Tag Archives: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Is My Life Pleasing To My Lord??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 25

16 Sunday Feb 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Approved Unto God, Bibe Study, Born Again, Choices And Consequences, Commitment Or Convenience, Consider Your ways, Encouragement, Faithfulness, Fearlessness, God's provision, Growing in Jesus!, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus' Sacrifice, Knowing God's Word, Only One Way, Righteousness, Salvation, SIN, Study to Show Yourself Approved Unto God, The Only Way, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Trust God, Victorious Living, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 25   Is My Life Pleasing To My Lord???

 

I’d like to focus our attention upward, in a way that I pray will be an encouragement to us all.  We live in a culture that is so “me” focused (even the church has bought into the “me” ideology) that all is based on what will “please” the masses, make them comfortable, contented and confused—for compromise will only produce confusion.  Yet God has called us to know HIM and His Word, and when we will commit ourselves to know Him through His Word, we will begin to focus on our Lord not ourselves!

I would like us to consider Paul’s prayer for the Colossians, a passage that I have used often, and pray that we can learn from today.

“For this cause we also,

since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire that ye might be filled

with the knowledge

of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful

in every good work,

and increasing

in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power,

unto all patience

and longsuffering

with joyfulness;

12 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 1:9-14

Paul reminded the believers in Colossae twice in this brief prayer that they needed to grow and increase in the “knowledge” of God!  We can’t live faithful and productive lives for Jesus, without knowing Him personally as well as knowing what His Word says.  We can’t march in the Army of The King, without knowing what our marching orders are!  We are to walk “worthy” of our Lord, His Word, His calling and His purposes.  Yet so many today think we simply receive a ticket to heaven, with no commitment to Jesus who died for our sin, or any allegiance to HIS kingdom.  We have forgotten the admonition of the Lord Jesus as well as of Joshua. (For many have changed to gospel to a “get out of hell free card” rather than a recognition of our sin, and repentance and faith in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord!).

“Now therefore fear the LORD,

and serve him

in sincerity

and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil unto you

to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods

which your fathers served

that were on the other side

of the flood

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me

and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”   Joshua 24:14-15

And Jesus’ own warning to all:

“No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God

and mammon.

25 Therefore I say unto you,

Take no thought for your life,

what ye shall eat,

or what ye shall drink;

nor yet for your body,

what ye shall put on.

Is not the life more than meat,

and the body than raiment? …

… 31 Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 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.”  Portions of Matthew 6:24-34

Jesus gives us our marching orders, “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness”!  What are you/I seeking?  Are we pursuing God’s kingdom or our own?  Jesus makes it very clear that we can’t serve GOD and self at the same time (mammon simply means that which is of the world—be it money, fame, popularity, power, or simply self-reliance!).  But our churches are full of those who claim the name of Jesus yet continue to live life on their own terms not God’s!  It grieves me that we have so blatantly disregarded The Word of God and its clear teachings and with wholesale disregard have chosen the ways of the world and invited them into the church.  The church is the Body of Christ (the Bride of our soon coming King) and should never rely on the resources of the world to do God’s work!  Jesus also made it clear that “saying so doesn’t make it so”!

“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

And then Jesus goes on to give one of the simplest, yet profound pictures of truefaith ever given—yet so many count it only as a children’s song!  So, the question is “What are you building on—HIS will or your own?”—the Rock or the sand?

“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 7:24-27

To be pleasing unto the Lord requires knowing and having Jesus as your Lord and Savior!  Knowing it is never our righteousness that saves, but the sacrifice of Jesus which imparts to us His righteousness and eternal life “in him”.

“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 5:21. Amen and Amen!

When we possess the ‘righteousness of God in him”; when our foundation is anchored on Jesus, there is no storm that can fell us!  But when our foundation is built on the sand (even if we paint it up to look like a “Jesus” house) it will fail.  In fact, the example implies that both houses looked alike on the outside, but one was on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, the other on sinking sand.   What about you?  What are you doing to please God?  Or are you so busy pleasing self and the world that you’ve missed the foundation of Jesus?

I would like to close with some passages that speak to that which pleases God in the lives of His own; and why we need to diligently pursue Him through His Word!

