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Walking–By Faith Or By Sight??? A Word from THE WORD!!! Bible Ballistics

11 Wednesday May 2022

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Cross, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Take Up YOUR Cross, Walking by Faith or Sight?, Walking With Jesus

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2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:8-10, Faith VS Sight, Faithful before God, Faithful Follower, Galatians 2:20, John 1:12-13, John 1:29-30, Matthew 11:1-6, Matthew 16:24-26, Romans 1:16-17, Trusting God In All, Trusting Jesus, Walking by Faith or Sight?

A Word from THE WORD!!! #6 Walking– By Faith Or By Sight???

“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.”  Romans 1:16-17

How are we to walk by faith?  By the power of the “new birth” that God works in those who come to Jesus in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin—mine and yours—and being made a “new creation” inChrist Jesus!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things

are become new.”  2 Corinthians 5:17

But how is this worked in us?  By the power of the Holy Spirit, and the coming of The Lord Jesus Christ to live a sinless life, being The Lamb of God, who had come to die for our sin.

“That was the true Light,

which lighteth every man

that cometh into the world.

10 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.

14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”   John 1:12-13

As John the Baptizer said:

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him,

and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said,

After me cometh a man

which is preferred before me:

for he was before me.”   John 1:29-30

Because of what Jesus did, I can walk by faith—faith in The One who loved me and you, and gave Himself for me/you, that we could live IN HIS power, as I/you die to ‘my’ flesh and live unto ‘my’ LORD Jesus!

“I am crucified with Christ:

 nevertheless I live;

 yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

So, how are you “living”?  By your own wiles, efforts, and schemes, or by the power of Jesus?  Have you been “born again” by the Spirit of God, or are you still walking in your own sin, your own way, with the consequences that accompany that choice?  It is your choice but choose wisely there is a test!

“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 in closing, the definition of faith from the author of Hebrews:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report

….6 But without faith

 it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder of them

that diligently seek him.”   Portions of Hebrews 11:1-6

So, who are you seeking?  How are you walking?  By faith?  Or by sight? Are you walking with a “cross” simply hanging around your neck, or have you taken up your “cross” to follow Jesus?

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange

for his soul?”  Matthew 16:24-26

Amen and Amen!!!  May Jesus speak to your heart today!

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You Can Do This!!! But How??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #791

27 Wednesday Apr 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Assurance or Arrogance, Changed Lives, Comfort, Confidence, Conformed to HIS image, Consider Your ways, TODAY, Today And Tomorrow, Today is the day of Salvation, Tomorrow, Trendy Or Truth, Trials, Troubles, Trust, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Uncertainty--God HAS the answer, Under His Wings, Unexpected Interruptions, Victory IN Jesus!, Walk in the Spirit, Walking With Jesus, What's In Your Heart?, What's In Your Mouth?

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1 Corinthians 10:11-13, 1 Corinthians 15:1-5, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, Colossians 1:12-14, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 4:29-32, Galatians 5:16 & 24-25, God will supply!, Jesus paid it all, Jesus paid our sin debt, John 16:7-11, John 1:10-14, John 1:29, John 3:16-19, No Temptation has Taken you, Not Ashamed of The Gospel, Only One Way, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 8:28-29, Temptation and Trials

Bible Ballistics: BBs #791   You Can Do This!!!  But How???

I have a word to share this morning, a word that we all can use on most days and probably today!  And to set just a bit of context before we dive into this first passage, Paul was talking about Israel in the wilderness (and yes, we are to study the Old Testament as well as the New, so we might learn from the testimonies that God recorded for us!), and how we can learn from their choices.  We can know that God is in charge, and our ‘temptations and trials’ are filtered through His fingers of love; we just need to look up, knowing that HE will provide!

“Now all these things happened unto them

for ensamples:

and they are written for our admonition,

 upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth

take heed lest he fall.

