Tag Archives: Revelation 20:15

It’s All About Sacrifice??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #340

17 Thursday Apr 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Jesus Built A Bridge, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, SIN, Sin IS the issue, Speaking The Truth In Love

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It’s All About Sacrifice???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #340

 

We talked last time about fighting like Jesus, and today I would like us to consider the price that Jesus paid for us to be able to be with Him and to reflect His glory as His child!  It means we must be “born again”!  It’s not about bunnies, or eggs, or baskets or even spring!  It is all about the sacrifice that Jesus paid for our sin—and yes, Sin is the issue—and that sacrifice was, is and ever shall supply the payment for sin to all who will come to Jesus in repentance of sin, and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin.  Yet while the payment was made at Calvary, the victory over sin, death and hell came at the tomb!  That very tomb where Satan thought he had won, came to prove that Jesus not only paid for sin at the cross, but HE rose again to bring forgiveness of sin to all who believe; as well as life, hope, joy and a home in heaven for those who come to HIM, when we leave this life behind.

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them

that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:10-13

Jesus said of himself that HE came that we might have real life!

“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 was the sacrifice for sin to all who believe and trust to His amazing sacrifice.  May we be encouraged and equipped to go forward with Jesus, calling the world to salvation in Jesus and nothing less!  We talked earlier about Paul’s great gospel in a nutshell in 1 Corinthians 15:3-7, and we can be confident in what Jesus has done knowing that He has finished the work of salvation!

“By the which will we are sanctified

through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ

once for all.

11 And every priest standeth daily

ministering

and offering oftentimes

the same sacrifices,

which can never take away sins:

12 But this man,

after he had offered one sacrifice

for sins

for ever,

sat down on the right hand of God;”  Hebrews 10:10-12

May we remember what the Apostles and disciples preached and shared after Pentecost—may it ever be our motto and our message without compromise!

“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

Will you be one who believes or one who puts Jesus to death again and again in vain.  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test.

“But ye denied the Holy One and the Just,

and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

15 And killed the Prince of life,

whom God hath raised from the dead;

whereof we are witnesses.”  Acts 3:14-15

The test is coming; are you ready?  Only Jesus can write your name in His book—not your works, not your wealth, not your social standing, not even your religion.  Ready or not, here HE comes:

“And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”   Revelation 20:15

Amen and Amen!!!

The Real Reason For Christmas??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 22

28 Monday Nov 2022

Posted by in Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus said I could come!, Jesus Saves!, The Real Reason For Christmas!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 22 The Real Reason For Christmas???

I heard a most encouraging message on part of Romans chapter 1 from our faithful pastor this morning.  It set me to thinking of how we often miss the connection of all of scripture, so I thought I’d share a bit of a spin on what most of us think about when we consider the reason for Christmas; it may be a connection that you have never considered, and I pray that it will give you some food for thought.  Most of all I hope it helps us all see Jesus, the “light of the world”, in all of our personal celebrations; and that if you’ve never called on HIM to save you, today will be that day!!!

First of all, let’s consider the message that the angel brought to Joseph as he considered what to do about the pregnant Mary, with whom ‘he’ had not had relations.

“But while he thought on these things,

behold, the angel of the Lord appeared

unto him in a dream, saying,

Joseph, thou son of David,

fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife:

for that which is conceived in her

is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.

22 Now all this was done,

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken

of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name

Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is,

God with us.”  Matthew 1:20-23

“God with us”–Jesus IS God with us!  So Why do we need “God with us”?  Because we (humanity in Adam and Eve, and YES, I believe in the Genesis account of creation; for to put it bluntly, if there was no Adam or Eve, there was no garden, there was no sin, and we wouldn’t need a redeemer–to “save us from our sin”!) sinned, yet God had already provided for our sin before we fell for ‘The Lie’ (See Genesis 3).  That is just beyond my comprehension, for I don’t like ‘messes’ and it is beyond amazing to me, that God knew we would make a ‘mess’, yet HE created us anyway; knowing it would cost Jesus His life’s blood.  Romans makes it all clear!

“For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:6-11

Peter also reminds us that God had this plan in mind before we needed it.

“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:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times

for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God,

that raised him up from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope

might be in God.

22 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 1:18-23

Just FYI, this ‘living word of God’ IS Jesus–the living Word (See John 1:1-5), as well as the breath of the written Word!  How does this all tie into Romans?  To put it simply, “all scripture is inspired by God” (See 2 Timothy 2:15 & 3:16-17) so, let’s look at a few passages from the first three chapters of Romans.

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

for it is the power of God

unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed from faith to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven

against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men,

who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God

is manifest in them;

for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him

from the creation of the world

are clearly seen,

being understood

by the things that are made,

even his eternal power

and Godhead;

so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that,

when they knew God,

they glorified him not as God,

neither were thankful;

but became vain in their imaginations,

and their foolish heart was darkened.”                    Romans 1:16-21

Paul tells us that “the gospel of Christ” IS the “power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth”, and that is truly good–good news! The good news is “the righteousness of God revealed” to us–the same good news that Jesus gave to Nicodemus in John 3–that we must be born again, and when we are, Jesus will give us eternal life–real abundant life now–and life with God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit –in heaven! Paul describes the first group we need to consider, the UNrighteous, who are “without excuse”.  If you would, those who are blatantly, deliberately rejecting God, His ways, and His Word–refusing to worship HIM as GOD!

