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Empty Chairs??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 17

23 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Cross, Perseverance, Polluted by the world?, Power of The Cross, Reaping & Sowing, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Redefining Christianity?, Salvation, Saved by grace, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Stand by ME!, Still Will I Trust HIM, Truth, Tuned In To Jesus, Turn to God's Word, Victory IN Jesus!

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1 Corinthians 1:17-25, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Acts 4:12, Compromise The Gospel, Daniel 9:4-19, Daniel Prayed, Isaiah 5:20-21, It's All About The Cross, Joshua 24:14-15, Luke 13:3-5, Matthew 28:19-20, Nothing save Christ and Him crucified, Simply To Thy Cross I Cling, The empty chair?, The Gospel of the CROSS, Truth Without compromise

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 17      Empty Chairs???

 

I heard a message some years ago with an object lesson about three chairs, representing the generational obligation of those who believe in God.  The first chair was occupied by the one who believed God and followed Him in obedient devotion, much like Joshua and his declaration:

“Now therefore fear the LORD,

and serve him

in sincerity

and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 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 24:14-15

I saw a post recently reminding us that our job as born-again believers, is to not only believe the gospel that Jesus Saves, but to live the life-changing transformation that the new birth produces, and to share the Gospel at every opportunity, especially when others inquire of the reason we live ‘differently’ (See 1 Peter 3:15).  Yet, it seems to me that we haven’t joined Joshua in living, “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”; but have rather caved to the compromising influences of the world allowing our homes and families to be so attached to the world, that our children and grandchildren have refused or ignored the call to take the next seat.  Often, even when they do fill the second seat, they are so compromised with the world that their children and grandchildren see no difference between the church and the world.  But to me the saddest part is that we have been so negligent of The Word of God, that we have brought our small ones to accept the things that the world calls good, even though God calls them evil.  We have become like the people of Isaiah’s day and are due the same “woe” that God pronounced on them.  Perhaps it’s why we are where we are?  What about that chair?  Are we leading the little ones to know and love Jesus?

“Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness

for light,

and light

for darkness;

that put bitter

for sweet,

and sweet

for bitter!

21 Woe unto them

that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!”  Isaiah 5:20-21

Repetition usually notes importance of an issue, and Paul addresses this same issue—we cannot rely upon the “wisdom” of men over God’s—we must fill our “chair” with the same determined boldness that Joshua did; Joshua, who called all Israel to “choose you this day”, is our example of godly obedience rather than worldly compromise? We must stand fast on God’s Word?  Yet, what I observe today is the message to just “add Jesus” to your life—no repentance—no change—no transforming salvation; but rather a call to just add Jesus to whatever else you’re leaning on for fulfillment, satisfaction, prosperity, financial success, making Jesus an “addendum” rather than THE Savior and Redeemer!  Salvation requires the recognition of our own sin, then total reliance upon the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus to save us from the penalty of sin—hell, and the transformation that the cleansing blood of Jesus works!  We must heed God’s plan—simple but true (and I note ‘Blanche’s paraphrase’ of Jesus’ own words).

“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

“As you go about your daily living,

teach all nations

(Anyone and everyone

God may place in your path),

baptizing them

in the name of the Father,

and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost

(Leading them to identify with Jesus

and His church

through the obedience of baptism):

20 Teaching them to obey/observe

all the things that I have commanded you

to do:

and, take heart,

I am with you always,

even unto the end of the world.

Amen.”   Blanche’s paraphrase of Matthew 28:19-20

Even as the Apostle Peter proclaimed in the book of Acts:

“Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

Paul’s message to the Corinthian believers is also profound, yet so simple!  We must NEVER abandon the message of the cross—which is, that sin cost Jesus His life, so that we could have eternal life!  Paul puts it so much better than I do!

