Tag Archives: Colossians 4:5-6

Fight Like Jesus??? Really!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #339

13 Sunday Apr 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abiding In The Vine, Abundant Life In Jesus, Fighting With God's Weapons, Filled With His Spirit, Guard Your Heart, Guard Your Mouth, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Let This Mind Be In You, Let You Light So Shine, Lifting up Jesus, Living TODAY!, Looking Unto Jesus, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Procrastination, Spread the GOOD news!

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Fight Like Jesus???  Really!!!  A Word from THE WORD!!! #339

What do I mean “fight” like Jesus?  I mean that like Paul shared in Ephesians 6, we “wrestle not against flesh and blood” but we do have an enemy and we must—must—must be ready to “stand fast” and “withstand in the evil day”!  And oh my friends, we are surely in the evil day.  So how do we fight the battles? With a pure heart, and confidence in our Lord and King.

“A good man

out of the good treasure of his heart

bringeth forth that which is good;

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure of his heart

bringeth forth that which is evil:

for of the abundance of the heart

his mouth speaketh.

46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord,

and do not the things which I say?”  Luke 6:45-46

We must keep watch over our heart; for out of the treasure of our hearts our testimony and our life will be able to make a difference in the world of influence that God brings us to.

“Set a watch, O LORD,

before my mouth;

keep the door

of my lips.

4 Incline not my heart

to any evil thing,

to practise wicked works

with men that work iniquity:

and let me not eat of their dainties.”   Psalm 141:3-4

We must recognize that our life is a mixture of not only our heart choices toward God, but our words, our associates and our choices for righteousness over evil, can and will make a difference!  So what are we to do?  Follow the example of our Lord, who when encountering the devil himself, He fought with the best weapon we can use—Scripture!

“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights,

he was afterward an hungred.

3 And when the tempter came to him, he said,

If thou be the Son of God,

command that these stones be made bread.

4 But he answered and said,

It is written,

Man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word

that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city,

and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

6 And saith unto him,

If thou be the Son of God,

cast thyself down:

for it is written,

He shall give his angels charge

concerning thee:

and in their hands

they shall bear thee up,

lest at any time thou dash thy foot

against a stone.

7 Jesus said unto him,

It is written again,

Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

8 Again, the devil taketh him up

into an exceeding high mountain,

and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world,

and the glory of them;

9 And saith unto him,

All these things will I give thee,

if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

10 Then saith Jesus unto him,

Get thee hence, Satan:

for it is written,

Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God,

and him only shalt thou serve.

11 Then the devil leaveth him,

and, behold,

angels came and ministered unto him.”   Matthew 4:2-11

Jesus went toe-to-toe with the devil by refuting Satan’s misuse of scripture with accurate exposition and quoting it contextually!  How about you and me?  Do we know scripture well enough to use it wisely and beneficially?  Or do we simply quote random quotes that we think are scripture, without benefit of contextual integrity or familiarity with The Word of God.  Just because we carry a Bible doesn’t mean that we know its content!  Oh, that we can learn to trust Jesus enough, and love Him enough to dig into HIS WORD to know Him, His truth and His ways, as well as how to share truth with others with grace, seasoned with salt.  Paul said it best.

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know how ye ought to answer

every man.”  Colossians 4:5-6

And as we think about “fighting the good fight”, may we remember Paul’s challenge to his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, to be found faithful!

“Fight the good fight of faith,

lay hold on eternal life,

whereunto thou art also called,

and hast professed a good profession

before many witnesses.”  1 Timothy 6:12

Oh, to be found as a faithful soldier of my King, by doing as Jesus said and “abiding” in HIM!

“I am the true vine,

and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit

he taketh away:

and every branch that beareth fruit,

he purgeth it,

that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean

through the word which I have spoken unto you.

4 Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.”  John 15:1-5

Note in verses 4 and 5, that Jesus says that it’s the one who “abideth” in Him and HE in them, who bears fruit.  We can claim to be “in” Jesus but if HE isn’t “in” us we better check out what we think saves us!  Paul made it very clear to the Roman believers; no Holy Spirit within—no salvation!

“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

Oh, to remember what Jesus did for us at the cross, and what He is doing for us through the completed work of the cross by the impartation of His precious Holy Spirit.  Have you bowed the knee before the King of Kings and Lord of lords, Jesus?  I pray that you know Him and are fighting that “good fight of faith”!  And part of that is pursuing the “mind of Christ” as Paul tells us in Philippians chapter 2, as we yield our will to our Lord’s—simple but not easy!  It is the battle field of the mind—the mind of Christ or the “mind of me”!  And just a few verses from this great passage of Philippians 2:5-11!

