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Recognizing Lies That Defeat??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 24

28 Sunday Jul 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Liars, Lies That Defeat Us

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 24.  Recognizing Lies That Defeat???

 

We talked last week about the regeneration that Jesus imparts on us when we are born again; and while many of us came to Jesus after falling for the lies of the enemy for years, there are still lies that the enemy uses to make us impotent in our service to our Lord.  That’s what I want us to talk about today—the lies that catch us off guard, the lies that get us distracted from our focus on Jesus, the lies that challenge God’s Word, and the lies that our culture is constantly bombarding us with; yet the power, truth, and love that is the bedrock of our faith still stands—even when our eyes have been diverted by the lies!  Our God reigns, and you can count on HIS faithfulness!

“The LORD reigneth,

he is clothed with majesty;

the LORD is clothed with strength,

wherewith he hath girded himself:

the world also is stablished,

that it cannot be moved.

2 Thy throne is established of old:

thou art from everlasting.

3 The floods have lifted up, O LORD,

the floods have lifted up their voice;

the floods lift up their waves.

4 The LORD on high is mightier

than the noise of many waters,

yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.

5 Thy testimonies are very sure:

holiness becometh thine house, O LORD,

for ever.”   Psalm 93:1-5

I love the picture that the Psalmist paints here of the wondrous might, sovereignty and faithfulness of our God; and because HE is faithful in all, ruling over all, and in HIS majesty is our total confidence, we don’t have to settle for lies—we belong to the true God of all—Father, Son and Holy Spirit!  As Jesus said:

“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

Our God is God, and He is in charge—HE reigns, He doesn’t lie!!!

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth.”   Revelation 19:6

We can have confidence because our Lord Jesus IS “the way, the truth, and the life”, and we don’t have to settle for lies!  But by the same token, we also need to remind ourselves over and over again that our enemy is subtle, deceitful, tricky and ever seeking our destruction.  But Jesus our LORD, IS LORD!

“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 10:10-11

Jesus gave His life for us—the enemy always wants to destroy—for he is the great imitator and perverter, while our Lord gives abundant LIFE!  You can rely upon the “truth” of God’s Word, His person, and His character—you and I don’t have to stay in “the pits”, we simply have to run to our God!

“The name of the LORD

       is a strong tower:

the righteous

 runneth into it,

and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

That’s for we who have placed our faith and trust in God to receive the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus made for all who will believe; and we can count on HIM, we don’t have to be tricked by the lies of the devil.  We can be victorious by keeping our eyes on Jesus.

“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

We can have victory in Jesus, but we must pay attention—we must take Peter’s advice, being “humble….careful….sober(right focused)…vigilent” as we “resist stedfast in the faith” the enemy of our souls! I want to help us focus (myself included) on the security that we have IN Jesus—to know Him and His truth more and more as our life-line at every turn.

“And ye shall know

the truth,

and the truth

shall make you free.”  John 8:32

We are made free because of His sacrifice and by the power of His Holy Spirit who births us into HIS kingdom, as His children—sons and daughters of God!

“And now I am no more in the world,

but these are in the world,

 and I come to thee.

 Holy Father,

keep through thine own name

those whom thou hast given me,

that they may be one,

as we are.

12 While I was with them in the world,

I kept them in thy name:

those that thou gavest me

I have kept,

and none of them is lost,

but the son of perdition;

that the scripture might be fulfilled.

13 And now come I to thee;

and these things I speak in the world,

that they might have my joy

fulfilled in themselves…

….21 That they all may be one;

as thou, Father,

art in me,

and I in thee,

that they also may be one

in us:

that the world may believe

that thou hast sent me.

22 And the glory which thou gavest me

I have given them;

that they may be one,

even as we are one:

23 I in them,

and thou in me,

that they may be made perfect

in one;

and that the world may know

that thou hast sent me,

and hast loved them,

 as thou hast loved me.”    Portions of John 17:11-23

All by the power of The Holy Spirit “translating” us into God’s kingdom, out of the power of darkness.

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe

on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:12-13

As Paul said so powerfully:

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers of the inheritance

of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

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

Redemption is ours, bringing with it the power to live a victorious life in HIM, Jesus; forgiveness of our sins, meaning we don’t have to be intimidated or put down by the accusations of the enemy of our life, our work and our effectiveness. We can have victory because Jesus bought the victory at Calvary, giving us liberty, power, deliverance and confidence—all through HIS blood!