“For Christ sent me not to baptize,

but to preach the gospel:

not with wisdom of words,

lest the cross of Christ

should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy

the wisdom of the wise,

and will bring to nothing

the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom

knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign,

and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified,

unto the Jews

a stumblingblock,

and unto the Greeks

foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called,

both Jews and Greeks,

Christ the power of God,

and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God

is wiser than men;

and the weakness of God

is stronger than men.”  1 Corinthians 1:17-25

So, what about the third chair?  If the first chair fails to impart truth to the next generation, then the second chair may be filled, but often by one with weak faith, or even vain faith (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-5), leaving the third chair empty; for the truth of God’s plan has been disregarded for the plans of men—so like Israel of long ago, we will see the judgment of God fall upon our nation as well; all for the want of faithful moms and dads, teachers and preachers, and believers willing to stand by the cross—Salvation in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith in JESUS alone—”the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin”!  Amen and Amen!!!

This, my friends, will hopefully lead us to call upon our God and to pray the prayer of Daniel 9; a hard prayer to pray, but the loving prayer of a humble man of God who loved his people enough to identify with their sin and spiritual failure, yet interceding, asking God to move and spare us because of HIS mercy not our merit.  I know this is a lengthy passage, but too powerful to shorten!  I pray that you will ponder its import.

“And I prayed unto the LORD my God,

and made my confession, and said,

O Lord,

the great and dreadful God,

 keeping the covenant

and mercy

to them that love him,

and to them that keep his commandments;

5 We have sinned,

and have committed iniquity,

and have done wickedly,

and have rebelled,

even by departing from thy precepts

and from thy judgments:

6 Neither have we hearkened

unto thy servants the prophets,

which spake in thy name

to our kings,

our princes,

and our fathers,

and to all the people

of the land.

7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee,

but unto us confusion of faces,

as at this day;

to the men of Judah,

and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem,

and unto all Israel,

that are near,

and that are far off,

through all the countries

whither thou hast driven them,

because of their trespass

that they have trespassed

against thee.

8 O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face,

to our kings,

to our princes,

and to our fathers,

because we have sinned against thee.

9 To the Lord our God

belong mercies

and forgivenesses,

though we have rebelled against him;

10 Neither have we obeyed

the voice of the LORD our God,

to walk in his laws,

which he set before us

by his servants the prophets.

11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law,

even by departing,

that they might not obey thy voice;

therefore the curse is poured upon us,

and the oath that is written

in the law of Moses

the servant of God,

because we have sinned against him.

12 And he hath confirmed his words,

which he spake against us,

and against our judges that judged us,

by bringing upon us a great evil:

for under the whole heaven

hath not been done as hath been done

upon Jerusalem.

13 As it is written in the law of Moses,

all this evil is come upon us:

yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God,

that we might turn from our iniquities,

and understand thy truth.

14 Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil,

and brought it upon us:

for the LORD our God is righteous

in all his works which he doeth:

for we obeyed not his voice.

15 And now, O Lord our God,

that hast brought thy people forth

out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand,

and hast gotten thee renown,

as at this day;

we have sinned,

we have done wickedly.

16 O Lord, according to all thy righteousness,

I beseech thee,

let thine anger and thy fury

be turned away

from thy city Jerusalem,

thy holy mountain:

because for our sins,

and for the iniquities of our fathers,

Jerusalem

and thy people are become a reproach

to all that are about us.

17 Now therefore, O our God,

hear the prayer of thy servant,

and his supplications,

and cause thy face to shine

upon thy sanctuary that is desolate,

for the Lord’s sake.

18 O my God,

incline thine ear,

and hear;

open thine eyes,

and behold our desolations,

and the city which is called by thy name:

for we do not present our supplications

before thee

for our righteousnesses,

but for thy great mercies.

19 O Lord, hear;

O Lord, forgive;

O Lord, hearken

and do;

defer not,

for thine own sake,

O my God:

for thy city

and thy people

are called by thy name.”  Daniel 9:4-19

May we recognize as Daniel did, that only God can do the work of salvation—yet God gives us the responsibility to recognize the need for compassionate hearts to see the sin that has caused our demise, and seek God’s mercy, grace, and love for restoration; by asking for HIS forgiveness in our own lives, and conviction of sin unto repentance for those around us.  Amen and Amen!!!

“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

Let’s fill our chair and prepare those around us to continue to pursue God and fill the next chair.  May God have mercy on America—on our world!

Amen and Amen!!!

