Tag Archives: Matthew 1:21

All About The Cross??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 11

28 Monday Jun 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Cross, Crucified With Christ, If not now? When?, It's All About The Cross, Responding Rightly, REvival, Salvation, The Crucified Life, The Gospel

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 11  All About The Cross???

 

I have a few things to share with you today, and I feel that they are most important in relation to the veracity of the Gospel—the Gospel that is under such attack from compromise, ridicule and the supposed-need to make a Gospel that is  “attractive” to the world; rather than the biblical Gospel that revolves around Jesus substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice—His blood shed for you and me on the CROSS of Calvary!  I beg to differ with those choosing to compromise truth for any reason—success, numbers, popularity– and I think scripture plainly declares the sufficiency of the Gospel of the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord, and the need to trust to the cross and not the modern version of man-made ways to God.  Only Jesus can transform lives and give eternal life!

The Gospel isn’t props or programs or pretense—it is the greatest work of love that has ever been offered to the world—all mankind who will receive it:  Jesus, The God-Man-Savior, came as God in the flesh to redeem fallen man—all mankind (except the God-Man-Savior, Jesus), for “all have sinned”! (See Romans 3:23 and 6:23)

“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

This is why HE came—to save us from SIN!

“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

John the Baptizer made the same proclamation of 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.”  John 1:29

I know some of you must get tired of this constant effort to rehearse the Gospel again and again, but it is the message that we bring, and without it we have no hope; it is all about SIN, what have you done with your SIN?  The Gospel of Jesus never grows old to my heart, but as I see so many other “plans” to God offered around us, and proclaimed as truth, I must stand fast in God’s truth!  And like Paul, it is the cross to which I cling, and ever shall.  As a friend once asked me, “You have only one song, don’t you?”; and as I told her ‘Yes’ then, I still hold to HIS CROSS!

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony

of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing

among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-2

There is only ONE WAY to God, to heaven, and HIS name is JESUS CHRIST THE LORD; crucified, risen and sitting at the right hand of God Almighty until HIS return (and I don’t believe it can be very long before HE comes)!  Paul put the Gospel in “a nutshell”, so to speak; may we heed it and be sure that our faith is in The Lord Jesus and not in some gimmick of man—not vain (imitation) faith!

“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

Please be sure that you are born again by The Holy Spirit of Jesus/God!  You may fool others, you may even fool yourself, but you will never fool God.

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them that are his.

And, Let every one

that nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”  2 Timothy 2:19

And one last call to examine ourselves to see if we be “crucified” with Christ, or if we are just playing games with God and man, the words of our Lord are the test.

“And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross

daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life

for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?

26 For whosoever shall be ashamed

of me and of my words,

of him shall the Son of man be ashamed,

when he shall come

in his own glory,

and in his Father’s,

and of the holy angels.”  Lk 9:23-26

More from Jesus, a most stern warning!

“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

Paul put it all in a most concise challenge to us all.  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test.  Have you been “crucified with Christ”, or are you “crucifying HIM” daily with your own plan?

“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

May you hear from Jesus today—I pray that we each will!

Amen and Amen!!!

As For Me!!! And You??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 20

26 Sunday Jul 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Amazing Grace, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Consider Your ways, Conviction, Crucified With Christ, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Follow Jesus, Gospel, If not now? When?, IN Jesus!, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Saves!, Leading Or Mis-Leading?, One Day Too Late?, Only One Way, Salvation, Saved by grace, Take Up YOUR Cross, The Blood Of Jesus, The Crucified Life, The Only Way, Trusting Jesus?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 20 As For Me!!! And You???

 

After Joshua had served God with Moses, led the nation of Israel across Jordan into the promised land after the death of Moses, conquered the land as God used him to lead the nation to possess their promised land, and divided the land as an inheritance to each of the tribes, then took his own possession in the new land of promise.  As he neared the end of his life, he called his people to faithfully serve God—this people, who like us, often rebelled against God, needed this mighty leader to call them to earnest devotion to God.  Among other things he reminded them of his own faithfulness to God and called them to make a choice that would secure their future by relying on God’s faithful provision to those who would obey, he reminded them of God’s words and challenged them to choose wisely!

