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Are You A Part Or Apart??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #716

24 Wednesday Mar 2021

Posted by Blanche in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Clothed In His Righteousness, Come out of her, Commitment Or Convenience, Compromise, Conviction, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, False Lives, Filled With His Spirit, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Forsake Not Assembling, God Who Sees, Growing in Jesus!, He Died That We Could Live, Hearing God, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Iron Sharpening Iron, JESUS, Jesus Is The Only Way!

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1 Corinthians 15:57-58, 1 Peter 1:13-16, 2 Corinthians 6:17, A Part Or Apart?, Come out of her my people, Compromise, Entertainment or Conviction?, Hebrews 10:22-27, Holiness, John 12:32-33, John 15:17-21, John 3:17-20, Living Holy LIves, Revelation 18:4, Romans 12:1-3

Bible Ballistics: BBs #716   Are You A Part Or Apart???

 

We live in a culture, a world in fact, that says we ought to accept everything, believe anything we hear, and follow the crowd.  But God calls us to march to HIS drum not the world’s, and Paul has a great thought in this regard in his letter to the Corinthian church.  We certainly need to hear and heed his admonition today as well.

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

We can walk in victory (not to be confused with popularity) when we keep our eyes on the prize—Jesus—and stand steadfast in His Word and His ways.  Where are you walking?  We are also called to be committed to the body of believers—the church—who are also committed to The Word of God in Spirit and in Truth; not committed in conforming ourselves to look like the culture so as to be appealing to the world.  Jesus Himself, said that the world would hate us if we followed Him in loving devotion to HIS truth—The Word of God!  Why then, do we keep trying to look like the world to appeal to the lost?  The lost world needs what the world can’t provide, and we need to lift up JESUS not popular venues of entertainment—we have been called to lift up Jesus, and to preach the Good News that Jesus saves.  We are to lift up the cross not entertain and placate a pagan culture.

“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

Jesus even told Nicodemus that light and dark are diametrically opposed.  Get off the fence and decide if you want to follow Jesus or the world?

“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 3:17-20

And as He told his disciples shortly before His death:

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater

than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”  John 15:17-21

Oh, how we need to be reminded that Jesus is our master and lord, and we ought to expect no less difficulty than our Lord and Master told us would come!  We all wrestle with rejection and the opinions of those around us, but Jesus has called us to “take up your cross” and follow HIM, regardless of the cost!  For our salvation caused our Lord to willingly, lovingly, sacrificially lay down HIS life for my/your deliverance from HELL!  Oh?  So, let’s be that “iron” sharpening “iron” and press on together “in spirit and in truth”.  Don’t give up on Christ’s body, we are to love one another and encourage each other to good, true and righteous works and words.  We aren’t called to be like the world but like our Lord and Savior.

“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.   

3 For I say,

through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God

hath dealt to every man

the measure of faith.”   Romans 12:1-3

Well said, Brother Paul!  What will we do with this challenge?  May we march to the drumbeat of our Lord and God rather than the world. (I know I’m repeating myself, but maybe you, like myself, need reminding frequently!). Let’s band together for HIM!

“Let us draw near

with a true heart

in full assurance of faith,

having our hearts sprinkled

from an evil conscience,

and our bodies washed

with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast

the profession of our faith

without wavering;

(for he is faithful that promised;)

24 And let us consider one another

to provoke unto love and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling

of ourselves together,

as the manner of some is;

but exhorting one another:

and so much the more,

as ye see the day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:22-27

Sometimes when we are walking with our Lord, He calls us to separation—not isolation, but a calling out from the ways of the world.  Usually, a matter of conviction over particular activities and/or behaviors, yet a calling out to live holy lives that make a difference.  I have learned that when God lays a particular issue on my heart, I need to heed His voice speaking to my heart and obey—no matter the cost or inconvenience.  It’s often the kind of thing that will cause others to think us odd or peculiar, but if God calls me to it—or away from it—I surely try to heed His call and obey no matter what others think or say.  It’s not always easy, in fact it’s usually a hard place to be but I have found God faithful to everything He has ever called me to do or “not” to do or participate in.  What about you?  Are there places you go that dishonor your Lord?  Are there words you use that would embarrass Him?  Are there people that use you as an excuse to participate in questionable activities.  It’s kind of like I read in a life-changing Gospel tract many years ago, its title makes the point concisely, “Others may, YOU cannot”!  God may be calling you to a separation; and when He calls us to a stand on issues of personal holiness, it will usually mean a separation of associates—just saying.  Here’s God’s word on it!

“Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate,

saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean thing;

and I will receive you,”  2 Corinthians 6:17

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,

Come out of her, my people,

that ye be not partakers of her sins,

and that ye receive not of her plagues.

5 For her sins have reached unto heaven,

and God hath remembered

her iniquities.”   Revelation 18:4

I pray that this will bring conviction to our hearts, and that Jesus would truly find us faithful when HE comes, or when He calls us to Himself.  May we truly pursue His holiness and a heart that honors God by a life well-lived IN, BY and Through the power Jesus’ Holy Spirit living and working within ME/YOU!

“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

Praying that we will pursue Him in Holy living.  Blessings on your week.

Amen and Amen!!!

