Tag Archives: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

The Whole Armor Examined??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #766

26 Friday Nov 2021

Posted by in Approved Unto God, Are You Ready, Armor of God, Power of The Cross, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Stand Fast!, The Word, The Word Or The World?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #766   The Whole Armor Examined???

 

I would like us to look at Paul’s admonition to “put on the whole armour of God”, and hopefully be encouraged to ‘suit up’ and prepare ourselves for the things that God is calling us to be, and do, as we “withstand in the evil day”! I pray that God will speak to your heart—for may it ever be HIS message, not mine!

“Finally,—in conclusion of all the previous instructions-

 Colossians 3:16

  Philippians 4:8

my brethren,–The born again, transformed children of God—

John 3:3, 5-6

John 1:12-13

Revelation 12:11

be strong—we are called to be strong not weak—

2 Samuel 22:33

in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.—our strength isn’t our own, but totally of God, as we yield to and depend upon Father, Son and Holy Spirit daily, step by step–

1 Corinthians 4:20

Acts 1:8

Job 36:22

Psalm 147:5

Matthew 9:6

1 Corinthians 1:18

11 Put on the whole armour of God,–PUT IT ON—ALL OF IT—EVERY DAY—walk, serve, minister in it—

2 Corinthians 6:1-10

1 Thessalonians 5:8

Romans 13:12-14

**Galatians 3:27**

**Ephesians 4:24**

Colossians 3:12-14

that ye may be able to stand—ABLE to stand by God’s power and to HIS glory in all we do (suited up) no matter what others do—

Jeremiah 6:16

Romans 5:1-2

1 Corinthians 2:5

1 Corinthians 10:12

1 Corinthians 15:1-5

Philippians 4:1

against the wiles of the devil.—we have an enemy, a trickster, a deceiver, a liar who seeks to “steal… kill… and to destroy…”. We must be vigilant and AWARE—

1 Peter 5:8-9

John 8:44

Ezekiel 28:1-6

Isaiah 14:12-15

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,—our battle isn’t against the people around us but the unseen forces at work continually around us. Don’t set your heart against people but keep your eyes “fixed on Jesus”; remembering that “the battle is not yours, but God’s” (See 2 Chronicles 20:15+/-)—

Matthew 16:17

1 Corinthians 15:50

but against principalities,                                                                        against powers,                                                                                  against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.—our enemies are unseen, even though they may be manifest in evil persons, we must remember that the battle is the Lord’s—it means we must have the mind of Christ in us to recognize the difference.

Philippians 2:5-11

Romans 8:37-39

Colossians 1:16

SO—we are to put on our armor–

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,–we are called to stand, not sit down on the job—

Jeremiah 6:16 (don’t be one of those who would not hear!)

Malachi 3:1-3

Joshua 1:5

Acts 26:16

Romans 5:1-4

Romans 14:10

1 Corinthians 16;13*

2 Timothy 2:19

And how are we to stand?  Paul makes it clear that God’s provision is all we need to “withstand in the evil day”, and brothers and sisters, we are there/here! For this armor, I simply want to give you some scriptures to help and encourage you to “stand”!  Paul repeated it, and so shall I!

having your loins girt about with truth,—Jesus’–

John 14:6

Matthew 24:35

John 14:10

John 8:45

John 8:32

and having on the breastplate of righteousness;—Jesus’

**2 Corinthians 5:21**

Romans 3:22

Romans 1:16-17

Romans 5:18

Romans 14:17

1 Corinthians 1:30

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;–we are to leave footprints of Jesus and HIS salvation, which IS peace with God, everywhere we go—

Romans 1:16-17

Romans 5:1-2

Philippians 4:6-9

Colossians 3:15

Hebrews 13:20-21

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able to quench

all the fiery darts of the wicked.—faith is to be the measure of our walk with Jesus, we are to walk in faith not fear, for faith puts out the fire of those fearful arrows of the enemy—