“And I sent the hornet before you,

which drave them out from before you,

even the two kings of the Amorites;

but not with thy sword,

nor with thy bow.

13 And I have given you a land

for which ye did not labour,

and cities

which ye built not,

and ye dwell in them;

of the vineyards and oliveyards

which ye planted not

do ye eat.

14 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 24:12-15

We will choose whom we will serve but choose wisely for there is a consequence for every choice!

“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.”   Matthew 7:13-15

Jesus goes on to tell us that “just saying so, doesn’t make it so”!  Many use His name today for a multitude of things that really have nothing to do with the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus came to “BE” for sinners; rather they seem to only want to capitalize or profit financially, socially or politically from the name of Jesus—nor trust Him to redeem them and to take up the cross and follow Him (it’s one reason that the cross is such a contentious issue today)!

“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

Just as Joshua made it clear to the children of Israel, who were now in possession of the “Promised Land”, they needed to be sure that they were in ‘possession’ of the “Promised One”, by faith through grace—same salvation that we can have today; they were looking forward to the coming Messiah, we are looking back at the completed sacrifice that The Messiah came to provide.

“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

We can choose to trust Jesus for forgiveness of our sin, and be redeemed by His blood sacrifice, or we can reject Him and pay for our own sin.  Paul painted an amazing picture of the choice given to every man, woman, boy and girl!  What have you chosen?

“As it is written,

There is none righteous,

no, not one:

11 There is none that understandeth,

there is none that seeketh after God…

…21 But now the righteousness of God

without the law is manifested,

being witnessed by the law

and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God

which is by faith of Jesus Christ

unto all

and upon all them

that believe:

for there is no difference:

23 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 3:10-11 & 21-24

When we trust to His saving grace and receive His salvation and forgiveness of sin, we can rejoice always IN HIM!

“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

I find it interesting that both Jesus and Paul share the truth about dying to self and living the crucified life of devotion to Jesus, yet so many today ignore its import.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man

shall come in the glory of his Father

with his angels;

and then he shall reward

every man

according to his works.”  Matthew 16:24-27

We can choose to take Paul’s admonition, and find the grace and strength to yield to His work in us, dying to self and living for Him who died for us; or we can ignore God’s warnings and be one who will not believe nor receive HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin to be saved!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith

of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

And it’s hard to really grasp, but I think we haven’t a lot of time to waste trying to make up our minds; or waiting to call others to turn to Jesus.  I believe His return is truly eminent!  What if it were today?  Would you be ready?  Have you chosen Jesus?

“(For he saith,

I have heard thee

in a time accepted,

and in the day of salvation

have I succoured thee:

behold, now is the accepted time;

behold, now is the day of salvation.)”  2 Corinthians 6:2

And Paul’s famous appeal to King Agrippa:

“For the king knoweth of these things,

before whom also I speak freely:

for I am persuaded

that none of these things are hidden

from him;

for this thing

was not done in a corner.

27 King Agrippa,

believest thou the prophets?

I know that thou believest.

28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul,

Almost thou persuadest me

to be a Christian.

29 And Paul said,

I would to God,

that not only thou,

but also all that hear me this day,

were both almost,

and altogether

such as I am,

except these bonds.”  Acts 26:26-29

As the old hymn says, “…almost, but lost”! (“Almost Persuaded”, by Philip Bliss), what have you done with Jesus?  I stand with Joshua, “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”!  What about you?  When He returns will you shout for joy or mourn because you failed to prepare.  Like it or not there is (as a great Lanny Wolfe song says) the possibility of being “One Day Too Late”!

“And then shall appear the sign

of the Son of man

in heaven:

and then shall all the tribes of the earth

mourn,

and they shall see

the Son of man coming

in the clouds of heaven

with power

and great glory.”  Matthew 26:30

As Paul and John warned us, there is a day coming when we will all give an account.  Are your sins covered in the blood of Jesus, or will you hear Him say “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity…”?  I pray that you will come while there is time!

