Tag Archives: Romans 12:1-2

As I Am??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #99

19 Monday Jun 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, All things that pertain to life and godliness, Amazing Grace, Confessing Sin, Just As I Am?, Just Jesus!

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As I Am???        A Word from THE WORD!!! #99

As I was having some quiet time this morning, I was listening to some music, and an instrumental of one of my favorite songs (but seldom heard these days) came on, and as my mind rehearsed the words, I was taken aback, and I’d like to share with you some of the thoughts that made me sad and happy at the same time.  I pray that you will find some help, comfort, joy, and encouragement as I did.

Those of us who have a little age on us, remember the days when almost every service was closed with an invitation to come to Jesus–to come to the altar for prayer, for confession, for repentance–all to the singing of “Just As I Am” (By Charlotte Elliott in 1835), and those lyrics seemed to haunt my soul this morning; not for any specific issue in my life, but just the thought that we so often sang this song as a call to come to Jesus, just as we are, which we must do; for we can’t clean ourselves up, or get better, or ‘fix it’, or work our way to heaven; for we must come to Jesus realizing that we have a “sin problem” and Jesus IS the only cure–the blood HE shed at Calvary for you and me!  For SIN, and yes SIN is the issue!  Yet another thought crossed my mind (and I don’t think it was by accident, for I had a totally difference plan for this post) almost shock-like!

I came to realize my sin many years ago, as my precious Savior and Lord met me ‘face to face’ about my SIN (no not literally in physical person, but my heart knew HE had come for me!) and I fell before HIM (after an almost all day struggle–and many years of running my own life, my way) and confessed (agreed with HIS exposure) my sin, failure and need for a Redeemer!  I truly came “just as I was”, broken, mean, an unsaved church member, and a failure at ‘being good’ before the church and the world because I couldn’t fix my own SIN problem.  Yet, this morning, it came to my heart in such a profound and powerful way–God is STILL working on me “Just As I Am”!  While I know I belong to Jesus, I still stumble–I still fall–I still misunderstand His will–I still fight against the wrong things–I respond in anger or selfishness or tiredness or just simple weariness of soul, mind, and body; yet JESUS takes me “Just As I Am” and picks me up, and changes my mind, my heart, and my will to match HIS!  Praise God!  Praise God!  Praise God!  It’s exactly what HE promised HE would do!  Not just on the day I got saved—but on each and every day after that!  Good, bad, or indifferent.

“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.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints according to the will of God.

28 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.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him also

freely give us all things?” Romans 8:25-32

Jesus wanted us to understand that HE knows our hearts and minds–and the shepherd tends HIS own sheep!

“I am the good shepherd,

and know my sheep,

and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me,

even so know I the Father:

and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:

them also I must bring,

and they shall hear my voice;

and there shall be one fold,

and one shepherd.”  John 10:14-16

One of my favorite stories of Jesus’ work in us, is the account of Him bringing Peter to restoration after his denial of The Master.  Maybe like Peter (and me) you need a boost today.

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter,

Simon, son of Jonas,

lovest thou me more than these?

He saith unto him, Yea, Lord;

thou knowest that I love thee.

He saith unto him,

Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time,

Simon, son of Jonas,

lovest thou me?

He saith unto him, Yea, Lord;

thou knowest that I love thee.

He saith unto him,

Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time,

Simon, son of Jonas,

lovest thou me?

Peter was grieved

because he said unto him the third time,

Lovest thou me?

And he said unto him,

Lord, thou knowest all things;

thou knowest that I love thee.

Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”  John 21:15-17

We are called to “feed my sheep”, not wallow in our failures. The Apostle John gave us the key.  We must recognize our sin, confess it to God (that means agree with God that it IS SIN!), and receive His restoration.

“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 1:8-9

I want to leave you with the lyrics to this precious hymn, for maybe you need the same reminder that I did.  Our Lord is ever at work and when we realize where “I am”, and bring it to Jesus, HE will do HIS mighty work of restoration, so let’s do our part!

