Tag Archives: 1 Corinthians 2:1-2

The Manger Leads To The Cross! A Word from THE WORD!!! #51

07 Wednesday Dec 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Death, Father's Way!, GET READY, Glory To God, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God of all comfort!, God Still Reigns, God's love, God's Presence Not Presents, God's ways are not our ways, Power of The Cross, The manger leads to the cross

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The Manger Leads To The Cross! A Word from THE WORD!!! #51

“For unto you is born this day

in the city of David

a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you;

Ye shall find the babe

wrapped in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel

a multitude of the heavenly host

praising God,

and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

good will

toward men.

15 And it came to pass,

as the angels were gone away from them

into heaven,

the shepherds said one to another,

Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,

and see this thing which is come to pass,

which the Lord hath made known

unto us.

16 And they came with haste,

and found Mary,

and Joseph,

and the babe

lying in a manger.”  Luke 2:11-16

Just as this amazing news of The Messiah was told to shepherds, they went to see this child and found him “lying in a manger” because “there was no room for them in the inn”; amazed, like the shepherds, we come to the manger during this wonderful season of celebrating Jesus our King!  Yet we must not be distracted from the truth that Jesus didn’t stay in that manger.  He grew to be the man who was nailed to a cruel Roman cross for my sin and yours!  That is why HE came!  This precious baby endured the trials of all flesh without sin, HE was/is the perfect “lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”!  He came to be born that He could be the perfect sacrifice for sin–He was Born to Die–for our sin, to be raised from the dead, and ascend back to heaven where HE ever intercedes for His own!

“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 4:15-16

Yet, there’s more–more that points us to the pain of the cross, so let’s go back to Luke’s account, and while this is a bit lengthy, I think it worth our time and effort!

“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem,

whose name was Simeon;

and the same man was just and devout,

waiting for the consolation of Israel:

and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him

by the Holy Ghost,

that he should not see death,

before he had seen

the Lord’s Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit

 into the temple:

and when the parents brought in the child Jesus,

to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms,

and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant

depart in peace,

according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared

before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles,

and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled

at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them,

and said unto Mary his mother,

Behold, this child is set

for the fall and rising again

of many in Israel;

and for a sign

which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through

thy own soul also,)

that the thoughts of many hearts

may be revealed.”  Luke 2:25-35

Then we see this prophecy played out at the foot of the cross!

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus

his mother,

and his mother’s sister,

Mary the wife of Cleophas,

and Mary Magdalene.

26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother,

and the disciple standing by, whom he loved,

he saith unto his mother,

Woman, behold thy son!

27 Then saith he to the disciple,

Behold thy mother!

And from that hour that disciple

took her unto his own home.

28 After this, Jesus knowing

that all things were now accomplished,

that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith,

I thirst.

29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar:

and they filled a spunge with vinegar,

and put it upon hyssop,

and put it to his mouth.

30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar,

he said,

It is finished:

and he bowed his head,

and gave up the ghost.”  John 19:25-30

Like some of you, I have experienced the death of a child, and it is like a sword piercing your heart, leaving a hole that seems to always be there–even when the immediate pain subsides, the hole in your heart is ever-present with you!  I can’t imagine the pain that Mary felt, knowing that this was God’s plan for her own salvation; the wonder and questions that flooded her soul, are the same questions that often come to our hearts!  BUT GOD!  God was working His perfect plan for the redemption of mankind, for all who would repent of their sin and trust in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus offered at Calvary.  It’s all about the cross, so don’t linger at the manger and miss the cross, but trust to the sacrifice that this baby came to BE!  And as Paul so clearly reminds us, and which I try to convey in all I write and teach:

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-2

And Paul’s words ever resound in my heart as my hope, my goal, and my encouragement! May it ever spark us on to greater hope and victories as we walk in the power of the precious Holy Spirit whom Jesus imparts to each of His own!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

May you draw near to the cross, remembering the greatest gift of all, Who was laid in that manger in Bethlehem; enjoy your celebrations but don’t forget the price that baby came to pay for you and me!

Merry CHRISTmas!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Simply To The Cross I Go??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #44

21 Friday Oct 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, By Him We Live, By His Grace, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Salvation, Take Up YOUR Cross

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Simply To The Cross I Go??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #44

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you

the testimony of God.