“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

And as John saw in the Revelation, there will be a Great White Throne before which all who have refused to come to Jesus will stand.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“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

This reminds me of the words of Jesus to Nicodemus.  Like Nicodemus, we can believe and receive, or go our own way!  Will you receive or reject?  Will you choose to serve The Lord or self?

“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

So, I simply ask you to consider your choices, for you have the God-given privilege to choose.  But just as Joshua declared, we will all “choose you this day whom ye will serve”!  And please note—refusing to choose Jesus, IS choosing!  I pray that you will hear His Holy Spirit speaking to your heart and open the door to Jesus—He loves you and is calling today!  Ye must be born again!

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

Blinded To God’s Way??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 15

14 Sunday Jun 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Consider Your ways, Obedience, Our God Reigns, Salvation, SIN, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, The Love of God, What's In Your Heart?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 15  Blinded To God’s Way???

 

There’s a lot of talk today about being “color-blind” but I think we need to have a different conversation; we need to examine our own hearts, which will reveal our own needs; which will reveal our personal response to God and His Word!  And that my friends is the only thing that will make any significant change in lives, homes, neighborhoods, communities, towns, counties, states and a nation—much less a world!  We can riot, protest, and wreak havoc if we choose, but only Jesus can change a sinner into a saint.  And until we begin to preach the gospel to our world gone amuck, we will not see lasting change!  Jesus said it all!

“Do not ye yet understand,

that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth

goeth into the belly,

and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things

which proceed out of the mouth

come forth from the heart;

and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart

proceed evil thoughts,

murders,

adulteries,

fornications,

thefts,

false witness,

blasphemies:

20 These are the things

which defile a man:

but to eat with unwashen hands

defileth not a man.”   Matthew 15:17-20

What we see going on around us is the outflowing of evil hearts; hearts set on satisfying themselves and trying to fill the desires of the heart with things that will never satisfy.  Only Jesus will ever satisfy the heart and give abundant life.  It’s what HE came to be and do—the redeemer of sinners.

“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

God’s people must learn to heed God’s Word and yield our hearts and lives to the obedience of The Word, and the leadership of The Holy Spirit of Jesus/God! Jesus is the only way to know God or His Word; and when we know we are obligated by love to reflect HIS glory to a lost and dying world.  A world set on going “to hell in a hand-basket”, and in a hurry to get there, it seems.

“There is a way

that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

And while I’ve used this passage a lot in recent weeks, I just feel the need to rehearse it again, for the truth of what our Lord Jesus said is so needed today. The truth is the truth, and regardless of what the world says, only Jesus can change hearts and lives—and only changed hearts and lives can make significant change to social upheaval.

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would

that men should do

to you,

do ye even so to them:

for this is the law

and the prophets.”  Matthew 7:12

Oh, that we could all practice this ‘golden rule’!  Yet Jesus made it clear that not everyone is on the same page; not all people are pursuing the good of others, especially in this day of the “me” culture that we have produced by our selfish ways and the abandonment of God and His Word!  Let’s spend some time perusing what Jesus told us about the choices that we are all free to make—but remember while we are free moral agents and God has given us the right to choose, He has not freed us from the consequences of our choices, and we don’t get to choose those consequences.  As Paul reminds us, be careful what you choose—you/I will give an account!

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth

to his flesh

shall of the flesh

reap corruption;

but he that soweth

to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit

reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:7-8

And as Jesus makes perfectly clear, there are two choices—the narrow way or the broad road!  Which have you chosen to follow?  It makes a difference, and we are seeing the result of multitudinous wrong choices!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be

that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they

are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them

by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes of thorns,

or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree

cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.”  Matthew 7:13-19

And Jesus goes on to declare to all that there is a day of reckoning coming.  (And to see what false teachers and prophets look like, read 2 Peter chapter 2!). Are you ready to face that reckoning?  If Jesus came today (and He could appear any day) where would you stand?  Will you be a wise builder or a foolish one—this is truth, not just a simple children’s Sunday School song!

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that

doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me

in that day, Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.