“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 Amen!!!

Just As I Am  By Charlotte Elliott

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

We Don’t Always Know Now??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 17

25 Sunday Sep 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Know Whom I Believe, Knowing GOD, Knowing Or Going?, Not Of This World, Nothing New, Now is the time....

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 17   We Don’t Always Know Now???

“Boast not thyself

of to morrow;

for thou knowest not

what a day may bring forth.”  Proverbs 27:1

I was checking the news earlier today, and there was another automobile accident with a fatality; we’ve had multiple reports of this kind of thing in the last few months, and it leads me to share a bit of God’s Word to remind us that we don’t know what tomorrow (even the rest of today) holds for us!  God reminds us through this proverb that we are not in control over the circumstances and environment around us!  Jesus spoke of this reality, and I think we need to consider that we only have “now”!  I know for me, it is so easy to let my mind run so far afield of where I ‘am’, and fret over what I don’t know or see, yet we are called to walk by faith, trusting God like Job!

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.”  Job 13:15

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:

 26 And though after my skin worms

destroy this body,

yet in my flesh

shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see

for myself,

 and mine eyes

shall behold,

and not another;

though my reins be consumed

within me.”  Job 19:25-27

Do you know?  I know that I know that I know that I know…I know!!!  What do you know?  What do you value? Is it Jesus?

“Therefore I say unto you,

Take no thought for your life,

what ye shall eat,

or what ye shall drink;

nor yet for your body,

what ye shall put on.

Is not the life

more than meat,

and the body

than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air:

for they sow not,

neither do they reap,

nor gather into barns;

 yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.

Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought

can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought

for raiment?

Consider the lilies of the field,

how they grow;

they toil not,

neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you,

That even Solomon in all his glory

was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field,

which to day is,

and to morrow is cast into the oven,

shall he not much more

clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow

shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:25-34

OH, my goodness—please help me, Jesus, to learn what real faith is—to learn how to keep my eyes on YOU and not the world—to seek you first—to learn to trust you when I see nothing but trouble, and the evil in the world—may I be like Job and camp out on YOU, LORD Jesus, walking right before you, no matter what!

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy

that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand

of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-4

Will we measure our lives by God’s Word or the world’s?  Have we become molded to the world’s view?  May we receive the word of challenge and encouragement which Paul shared with the believers at Rome, that our life will be a testament before the world of all that is “that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”!  It won’t look like the world’s way or be very popular with those around us!  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“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 we pursue the will of God in all we “are and do” remembering there is a hell to shun and a heaven to gain, and there are little feet following us!  Where will we lead them?

Amen and Amen!!!

What’s On Your Tree??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #783

16 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Evil will not win, Eyes that SEE HIM, Eyes that see not, Faith, Faithful, Faithfulness, Fruit of the Spirit, Full Of what?, GET READY, What's On Your Tree?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #783???    What’s On Your Tree???

 

A word for this Wednesday which I pray will encourage you to press on with Jesus; no matter what the world is doing, saying, acting out or pushing in our faces, our Lord is still KING, and I do believe, a ‘soon coming King’!  May we be found faithful and ready!  But the conflict isn’t new, nor is it temporary, so God gives us good instruction to prepare our hearts, lives, and our walk to align to HIS Word not the world’s voice!

“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

And to be transformed by the “renewing of your mind” begins with salvation/redemption and then being grounded in The Word of God; and to do that we must read it, study it, and make it our “daily bread”!  Jesus not only faced the same temptations as we do, but HE answered Satan at every turn with The Word!

“And when the tempter came to him, he said,

If thou be the Son of God, command

that these stones be made bread.

