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Church Wanted: Conclusion??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 20 No. 01

23 Monday Jan 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Church:Dead Or Alive?, JESUS, Jesus is our peace, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, The Crucified Life

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Church Wanted: Conclusion??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 20 No.01

As we have looked at issues relating to the condition of the Church–The Bride of Jesus Christ–I would like us to examine the church from a different perspective.  We so often get caught up in the building or the denomination, or the doctrinal differences, and while buildings are nice, they are not the church.  While denominations come from differences of beliefs and understandings of scripture, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, for what we believe is important, but what we have often forgotten is that the church isn’t any of these things–the church is an organism, the living, breathing, bride of Jesus Christ, not just an organization.

Organism: a form of life composed of mutually interdependent parts that maintain various vital processes…

Organization: something that is organized; the state or manner of being organized…

This organism is alive by the power, grace, and redemption of The Lord Jesus Christ.

“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

Paul makes it clear that we have life from, in, with, and through Jesus Christ, The Lamb of God, by whose blood we are made alive (quickened means to be made alive).

“And you

hath he quickened,

who were dead

in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince

of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also

we all had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling

the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature

the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love

wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us

together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up

together,

and made us sit

together in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians 2:1-6

Let’s walk through this together, Jesus makes it clear that HE IS “life”; Paul goes on to paint a picture of this “life”.  He says that we are “dead in sins”, “children of wrath”, and “children of disobedience” without Jesus!  Not a pleasant picture, but a true one!  Yet verse 4 is one of my favorite phrases in all of scripture, “BUT GOD”! But God made a way for us to become HIS children, by the blood of The Lamb of God, Jesus, who came to save us by taking care of our sin problem–he gave HIS life to pay our sin debt at Calvary!

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 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 1:10-13

Even as John the Baptizer proclaimed:

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him,

and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.”  John 1:29

Even as Jesus told Nicodemus, on the night he came seeking answers.  And HE is still answering questions today–yours and mine–for HE is the answer to our every need! (I encourage you to read all of John chapter 3 today–it is so amazing!)

“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

Even as Jesus shared with the Samaritan woman at the well:

“10 Jesus answered and said unto her,

If thou knewest the gift of God,

and who it is that saith to thee,

Give me to drink;

thou wouldest have asked of him,

and he would have given thee

living water…

….14 But whosoever drinketh

of the water that I shall give him

shall never thirst;

but the water that I shall give him

shall be in him a well of water

springing up

into everlasting life.

15 The woman saith unto him,

Sir, give me this water,

that I thirst not,

neither come hither to draw…

….23 But the hour cometh, and now is,

when the true worshippers

shall worship the Father

in spirit

and in truth:

for the Father seeketh such

to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit:

and they that worship him

must worship him

in spirit and in truth.

25 The woman saith unto him,

I know that Messias cometh,

which is called Christ:

when he is come,

he will tell us all things.

26 Jesus saith unto her,

I that speak unto thee

am he.”  Portions of John 4:10-26

Not only did Jesus reveal Himself to a Samaritan, but a Samaritan ‘woman’!  Something unheard of in that day and time, but Jesus wants us to know that He came for all who would repent, receive, and believe in this same revelation that HE made to this woman, who received the message that HE IS the Messiah for all, and then spread it abroad!

“I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.

4 Or those eighteen,

upon whom the tower in Siloam fell,

and slew them,

think ye that they were sinners

above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

5 I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

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

Salvation is available to all who will come to Jesus in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice which HE made at Calvary!  Friends, all who will receive HIM and be born again ARE the church!  A part of the “body of Christ”(the church in its entirety), yet we are also to be a part of a local body of believers for sustenance, spiritual growth, fellowship, service, and ministry both individually and corporately, as needs warrant, and as our gifts supply.  WE ARE THE BODY–and while I won’t take time to cover all that Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12-14, I do want to call us to take heed to the things that Paul wrote about “the body” –here’s Blanche’s paraphrase: our parts don’t walk around independently–I can’t imagine a funnier and scary sight–but that is how many churches function today!  But God calls us to pursue HIM, not self, and when we do, unity can and should prevail, for our gifts are given by God, and God holds us accountable to use them according to HIS WORD with selfless love of God and others–both the saved and the lost.

“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

And Paul’s message to the Corinthian believers was a call to serve in humility and recognition that our gifts are given by God–not by the will of man for self-exaltation.  And I believe when you are gifted by God, and submit to His will for your life, HE will direct your ways to fulfill your calling and edify others.  Even as Jeremiah said of his calling, and I know that many share his declaration of the burning of God in our heart!