24 Therefore whosoever heareth

these sayings of mine,

and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth

these sayings of mine,

and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

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

I find it interesting, that just at it is today, the people of Jesus’ day were astounded at His teaching!  How about you?  Will you be astounded and follow Him, or stay astonished and reject Him today?  He has the authority for HE IS GOD; what will you do with HIM today.   And remember just “saying so” doesn’t “make it so”!

“And it came to pass,

when Jesus had ended these sayings,

the people were astonished

at his doctrine:

29 For he taught them

as one having authority,

and not as the scribes.”   Matthew 7:28-29

And one final word about the reckoning; it is coming, and there will be no appeal.

“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

May God open your heart and eyes to see Jesus.  He’s still calling today.  Burn with Satan or reign with Jesus!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“Behold,

I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me

in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down

with my Father

 in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear,

let him hear

what the Spirit saith

unto the churches.”   Revelation 3:20-22

 (And just FYI, being in a church isn’t enough!)

Amen and Amen!!!

HIS Power NOT Mine??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 12

24 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in Armor of God, Choices And Consequences, Distractions, Faith, Fighting With God's Weapons, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, Full Of what?, Holy Spirit, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Only One Way, Salvation, Strong Tower, The Little Things., The Things of God, The Word, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Trendy Or Truth, True Knowledge, Walking With Jesus, Who are YOU following?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 12    HIS Power NOT Mine???

 

“O the depth of the riches

both of the wisdom

and knowledge

of God!

how unsearchable

are his judgments,

and his ways

past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord?

or who hath been his counsellor?

35 Or who hath first given to him,

and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36 For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever.

Amen.”   Romans 11:33-36

I saw something the other day, and the gest was that because I have faith “I” have power to do _____, whatever you want to put in the blank.  What I want to say is that it is never my rights, my power, my strength, or my wisdom that I am to walk in!  It is all about God!  It’s HIS power, HIS grace and HIS strength that motivates, empowers, and sustains me for HIS work.  For when I yield to Jesus’ work in me, HE will accomplish all that He is calling, leading, equipping, and directing me to be and do!

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

When we are born again by The Spirit of God, we are enabled to walk in that very Spirit, accomplishing the works of God and not the flesh.  Yet, when we presume to take things upon ourselves, we will find that we are caught up in self-will, self-indulgence, and often disregard of God’s will and His Word! Jesus tells us how to keep our focus right through prayer when HE instructed us to pray, “Thy kingdom come…..Thy will be done”, God’s will not mine—a totally opposite agenda than what many purport today!  We are called to “let this mind be in you” (See Philippians 2:5-11) and to let His Word “dwell in you richly”.  His Word, His way, His will—His power NOT mine!

“Put on therefore,

as the elect of God,

holy and beloved,

bowels of mercies,

kindness,

humbleness of mind,

meekness,

longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another,

and forgiving one another,

if any man have a quarrel against any:

even as Christ forgave you,

so also do ye.

14 And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 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 3:12-17

It is with and in the power of God that we are to function, not our own resources!

“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 15:5

Paul gives the ultimate description of where our resources come from when we put on the armor of God.

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power

of his might.”   Ephesians 6:10

Paul reminded us that by the power of God we are to put on that “armor of God”—not by our own intelligence, wisdom or even our “faith”!  My faith is only as strong as the object in which it is placed—Jesus!  We can choose to be a channel of God’s work or produce our own—and the fruit will reveal our choice.  And that “shield of faith” is what will “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked”—not because of my faith in me, or even my faith in faith, but because of my faith in The One who saves and delivers me, allowing His power to be displayed through my life!

“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 3:11-14

It’s all about Jesus—not me!  HE is my all in all, my “strong tower”!  And believe me, I run into that tower often!

“For in him

we live,

and move,

and have our being…”. Acts 17:28a

All because of Jesus and the price that HE paid for my sin and yours—it’s why HE came!  He came not to be just an example—though HE was one.  Not just to show us the way to God—although HE did—but because HE IS the way, by His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin–mine and yours!