“There is therefore now no condemnation

to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life

in Christ Jesus

hath made me free

from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do,

in that it was weak

through the flesh,

God sending his own Son

in the likeness of sinful flesh,

and for sin,

condemned sin

in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness

of the law

might be fulfilled in us,

who walk not

after the flesh,

but

after the Spirit.”

Romans 8:1-4

Victory for all who will receive Him and walk in HIS Spirit!  We don’t have to live and walk in light of our past, but in the victory that God has provided in Jesus!  We do NOT have to “order our steps” in light of the accusations of the devil, but according to God’s Word!  Amen and Amen. We don’t have to accept the lies that Satan throws at us–for we are God’s, delivered and paid for- but we must recognize and resist the enemy’s lies, as we walk in Jesus’ Spirit, not our flesh!  My past is forgiven!  My future is HIS!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh……

25 If we live in the Spirit,

 let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:16- & 25

And just a few reminders of the enemy that we face—remembering that he is a defeated foe, and a liar of the first order!

“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.”  John 8:44

And his first schemes and lies were the same as they are today—challenging the Word of God, the heart of God, the goodness of God, and calling men, women, boys and girls, to doubt God and the truth of HIS Word/Words!

“Now the serpent was more subtil

than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.

And he said unto the woman,

Yea, hath God said,

Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2 And the woman said unto the serpent,

We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

3 But of the fruit of the tree

which is in the midst of the garden,

God hath said,

Ye shall not eat of it,

neither shall ye touch it,

lest ye die.

4 And the serpent said unto the woman,

Ye shall not surely die:

5 For God doth know

that in the day ye eat thereof,

then your eyes shall be opened,

 and ye shall be as gods,

 knowing good and evil.”    Genesis 3:1-5

Satan is still challenging God and His Word.  Will you be as gullible as Eve, or will you “stand fast in the evil day”?  We must know the Word of God, in order to “resist stedfast in the faith”!  Satan doesn’t play by the rules—his rules change according to the situation (remember situational ethics), who do you think promotes that ideology?  Here are some truths that you need to know!

“For such are false apostles,

deceitful workers,

transforming themselves

into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel;

for Satan himself is transformed

 into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing

if his ministers also be

transformed as the ministers of righteousness;

whose end shall be

according to their works.”    2 Corinthians 11:13-15

Remember—we win.  Don’t let the liars, deceivers, the perverters of God’s Word lead you astray, discourage your journey, or stop your growth in HIM, but continue to keep your eyes on the prize, knowing that your sins have been forgiven and covered in His blood, so press on in power, confidence, and truth—for our God IS truth and HE is coming soon.  Ready or not HE is coming!

“Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come,

that ye shall be scattered,

every man to his own,

and shall leave me alone:

and yet I am not alone,

because the Father is with me.

33 These things I have spoken unto you,

that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation:

but be of good cheer;

I have overcome the world.”   John 16:32-33

May we ever press on IN Jesus and His promise of an eternal future with HIM!  Amen and Amen!

“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

Look UP—not around!  Press on dear ones!  Press on!  Amen!!!

Regeneration Is Essential??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 23

21 Sunday Jul 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Ministry, Regeneration, Service, Spiritual Gifts

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 23    Regeneration Is Essential???

 

Regeneration:  biology–the restoration or new growth by an

organism or organs, tissues, etc., that have been lost, removed or injured…

              theology—spiritual rebirth; religious revival…

While there are several grammatical definitions of regeneration, I want to talk about spiritual regeneration—the work that Jesus does when we are ‘born again’! (And just by way of comment, true ‘revival’ is spiritual not religious!)

“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

Being “born again” is the beginning of our new life in Jesus, for without the ‘life’ of Jesus ‘in’ us we can have no spiritual power!

“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;”  2 Corinthians 5:17-18

Oswald Chambers talks about the fact that without regeneration, we cannot truly do God’s work!  But when we are born again by God’s power, we have Jesus Christ’s Spirit within us, to empower and direct our ministry for HIM!  And contrary to popular belief, ministry is NOT just for “ministers”—it’s for every born-again believer, those who receive Jesus and are made “the sons of God”!  We’ve been given this “ministry of reconciliation”!

“He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them

that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:11-12

Jesus is the power for ministry to each of His own! He has a ministry for you and me; what are you doing with the call of God on your life?  Without Jesus we won’t accomplish much of real value, but with HIM we can do anything He calls us to be and do (and you must “BE” born again, before you can ‘do’ His work)!