 4 But he answered and said,

It is written,

Man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word

that proceedeth

out of the mouth of God.”   Matthew 4:3-4

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.”  Hebrews 4:15

Oh, what a Savior we have—HE met Satan face-to-face and stood His ground by The Word of God!  Oh, that we would learn to do the same.  I don’t have to rely on my own wisdom, intelligence, and ideas to face temptation but on the very same thing that Jesus prevailed with—by knowing The Word of God!  And to help us with the things that we face continually in this fallen world, let’s look at the principles of discernment that Paul shares with us.  I think we can find them a great help to prepare us for the days in which we live, which matches what Isaiah spoke of long ago (truth and mankind haven’t changed—see Ecclesiastes. 1:9)!

“Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness for light,

and light for darkness;

that put bitter for sweet,

and sweet for bitter!”  Isaiah 5:20

The “woes” of God are nothing to be disregarded—they have come in the past, and The Word declares that they are coming again—and I can’t help but believe that those final “woes” are very near!  Are you ready?  Are you and I familiar enough with God’s Word that we know what HE has said?  Are your eyes open and your ears attending to the things that God has and is saying?  We need to tune in to God’s station!

“He that hath ears to hear,

let him hear.”  Matthew 11:15

I find it most interesting that not only did Jesus say this to those who were opposing HIM, but He repeated the same call to the seven churches (full of real believers and not so real believers) to heed His call to righteousness for various reasons, but His call to each one was to hear and obey.

“He that hath an ear,

let him hear what the Spirit saith

unto the churches.”  Revelation 3:6

As we continue, Paul gives a great lesson that we need (at least I do) to be reminded of often.

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh…

…. 25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous

of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16 & 25-26

In this same chapter, Paul lays out the contrast of the “fruit of the spirit” and the “works of the flesh” (or fruit).  I find it interesting that at this time of year as we prepare for celebrating The Resurrection, as I’ve often shared a good illustration from this time of spring; many of us like to decorate for the seasons, and you will often see yards with “egg trees”; a bare tree with plastic eggs tied on it in lovely colors of spring.  But the truth IS that there is no such thing as an “egg tree”!  And there are many around us today who profess the name of Jesus, but their lives make us wonder if they’re just “egg trees”; they have tied on some religion, some good deeds, some church attendance (maybe) yet there is no love for Jesus or regard for His Word—there is no desire for holiness—and there seems to be a lot of calling “evil good” and “good evil”!  Jesus Himself addressed this issue.  What are we known by—plastic eggs, or the true fruits of the Holy Spirit of God?

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest,

which are these;

Adultery,

fornication,

uncleanness,

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,

witchcraft,

hatred,

variance,

emulations,

wrath, strife,

seditions,

heresies,

21 Envyings,

murders,

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

 longsuffering,

gentleness,

 goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.”  Galatians 5:19-24

And Jesus’ own warning (and for a most detailed description of ‘false’ teachers/prophets see 2 Peter chapter 2):

“Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly

they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them

by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes

of thorns,

or figs

of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree

cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

 ye shall know them.”  Matthew 7:15-20

So, the question today is, “What’s on your tree?”  Are you bearing the “fruit of the Spirit” (and that is “fruit” not “fruits”—God’s work is evident in His own in all of our ways, not just ‘one proof at a time’!) or are you trying to fool the world, yourself, and God by hanging plastic eggs (the works of the flesh) on your bare tree?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.  (I encourage you to read all of Matthew 7, and FYI the context is clearly talking about ‘living’ a life of redemption or of rebellion, not an isolated stumble or failure but a “lifestyle” that will reflect the work of God or the work of the devil/world!).

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:21-23

Jesus will be your Savior or your judge; the choice is yours.  I’m praying that you will open your eyes to see truth, and your ears to hear the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart and respond appropriately!  (See Revelation 3:20)

Amen and Amen!!!

There Is (Still) A Fountain!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 16

13 Sunday Mar 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Be not conformed to this world, Be YE Steadfast, By His Grace, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Conformed to HIS image, Cross, Crucified With Christ, There IS (Still) A Fountain

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 16 There Is (Still) A Fountain!!!