“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

When I order my steps in God’s ways, by His power and for His glory, great and mighty things will be accomplished for the kingdom of God—not because I have great faith, or great wisdom, but because I love, follow and adore The One who is Lord of Lords and King of Kings—the ONLY way to God.

“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

It is only by God’s grace that we can be of service to our King!  WE win because God has provided all we need in Jesus, our soon-coming King!

“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

The work of The Lord—oh what a glory—to serve The One who gave HIS life for me; knowing that HE loves us/me and can be seen and glorified in us/me as we yield to HIS will!  May we never become so distracted by the outward blessings and elements of God’s grace and power that we forget it’s all about HIM not me!

“In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

the forgiveness of sins,

according to the riches of his grace;

8 Wherein he hath abounded

toward us in all wisdom

and prudence;

9 Having made known unto us

the mystery of his will,

according to his good pleasure

which he hath purposed in himself:

10 That in the dispensation

of the fulness of times

he might gather together

in one

all things

in Christ,

both which are in heaven,

and which are on earth;

even in him:

11 In whom also

we have obtained an inheritance,

being predestinated

according to the purpose

of him who worketh all things

after the counsel

of his own will:

12 That we should be

to the praise of his glory,

who first trusted in Christ.”    Ephesians 1:7-12

And as the author of Hebrews reminds us, may we find power, comfort and delight in this loving Lord Jesus, without being distracted or forgetting Who is our power and might!

“Now the God of peace,

that brought again from the dead

our Lord Jesus,

that great shepherd of the sheep,

through the blood

of the everlasting covenant,

21 Make you perfect

in every good work

to do his will,

working in you

that which is wellpleasing

in his sight,

through Jesus Christ;

to whom be glory

for ever and ever.

Amen.”   Hebrews 13:20-21

HIS Power NOT Mine!!!

Amen and Amen!

 

 

What May Be Hampering Revival??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 07

19 Sunday Apr 2020

Posted by in Amazing Grace, REvival, SIN, Speaking The Truth In Love

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Bible Ballistics:Vol. 15 No. 07 What May Be Hampering Revival???

 

I for one, have prayed for ‘revival’ to come to America (and me personally) as many of you have; yet I see many things that may be hampering true revival, and what saddens me is that many of these things are not only present, but sorely prevalent among those that claim the name of Jesus!  What is real revival?  Firstly, revival is not for the ‘lost’ but for those who are God’s own, and have, if you would, have allowed themselves to be drawn away from the fire of God and have cooled in their ardor for their Lord! And almost always we will find sin at the heart of our lack of ardor in our love for God; sometimes blatant, public sin, but just as often the hidden sins of our heart.  Paul gives a good standard to use in comparing the fruit (and there is no ‘s’ in that word that Paul uses) of the Spirit that should be evident in our lives (And I ask that we—you and me– might take some time going over this list of the works “of the flesh”, and ask God to “search my heart o God”—that we might truly hear God’s voice to our hearts—and repent and humbly bow before our God and our King!)!

“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.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit,

ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest,

which are these;

Adultery,

fornication,

uncleanness,

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,

witchcraft,

hatred,

variance,

emulations,

wrath,

strife,

seditions,

heresies,

21 Envyings,

murders,

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit

the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit

is love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”   Galatians 5:16-24

We are called to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit which God has given to us when we are saved, and when we walk in “The Spirit” we will “not fulfil the lust of the flesh”!  And Peter also reminds believers that we are to not walk in the way that the world does, but we are called to reflect the character of our Father God and The Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought

unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here

in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver

and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition

from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb

without blemish

and without spot:”   1 Peter 1:13-19

We can and ought to walk in the light of what our Lord Jesus did at Calvary; we can live victoriously because of His blood that cleanses us “from sin”!  Jesus saves us “from sin” so we don’t have to stay “in” our sin.

“Seeing ye have purified your souls

in obeying the truth

through the Spirit

unto unfeigned love

of the brethren,

see that ye love one another

with a pure heart

fervently:

23 Being born again,

not of corruptible seed,

but of incorruptible,

by the word of God,

which liveth

and abideth for ever.”  1 Peter 1:22-23

Even as Joseph was told before Jesus’ birth!

