Tag Archives: John 3:16-19

Because YOU Are Loved??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #137

29 Friday Sep 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Heaven or Hell, Hell, Hell's Hot, Hell's Real, Salvation, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Saved FROM Sin

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Because YOU Are Loved??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #137

We often run into people who just can’t believe that anyone cares about them, yet there is a God who not only loves them but has called we whom HE has saved to share HIS love, grace, and care with those around us.  And that’s what I want to share with you today—YOU are loved by the Sovereign God Almighty of all creation and HIS Son, Jesus, and by the power of HIS Holy Spirit Who speaks to hearts today—hearts that will receive that gift of salvation that HE has provided, in JESUS!

“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

This Jesus who loves us so much that HE gave HIS life for you and me—that we might have eternal life and not eternal death in hell.  But we must see that JESUS is the ONE way to God, the ONE way to forgiveness of SIN (See Matthew 1:21).

“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 probably the most well-known verse in all of scripture tells us that Jesus loves YOU so much that HE gave HIS life for YOU and me!  In HIM you can find forgiveness for sin, a new life by HIS power and grace, and the opportunity to know HIM in this life, right now, and an eternity with Him after this life is over.  What more could you want?

“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 3:16

It’s your choice, and as Jesus goes on to share in John 3, your choice has a consequence.  Will you trust Jesus or reject HIM and pay for your own sin in hell?  Choose wisely, there is a test!

“17 For God sent not his Son

into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”  John 3:17-19

I invite you to come to Jesus and find the greatest reason to praise and thank God for this precious gift of LOVE!  Paul paints an amazing picture of this grace and the attitude of gratitude that it should produce in every believer!  How about YOU?  Life or death?  Heaven or Hell?  But just a note for you skeptics:  why would you want to go to heaven anyway?  You have no need of God now, you don’t care to spend time in HIS presence now, why would you want to spend eternity with a God for whom you have no use?  Only you can answer.  But remember, while it’s your choice, the consequence is out of your hands once you reject Jesus.  Thankful or full of regrets, it’s your choice.

I choose gratitude with the Apostle Paul; I’m so grateful for forgiveness and new life IN JESUS!  Forgiveness or debt?  Light or dark?  Life or death?  It’s your choice!

“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

His nail-scared hands are still reaching out for YOU!  No one can love you more than Jesus.

Amen and Amen!!!

Speak UP, Please??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #132

17 Sunday Sep 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Judgment, SIN, Sin IS the issue, Words Can Help or Harm?, Words Matter, You can't get yesterday back!

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 Speak UP, Please???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #132

Words are an important tool in our lives; while many think words are empty and meaningless, I would disagree!  Our words will reveal what is in our hearts, and unlike the children’s rhyme says, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.”  It’s NOT SO!  Words can break a heart, crush a spirit, leave indelible imprints on a life for years; God says we will give an account of our words to HIM and HIS SON, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Jesus makes this clear.  Will you heed His words or disregard them and face them in a day when there is no opportunity for repentance or salvation.

“Either make the tree good,

and his fruit good;

or else make the tree corrupt,

and his fruit corrupt:

for the tree is known

by his fruit.

34 O generation of vipers,

how can ye, being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words

thou shalt be justified,

and by thy words

thou shalt be condemned.”  Matthew 12:33-37

And what is the difference?  I think it can be laid out pretty simply.  YES, LORD, I believe!  Or, NO, I don’t believe.  We see one of the most profound pictures of this simple but life-changing choice and its consequences at the cross, let’s consider it.

“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.

38 And a superscription also was written over him

in letters of Greek,

and Latin,

and Hebrew,

THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39 And one of the malefactors

which were hanged railed on him, saying,

If thou be Christ,

save thyself

and us.

40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying,

Dost not thou fear God,

seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

41 And we indeed justly;

for we receive the due reward

of our deeds:

but this man hath done nothing amiss.

42 And he said unto Jesus,

Lord,

remember me

when thou comest into thy kingdom. 

43 And Jesus said unto him,

Verily I say unto thee,

To day shalt thou be with me

in paradise.”  Luke 23:36-43

The one thief ridiculed Jesus and wanted to deny Jesus with the same word many use today, “IF”!  If you are God!  If you do this or that for me!  If you make this or that happen for me, if you do this trick or miracle for me…. you fill in the _________!

The other man/thief recognized that Jesus was not only innocent, but worthy of being called “LORD” and that HE was “KING”, that Jesus was The ONE who could grant him entrance into THE KINGDOM of God.  That is the simple test!  Will you turn to Jesus, the ONLY way to God, or reject HIS authority, love, and sacrifice for YOU?  Even as Peter proclaimed to the religious leaders in Jerusalem after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus; he minced no words but proclaimed the total truth—JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY!