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You Are Free To Choose??? Bible Ballistics: Vol 18 No. 15

06 Sunday Mar 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Believe God?, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, Every Knee Shall Bow, Eyes that SEE HIM, Eyes that see not, Righteousness, Salvation, SIN, Sin IS the issue, Sowing and Reaping, The Love of God, The Resurrection Life!, The Right Jesus!, Transgression, Trendy Or Truth

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1 Corinthians 15:1-5, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Acts 4:10-12, Born Again, Choices And Consequences, Choices Matter, Every Knee Shall Bow, James 2:15-20, Jesus saves--Only Jesus!, John 10:25-27, John 3:16-21, Joshua 24:14-15, Matthew 7:17-23, No other NAME, Romans 8:8-10, Salvation In Jesus Only, Who are you trusting?

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 15 You Are Free To Choose???

 

“Now therefore fear the LORD,

and serve him in sincerity

and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 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 24:14-15

What does it mean to serve The Lord?  It is a choice that we all face!  I think Jesus answers the question better than I can so, let’s consider what HE has to say.  Yet remember that when we know what Jesus says, then we are faced with a decision–to hear and obey or reject HIM and HIS Word and walk in our own darkness.  Why is this important to me?  Because as Joshua proclaimed we will choose—and hear me well–refusing to “choose” is choosing; and there is a consequence to every choice.  Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus (the religious leader who came to him by night for answers) that all choices have consequences.

“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.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”  John 3:16-21

God will not ask where we went to church, or if our parents were believers, whether we impressed others with our works; but as HE told Nicodemus the question will be simple, “have you been born again”?  As Jesus said in verse 3, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”!  Have you been born again, or are you depending on something else to be right with God?  As Jesus says above, whoever “doeth evil hateth the light”; rejecting the light so their deeds won’t be reproved—in other words, they don’t want their own personal sin to be called “SIN”!  Or, as Jesus addresses in Matthew chapter 7, just “saying so”, (just ‘saying’ that you’re right with God, that you ‘know’ The Lord) “doesn’t make it so”!

“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 7:17-23

Just as our vernacular of “saying so, doesn’t make it so”, James reiterates with “faith without works is dead” (dead faith—or as Paul called it, “vain” faith).  Our actions display our real beliefs!

“If a brother or sister

be naked,

and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them,

Depart in peace,

be ye warmed and filled;

notwithstanding ye give them not those things

which are needful to the body;

what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith,

if it hath not works,

is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say,

Thou hast faith,

and I have works:

 shew me thy faith

without thy works,

and I will shew thee my faith

by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God;

thou doest well:

the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know,

O vain man,

that faith without works is dead?”   James 2:15-20

James refers to the evidence of real faith not the “source” of faith.  We don’t work for our salvation, but when we genuinely belong to Jesus there will be evidence of our faith (See Ephesians 2:8-10).  Paul also mentions ‘vain’ faith, referring to the same thing that James is talking about—they didn’t disagree!

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel

which I preached unto you,

which also ye have received,

and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved,

if ye keep in memory

what I preached unto you,

unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:”  1 Corinthians 15:1-5

I know it seems like I am “beating a dead horse”, but I am so burdened for our whole culture (including many churches in America); including people that you and I love who have bought into an ‘easy believe-ism’ that says just use Jesus’ name, pray in HIS name, go to church in HIS name, carry a Bible, even be baptized, if you like, but don’t believe the “gospel” that Jesus came to “save HIS people from their sins” (See Matthew 1:21)—after all, sin is irrelevant today, right?  NOT true.  SIN IS THE ISSUE, and Jesus IS the only cure, as Peter said so well right from the beginnings of the ministry of the church.

“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

Paul gives a description of those who have been born again and transformed by the power of Jesus’ blood, for our reconciliation and transformation cost Jesus’ own blood at the cross!  Yet so many today discount the blood of Jesus—they want to use His name to purchase fire insurance with no recognition of HIS Lordship, or that they are “bought with a price….you are not your own“!  (See 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

“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

Let’s continue and see what Jesus said about HIS sheep?

“Jesus answered them,

I told you,

and ye believed not:

the works that I do in my Father’s name,

they bear witness of me.

26 But ye believe not,

because ye are not of my sheep,

as I said unto you.

27 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.”   John 10:27

Jesus’ sheep are called to live transformed lives; transformed by the power of the blood and the continuing work of The Holy Spirit who indwells every genuine believer.  Who said so?  God’s Word says so!