“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 15:4-5

Paul makes it clear that God has an order of things, He calls some to lead, teach and grow God’s people into useful, productive ministry (those who minister, not just those who work in a preaching or pastoral position—there is a difference between the gifts of ministry and the offices of ministry leaders)!  Ministry is the privilege of the redeemed—the regenerated—to serve our Lord and King, Jesus!

“And he gave

some, apostles;

and some, prophets;

and some, evangelists;

and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For

the perfecting of the saints,

for

the work of the ministry,

for

the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith,

and of the knowledge

of the Son of God,

unto a perfect man,

unto the measure of the stature

of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body

fitly joined together

and compacted by that

which every joint supplieth,

according to the effectual working

in the measure of every part,

maketh increase

of the body

unto the edifying

of itself

in love.”    Ephesians 4:11-16

God gifts His leaders, not to do all the work, but to teach, educate, encourage, and train those in the ‘body’ to serve Him faithfully in power, truth and love.  Just ponder this list—take each thing and pray for God to direct your steps into the work that HE has for you!  When you or I are gifted and called to be a leader/minister, then we are to help others to grow “in all things” as we speak “the truth in love”!  And when we speak the truth of The Word of God, we are truly demonstrating the love of God.  Condoning sin, coddling those who reject truth, or watering down the truth to win others is never the demonstration of love—for it will never lead people to the cross!  Until we share the truth about ‘sin’, why would anyone need a Savior.  Jesus said it best.

“I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish…

…5 I tell you, Nay:

 but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.”   Luke 13:3 & 5

And to repent, or even know what repentance is, a person must see themselves as sinners—which we all are.  Yet as we share, we must pray for The Holy Spirit to touch, convict and draw hearts to Jesus.

“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 6:44

And the Father only draws people to Jesus—He IS 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

Only One Savior, only One Way—Jesus!  And when we receive salvation through faith in His death, burial and resurrection, we are His child–His servant—to minister reconciliation and regeneration to others as we have opportunity!

“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 15:3-5

We are ministers of truth in our Lord Jesus.  What are you doing with your ministry?  Are you leaving all the work and service to others?  To the pastor?  To the teachers?  To the deacons?  To those with the prominent speaking gifts?  We all have at least one spiritual gift and we are to use them for the edification of the body (the benefit of the church—the people not the building)!

“But the end of all things is at hand:

be ye therefore sober,

and watch unto prayer.

8 And above all things

 have fervent charity among yourselves:

for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

9 Use hospitality one to another

without grudging.

10 As every man hath received the gift,

even so minister the same

one to another,

as good stewards

of the manifold grace of God.

11 If any man speak,

let him speak as the oracles of God;

if any man minister,

let him do it as of the ability

which God giveth:

that God in all things

may be glorified

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be praise

and dominion

for ever

and ever. Amen.”                           1 Peter 4:7-11

Peter tells us that there are two main categories of gifts: speaking gifts and serving/ministering gifts; and he makes it clear that whatever our gift/gifts are, they are to be used by the power of God, unto His glory!  For even as Jesus told us in John 15, “without me ye can do nothing”!

What are you doing ‘with’ Jesus?  Have you recognized the gift or gifts that God has blessed you with?  When we learn to recognize our gifts, we will find fulfillment in our service, whether it’s in a speaking gift or a serving gift—they are given to every believer as The Spirit sees fit!  It’s HIS call not ours!

“Now there are diversities of gifts,

but the same Spirit.

5 And there are differences of administrations,

but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of operations,

but it is the same God which worketh all

in all.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit

is given to every man

to profit withal.”   1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Paul’s letter to the Romans also reminds us that our gifts are our own individual opportunity to serve our Lord!

“Having then gifts

differing

according to the grace

that is given to us,

whether prophecy,

let us prophesy

according to the proportion of faith;

7 Or ministry,

let us wait on our ministering:

or he that teacheth,

on teaching;

8 Or he that exhorteth,

on exhortation:

he that giveth,

let him do it with simplicity;

he that ruleth,

with diligence;

he that sheweth mercy,

with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be

without dissimulation.

Abhor that which is evil;

cleave to that which is good.”  Romans 12:6-9

While we have differing gifts, we all have one unified purpose—to follow Jesus, to wait on His leading, and to fulfill the call to share redemptions message, to love and be reconcilers unto Jesus!  We are to fulfill His call and gifting as we lean on HIS power not our own!