2 For I determined

not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-2

It’s so easy these days for people to preach and share anything but the “Cross”!  It’s easy to hear a message of indulgence, no-demand salvation, almost anything but the call to “take up your cross and follow me” is dangled before the church and the world claiming to offer a “get out of jail free” card—fire insurance- with no regard for the price that Jesus paid for the salvation of those who would come to HIM by faith for forgiveness of sin, and a new birth.  I believe that we must cling to the cross of Jesus and all that it means, for without it there is NO salvation!

“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

We have been “translated…into the kingdom of his dear Son”, Hallelujah, Amen!  That means our heart is new born, our tongue speaks a new language, and our mind can be renewed every day by HIS power and love through the indwelling Holy Spirit who indwells each genuine believer, as we pursue HIS holiness through The Word of God.  Jesus explains it clearly:

“Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things,

and be rejected

of the elders

and chief priests

and scribes,

and be slain,

and be raised the third day.

23 And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life

for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?

26 For whosoever shall be ashamed

of me and of my words,

of him shall the Son of man

be ashamed,

when he shall come in his own glory,

and in his Father’s,

and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:22-26

Many say they can’t understand the “crucified life”, but it’s relatively simple: when we come to the cross of Jesus, we exchange our dead self for new life IN Jesus, a new life that leads us to glory with Jesus!  Paul made it pretty clear as he wrote to the believers in Ephesus; and my friends, if you’ve never been a lost sinner, it’s not likely that you’ve ever had any need for Jesus Christ the Savior, Lord, and King!  You might want to check out what you are depending on to take you to heaven, for there is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun?  What are you pursuing?  Have you seen your sin?  Have you brought it to Jesus’ cross?

“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

What are you “walking in”?  Jesus’ way or your own?  Jesus’ way or the world’s?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.  For you see, our “works”, be they good, bad, or indifferent, won’t save us, but when we come to Jesus, God leads unto “good works” for God’s glory and our good!  I choose Jesus and have determined to pursue HIM each day!  Won’t you join me?

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

I pray that you will come to HIS cross today!  Amen and Amen!!!

It’s All About Jesus!!! Really??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #787

06 Wednesday Apr 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Almost But Lost, Good News, Gospel, JESUS, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, True Gospel, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #787  It’s All About Jesus!!!  Really???

“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=

My friends, I am sure that some of you are thinking, why is this woman “beating a dead horse”?  Well, this woman is repeating truth again, for there is “One” who is coming back on HIS white horse, with all the armies of heaven to establish HIS eternal kingdom.  And only those who have trusted to HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin, (by faith through God’s grace, see Ephesians 2:8-10) will be a part of His kingdom!

“And I saw heaven opened,

and behold a white horse;

and he that sat upon him

was called Faithful and True,

and in righteousness

he doth judge

and make war.

12 His eyes were as a flame of fire,

and on his head were many crowns;

and he had a name written,

that no man knew,

but he himself.

13 And he was clothed with a vesture

dipped in blood:

and his name is called The Word of God.

14 And the armies which were in heaven

followed him

upon white horses,

clothed in fine linen,

white and clean.

15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword,

that with it he should smite the nations:

and he shall rule them with a rod of iron:

and he treadeth the winepress

of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh

a name written,

KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”  Revelation 19:11-16

All because God will accomplish HIS purpose in all things:

“And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

7 Let us be glad and rejoice,

and give honour to him:”  Revelation 19:6-7a

While the world around us is always talking about “luck”, let me confirm for you that there is no such thing as “luck”; but the providence of God reigns supreme. And while there are things that happen because we live in a fallen world, we must not discount the reality of the spiritual warfare that exists around us.  It is what Paul was talking about in Ephesians 6, when he called us to be sure and put on the ‘armor of God’ in order to “withstand in the evil day”!  And my friends, we are ‘there’!

“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.”  Ephesians 6:12-13

How I pray that we will be found “standing”!  And just in case you have missed these things in the past, I would like to share God’s truth about The Redeemer–The One who came to purchase our salvation with “HIS own blood”.

“For I have not shunned to declare unto you

all the counsel of God.

