"The TRUTH Questioned"

 

Genesis 3:4 "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:"

     Despite what many today think, truth matters because it is the fundamental moral category in creation. The depravity in our world resulted from a lie that our first parents heard and believed (v.4). Initially, the serpent raised an uncertainty as to whether or not GOD had spoken what HE did (v.1 cf. Genesis 2:17 pictured above) and if HE actually meant what HE said. Nothing is wrong with asking questions, but when the inquiries are framed to cast doubt or aspersion on the truthfulness of GOD's WORD, we know such people are actually rebels at heart. The serpent sought to cause Adam, through Eve, to distrust the truth of GOD's communication. He posed his query in such a way as to suggest that GOD might not truly be good and that HE may actually be unfair because HE was keeping them from partaking of this fruit they so richly deserved and needed. This was a complete, though subtle, assault on GOD's WORD; not only did the serpent cast doubt on the truth, but he essentially accused GOD HIMSELF of being a deceiver !

     The devious posing of the question "Yea, hath GOD said. . .?" (v.1) led to Satan's bold lie: "Ye shall not surely die" (v.4). Tragically, Eve listened to the lie, and both she and Adam succumbed, plunging this world into the chaos, decay, and corruption (physical, ethical/moral, and spiritual) that we see all around us today. Do not be deceived by authors, scholars, or preachers who raise questions about the content and commands of Scripture or by those in the world who disbelieve the truthfulness of GOD's WORD. This problem has existed since the beginning of human history and will continue until the LORD calls us home. The WORD of GOD is Truth (John 17:17 pictured above). Trust it fully ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Absolute TRUTH"

 

John 8:32 "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Truth -- that which is real -- is under incredible assault today. Our postmodern culture and even many within the professing church do not believe absolute truth is knowable or even that it exists. Yet Scripture is clear on this matter. Not only can we discern the truth, but it is something that GOD expects us to understand. Our eternal destiny depends upon the ability to know with certainty what the Scriptures declare.

Biblical Truth is "That which is sure, reliable, firm, stable, lasting, perpetual, faithful; probity, uprightness, and integrity"; additionally, it is "dependability, upright in thought and deed." In other words, it is whatever conforms to GOD's nature, person, and WORD. Authentic Christianity, taught by JESUS HIMSELF, is fact (John 16:12-15; Ephesians 4:21).

     Truth is reality -- as opposed to merely being a deceptive appearance of reality. When we share the message about the person and work of JESUS CHRIST, we must not hide it behind "flattering words" or a "cloak" (1st.Thessalonians 2:5). As we witness to the lost, we must take care not to deceive people or attempt to impress them with pseudo-intellectual insights. We have important, consequential truths to clearly and boldly declare: ALL are sinners (Romans 3:23) who will one day die and subsequently face the Righteous JUDGE (Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:27); after death, man has no second chance to be saved from sin's price. Only one way of deliverance exists from the penalty, power, and ultimately the very presence of sin: Man must put his complete faith in JESUS CHRIST -- HIS substitutionary death on the cross and HIS resurrection from the grave -- for the forgiveness of sin. No other way to GOD is possible, and that is "the truth" (John 14:6 pictured above). GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Some Might Believe"

 

John 9:8-16 "The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged ? Some said, This is he; others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened ? He answered and said, A MAN that is called JESUS made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

Then said they unto him, Where is HE ? He said I know not. They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. And it was the Sabbath day when JESUS made the clay, and opened his eyes. Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, HE put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This MAN is not of GOD, because HE keepeth not the Sabbath day. Others said, How can a MAN that is a sinner do such miracles ? And there was a division among them."

     John chapter nine describes the account of a man blind from birth who experienced two miracles in a short period of time. First, JESUS healed his physical blindness (v.7); then, JESUS healed his spiritual blindness (vv.35-38). Despite much persecution, this man steadfastly maintained his testimony concerning what JESUS CHRIST had done for him. We, too, must remain firm in our declaration of the Gospel because JESUS, indeed, has worked a miracle in our life and because others will attempt to question or discredit our message. But we also must stay fixed and consistent in our witness to others because perhaps some might believe and be saved as a result of our testimony. GOD calls on us to be ambassadors for CHRIST and stewards of the Gospel message. We must never hide this good news or feel as though no one will listen to us.

     Perhaps the blind man's testimony planted a seed in the hearts of his friends who questioned him (v.12 verse on the picture at top of post); we do not know for sure. Yet we do know that the Pharisees were divided (v.16). Some believed while others refused to heed the evidence and chose, instead, to reject the man's testimony. But the LORD promises that HIS WORD will not return unto HIM void (Isaiah 55:11 pictured above). We are simply responsible to plant the seed. Some will believe. Others will not. And still others will believe at a later time when someone else waters the seed we have planted (1st.Corinthians 3:6-9 pictured above). The key is this: We must staunchly and accurately continue to proclaim GOD's WORD to mankind. Do not keep quiet. Do not change the message. Do not validate false doctrine that is taught by another. Follow the model of this once-blind man. Steadfastly and straightforwardly tell it like it is ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Guarding the Sheep"

 

Psalm 23:1-6 " The LORD is my SHEPHERD; I shall not want. HE maketh me to lie down in green pastures: HE leadeth me beside the still waters. HE restoreth my soul: HE leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for HIS name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for THOU art with me; THY rod and THY staff they comfort me. THOU preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: THOU anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."

