Tag Archives: John 14:6

Can You See It NOW??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #698

30 Wednesday Dec 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, Eyes that SEE HIM, Hearing God, Only Jesus, Only One Way, Our God Reigns, What do you SEE?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #698  Can You See It NOW???

I would like to share a challenge today—a challenge for us all to examine ourselves to see what we really “see”!

“They have not known

 nor understood:

for he hath shut their eyes,

that they cannot see;

and their hearts,

that they cannot understand.”  Isaiah 44:18

Jesus also commented on Isaiah’s message:

“But though he had done so many miracles before them,

yet they believed not on him:

38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet

might be fulfilled,

which he spake,

Lord, who hath believed

our report?

and to whom hath the arm of the Lord

been revealed?

39 Therefore they could not believe,

because that Esaias said again,

40 He hath blinded their eyes,

and hardened their heart;

that they should not see with their eyes,

nor understand with their heart,      

and be converted,

and I should heal them.”   John 12:37-40

Have you seen HIM?  Paul also made a reference to the same condition of men.

“(According as it is written,

God hath given them the spirit of slumber,

eyes that they should not see,

and ears that they should not hear;

unto this day.”  Romans 11:8

There’s also another message which was a part of Isaiah’s great vision of God, reminding us that without God’s work to open hearts and minds to His truth, there is no hope.

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying,

Whom shall I send,

and who will go for us?

Then said I,

Here am I;

send me. 9

And he said,

Go,

and tell this people,

Hear ye indeed,

but understand not;

and see ye indeed,

but perceive not.

10 Make the heart of this people fat,

and make their ears heavy,

and shut their eyes;

lest they see

with their eyes,

and hear

with their ears,

and understand

with their heart,

and convert,

and be healed.”   Isaiah 6:8-10

There are many who will not hear or see anything other than their own way; but we are called to examine ourselves, to judge ourselves (that kind of sinks the notion that we are never to judge!), and to be sure that we have “real faith”—faith that is fixed on Jesus and we are following Him, His Word, and His way!

“Examine yourselves,

whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves,

how that Jesus Christ is in you,

except ye be reprobates?”   2 Corinthians 13:5

And interestingly enough, we all need reminding, just as the Corinthian believers did, to remember that “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!  Even as Paul had already told them in his first letter what faith is—trusting in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection for our SIN—and real faith, as James said, is evident by our actions!

“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 must be willing to allow God to open our eyes that we might see what HE sees; that we might truly be the “wise man” described by Jesus in Matthew 7; a passage that reminds us again 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.

24 Therefore whosoever

heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that

heareth these sayings of mine,

and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.”  Matthew 7:21-27

Rock or sand, the choice is yours?  But choose wisely—there is a test!  So, a couple of verses in closing that remind us that salvation is all about God’s work, not our own, other than to believe and receive the work that Jesus Christ has already done.

“Jesus therefore answered and said unto them,

Murmur not among yourselves.

44 No man can come to me,

except the Father

which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:43-44

Have you seen HIM?  As HE IS?  For WHO HE IS?  You can today!

“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

Jesus sees YOU!  HE loves YOU!  I pray that you will hear HIS voice and see HIS love for you and open the door.  And if you are HIS already, I pray that you will truly learn to grow in faith, grace and truth by HIS precious Holy Spirit—use those eyes and ears for Jesus!

“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.

21 To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down with my Father

in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear,

let him hear what the Spirit saith

unto the churches.”  Revelation 3:20-22

Amen and Amen!

May you be blessed with a joyous and blessed New Year full of the “joy of The Lord”, growing in HIS grace and truth.  See you all next year, Lord willing!

 

The Life Is In The Blood??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #696

10 Thursday Dec 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, Amazing Grace, Confessing Sin, Father's Way!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Only Jesus, Only One Way, The Blood Cleanseth us from all Sin

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #696  The Life Is In The Blood???

 

We hear a lot of talk these days about blood—blood types, blood anti-bodies for fighting Covid, blood clots—and yet so many today don’t want to hear about the blood of Jesus that “cleanseth us from all sin”!