“So then they that are in the flesh

cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you,

the body is dead because of sin;

but the Spirit is life

because of righteousness.”  Romans 8:8-10

Who have you chosen to follow? There is a consequence to every choice so choose wisely—there is a test.  Every knee shall bow—so the question isn’t “Will you bow?”; for you “will bow”!  The question is when? (See Philippians 2:5-11). Will you bow before Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or will you bow before HIM as your judge when it is too late for salvation?  I pray that you will choose Jesus, for I believe HE IS coming soon!

Amen and Amen!

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Grieved For Closed Eyes??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 18

22 Sunday Aug 2021

Posted by Blanche in Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Consider Your ways, Ears that hear not, Eyes that SEE HIM, Eyes that see not, Grief, Growing in Jesus!, Guard Your Heart, Turn to God's Word

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1 John 1:1-4, Acts 27:26-27, Ezekiel 12:1-2, Faithful obedience, God is working, Hearing & Heeding God's Word, Hebrews 4:12-13, Isaiah 44:18, Isaiah 59:1-4, Jeremiah 5:20-23, John 14:25-26, Joshua 24:14-15, Matthew 13:13-16, Revelation 1:3, Those who will not hear, Those who will not see

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 18  Grieved For Closed Eyes???

 

Perhaps I am alone, but I must say my heart is grieved for the state of our nation, our culture and maybe even more for the church in America!  We seem to have become a people who regard our own ways more than the ways of The One we claim to love and serve.  How is it that our standards seem to be so far afield of The Word of God?  The prophet Jeremiah dealt with a people who claimed to be God’s own but walked in their own way, refusing to receive a Word from God, or heed what His prophets had to say!

“Declare this in the house of Jacob,

and publish it in Judah, saying,

21 Hear now this,

O foolish people,

and without understanding;

which have eyes,

and see not;

which have ears,

and hear not:

22 Fear ye not me?

saith the LORD:

will ye not tremble

at my presence,

which have placed the sand

for the bound of the sea

by a perpetual decree,

that it cannot pass it:

and though the waves thereof

toss themselves,

yet can they not prevail;

though they roar,

yet can they not pass over it?

23 But this people hath a revolting

and a rebellious heart;

they are revolted and gone.”  Jeremiah 5:20-23

God also sent Isaiah to speak to a people who would not hear or heed, and He made it clear that HE knows the true hearts and motives of all men, women, boys, and girls, and He will keep account.

“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened,

that it cannot save;

neither his ear heavy,

that it cannot hear:

2 But your iniquities have separated

between you and your God,

and your sins

have hid his face from you,

that he will not hear.

3 For your hands are defiled with blood,

and your fingers with iniquity;

your lips have spoken lies,

your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

4 None calleth for justice,

nor any pleadeth for truth:

they trust in vanity,

and speak lies;

they conceive mischief,

and bring forth iniquity.”  Isaiah 59:1-4

What are we choosing today?  As we look into the New Testament, the author of Hebrews makes it very clear that God’s Word IS the standard not ours; and HIS Word is the standard to which all will be held, and we need to discern wisely.  Yes, we have the freedom to choose, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“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

My whole confidence is centered in The Lord and HIS Word, and I pray that we will all run to HIM to not only seek HIS face but to know Him more and more through the power of His Word and His Spirit’s work in teaching us the truths it contains.  (See 2 Timothy 2:15 and 3:16-17)

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things

to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.”   John 14:25-26

Notice The Spirit’s work is to bring things to our “remembrance”—that means I have to ‘member’ it first, HE won’t plant it for us.  I pray that this short post today will stir our hearts to prayer, Bible study, and faithful, holy living, that others will be drawn to the cross.  Here are a few more passages to direct our steps toward our Lord and HIS ways!  Remember God can and will often close the eyes and ears of those who choose to reject HIM.  Every person has been given the freedom to choose.  Joshua understood this as he called Israel to choose whom to serve.

