Tag Archives: Grace

A Testimony Of Grace??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #445

16 Friday Mar 2018

Posted by in Amazing Grace, Confidence, Dependence, Distractions, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Follow Me, Grace, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Growing in Jesus!, I Will Never Leave You, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, My Grace Is Sufficient, Perseverance, The Only Way, The Word, Walking With Jesus, Weariness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #445 A Testimony Of Grace???

 

It’s a lovely spring morning here in Oklahoma as I write this morning. I’m a bit late so the sun is coming up and the birds are singing—I just love the spring and fall, when we go from the cold of winter into the warmth of spring, and then after the summer’s heat we are so glad to see the cooling off of the fall. Our spiritual walk with Jesus is kind of like that–we go through seasons of the cold hard issues of life jumping in our face and then rejoice as God sends relief and we see the blooms and refreshing of spring bringing new life. Life that has been waiting in the cold ground and upon the changes of temperature and the light of the sun, the proof of life comes popping through to our delight!

It is a wonderful gift of God that the seasons remind us of new life—new life in Jesus is much the same—for we all have seasons in our life—the good, the difficult, the welcome and the not-so-welcome, the simple and the complex—yet God is faithful through them all. He has promised to “

“And let us not be weary

in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good

unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household

of faith.”   Galatians 6:9-10

“But ye, brethren,

be not weary

in well doing.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1

Like Paul, Oswald Chambers talks about the “humdrum” that often distracts us, and how we must be diligent to avoid growing “weary in well doing”; for sometimes “well doing” isn’t fun! It’s not always “fun” chasing children, or cleaning toilets, or the cooking and cleaning up of meal preparation, mowing, or digging, or hoeing a garden!!! Life can be ‘wearying’ to the max! But we are to keep our eyes on Jesus, Who provides the insight we need to overcome the sin and humdrum—the doldrums, as some people say—of living in a broken, fallen world.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand

of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

So what am I saying? I’m simply saying that life is often tedious and difficult, and we must recognize that when it sneaks up and “whacks” us on the back of the head, we must keep our eyes on Jesus! We must strive to shorten our “lead time”, so to speak, and as we walk more closely with Jesus each day, we will see sin, as sin, sooner, we can avoid it more often because we will recognize it, as sin (“the wiles of the devil”), and when we do stumble (and we all do), we can get up more quickly and learn from what we’ve experienced! Praise God Almighty! Amen and Amen! We can join Paul in pressing on with joy, courage and God’s strength and power instead of “weariness”!

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth unto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling

of God

in Christ Jesus.”    Philippians 3:13-14

So press on dear friends, and don’t let the weariness of life drag you down. Jesus is sufficient unto the need and He has promised to be with us.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”    Hebrews 13:5-6

All because of grace:

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 Amen!!!

God’s Grace In God’s Own??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #444

14 Wednesday Mar 2018

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Amazing Grace, Follow Me, Grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Knowing God's Word, Repentance, Salvation, SIN, The Only Way, The Word, Walking With Jesus

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #444 God’s Grace In God’s Own???

 

We talked last time about the grace of God that offers salvation to those who will come to Jesus; grace that saves, transforms, and supplies all we need for living. God knows His own and we can know Him, and grow in grace and intimacy as we feast on His Word. Then we are enabled and equipped to be a reflection of HIS glory, grace and love to a world in desperate need. But remember our message won’t always be welcomed, but we are to respond with the grace and dignity of the Spirit of Jesus that dwells within us!

“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

Words and actions that are “seasoned with salt”; and salt makes things palatable! But don’t miss “seasoned”—not brined, but “seasoned”. We are to be a preserving agent—preserving the good and godly things and drawing people to the “Good Shepherd”, not drowning them in brine! YUK! Our life and our words should express “wisdom”, as we are “redeeming the time” by God’s grace; and when we are walking in His ways, He will help us to “know how ye ought to answer” anyone who asks. Peter says the same thing in a different way.

“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 to give an answer we must know the answer—JESUS—who gives us all we need to succeed in our walk with HIM!