28 Take heed therefore

unto yourselves,

and to all the flock,

over the which the Holy Ghost

hath made you overseers,

to feed the church of God,

which he hath purchased

with his own blood.”  Acts 20:27-18

It’s why HE came!  To be the “lamb of God” and take away the sin of all who will believe and receive HIM.

“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

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said,

After me cometh a man

which is preferred before me:

for he was before me.”  John 1:29-30

Jesus Himself made it clear that HE was, IS and ever shall be The One and only way to God the Father, and eternal life!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.

7 If ye had known me,

ye should have known my Father also:

and from henceforth

ye know him,

and have seen him.”  John 14:6

And Jesus’ own testimony of what HE came to do as He talked to Nicodemus:

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 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.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.” John 3:14-21

So, my question for you/I is, “What have you done/will you do with Jesus?”  Your answer is of eternal import, for there is a time coming when your answer will determine your eternal destiny; and while people don’t like to think about it, it will be heaven or hell—and JESUS is the determining factor.  God’s Word is clear.

“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

I stand with Paul—it’s all about the cross of Jesus Christ alone!  How about you?

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you

the testimony of God.

2 For I determined

not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”   1 Corinthians 2:1-2

Are you trusting in Jesus?  Or are you going your own way?

“There is a way

which seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 14:12

The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“For it is written,

As I live, saith the Lord,

every knee shall bow

to me,

and every tongue shall confess

to God.

12 So then every one of us

shall give account

of himself

to God.”  Romans 14:11-12

Amen and Amen!!!

If Not The CROSS, What??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #755

29 Wednesday Sep 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, Are You Ready, By Him We Live, Choose You This Day!, Consider Your ways, Cross, Crucified With Christ

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #755  If Not The CROSS, What???

 

I am burdened greatly that we seem to have mindlessly set aside the CROSS in our zeal, compassion, and sometimes a simple desire to “help” people.  Yet, like Paul I truly believe we must, yes, we must, get back to the cross; for no matter how much kindness, love, compassion, and benevolence we bestow on those in need—be it spiritual, physical, emotional, or any other apparent need—when we put meeting their material or emotional needs over, or in place of, the need to bring them to see that they need the cross, we have missed the mark.

Paul had a lot to say about the preeminence of the cross and the Gospel of the cross of Christ Jesus.  Let’s peruse a few.

“For I will not dare to speak

of any of those things which Christ

hath not wrought by me,

to make the Gentiles obedient,

by word and deed,

19 Through mighty signs and wonders,

by the power of the Spirit of God;

so that from Jerusalem,

and round about unto Illyricum,

I have fully preached

the gospel of Christ.”    Romans 15:18-19

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

be with you all. Amen.

25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you

according to my gospel,

and the preaching of Jesus Christ,

according to the revelation

of the mystery,

which was kept secret

since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest,

and by the scriptures of the prophets,

according to the commandment

of the everlasting God,

made known to all nations

for the obedience of faith:

27 To God only wise,

be glory through Jesus Christ for ever.

Amen. ……”     Romans 16:24-27a

And one of the most powerful and foundational calls for us to be faithful to preach Christ and HIS CROSS:

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”    1 Corinthians 2:1-2

Nothing but JESUS–and the call for us to live unto Christ through the new life that HE gives to each one who comes to HIM in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for MY sin and yours! And by the power of HIS HOLY SPIRIT, we can die to self and LIVE UNTO JESUS in all we are, and all we do!

“I am crucified

with Christ:

nevertheless

I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith

of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”   Galatians 2:20

Jesus Himself, makes it clear that it’s all about HIM, and only HIM!

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see

the kingdom of God…

… 5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born

of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again…

… 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 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.”   Portions of John 3:4-16

The Apostle John clarified this “birth” in chapter 1 of His Gospel:

“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 1:12-13

And as Jesus declared before His death:

“And I,

if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men

unto me.

33 This he said,

signifying what death

he should die.”  John 12:32-33

He died for YOU and ME—HIS life for mine!  What is your life preaching?  What “Gospel” are you spreading?  Jesus or some other message?  As the Apostle Paul reminds us again and again, our hope isn’t in “doing” good but it’s in “being” Christ’s and “having” HIS Spirit within us: “Christ in you, the hope of glory”!  Oh, if we could just return to and pursue devotion to “Jesus Christ, and him crucified”!  That’s the only hope that is real HOPE, and may we be lifting up Jesus and not man’s philosophies, plans or programs!