13 There hath no temptation taken you

but such as is common to man:

but God is faithful,

who will not suffer you to be tempted

above that ye are able;

but will with the temptation

also make a way to escape,

that ye may be able to bear it.”   1 Corinthians 10:11-13

Paul is teaching us to not only live in the truth of God’s written Word, but to remember the examples HE has recorded for us to learn from as we walk through this world of chaos and confusion.  But we need not be either of those things as those who have seen the promise fulfilled of the Messiah who delivered salvation on the cross—salvation for all who will believe and receive the Gospel that Jesus paid for sin—my sin and yours!  And not only has HE paid for our sin but has given HIS gift of The Holy Spirit, just as HE promised to all those who are born again by His power, His provision and His purposes through The Holy Spirit/The Comforter—the source of God’s provision to His own!

So, let’s peruse some references about who the Holy Spirit is, and what HE would accomplish.  First of all, HE is the one who brings us to faith in Jesus (and the “HE” in this passage from John 1 is a reference to Jesus–“The Word…The Creator…The Light of the world!”  The One who promised to send HIS precious Holy Spirit to HIS own!

“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.

14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.” John 1:10-14

God brings us to the cross via the conviction (the work of the Holy Spirit in man to bring them to see sin as sin, and Jesus as the only cure, see John 14:16-18 & 16:6-8) of sin which HIS Holy Spirit reveals to man!  He leads to the truth of the gospel—on which I stand like Paul, and you can too!

“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.”  Romans 1:16-17

The gospel that Paul declared and stood on is the foundation of our faith—JESUS, and HIS substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice for sin– the truth we stand upon! Paul also gave us the “Gospel in a nutshell”, if you would allow me to call it that!  Consider how concisely He proclaims Jesus!

“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

The Gospel IS JESUS:

It can only be shared by those who have “received” it—

Christ died for our sins—the only way (See John 14:6)-

 ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES—

Christ Jesus was buried—HE WAS DEAD—

HE AROSE—on the third day—victorious over—

Sin, death, and hell—

ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES—

HE was seen alive by many witnesses!

Jesus paid the price that only the Lamb of God could pay.  Have you come to HIM in repentance and faith?  I pray that you have and if you haven’t, that you will come to HIM today!  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“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

“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

There is so much more that I wish I had time (and finger strength left) to share here, but I pray that God will open our hearts to receive HIS truth as truth—that we will respond in faith and obedience—and share that which we have received, in whatever ways God provides and leads us to!  I would like to share a few passages to encourage and assure us that Jesus died for you and me—for our sin—but when HE died, rose again, and ascended to heaven (until HIS return), HE sent us the amazing gift of HIS Holy Spirit to reside within and lead us into HIS truth, equipping us to minister truth to a lost and dying world.  Jesus promised that The Holy Spirit would bring us into all truth if we will but receive and heed HIS leading in our lives—our every day, our walking about days, our tear-filled days, our laughing days—our EVERY hour days! Jesus promised us all we would need to press on.

“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

And some more from Paul’s letters that I pray will help and encourage each of us to look up, walk straight and press on!  (See Acts 1:1-8)

“In whom ye also trusted,

after that ye heard the word of truth,

the gospel of your salvation:

in whom also after that ye believed,

ye were sealed with that holy Spirit

of promise,

14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance

until the redemption

of the purchased possession,

unto the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:13-14

“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.

31 Let all bitterness,

and wrath,

and anger,

and clamour,

and evil speaking,

be put away from you,

with all malice:

32 And be ye kind

one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God

for Christ’s sake

hath forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4:29-32

And the message to the Galatian believers:

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh…

….. 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 & 24-25

Are we walking in The Spirit, or our own ways?  Oh, Jesus, please do your work in our hearts through this precious Holy Spirit which you have imparted to all who are born again by HIS work of conviction and awakening to the debt of sin we owed.  Thank you, Lord, for your love, your sacrifice, and your forgiveness of my sin—for paying my ‘sin debt’!