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;

but of power,

and of love,  

and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

“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

“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,  (mature)

throughly furnished  (equipped)

unto all good works.”    2 Timothy 3:16-17

And more of Paul’s teaching to the churches at Colossae and Thessalonica.

“And whatsoever ye do

in word

or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God and the Father

by him.

18 Wives,

submit yourselves unto your own husbands,

as it is fit in the Lord.

19 Husbands,

love your wives,

and be not bitter against them.

20 Children,

obey your parents

in all things:

for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger,

lest they be discouraged.

22 Servants,

obey in all things

your masters according to the flesh;

not with eyeservice,

as menpleasers;

but in singleness of heart,

fearing God:

23 And whatsoever ye do,

do it heartily,

as to the Lord,

and not unto men;

24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward

of the inheritance:

for ye serve the Lord Christ.”  Colossians 3:17-24

“For our exhortation was not of deceit,

nor of uncleanness,

nor in guile:

4 But as we were allowed of God

to be put in trust with the gospel,

even so we speak;

not as pleasing men,

but God,

which trieth our hearts.”  1 Thessalonians 2:3-4

“And whatsoever we ask,

we receive of him,

because we keep his commandments,

and do those things

that are pleasing in his sight.”   1 John 3:22

And some of my favorite words of encouragement and hope:

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.”  Proverbs 3:5-7

Amen and Amen!!!

Why Is Violence Violent??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 21

19 Sunday Jan 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Approved Unto God, Teaching Children, Violence?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 21  Why Is Violence Violent???

 

What is violence?  We usually connect it with crime, and that is a suitable use of the word, but I think it goes beyond that, for it goes to the heart of man; and our culture is drowning trying to assign it to other things.  Most of you know by now, that my daughter was murdered recently, and just last week there was a conference held to discuss and try to avert the tide of violent crimes in a nearby city, particularly violence in the ‘domestic’ arena of our culture; and I’d like to address that issue today.  There are several definitions to “violent/violence”:

Violence: swift and intense force…

…rough or injurious physical force, action or treatment…

…damage through distortion or unwarranted alteration…

And I believe the most apropos for our day—

…rough or immoderate vehemence, as of feeling or language… 

The key here being “immoderate vehemence”–

Immoderate:  not moderate….  Exceeding just or reasonable limits; excessive; extreme…without bounds.

Violence is “violent” because it is the result of abandoning God’s Word, His ways, and His “bounds”!  Rather than peacefulness and moderation (which used to be taught as virtues to be pursued but are now ridiculed as unnecessary and restrictive) we have turned loose a culture with no moorings of reason at all, where hate is rampant, with or without warrant.  We have created a mindset of entitlement, which has bred at least two generations expecting to be fed, pampered, coddled, and entertained at any cost, with no regard to the affect it may have on others—even if they have to steal, kill and destroy!  That sounds familiar—there is an enemy to our life and souls!

“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.”  John 10:10

Just because it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duke—it may not be a “duck”; but you may need to “duck” for cover in Jesus!

“There is a way that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

Jesus referred to this very thing in His sermon on the Mount.

“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.”   Matthew 7:13-20

Jesus warns us to beware of the ‘actions’ or fruit of the people around us, for there is that “way that seemeth right” that isn’t!  We live in a world gone crazy with listening to pretty talk that is in total opposition to God’s Word and God’s ways!  Yet it feels good, it appeases the flesh, and it leads to hell!  I know I quote this passage often, but it is an important message that we need to hear, for we live in the ‘evil day’!  What/who are you listening to?

“See then

that ye walk circumspectly,

not as fools,

but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time,

because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise,

but understanding

what the will of the Lord is.

18 And be not drunk with wine,

wherein is excess;

but be filled

with the Spirit;

19 Speaking to yourselves

in psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing

and making melody

in your heart

to the Lord;

20 Giving thanks

always

for all things

unto God

and the Father

in the name

of our Lord Jesus Christ;

21 Submitting yourselves

one to another

in the fear of God.” Ephesians 5:15-21

We must make a choice!  We must decide what “government” we will align ourselves with—The God who Reigns–or the god of this world?  Have you allowed the light of God to shine in your heart or are you blinded by the enemy of your soul?