2 Timothy 1:7

Luke 17:5

1 Thessalonians 3:7

2 Thessalonians 1:4

Hebrews 10:23

1 John 5:4

17 And take the helmet of salvation,–right thinking for the believer is JESUS thinking—

** Philippians 2:5-13**

Romans 12:1-3

Colossians 1:10

1 Thessalonians 2:4

 and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:–God’s Word, the Holy Scriptures, the Bible, this is our only defensive weapon, and is the lifeline of a believer.  Don’t let Satan rob you of this vital lifeline to God—to know Him, to trust Him, to follow Him and share His Word not our own opinions-

Hebrews 4:12-13

1 Kings 8:26

Isaiah 40:8**

Matthew 4:4

1 Thessalonians 2:13

1 Peter 1:23

2 Timothy 2:15

2 Timothy 3:15-16

And last, but absolutely not least—our armor is to be saturated (oiled if you would) with prayer—our communication with God—the privilege of coming into HIS very presence to speak—but most importantly to HEAR—

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)–

Hebrews 4:14-16

Colossians 1:3

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Acts 12:5

Romans 1:9

2 Timothy 1:3

So, may we suit up, march forward, praying in all things that we might be found faithful…. And just FYI, I didn’t print the scriptures today as there were so many I wanted to share in this message, and it would have been prohibitive for time and space, so please take the time to look them up and read to see what God has to say!!!  My love and prayers are with each of you.

 

Amen and Amen!!!

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

01 Monday Nov 2021

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

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

 

“Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will

of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many

will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied

in thy name?

and in thy name

have cast out devils?

and in thy name

done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:20-23

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

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

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

“For the word of God

is quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul

and spirit,

and of the joints

 and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest

in his sight:

but all things

are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”  Hebrews 4:12-13

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

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points

tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:14-16

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

“Therefore

 if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us the ministry

of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses

unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors

for Christ,

as though God did beseech you

by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

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

“Beloved,

believe not every spirit,

but try the spirits

whether they are of God:

because many false prophets

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

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

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be

that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them

by their fruits…..”   Matthew 7:13-16a

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

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care

upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory

and dominion

for ever

and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:

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

“Rejoice in the Lord alway:

and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation

be known unto all men.

The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts

and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things,

which ye have both

learned,

and received,

and heard,

and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace

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

‘Nuff said!

Amen and Amen!!!

Monopoly Mentality??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 08

06 Sunday Jun 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Almost But Lost, Approved Unto God, Are You Ready, Beauty of Holiness, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, By Him We Live, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Clothed In His Righteousness, Consider Your ways, Deniable Truth? Really?, Faith, Faithfulness, False Lives, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, God Knows, God Knows His Own, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, God's Presence Not Presents, Gospel, He Died That We Could Live, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, If not now? When?, It's Your Choice, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Judgment, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Listening To God, Monopoly Mentality, Only One Way, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Repentance, Salvation, The Blood Cleanseth us from all Sin, The Word Or The World?, Today is the day of Salvation, Trusting Jesus?, Yesterday

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 08 Monopoly Mentality???

 

Most of us have played the game of Monopoly at one time or another, some of us more recently than others; and one thing that most everyone remembers about the Monopoly board is getting a “get out of jail free” card.  I think many today have approached Jesus Christ The Lord in that way, and I’d like to take a few minutes to consider this attitude toward Jesus.  It seems to be a most popular ‘gospel’ and attitude toward Jesus.  Many today preach a message of “name it and claim it”—just use Jesus’ name as your own personal ‘heavenly slot machine’; then there are those who preach the ‘feel-good’ message that God only wants you to ‘feel good’ all the time.  I love what C. S. Lewis said in “Mere Christianity”, “We want not so much a Father but a grandfather in heaven, a God who said of anything we happened to like doing, ‘What does it matter so long as they are contented’?”