“I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

and in all things

I am instructed both to be full

and to be hungry,

both to abound

and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:12-13

So, my simple question for each of us is, have you been redeemed, regenerated?  Are you walking, working, serving, and ministering the grace of God?  We can be and do all that Jesus calls and equips us for—you and me!  We can do all this because “Christ is all, and in all”!  It’s all about Him, and His regenerating sacrifice that gives us new life!

“And have put on the new man,

which is renewed in knowledge

after the image of him that created him:

11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew,

circumcision nor uncircumcision,

Barbarian, Scythian,

bond nor free:

but Christ is all, and in all.”   Colossians 3:10-11

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Talking Or Taking??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 18

16 Sunday Jun 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Just Talking?, Trusting Jesus?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 18   Talking Or Taking???

 

I’m sure you’re wondering about the title today, but it’s one that came to me the other day, and I want to share it with you today.  Being from the Gulf Coast, I love the water and enjoy spending time at the shore—or any body of water; and if you’ve been around the water very much you are familiar with life-jackets, the devices worn when in the boat, or just around the water by non-swimmers.  There are also life-preservers on large ships of all kinds, the ones that the candy is named for (you know the little lifesavers candy rolls), and a unique thing that I’ve observed about both life-jackets and life-preservers, is that when they are needed, the person needing to be rescued (or kept safe before-hand) doesn’t ‘talk’ to the object, but he eagerly and gratefully puts it on for life!  Well, my friends, it’s the same way with Jesus; you can talk about Him all day, you can attend every church service in your town, you can walk a hundred aisles, and be baptized a dozen times, but just talking “about” Jesus and doing seemingly “religious” things isn’t enough—it’s not about talk, it’s possession, salvation and transformation that are the evidence that we belong to Jesus—we have been made one with HIM.  So, let’s peruse a few passages from God’s Word to learn what we can.  Oh, to be One with HIM—not just a talker but a taker—having taken God’s gift of salvation—Jesus!

“That they all may be one;

as thou, Father,

art in me,

and I in thee,

that they also may be one

in us:

 that the world may believe

that thou hast sent me.”  John 17:21

“Wherefore the Lord said,

Forasmuch as this people draw near me

with their mouth,

and with their lips

do honour me,

but have removed their heart

far from me,

 and their fear toward me

is taught by the precept of men:

14 Therefore, behold,

I will proceed to do a marvellous work

among this people,

even a marvellous work

and a wonder:

for the wisdom of their wise men

shall perish,

and the understanding of their prudent men

shall be hid.

15 Woe unto them

that seek deep to hide their counsel

from the LORD,

and their works

are in the dark,

and they say,

Who seeth us?

and who knoweth us?”  Isaiah 29:13-15

God identified the problem of Isaiah’s day—one much the same as in our day—that the people talked a great ‘talk’, but they didn’t truly know the God whom they “professed”!  As we sometimes here today in regard to “walking the walk, not just talking the talk”!  Jesus encountered this same kind of thing among the religious leaders of his day.

“Art thou greater

than our father Abraham,

which is dead?

and the prophets

are dead:

whom makest thou thyself?

54 Jesus answered,

If I honour myself,

my honour is nothing:

it is my Father

that honoureth me;

of whom ye say,

that he is your God:

 55 Yet ye have not known him;

but I know him:

and if I should say, I know him not,

I shall be a liar

like unto you:

but I know him,

and keep his saying.

56 Your father Abraham

rejoiced to see my day:

and he saw it,

and was glad.”   John 8:53-56

Yet Jesus also talked about the cost of following Him, and the cost isn’t just in words!  Saying so doesn’t make it so; but taking hold of that ‘life-preserver’ and clinging to it for salvation, deliverance from sin’s penalty, and the “joy of The Lord” which is our strength is more than amazing; and well worth the price!