“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

Jesus gives forgiveness of sin, and we should be recognized by actions which reflect the ONE who lives in us.  How about me?   How about you?  Will we honor the One who saved us—the ONE who calls us to walk in “holiness”?  While it’s simple to remember that God “has it”, it’s not always easy to remember how that looks.  Remember that God filters everything that comes into our lives, and whether its “Job” like tragedy and strife, or blessings—He is working “all things” for our good!

“For God hath not called us unto uncleanness,

but unto holiness.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7

“And we know that all things

work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.”  Romans 8:28-29

‘Nuff said!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

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What Jesus Do YOU Profess??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 13

21 Monday Feb 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God's ways are not our ways, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Women, Good News, Gospel, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Renewing or Reviewing, REvival, Saved by Grace Through Faith, The Right Jesus!

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1 Corinthians 15:1-5, 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, 1 John 1:7, 1 Peter 1:15-21, Built on the Rock, Built on the Rock or the Sand?, Built on the Sand?, Choosing Jesus, John 1:10-13, John 3:5-7, Matthew 1:21-23, Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 7:17-23, Matthew 7:24-27, Real Salvation, Revelation 3:20, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Salvation, The Real Jesus, Trying to fool God, We will give an account

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 13   What Jesus Do YOU Profess???

 

I know that sounds like an odd question and title, but with a heavy heart it is a subject that just keeps coming back to my heart and mind.  I see and hear so much around me, both from the people that I love dearly, as well as from the general information that bombards us continually.  So, what do I really mean?  I’d like to use scripture to answer that question.

“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.”   Romans 1:16-17

Paul reminded the Roman believers that the “gospel of Christ” is God’s love and power revealed through the substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice which Jesus made at Calvary.  And Matthew told us in the story of the birth of Jesus exactly why HE came, as God assured Joseph that Mary’s child was the promised Messiah, that she had not been unfaithful or immoral, and why Jesus was coming!  The child that she would deliver, would deliver all who will believe from sin, death, and hell.  (See 1 Corinthians 15:55-57)

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins…

….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 1:21 & 23

Jesus came to take on flesh, so that HE could die for you and me—in our place, for our sin–for all who would receive HIS sacrifice in repentance and faith.  For contrary to popular opinion today, SIN IS the issue; and it doesn’t matter whether you claim to be a Christian or you openly deny Jesus, there is a debt to be paid, and only those who choose to follow Jesus in true repentance and faith in HIS payment for sin, receiving the “new birth” (being born again) will reflect HIS glory.  Paul gives us the “Gospel” in a nutshell—let’s see what it says.

“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

Much like what John shares with us regarding Jesus’ clear declaration that “ye must be born again”, it is essential that we receive “truth” as “truth”, and not have “vain” faith—and if you don’t know, “vain” faith can be called ‘imitation’, ‘false’, ‘pretend’; as Jesus talked about those who simply “say”, “Lord, Lord”!

“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

And Jesus himself removes all doubt of the meaning.  And just FYI, “verily, verily” means “truly, truly”!

“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

“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 3:5-7

Then there is the profound truth of Matthew chapter 7; and while I won’t put the whole chapter here, I would encourage you to make it a priority to read it and ask God to convict and touch your heart to receive HIS truth in whatever way HE speaks to you.  For without the conviction of the Holy Spirit you will never know the same Jesus that I do.  For just as “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”, it is also clear that no one comes to Jesus unless “the Father which hath sent me draw him”!  If you hear the voice of Jesus calling you, please respond in repentance of your sin, faith in His redeeming work, and open the door and HE will come in!

“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

“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

And on to Matthew 7:

“Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth

evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree bring forth

good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many

wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:17-23

What does all of this have to do with you?  It affects your eternal destiny, and every person must choose; if you say you refuse to choose, you need to understand that you “have chosen”.  There are two ways—Jesus leads to life on the “narrow way”—the “broad way” leads to destruction!  Will you be part of the “few” or the “many”?  You can join the crowd—go your own way—live in sin, immorality, debauchery, or even try to “clean up your act” yourself; but what will you do about your sin?  For sin is the issue!  It’s the problem, the disease if you please, and Jesus IS the only cure.