“Then I said,

I will not make mention of him,

nor speak any more in his name.

But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire

shut up in my bones,

and I was weary with forbearing,

and I could not stay.” Jeremiah 20:9’

“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

Peter gives a most concise summary of how we are to use our giftings–for God, as good stewards of God’s provision, and to GOD’s glory not our own!

“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 4:10-11

So, my questions about the church are for you and me: “Am I being “the church” to God’s glory?”  “Have I been born again, and received a gifting that I am not using for God’s glory?”  “Is my life outside of the corporate church building a shining light for Jesus, or a shame to HIS name?”  “Am I yielded to God’s work in me, or going my own way; then showing up on Sunday for HIS blessings on my disobedience and sin?”  Please know that I am not throwing rocks, just asking us to consider if we are part of the problem or part of the solution!  May we love, care and yield ourselves to our King–caring and praying, not gossiping!

Many years ago, God gave me a way to stop being a conduit for “gossip” presented in the form of a “prayer request”; when someone called or asked me about something in this vein, I started stopping them before they began to “share” something that “I needed to know”, I would ask simply and kindly, “Are YOU a part of the problem?” (and the answer was almost always, NO!). “Are YOU part of the solution?” (and the answer was always, NO!). So I would tell them, ‘then you don’t need to be repeating this to me or anyone else’!  At first when I would do this, I’d get the stammers and stutters of “but…but…but” to which I would reiterate, I don’t need to hear it if you’re not a part of the problem or the solution–just pray to God who knows “who is who” and “what is what”!  Let’s walk in unity, love, and as one of my favorite reminders says:

“If it be possible,

as much as lieth in you,

live peaceably

with all men.”  Romans 12:18

Please know that I’m praying for each of us who belong to Jesus to seek HIS face, and walk accordingly, that the church can once again BE the church, and “withstand in the evil day”!

And my friend, if you don’t know Jesus, you can come to HIM today!

“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

“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

Church let’s BE the church–today…and today…and today! Until our Lord calls us to Himself or will “Revive US Again”! Even so Lord Jesus!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

What “Form” Of Godliness??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #62

18 Wednesday Jan 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abiding In The Vine, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Following Jesus, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Which form?

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What “Form” Of Godliness???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #62

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

Paul was instructing this young pastor in many things, including verse 2:15 where he instructed him to “study to shew yourself approved UNTO GOD” (emphasis mine), and then as he continues in chapter 3, he reminds him of the veracity (look it up!) of scripture, and its power to establish our way.  So what is this “form of godliness”?  I think it is the very thing that Jesus talks about in Matthew chapter 7, those who want to impress, succeed, progress, profit, or fit in–regardless of their reasons– those who want to do it their way, but claim to be working “for God” but “denying the power thereof”!  Those who aren’t willing to come to God and let Him work in or through them, for they are too busy doing it ”my way”!  Just as it was then, it is still the same today.  Let’s see what Jesus said about it.

“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

I believe that “form of godliness” is the work we do “without” Jesus!  You can talk the talk, and even pretend to walk the walk, but without really knowing and possessing Jesus, and being HIS child, you/I can do little of real value, and virtually of no value to the kingdom of God.  In fact Jesus told Nicodemus something very similar to this– he was a high-placed religious leader– which reminds us that we can have men’s credentials without having Jesus!

“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

The Apostle John also wrote about this in chapter 1.

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 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 1:10-13

Remember the “power” that was denied in 2 Timothy 3 is the power that saves; and just as John says above it’s not by blood (birth, relationships), not by flesh (working it up), nor the will of man (passed on by any other person)!  As the old proverb says, “every pot must sit on its own bottom”!  What are you counting on?  Let’s see what Jesus says.

“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 7:21-23

Earlier in this chapter Jesus makes another profound assessment of life choices, which is still true today!

“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.” Matthew 7:13-14

So, my question for us all is, “Do you/I only have a “form of godliness”?” Or have you been “born again” by the blood of the Lamb which cleanses us from all sin, for Jesus is THE ONLY WAY!

“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!!!

Discerning Or Deceived??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #39

28 Wednesday Sep 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Be Steadfast, Deceit or Discernment?, Deceivers, Deniable Truth? Really?, Diligence, Discernment, Knowing Truth

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Discerning Or Deceived??? A Word from THE WORD!!!  #39

Like many believers today, I am concerned with all that I see going on around me, especially within churches that claim the name of “Jesus” but preach a message that is in direct contradiction to The Word of God.  So, I’d like to share a bit of scripture to remind us all that we won’t be in the majority, but we do need to pursue God’s “right-jority”—for God’s truth has seldom if ever been a popular message with any majority, and we want to align ourselves with God Almighty, Jesus The Son, His Word and His ways, by the power of The Holy Spirit, who indwells those who belong to Jesus, having been “born again” of the Spirit of God!

