A Christmas Fortnight:Day 3 A Word from THE WORD! #415

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A Christmas Fortnight:Day 3 A Word From THE WORD! #415

As we continue with our Christmas Fortnight, I was thinking of a line from a McKamey’s Christmas song. Referring to the message the shepherds received from the angel, it says, “they always knew men went to heaven, but now God had come to earth”.  (A song recorded by The McKameys by Roger Fortner—only information available.)

What an awesome thought!!!! God come to earth. He did once—and He is coming again.

Philippians 2:6-8 says this of Jesus,

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

Think about it:

Placed in a manger-

destined for a cross.

Willingly,

lovingly,

obediently—

for You and Me.

Do you see that?

Jesus laid aside

His privilege,

His heavenly home,

He took on flesh,

He came as a servant,

He left His Father’s physical presence,

and humbled Himself unto DEATH,

even the death of the cross.

Why? He did it for usYou and Me. As a lovely Christmas song says, “What a strange way to save the world” (Written by Dave Clark.)  Oh, how I thank God for His plan. Not the way we would have chosen, but it is the way God chose. It was God’s way! We still must come God’s way!

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:18, 21,

For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God….

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.

The preaching of the cross—

from a manger bed

to a cruel, Roman cross for ME and YOU.

The world scoffs at Jesus but embraces Santa Claus.

They want the gifts without the sacrifice.

What are you embracing? The real gift of ETERNAL LIFE; God’s precious babe-His son, to deliver you and me?

Let’s choose to Celebrate Jesus!!

For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son, t

hat 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.”  John 3:16-17

Amen and Amen!!!

A Christmas Fortnight: Day 2 A Word from THE WORD! #414

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A Christmas Fortnight:Day 2 A Word From THE WORD! #414

I remember this past January we saw snow as we were visiting South Mississippi, and it was a treat to watch the sun move up on the horizon over the snow-covered ground, It reminds me of Jesus whose unlikely arrival was much like snow in the south, pure white covering the ground!

This child born in a barn, instead of a palace—

placed in a manger bed instead of an elegant cradle—

greeted by shepherds rather than statesmen and kings-

surrounded by the lowing and bleating of animals rather than orchestral masterpieces.

The one worthy of praise,

From the rising of the sun

unto the going down of the same

the Lord’s name is to be praised.”  Psalm 113:3

Our “Sun” rising in the sky, which Isaiah 60:1-3 uses to paint a picture beautifully.  This rising “SUNis Jesus,

Arise, shine;

for thy light is come,                   

and the glory of the Lord

is risen upon thee.

2 For,

behold, the darkness

shall cover the earth,

and gross darkness

the people:

but the Lord shall arise upon thee,

and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light,

and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

May Isaiah’s words challenge each of us

 to “Arise,

to “Shine” and

to be the reflection of this “LIGHT

whom God sent into our world so long ago–the babe born to die for you and me, “for he shall save his people from their sin…”.  Matthew 1:21b

Let His light, that dwells within those who belong to Him, Shine in us as we go about today.

Don’t just keep ‘Christ’ in Christmas but let the ‘Christ in you be seen

in all you do,

every where,

every day.

If you’re HIS act like it………….that’s Merry ‘Christmas.

Amen and Amen!!!

A Christmas Fortnight: Day 1 A Word from THE WORD! #413

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A Christmas Fortnight:Day 1 A Word From THE WORD! #413

The Christmas Fortnight: I thought it would be nice to spend a bit of time up to Christmas sharing some of the joys of Christmas.  I’d like to start with the very reason that we celebrate this time of year, without getting into all of the debate about whether or not Christians should even celebrate during this time, I’d like us to simply share the ways that we celebrate Jesus.

Each individual must choose for themselves if and how they will celebrate Christmas.  I celebrate the gift of God’s Son, born of a Virgin, according to the scriptures,

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;

Behold, a virgin shall conceive,

and bear a son, and shall call his name

Immanuel.”  Isaiah 7:14

The promised birth of Jesus was the sign that God’s Messiah would arrive on planet Earth and meet the need for Redemption of fallen man.

And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

God with us, to save us from our sin.   All for me and you—each a sinner!  How could we not rejoice that the God of the universe loved us so much that He had “Pre-planned” the solution for our sin even before Adam fell.  Oh, how it takes my breath away to know that I am loved that much; that Jesus restrained His glory to put on human flesh, to be born, live and die for me.  As the angels declared

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

good will toward men.” Luke 2:14.

Smile today—celebrate Jesus!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

His Presence Or The Presents??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #412

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His Presence Or The Presents??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #412

 

As we think about this season of giving—God has given us the greatest gift –Jesus the Redeemer of all who will come to Him!  We so often think of the ‘presents’ rather than the ‘presence’ of The One who came to be lifted up so that we could have eternal life by grace through faith.