“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.”  Matthew 7:13-14

Paul makes it clear that “SIN” is the issue, and the “gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”!  Jesus calls us to follow HIM and when we do it will show!

“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

I am so concerned about those around me/us, who claim the name of Jesus, yet their lives are steeped in the sin of the world—are you settling for shacking up, drinking up, doping up, consumed with greed, lust, power and all the disasters that these things can (and usually do, for we do “reap…what we sow”) bring. Why are we, as parents and grandparents, so eager to send our young ones off to Nashville, Hellywood, New York City, or all the other places that offer fame and success (in the world’s eyes) yet are fraught with sin, drugs, illicit sex, heart break and disaster—yet we seem to be so blinded by the bling of the world, and/or the “bottom-line” of $$$ that we are failing to see the dangers that abound when we choose the world over Biblical Christianity and The Jesus who calls us to godliness and holiness, not what is passing for the “Jesus’ Gospel” in many circles today.  Circles that say that ‘anything’ goes, the “heavenly “grandfather” only wants you to be “happy”—sin your heart away, just wear a Jesus shirt, or a cross around your neck, go to church but refuse the work of The Word of God, and God’s precious Holy Spirit, working and seeking  to transform HIS children into the “image of Jesus”!  This is the gospel that “I am not ashamed” of!  The transforming power of heaven-sent, Holy Ghost, blood bought redemption that transforms “sinners” into saints, not puts some soap and powder on a pig for a show!  (See Romans 8:28-29)

“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 1:15-21

What Gospel are you counting on?  What Jesus are you depending on? It makes a difference whether you build upon the “rock” or the “sand”!  And in closing, let me simply say, this often-sung children’s song—IS “The Gospel” which I am not ashamed of!  How about you?  Will you be “astonished” at this truth, or trust to it for your salvation, in real biblical repentance and faith salvation bought by the “blood of the lamb”?  Please come to Him while there is still time!  Won’t you choose to “walk in the light”!

“But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ

his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.”  1 John 1:7

“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.

28 And it came to pass,

when Jesus had ended these sayings,

the people were astonished

at his doctrine:”  Matthew 7:24-27

Praying that God will speak to our hearts and do the work that only HE can do, and that we will listen to HIS voice?

“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

I’m praying for you and yours and well as me and mine!!!  The time is short!

Amen and Amen!!!

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Because Jesus IS Alive!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No. 07

31 Sunday Mar 2019

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, He's Alive, Power of The Cross, Resurrection

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1 Peter 1:3-5, Acts 2:21-24, Crucified Lif3e, Galatians 1:3-5, Galatians 2:20, He Gave Himself for us!, He IS Alive!, Hebrews 7:25-27, Mark 10:33-34, Matthew 17:22-23, Matthew 28:5-7, Resurrection of Jesus, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 8:22-26, Titus 2:13-14

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 13 No.07   Because Jesus IS Alive!!!

 

As we approach the season of celebrating the resurrection Of Jesus Christ our Lord, I thought we’d just take a few minutes today to simply rehearse the wonder of HIS victory.

“And the angel answered and said

unto the women,

Fear not ye:

for I know that ye seek Jesus,

which was crucified.

6 He is not here:

for he is risen,

as he said.

Come, see the place

where the Lord lay.

7 And go quickly,

and tell his disciples

that he is risen

from the dead;

and, behold,

he goeth before you

into Galilee;

there shall ye see him:

lo, I have told you.”  Matthew 28:5-7

HE is risen—just “as he said”!  And Jesus did “say” he would rise from the dead and overcome sin, death and hell!

“And while they abode in Galilee,

Jesus said unto them,

The Son of man shall be betrayed

into the hands of men:

23 And they shall kill him,

and the third day

he shall be raised again.

And they were exceeding sorry.”  Matthew 17:22-23

And Mark also gave us a great insight into the way that Jesus tried to prepare His disciples for the coming night of despair that they would endure—but they just didn’t understand the morning of GLORY that would turn their despair into JOY!  Exultant, exuberant, JOY “unspeakable”!  They had no way of comprehending all that this Master, Rabbi and Messiah had truly come to accomplish—that what started (and seemed to end) on the cross—would bring in the fulfillment of all that God had promised for the redemption of man.