“Whereof I am made a minister,

according to the dispensation of God

which is given to me for you,

to fulfil the word of God;

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid

from ages

and from generations,

but now is made manifest

to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known

what is the riches of the glory

of this mystery among the Gentiles;

which is

Christ in you,

the hope of glory:

28 Whom we preach,

warning every man,

and teaching every man

in all wisdom;

that we may present every man

perfect in Christ Jesus:

29 Whereunto I also labour,

striving according to his working,

which worketh in me mightily”.   Colossians 1:25-29

In closing for today (for we will come back to this theme again!) may we ever take Romans 12:1-2 as our battle plan, remembering that “the battle is not yours, but God’s” (See 2 Chronicles 20:15)!  Yet, we have a part—may we pursue God in every step—HIS way not ours!  And if I may add, ‘God’s will’ will never contradict or compromise HIS Word!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed

to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that

good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2

All by HIS power—not mine!!!

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth

much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.”  John 15:5

Amen and Amen!!!

All About The Cross??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 11

28 Monday Jun 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Cross, Crucified With Christ, If not now? When?, It's All About The Cross, Responding Rightly, REvival, Salvation, The Crucified Life, The Gospel

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 11  All About The Cross???

 

I have a few things to share with you today, and I feel that they are most important in relation to the veracity of the Gospel—the Gospel that is under such attack from compromise, ridicule and the supposed-need to make a Gospel that is  “attractive” to the world; rather than the biblical Gospel that revolves around Jesus substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice—His blood shed for you and me on the CROSS of Calvary!  I beg to differ with those choosing to compromise truth for any reason—success, numbers, popularity– and I think scripture plainly declares the sufficiency of the Gospel of the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord, and the need to trust to the cross and not the modern version of man-made ways to God.  Only Jesus can transform lives and give eternal life!

The Gospel isn’t props or programs or pretense—it is the greatest work of love that has ever been offered to the world—all mankind who will receive it:  Jesus, The God-Man-Savior, came as God in the flesh to redeem fallen man—all mankind (except the God-Man-Savior, Jesus), for “all have sinned”! (See Romans 3:23 and 6:23)

“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

This is why HE came—to save us from SIN!

“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

John the Baptizer made the same proclamation of Jesus!

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away

the sin of the world.”  John 1:29

I know some of you must get tired of this constant effort to rehearse the Gospel again and again, but it is the message that we bring, and without it we have no hope; it is all about SIN, what have you done with your SIN?  The Gospel of Jesus never grows old to my heart, but as I see so many other “plans” to God offered around us, and proclaimed as truth, I must stand fast in God’s truth!  And like Paul, it is the cross to which I cling, and ever shall.  As a friend once asked me, “You have only one song, don’t you?”; and as I told her ‘Yes’ then, I still hold to HIS CROSS!

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony

of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-2

There is only ONE WAY to God, to heaven, and HIS name is JESUS CHRIST THE LORD; crucified, risen and sitting at the right hand of God Almighty until HIS return (and I don’t believe it can be very long before HE comes)!  Paul put the Gospel in “a nutshell”, so to speak; may we heed it and be sure that our faith is in The Lord Jesus and not in some gimmick of man—not vain (imitation) faith!

“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

Please be sure that you are born again by The Holy Spirit of Jesus/God!  You may fool others, you may even fool yourself, but you will never fool God.

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them that are his.

And, Let every one

that nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”  2 Timothy 2:19

And one last call to examine ourselves to see if we be “crucified” with Christ, or if we are just playing games with God and man, the words of our Lord are the test.

“And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross

daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life

for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?

26 For whosoever shall be ashamed

of me and of my words,

of him shall the Son of man be ashamed,

when he shall come

in his own glory,

and in his Father’s,

and of the holy angels.”  Lk 9:23-26

More from Jesus, a most stern warning!

“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

Paul put it all in a most concise challenge to us all.  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test.  Have you been “crucified with Christ”, or are you “crucifying HIM” daily with your own plan?

“I am crucified with Christ:

 nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”   Galatians 2:20

May you hear from Jesus today—I pray that we each will!

Amen and Amen!!!