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 2:5-10

God has given us an amazing gift in Jesus, not only in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin, but the promise of His continual presence (an amazing present) in our lives via the Holy Spirit.  The author of Hebrews gives us an amazing insight and confidence in our Lord’s faithfulness to His own.

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

Jesus will be with you and me, what an amazing and comforting promise; “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”!  Let’s see what else Jesus told us!

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 14:16-18

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.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:25-27

But when the Comforter is come,

whom I will send unto you from the Father,

even the Spirit of truth,

which proceedeth from the Father,

he shall testify of me:” John 15:26

Nevertheless I tell you the truth;

It is expedient for you that I go away:

for if I go not away,

the Comforter will not come unto you;

but if I depart,

I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come,

he will reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment

33 These things I have spoken unto you,

that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation:

but be of good cheer;

I have overcome the world.”   Portions of John 16:7-8 & 33

So as you shop, and wrap gifts, and share time with your loved ones and friends, remember that Jesus loves you, He cares for you and has promised to be with you when you come to Him!  It’s what Christmas is really all about!  The baby in the manger came to go to Calvary for Keep your eyes on the prize—Jesus—and the gifts that He provides to His own!

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…

My prayers are for you to draw near to The One, who loves you and gave Himself for you and me to have life— “abundant life”!!!  Remember His presence is ever near you!!!  If you hear His voice—don’t run, but bow! Always!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Why Bible Ballistics??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #411

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Why Bible Ballistics???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #411

People sometimes ask why I called my blog, Bible Ballistics, and I’d like us to take a look at that today.

Ballistics:  the science or study of the motion of projectiles…the art or science of designing projectiles for maximum flight performance…

What might that have to do with a Bible blog, you might ask; well, I think it important that we understand that God’s Word is what we need for not only living, but for helping others see that the target isn’t random, but we are called to know Jesus through The Word, and if I am to lead others to the cross I need to have the right ammunition!  God’s Word is the ammunition that we as believers are to share.  Paul says it better than I can, we are to know God’s Word that we can share it truthfully, ably and accurately—if you would, as a projectile of truth; remember Jesus told us that He is the “truth…no man comes to the Father but by me…” (See John 14:6)

Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase

unto more ungodliness.”  2 Timothy 2:15-16

Paul goes on to tell Timothy, his son in the ministry, how important The Word of God is!

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

Paul tells us that all scripture is profitable—it hits the target—it is designed by God for the “maximum flight performance”!  God has a plan to grow us in grace, truth and peace!  That is why I chose the name, as a reminder that it’s all about God’s provision in every way, and I pray that I can help in pointing people to The Word; both the living Word Jesus, as well as the breath of the written Word, Jesus!  It’s what it’s all about!  Jesus and His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice, and His Word (promised in the entirety of scripture)!  It why I do what I do, and the reason for the name Bible Ballistics!  I hope you’ll stay with us and that these posts will always be an encouragement to you all!

The author of the book of Hebrews reminds of this import of God’s Word in clear truth!  It is not only God’s Word and His truth, but it is also that by which we shall all be judged!  What are you doing with God’s 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

Jesus Himself reminds us that His written Word as well as His spoken words are truth!

It is the spirit that quickeneth;

the flesh profiteth nothing:

the words that I speak unto you,

they are spirit,

and they are life.”  John 6:63

This is why we do what we do for our Lord!  There is nothing that I can write apart from what He has said, and His leading me to share it and comment as a teacher to make things clear and helpful in some small way.

Are we willing to hear and heed The Word of God, or will we try to worship God in our own way?  Jesus rebuked the people of his day for their lack of understanding.  I fear that He would make the same judgment of many in our churches today.  What are you worshipping?  Who are you worshipping?  Will you worship Jesus in Spirit and truth or go your own way, having itching ears. If Jesus says it’s wrong, it is wrong!  If Jesus says it is right, it is right—nothing man can say will ever change that!

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 19:7-9

So, in closing, a reminder from Paul, that not everyone wants to hear truth.  Where are you?  Are you heeding God’s Word, or is it the last thing on our list of things to attend to?  Forgive me Lord, for the times that I fail you, and miss the mark.  To recognize the false we must—I repeat, we must—know God’s Word and the truth which it contains.

I charge thee therefore

before God,

and the Lord Jesus Christ,

who shall judge the quick and the dead

at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word;

be instant

in season,

out of season;

reprove, rebuke, exhort

with all longsuffering

and doctrine.

3 For the time will come

when they will not endure sound doctrine;

but after their own lusts

shall they heap to themselves teachers,

having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,

and shall be turned unto fables.”  2 Timothy 4:1-4

May God help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, and our ears tuned to The Word of God.  Blessings on you and yours, and don’t forget to be working on that “attitude of gratitude”!  Are you hearing teachers who teach God’s Word or are you going from place to place seeking teachers and preachers who will give you approval for your fleshly lusts—whether they be shacking up, sacking it up, storing it up—laying up treasure on earth rather than heaven.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

Amen and Amen!!!