“Saying, Behold,

we go up to Jerusalem;

and the Son of man shall be delivered

unto the chief priests,

and unto the scribes;

and they shall condemn him

to death,

and shall deliver him

to the Gentiles:

34 And they shall mock him,

and shall scourge him,

and shall spit upon him,

and shall kill him:

and the third day he shall rise again.”   Mark 10:33-34

He told them that HE would “rise again”!  But how would you comprehend what you had never seen before; for even though Jesus would raise Lazarus from the dead—it wasn’t to eternal life, for he would die again—Jesus was raised as victor over death and He not only overcame death, but He gives “eternal life” to those who come to Him in repentance and faith.

The book of Acts shows us the wonder of God’s plan for our salvation and deliverance from sin!  It was God’s plan from before the “beginning”—our beginning, not God’s!  As Peter proclaimed on the day of Pentecost.

“And it shall come to pass,

that whosoever shall call on the name

of the Lord

shall be saved.

22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God

among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves

also know:

23 Him, being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge

of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”   Acts 2:21-24

Jesus is the “power of God unto salvation”—God’s plan to deliver us!

“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.”   Romans 1:16-17

Praise God and thank Him for His amazing grace that brings us life—abundant life, and keeps us unto salvation.

“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

While we are saved at the point of our faith in Jesus and receiving His Holy Spirit, or hope is in our eternal, perfect, sinless future hope in Jesus.  And while we struggle in this world, we have a hope sure and certain in glory with our Lord!  Yet, we have an intercessor sure and certain in our Lord Jesus, and His Holy Spirit who takes our feeble thoughts and words and works God’s work in us and before the Father!  It’s what Paul describes in Romans 8.

“For we know that the whole creation

groaneth

and travaileth

in pain together

until now.

23 And not only they,

but ourselves also,

which have the firstfruits

of the Spirit,

even we ourselves groan

within ourselves,

waiting for the adoption,

to wit,

the redemption of our body.

24 For we are saved by hope:

but hope that is seen

is not hope:

for what a man seeth,

why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not,

then do we with patience

wait for it.

26 Likewise the Spirit also

helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not

what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself maketh intercession

for us

with groanings

which cannot be uttered.”   Romans 8:22-26

Our risen Lord has accomplished the great work of redemption and sits at the right hand of The Father ever interceding for us!  Praying for you and me on the basis of the redemption that He bought for us at Calvary–because HE didn’t stay dead, but HE arose!!!

“Wherefore he is able also

to save them to the uttermost

that come unto God

by him,

seeing he ever liveth

to make intercession for them.

26 For such an high priest became us,

who is holy,

harmless,

undefiled,

separate from sinners,

and made higher than the heavens;

27 Who needeth not daily,

as those high priests,

to offer up sacrifice,

first for his own sins,

and then for the people’s:

for this he did once,

when he offered up himself.”  Hebrews 7:25-27

He gave Himself for us!  And for that I am eternally grateful!  How about you?  Are you celebrating bunnies or the Risen Lord!

“Grace be to you

and peace

from God the Father,

and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

4 Who gave himself for our sins,

that he might deliver us

from this present evil world,

according to the will of God

and our Father:

5 To whom be glory

for ever and ever. Amen.”    Galatians 1:3-5

And because He gave Himself for me, what less can I offer Him?  How about you?  May we truly take this season to focus on the real wonder of our redemption.

“Looking for that blessed hope,

and the glorious appearing of the great God

and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us,

that he might redeem us

from all iniquity,

and purify unto himself

a peculiar people,

zealous of good works.”    Titus 2:13-14

And finally, may we all pursue with Paul, the crucified life!

“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

Amen and Amen!