“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

And just to pull it all together, there is an accounting coming!  The Judgment of God is at hand, and the only defense for your sin, is to be born again—to believe in Jesus, to have your name written down in the Lamb’s book of life—as John the Baptizer said of Jesus– “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”  If you haven’t trusted in Jesus and been born again, then you will have to pay for your own sin.  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test—and JESUS is HIS name, what will your words reveal?  Jesus’ own words will be what will judge YOU!

“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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”  John 3:16-19

And in closing, some food for thought for your week—for your choice of ‘words’!  For God’s WORD will be the standard, not yours or mine!

“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

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

Will the name of Jesus be your hope, your spoken salvation, and your words unto eternal life?  Or will you face God to pay for your own sin.  It’s your choice but choose wisely—words matter!!!!

“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 20:11-15

As Jesus said above:

But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words

thou shalt be justified,

and by thy words

thou shalt be condemned…”

May God reveal Himself to you and may you see what HE sees!  Your words matter!  Yes? No? Jesus? No Jesus?

“…he said unto them,

Whosoever will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

35 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it;

but whosoever shall lose his life

for my sake

and the gospel’s,

the same shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

37 Or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?”  Mark 8:34-37

Amen and Amen!!!

Grace IS Based On Truth??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #130

11 Monday Sep 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Good News, Gospel, Grace, Living by Faith or Entertainment?, Living in Christ, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Looking Unto Jesus, Repentance, Responding Rightly, Restoration, Righteousness, Salvation, The Word, Transformation, Transformed life, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth

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Grace IS Based On Truth???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #130

 

We live in a world where many, even in the church, have changed the gospel into an ‘easy-believe-ism’–just say this prayer, do this thing, join this group and you will ‘go to heaven’.  But I join Paul in his statement of faith!

“So, as much as in me is,

I am ready to preach the gospel

to you that are at Rome also.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed from faith to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed

from heaven

against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men,

who hold the truth

in unrighteousness;”  Romans 1:15-18

Paul makes some things very clear as he proclaims his confidence in “the gospel of Christ”–and he makes it clear that the gospel is about “the righteousness of God”!  And it’s all about having the “the righteousness of God”–it’s not about a “get out of hell free” card; it’s about bowing before the cross and turning from our sin to JESUS!

“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

Paul wanted the Corinthian believers (and us!) to understand that it’s not just “sayin’ so” but it’s receiving Jesus’ sacrifice and having HIS righteousness applied to us–which means, as he said here in chapter 5, that “IF” “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature”!  Our nature is changed to a work-in-progress, being “conformed to the image of HIS SON”!  In other words, being in communion with Jesus, as HE describes in Revelation:

“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

 John also deals with this in the first chapter of the Gospel of John.

“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.

14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”  John 1:11-14

Jesus said a lot about this and while we won’t look at all He said, we will consider several passages–it’s not about what you “say”, or even what you “do”, it’s about who YOU have bowed down to; Jesus or the enemy!  Jesus’ answer to the religious leaders about the “sinners/sick” needing a physician rather than those who thought they were well; but we’ll preface Jesus’ response with Paul’s declaration of “who” needs Jesus!

“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:” Romans 3:23-24

“But now being made free from sin,

and become servants to God,

ye have your fruit unto holiness,

and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”   Romans 6:22-23

You can have life and freedom from sin, or you can have death; and while the consequences don’t always show up immediately, sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost you more that you wanted to PAY; and the payment will usually come when you least expect it.  But, back to what Jesus said about who needs salvation.

“And it came to pass,

as Jesus sat at meat in the house,

behold, many publicans and sinners came

and sat down with him and his disciples.

11 And when the Pharisees saw it,

they said unto his disciples,

Why eateth your Master

with publicans and sinners?

12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them,

They that be whole need not a physician,

but they that are sick.

13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth,

I will have mercy,

and not sacrifice:

for I am not come to call the righteous,

but sinners to repentance.”  Matthew 9:10-13

Jesus came to call sinners to repentance–how sad to me, that we have virtually eliminated the message of ‘repentance of our sin’ from the Gospel, but Jesus spoke clearly of the need for repentance.  For unless we see our own sin, which is what the Holy Spirit works to convict us of, we have no need of a Savior.  This is exactly what Jesus was telling the religious leaders–those who “thought” they had no sin, hence no need of a Savior, Jesus! (You can read this same statement from Jesus in Mark 2:17, and Luke 5:31).  The Apostle John also makes this clear in his first epistle/letter.

“This then is the message

which we have heard of him,

and declare unto you,

that God is light,

and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 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.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful

and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

 and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:5-10

Why am I belaboring this point, because so many are ignoring the need for repentance and transformation in sharing the Gospel.  Jesus came to save us FROM our sin, not IN IT!

