laud and praise from a world gone amuck! How about you? The truth is seldom popular, and remember there are two gates—wide or narrow—many or few! What will you choose?

“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.”    Matthew 7:13-14

S.R.O.–How About You??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 10 No. 26

22 Monday Jan 2018

Posted by in Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Every Knee Shall Bow, Heaven or Hell, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Salvation, SIN, The Only Way, The Word, Walking With Jesus, When Will You Bow?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 10 No.26 S.R.O—How About You???

 

We’ve all heard the term “Standing Room Only”; it’s used for a situation at an event that doesn’t have enough seats for everyone to sit down at a particular time. Well my friends, I’d like is to consider another S.R.O. scenario: the day when Jesus comes again, and what we do with our time and our lives until He appears will dictate our position before Him when He comes—our eternal destiny depends on our choice.

In his letter to Ephesian believers, Paul calls followers of Jesus to stand up for Him, and in Him in order to not fall. Let’s look at some portions from that letter:

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong

in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not

against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.

13 Wherefore

take unto you the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins girt about with truth,

and having on the breastplate

of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod

with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able

to quench all the fiery darts

of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer

and supplication

in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;”    Ephesians 6:10-18

Paul calls us to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” so that we will be able to “stand” in enemy territory—knowing that our enemy isn’t “flesh and blood”, but the unseen forces of the devil—and yes, he is real! Four times Paul calls us to “be strong” or “to stand”, and we can only do that in the “power of his might”! And we can receive that “power…..to stand” as we kneel. We must come to Jesus in repentance and faith, trusting in His work of salvation on Calvary. Paul talked about that in his letter to the Philippians, reminding us that the question isn’t “Will you bow?” but when will you bow?

“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

Jesus came because He loves us; He came to be the ‘suffering servant’ of Isaiah 53, to be the perfect sacrifice for sin—the Only sacrifice for sin. And our eternal destiny—yours and mine—depends on what we do with that gift of salvation bought by His blood!

“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

We must decide if we will bow before at the cross and receive the gift that Jesus offers to all who will come to Him in repentance and faith, or if we will ‘stand’ against Him; but remember the day is coming when those who ‘stand’ against Him will “bow”, speechlessly, with no recourse, no Savior, but ‘standing’ before Judge Jesus at the Great White Throne.

“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

There will be ‘standing room only’ before that Throne; no one will be sitting this one out! Those who have chosen to refuse the love that God has for them will give an account of why they refused to ‘bow’ before The Son of God! They will stand alone before the God who created them and who provided the salvation that they rejected. They will ‘bow’ before King Jesus as their judge with no opportunity for forgiveness and salvation -–that is only available in this life. Even as scripture tells us:

“And as it is appointed unto men

once to die,

but after this the judgment:”   Hebrews 9:27

This life is important, it is the only opportunity that we will have to receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and have our sins forgiven; not a “get out of jail free’ card to escape hell, but a life-transforming gift of eternal life that Jesus purchased at Calvary with His own, sinless perfect life’s blood! And when He saves us, heaven is our destiny because He writes our names in the “book of life”! So the questions that we must all answer are, “Will I stand on my own?” or “Will I bow before the Son in this life now, as Savior and Lord, or will I bow before Him then, as Judge?”

I know these are sobering questions, but they are questions that are of eternal import—what you decide to do with Jesus will determine whether you face a heavenly home or an eternal hell! I can’t think of anything more important, even though most these days, want to simply disregard Jesus as ‘pie in the sky’ and live like there is no tomorrow. Well my friend, there is a tomorrow—and only God knows what it holds. But when we come to Jesus, we can have confidence knowing Who holds our tomorrows (Oh, that might make a great song!). And we can trust Him to continue to do His work in us—for our good and His glory.

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:”   Philippians 1:6

Jesus is coming soon; I believe that with all my heart. And while I don’t know the day or the hour, I know that when He comes, I’m going with Him!!! How about you? There is “Standing Room” only to kneel before Him today, and know we will never stand before that Great White Throne (Although believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of what we have done, or not done for Jesus, but that’s a subject for another day. See Romans 14:10 & 2 Corinthians 5:10, and it’s also pictured in 1 Corinthians 3:1-15)!

I pray that we will each examine our heart today and listen to His Spirit, drawing near to the Savior—either to bow before Him as Lord and Savior to receive His gift of salvation; or to draw nearer to Him and learn to know Him better if we are already His! Have a blessed week walking with Jesus, and “…take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand”! Amen and Amen!