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you

through the knowledge of God,

and of Jesus our Lord,

3 According as his divine power

hath given unto us all things

that pertain unto life

and godliness,

through the knowledge

of him that hath called us

to glory and virtue:

4 Whereby are given unto us

exceeding great

and precious promises:

that by these ye might be partakers

of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption

that is in the world

through lust.”     2 Peter 1:2-4

He has given us to all we need do HIS work—right where you are! Remember God knows who you are, and where you are—He hasn’t said “oops”! So let’s pursue the things of God so that the world will see Jesus in us—God’s grace lived out day by day as we walk through this world of darkness and corruption. We are to be spreading the grace of God everywhere we go, leaving the harvest to the Father! He knows those who are His, and He is at work in us!

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them

that are his.

And, Let every one that nameth

the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”   2 Timothy 2:19

Even as Jesus said:

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:” John 10:27

And if you don’t know Jesus, my friend, you can. If you hear His voice speaking to your heart, simply recognize that you have sinned—and can’t fix it; that Jesus died for that very sin—and He will fix it; repent and believe in His substitutionary (He took your place), atoning (He paid the penalty for your sin with His own blood), sacrifice (He paid the debt He didn’t owe, so we could have life that we didn’t deserve)! That my friend IS God’s grace. Amen and Amen!

“Behold,

I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”   Revelation 3:20

How Much Good Is Enough??? Bible Ballistics: Vol.11 No. 07

11 Sunday Mar 2018

Posted by in Amazing Grace, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Follow Me, Grace, He That Is Without Sin, How much goodness is enough?, I Can Do All Things?, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, My Grace Is Sufficient, No Sin No Need?, Repentance, Salvation, SIN, The Only Way, The Word, Time Is Grace!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 11 No.07 How Much Good Is Enough???

 

I was most encouraged by the message I heard this morning, as it reminded me of the awesome wonder of “Grace”—God’s “Amazing Grace” for sure! But what is grace? We’ve all heard the definition of grace, “underserved and unmerited favor”! But grace goes so much farther than this simple idea. What is it that saves us? It is God’s grace for sure, but what does that look like?

Let’s peruse some familiar passages in scripture and see what we can conclude. Is it our goodness that saves, or is it God’s goodness? Goodness which according to Paul’s letter to the Romans is totally underserved! But I praise God that HE has saved me anyway!!! That HE is willing to save all who will come to HIM through Jesus!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice

in hope of the glory

of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God is shed abroad

in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God

commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified

by his blood,

we shall be saved

from wrath

through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled

to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved

by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.” Romans 5:1-11

We are “justified” by faith in Jesus; made right with God—we who were “without strength”, who were “the ungodly”; and yet God loved us “while we were yet sinners”—all who are apart from Jesus!!!

“while we were enemies,

we were reconciled

to God

by the death of his Son“

There is “none righteous, (good before God) no, not one” –apart from Jesus’ righteousness, we are all lost! And that’s what we must come to understand! It’s all about the sacrifice that Jesus made, not how “good” we can be! We can’t be good enough to cover the sin we’ve already, committed, much less the sins that we fall to each and every day! Paul has even more to say to the Ephesians, which reiterates the truth that we are all “sinners”, in need of a Savior—and only God’s grace provides the solution to our need—Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection for our salvation (See 1 Corinthians 15:3-6)!!!

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead in trespasses

and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince of the power

of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also

we all had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature the children

of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love

wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together,

and made us sit together

in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come

he might shew

the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness

toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God

hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.” Ephesians 2:1-10

Did you get that?

“we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God

hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them”

It’s all about HIM—not about us! We “are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus”! There aren’t enough good works that we can do to ‘save’ ourselves, and because of that—sin– GOD sent us Jesus to do what we could never do—save ourselves! There aren’t enough good works to make up for the sin that we have done, are doing and will do—never enough!

“Therefore

if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us

to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us

the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit,

that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world

unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses

unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then

we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you

by us:

we pray you

in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled

to God.

21 For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

God accepts Christ Jesus’ sacrifice—our sin placed on HIM–and credits to our account Jesus’ perfect righteousness! He who “knew no sin” took on my sin, because He loves me, and you; all so that you and I might be made “the righteousness of God in him”! And it’s only “in him”! Only One Way—Jesus! And as Paul also said in another of his letters, when we know Jesus:

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

As Jesus himself reminds us, when we “abide” in Him, He will supply everything that we need to live, grow and be of service to 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

So, my question for us today is, how much goodness are you depending on? How much goodness must one have to be right with God? Whose goodness? How much grace must God show to you before you will believe that He has made provision for YOU?