“But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship

one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.”   1 John 1:7

There are two things that our world doesn’t want to talk about—the blood of Jesus and sin!  Why?  Because Sin is the issue—it’s why Jesus came, and it’s what HE can and will save us from.  From the penalty of sin—death; from the power of sin, in the lives of believers; and ultimately from the very presence of sin, when we live with HIM in eternity—not pie-in-the-sky, but truth and reality IN JESUS!  Let’s consider what God says in His Word, for regardless of what people may say—Jesus is the only way—and His way (like it or not) is through the cross and HIS shed blood for sin.

“And almost all things

are by the law

purged with blood;

and without shedding of blood

is no remission.”  Hebrews 9:22

Jesus makes it clear that HE is the only way—for it cost His life to save us from our sins, and to give us not only eternal life (with Him in heaven) but abundant, peace-filled, holy life right now.

“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

And as Jesus made it so clear—HE IS THE WAY—the only way!

“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

No man—rich or poor—famous or unknown—powerful or common—loved or hated (by men)—comes to God except through The Son, Jesus Christ The Lord!  And when we come to Him in repentance and faith, we find His arms open wide.  Won’t you come to Him today?  Or, if you already know Him, and are known by Him, won’t you draw near to HIM instead of the bright lights of the world?  He has a work for each of us to do—but we can only “do” out of the “being” born again to “become” the sons of God!

“All that the Father giveth me

shall come to me;

and him that cometh to me

I will in no wise cast out.

38 For I came down from heaven,

not to do mine own will,

but the will of him

that sent me.

39 And this is the Father’s will

which hath sent me,

that of all which he hath given me

I should lose nothing,

but should raise it up again

at the last day.

40 And this is the will of him that sent me,

that every one which seeth the Son,

and believeth on him,

may have everlasting life:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:37-40

If you hear His voice calling, won’t you open the door to HIM today?  Won’t you draw near to the “redeemer” of your heart, soul and life?

“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

All this bought by the blood of the Son of God—who loved us and “gave Himself” for our redemption!

“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 5:8-11

Are you trusting to “the blood” or your own devices?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

Deniable Truth??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 26

13 Sunday Sep 2020

Posted by in Deniable Truth? Really?, Jesus Is Truth, Who's Your Father?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 26      Deniable Truth???

 

I would like to spend our time today considering some things that Jesus said about truth, and then seeing if we can make some helpful conclusions; and I want to start with a startling statement from our Lord Jesus.

“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.”  John 8:42-45

As Jesus encountered the leaders of His day, He often confronted them with difficult truths, usually truths that they did not want to hear; even His followers often had trouble with His startling revelations of truth.  In fact, just a few chapters earlier, Jesus shared some difficult truths with those around Him, and for many it was too much to believe and accept.

“Many therefore of his disciples,

when they had heard this, said,

This is an hard saying;

who can hear it?

61 When Jesus knew in himself

that his disciples murmured at it,

he said unto them,

Doth this offend you?

62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man

ascend up where he was before?

63 It is the spirit that quickeneth;

the flesh profiteth nothing:

the words that I speak unto you,

they are spirit,

and they are life.

64 But there are some of you that believe not.

For Jesus knew from the beginning

who they were that believed not,

and who should betray him.

65 And he said,

Therefore said I unto you,

that no man can come unto me,

except it were given unto him

of my Father.

66 From that time

many of his disciples went back,

and walked no more with him.”  John 6:60-66

The people of Jesus’ day had the same problem that we have today—they wanted following Jesus to be easy, simple and convenient.  They wanted to eat the “loaves and fishes” without any commitment to “pay” the price.  What about you and me?  Have we put restrictions on what we are willing to do for Jesus!  Is God your Father, or is Satan your father?  Not a very popular question, but one that every person will answer now or later; for every person ever born on this earth will bow before Jesus!  The question isn’t “will you bow”, but rather “when” will you bow.

“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.”  Philippians 2:8-11

Will you bow before Jesus now, as your Lord and Savior while there is time and opportunity?  Or will you bow before Him at the Great White Throne as your judge, with no opportunity for salvation?  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test—and there won’t be any ‘fudging’, ‘excuses’ or ‘justification’ for your sin, if you’ve refused Jesus as the payment for your sin!