“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…

   …. 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.”  Portions of John 3:3-7

Paul makes it clear that truth—God’s truth—is spiritually discerned!  Are you being discerning or deceived?

“But we speak the wisdom of God

in a mystery,

even the hidden wisdom,

which God ordained

before the world

unto our glory:

8 Which none of the princes of this world knew:

for had they known it,

they would not have crucified

the Lord of glory.

9 But as it is written,

Eye hath not seen,

nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart of man,

the things which God hath prepared

for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them

unto us

by his Spirit:

for the Spirit searcheth all things,

yea, the deep things

of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man,

save the spirit of man

which is in him?

even so the things of God

knoweth no man,

but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received,

not the spirit of the world,

but the spirit

which is of God;

that we might know

the things that are freely given

to us

of God.

13 Which things also we speak,

not in the words

which man’s wisdom teacheth,

but which

the Holy Ghost teacheth;

comparing spiritual things

with spiritual.

14 But the natural man

receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:

for they are foolishness unto him:

neither can he know them,

because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual

 judgeth all things,

yet he himself is judged

of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord,

that he may instruct him?

But we have

the mind of Christ.”  1 Corinthians 2:7-16

While we can’t ever (nor should we seek to) instruct God, we do have the “mind of the Lord” through Jesus Christ our Lord and we are to yield to the “mind of Christ” via the Holy Spirit, which helps us to walk right before God in humility, grace, and the crucified life. (To see a picture of this see Philippians 2:5-11) And while we should never align with the “majority” of the world, Jesus, speaking of majority, made it very clear that we are walking a ‘narrow road’!  All while there is a “broad way” filled with “many” which leads to destruction; and I fear that many who claim the name of Jesus are proclaiming it from a spot on the “broad way”, for Satan is always painting a picture of health, wealth and popularity that draws to the “many”, but we must be discerning for our own sake as well as the sake of those whom God has placed in our path to influence and help to find/see the “narrow road”!  Check out their behavior, don’t just follow the tune they are singing!

“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.

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 7:13-23

Knowing this truth, I believe, is at least part of the reason that Paul warns us in his letter to the Galatians, who were also in danger of deceit, to walk in “the Spirit” not the flesh.  We must begin to develop our spiritual senses, if you would, and leave this worldly deceit behind!  Oh Lord, please open my eyes to see what YOU see!  Just because it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, and looks like a duck, doesn’t mean it IS a duck; it may be a wolf in sheep’s clothes! Watch that behavior, it’s what Jesus said would tell the tale—for us and others!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth

against the Spirit,

and the Spirit

against the flesh:

and these are contrary the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do

the things that ye would…

…. 25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also

walk in the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:16-17 & 25

Peter also broached this subject to the scattered believers and warned them not to be “deceived” by “plastic” words that change with the season, popular ideology, greed, or worldly appeal, and to remember the truth of Jesus and press on; knowing there is a coming judgement of God to prepare for!  Remember God’s Word is the standard by which judgment will come.

“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 Peter’s warning:

“But there were false prophets

also among the people,

even as there shall be false teachers

among you,

who privily shall bring in damnable heresies,

even denying the Lord that bought them,

and bring upon themselves

swift destruction.

2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways;

by reason of whom

the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

3 And through covetousness

shall they with feigned words

make merchandise of you:

whose judgment now

of a long time

lingereth not,

and their damnation

slumbereth not.”  2 Peter 2:1-3

So, we need to be aware of not only the truth of God’s Word, but that there are also “false prophets” and “false teachers” among us, who desire to deceive us and, as Peter puts it, “make merchandise of you”!  Greed is a great motivator—and there are a lot of greedy people who want to lead us down that “broad road…to destruction”!  So, put on your “whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day”; for the evil day is here—now!  And Paul said it better than I can:

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Amen and Amen!!!

Joshua Fit’, How About You??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 01

23 Monday May 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All Sufficient God!, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Confidence or Presumption?, Conformed to HIS image

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 01   Joshua Fit’, How About You???