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:…

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.” Portions of Philippians 2:5-11

Amen and Amen!!!

Will you bow before Jesus and learn to fight the battles of this life like He did?  We can be overcomers as we yield our life to King Jesus.  How about you?  Today?  If not now, when?

A Bible Or A Phone??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #118

07 Monday Aug 2023

Posted by in A Form of godliness?, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Believe IN Jesus, Bibe Study, Biblical Boundaries Matter!, Delight of my heart, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, For Such A Time As This, Holey, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Phone or Bible?, Tech?, The Word

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A Bible Or A Phone??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #118

Sounds like a conversation that I have with my son on occasion, especially when I go to his church while we are visiting; when the pastor gives the scripture and opens his Bible, I open mine–my son, on the other hand opens up his phone and we have this oft repeated conversation about “that is not a Bible”, and he just smiles, and goes on finding the scripture in his Bible App!  Well, I want to play off of that just a bit this morning, for we live in a “techy” culture, and for an old grandma, I’m pretty ‘techy’ myself–I do love the ‘techy’ stuff and while it often challenges me, I mostly enjoy the intrigue of new apps, downloads and ‘tips’!  I do have a Bible app that I use for quick answers if I’m out and about, but I am totally ‘old-school’ when it comes to Bible reading and Bible study!  I like the feel of pages turning, and I can mark my Bible and it sticks with me better, and yes, I do mark in my Bible, not only notes and cross-references (I’ve been doing my own cross-references for about 30 years and it’s a great learning tool.  When I am reading or studying and read a verse or a passage that seems to go with something else I’ve studied, I go to that passage and cross-reference each to the other.  You’d be surprised at how that helps you remember things that go together!) but observations and insights that come as I’m reading or studying a passage!  I take my notes on paper and write my teaching outlines on paper; I know how much of a page I can fill to teach for an hour.  It’s how I roll, as they say!

But my point for this post is that we need to be careful (especially people like me who are a bit over the top on things!) of our focus.  I have recently removed myself from social media, except for the Bible Ballistics’ postings, for it was consuming too much of my time and energy and I was just too prone to aggravation over so much of what I saw and/or read, even from people I know and love!  You might call it ‘intake overload’!  So, my challenge for each of us today is to consider ‘where does my time go’?  How much time do I spend with Jesus, in the Bible, in personal intercession for others, in pursuing God and a holy lifestyle?  How much time do I spend (for me it was a matter of ‘wasting’ time!) with social media, television, movies, books other than God’s Word, frivolous activities that can mislead or cause others to stumble or fall?  How much time am I devoting to godly pursuits?  When was the last time you “called” someone instead of sending a ‘text’ or an email?  Human voice and touch are still superior to technology!  Let’s see what God says.

“Be not deceived:

evil communications

corrupt good manners.

34 Awake to righteousness,

and sin not;

for some have not the knowledge of God:

I speak this to your shame.” 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

Or as the NASB puts it:

“Do not be deceived:

Bad company corrupts good morals.”

Paul is warning believers that we must guard our hearts, our minds, and our associations; the things we spend time with will affect our behavior.  I learned this years ago in a real and ‘in-your-face’ kind of way.  I was young and away from home and I love mystery books, movies and shows so I was reading Perry Mason mysteries and I found another series by Erle Stanley Gardner about a detective and his lady boss, who had a filthy mouth.  Well, my parents didn’t use bad language and we didn’t associate with many people who did, but this lady detective had a vulgar mouth, and while I didn’t curse then, still don’t, I found myself thinking of those words and phrases when something would go wrong!  Finally, I realized that I was putting those ‘words into’ my heart and mind, and they were trying to come ‘out’!  So, I made the choice to put those books away, and haven’t read them again.  Why, might you ask; if you enjoyed them?  Because just as Paul warned the Corinthian believers, I was allowing “bad company” to “corrupt my good morals”!

This lesson came crashing back into my heart and mind after finding so much foul language and vulgar talk on social media.  I hate seeing “those words” and it is becoming more and more prevalent, even from the mouths (or typing) of people of normally good morals.  If it was wrong “then” it’s still wrong “now”!  It seems some don’t even realize they are speaking like the world, it’s time to consider a change!  God calls us to holiness and not worldly vulgarity, or lewdness–but it is all around us!