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

Jesus made it clear that HE IS The only way, and we must come to Him in repentance of our sin, and faith/trust in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin!

“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

Is your life a testament to God’s saving, transforming work, or are you making God a liar by your refusal to face your own sin.  I am convinced that only desperate people come to Jesus, for only when we recognize the desperation of our lostness without Jesus will we bow before King Jesus: even those of us who for years counted on our ‘religious activity’ and ‘churchianity’!  Only Jesus can save–and HE doesn’t do shoddy work!  Have you been transformed by the grace of God, knowing the truth of what that means.  Paul paints the picture better than anything that I can say–just don’t forget what verse 10 says (for we often quote verses 8-9 without verse 10, which is incomplete understanding!)

“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

Paul also conveyed this idea to the Roman believers, that we have a calling to righteousness, for God’s glory, our good, and the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ–the true gospel, not an ‘easy’ grace that produces no change and costs nothing but a few empty words!

“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.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man the measure of faith.”               Romans 12:1-3

Peter also reminds all believers to trust our God, live in humility, and a co-dependence upon one another that we may reflect the love and grace of Jesus in truth and power.

“Likewise, ye younger,

submit yourselves unto the elder.

Yea, all of you

be subject one to another,

and be clothed with humility:

for God resisteth the proud,

and giveth grace to the humble.

6 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.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory

and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:5-11

In a wrap up of our study, a final word from Jesus’ encounter with a religious man who was looking for answers.  Jesus gave him answers that are still true today.  Will you receive them in grace and truth, through the saving power of the Lamb of God who ‘taketh away the sin of the world’?  I’m praying for you!

“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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten

Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

 that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”   John 3:16-19

I pray that you know Jesus and have been born again!  If you don’t know HIM, you can call upon HIM in repentance and faith today, just like He says above!  If you already know Him, He will enable you to live IN HIM.  Be blessed and walk each day IN JESUS. Crucified with JESUS!

“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!!!

What’s In Your Book??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #106

10 Monday Jul 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, Examine Myself?, Eyes that SEE HIM, Eyes that see not, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Have You Heard?, Judgment, What's in your book?

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What’s In Your Book??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #106

I’m a writer, and I’m also a reader–not as avid as I used to be, but when I take the chance I love to read; but there is a ‘reading’ coming for every man, woman, boy, and girl, and we will all stand before God and give an account of not only our lives, our deeds and our actions, but first and foremost “what we have done with Jesus”!  Every believer and follower of Jesus will give an account of our words and deeds, receiving rewards or losing any reward but not our salvation.

“For other foundation can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.”  1 Corinthians 3:11-15

So, it would seem that we are writing a book each day, hence the question, “What’s In Your Book?”!  Are we writing a book by God’s grace, goodness, and provision, ‘in the Spirit’ worthy of reward ‘In Jesus’?  Or are we writing a book full of our own ways and missing the opportunities which God provides to each of us to display the glory of Jesus?  This is only true for believers, for Jesus made it clear that the choice to believe and receive HIM by repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice IS the determining factor of the judgment that we will face.

“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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten

Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”  John 3:16-19

All will give an account–personally, individually, for all eternity!  God is keeping the accounts, not man.

“…Who shall give account

to him that is ready to judge

the quick

and the dead.”  1 Peter 4:5

The judgment will be for the lowly and those in authority, especially Christian leaders (and we are obligated to heed our leaders):

“Obey them that have the rule over you,

and submit yourselves:

for they watch for your souls,

as they that must give account,

that they may do it with joy,

and not with grief:

for that is unprofitable for you.”  Hebrews 13:17

“My brethren,

be not many masters,

knowing that we shall receive

the greater condemnation.”  James 3:1

Jesus again reminds us that it’s a “heart” issue!

“O generation of vipers,

how can ye, being evil,

speak good things?

for out of the abundance of the heart

the mouth speaketh.

35 A good man

out of the good treasure of the heart

bringeth forth good things:

and an evil man

out of the evil treasure

bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you,

That every idle word that men shall speak,

they shall give account thereof

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words

thou shalt be justified,

and by thy words

thou shalt be condemned.”  Matthew 12:34-37

 And in case you are wondering, God IS the judge, and HIS Word is the standard!  So what are you putting into your book–what’s the condition of your heart, for remember Jesus said it’s all “out of the heart”!

“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

And a reminder for we who are believers and followers of Jesus–we will also give an account; there are two major judgments in scripture; The Great White Throne for the lost, and The Judgment Seat of Christ for the saved!

“For we must all appear

before the judgment seat of Christ;

that every one may receive

the things done in his body,

according to that he hath done,

whether it be good

or bad.”  2 Corinthians 5:10

“But why dost thou judge

thy brother?

or why dost thou set at nought

thy brother?

for we shall all stand

before the judgment seat of Christ.

