Tag Archives: Redemption

Fickle Fame–Fickle Followers??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 05

05 Sunday Apr 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Be not conformed to this world, Born Again, Compromise, Cross, Encouragement, Faithfulness, Fickle or Faithful

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 05   Fickle Fame—Fickle Followers???

 

I want to share some food for thought in regard to the “passion” week of our Lord, particularly the four short days between Palm Sunday and the taking of our Lord.

“And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

2 Saying unto them,

Go into the village over against you,

and straightway ye shall find an ass tied,

and a colt with her:

loose them,

and bring them unto me.

3 And if any man say ought unto you,

ye shall say,

The Lord hath need of them;

and straightway he will send them.

4 All this was done,

that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion,

Behold, thy King cometh unto thee,

meek, and sitting upon an ass,

and a colt the foal of an ass.

6 And the disciples went,

and did as Jesus commanded them,

7 And brought the ass,

and the colt,

and put on them their clothes,

and they set him thereon.

8 And a very great multitude

spread their garments in the way;

others

cut down branches from the trees,

and strawed them in the way.

9 And the multitudes

that went before,

and that followed,

cried, saying,

Hosanna to the Son of David:

Blessed is he that cometh

in the name of the Lord;

Hosanna in the highest.

10 And when he was come into Jerusalem,

all the city was moved, saying,

Who is this?

11 And the multitude said,

This is Jesus

the prophet of Nazareth

of Galilee.”  Matthew 21:1-11

Here we have Jesus coming into Jerusalem on this amazing Sunday for, as the Gospels record repeatedly, His “time had come” to be the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin.  As Paul and John each put it, He IS the “propitiation” for our sin!

Propitiation: conciliation; or the means by which atonement or reparation (the making of amends for wrong or injury done) is made—the payment in full for the “wages of sin” which “is death”…

The work that Jesus was going to accomplish at Calvary!

“Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth

to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood,

to declare his righteousness

for the remission of sins

that are past,

through the forbearance

of God;

26 To declare, I say,

at this time

his righteousness:

that he might be just,

and the justifier

of him which believeth

in Jesus.”                     Romans 3:24-26

“My little children,

these things write I unto you,

that ye sin not.

And if any man sin,

we have an advocate with the Father,

Jesus Christ the righteous:

2 And he is the propitiation

for our sins:

and not for ours only,

but also for the sins

of the whole world.”                       1 John 2:1-2

“In this was manifested the love of God

toward us,

because that God sent his only begotten Son

into the world,

that we might live through him.

10 Herein is love,

not that we loved God,

but that he loved us,

and sent his Son to be the propitiation

for our sins.”  1 John 4:9-10

It amazes me that so many today are in the same boat as those people long ago who actually encountered Jesus in person.  Yet we so often become discouraged and distraught when we encounter opposition and flighty people; or we give in to the philosophy of compromise which says we must make the “Gospel” palatable to the masses!  Yet, it seems to me that Jesus was so “unpalatable” to the masses that they killed HIM!  Yet Jesus Himself told us that it would be this way—so, we must choose to follow Him even when we receive fickle responses to our faithfulness to God and His Word, or cave to the demands for compromise on every hand!

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me.

22 If I had not come and spoken unto them,

they had not had sin:

but now they have no cloke

for their sin.

23 He that hateth me

hateth my Father also.”  John 15:17-23

As we look at the account above recording the four days from the “triumphal entry” of Jesus into Jerusalem, how did people change from praising and lauding this very Son of God, to crying “crucify Him…crucify Him”?

“Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

16 And they had then a notable prisoner,

called Barabbas.

17 Therefore when they were gathered together,

Pilate said unto them,

Whom will ye that I release unto you?

Barabbas,

or Jesus

which is called Christ?

18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

19 When he was set down on the judgment seat,

his wife sent unto him, saying,

Have thou nothing to do with that just man:

for I have suffered many things this day

in a dream because of him.

20 But the chief priests and elders

persuaded the multitude

that they should ask Barabbas,

and destroy Jesus.

21 The governor answered and said unto them,

Whether of the twain will ye that I release

unto you?