“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

Jesus makes it clear that when we come to Him in repentance and faith (knowing that I am a sinner, and I can’t fix it, and believing that Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection have paid the price for my sin—believing it and knowing HE IS the only “life-preserver” worth clinging to for eternal, abundant “life”!) we are to take up HIS cross daily—identify with HIM, and who He is—

God in the flesh—

The Son of Man—

The Son of God—

The Savior of the world—

The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world—

The Way, The Truth, The Life—

And while we could go on, I want us to see is that just talking about Jesus, going to church, or any other thing that we think can make us right with God isn’t what salvation is.  Faith in Jesus alone, in His sacrifice, will make us right with God. Jesus actually refers to those who only ‘say so’ without possessing Jesus/being possessed of HIM!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be

that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

 but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them

by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes of thorns,

or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree

cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.”  Matthew 7:13-20

Jesus said “we” would know people by their actions, but He didn’t say we’d always be right; yet God is always right–the ultimate judge; and even when people misjudge, God always knows truth—The Truth, Jesus, and what we—you and I– have done with HIM!!  As Jesus told the disciples in John 14:6:

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”

Jesus IS the only real life-preserver, so let’s go back to Matthew 7; Jesus makes it clear that being HIS child is more than ‘talk’, and being HIS follower, HIS very own, will become evident.  He does know His own.  How about you?

“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

“21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that

doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:13-21

We need to understand that God’s way isn’t our way—Jesus IS the only way to God, because HE was, is and always has been God’s perfect provision for our salvation!  Only Jesus—only, ever!

“Father, I will that they also,

whom thou hast given me,

be with me where I am;

that they may behold my glory,

which thou hast given me:

for thou lovedst me

before the foundation of the world.

25 O righteous Father,

the world hath not known thee:

 but I have known thee,

and these have known

that thou hast sent me.” John 17:24-25

Paul writes:

“Blessed be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who hath blessed us

with all spiritual blessings

in heavenly places

in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us

in him

before the foundation of the world,

that we should be holy

and without blame

before him in love:”    Ephesians 1:3-4

Peter also gave us another reminder of HIS eternal being.

“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 1:18-21

I don’t want to hear “I never knew you” from The Lord Jesus!  How about you?  Jesus said that He ‘never’ knew them; not He knew them and forgot, or that He knew them, but they slipped, or even that He knew them, and they missed the boat; but Jesus clearly declared that He “never knew” them!  These who boasted of what “they” had done for Jesus, not one word of what HE had done through them (much like the name it-claim it folks who say if we _____, then God must____! NOT then, not now!)  Are you just talking about Jesus or are you being a reflection of HIS glory in you—the presence of HIS precious Holy Spirit in us—Jesus has given to us “peace with God”, that which HE bought with His own blood!  What are you clinging to?  The blood of Jesus, or your own ways?  Are you just talking about Jesus, or are you truly clinging to Him in total trust and dependence for every step of the way?

“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…

..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.”    Romans 5:1-2 & 5-8

All because Jesus loves you and me!  I implore you to join me in clinging to the One who loves you and gave Himself for you and me.  If you don’t know Him, I invite you to call upon Him today.  If you do know HIM, then I invite you to join me in seeking HIS face in all our ways.  Are you talking about Him or taking Him unto yourself? (Or in other words, do you talk about HIM or to HIM?)

“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

Amen and Amen!

Do You Know What You’re Doing??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #561

05 Wednesday Jun 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Approved Unto God, Born Again, Choices And Consequences, Consider Your ways, Cross, Follow Jesus, Forgiveness, Free Indeed?, Gospel, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, IN Jesus!, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Know not what they do, Knowing God's Word, Listening To God, Persecution, Perseverance, Power of The Cross, Salvation, SIN, The Word Or The World?, Transformed life, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #561    Do You Know What You’re Doing???

 

We live in a culture of knowledge and education, but sometimes we may have a degree of knowledge but not know what we need to know.  We used to talk about “common sense”, but I have come to say that, in my opinion, “common sense” isn’t very ‘common’ these days.  But even more important than “common sense” we need to have knowledge toward God—God sense—to know Him and His ways is to have true knowledge.  Jesus said something on the cross that haunts my heart and mind, mainly because it seems to be so true today!

“And when they were come to the place,

which is called Calvary,

there they crucified him,

and the malefactors,

one on the right hand,

and the other on the left.

34 Then said Jesus,

Father, forgive them;

for they know not what they do.

And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

35 And the people stood beholding.

And the rulers also with them

derided him, saying,

He saved others;

let him save himself,

if he be Christ,

the chosen of God.