 

I was thinking of this precious song this week and how imperative it is for us to remember that the cross upon which our Savior “bled and died” is the center of our faith; and without the “blood of Jesus that cleanseth us from all sin” (See 1 John 1:7) we have no hope.  I am always drawn back to Paul’s proclamation that is the refrain of my heart.

“And I, brethren,

when I came to you,

came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you,

save Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness,

and in fear,

and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching

was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom,

but in demonstration of the Spirit

and of power:

5 That your faith should not stand

in the wisdom of men,

but in the power

of God.”  1 Corinthians 2: 1-5

The fountain that flows from Calvary is the saving power of the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord!  He came to die for our sin—and yes, sin IS the issue!  Paul so clearly proclaims the truth and import of the Gospel of the cross and sacrifice of Jesus!  Notice that Paul makes it clear that he claims no significance for himself, his great oratory skills, or his heritage; rather he directs the hearers to recognize that it is by God’s Holy Spirit, power, and wisdom, not man’s, that we find grace and salvation.

“For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign,

and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified,

unto the Jews a stumblingblock,

and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called,

both Jews and Greeks,

Christ the power of God,

and the wisdom of God.”  1 Corinthians 1:21-24

But what does all this mean to you and me?  It means I must join Paul and determine with whom my devotion is aligned.  I must recognize that GOD chose “the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” and keep this truth ever before me in all that I do.

“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

You and I can bank our lives on the surety of the salvation that Jesus gives to all who will come to HIM in repentance and faith; receiving the great power, assurance, and hope that the Cross of Jesus Christ our Lord supplies!  While it is by faith that we live; it’s not blind faith, but a complete confidence in the surety and security of God Almighty and HIS Son Jesus, who paid our sin debt—it’s why HE came—and the veracity (truth) of HIS WORD!

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

Part of what makes us secure is the truth of God’s Word, what it reveals from Genesis to Revelation about this fountain that flows with salvation, healing (soul always, and body as God sees fit!), restoration, renewal, and peace!  Let’s spend some time looking at the scriptural support for these truths.  I would love to post all of Isaiah 53, but for time and space, we will look at only a few verses (but I encourage you to read all of it when you can) of great import to who Jesus would be and what HE would do for us!  For when we take it in its context, we see that Jesus would pay the price for our salvation—our healing from the plague of SIN!

“Surely he hath borne our griefs,

and carried our sorrows:

yet we did esteem him stricken,

smitten of God,

and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions,

he was bruised for our iniquities:

the chastisement of our peace

was upon him;

and with his stripes

we are healed.

6 All we like sheep

have gone astray;

we have turned every one

to his own way;

and the LORD hath laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed,

and he was afflicted,

yet he opened not his mouth:

he is brought as a lamb

to the laughter,

and as a sheep

before her shearers is dumb,

so he openeth not his mouth.”  Isaiah 53:4-7

And as John the Baptizer confirmed so concisely:

“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

Jesus is our perfect healer!

“Heal me, O LORD,

and I shall be healed;

save me,

and I shall be saved:

for thou art my praise.”  Jeremiah 17:14

Our restorer—on so many fronts!

“And I will restore to you

the years that the locust hath eaten,

the cankerworm,

and the caterpiller,

and the palmerworm,

my great army which I sent among you.

26 And ye shall eat in plenty,

and be satisfied,

and praise the name

of the LORD your God,

that hath dealt wondrously with you:

and my people

shall never be ashamed.”  Joel 2:25-26

“Restore unto me

the joy of thy salvation;

and uphold me

with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors

thy ways;

and sinners

shall be converted unto thee.”  Psalm 51:12-13

Our renewal—heart, mind, soul, and spirit!

“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

The God of all peace!