How said that we are trying to bring God down to our standard rather than pursuing the holiness that is God!  As Billy Graham once said to Phil Donahue, one of the early talk show hosts on television, “you’re trying to create God in your image” rather than realizing that we are made in God’s image but have fallen due to sin.   And that is an idea that is flourishing today—make the gospel fit us rather than recognizing our sin, repenting and turning to Jesus Christ for salvation—we just want a “grandfather” in heaven, doling out gifts and treats to his ‘grandchildren’.  We simply want a “get out of jail free” card, live how we want—do our own thing—but not have to pay for our sin; in fact, we don’t even want to bring sin into the equation!  Sin is old-fashioned, and we don’t have to call anything sin these days—if it feels good to you, it’s ok, just do it.  If it makes me ‘happy’ it will be pleasing to God.  But God says something different!

“Woe unto them that draw iniquity

with cords of vanity,

and sin

as it were with a cart rope:

19 That say,

Let him make speed,

and hasten his work,

that we may see it:

and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel

draw nigh

and come,

that we may know it!

20 Woe unto them that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness for light,

and light for darkness;

that put bitter for sweet,

and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe unto them

that are wise in their own eyes,

and prudent in their own sight!”  Isaiah 5:18-21

Paul paints an amazing picture of man’s relationship to God, and SIN IS the issue.  Sin is a disease which we are born with, a disease for which we all have a bill due, one we will either pay for ourselves– for our sin in hell– or we can accept Jesus’ payment of HIS own blood shed at Calvary for our sin by repentance and faith and have eternal life with HIM!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test (and I believe it is coming soon!)!

“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

Are you serving “sin” or God?  Do you simply want a “get out of jail free” card, or have you “become servants to God”?  Do you desire to live having “fruit unto holiness”, or living your own way, dabbling in the sin and walking in the darkness of this world?  God says that you can choose to live in sin but notice the consequence: “For the wages of sin is death”!  And according to Paul’s clear truth: you can choose to live in sin or choose to come to Jesus in repentance and faith to be justified (made right with God!)!

“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:”  Romans 3:23-24

Paul also told the Romans what this looks like, I invite you to consider this with me—it is so imperative that we understand what Jesus has done for us and will do for those who come to HIM in repentance and faith!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given

unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more, being reconciled,

we shall be saved

by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.

12 Wherefore,

as by one man sin entered into the world,

and death by sin;

and so death passed upon all men,

for that all have sinned:”  Romans 5:1-12

If SIN IS the issue—JESUS IS the only cure!  But when Jesus transforms a life—it is HIS work, and it shows.

“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

Salvation is Jesus’ work of redemption, not man’s work of “self-righteousness”, or “good works”, or an “altered” standard!  When we belong to Jesus, we become new creations of God.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us the ministry

of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world

unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses

unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then

we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”   2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Jesus took on my sin, so that I could receive HIS righteousness, and HIS Spirit dwelling in me, which will be evident to one degree or another.  What’s evident in your life?  Jesus? Or a “get out of jail free card”?  Jeremiah and Jesus both have something to say about our attitude toward God.

“…my people have forgotten me days without number…”. Jeremiah 2:32b

Let’s consider Jesus’ own commentary for those who only want to use His name rather than come to HIM in repentance and faith.  As my mother used to say, “You can fool all of the people some of the time, and you can fool some of the people all of the time, but you can’t fool GOD!”  Who are you trying to fool? (See Matthew 16:24-25)

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

 21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

 shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will

of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings

of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded

upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings

of mine,

and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolishman,which

       built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.”                   Matthew 7:20-27

And in closing, some food for thought; a passage that is often disregarded, but it is truth, and we must consider it.  I will simply call our attention to the qualifier: “such WERE some of you”…..”but ye are sanctified”.  It doesn’t matter what sin we “had”; it matters what Spirit controls us NOW!  For as Paul says in Romans 8:9b, “if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his”! I hope that you will ponder the words of scripture and measure with God’s judgment not man’s, “be not deceived”!

“Know ye not

that the unrighteous shall not inherit

the kingdom of God?

Be not deceived:

neither fornicators,

nor idolaters,

nor adulterers,

nor effeminate,

nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves,

nor covetous,

nor drunkards,

nor revilers,

nor extortioners,

shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you:

but

ye are washed,

but

ye are sanctified,

but

ye are justified

in the name of the Lord Jesus,

and by the Spirit of our God.”  1 Corinthians 6:9-11

And a final word from Jesus:

“Judge not according to the appearance,

but judge righteous judgment.”  John 7:24

With a Proverb:

“There is a way

that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

The choice is yours but choose wisely—there is a test!  God’s WORD not mine!