There’s an old Gospel song, “Joshua Fit’de Battle”, one of my favorites (an old Negro Spiritual of unknown authorship—yet a song of heartfelt trust in ONE who IS in charge, no matter what the circumstances look like) and while it’s usually a fun song, it has a great word of encouragement for me today, and I hope I can share that encouragement with you.

Joshua fought a battle that was out of the ordinary, as the new leader of the people of Israel, who had wandered for 40 years for their disobedience to God, and their lack of faith in HIS promises, Joshua had a great task ahead.  Yet, God gave Him what seemed like some most bizarre instructions.

“Now Jericho was straitly shut up

because of the children of Israel:

none went out,

and none came in.

2 And the LORD said unto Joshua,

See, I have given into thine hand Jericho,

and the king thereof,

and the mighty men of valour.

3 And ye shall compass the city,

all ye men of war,

and go round about the city once.

Thus shalt thou do six days.

4 And seven priests shall bear before the ark

seven trumpets of rams’ horns:

and the seventh day

ye shall compass the city seven times,

and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.

5 And it shall come to pass,

that when they make a long blast

with the ram’s horn,

and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet,

all the people shall shout

with a great shout;

and the wall of the city shall fall down flat,

and the people shall ascend up

every man straight before him.”  Joshua 6:1-5

While these instructions were strange, they were specific and designed to encourage Joshua and the people he was trying to lead.  While I won’t focus much on the battle, I do want to spend some time today examining how we face not only the battles before us, but also the directions that God gives us.

I know how difficult it can be to trust God and obey in the midst of out-of-control circumstances.  I remember when my daughter was murdered some 2½ years ago, it was on a Thursday and I usually try to write and post on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and I told my husband, “I don’t think I can write and/or post tomorrow!”  And he wisely and simply told me to do what was right for me.  Well, during the night God would awaken me with a scripture and I’d put a note on my phone, and roll over and go back to sleep, then He’d do it again, multiple times during the night, and I knew what HE wanted me to do.  Yet, when I got up on that Friday morning, I told The Lord, “I can’t do this today!”, and God spoke to my heart, as clearly as if I had heard an audible voice, “YOU have hope, others do NOT! They need to know about your hope!”  And with that, I went into my den and wrote the things that He had given me in the night; while I always try to be listening to what God would have me say/write, I can guarantee you that the message that came together that morning was straight from my Father, sending His Balm of Gilead to my soul, and to all who would receive it.

My battle was much different from Joshua’s, but the decision to trust and obey was the same.  How about you?  What battle are you facing, are you trying to ‘Fit ‘de Battle’ alone, or your own way, instead of God’s.  It’s your choice, but God is still God—and you can trust to HIS care, or not.

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched with the feeling

of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.   

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:14-16

No matter your battle, no matter your circumstances, no matter your frustrations, fear, grief or sorrow—we have a “throne of grace” to which we can run, boldly run (not in arrogance or presumption, but in bold confidence in HIM who sits on that throne—God The Father, and Jesus Christ The Son of God who has boldly paid the price for our sin, and given us access into that throne room!) into the arms of the ONE who gave HIS life that we could have not only “life”, but “abundant life” IN HIM!

We can stand in Jesus, with complete confidence, just as Joshua did even at the end of his life—still knowing that God was all he needed, and that he would serve HIM boldly and faithfully—and he called all the people to recognize that it was their choice as to whom they would trust and serve.

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Joshua didn’t force the people to choose God, and I can’t force anyone to believe in Jesus, but without HIM no person will enter heaven’s gates—we must be “born again”!  Jesus’ own words say it best.  Won’t you come to the One who died for YOU?

“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

And when you belong to Jesus, you always have someone who can fight your battles, and lift you up when you are down!

“And he said, Hearken ye,

all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem,

and thou king Jehoshaphat,

Thus saith the LORD unto you,

Be not afraid nor dismayed

by reason of this great multitude.

for the battle is not yours,

but God’s.”  2 Chronicles 20:15

I’ll share Jesus in the valley—I’ll share HIM on the mountain top—I’ll share HIM, by God’s grace and faithful provision, in all I do and say.  Jesus wants to care for YOU!  Won’t you repent of your sin and receive the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that JESUS made for YOU.  Then you can have what I have, and all who are HIS!  Your “fighting” days can be over!

“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.”  1 Peter 5:7

It’s your choice but choose wisely—there is a test!!!  Don’t fall for the lies of the enemy of your soul.  (Satan is a thief and a liar!). Even if your heart is breaking—remember, Jesus IS the heart healer!  Believe me, HE heals mine every day!

“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.”  John 10:10

Amen and Amen!!!