36 And the soldiers also mocked him,

coming to him,

and offering him vinegar,

37 And saying,

If thou be the king of the Jews,

save thyself.”  Luke 23:33-37

I find it most interesting that when you read the entire account of the crucifixion, everyone (except the believers who stayed at the cross) derided, mocked, and chided Jesus for not “saving” Himself.  It’s most interesting that by their own words they acknowledged that they ‘heard’ what He had said, that they ‘understood’ what He claimed of Himself, that they knew who He claimed to be—yet still rejected HIM.  And I’m so glad that HE didn’t ‘save’ Himself, so that HE could ‘SAVE’ us! But the phrase that I want us to take note of today is what still rings true today!

“Father, forgive them;

for they know not what they do”!

It’s important to realize that just having the ‘facts’ isn’t enough.  Just storing up information (even Biblical information) isn’t enough!  We must KNOW truth—JESUS IS The truth:

“And ye shall know the truth,

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

“Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater

than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

 because they know not him

that sent me.”  John 15:20-21

Jesus IS the test and the evidence of our faith—HE IS the only way to God; whether it is politically correct or not—Jesus IS truth, and without HIM we really “know not” what we do! Daniel talked about the last days in terms that ring so true today—a world stepped in ‘knowledge’, human intelligence and progress (so called) but without God it is to no good end!  Even though so many today are preaching a message of prosperity, Jesus preached a message of persecution and suffering for those who would truly hear HIS voice and trust Him in repentance and faith.

“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

Only one way to God, Jesus, and we must recognize the import of “abiding” in HIM!

“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 15:4-5

Even as Daniel was told hundreds of years earlier:

“But thou, O Daniel,

shut up the words,

and seal the book,

even to the time of the end:

many shall run to and fro,

and knowledge shall be increased…

…9 And he said,

Go thy way, Daniel:

for the words are closed up

and sealed

till the time of the end.

10 Many shall be purified,

and made white,

and tried;

but the wicked shall do wickedly:

and none of the wicked shall understand;

but the wise shall understand.”    Daniel 12:4 & 9-10

So, the question is, would Jesus pray for us “Father, forgive them, for they ‘know not’ what they do”?  Not because we didn’t hear, but because we refused to truly respond with our heart and mind, and heed what was revealed to us.  Will we be those who “fight against God”, or will we hear “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Many in Israel heard, and recognized that God could be in this “message of Jesus”, but they truly knew “not what they do”!  How about you?  What/Who do you know?

“And now I say unto you,

Refrain from these men,

and let them alone:

for if this counsel or this work be of men,

it will come to nought:

39 But if it be of God,

ye cannot overthrow it;

lest haply ye be found

even to fight against God.”   Acts 5:38-39

Here we see the religious leader’s response to Peter and John (and the other disciples), and later as Paul stood before a similar group of leaders, they made almost the same determination—they weren’t all ready to condemn Paul, but they refused to believe his message of Jesus! We can expect no different response today.  How about you?

“And there arose a great cry:

and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose,

and strove, saying,

We find no evil in this man:

but if a spirit

or an angel hath spoken to him,

let us not fight against God.”  Acts 23:9

But praise God we have Jesus as our security, and our hope; so, don’t let persecution or ridicule discourage you—we belong to the ONE who has changed us from “enemies” of God, to being His child—a son of God!

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:12-13

All because of Jesus!

“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 8:6-11

We can be redeemed by the blood of Jesus, that atoned (paid for) for our sin.  And when we “know” Him, and are “known” by HIM, we can press on in victory!  We can KNOW HIM, and declare with Paul:

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss

for the excellency of the knowledge

of Christ Jesus my Lord:

for whom I have suffered the loss

of all things,

and do count them but dung,

that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him,

not having mine own righteousness,

which is of the law,

but that which is through

the faith of Christ,

the righteousness which is of God

by faith:

10 That I may know him,

and the power of his resurrection,

and the fellowship of his sufferings,

being made conformable

 unto his death;”  Philippians 3:8-10

Honoring Or Dishonoring??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #557

22 Wednesday May 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Dishonor, Every Knee Shall Bow, God Is In Charge, Honor Or Dishonor?, How much goodness is enough?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Our God Reigns, Sanctified To Serve!, The Only Way, The Word Or The World?, Transformation, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #557    Honoring Or Dishonoring???

 

As much of our country is enduring difficult weather events, I am reminded of the truth that ‘man’ isn’t in charge!  And as we think of the God who is, I’d like to spend some time this morning considering our actions toward the God who Reigns! While the world can often be condescending to people who believe in Jesus, it is important to keep our focus on what God says, not what others, or even we ourselves, may think about Him, but what God says!  For truth is still truth no matter what is popular or accepted as ‘politically correct’! God has made clear that HIS standard is HIS Word—not ours!