They said, Barabbas.

22 Pilate saith unto them,

What shall I do then with Jesus

which is called Christ?

They all say unto him,

Let him be crucified.

23 And the governor said,

Why,

what evil hath he done?

 But they cried out the more, saying,

Let him be crucified.

24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing,

but that rather a tumult was made,

he took water,

and washed his hands before the multitude, saying,

I am innocent of the blood

of this just person:

see ye to it.

25 Then answered all the people, and said,

His blood be on us,

and on our children.”   Matthew 27:15-25

So, I challenge each of us to be sure that we are using The Word of God as our standard and not the reactions, polls, and popular opinions of the world.  Many will ‘say’ they are friends of Jesus, but then balk at biblical ‘Christians’, biblical ‘morality’ and the desire to live biblically.  We must be ready to stand on The Word—but to stand on it, we must know it!

“I charge thee therefore

before God,

and the Lord Jesus Christ,

who shall judge the quick and the dead

at his appearing

and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word;

be instant in season,

out of season;

reprove,

rebuke,

exhort

with all longsuffering

and doctrine.

3 For the time will come

when they will not endure sound doctrine;

but after their own lusts

shall they heap to themselves teachers,

having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears

from the truth,

and shall be turned unto fables.”  2 Timothy 4:1-4

The choice is yours and mine; will we speak, preach, teach, share the truth “in season, out of season” as we have opportunity?  Will we hold to “sound doctrine” or compromise truth to popular demand?  Will we be those who change from “hosanna” to “crucify HIM”; or will we “stand fast in the evil day”!  My dear friends—truth is our only hope; and Jesus IS that truth; both the living hope, the written hope and the crucified, buried, and RISEN hope!  The risen Lord who IS OUR HOPE!!!  We ought never to be the “fickle” flock—but those who are faithfully following our Lord and sharing HIS truth, even when our closest family and friends oppose us!

“But speak thou the things

which become sound doctrine:”  Titus 2:1

To God be the glory—great things HE has done, is doing, and will ever do.  Open your ears and eyes and let God use YOU today—YOU may change someone’s life forever!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

which according to his abundant mercy

hath begotten us again unto a lively hope

by the resurrection of Jesus Christ

from the dead,

4 To an inheritance

incorruptible,

and undefiled,

and that fadeth not away,

reserved in heaven for you,

5 Who are kept by the power of God

through faith

unto salvation ready to be revealed

in the last time.”  1 Peter 1:3-5

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

21 Sunday Jul 2019

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

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

 

Regeneration:  biology–the restoration or new growth by an

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

              theology—spiritual rebirth; religious revival…

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

“Jesus answered and said unto him, `

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born

when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb,

and be born?

5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must

be born again.”  John 3:3-7

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

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things

are passed away;

behold, all things

are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us the ministry

of reconciliation;”  2 Corinthians 5:17-18

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

“He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them

that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:11-12

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

“Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit

of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth

much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.”   John 15:4-5

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

“And he gave

some, apostles;

and some, prophets;

and some, evangelists;

and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For

the perfecting of the saints,

for

the work of the ministry,

for

the edifying of the body of Christ:

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

and of the knowledge

of the Son of God,

unto a perfect man,

unto the measure of the stature

of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body

fitly joined together

and compacted by that

which every joint supplieth,

according to the effectual working

in the measure of every part,

maketh increase

of the body

unto the edifying

of itself

in love.”    Ephesians 4:11-16

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

“I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish…

…5 I tell you, Nay:

 but, except ye repent,

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

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

“No man can come to me,

except the Father which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:44

And the Father only draws people to Jesus—He IS the only way!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

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

“For I delivered unto you first of all        

that which I also received,

how that Christ died

for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again

the third day

according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:”  1 Corinthians 15:3-5

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

“But the end of all things is at hand:

be ye therefore sober,

and watch unto prayer.

8 And above all things

 have fervent charity among yourselves:

for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

9 Use hospitality one to another

without grudging.

10 As every man hath received the gift,

even so minister the same

one to another,

as good stewards

of the manifold grace of God.