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry,

as we have received mercy,

we faint not;

2 But have renounced

the hidden things of dishonesty,

not walking in craftiness,

nor handling the word of God deceitfully;

but by manifestation of the truth

commending ourselves to every man’s conscience

in the sight of God.

3 But if our gospel be hid,

it is hid to them

that are lost:

4 In whom the god of this world

hath blinded the minds

of them which believe not,

lest the light of the glorious gospel

of Christ,

who is the image of God,

should shine unto them.

5 For we preach not ourselves,

but Christ Jesus the Lord;

and ourselves

your servants

for Jesus’ sake.

6 For God,

who commanded the light

to shine out of darkness,

hath shined in our hearts,

to give the light

of the knowledge

of the glory of God

in the face of Jesus Christ.”                        2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Are you on the throne of your own heart or have you bowed before the Cross of Jesus Christ to receive His forgiveness and salvation—receiving HIS peace in place of the violence of the world?

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance

of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

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

It’s all about Jesus—not about you/me!  For you see we wrestle not against other people but against the forces of evil in this world.  And until we recognize that God is still God, and the rules haven’t changed—It’s why Jesus came–we will flounder without hope.

“For unto us a child is born,

unto us a son is given:

and the government

shall be upon his shoulder:

and his name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor,

The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase

of his government

and peace

there shall be no end,

upon the throne of David,

and upon his kingdom,

to order it,

and to establish it

with judgment

and with justice

from henceforth

 even for ever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts

will perform this.”  Isaiah 9:6-7

Will you let Jesus rule in your heart; be at home in your heart or will you continue to pursue your own way and find yourself among the ‘violent’ ones who reject God.  Jesus has given His all—His own blood for our salvation—for you and me!  What have you done with His gift?  If you have received His salvation, does your life reflect His glory or the glory of yourself and the world?  We are to bow before Him and have His mind of holiness and servanthood on our lives.  Even though we live in a culture of selfishness and greed; a culture of me, me, me—”I will have my own way, and I don’t care what God says”!  How about you?  Do you know God and His Word?  God IS our only hope, and He enables us to walk in His Spirit and His Way, rather than the “way that seemeth” right (for now)!

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ 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.

9 Wherefore God also

hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue

should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

12 Wherefore, my beloved,

as ye have always obeyed,

not as in my presence only,

but now much more in my absence,

work out your own salvation

with fear

and trembling.”  Philippians 2:5-12

So, my question for us today is, “Who’s in control of your heart and life?”  Are you living in excess and sin, or moderation by The Spirit of Christ?  Is your life so full of the world that there is no room for Jesus?  Or will you bow before Him as Lord of All?  Do you know God and His Word or are you walking your own way?  Will you get into God’s Word so that you will know what God says?  Or will you keep cussing, fussing, drinking and holding onto your ‘stinkin’ thinkin’?  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test—and I can’t help but think that it is nearer than we can even imaging.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

“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

And one last thing, remember that what you’re living is teaching more about life to your children than anything you can say, or any instruction that you can give them—as an old adage says, “What the parents do in moderation, the children will do in excess!”  If you live a life that marginalizes God, your children are likely to exclude Him totally and miss heaven all together.  That is the ultimate ‘violence’!   God gave Moses the perfect plan in Deuteronomy 6, I’ll share just a small portion of verses with you, and I recommend that you take some time to read and study the whole chapter.

“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God

with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might.

 6 And these words, which I command thee this day,

shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently

unto thy children,

and shalt talk of them

when thou sittest in thine house,

and when thou walkest by the way,

and when thou liest down,

and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them

upon the posts of thy house,

and on thy gates……

…20 And when thy son asketh thee

in time to come, saying,

What mean the testimonies,

and the statutes,

and the judgments,

which the LORD our God

hath commanded you?

21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son,

We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt;

and the LORD brought us out of Egypt

with a mighty hand:”  Portions of Deuteronomy 6:5-21

If we’ll follow God truly and faithfully—others will ask why!  How about you—will you follow Him?  I pray that you will choose HIM!  What is your life telling others, especially your children?  Do they see Jesus or the world?