“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

God is the creator and the judge!  And He will judge according to His Word not mine or yours!

“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.”  Revelation 20:12-13

God knows who we are, and He knows all “the thoughts and intents of the heart” of every heart and mind—yours and mine; and He has revealed through His Word, what we need for “life and godliness” (See 2 Peter 1:3-4)! The question isn’t the question that Pilate asked of Jesus, “What is truth?” (See John 18:38), but rather what have we done with “truth”?  Jesus IS truth—in essence, in reality, in body and in eternity.  HE is the standard of judgment.

“Because he hath appointed a day,

in the which he will judge

the world

in righteousness

by that man whom he hath ordained;

whereof he hath given assurance

unto all men,

in that he hath raised him

from the dead.”  Acts 17:31

God raised Jesus from the dead to save us, to prove that HE is the only way!  Many say today (and have for years) that Jesus isn’t the only way to God, and that He never claimed to be God!  Well, my friends, I beg to differ—HE did both!

“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

“My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

32 Jesus answered them,

Many good works have I shewed you

from my Father;

 for which of those works

do ye stone me?

33 The Jews answered him, saying,

For a good work

we stone thee not;

 but for blasphemy;

and because that thou,

being a man,

makest thyself God.”  John 10:29-33

The Jewish leaders clearly understood what Jesus was saying, and they were going to stone Him for blasphemy; but because He is truth, He spoke truth and declared to them—and to US—that He was, is and ever shall be God.  In fact, in another place He claimed His eternal being.

“Jesus said unto them,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

Before Abraham was,

 I am.”  John 8:58

Jesus IS God, and HE is the standard of judgment for all, and all will bow before Him and acknowledge HIM for who HE is.

“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

So, my friends, the question isn’t “What is truth?” but “Who” is truth!  And the answer is, JESUS IS truth, and every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess.  The real question is “when” will you bow!  Will you bow before Him now as Lord and Savior of your life, in repentance and faith–giving your life to Him; or will you reject Him now and bow before Him ‘then’ as your judge, with no recourse for salvation.  Yet I want us to consider what you/I are doing with the life that He has given to us, and as believers the “life” that HE purchased for us—HIS abundant life?  Scripture is replete with admonitions to holy and faithful living for our Lord, for even believers will give an account of our actions (but at the judgment seat of Christ, not the great white throne, see Revelation 20, and Romans 14:10, and 2 Corinthians 5:10)! Let’s look at a few things for your consideration today:

“Marriage is honourable in all,

and the bed undefiled:

but whoremongers

and adulterers

God will judge.”  Hebrews 13:4

Sex outside of God’s design for marriage (one man and one woman becoming one flesh—you get the picture) is sin.  Adultery is the umbrella term for all sexual deviance—sex before marriage, outside of your marriage; and whoremongers (a fitting word for our culture) are those who are consumed with sexual activity of every kind and sort (Read Ro. 1:18-32), yet “God will judge”!

“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.

20 But in a great house there are

not only vessels of gold and of silver,

but also of wood and of earth;

and some to honour,

and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself from these,

he shall be a vessel unto honour,

sanctified,

and meet for the master’s use,

and prepared unto every good work.”    2 Timothy 2:19-21

Is my/your life an “honor” unto our God, or a dishonor?  Are we continually purging ourselves of those things which dishonor our God?  Are we seeking God’s face and yielding to HIS work of sanctifying us?  It’s my choice and it’s yours, what will I/you do?  Or are you thinking, “I’m good enough”?  When is ‘good enough’ ‘good enough’?  Only one ‘goodness’ will do—the goodness or righteousness of GOD—the righteousness which only Jesus provides at the Cross!

“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

It’s all about Jesus! And when we know Him, when we are “in him” by His saving grace, only then can we live that new life!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us

 the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit,

that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world

unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses

unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.”   2 Corinthians 5:17-19

Will we bring honor to our King, knowing the price that Jesus paid for our ‘reconciliation’—the forgiveness of sins—treasuring the gift of forgiveness of sin, and sharing this truth through HIS love with the world?  I pray that God will speak to our hearts through HIS Word—the written Word and Jesus, the living Word!

“In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”  Colossians 1:14