“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

God calls us to live holy lives “in all manner of conversation”, referring to our lifestyle not just our speech!  How sad it makes me when I hear people using vulgar expressions, much less the plain, outright ‘down and dirty’ language.  Our language is to reflect our love of and devotion to God, His Word, and HIS ways!

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know how ye ought to answer

every man.”  Colossians 4:5-6

In bringing all this together, I pray that we will recognize that technology, social media, television, radio…whatever the device… can be used for good, where possible, and avoided when it is using you to promote and pass along evil!  Are you using the technology, or is it using you?  Are you setting priorities that are godly and for your good as well as the good of those around you?  Is your influence pointing others to Jesus or hell?  Have we made God’s Word a priority? Prayer?  Intercession?  Church attendance (in a Bible believing, Bible preaching church–and they are becoming harder to find, as Satan’s influence is pervading even the church) and not just attendance but participation.  Are your priorities leading others to the cross or to hell?  And regardless of how we justify it or excuse our behavior, language, or actions, there are little feet, eyes and ears coming along behind us; and may we all remember that they are paying attention to what we “do” more than what we “say” we believe!

Jesus/God has given us the call to follow HIM in all our ways, and the best “way” to do that is to be filled with HIS Spirit and HIS Word!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…

…. 24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16 & 24-26

 Finally Paul’s great call to his son-in-the-ministry, as well as a call to each of us–to set God’s Word as a priority!  Are you using your phone more than God’s Word?  Check it out! Are you “vainly babbling” or standing “unashamed” before your Lord?

“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

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers

shall wax worse and worse,

deceiving,

and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things

which thou hast learned

and hast been assured of,

knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child

thou hast known the holy scriptures,

which are able to make thee wise unto salvation

through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

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,

throughly furnished unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:12-17.

Amen and Amen!!!

Kindness Has No Expiration Date!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #781

02 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Do all things decently, Encouragement, Kindness has no expiration date., Sowing and Reaping, Speaking, Speaking The Truth In Love, Words Matter

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #781 Kindness Has No Expiration Date!!

 

“Let no corrupt communication

proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good

to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace

unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,

whereby ye are sealed

unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness,

and wrath,

 and anger,

and clamour,

and evil speaking,

be put away from you,

with all malice:

32 And be ye kind

one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God

for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.”   Ephesians 4:29-32

How often I forget that “words” matter, and “kindness” can be broadcast or crushed by our words.  As a proverb that I often quote says, “Watch your words, and keep them sweet!  You never know which ones you’ll eat!”; yet so often I forget that my words are of eternal import—not because I’m of any particular import, but because my words have the power to heal or to wound, to lift up or put down, to lead others to Jesus or drive them away!  Ouch! And remember once the “word” is out, we can’t take it back, recover the scope or often repair any damage done! When was the last time that we considered our “words”?  Let’s do just that today by comparing what God calls us to be and do to what we are actually doing.  As I sit here writing this article the Spirit of God is pouring out conviction over my own personal failures.

Yet, in that conviction there is hope for ‘correction’, and Paul has even more to say to us about our speech—our words!

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway

with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know

how ye ought to answer

every man.”   Colossians 4:5-6

We are to exercise wisdom in all our ways, especially in our words—how untrue is the children’s little chant, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me!”  Words can harm, hurt, and injure a soul to the core, so we are called to be wise in choosing how to reply to others, when to offer correction and instruction, and when and how to offer encouragement. (And remember we’re to be like seasoning–NOT like brine!)

Peter has a timely word in this regard:

“And who is he that will harm you,

if ye be followers of that which is good?

14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake,

happy are ye:

and be not afraid of their terror,

neither be troubled;

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:

and be ready always

to give an answer

to every man that asketh you

a reason of the hope that is in you

with meekness and fear:

16 Having a good conscience;

that, whereas they speak evil of you,

as of evildoers,

they may be ashamed that falsely accuse

your good conversation in Christ.

17 For it is better,

if the will of God be so,

that ye suffer for well doing,

than for evil doing.”   1 Peter 3:13-17

Peter reminds us (and remember he is writing to believers who are being persecuted for their faith) that we are to be bold and confident in our Lord who has us in HIS hand.  We can and are to:

Not fear what “man can do to me”—

Be happy to share in Christ’s suffering—

Sanctify The Lord in our hearts—

BE READY to give and answer for our faith—

Answer with meekness and fear (awe of God not man)-

Have a good conscience—not being a poor witness—

(For we are all witnesses—good or bad—we are witnesses!)