“And the devil

that deceived them

was cast into the lake of fire

and brimstone,

where the beast

and the false prophet are,

and shall be tormented

day and night for ever

and ever.

11 And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face

the earth

and the heaven

fled away;

and there was found

no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things

which were written in the books,

according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead

which were in it;

and death and hell delivered up the dead

which were in them:

and they were judged every man

according to their works.

14 And death and hell

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”  Revelation 20:10-15

Peter reminds us of the import of the One Way to God—Jesus–and Jesus’ example of holiness that God wants us to not only receive from Jesus, but to also exhibit before the world.  Yet like Jesus, when we take our stand on truth, it can often bring suffering and ridicule.

“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.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver

and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish

and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation

of the world,

but was manifest in these last times

for you,

21 Who by him do believe

in God,

that raised him up

from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope

might be in God.”   1 Peter 1:14-21

Peter goes on to paint an amazing picture of what Jesus did for us!  We are to heed His redeeming work and His example of faithfulness before God, and before a lost and dying world, committing ourselves “to him that judgeth righteously”!

“For what glory is it,

if, when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

 but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who,

when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self

bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes

ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep

going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop

of your souls.”  1 Peter 2:20-25

Jesus Himself, warned us of the response of the world to truth; what are you expecting from the world around you?  If the world hated Jesus for speaking the truth, why would we be expecting to gain fame, fortune and popularity by following Jesus, and speaking His truth, in love? While there are some fine men of God who may be ‘well-known’, Jesus told us that we could expect the same results that He received.  Jesus’ way and the world’s way are diametrically opposed—why can we not remember and understand this principle?  I think it’s mostly because the majority keep telling us that we must do God’s work the world’s way to succeed—but Jesus told us that if we follow Him, we can expect opposition (to say the least)!  And remember that Satan is an expert at lying and deceit—even to believers!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me…

….25 These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send

in my name,

he shall teach you

all things,

and bring all things

to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid…”.  John 14:6, 25-27

And Jesus continued in this same discourse with the disciples just before His death.

“If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you

out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater

than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things

will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.

22 If I had not come and spoken unto them,

they had not had sin:

but now they have no cloke

for their sin.

23 He that hateth me

hateth my Father also.

24 If I had not done among them

the works which none other man did,

they had not had sin:

but now have they both seen

and hated both me

and my Father.

25 But this cometh to pass,

that the word might be fulfilled

that is written in their law,

They hated me

without a cause.

26 But when the Comforter is come,

whom I will send unto you

from the Father,

even the Spirit of truth,

which proceedeth from the Father,

he shall testify of me:”   John 15:18-26

What are your expectations from following Jesus?  Or are you following Jesus for your own reasons?  Jesus makes it clear that there is a cost to those who will put their trust in Him and be born again through repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, redeeming sacrifice.

“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

Taking up my cross means that I identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus for salvation from my own sin; it also means that I live by the Holy Spirit and His power that God gives to His own to live a life of faith—waiting on HIM, and going His way—denying ‘self’ and obeying Jesus!  His way—His timing—His purposes—His glory; and my ultimate good!

“But they that wait upon the LORD

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up

with wings as eagles;

they shall run,

and not be weary;

and they shall walk,

and not faint.”   Isaiah 40:31

As Paul so aptly put it:

“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

And in this same letter to the Galatian believers, Paul describes what the work of God’s Holy Spirit looks like, and what it shouldn’t look like!  My life and yours will reflect who we have given our allegiance to—who’s your “Father”?

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust

of the flesh…

….19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;

Adultery,

fornication,

uncleanness,

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,

witchcraft,

hatred,

variance,

emulations,

wrath,

 strife,

seditions,

heresies,

21 Envyings,

murders,

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

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 & 19-26

So, just as Jesus said in the first passage that we observed, “because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not”; do you believe Jesus?  Does your life reflect the truth or the “father of lies”?  To whom do you belong? Are you denying the truth or living it?  You may choose to deny truth, but it is God’s “undeniable” truth that never changes.  It’s your choice—but there is a test!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

Amen and Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revival To “Alive”al??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 24

30 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by in Be not conformed to this world, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Cross, Encouragement, Every Knee Shall Bow, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, God's Judgment, God's love, God's provision, Good News, Holiness, Holy Spirit, IN Jesus!, It's Your Choice, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Only One Way, Salvation, Saved by grace, The Blood Of Jesus, Transformation, Transformed life, Trust God, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 24 Revival To “Alive”al???

