Tag Archives: Romans 11:36

The Lamb Of God–Sin Offering!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #52

09 Friday Dec 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Hell, JESUS, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Life or Death?, SIN, Sin IS the issue, Still Will I Trust HIM, The Blood Cleanseth us from all Sin, The Blood Of Jesus, The blood of Jesus IS the only Way, Worship Him!

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The Lamb Of God–Sin Offering!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #52

Christmas is about Jesus and how HE came to pay for our sin so that we wouldn’t have to pay for our own sin!  For SIN IS the issue!

“For all have sinned,

and come short

of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

Our sin debt is due–we sinned–we owe the debt for that sin!  BUT GOD–oh, how I love that phrase, BUT GOD–had a plan for our redemption before we ever sinned!  Thank YOU, Jesus, for being willing to come and “dwell among us” to die for me!  God’s gift to all who will come to YOU!

“For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

Yet, I am totally amazed that God could love us so much as to know we would sin, but HE had already made preparation in Jesus to deliver us, if we will be repent (turn from my own sin–make a 180 from my own way to God) and come to Jesus in faith, trusting in HIS substitutionary (He stood in my place), atoning (He erased my debt with His own blood), sacrifice (His life of sinless perfection given up on the cross for MY SIN!)!  All this because God loves us from before “the beginning”!

So, I’d simply like to lay out some scriptures for us to ponder today and through this season of celebrating our Savior’s birth!

“Father,

I will that they also,

whom thou hast given me,

be with me where I am;

that they may behold my glory,

which thou hast given me:

for thou lovedst me

before the foundation of the world.”  John 17:24 (Jesus’ prayer before going to Calvary)

We are chosen by God’s grace, mercy, and love!

“Blessed be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who hath blessed us

with all spiritual blessings

in heavenly places

in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us

in him

before the foundation of the world,

that we should be holy

and without blame

before him

in love:” Ephesians 1:3-4

The Apostle Peter also declared this truth.

“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:

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.”  1 Peter 1:14-21

So, my friends, what will we do with this wonderful gift that God has given to all who will believer and receive HIM, Jesus?  Paul said it best:

“For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory

for ever. Amen.”  Romans 11:36

The gift is provided by God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–if we will only repent of our sin and turn to Jesus in faith!

“For by grace

are ye saved

through faith;

and that

not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

I pray that you will find hope, strength, and courage in The Lord Jesus whose birth we celebrate with joy and thankfulness in our hearts–for HE came to give HIS LIFE for me and you! May God’s peace reign over your heart and mind, not just at Christmas time, but every day of your journey here on planet Earth!

“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.”  Romans 5:1-2

Amen and Amen!!!

Praise Uplifts Our Hearts??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #27

10 Wednesday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Dependence, Look up and Praise The Lord, Praise Encourages our Heart, Praise God Today!

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Praise Uplifts Our Hearts???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #27

I simply want to share a bit of encouragement from God’s Word with you this morning, and I pray that it will lift your heart and mind on this mid-summer morning.  God knows my heart and HE knows yours, so whatever your need or mine, may we do the best thing that we can do when we’re down—look up and Praise The Lord!!!

“God is our refuge

and strength,

a very present help

in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear,

though the earth

be removed,

and though the mountains

be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof

roar and be troubled,

though the mountains

shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

4 There is a river,

the streams whereof

shall make glad the city of God,

the holy place of the tabernacles

of the most High.

5 God is in the midst of her;

she shall not be moved:

God shall help her,

and that right early.

6 The heathen raged,

the kingdoms were moved:

he uttered his voice,

the earth melted.

7 The LORD of hosts

is with us;

the God of Jacob

is our refuge. Selah.

8 Come,

behold the works of the LORD,

what desolations he hath made in the earth.

9 He maketh wars to cease

unto the end of the earth;

he breaketh the bow,

and cutteth the spear in sunder;

he burneth the chariot

in the fire.