Now, let’s move on to Romans chapter 2, which describes another group of people.

“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man,

whosoever thou art that judgest:

for wherein thou judgest another,

thou condemnest thyself;

for thou that judgest

doest the same things.

2 But we are sure that the judgment of God

is according to truth

against them which commit such things.

3 And thinkest thou this, O man,

that judgest them which do such things,

and doest the same,

that thou shalt escape

the judgment of God?

4 Or despisest thou the riches

of his goodness

and forbearance

and longsuffering;

not knowing that the goodness of God

leadeth thee to repentance?

5 But after thy hardness

and impenitent heart

treasurest up unto thyself wrath

against the day of wrath

and revelation of the righteous

judgment of God;

6 Who will render to every man

according to his deeds…

…11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

12 For as many as have sinned

without law

shall also perish without law:

and as many as have sinned

in the law

shall be judged by the law;”  Romans 2:1-6 & 11

“And whosoever was not found

written in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”  Revelation 20:15

Regardless of what we may think of ourselves, Paul says that we cannot make our own selves righteous; if we measure ourselves by our own judgement, it will not make wrong right or right wrong!  God will “render to every man according to his deeds”, and it doesn’t matter what I “say”, for what I ‘do’ will reflect what I truly believe.  Jesus made that clear in Matthew chapter 7, that just “saying so, doesn’t make it so”!  Are you one who is counting on your own SELFrighteousness?  Or have you been to the cross for the cleansing blood of Jesus’ to save you?

“…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 5:20b-21

Just as we saw in Romans 5 above, only Jesus can save us and cleanse us from our sin and pay our sin debt, I hope that our last passage will bring it all together for you.  For it doesn’t matter if you are one of the “Unrighteous”, or the “SELFrighteous”, for we are all what God calls us in Romans chapter 3– “NONErighteous”!

“For all have sinned,

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

“For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

This is the message of the first part of Romans chapter 3. (I encourage you to spend some time this week reading and thinking about Romans 1-3, and 5 if you can make the time!)

“What advantage then hath the Jew?

or what profit is there of circumcision?

2 Much every way:

chiefly, because that unto them

were committed the oracles of God.

3 For what if some did not believe?

shall their unbelief make the faith of God

without effect?

4 God forbid:

yea, let God be true,

but every man a liar;

as it is written,

That thou mightest be justified

in thy sayings,

and mightest overcome

when thou art judged.

5 But if our unrighteousness

commend the righteousness of God,

what shall we say?

Is God unrighteous

who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

6 God forbid:

for then how shall God judge the world?

7 For if the truth of God

hath more abounded through my lie

unto his glory;

why yet am I also judged as a sinner?

8 And not rather,

(as we be slanderously reported,

and as some affirm that we say,)

Let us do evil,

that good may come?

whose damnation is just.

9 What then?

are we better than they?

No, in no wise:

for we have before proved

both Jews and Gentiles,

that they are all under sin;

10 As it is written,

There is none righteous,

no, not one:

11 There is none that understandeth,

there is none that seeketh after God.

12 They are all gone out of the way,

they are together become unprofitable;

there is none that doeth good,

no, not one.”  Romans 3:1-12

My question for us today is, “Which group are you in?”  The UNrighteous, the SELFrighteous, or the NONErighteous?   For until we see ourselves as one of the “NONErighteous”, or a sinner, we have no need for a Savior/Redeemer who saves and forgives sin!

“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

Finally, God paints another amazing picture for us in chapter 5, so let’s take time to ponder these things and be truly ready to celebrate CHRISTmas!

“Therefore

being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace wherein

we stand,

and rejoice

in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

This is the reason that Jesus came and took on flesh, the reason that HE became Emmanuel–God with us!  He came to forgive us for our sin, to save us and give us eternal life; so we don’t have to be held accountable to pay for our own sin in Hell.  What will you do with the greatest gift of all this Christmas season?  Will you ignore Him, deliberately reject Him, put Him off, or bow before Him seeking His forgiveness and the new life HE can and will impart to all who come to Him in repentance of sin, and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice?  And for we who already know HIM, may we commit ourselves afresh and anew to be more loving, obedient, and devoted children to our soon-coming KING, and as Paul so aptly declared, being a ‘bond-servant’ to Jesus Christ our KING!  From a Manger to a Throne!  Have you crowned HIM KING of your life?  May it ever be so!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

One, Two, One??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 17

28 Sunday Jun 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Amazing Grace, By Him We Live, Consider Your ways, Conviction, God Is In Charge, God's Faithfulness, God's provision, Repentance, Resting In Jesus, SIN, Sovereignty

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 17    One, Two, One???