“Now therefore fear the LORD,

and serve him in sincerity and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 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 24:14-15

While the people responded in obedience before Joshua, Israel nor we today who claim Jesus/God, have always been faithful to HIM!  May we heed the warnings that God has for us today, as well as those in the past!  Even as Jesus gave John the message in The Revelation:

“Blessed is he

that readeth,

and they that hear

the words of this prophecy,

and keep those things

which are written therein:

for the time is at hand.”  Revelation 1:3

“They have not known

nor understood:

for he hath shut their eyes,

that they cannot see;

and their hearts,

that they cannot understand.”  Isaiah 44:18

“The word of the LORD also came unto me, saying,

2 Son of man,

thou dwellest in the midst

of a rebellious house,

which have eyes to see,

and see not;

they have ears to hear,

and hear not:

for they are a rebellious house.”   Ezekiel 12:1-2

Jesus also reminds us:

“Therefore speak I to them in parables:

because they seeing

see not;

and hearing

they hear not,

neither do they understand.

14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias,

which saith,

By hearing

ye shall hear,

and shall not understand;

and seeing

ye shall see,

and shall not perceive:

15 For this people’s heart

is waxed gross,

and their ears

are dull of hearing,

and their eyes

they have closed;

lest at any time

they should see

with their eyes,

and hear

with their ears,

and should understand

with their heart,

and should be converted,

and I should heal them.

16 But blessed are your eyes,

for they see:

and your ears,

for they hear.”   Matthew 13:13-16

And a couple of last truths to consider.

“Saying, Go unto this people, and say,

Hearing ye shall hear,

and shall not understand;

and seeing ye shall see,

and not perceive:

27 For the heart of this people

is waxed gross,

and their ears

are dull of hearing,

and their eyes

have they closed;

lest they should see

with their eyes,

and hear

with their ears,

and understand with their heart,

and should be converted,

and I should heal them.”    Acts 28:26-27

May your joy be full, and delight in the assurance that the Apostle John had in his Lord!

“That which was from the beginning,

which we have heard,

which we have seen with our eyes,

which we have looked upon,

and our hands have handled,

of the Word of life;

2 (For the life was manifested,

and we have seen it,

and bear witness,

and shew unto you that eternal life,

which was with the Father,

and was manifested unto us😉

3 That which we have seen

and heard

declare we unto you,

that ye also may have fellowship

with us:

and truly our fellowship

is with the Father,

and with his Son

Jesus Christ.

4 And these things write we unto you,

that your joy may be full.”  1 John 1:1-4

Amen and Amen!!!

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Whose Side Are You On??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 17

15 Sunday Aug 2021

Posted by Blanche in Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Whose Side Are You On?

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1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, Choose You This Day!, Colossians 3:15-17, Exodus 32:26, Galatians 2:20, James 2:14-20, John 10:9-11, Joshua 24:14-15, Luke 16:10, Luke 9:48, Matthew 16:24-26, Philippians 2:9-11, Proverbs 14:12, Serving God or Self?, Whose Side Are You On?

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 17  Whose Side Are You On???

 

“Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp,

and said,

Who is on the LORD’S side?

let him come unto me.

And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves

together unto him.”  Exodus 32:26

You might ask why such a question; well, the truth is it’s really the nature of the question that I want to address today.  Are we asking God to “be on our side”, or do we understand that there is really a much more important question to ask, and answer; “Are we on God’s side?”  Even the question itself says a lot about our mindset; are we focused on trying to convince God to approve of our plans, programs, and propositions, or have we gotten so far afield of our place before God that we no longer seek HIS face and HIS will for every aspect of our lives?  Ouch?

Joshua got it!  He understood that it’s not about our “rights” or our “desires”, it is all about “serving God” not “using God” for our own desires, purposes, plans, programs, and propositions!

“Now therefore fear the LORD,

and serve him

in sincerity

and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 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 24:14-15

The issue isn’t really, “Is God on our side?”; but the issue is whose side are we on?  Have we chosen to “serve the LORD”, or are we demanding that God “serve” us?  I am just a bit weary of people presuming to tell God what HE ought to do—the level of your faith isn’t measured by how much “stuff” you have “claimed” and “received” from God but the usefulness of your life for HIS service.  I remember an old song that Ray Stevens wrote and sung some years ago, and it kind of hit the nail on the head: “Would Jesus Wear A Rolex?”   What did Jesus have to say?  Did He call us to seek more and exalt ourselves or to serve others?