10 Be still,

and know

that I am God:

I will be exalted

among the heathen,

I will be exalted

in the earth.

11 The LORD of hosts

is with us;

the God of Jacob

is our refuge. Selah.”  Psalm 46:1-11

Let’s remember—let’s be still—let’s rejoice in our God!  HE IS in control!  Don’t give up, but rather run to The One who is able to deliver us in the storm, from it, through it, or whatever it takes to grow us In HIM!

“The name of the LORD

is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it,

and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

“For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”  Romans 11:36

Who Are You Traveling With??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #729

14 Friday May 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Armor of God, Believe IN Jesus, By Him We Live, Choices And Consequences, Dependence, Discernment, Encouragement, Father's Way!, Fighting With God's Weapons, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, God's provision, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, If not now? When?, It's Your Choice, Jesus IN You!, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Let You Light So Shine, Light In The Dark, Listening To God, Living Right, Living TODAY!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #729  Who Are You Traveling With???

 

Traveling is great fun for me, of course I learned to enjoy it as a child when my father was in the Navy; because we were often away from family and friends, we traveled on our vacation times to see those family members and other friends!  I loved it, except for the challenges of three children in the back seat—me being among them—and all the creative ways our parents used to try and keep us occupied! One of my favorite things to watch for as we drove the roads of America were the “Burma Shave” signs—if you’re too young to know what those are just “google it”, as they say—and life is kind of like that!  On our journey through life, we must watch for the ‘signs’ and if we are believers in Jesus, HE will grant us all we need to follow HIM.

What I want us to consider today is the daily journey of life; we travel along in this life often oblivious to the real things going on around us!  There are spiritual battles going on all around us and we can miss what’s really going on; but God calls us to walk with HIM through this life and be available for HIS service in unexpected and unique encounters that we will miss if we aren’t tuned to to our Father God, and Lord Jesus via HIS Holy Spirit working within us.  I belong to JESUS and ought to live like it, for I have been blood-bought and redeemed!  What less could I do than give my all to Jesus?  Here are some portions of what Paul shared with the people of Greece when he visited there–paying attention.

“God that made the world

and all things therein,

seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth,

dwelleth not in temples

made with hands;

25 Neither is worshipped

with men’s hands,

as though he needed any thing,

seeing he giveth to all

life,

and breath,

and all things…

…. and hath determined the times

before appointed,

and the bounds of their habitation;

27 That they should seek the Lord,

 if haply they might feel after him,

and find him,

though he be not far from every one of us:

28 For in him

we live,

and move,

and have our being…..”  Acts 17:28

Paul was telling the spiritually blind Grecians that “in him we live, and move, and have our being”, how can we who claim to belong to Jesus not realize our calling to order our steps and our lives in light of this truth—all the truth in HIS WORD!

“For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory

for ever. Amen.”  Romans 11:36

God also reminds us that we battle unseen forces all around us and we must put on HIS armor every day to be prepared.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong

 in the Lord,

 and in the power

of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand against

the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.”  Ephesians 6:10-12

On this journey we can choose with whom we will walk.  Are you choosing God, His Word and His way, or the world’s destructive lies?  It’s your choice—here’s some guiding scripture that I hope will speak to our hearts and lead our steps!

“The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it

more abundantly.”  John 10:10

“The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down

in green pastures:

he leadeth me

beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul:

he leadeth me in the paths

of righteousness

for his name’s sake.”  Psalm 23:1-3

And in closing:

“Blessed is the man

that walketh not

in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth

in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth

in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight

is in the law of the LORD;

and in his law doth he meditate

day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit

in his season;

 his leaf also

shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth

shall prosper.”  Psalm 1:1-3

And that kind of sums it up.  So, to repeat our title, “Who are YOU traveling with?”!  Won’t you join me in committing to seek HIS face and walk in HIS ways—and find rest and peace and truth!

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.”  John 10:9

 

Amen and Amen!!!