Will You Not Hear? Or See??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #775

26 Wednesday Jan 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, Have You Heard?, Have you not heard, Have you not seen?, He Died That We Could Live, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, He was born to die for our sin, He's Alive, Listening To God, Seeing Truth, SIN, Sovereignty

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #775   Will You Not Hear?  Or See???

 

As I hear and see things going on around us, I have to be careful to keep my “eyes on Jesus” and remember that GOD is absolutely in control; yet, I often see all the wickedness, evil and lies and I cry with the saints “under the altar” (a reference to those martyred for The Lord, in my opinion) those gone on before us who saw the same evil that we are seeing today.  How can I say that, you might ask?  Well, I can say that right from God’s Word!

“And when he had opened the fifth seal,

I saw under the altar

the souls of them that were slain

for the word of God,

and for the testimony

which they held:

10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying,

How long, O Lord,

holy and true,

dost thou not judge

and avenge

our blood

on them that dwell

on the earth?

11 And white robes were given

unto every one of them;

and it was said unto them,

that they should rest yet

for a little season,

until their fellowservants also

and their brethren,

that should be killed as they were,

should be fulfilled.”   Revelation 6:9-11

Without being trite, we need to understand that the book of The Revelation is the revealing (the unveiling) of Jesus Christ The Lord and how HE will accomplish HIS purpose on the earth and will judge all those who refuse to receive HIM and the salvation HE died to purchase.  As I read through this book, and teach it often, I see again and again the progression of the hearts of men who refuse God’s gift of salvation; and it takes me back to John chapter 3 (and remember John wrote both books, plus 1, 2, & 3 John).

“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

Men, women, boys, and girls are choosing every day to refuse the savior without recognizing the cost to their souls, their lives, and their loved ones.  Jesus made it clear that we refuse HIM, because:

“men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil”

We only have this life, however long or short it may be, to accept the gift of God.  Isaiah the prophet said the same thing, even as Solomon warned us that nothing is new around us—we may try to change the name, dress it up in fresh style, or make the bling shinier—but the truth is, it’s the same “pig” with a bath, but it’s still a “pig” or a lie from the devil!

“Have ye not known?

have ye not heard?

 hath it not been told you

from the beginning?

have ye not understood

from the foundations of the earth?

22 It is he

that sitteth upon the circle of the earth,

and the inhabitants thereof

are as grasshoppers;

that stretcheth out the heavens

as a curtain,

and spreadeth them out

as a tent to dwell in:…

….yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth:

and he shall also blow upon them,

and they shall wither,

and the whirlwind shall take them away

as stubble.

25 To whom then will ye liken me,

or shall I be equal?

saith the Holy One.

26 Lift up your eyes on high,

and behold who hath created these things,…

….. 27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob,

and speakest, O Israel,

My way is hid from the LORD,

and my judgment is passed over

 from my God?

28 Hast thou not known?

hast thou not heard,

that the everlasting God,

the LORD,

the Creator of the ends of the earth,

fainteth not,

neither is weary?

there is no searching

of his understanding.”   Portions of Isaiah 40:21-28

God has given us JESUS, we must choose what we will do with HIM, HIM who is God’s gift of salvation by HIS death, burial, and resurrection for our sin!  And remember that saying you “won’t choose” is choosing, for there is an accounting coming, both Paul and John tell us about it.

“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 2:80-11

The question isn’t “will you bow”, for you will bow, according to God’s Word!  The question is, “when will you bow?”! You can bow before Jesus as Lord in this life, or you will bow before HIM as your judge in “that day” with no opportunity for salvation!

As Jesus told Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again”:

“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

The Apostle John reminds us that we will all give an account to the God we have rejected if we aren’t born again!

“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

My friends, I pray that you will hear the voice of Jesus calling to you today.  If you are HIS, that you will not only trust Him for your salvation but obey HIM with your life!  If you don’t know Jesus, I invite you to repent of your sin, to see sin as sin, to turn from it TO JESUS trusting to HIS substitutionary (He died in your place), atoning (HE paid for your sin debt, which earns death and hell without Jesus!), sacrifice (HE willingly laid down HIS life for your sin and mine, dying that we might live with HIM eternally!) offered to you, if you will but hear HIS voice, and see how much HE loves you.

“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.”  John 3:20-21

May you hear with your ears, and see with your eyes, and receive Jesus into your heart and life!  And then you can walk with HIM and talk with HIM and hear HIM remind you that YOU belong to JESUS—now and for eternity!

Amen and Amen!!!