 

“Wilt thou not revive us again:

that thy people

may rejoice in thee?

7 Shew us thy mercy, O LORD,

and grant us thy salvation.

8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak:

for he will speak peace

unto his people,

and to his saints:

but let them not turn again

to folly.

9 Surely his salvation is nigh them

that fear him;

that glory may dwell

in our land.”   Psalm 85:6-9

The prayer of my heart for many years has been for God to bring revival to HIS people.  I say that for the same reason that I used the title that I did; many seem to think that revival will bring hoards into the church, hence the church would be “revived” but that is far from true.  Revival is the:

“restoration to life, consciousness, vigor, strength…an awakening, in a church or community, of interest in and care for matters relating to personal religion…”

Revival is the awakening of those who have life, whereas salvation brings “life” to the spiritually dead.  It’s what Paul so aptly describes in Ephesians 2.

“And you hath he quickened, (brought to life)

who were dead in trespasses and sins; (dead)

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.”   Ephesians 2:1-3

Much like the picture that Paul painted in his treatise to the Roman church (and Romans is the foundational essence of the Christian faith in a capsule, howbeit a large capsule) that sin is sin, we all have it, and only Jesus can provide the cure, and how the ‘cure’ is worked out in each believer!

“As it is written,

There is none righteous,

no, not one:

11 There is none that understandeth,

there is none that seeketh after God.

12 They are all gone

out of the way,

they are together

become unprofitable;

there is none that doeth good,

no, not one.”  Romans 3:10-12

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth

to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood,

to declare his righteousness

for the remission of sins that are past,

through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say,

at this time

his righteousness:

 that he might be just,

and the justifier

of him which believeth

in Jesus.”   Romans 3:24-26

“For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ

our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

Jesus came to “save his people from their sins” and without being “born again” we are dead in sin! But praise God, Jesus came that we could be “born again” and have eternal life with Him, when we come to Him in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for us.

“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.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born

when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb,

and be born?

5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born

of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”  John 3:3-7

Jesus came that we might have “life, and that they might have it more abundantly”!

So, if the church’s job isn’t to infuse itself with “new members”, what is it?  Well, that is a question that Jesus answered before He left this world to take His place at The Father’s right hand. Let’s consider the call/commission that HE gave to His own—those who are born again!!!

“Go ye therefore,

and teach all nations,

baptizing them

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them

to observe all things

whatsoever I have commanded you:

and, lo,

I am with you alway,

even unto the end of the world.

Amen.”  Matthew 28:19-20

Jesus also made some observations as He spoke to the churches in The Revelation; some pertinent messages that I think we need to consider and heed today, several seem to be apropos to our focus today.

“These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars;

I know thy works,

that thou hast a name

that thou livest,

and art dead.”  Revelation 3:1b

“I know thy works:

behold, I have set before thee

an open door,

and no man can shut it:

for thou hast a little strength,

and hast kept my word,

and hast not denied my name.”   Revelation 3:8

And what I think is the most important for us to consider:

“Because thou sayest,

I am rich,

and increased with goods,

and have need of nothing;

and knowest not that

thou art wretched,

and miserable,

and poor,

and blind,

and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me

gold tried in the fire,

that thou mayest be rich;

and white raiment,

that thou mayest be clothed,

and that the shame of thy nakedness

do not appear;

and anoint thine eyes

with eyesalve,

that thou mayest see.”  Revelation 3:17-18

So, what can we take away from all of this?  I think we must do as God told Israel through the prophet Haggai, “consider your ways”, good advice that God still has for us today.  We must consider our ways and measure them by God’s Word rather than the popular buzz of the world.  The church is to lead the world to transforming life in Jesus, NOT to be “transformed” into the image of the world.  God calls us to be changed into the image of our Lord, The Son; and when we will choose to yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit of Jesus, we will find that revival will come to us, spread to other believers and then the lost will be drawn to the Master.  Just the way that Jesus told us in John!