Worship–A State Not A Place??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #691

11 Wednesday Nov 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, All About Jesus!, Dependence, Glory To God, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows, Salvation, Witness, Worship Him!, Worship?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #691  Worship—A State Not A Place???

 

Just a few thoughts this morning about worship: what is worship; where does it take place; when does it take place; why does it take place; who really worships; how can we become true worshippers?  All these are questions we need to consider, especially in these tumultuous days which seem to confront us in such mind-boggling ways!  If worship is a state of mind and heart rather than a “place”, how do we get there.  Let’s allow scripture to answer these questions.

Worship—reverent homage and honor paid to God or a

Sacred personage, or to any object regarded as sacred-

One of the definitions of the Greek word that Jesus used in Matthew 4:10, says:

Worship–To crouch…to prostrate oneself in homage…to do reverence to…to adore—worship—

Jesus makes it clear for us that real worship of God will yield service in the life of the worshipper.  I find it apropos that this was one of the three temptations that Satan challenged Jesus in; what would our answer have been?  What have we bowed down to?  Where have we failed to truly worship God?

“Then saith Jesus unto him,

Get thee hence, Satan:

for it is written,

Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God,

and him only

shalt thou serve.”  Matthew 4:10

Contrary to popular belief, Jesus makes it clear that we are called to be “exclusionists”—not a popular idea—but we are called here by Jesus to worship “him only” and we are to serve “him only”.  Jesus also makes this clear in another passage that we need to consider in our ‘multi-tasking’ mindset.  We have allowed our cultural influence to rollover into our idea of worship (thinking we just add worship on to our already loaded schedule and give “God a nod” when we have the time!).  Jesus says different!

“No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot

serve God

and mammon.”  Matthew 6:24

And as we spoke of recently—we must understand and acknowledge that we are “bought with a price” and we are living in God’s presence—whether we act like it or not—and to know and submit ourselves to our God and King is the beginning of true worship.  Living in God’s presence at every turn, giving ourselves to be His “witnesses” before a lost and dying world.

“What?

know ye not

that your body is the temple

of the Holy Ghost

which is in you,

which ye have of God,

and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price:

therefore glorify God

in your body,

and in your spirit,

which are God’s.”   1 Corinthians 6:19-20

When we are “born again” we receive new life in Jesus, and our life is to be lived unto Him.  Paul put it best to the Romans—we need a mindset toward God in all things.

“For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”  Romans 11:36

Whom are we glorifying?  Self?  The powers that be?  Power that we want?  Fame?  Fortune? Prominence?  We are to be the witnesses of Jesus.  It’s what He left us here to BE!  And when we will BE His witness, the right doing will always accompany the ‘being’!

“When they therefore were come together,

they asked of him, saying,

Lord, wilt thou at this time

restore again the kingdom

to Israel?

7 And he said unto them,

It is not for you to know

the times

or the seasons,

which the Father hath put

in his own power.

8 But ye shall receive power,

after that the Holy Ghost

is come upon you:

and ye shall be witnesses unto me

both in Jerusalem,

and in all Judaea,

and in Samaria,

and unto the uttermost part

of the earth.”  Acts 1:6-8

Don’t fret over yesterday or tomorrow, or the times and seasons, rather live for Jesus in each and every moment that HE gives us “TODAY”!  Live in His presence deliberately!  Walk in His ways continually!  Speak godliness in all things.  Remember that we “are” a witness in all we do and say—all be it, a good one or a bad one, but we are witnesses!  Are you glorying God by a life of worship?  Or are you ashamed to let others know that you are HIS?  Or even worse, are you oblivious to your condition and you unwittingly bring shame to the name of Jesus?

I’d like to share two other passages that I pray will encourage you on your way as good witnesses to the King who bought our salvation with His own blood.  May God speak anew and afresh to you and me through HIS Word!