Ready to accept God’s will regarding suffering—

Jesus says it best, yet we often forget this in our lives and our prayers!

“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 lastly, for today, but certainly not least, Paul’s message about our armor and how it was to be put on– “Praying always”!!!  For all the saints—wherever they may be!

“Praying always

with all prayer and supplication

 in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;”  Ephesians 6:18

Instead of criticism, or gossip, or comparing others faults to our perceived strengths, let us be “Praying always” for those we are tempted to put down.  May or goal be to truly speak God’s truth “in love”.

“But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:” Ephesians 4:15

May we ever be known as those who speak “the truth in love”!  But to speak “truth” we must know truth by being in The Word of God!  Oh Father, may we be found faithful, true, and kind by the power of your precious Holy Spirit!  Always!!!

 

Amen and Amen!!!

Keeping Them Sweet??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #758

13 Wednesday Oct 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Consider Your ways, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Speaking, Speaking The Truth In Love, Sweet Words or Bitter Words?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #758     Keeping Them Sweet???

 

“A word fitly spoken

is like apples of gold

in pictures of silver.

12 As an earring of gold,

and an ornament of fine gold,

so is a wise reprover

upon an obedient ear.

13 As the cold of snow

in the time of harvest,

so is a faithful messenger

to them that send him:

for he refresheth

the soul of his masters.”   Proverbs 25:11

Being raised in a family full of “smart alecks” The Lord has worked on me for years to order my “words” according to HIS WORD, not my ‘cutting whit’ which often did just that “cut” others in the name of “humor”!  Well, friends, God has, no IS working on my “words” to be more beneficial to others, for our “words” reveal what is in our heart, and I desire to be one who “refresheth the soul of his masters”!  Jesus said it, I didn’t—I just quote it often, mostly to myself, and pray that the purity of my heart will show to others the Jesus I love, not the meanness of the world we live in.

“O generation of vipers,

how can ye,

being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure

of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth

evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word

that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words

thou shalt be justified,

and by thy words

thou shalt be condemned.”   Matthew 12:34-3

Ouch!  Yet, Jesus mentioned it again, implicating the import of our words, as well as our accountability.

“Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed

out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed

evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things

which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands

defileth not a man.”  Matthew 15:17-20

As an old proverb says, “Watch your words and keep them sweet!  You never know which ones you’ll eat!” (Source unknown) Yet Jesus is talking about our heart—a heart transformed by the power of redemption is enabled by the Holy Spirit to put out “good” words instead of harmful ones!  What are you and I putting out of our mouths?  Are we speaking ‘godly’ words or ‘worldly’ words?  There is a profound difference; not just what we say, but that it is said with love, discernment, and kindness, and to the glory of God (not me getting the “last word”, and I don’t think I’m the only one with that problem!  Am I?)!

Let’s bring this to a close with a word which Paul shared with the young Pastor Timothy; may we learn from it and keep our words sweet—not compromising truth in any way, but words seasoned with love and grace (and just FYI “unfeigned” simply means imitation or pretend).

“Now the end of the commandment

is charity

out of a pure heart,

and of a good conscience,

and of faith unfeigned:”  1 Timothy 1:5

And his message to the Colossian believers, which we ought to heed today, out of our love for and devotion to our Lord, so that others will see Jesus in us and our ‘words’!

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know how ye ought to answer

every man.”  Colossians 4:5-6.

Amen and Amen!

Real Love Speaks Truth??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 25

11 Monday Oct 2021

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Are You Ready, Speaking, Speaking The Truth In Love, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 25 Real Love Speaks Truth???

 

There is a lot of talk these days about “love”, but God’s definition of love is quite different from the world’s view of “love”, and so many equate “love” with ‘not making waves’; but we are called to speak the truth in love—God’s love! Scripture is replete with instructions that help us know the difference between ‘lust’ and ‘love’!  After all, God IS love!

“That ye would walk worthy of God,

who hath called you unto his kingdom

and glory.