11 If any man speak,

let him speak as the oracles of God;

if any man minister,

let him do it as of the ability

which God giveth:

that God in all things

may be glorified

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be praise

and dominion

for ever

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

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

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

“Now there are diversities of gifts,

but the same Spirit.

5 And there are differences of administrations,

but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of operations,

but it is the same God which worketh all

in all.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit

is given to every man

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

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

“Having then gifts

differing

according to the grace

that is given to us,

whether prophecy,

let us prophesy

according to the proportion of faith;

7 Or ministry,

let us wait on our ministering:

or he that teacheth,

on teaching;

8 Or he that exhorteth,

on exhortation:

he that giveth,

let him do it with simplicity;

he that ruleth,

with diligence;

he that sheweth mercy,

with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be

without dissimulation.

Abhor that which is evil;

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

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

“I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

and in all things

I am instructed both to be full

and to be hungry,

both to abound

and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:12-13

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

“And have put on the new man,

which is renewed in knowledge

after the image of him that created him:

11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew,

circumcision nor uncircumcision,

Barbarian, Scythian,

bond nor free:

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

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

 

 

 

First And Last??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 06

24 Monday Sep 2018

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 06 First And Last???

 

We talked a bit ago about Jesus being first in our hearts and lives, for those who have trusted in HIM! Yet it is a constant struggle to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus with all the distractions around us, and “wiles of the devil” calling us to abandon our “first love”.

Today I’d like us to consider why Jesus is the only One that is worthy of our “First Love”. HE alone is the one who loves us first, and gave Himself for our salvation, that we might be restored to “son ship” (We are made children of God when we come to Jesus in repentance and faith for salvation—when we are born again!)

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe

on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

             but of God.” John 1:12-13

We are born of God, restored to relationship with the Almighty God who created us; The One from whom we walked away shortly after creation—but God (one of my favorite phrases in all of scripture—“but God….”) had already made provision for our redemption through Jesus. His Son would be the first and last—the first and only God, man, Savior; the One who would provide the sacrifice for sin, and eventually even make an end of sin, and be the ‘last One’ to deliver the final blow to Satan, and make all things new! So let’s take some time today to consider the confidence that we can have in this One who is “the first and the last”, not because I say so but because God says so—and His Word is forever true, because He IS truth that never changes.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”   Hebrews 13:8

This same Jesus is the One who was in the beginning with God, because He was God, and is God, and He leads His own, and knows us by name!

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.

29 My Father,

which gave them me, is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

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

It’s kind of like a mom with her children in a crowed place, she can hear many unidentifiable voices all around her, but when one of her own cries out for help—that voice is totally recognizable to that mom, because it is one of her own! And her child knows her voice as well. When we belong to Jesus He knows our voice, and as we learn to intimately walk with Him, we will learn to recognize His voice more quickly and follow Him via His voice (His Holy Spirit within us) more consistently. Striving not for perfection, but for excellence, holiness, and intimate confidence in our daily living, all because we are children of God/Jesus who imparts The Holy Spirit to dwell within us. (See Ro. 5:1-11 & 8:9)

“For ye have not received

the spirit of bondage

again to fear;

but ye have received

the Spirit of adoption,

whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness

with our spirit,

that we are the children of God:

17 And if children,

then heirs;

heirs of God,

and joint-heirs

with Christ;

if so be that we suffer with him,

that we may

be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings

of this present time

are not worthy to be compared

with the glory which shall be revealed

in us.” Romans 8:15-18

As His children, we are often called to suffer with/for Him, because the world doesn’t love our God, and therefore they won’t love us, HIS children. When we walk right before our God and Savior, most of the world won’t like it.

“Yea,

and all that will live godly

in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers

shall wax worse and worse,

deceiving,

and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:12-13 

I find it most interesting that while there has always been a natural affection between children and parents, we are seeing a phenomenon today, but a phenomenon that God told us would be one of the signs of the times when Jesus would return, a lack of “natural affection”. But it shouldn’t be so for us who are HIS children!