11 For it is written,

As I live, saith the Lord,

every knee shall bow

to me,

and every tongue shall confess

to God.

12 So then every one of us shall give account

of himself to God.”  Romans 14:10-12

In closing, should you reject the offer of salvation and forgiveness that Jesus purchased at Calvary, there is an accounting time for you.  But please choose Jesus while there is time.

“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 20:11-15

So what’s in your “book”?  The blood of Jesus, which “cleanseth us from all sin”; or will you have a debt due for your sin?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

Amen and Amen!!!

 

Do You Have THE Christmas Light??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 23

04 Sunday Dec 2022

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Let go...and let God, Light In The Dark, Redemption Through HIS Blood, Reflecting HIS glory, Salvation, The Joy of The Lord!, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, The Light of The World, The Word, The Word Or The World?, There is a test

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 23 Do You Have THE Christmas Light?

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,

I am the light of the world:

he that followeth me

shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have the light of life.”  John 8:12

I love the lights of Christmas–the shining lights, the twinkling lights, just the lights that shine in the darkness; yet there is THE true Light of the world–and HIS name is JESUS!  And without “this” light, you will ever be walking in darkness, even as John the Apostle wrote in the beginning of his gospel record.

“In the beginning was

the Word,

and the Word

was with God,

and the Word

was God.

2 The same was in the beginning

with God.

3 All things were made

by him;

and without him

was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him

was life;

and the life

was the light of men.

5 And the light

shineth in darkness;

and the darkness

comprehended it not.”  John 1:1-5

John the Baptizer declared openly and plainly that Jesus was not only the “light” of men, but the one who would take care of the sin problem, just as the angel had spoken to Joseph about taking Mary.

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.

22 Now all this was done,

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken

of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.”  Matthew 1:21-23

And John’s account of his encounter with Jesus.

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him,

and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away

the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said,

After me cometh a man

which is preferred before me:

for he was before me.

31 And I knew him not:

but that he should be made manifest to Israel,

therefore am I come baptizing with water.

32 And John bare record, saying,

I saw the Spirit descending from heaven

like a dove,

and it abode upon him.

33 And I knew him not:

but he that sent me to baptize with water,

the same said unto me,

Upon whom thou shalt see

the Spirit descending,

and remaining on him,

the same is he which baptizeth

with the Holy Ghost.

34 And I saw,

and bare record

that this is

the Son of God.”  John 1:29-34

Jesus, this light of the world, made some claims that we need to consider, not only this time of year, but every day. It is one of the things that set God’s children apart from the darkness of this world!

“I must work the works

of him that sent me,

while it is day:

the night cometh,

when no man can work.

5 As long as I am in the world,

I am the light of the world.”  John 9:5

Jesus went on to make clear His deity; which many claim He never did–but Jesus clearly proclaimed His oneness with God!

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them

eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man

pluck them

out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:27-30

So, to make it simple, you must choose the light or reject it.  I don’t care how many “Christmas lights” you hang around your house, if you don’t have the “light of the world”, you are in darkness!

Paul gives us some insight into this truth:

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry,

as we have received mercy,

we faint not;

2 But have renounced the hidden things

of dishonesty,

not walking in craftiness,

nor handling the word of God deceitfully;

but by manifestation of the truth

commending ourselves to every man’s conscience

in the sight of God.

But if our gospel be hid,

it is hid to them that are lost:

4 In whom the god of this world

hath blinded the minds

of them which believe not,

lest the light

of the glorious gospel of Christ,

who is the image of God,

should shine unto them.

5 For we preach not ourselves,

but Christ Jesus the Lord;

and ourselves

your servants

for Jesus’ sake.

6 For God,

who commanded the light to shine

out of darkness,

hath shined in our hearts,

to give the light

of the knowledge of the glory of God

in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

that the excellency of the power

may be of God,

and not of us.”  2 Corinthians 4:1-7

And the beauty of this light is the hope, confidence, and joy that it puts in my heart regardless of the circumstances.

“We are troubled on every side,

yet not distressed;

we are perplexed,

but not in despair;

9 Persecuted,

but not forsaken;

cast down,

but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body

the dying of the Lord Jesus,

that the life also of Jesus

might be made manifest

in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

 So, the question resounds, do you have the light of Jesus?  We have the freedom to choose “The Light of the world”, or we can refuse His love and sacrifice for us.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.  Do you know “the light of the world”?  If not, I pray that you will call upon HIM today.  If you know Him already, be sure your light is shining!

“That ye may be blameless and harmless,

the sons of God,

without rebuke,

in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation,

among whom ye shine

as lights in the world;” Philippians 2:15

And Jesus’ own message:

“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.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten

Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”  John 3:16-19

Amen and Amen!!!