“And said unto them,

Whosoever shall receive this child

in my name

receiveth me:

and whosoever shall receive me

receiveth him that sent me:

for he that is least among you all,

the same shall be great.”  Luke 9:48

Our faithfulness to God is the question, not HIS faithfulness to us!  God is always faithful, but because we have, in many ways, neglected God and HIS Word and because of that, we don’t know what GOD said, so we believe what sounds good to us.  Scripture says something about that too!

“He that is faithful in that which is least

is faithful also in much:

and he that is unjust in the least

is unjust also in much.”   Luke 16:10

Are we being faithful with and to God and His Word?  Are we following the way that “seemeth right” or the way that is in line with The Word of God?

“There is a way which seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 14:12

James also addressed this issue of the measure of genuine faith.  And no, he didn’t disagree with Paul, he isn’t saying that we earn our faith, but that if we belong to Jesus and have real, saving, life-transforming, faith in Jesus it will be evident by our “actions” not our possessions!  Real faith serves—GOD and man!

“What doth it profit, my brethren,

though a man say he hath faith,

and have not works?

can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister

be naked,

and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them,

 Depart in peace,

be ye warmed

and filled;

notwithstanding ye give them not

those things which are needful

to the body;

what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith,

if it hath not works,

is dead,

being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say,

Thou hast faith,

and I have works:

shew me thy faith

without thy works,

and I will shew thee my faith

by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God;

thou doest well:

the devils also believe,

and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know,

O vain man,

that faith without works

is dead?”  James 2:14-20

Dead means without life, and Jesus said a lot about life, one of those we want to note today!

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it

more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”  John 10:9-11

Jesus came to give HIS life so that we might have “everlasting life”!  Real life, and when we are born again by the blood of Jesus, in repentance and faith, we are called to die to self and live to Jesus.  Faith trusts and depends on the master, but it is never presumptuous.  We are to align ourselves with God, His Word, and His work, not spend our time throwing tantrums when we don’t get out way!  Oops… did I really say that?  Yep!  I did!

“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?”   Matthew 16:24-26

To take up one’s cross means that I die to self and live to, for and through The Lord Jesus Christ; doing all to His glory as HE does all things for HIS glory and my good.\

“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

And another of Paul’s admonitions and encouragements to all believers:

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called

in one body;

and be ye thankful.     

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly

in all wisdom;

teaching

and admonishing one another

in psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts

to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do

in word

or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks

to God and the Father

by him.”  Colossians 3:15-17

“Whether therefore ye eat,

or drink,

or whatsoever ye do,

do all to the glory of God.”  1 Corinthians 10:31

And one of my favorite and concise calls to selfless living for Jesus is Paul’s call to the “crucified life”—crucified to selfish living and made alive IN JESUS to selfless living for 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

So, my friends, “whose side are you on”?  Are you on God’s side, doing God’s work, or have you chosen to go your own way, or follow someone or something else?  I’ll simply close with Jesus’ own words and pray that we all pay attention and choose wisely!

“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?”

And a thought in closing, I would remind each of us that the question is not “will you bow”, for all will bow before Jesus!  The question is “when will you bow”; will you bow before HIM in this life as your Lord and Savior, or will you bow before HIM as judge?  The choice is yours but choose wisely—there is a test!

“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 2:9-11

Amen and Amen!!!

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Ignoring The Manufacturer??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 04

25 Sunday Apr 2021

Posted by Blanche in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Be not conformed to this world, Bibe Study, Blessed by God, By example, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Discernment, Discipline, Encouragement, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Family, Father's Way!, Follow Jesus, God Is In Charge, God Knows His Own, He Died That We Could Live, If not now? When?, Inspiring Others, It's Your Choice, Jesus Saves!, Knowing God's Word, Living Right, Manufacturer's Warranty

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Tags

1 Peter 2:19-25, 1 Timothy 4:16, 2 Peter 1:19, A Battle For Our Homes, Choose You This Day!, Ephesians 5:25-27, Following God's Order, Genesis 22:14, Genesis 22:7-13, God's Instructions for HOMES, God's plan for the HOME, John 13:34, John 3:14-19, Joshua 24:14-15, Psalm 100:3, Psalm 119:10-12, Psalm 37:23-24

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 04 Ignoring The Manufacturer???