13 For this cause also

thank we God

without ceasing,

because, when ye received the word of God

which ye heard of us,

ye received it not as the word of men,

but as it is in truth,

the word of God,

which effectually worketh also

in you that believe.”   1 Thessalonians 2:12-13

While God’s Word has little value to most these days, there is a consequence to not receiving the truth of God; for while God gives every person the freedom to choose Jesus or reject Him, there is a price to pay when we reject the truth for the lies of the enemy of our soul!.  Jesus was/is very clear about who the “liar” is; and ‘who’ is ‘whose’; and HE didn’t mince any words to those who opposed HIM!  And by the way, those who opposed HIM most were those who claimed to be ‘religious’!  That’s why we are called to “receive” Him not just ‘claim’ HIS name. (See John 1:12-13). Truth is ‘true’ whether it’s easy to hear and receive or not!  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“Ye do the deeds of your father.

Then said they to him,

We be not born of fornication;

we have one Father,

even God.

42 Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth and came from God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech?

even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father

ye will do.

He was a murderer

from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth,

ye believe me not.

46 Which of you convinceth me

of sin?

And if I say the truth,

why do ye not believe me?

47 He that is of God

heareth God’s words:

ye therefore hear them not,

because ye are not of God.”  John 8:41-47

And how much did they reject Him, you might ask, well John  goes on to tell us how much!

“Then took they up stones

to cast at him:

but Jesus hid himself,

and went out of the temple,

going through the midst of them,

and so passed by.”  John 8:59

And if we back up a little, we will find out that not everyone who ‘hears’, wants to truly ‘listen’ and heed the hard truths of HIM who loves us so much that HE gave HIS life for us!

“From that time

many of his disciples went back,

and walked no more with him.”  John 6:66

Who are you choosing to walk with?  Paul told the Thessalonian believers that consequences would apply to those who willfully reject, as well as those who hear the truth and don’t respond—whether because they think they have time, or because of any other reason, even pretending to be righteous on their own without Jesus.  Paul clearly tells us that without Jesus, it won’t matter who you impress, or what you claim to believe.  Just because truth may be difficult to receive, doesn’t make it any less true!  And remember “WHO” IS truth.

“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 then shall that Wicked

be revealed,

whom the Lord shall consume

with the spirit of his mouth,

and shall destroy

with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him,

whose coming is after the working

of Satan

with all power

and signs

and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness

of unrighteousness

in them that perish;

because they received not

the love of the truth,

that they might

be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them

strong delusion,

that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned

who believed not the truth,

but had pleasure

in unrighteousness.”  2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

There will come a time when those who willfully reject truth will no longer have opportunity to receive truth—not a popular teaching, but it is God’s truth.

Just as Jesus Himself makes it clear above, that HE IS truth, and no other truth will make you right with God, or have peace with God, or belong to HIM! (See John 1:12-13)

Paul gives us such a powerful summary of all that we have because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, and our sin in Romans 5, here are some portions of that chapter!

“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.”   Romans 5:1-2

“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.”  Romans 5:5-11

The thing that we must decide is what will we do with Truth?  Jesus IS truth, and what we do with HIM is the truth of the Gospel. Jesus made it very clear that the choice is ours, but there is a consequence to every choice.

“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 16:24-27

Paul puts the truth of the Gospel in a ‘nutshell’ for us, and 1 Corinthians 15 is a great passage to memorize to keep the truth of the Gospel handy in your memory bank to share with others as we have opportunity!!!

“Moreover, brethren,

I declare unto you the gospel

which I preached unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory

what I preached unto you,

unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died

for our sins

according to the scriptures;

 4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again

the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:”  1 Corinthians 15:1-5

We are saved to speak God’s truth in love; but speaking God’s truth without compromise, even in a world gone crazy with lies!  Jesus is THE “ONE” WAY to God, and we must make sure we don’t miss it, for if we miss Jesus, we miss it all.  But as we speak the truth in love, it is to be full of grace and mercy—but speaking well God’s truth!  Peter and Paul both spoke on this issue, may it touch your heart today.

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech

be alway with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know how ye ought to answer

every man.”  Colossians 4:5-6

“But sanctify the Lord God

in your hearts:

and be ready always

to give an answer

to every man that asketh you

a reason of the hope

that is in you

with meekness

and fear:

16 Having a good conscience;

that, whereas they speak evil of you,

as of evildoers,

they may be ashamed

that falsely accuse

your good conversation in Christ.”   1 Peter 3:15-16

And a final word from the Apostle Peter, for each of us to keep in mind—for our enemy is becoming bolder every day!

“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.”  1 Peter 5:6-9

Amen and Amen!!!