“Wherefore come out from among them,

and be ye separate,

saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean thing;

and I will receive you,

18 And will be a Father unto you,

and ye shall be my sons and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty.”  2 Corinthians 6:17-18

We are His children—what a blessing! But not everyone wants to know God or be His child, and we are living in a world that is rejecting Him more and more blatantly every day! Yet this is no surprise to God, and it shouldn’t be a surprise to us, for God has told us beforehand. Are we listening?

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

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

It’s amazing to me that this could have come out of any current morning newspaper! It is an accurate description of our culture—of the culture of the world—I see in my community, as you see it in yours, a microcosm of sin that breaks my heart, but remember Jesus still saves and changes lives today, and we can share the good news. Jesus—the first and the last—is still calling today:

“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

This One who created it all cares about you and me! I pray that you are looking to “Jesus….the author and finisher of our faith”—the “first and the last”! (See Heb. 12:1-2)

“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:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible

and invisible,

whether they be thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

or powers:

all things were created by him,

and for him:

17 And he is before all things,

and by him all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the body,

the church:

who is the beginning,

the firstborn from the dead;

that in all things

he might have the preeminence.”  Colossians 1:12-18

He is calling us to Himself, because He is the Only Way to God! Only One Redeemer—Only One Way—Only One Jesus—The First and The Last!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.” John 14:6

And this One, who loves us and calls us to Himself, is still calling today; The One who gave His life for our salvation—and for all who will believe–and His arms are open to you today! Open because HE IS the first-born from the dead, The One who overcame death and hell that we could live!

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest

unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.”   Matthew 11:28-29

This One who is the first and last, invites us to take “His” yoke—and we will never walk alone—for He will lead and direct our every step in that yoke, as we step with HIM.

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”    Hebrews 13:5-6

As we walk with Jesus, He guides us into all His truth and ways, as we heed the voice of His Spirit leading and teaching us as we delve into HIS Word.

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”   Psalm 119:133

“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

Jesus, our first and last, is the One who supplies our every need as we look to Him, depending on His care rather than trying to go our own way. We are in a constant struggle with our flesh and the world around us calling us to veer from the “straight and narrow” (not a popular way to go, but the way that God calls us to go). We must heed the warnings that He gives us in His Word—there is only One way that leads to God, and eternal life, and that way is Jesus! Be careful who you listen to and who you follow—make sure it’s the good shepherd and that you’re not being led astray by the “wolves in sheep’s clothing”

“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

Don’t sacrifice “truth” for “trendy”—for wolves usually have the trendiest message, but it is the way “that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat”! Just because it’s popular and fashionable doesn’t mean it’s right! We must be on our guard for the deceiving ones, and they are everywhere—even in the church—always have been, always will be, until the Lord comes and takes control of this world! Even so, come Lord Jesus! But we need to be ready to be found faithful to Him and not the world or self (and they are pretty hard to tell apart for the world will always appeal to your flesh and mine!). May we “withstand in the evil day”, and we can only do that by keeping our eyes on the prize—Jesus; remembering that He IS our soon-coming King! Let’s not fall asleep on duty, and miss hearing “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!”

“And, behold,

I come quickly;

and my reward is with me,

to give every man

according as his work shall be.

13 I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the end,

the first and the last.”   Revelation 22:12-13

Even as Paul reminded his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, may we be found to be “vessels of honor” fit for the Master’s use? (For more see 1 Corinthians 3:7-16)

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them that are his.

And, Let every one that nameth the name

of Christ depart from iniquity.

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels

of gold and of silver,

but also of wood and of earth;

and some to honour,

and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour,

sanctified,

and meet for the master’s use,

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

Our first and last is coming—may we keep our eyes on HIM! The best is yet to come, and it will be worth the wait!

“And God shall wipe away all tears

from their eyes;

and there shall be no more death,

neither sorrow,

nor crying,

neither shall there be any more pain:

for the former things are passed away.

5 And he that sat upon the throne said,

Behold, I make all things new.

And he said unto me,

Write:

for these words are true and faithful.

6 And he said unto me,

It is done.

I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the end.

I will give unto him that is athirst

of the fountain of the water of life freely.”   Revelation 21:4-6

Amen and Amen!!!