“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.”  Romans 5:1-6

And as we consider all these things, I simply want to close with the beloved hymn that reminds me so often of the truth and import of the cross.  It’s my hope, my confidence, my assurance, and my peace.  How about you? The author based the song on Zechariah 13:1:

“In that day there shall be a fountain

opened to the house of David

and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem

for sin and for uncleanness.” (Jesus)

              There Is A Fountain    by William Cowper

“There is a fountain filled with blood,
Drawn from Immanuel’s veins,
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains:
Lose all their guilty stains,
Lose all their guilty stains;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in His day;
And there have I, though vile as he,
Washed all my sins away:
Washed all my sins away,
Washed all my sins away;
And there have I, though vile as he,
Washed all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood
Shall never lose its pow’r,
Till all the ransomed church of God
Are safe, to sin no more:
Are safe, to sin no more,
Are safe, to sin no more;
Till all the ransomed church of God
Are safe, to sin no more.

E’er since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die:
And shall be till I die,
And shall be till I die;
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die.

When this poor, lisping, stamm’ring tongue
Lies silent in the grave,
Then in a nobler, sweeter song,
I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save:
I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save,
I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save;
Then in a nobler, sweeter song,
I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save.”

Amen and Amen!!!

Re-Newing Or Just Re-viewing??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #778

16 Wednesday Feb 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Cleansed from all sin, Let This Mind Be In You, Let You Light So Shine, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Renewing or Reviewing, SIN, Sin IS the issue, The blood of Jesus IS the only Way

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #778  Re-Newing Or Just Re-Viewing???

 

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2

I want to share a word of encouragement, warning and hope this morning; one I pray will help us “be” all that God is calling HIS own to “be” and will help us to consider what God is asking of us.  Not just what we “do”—which is important—but even more importantly–what we are to “be”!  For unless we have been changed by the power of the cross and the blood of Jesus, we aren’t HIS own nor can we “do” what God has called HIS own to “be” and “do”!  For ‘being’ must always precede the ‘doing’!  It may be the cause of much of our spiritual frustration.  (See Colossians 1:14)

“But now

in Christ Jesus

ye who sometimes were far off

are made nigh

by the blood of Christ.”   Ephesians 2:13

The author of Hebrews paints an amazing picture of what the “blood of Jesus” has done, will do and wants to ‘do’ in us as we draw near to the throne of God through the “blood of Jesus”!  And yes, the “blood” is what saves us, no matter how much it has been and is being discounted by many.

“Having therefore, brethren,

boldness to enter into the holiest

by the blood of Jesus,

20 By a new and living way,

which he hath consecrated for us,

through the veil,

that is to say,

his flesh;

21 And having an high priest

over the house of God;

22 Let us draw near

with a true heart

in full assurance of faith,

having our hearts sprinkled

from an evil conscience,

and our bodies washed

with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast

the profession of our faith

without wavering;

(for he is faithful that promised;)

24 And let us consider one another

 to provoke unto love

and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling

of ourselves together,

as the manner of some is;

but exhorting one another:

and so much the more,

as ye see the day approaching.”   Hebrews 10:19-25

We can only enter that “holy place”—God’s presence—by Jesus’ blood, which was shed for us—for your sin and mine, and one of my favorite reminders from the book of The Revelation says it so clearly.

“And from Jesus Christ,

who is the faithful witness,

and the first begotten of the dead,

and the prince of the kings of the earth.

Unto him that loved us,

and washed us from our sins

in his own blood.”  Revelation 1:5

John reiterates this same truth 1 John.

“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.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:7-10

WOW!  OUCH!  Sin is the issue for both the unbeliever who needs forgiveness unto salvation, and the believer who is to walk in obedience and holiness—being “in the light”!

And in closing, a most amazing passage that we ought to consider regularly to see if we are allowing God to “renew” our hearts and minds through His Word or are we just “reviewing” our own past wins and losses?  Whose mind is working in you and me?  Is my knee bowed before HIM, or is my nick “bowed” against Him? Renewing?  Reviewing?

“Let this mind

be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery

to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form

of a servant,

and was made in the likeness

of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient

unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also

hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”   Philippians 2:5-11

Amen and Amen!!!