Amen and Amen!!!

God’s Bucket List??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 10

20 Sunday Oct 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Approved Unto God, Blessed by God, Follow Jesus, God's Faithfulness, God's provision, Jesus Saves!, The Only Way, TODAY, Today and Forever, Transformed life, Trust God, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 10        God’s Bucket List???

 

I know this is a strange title, but I hear so many people these days talking about their “bucket” list; and for a long time I couldn’t figure out what they were talking about, so one day when it came up, I asked one of my children, what it meant.  They laughingly explained that it was a reference to “kicking the bucket”, reference to things people wanted to do before they die.  Well, for a long time since, it has interested me that a culture so anxious to avoid talking about death, was so consumed with talk of the “bucket list”; and as I’ve pondered this from time to time, I have a few thoughts that I’d like to share about this “bucket list”.  Now let me say, there’s nothing wrong with having goals, or having dreams and desires for things that we would like to accomplish, places we’d like to go, or adventures that we would like to experience, but I think this is idea is often used by the ‘enemy of our souls’ to get people so focused on tomorrow that we miss our God-given opportunities of today.  Jesus spoke to this quite clearly.

“From that time forth

began Jesus to shew unto his disciples,

how that he must go unto Jerusalem,

and suffer many things

of the elders

and chief priests

and scribes,

and be killed,

and be raised again the third day.

22 Then Peter took him,

and began to rebuke him, saying,

Be it far from thee, Lord:

this shall not be unto thee.

23 But he turned, and said unto Peter,

Get thee behind me, Satan:

thou art an offence unto me:

for thou savourest not

the things that be of God,

but those that be of men.

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come

in the glory of his Father

with his angels;

and then he shall reward

every man

according to his works.”   Matthew 16:21-27

I love the Apostle Peter—this big fisherman with the ‘big’ mouth– who like me, often spoke before he thought.  Imagine, rebuking his LORD!  But don’t we do the same, when we wrestle with our own pictures of life, plans for the present and the future, and purposes of our own making instead of God’s!  How often do we argue with God, “But God you surely can’t mean for me to ‘be’, ‘do’ or ‘follow’ YOU in ‘That’?”  But in this scenario Jesus rebuked Satan for prompting Peter to be distracted from God’s plan, seeking to distract the Lord Jesus Christ from HIS very mission here on earth!  God calls us to be His children—His followers—His testimony to a lost and dying world, that needs Jesus.

And while God blesses us in so many ways, providing blessings beyond measure, His goal is our “Holiness” not our “Happiness” (although He grants us the delights of so many things that bring us happiness, yet often, we forget that it’s simply His goodness, grace and generosity toward us!).

“Every good gift

and every perfect gift

is from above,

and cometh down

from the Father of lights,

with whom is no variableness,

neither shadow of turning.”   James 1:17

God is ever at work in the lives of His children to continually grow and conform us “to the image of his son” (See Romans 8:28-29)!  Please don’t misunderstand me, there is nothing wrong with enjoying the gifts of God, the beauty of His creation, the joys of food, family and friendship; but we need to make sure we keep our eyes on the prize—JESUS– His glory, His grace, and His call upon our lives.  But if God had a ‘bucket list’, His Word tells us what HE wants—which ought to be what we, who are His, want!

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?

by taking heed thereto

according to thy word.

10 With my whole heart

have I sought thee:

O let me not wander

from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid

in mine heart,

that I might not sin

against thee.”  Psalm 119:9-11

The Word of God is key to our focus—seeking after God, His ways and His Word with our “whole heart”; yet sadly so many who claim His name today simply want a “get out of hell free” card, and have no desire to know HIM, or to serve HIM!  Something is terribly amiss!  As the Psalmist so vividly paints a picture of devotion to God, we see the connection between putting (hiding) God’s Word in our heart and avoiding the pitfalls of sin!  How sad that we have neglected His Word and have often failed to recognize the lies and schemes of the devil!  Paul reminded the young preacher Timothy, of this very thing.

“Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

 a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.”   2 Timothy 2:15

“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

And if I may paraphrase for a bit—God’s Word is beneficial for—

What we need to know (doctrine/truth)—

What is wrong (sin/error/reproof)—

What to do to make things right (correction)—

What/How to avoid the wrong by knowing right—

In all we ‘are’ and all we ‘do’ (instruction)!

And here are a couple of things that might help each of us to remember God’s perspective:

“The sacrifices of God

are a broken spirit:

a broken

and a contrite heart,

O God, thou wilt not despise.”    Psalm 51:17

“He hath shewed thee, O man,

what is good;

and what doth the LORD require

of thee,

but to do justly,

and to love mercy,

and to walk humbly

with thy God?”  Micah 6:8

There is a simple reminder that we so often forget in the clear teaching of Jesus on our focus.  So as we go from day to day, making plans, working with our hands, doing the things that God leads us to; as He directs our steps in living for Him, it’s not wrong to desire to go, see, and accomplish new things, but it is important to make sure our focus stays on the ONE we claim to love and follow!

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”   Matthew 6:9-10

And as James said so precisely, may we ever remember:

“Go to now, ye that say,

To day or to morrow

we will go into such a city,

and continue there a year,

and buy and sell,

and get gain:

14 Whereas ye know not

what shall be on the morrow.

For what is your life?

It is even a vapour,

that appeareth for a little time,

and then vanisheth away.

15 For that ye ought to say,

If the Lord will,

we shall live,

and do this,

or that.”  James 4:13-15

May we pursue God in all our ways—no matter what you may have on your “bucket list”, may we each draw near to God and remember James admonition in all things (great and small):

“If the Lord will,

we shall live,

and do this,

or that”

Just as Jesus so tenderly reminds me and you:

“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

So rest in The One who died for YOU/ME, and make a ‘bucket list’ if you like, but live your “todays” with our soon coming King in mind, that you and I might be found faithful when HE comes—having lived with HIS ‘list’ in mind—being delighted IN Him!

“Trust in the LORD,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also

in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires

of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way

unto the LORD;

trust also

in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

 fret not thyself in any wise

to do evil.”  Psalm 37:3-8.

Amen and Amen!!!

Basics Of Bible Study??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 09

14 Sunday Apr 2019

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Bibe Study, Study to Show Yourself Approved Unto God

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No.09 Basics Of Bible Study???

 

While this may seem a little ominous, it’s really quite simple, and I hope to encourage us all to “dig in” more diligently!  First of all, we are called to study The Word, and we can rest assured of its veracity (truth)!

“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 told Timothy, that he was to “study”—dig in—to show himself as a proven servant of God—a workman, who has no need for shame before his God, or men.  And while this is a familiar verse, I want us to catch the, often missed, verse that follows.  While we are to draw near to God, there are some things that we are to not only, avoid, but we are to “shun” some completely—and things that are very current.  Paul was instructing this young preacher to avoid things that will “increase unto more ungodliness”!

I find it most curious that Paul realized something that many today have forgotten or overlooked; and while many seem to think that the profane is alright, it is most harmful!

Profane: characterized by irreverence or contempt for God or sacred principles or things….to defile; debase; employ basely or unworthily….to treat with irreverence or contempt…

And without even trying, I believe most of us could think of venues in our culture that often tend to be “profane and vain babblings”!  And while my focus in this article isn’t to attack others, it is to call us to consider what we are willing to allow into our lives; and not only allow into our lives, but in many cases to influence our choices.  God, on the other hand, has called us to dig into His Word to know Him and reflect it before the world—not be influenced by the profane!

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise

in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD,

and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

and marrow to thy bones.”    Proverbs 3:5-8

Learning to walk with God is the greatest adventure that we can experience.  And He has given us the guide that we need—HIS Word!  Not only does God assure us of His care in the Proverbs, but He also gives us assurance that HIS Word is dependable for all our needs, for it is all inspired by GOD.

“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

So, what does all this have to do with Bible study?  It is the basis of our total dependence upon God and His ways!

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

God wants to unveil His way for us if we will but yield to His Spirit and dive into His Word as the guide for our lives.

“How sweet are thy words

unto my taste!

yea, sweeter than honey

to my mouth!

104 Through thy precepts

I get understanding:

therefore

I hate every false way.