Amen and Amen!!!

Cross Only By The Cross!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 07

31 Monday May 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Are You Ready, Born Again, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Cross, He's Alive, Hearing God, Heaven or Hell, It's Your Choice, Light In The Dark, Listening To God, One Day Too Late?, Only Jesus, Only One Way, Our God Reigns

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 07 Cross Only By The Cross!!!

 

“Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name

under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

While many around us today proclaim a gospel of “self-righteousness” and multiple ways to God, the scriptures proclaim the exclusiveness of the CROSS—only One way that was provided by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ The Lord!  We will all cross over that ‘vale of death’ and not to be trite, but as the realtors are known to say—it’s “location, location, location”!  Where will YOU spend eternity?  You can come by the cross and have life or you can refuse the cross and face the fires of hell.  My only confidence is in the Cross of Jesus!

“But God forbid

that I should glory,

save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom the world is crucified unto me,

and I unto the world.”  Galatians 6:14

Like Paul, we are to cling to the cross—we are to call others to the “only way” to God—not seek, find or claim that there are many “ways” to God!  Jesus said there is only “one way” to The Father!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,      

but by me.”  John 14:6

And this “one way” who is Jesus, is GOD!  And yes, HE claimed to be GOD!  We must make a choice and either believe in Jesus and who HE claimed to be or deny Who HE IS and go our own way, or someone else’s way!

“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 10:27-30

Are you HIS sheep?  Have you heard HIS voice—HIS knock at your heart’s door, calling you to repent and believe in HIS sacrifice for your sin?  He has come to give life to those who will follow HIM, yet there will be judgment on those who reject HIM!

“Then said Jesus unto them again,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me

are thieves and robbers:

but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”  John 10:7-11

Life or death, even as Moses called those whom he led, to choose God and life, or reject him and, in essence, choose death.  It’s your choice, just as it was theirs—what will you choose.  Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus, who came to Him seeking to know truth—Jesus gave it to him, and the message is the same to us today.  What will you do with The Truth—Jesus IS Truth!  Will you seek and know HIM, or will you default to condemnation?

“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.

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.”                           Portions of John 3:3-20

What have you done with Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross?  Are you depending on ‘religion’ or ‘relationship’?  Jesus longs to have a relationship with YOU!  He died to prove it!

“Behold, I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

 Only the cross will bring “life”—but God has given each of us the choice. What will you do with Him when HE comes knocking at your heart’s door?  I pray that you will hear HIS voice and come and let God bring you new birth?

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe

on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:10-13

We come to Jesus just as we are, in humble repentance and faith, He makes us a new creature, and gives us new life “in Christ”!  What is the world seeing in you?  To whom have you chosen to align yourself?  I pray that it’s Jesus—it’s your choice!  But choose wisely, there is a 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

He took our sin and imparts to us HIS righteousness!  Are you letting HIM shine through you?  May we ever bring glory to our Lord—bearing HIS holiness before a lost and dying world of darkness.  Amen and Amen!!!

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought

unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves according

to the former lusts in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:13-16

Doing A Job Or Being A Job? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 05

02 Sunday May 2021

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 05 Doing A Job Or Being A Job?

 

“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

We have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus—and that blood not only makes us right with God, but makes us “a new creature”, new “in Christ” all because God did a work beyond our wildest comprehension—God laid my/your sin on Jesus for the work of crediting us with the “righteousness of God”!  But the caveat is that this righteousness is only found “in him”!  In Jesus–we must be “in him”—for only being IN HIM and having HIM IN us can we truly have life!  And Job understood that totally—HE KNEW that it is only IN God’s salvation that we can have life and hope no matter our circumstances.

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms

destroy this body,

yet in my flesh

shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see for myself,

and mine eyes shall behold,

and not another;

though my reins be consumed

within me.”  Job 19:25-27

Job is such a profound book, and full of truth from a man who had not only faith in God, but a confidence in the care and goodness of that same God, regardless of how things appeared.