 

This may be a short post, or it may grow as we go along, but I feel it’s a message that we need to consider.  We have choices in this life—and God has made it clear that while He has given us the freedom to choose, He also tells us that each choice has consequences.

“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.

9 And let us not be weary

in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good

unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”  Galatians 6:7-10

God’s standard/salvation is the only ‘way’ that provides eternal life, and, unlike man’s ways—HE hasn’t changed—nor will HE ever.  What HE says is true; just like HIS Son, who is truth!  The “One” way—the “Only” way (from before the foundation of the world)!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”   Hebrews 13:8

“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

Just as Paul told the Galatians, we have the freedom to choose, but not to set the consequences; yet even when we make wrong choices, God’s grace reaches down, through the sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary—the “blood of the Lamb” that “cleanseth us from all sin”!  Jesus is our only hope!  The world has gone crazy and many (even believers) are fearful, and alarmed, but God gives us the assurance that HE is accomplishing HIS purposes in HIS time!  Godly people will pay a price for following Jesus, yet even when evil men prosper in their ways, God provides for HIS own!

“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.

14 But continue thou in the things

which thou hast learned

and hast been assured of,

knowing of whom

thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child

thou hast known the holy scriptures,

which are able to make thee wise

unto salvation

through faith

which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:13-17 

Even when evil abounds around us (and surely it is rampant today) we can be confident in God’s faithful work, ever learning HIS Word so that we can truly obey and have comfort in our Lord, our God, our KING!

“And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying, Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth.”   Revelation 19:6

Amen and Amen!  The Psalmist gloriously declares that even when the heathens rage, and the crowds revel in vanity, God laughs—for HE IS in control!!!

“Why do the heathen rage,

and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth

set themselves,

and the rulers

take counsel together,

against the LORD,

and against his anointed,

saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder,

and cast away their cords from us.

4 He that sitteth in the heavens

shall laugh:

the Lord shall have them

in derision.

5 Then shall he speak unto them

in his wrath,

and vex them

in his sore displeasure.

6 Yet have I set my king

upon my holy hill of Zion.”  Psalm 2:1-6

Our Lord reigns, and His day of vengeance will come!  Will you be one of those who “rage” at God and HIS Son?  Or will you be one who calls upon the name of the Lord, and receives HIS salvation IN Jesus?

“But what saith it?

The word is nigh thee,

even in thy mouth,

and in thy heart:

that is,

the word of faith,

which we preach;

9 That if thou shalt confess

with thy mouth

the Lord Jesus,

and shalt believe

in thine heart

that God hath raised him

from the dead,

thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth

unto righteousness;

and with the mouth

confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith,

Whosoever believeth on him

shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference

between the Jew and the Greek:

for the same Lord over all

is rich unto all

that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call

upon the name of the Lord

shall be saved.”  Romans 10:8-13

Jesus Himself declared clearly what the issue is—and to make clear the title of this post—the ONE issue is SIN,  there are only TWO choices—believe/receiveJesus for salvation, or reject Him and pay for your own sin; yet there will be only ONE result– the consequences of your choice!  It’s your choice but choose wisely—there is a test!

“And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”  Revelation 20:15

There is only “One” issue—SIN!  There is only “One” choice-although there are two options, believe or reject– but remember the consequence will be an eternal one!  To use Jesus’ own words:

“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.

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

Every “ONE” is free to choose; but of the “TWO” choices only “ONE” leads to God; the other “ONE” leads to hell!  The choice is yours and mine.  God said that evil men shall “wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived”, and we are surely seeing that happen before our very eyes.  Sad, but true!  Will we be brave enough to shine the light everywhere we go?  Will we be diligent to learn God’s Word so that we can share it with confidence and integrity?  Will we be swayed by the rhetoric of the day—the media (social and national), the politics, the false prophets and leaders, the desire for popularity and to go “viral”?  Or will we “stand fast in the evil day”—and, my friends, it is upon us!  It won’t be “one, two, three, go”; it will be a “yes” or a “no” to Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin!  It’s why HE came—to “BE” the way, and save us:  “…he shall save his people from their sins…”!

The bottom line is that there are only two kinds of people—the lost without Jesus, and the saved who have been “born again” by the blood of Jesus.  It’s God’s work not ours—but when we receive Jesus, we are compelled to share it with all we encounter.

“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

Have you come to Jesus?  Have you been “born again” into the kingdom of God?  I’d like to close with one of my favorite passages of Paul’s which so concisely reveals what we receive when we receive the “WHO” of salvation—JESUS!

I ask that you spend some time pondering these truths—it will bless and encourage your heart if you will receive it!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith into this grace

wherein we stand,

 and rejoice

in hope

of the glory

of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure

for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love

toward us,

in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”   Romans 5:1-11

May God bless you and open your eyes to see His truth, that we may “stand fast in the evil day”!  It is upon us!

Amen and Amen!!!