105 Thy word is a lamp

unto my feet,

and a light

unto my path.”   Psalm 119:103-105

Oh, that we can learn to feast on The Word/Words of God and discern our choices according to it!  And when we feast on God’s Word, we must learn, develop and practice good observation skills. There are a few things that will help each of us hone these skills.  Firstly, we must observe the text with integrity, by letting the word say what it says, and by being willing to order “our steps” by it!

“But they have not all obeyed

the gospel.

For Esaias saith,

Lord, who hath believed our report?

17 So then faith

cometh by hearing,

and hearing

by the word of God.

18 But I say,

Have they not heard?

Yes verily,

their sound went

into all the earth,

and their words

unto the ends of the world.”    Romans 10:16-18

It is God’s Word that brings the “gospel” to us, and it is hearing the truth of God’s ways and laws that bring us to see our own sin.  And until we see our sin, we will see no need for a Savior—Jesus!  That is the truth of God’s Word, and without it we have no hope!  But when we seek to know God’s truth, He will always lead us to the cross.

“In whom ye also trusted,

after that ye heard

the word of truth,

the gospel of your salvation:

in whom also after that ye believed,

ye were sealed

with that holy Spirit of promise,”    Ephesians 1:13

As we study and observe the text, we must honor its context by asking the 5 W’s and the H; by asking, who said it, why, when, and to whom;  always seeking to know what it truly says, that we may be able to interpret what it means.  To do this accurately, we must understand that scripture isn’t a regular book—it is a Spirit-written message from God to His own!  To understand it fully, we have to depend on the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us into truth.

“But as it is written,

Eye hath not seen,

nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart of man,

the things which God hath prepared

for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them

unto us

by his Spirit:

for the Spirit searcheth all things,

yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man,

save the spirit of man which is in him?

even so the things of God knoweth no man,

but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received,

not the spirit of the world,

but the spirit

which is of God;

that we might know

the things that are freely given

to us

of God.

13 Which things also we speak,

not in the words

which man’s wisdom teacheth,

but which the Holy Ghost teacheth;

comparing spiritual things

with spiritual.

14 But the natural man

receiveth not the things

of the Spirit of God:

for they are foolishness

unto him:

neither can he know them,

because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual

judgeth all things,

yet he himself is judged of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord,

that he may instruct him?

But we have the mind of Christ.”     1 Corinthians 2:9-16

Just as we rely upon the Spirit of God to bring us to salvation, we must rely upon Him to also bring us to understand and be able to interpret The Word!  For even if we learn to make perfect observations, and accurate interpretations, if we fail to apply it, we have missed the point.

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”   Psalm 37:23-24

As we learn to depend upon The Lord in all things, He will lead us into all truth, by the work of His Holy Spirit.  We can lean on Him and depend upon Him to direct our steps as we seek to know God’s truth!

“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:

9 Of sin,

because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness,

because I go to my Father,

and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment,

because the prince of this world

is judged.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you,

but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he,

the Spirit of truth,

is come,

he will guide you into all truth:

for he shall not speak

of himself;

but whatsoever

he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you

things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath

are mine:

therefore said I,

that he shall take of mine,

and shall shew it

unto you.”   John 16:7-15

I pray that you will find these things helpful as you pursue God through His Word! May HE bless you as you study!

And in closing, a few words to encourage our hearts in the pursuit of God and His Word:

“That we henceforth

be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait

to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

 which is the head,

even Christ:”   Ephesians 4:14-15

Don’t be deceived by not knowing truth, as Jesus said:

“And ye shall know the truth,

and the truth shall make you free.”    John 8:32

By depending on HIS Spirit:

“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.”  John 14:16-17 Amen!

What’s Your Version??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 24

27 Sunday Jan 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Born Again, Saved by grace, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No.24  What’s Your Version???