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.

16 He also shall be my salvation:

for an hypocrite

shall not come before him.”  Job 13:15-16

Job understood that his confidence was in God’s salvation, and that belonging to God gave him a heart to follow God’s ways and “maintain mine own ways before him”!  We live in a day that says we can claim to belong to Jesus and live our own way—it denies the claim that Jesus has on HIS own.

“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.”  1 Corinthians 3:9-11

Paul was talking to the believers at Corinth and reminding them that there would be an accounting—even for believers.  And God will know and reveal the truth of our lives—the fires of judgment will reveal the real substance of our work.  Paul knew that there is only ONE foundation—Jesus; and when we build on the salvation that Jesus imparts, it will be evident by our behavior—we are a testimony of Jesus, be it a good one, or a poor one—when we claim Jesus as our Lord, we need to understand that we belong to HIM, and our works should reflect HIS presence within us!  Are we being HIS temple or our own?

“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 3:12-16

We are the “temple of God” when we have been born again and the Holy Spirit dwells within us, for the Spirit of God makes us that “new creation” in Jesus.  Without the Spirit of God, we aren’t HIS!  Not trying to be blunt or abrupt, but we need to know truth.

“So then they that are in the flesh

cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God

dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you,

the body is dead because of sin;

but the Spirit is life

because of righteousness.”  Romans 8:8-10

It’s what Jesus called us to—righteousness.  What are you seeking? Is the Spirit of Christ dwelling in you?  Or are you trying to ‘work it up’ in your own power and goodness?

“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 6:33-34

And you may not be sure, but God is—ask HIM and HE will tell you!  We must ever be examining ourselves to see if we are really walking with God/Jesus!

“Examine yourselves,

whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves,

how that Jesus Christ is in you,

except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5

Remember God knows—no matter what others think they see!

“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

Why are we so powerless much of the time?  Why is the church so powerless?  We are often unwilling to pay the price to follow Jesus.  We forget that it costs something to truly follow Jesus—it means I put HIS will before mine—it means that I want HIS work to grow in me—and it means I want to grow IN HIS work!  And we must remember that saying so doesn’t make it so—and James tells us what makes the difference.

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren,

let every man be swift to hear,

slow to speak,

slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man

worketh not the righteousness of God.

21 Wherefore lay apart

all filthiness

and superfluity of naughtiness,

and receive with meekness

the engrafted word,

which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word,

and not a doer,

he is like unto a man beholding his natural face

in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh

into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed in his deed.

26 If any man among you

seem to be religious,

and bridleth not his tongue,

but deceiveth his own heart,

this man’s religion is vain.”   James 1:19-26

James makes the case for holy living by the power of God, by the truth that we find in HIS Word, and by diligent seeking to please God rather than self or the world. Even as Job had friends who had no clue of the providential sovereignty of God, yet he stood fast to his own integrity and reliance upon the faithfulness of God.  Job knew that he would maintain his integrity before GOD not man!

“…I will maintain mine own ways

before him.

16 He also shall be my salvation…”

Are you standing with Job before God, or is your focus on the opinions of self and others?  Are you claiming something that you don’t possess, or are you learning to depend on Jesus more and more?  Is your house built on the rock or the sand?  It’s a simple childlike example that Jesus gave, but it is the import of the eternal destiny of man.

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it;

but whosoever shall lose his life

for my sake and the gospel’s,

the same shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

37 Or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?

38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me

and of my words

in this adulterous

and sinful generation;

of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed,

when he cometh in the glory

of his Father

with the holy angels.”  Mark 8:35-38

And in closing Jesus makes a most profound declaration that I pray will reach your heart and mine.  May we “examine ourselves”!  I know this is a lengthy passage but one I ask you to ponder this week and ask God to open your eyes to see its truth.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be

that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes of thorns,

or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree

cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.

24 Therefore whosoever

heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that

heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.”               Matthew 7:13-27

Amen and Amen!!!