“And I,

if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me.

33 This he said, signifying what death

he should die.”  John 12:32-33

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”  John 3:14-16

He was lifted up for our sin, may we ever lift HIM up to draw others to the cross! Like Paul, I believe the church is called to stand on the gospel of Jesus and not the imitation “religion” of the world, entertaining people right into hell.  False security is no security.  May we determine to stand fast in the sufficiency and total provision of the cross.

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony

of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:2

And as Jesus said of Himself:

“…….I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

So, will you join me in truly pursuing Jesus and praying for revival amongst born again believers, so that our transformation into truly holy reflections of our Lord will draw others to the cross—by HIS transforming power!

“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

May our lives ever be reflective of Jesus; may we truly be the evidence that God is ever at work around us?  May we be found faithful to HIS WORD; knowing it’s God’s standard that we will be judged by, not man’s!

“For the word of God

is quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest

in his sight:

but all things are naked and opened

unto the eyes of him

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

The choice is yours, but there will be an accounting before God, and only those who have bowed before the cross will be able to stand by JESUS’ blood.

Amen!

Some Things Haven’t Changed??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #677

19 Wednesday Aug 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Knowing God's Word, Speaking The Truth In Love

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #677  Some Things Haven’t Changed???

 

We are living in a world that changes every day, and for the most part the changes aren’t necessarily good.  So often we face an opposition that just wants us to be quiet and/or ‘go away’ (and when Jesus Christ calls us out of this world they will surely get their wish) but we have been called to share the truth of the Gospel of Jesus—that the cross brings new life to those who come to Jesus in repentance and faith!

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,

All power is given unto me

in heaven

and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore,

and teach all nations,

baptizing them

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things

whatsoever I have commanded you:

and, lo, I am with you alway,

even unto the end of the world.

Amen.”  Matthew 28:18-20

Our commission from our Lord is to spread the Good News that Jesus saves!  Only Jesus can save—and He will save all who will come to Him in repentance and faith—the truth that the Apostles shared after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, and the impartation of the Holy Spirit to the believers.

“Be it known unto you all,

 and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him

doth this man stand here

before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought

of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:10-12

In fact, Jesus Himself made it clear that there is only one way to God the Father—through HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice on Calvary!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man

cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

And this same Jesus IS the same—always!  And HIS Word hasn’t changed either

“Jesus Christ the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8

“In hope of eternal life,

which God,

that cannot lie,

promised before the world began;

3 But hath in due times

manifested his word

through preaching,

which is committed unto me

according to the commandment

of God our Saviour;”  Titus 1:2-3

Jesus is the only way—the only truth—the only way to have eternal life—past, present, and forever.  Jesus not only gives us the answers—HE IS the answer, and when we lift HIM up, HE will accomplish HIS purpose.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved

the world,

that he gave

his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth

in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”  John 3:14-16

Jesus came to save “his people from their sins”, but the price was HIS life for our sin!  And this is His message to us who are His followers, we are to lift HIM UP—not self, not programs, not popular fads, not entertainment, but JESUS!

“Now is the judgment of this world:

now shall the prince of this world

be cast out.

32 And I,

if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me.

33 This he said, signifying what death

he should die.”  John 12:31-33

And Jesus should be our only priority, and I will stand with Paul and proclaim it unendingly!

“And I, brethren, when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.

…5 That your faith should not stand

in the wisdom of men,

but in the power of God.”   1 Corinthians 2:1-2, 5

My prayer for each of us, is that we will see Jesus Christ clearly and trust to His Word to do HIS work!  We don’t have to compromise to do God’s work.  Even as Jesus said, may we be faithful in doing The Father’s work!

“But he said unto them,

I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

33 Therefore said the disciples one to another,

Hath any man brought him ought to eat?

34 Jesus saith unto them,

My meat is to do the will

of him that sent me,

and to finish

 his work.”  John 4:32-34

May it ever be!  Amen and Amen!!!