 

We all buy things these days, and most of the things that we purchase come with a manufacturer’s instructions and usually a warranty (Some even call virtually every day to remind you of your car warranty!  Ha ha ha), but the warranty is usually dependent on the fact that we have followed the instructions for the item.  We have a personal, human manufacturer who has also given us perfect instructions for ‘operation’; but the choice is ours—will we follow HIS instructions and heed to HIS warnings for prime operation, or will we choose to go our own way without regard to HIS instructions but choose wisely there will be a test.

“Now therefore

fear the LORD,

and serve him

in sincerity

and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 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 24:14-15

When we choose to “serve the LORD”, we have aligned ourselves with The One who loves us more than anyone else in this world!

“A new commandment I give unto you,

That ye love one another;

as I have loved you,

that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know

that ye are my disciples,

if ye have love

one to another.”  John 13:34

And what does God’s love look like?  That’s clearly stated in God’s Word.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

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 3:14-19

God loved us so much that HIS plan was always that HE would pay for our sins through HIS own Son, The “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”!

He painted a most amazing picture of this for Abraham in Genesis 22.

“And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said,

Behold the fire and the wood:

but where is the lamb

for a burnt offering?

8 And Abraham said,

My son,

God will provide himself

a lamb for a burnt offering:

so they went both of them together…

…. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him

out of heaven, and said,

Abraham, Abraham:

and he said,

Here am I.

12 And he said, Lay not thine hand

upon the lad,

neither do thou any thing

unto him:

for now I know that thou fearest God,

seeing thou hast not withheld thy son,

thine only son from me.

13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked,

and behold behind him a ram

caught in a thicket by his horns:

and Abraham went

and took the ram,

and offered him up for a burnt offering

in the stead of his son.”                               Portions of Genesis 22:7-13

And Abraham went on, I think, to let us know that he caught a glimpse of what God was promising:

“And Abraham called the name of that place

Jehovahjireh:

as it is said to this day,

In the mount of the LORD

it shall be seen.”  Genesis 22:14

Historians say that the mountain where God took Abraham and Isaac is the same mountain where God offered “HIS only begotten son” to pay the price for our sin with HIS own blood!

“Husbands,

love your wives,

even as Christ also loved the church,

and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it

with the washing of water

by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself

a glorious church,

not having spot,

or wrinkle,

or any such thing;

but that it should be holy and without blemish.”  Ephesians 5:25-27

And one of the most beautiful pictures of what Jesus did for us out of “His great love”, is painted by Peter in his first letter to believers.

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it,

if, when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto

were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self

bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:19-25

So, my question for today is, are we willing to follow the life-warranty instructions that God gave us for passing the baton to those who follow behind us—especially our own children.  For if we lose those we love the most, how grieved we will be.  But let me also add this caveat, we can only lead our children to see and recognize truth; they must choose for themselves to follow or not; but when we fail to live truth and pass it on by our life and our words, we will always regret our failure!  Here’s the passage that defines the HOME’s job! (not the church’s, or the school’s or the government’s job—but the parents!).

May God speak to our hearts and may we hear and heed The Word of God, The Great Manufacturer!

“Know ye that

the LORD he is God:

it is he that hath made us,

and not we ourselves;

we are his people,

and the sheep of his pasture.”  Psalm 100:3

Be sure not to invalidate the warranty—God won’t call on your cell phone; but HIS WORD is calling us to HIS truth continually—and it’s never a wrong number!  It’s what the Psalmist was referring to:

“With my whole heart

have I sought thee:

O let me not wander

from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,

that I might not sin against thee.

12 Blessed art thou,

O LORD:

teach me thy statutes.”  Psalm 119:10-12

“Take heed unto thyself,

and unto the doctrine;

continue in them:

for in doing this

thou shalt both save thyself,

and them that hear thee.”  1 Timothy 4:16

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy;

whereunto ye do well

that ye take heed,

as unto a light that shineth

in a dark place,

until the day dawn,

and the day star arise

in your hearts:”  2 Peter 1:19

And one of the warrants HE has promised:

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth

in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

May it ever be so in our lives!

Amen and Amen!!!

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