 

 

 

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Marginalizing God??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 07

30 Sunday Sep 2018

Posted by Blanche in Marginalizing God, Salvation, SIN

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1 John 1 :6-9, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Forgiveness, Galatians 6:7-9, Genesis 2:18-25, Hebrews 13:4-5, Hebrews 13:8, Hebrews 9:27, Marginalizing God, Proverbs 16:25, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:10-12, Romans 3:23, SIN, Who are YOU following?

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 07     Marginalizing God???

 

There have been deceivers since Eden, and they’re still alive and well in our midst today. Scripture is replete with God’s warnings to keep our hearts set on Him and The Son—but our culture is trying to undermine those who follow the Jesus of the Bible. We must cling to The One who saves and keeps us despite the draw of the world, or the ridicule that we may encounter.

I have watched of late the ugliness of hate, despite and disregard of the truth or the rule of law—we as a country stand on the precipice of anarchy! But why are we here? I’d like to share a few thoughts with you today from my perspective.

“There is a way that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.” Proverbs 16:25

As we often hear today, “What you see is what you get.” yet we need to consider that much of what we “see” and “hear” is staged, orchestrated and promoted for an agenda—good bad or indifferent, it’s not real. When I think back many years I am reminded of the lies that we who were young in the 60’s bought—we believed and bought into the idea that all things are equal, and it doesn’t matter how you look, or how you act, or what you believe—just “love” everybody! After all, people are inherently good! WRONG! I remember a time when women (as a whole) were raised to be gentle, soft and kind, but now we have raised generations of “liberated” women—women who are liberated from restraint, respect, goodness, kindness, modesty, self-respect, and of course gentility! God created a man and a woman who were equal before Him and He gave them to each other, for companionship, communion and procreation.

We now live in a culture that is satisfied with women (and men) who are crude in their behavior, vulgar in their language, and more often than not, immoral in their ways. Women have won the right to cuss like the men, be as vulgar as the men, drink like the men, smoke like the men, lie and steal and cheat!!! I’d say we’ve lost way more than we supposedly gained. We have allowed the world to convince us that we are at war with one another, forgetting that God’s design was for the husband and the wife to become one–united together for their common good and the good of society.

“And the LORD God said,

It is not good

that the man should be alone;

I will make him an help meet

for him.

19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. 20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field;

but for Adam there was not found

an help meet for him.

21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep

to fall upon Adam,

and he slept:

and he took one of his ribs,

and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

22 And the rib,

which the LORD God had taken from man,

made he a woman,

and brought her unto the man.

23 And Adam said,

This is now bone of my bones,

and flesh of my flesh:

she shall be called Woman,

because she was taken out of Man.

24 Therefore shall a man leave

his father

and his mother,

and shall cleave unto his wife:

and they shall be one flesh.

25 And they were both naked,

the man and his wife,

and were not ashamed.” Genesis 2:18-25

This is one of my favorite passages in scripture, and I love teaching the beauty of God’s plan for man and woman—God allowed Adam to name all the creatures—male and female—and see that they were “paired” up. God always brings us to see our need before He meets that need, and when God brought the woman to Adam, he knew God had “completed” him. God brought Eve to be a completer not a competer!

“It is not good

that the man should be alone;

I will make him an help meet

for him.”

We have allowed our culture to convince us (for a great part) that men and women are by nature (of course the world teaches that we just ‘evolved’ from goo—go figure that out) enemies, yet God created “male and female” to compliment each other and bring fulfillment each to the other, to serve God jointly and share in the making and raising of families.

I know personally, I bought the lies from the world, and even in the 60’s and 70’s the church was buying into them also. I accepted the lie that my “happiness” was more important than God’s call to salvation, marriage or holiness, and I made choices that changed my life and the lives of my children, family and loved ones in ways that were beyond devastating ultimately, more than I could have imagined. My choices and their consequences still reverberate through the years. God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and just like our first verse said today, just because something “seems” right in the moment, it doesn’t mean it IS right before God. And if it’s not right before God—IT IS NOT RIGHT! No matter what the world, our friends or our “heart” says. God hasn’t changed His mind, His Word or His principles of truth, right and morality.