“But God

commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us”

Until we see ourselves as “sinners” we will never need a Savior! There is not enough ‘goodness’ in the world to save—but there is a ‘good’ God who has already paid the price to all who will come to Him in repentance and faith.

“Testifying both to the Jews,

and also to the Greeks,

repentance toward God,

and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”    Acts 20:21

Amen and Amen!!! Grace at it’s best—IN Jesus!!!

Praise God For His Grace!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #286

12 Friday Aug 2016

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #286    Praise God For His Grace!!!

 

“But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love

wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we

were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together

with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together,

and made us sit together

in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come

he might shew

the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God

hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.”     Ephesians 2:4-10

We often hear verses 8-9 about God’s grace saving us, but I want us to look a little deeper at God’s wondrous grace and mercy. Walk through it with me and rejoice in all that God has done, is doing and will do for us in HIS time.

It is HIS mercy and love that reached down to us. No one on the face of this earth (except Jesus, the Son of God) thought about God first, as John reminds us, “We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

And God didn’t love us because we cleaned ourselves up for His perfect, holy presence, but HE loved us when we were “dead in sins”—loved us so much that He paid the price for our sin with the blood of HIS “only begotten Son” on the cross!!! His SON for my SIN!!! And not only did He save us from our sins, He gives us “eternal life”; “Abundant life”– which Jesus will give to those who come to Him by “grace …..through faith”!!! And that’s not just eternal life in the great by-and-by, but abundant life right now. Life that is lived in the power and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ who saves us; amazing grace life that shows His love, grace and glory to the world, both now and in the world to come.

Finally, Paul reminds us that our salvation is all about Jesus; that our lives are to be lived out revealing His work in and through us to a lost and dying world. It’s all His grace—then, now and forever. It’s all to His glory.

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” Romans 11:36

So take some time today and thank God for His grace. Remember that: “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them”! What kind of walk are you walking? Walking in God’s grace works or your own fleshy works? It’s all about GRACE!!! His grace makes all the difference. Get busy living in GRACE!!! Today!!!

Is Jesus Enough? Bible Ballistics: BBs #178

22 Wednesday Jul 2015

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #178 Is Jesus Enough???

If Jesus is the only way (and HE is), is He enough? I can only answer that question from scripture and personal experience! Only Jesus is always enough!! He is my strength and I am glad that I don’t have to live without HIM.

“The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.” Psalm 118:14

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”      Psalm 19:14

God is my God, and His Son Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of my soul.   He is my life and my strength and without Him I would be lost and undone. He never fails, though I often do. I run to Him for forgiveness, cleansing and restoration.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10

Who is the righteous one? Those who have trusted in Jesus and by repentance and faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus have been born again. That is the gospel. (See 1 Cor. 15:3-6) It’s not by works but by the grace of God through faith. Yet saving faith produces a confirming work—not saved by works but saved to do good works. A most familiar passage expresses this:

“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 2:8-10

I am saved by grace and faith NOT by my works. But works are the evidence of my redemption and new birth. I belong to Jesus! I have repented of my sin and trusted Him for salvation, forgiveness and cleansing.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…….Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” John 3:3, 5-7

“Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:13

We are born “of God” and receive the indwelling Holy Spirit to grow us and teach us in all of God’s ways. But as we’ve said, we often stumble and fall—often in a big way—but God has made provision for us in that very blood of Jesus that saves us—it also keeps us:

1 john 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful       and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us      from all unrighteousness.”

How? Why? Because the “blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin” so that we can continue on when we get back up from our fall. And we who are genuinely HIS will get up, because it’s not our righteousness that saves, keeps or restores us, it’s HIS! I have been ‘made the righteousness of God in him’—in Jesus.

“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

You see, it’s the righteousness of Jesus that I live in, NOT my own. Any righteousness that I accomplish is through Him, because:

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

 I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

So??? Here’s our shot for today. Is Jesus enough? Only and always– because HE gave Himself for me—and He gives Himself to me so that:

“I can do all things

 through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

He did the work of redemption—I do the work of devotion!!!