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Sometimes You Need To Run??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #564

19 Wednesday Jun 2019

Posted by Blanche in Abundant Life In Jesus, God of all comfort!, Holy Spirit, JESUS, SIN, Stand Fast

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1 Thessalonians 5:21-24, 2 Corinthians 6:17, 2 Timothy 2:22, Choose Wisely, Galatians 6:7-8, Genesis 39:11-12, Hebrews 4:12-16, Matthew 15:18, Proverbs 16:25, Revelation 18:4, Running From Sin

Bible Ballistics: BBs #564    Sometimes You Need To Run???

 

Sometimes it is hard to see truth clearly.  I’m saddened by the nature of our culture, but even more so by the willingness of many who claim the name of Jesus to compromise truth to get along, to be entertained, or to fit in.  Truth is still truth, yet even sadder to me, is the fact that so few of God’s own know what His Word says, for it is our standard, our plumb-line, our only secure path for life.  Yet there is something else that I want to address, and while you may think it’s about ‘racing’, it’s about living a godly, victorious life in light of our past, present and future.

“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.

14 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 4:12-16

While I love the first part of this passage, which declares the veracity and authority of God’s Word, I also find great wisdom, comfort and confidence in the last two verses—we have JESUS to run to!  No matter the situations or circumstances of our lives, we can take it to Jesus; we can bring it “boldly unto the throne of grace”—not arrogantly but boldly– knowing that our God is faithful to hear, and provide HIS mercy and grace in our “time of need”!  I don’t know about you, but I find myself in need of HIS presence, power and provision on a continual basis; and HE assures us of His willingness, faithfulness, and loving provision!  Don’t waste it by running to places where you won’t find Him!

But there are times that we just need to run away from some things!  That, my friends, is scriptural, and we ought to heed the warning that God has given us about harmful people, places, and things!  Paul warned his young ‘son in the ministry’ of that very thing and told him what to do!

“Flee also youthful lusts:

but follow righteousness,

faith,

charity,

peace,

with them that call on the Lord

out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:22

Our flesh is always subject to lusts of the flesh, and young flesh particularly, partly because of inexperience, and partly because of the necessity to grow physically, mentally, morally and spiritually.  Yet there are times that we simply need to RUN from things that want to destroy us—whether they be substances, people or activities.  Even we older people get caught up in “youthful” lusts because of the the world we live in.  But we must all camp out on God’s Word and remember that every choice has a consequence; and while I am free to choose my actions, I am not free to choose or set the consequences that come.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”  Galatians 6:7-8 (be sure and read verse 9 too)

One of the most profound examples is Joseph, a fine godly young man who throughout his years of trial, held fast to The God he loved and served.  But he ‘ran’ when temptation came his way.

“And it came to pass about this time,

that Joseph went into the house

to do his business;

and there was none of the men of the house

there within.

12 And she caught him by his garment,

saying, Lie with me:

and he left his garment in her hand,

and fled,

and got him out.”  Genesis 39:11-12

Joseph ran from the seduction of his master’s wife, and while he still wound up being falsely accused, he did the right thing and ran/fled from the temptation.  Now I am not supporting the abundance of advice on social media about ‘cutting people out of your life because they are toxic’, I am saying that we need to learn to recognize temptation to sin, and to run from it.  God has called us to be salt and light in a world of corruption, sin and darkness; but He has never called us to participate in their actions to win them!  We are called to be (not just act) holy, and that only comes from the inside, from God, as we yield to the leadership of The Holy Spirit whom God has given to believers!

“Prove all things;

hold fast that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23 And the very God of peace

sanctify you wholly;

and I pray God

your whole spirit

and soul

and body

be preserved blameless

unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you,

who also will do it.”  1 Thessalonians 5:21-24

How often have we found ourselves caught up in the throes of sin because we didn’t recognize it as sin—all the while God’s voice of warning was sounding off alarms that we ignored.  God is working to sanctify our whole being that His children may be “conformed to the image of His Son”!  (See Romans 8:28-29)

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

And I can’t close without a word of encouragement and warning, that we may be prepared for the days in which we live—we must learn to measure everything in our lives by The Word of God. The world paints a most appealing picture, but they aren’t always true pictures.  Satan is the “father of lies” and he is good at his work!  Don’t’ “be deceived” by the lure of sin—and it does have a lure; and we must know truth so that we can stand fast “in the evil day”!  Let me simply say, there are places I don’t go because I don’t believe they are places that a child of God ought to be; there are words I don’t use because God has called us to “be holy” and not have “corrupt communication” come out of our mouth; there are relationships that I avoid (not to be mean, rude or act with disregard) because of the danger of temptation that they cause to my mind, heart and/or my soul (and while they may mean no harm to me, the fact is, they cause my heart and mind to go places it doesn’t need to go)!  While it isn’t always easy, and it surely isn’t always understood by others, I must follow my Lord, and draw near to Him regardless of what the world around me may think.  As things continue to spiral out of control in our world, we must choose to “be separate” to whatever degree God leads us (and that may not look the same in all particulars of my life and yours!).   Who are you allowing to influence your life?  Is it for the godly way, or the world’s way?  Only you can answer that question.  But remember, there is a test—an accounting—coming!

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.”  Matthew 15:18

 

“Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate, saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean thing;

and I will receive you,”   2 Corinthians 6:17

 

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,

Come out of her, my people,

that ye be not partakers of her sins,

and that ye receive not of her plagues.”   Revelation 18:4

Amen!

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