“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.” Galatians 6:7-9

We live in a culture of “credit”—if you don’t have the money, just charge it. We have oft times chosen to live our lives that way—particularly our spiritual lives (and our lives are spiritual in nature, because we are created in the image of God, see Genesis 1 and Genesis 9:6)—by spending our lives in sin and depravity today and thinking we can fix it later. We aren’t guaranteed a tomorrow, and God makes it clear that if we refuse to humble ourselves before Him, repenting of our sin, trusting in Jesus substitutionary, sacrificial atonement for our sin, we will pay that debt ourselves. And that debt is death and hell—and it will come due for those who refuse to accept Jesus sacrifice for sin.

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die,

but after this the judgment:”   Hebrews 9:27

We will all die, and we will all give an answer for our choices –no matter if we were deceived or not. The question isn’t “Will you bow?” but when? You can choose to follow Jesus in repentance and faith now and be born again unto eternal life, or you will bow before Jesus at as your judge, with no opportunity for grace and salvation. It’s your choice, but choose wisely, for no matter what the world may say, God is still in charge, and Jesus is coming again (and I believe soon!), and YOU will bow and give and account of your choices!!! Jesus is the same—and so is sin, and God is the judge not you!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8

Sin is still sin, even if the legislature renames it and calls it good. There have always been those who try to change God’s ways, but God will judge righteous judgment; and regardless of whether it was my poor, sinful choices years ago, or your poor, sinful choices today, we will reap what we sow. I simply praise God for forgiveness and restoration that He can and will give when we bow before Him and confess our sin, repenting and seeking HIS cleansing.

“If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ

his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful

and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.”    1 John 1:6-9

The world continually tries to marginalize God, His Word and His Ways, particularly the unique substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus for sin, but it can never succeed, and we need to know the truth so we will recognize the lies. Oh, how I wish I had been willing to go God’s way instead of my own those many years ago. But I thank God for a godly daddy who loved me, even when I was at my worst, who prayed and asked God to grant me “crop failure”—and I know his prayers were answered in God’s mercy and grace working in my life, bringing me to my knees at the cross. I know that my poor choices were covered by the blood of Jesus “that cleanseth us from all sin”! Yet I must say, that even when we find personal forgiveness from God for our sin, it doesn’t mean that all the consequences will be erased. I watched those that I love the most, my children, and others go through horrific difficulties because of my sin, some lingering even still today. But at the same time, I know God has heard and answered my prayers for them and others who make wrong choices today. HE still hears and answers prayer today!

I say all this to simply say that we must stop letting the world dictate what we believe and practice in our daily living—God still says that morality is moral—and immorality is NOT! God hates divorce (but He loves those who have made poor choices in marriage and divorce)—God calls immorality, pride and selfish greed sin, and He will judge all sin. Marriage is still what God designed it to be, and parents are to love and care for their children. Yet we live in a culture that saves the trees, and puppies but kills the babies in the womb. There is nothing “right” about that. And just to clear the record, God says “marriage” is honorable, not co-habiting, or perversion, and it doesn’t matter if your 16 or 66! God hasn’t changed His mind (We must decide if we want to trust God, the culture, or the government for our needs!)!!!

“Marriage is honourable

in all,

and the bed undefiled:

but whoremongers

and adulterers

God will judge.

5 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 13:4-6

God gives us the ultimate definition of sin and salvation.

“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.”   Romans 1:16-17

Paul goes on to make it clear to all who will hear the truth.

“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 3:10-12

“For all have sinned,

and come short 

of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

In closing, I would like to call each one of us to examine ourselves and see if we are walking in the light—His light; to see if we are doing things God’s way or the world’s; if we have accepted sin as ok, joining the crowd who are marginalizing God and His Word. It’s all around us, we must choose—but choose wisely, there is a test at the end!

“Examine yourselves,

whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves,

how that Jesus Christ is in you,

except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5

God still saves and changes lives today! He’ll do it for YOU, and His forgiveness and cleansing will free your soul! Amen!

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