“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

Is your labor “in the Lord”?  If you’ve been born again, it ought to be?  Consider Paul’s call to the believers at Rome:

“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

May God speak to our hearts, and may we truly learn to live a life of total worship before our God; not just in songs (of whatever kind) at church or raising “holy hands” in a “worship service” (not that there is anything wrong with those things—But God wants our all—all the time), but by living a life of devotion to the God who saves us, keeps us and desires for our hearts to be in tune with HIM.  Even as Jesus prayed for us all in John 17.

“And now I am no more in the world,

but these are in the world,

and I come to thee. Holy Father,

keep through thine own name

those whom thou hast given me,

that they may be one,

as we are…

….23 I in them,

and thou in me,

that they may be made perfect

in one;

and that the world may know

that thou hast sent me,

and hast loved them,

as thou hast loved me.”  John 17:11 & 23

Amen and Amen!!!

An Amazing Oxymoron??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #618

17 Friday Jan 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Amazing Grace, Blessed by God, Born Again, Gospel, Grace

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #618     An Amazing Oxymoron???

 

One of my favorite gospel hymns is “Amazing Grace” by John Newton, and while it is “old”, like me, it resounds with truth and hope; and yet this week as I was listening to it for the ‘umpty-dozeneth’ time, it struck me that this powerful song has a most amazing oxymoron, and it just gripped my heart and I’d like to share a few thoughts with you this morning that may speak to you as well.

I’d like to share the second verse with you and delve into its depths.

“T’was Grace

that taught my heart to fear

And Grace,

my fears relieved

How precious did

that grace appear

The hour I first believed.”

Have you ever recognized that it truly is God’s grace that brings us to “fear”—to see our sin and its consequence?  That’s Bible and it’ll preach!

“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

God is the One who convicts of sin, and without seeing our sin—without that “Grace that taught my heart to fear”, we have no need for The Savior, Jesus Christ The Lord!  But praise God He sent Jesus to be our substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice!  And it is the Holy Spirit of God who brings that conviction of sin to our hearts, without which we could never be born again into Jesus!

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth;

It is expedient for you that I go away:

for if I go not away,

the Comforter will not come unto you;

but if I depart,

I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come,

he will

reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment:

9 Of sin,

because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness,

because I go to my Father,

and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment,

because the prince of this world

is judged.”  John 16:7-11

That very Spirit whom Jesus promised to send, is the One who opens our eyes to see our own sin, but the oxymoron is that HE is also the ONE who “my fears relieved”!  And that’s why we can rejoice and sing:

“How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed”!

And not only from that first moment but in every moment since, and in every moment that God grants me to serve Him in this world!  That my friends, is truly “Amazing Grace”!  God’s grace, and He is holding out that very grace to you today, if you don’t know Him yet.  And if you know HIM and are in a hard place, it is that same grace that will carry you through!  God is continually at work through that wonderful grace of Jesus, to not only save us unto Himself, but to conform us into HIS very image—bringing glory to God and accomplishing His purpose in our every step!

“For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”   Romans 11:36

And another of my favorite passages that I pray will bring you hope and encouragement today!

“For by grace

are ye saved

through faith; and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created

in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.”   Ephesians 2:8-10

And let me close with this thought; many in recent days have made comment regarding my ‘strong faith’, and I appreciate that, but we must understand and know that it’s not “my” faith that is the issue—the issue is The One in whom “my” faith is placed!  It’s the Amazing Savior who saved me many long years ago—The One who has picked me up time and time again.  The One who has walked with me when I was ‘up’, and The One who has walked with me when I was ‘down’!  The One who died that I might have “abundant life”.  And that “abundant life” is my hope, and confidence from and in The One, Jesus, to whom I belong.  And you can have that same life, faith, peace and grace if you will but call out to HIM and receive HIS peace!

“Peace I leave

with you,

my peace I give

unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:26                                                 (Read the whole chapter)

So, I pray that God will speak to your heart that amazing, wonderful grace that Jesus died and rose again to provide for all who will come to Him in repentance and faith.  You are loved and prayed for, and that “Amazing Grace” will deliver you too!

Amen and Amen!