“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

When we come to Jesus in repentance and faith we are born again by the Spirit of God; and God will never leave us where He finds us—He transforms us into “the image of His Son”!  Our part is to yield to Him in obedient love and devotion—not obeying, or living holy lives to be saved, but obeying and living holy because we are “born again” by God’s Spirit.

“He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them

that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”   John 1:11-13

And as Paul makes clear to us in his second letter to the Corinthians (the second one of the recorded letters) God is ever at work in His own.

“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

One thing I want you to know is that when I speak of revival, I am not drawing anyone to “be like me”—for like every other Christian, I am a “sinner” saved by grace; but that doesn’t mean I say ‘my’ sin is ok, and yours is not!  What I want us to recognize, is that God hates sin—any sin—all sin—every sin.  HIS Son paid for those sins with His precious blood; why would those who know Him by saving faith and grace want to cling to those things which put my Lord to death?  We ought to be clinging to our precious Lord and walking in the power of His Holy Spirit and not our flesh…for He came to “save his people from their sins”!  As Paul said, in more than one place in the scripture, we are to die to ourselves and live unto Jesus who saved us from our sin!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed

to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2

“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

Even Jesus addressed this issue of dying to self!

“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 16:24-25

So as we think of living holy lives I’d simply like to share some food for thought—not throwing stones but rather sharing things for each of us to consider what is happening, not only in the world around us, but considering how many of these issues have we allowed to creep into our worldview, or even into our homes and lives.

“Marriage is honourable in all,

and the bed undefiled:

but whoremongers

and adulterers

God will judge.”  Hebrews 13:4

“Mortify therefore your members

which are upon the earth;

fornication,

uncleanness,

inordinate affection,

evil concupiscence,

and covetousness,

which is idolatry:

6 For which things’ sake

the wrath of God

cometh on the children

of disobedience:”  Colossians 3:5-6

“Let him that stole

steal no more:

but rather let him labour,

working with his hands

the thing which is good,

that he may have to give

to him that needeth.”  Ephesians 4:28

“Let no corrupt communication

proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good

to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,

whereby ye are sealed

unto the day of redemption.”   Ephesians 4:29-30

“But godliness

with contentment

is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment

let us be therewith content.”   1 Timothy 6:6-8

“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 4:14-16

And in closing a passage from Paul and one from Isaiah, may they prick our hearts and bring us to our knees, that revival may start ‘in me’; for if I don’t seek revival, I am not likely to experience revival.

“See that none render evil

for evil unto any man;

but ever follow that which is good,

both among yourselves,

and to all men.

16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus

concerning you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.

20 Despise not prophesyings.

21 Prove all things;

hold fast that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23 And the very God of peace

sanctify you wholly;

and I pray God

your whole spirit

and soul

and body

be preserved blameless

unto the coming

of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

24 Faithful is he that calleth you,

who also will do it.”  1 Thessalonians 5:15-24

“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

And as I have mentioned often of late, may we pray that our nation will bow before God, and as the old hymn says may we truly pray:

“….Lord send a revival….and let it begin with me”!                             (Written by B. B. McKinney)

May we be willing to “humble ourselves…pray….seek God’s face…and turn from our wicked ways…” that our God will “hear…heal…and forgive” our land—our churches—ME!  May we find anything that is “separating” us from God!

“And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night,

and said unto him,

I have heard thy prayer,

and have chosen this place

to myself

for an house of sacrifice.

13 If I shut up heaven

that there be no rain,

or if I command the locusts

to devour the land,

or if I send pestilence

among my people;

14 If my people,

which are called by my name,

shall humble themselves,

and pray,

and seek my face,

and turn from their wicked ways;

then will I hear

from heaven,

and will forgive

their sin,

and will heal

their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:12-14

Lord, please send your revival fires upon your own, and may we hear the “still…small…voice” of your Holy Spirit breaking our hearts for revival, and repent of our sins—and receive your touch!  May the world see YOU in us!