 

It’s been a busy week at our house—getting new hardware and software and trying to get it all set up, installed, transferred, and trying to adjust ‘me’ to the new tools and formats.  I wasn’t sure that I could even get today’s article done without throwing the computer across the room, with all the changes.  When we think about the title of this article, several things may come to mind; officers taking accident reports may get several ‘versions’ of what happened, or at the scene of a crime there may be several versions of the who, what, when, where and how the crime transpired.  As Bible students, there are various ‘versions’ of the Bible to study from. But as I was setting up all the new ‘technology’ this week, it was very apparent that ‘syncing’ all the devises required a compatibility of software ‘versions’—in other words, the software had to be compatible across all the devices that I was trying to sync.  I hit a snag several times when some ‘old’ versions of particular items had come over to the new—so I had to remove the ‘old’ and make sure the ‘new’ was ‘in charge’!  The question came to mind that our lives are lived according to our ‘version’ of God, what version are you and I living by?

This will affect our spiritual lives in much the same way as my software/hardware syncing was absolutely essential to the working of my equipment and my being able to efficiently teach, write and post the things that God leads me to share.  But most importantly we must be sure that we have come to Jesus, for when we do, He puts His Spirit in our hearts and I become a ‘new’ version of ‘me’!  Being daily “conformed to the image of His Son”!  A “new creature” “in Christ”!  And that my friends, is what we want to consider today—and every day!

“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.”    2 Corinthians 5:17-20

Oh, what a glory that God has “reconciled us to himself”, and not only “reconciled us”, but he has “given to us the ministry of reconciliation”.  God has called us to a ministry for Him, to others—we have the good news, and we are to share it.  But it must be the message of Truth, about The Truth, JESUS—and HE still saves, and changes lives today—putting us ‘in sync’ with the God who loves us!

“So, as much as in me is,

I am ready to preach

the gospel

to you

that are at Rome also.

16 For I am not ashamed

of the gospel

of Christ:

for it is the power of God

unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein

is the righteousness of God

revealed

from faith

to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.”     Romans 1:15-17

Sometimes people misunderstand what faith is—it’s not ‘pie in the sky-by and by’ but it is confidence in The One in whom our faith is placed.  Faith is only as good as the object in which it is placed.  I can place my confidence in many things, but if those things aren’t sufficient to the task, I will be disappointed, but GOD will never fail, for HE always keeps HIS word, and when our ‘faith’ is in HIM, we will have the victory for:

“Ye are of God, little children,

and have overcome them:

because greater is he

that is in you,

than he

that is in the world.”  1 John 4:4 

We must choose our “operating system”!  Will it be God that we choose, or the enemy of our souls.  We can choose to stay in his camp, or we can come to Jesus in repentance and faith.

“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;)”.   Ephesians 2:1-5

We who ‘were’ dead in sin, God “quickened”—made alive—and gave us new life in Jesus Christ our Lord! And Paul goes on in this same passage and paints a glorious picture of our new life in Jesus—a life of faith and good works that come out of our salvation, not works that bring salvation; for salvation is by faith—our operating system—through grace, God’s amazing provision for HIS ‘version’ of redemption.  God doesn’t just clean us up and send us on our way!  NO, He saves, delivers and gives us a hope and a future in Jesus.

“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 2:6-10

Praise God for HIS amazing grace—we are delivered from that old ‘operating system’ of sin to the ‘operating system’ of grace, mercy and truth—amazing grace that saves, redeems and transforms.

“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

Saved by His blood, changed by HIS love, continually being transformed by His indwelling Holy Spirit.

“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

I pray that you will examine your own heart today, and just as I worked on making sure all my ‘devices’ had compatible versions of software, may you be sure that you have come to Jesus in repentance and faith—repentance from your sin, and going your own way, and faith in the substitutionary (He took my/your place), atoning (making our wrong right), sacrifice (He paid the sin-debt we owed with His own blood, when He had no sin!)!  Jesus paid it all for you and me, so that we might have Hislife in us.

“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 10:9-11

“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

We can have victory in Jesus as we walk INHim and follow His direction in our lives; and one of the best ways to do that is to dig into HISWord that we can “order my steps in your word”!  And we can’t ask God to order our steps in His Word if we don’t avail ourselves of its content!

“Study

to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman that needeth not

to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.”    2 Timothy 2:15

And His Word is trustworthy to the task—HISversion is dependable!

“All scriptureis 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

What version are you using?  Self or The Savior?  It’s your choice but remember there is a test at the end!

Amen and Amen!!!