     "THOU preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:" (v.5 pictured below) As the Bible student examines this familiar verse, some questions arise:

(1) What did this table look like ?

(2) Is there only one sheep associated with this table ?

(3) Why would the SHEPHERD care for only one sheep ?

(4) Who is the enemy of this one sheep ?

Dr. Robert Boyd asked these questions of Israeli shepherds, and he shared his interesting findings in a small book titled The Testimony of the Sheep.

     When a sheep becomes sick or is wounded in some way, perhaps suffering from a broken bone, the healthy sheep will torment the disabled one, including eating the grass around it in an effort to starve the injured creature. The other sheep are the enemy. In response, however, the shepherd will prepare a "table" for the debilitated sheep. He carries it to a certain location in the field where he then pushes his rod into the ground on one side of the sheep and his staff into the ground on the opposite side. The shepherd puts his coat on the third side, and he himself will lay down on the fourth side. The flock knows better than to step on this "table" in order to harass the enfeebled animal, for the shepherd will chasten any malice-minded sheep in the blink of an eye.

     In like manner, our loving LORD will protect HIS child, even from HIS other children. At the same time, all of us "sheep" must do our part never to become the enemy but to support one another. Our SHEPHERD commands us to take care of the other saints by strengthening the down-trodden (Hebrews 12:12 pictured above), supporting the weak, comforting the feeble-minded, warning the unruly, and being patient toward all men (1st.Thessalonians 5:14 pictured above). KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"HOPE for the Wayward"

 

Psalm 32:1-11 "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night THY hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto THEE, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and THOU forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. 

For this shall every one that is godly pray unto THEE in a time when THOU mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. THOU art my hiding place; THOU shalt preserve me from trouble; THOU shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto Thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart."

     Perhaps we have recognized ourselves as the "fool" described so often throughout the WORD of GOD, superficially giving the impression that we want to know and do the will of GOD but inwardly admitting that we have certain areas in our life where this is simply not the case. We therefore have to confess that, at times, we are guilty of being "hearers" but not "doers of the WORD" (James 1:22 pictured above). Can one find hope for such an unhappy condition ? This blessed Psalm answers with a resounding "YES" !

     First, we must acknowledge before the LORD that a rebellious spirit is, indeed, sin (vv.5-6 cf. 1st.John 1:6-10 pictured above). Remember, sin is anything that keeps us from perfect conformity to the will of GOD. Whether we refuse to do what we know GOD wants us to do or whether we do what HE does not want us to do, we are committing sin and hindering our walk and fellowship with HIM. "Blessed," or happy, is the one who deals with sin GOD's way (vv.1-2). SPIRIT-wrought repentance is sin's only remedy (vv.3-5).

     Second, we must yield to the leading of the LORD (vv.8-10). Rather than mule-like obstinacy, we should allow the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT to create a humble and genuine spirit within us in which "there is no guile" (v.2b), where hypocrisy and obstinate willfulness have no place. Our attitude is just as important to the LORD as our actions. If our heart is not right, then our works, no matter what we do, will not please our MASTER. Only GOD's power and grace can accomplish the blessings of confidence and joy within the believer who is walking in proper fellowship with HIS LORD (vv.7,11). Are we willing to take the necessary steps to secure these blessings as our own ? DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"One WORD"

 

Ephesians 2:1-9 " And you hath HE quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But GOD, WHO is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with CHRIST, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS: that in the ages to come HE might show the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us through CHRIST JESUS. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: not of works, lest any man should boast."

     In studying the Scriptures, it is always a delight to come across seemingly insignificant words that ultimately change the course of the narrative and add a whole new layer of meaning to the passage. A simple word like "But" ought to capture our attention as we read GOD's WORD. One key passage of Scripture -- Ephesians 2:1-6 -- quickly comes to mind because it highlights the importance of this little word.

     Ephesians 2 begins with Paul's description of the spiritual condition of the believers at Ephesus before they were saved: dead in trespasses and sins, walking according to the present age and to the prince of the power of the air (the spirit working in the children of disobedience), with their manner of life in the lust of their old nature, who were by nature the children of wrath just like those around them. Please notice, however, that all of this changed at verse four with these WORDs: "But GOD. . ." Our redemption from sin hangs on the word "but." The Apostle Paul explains: "But GOD, WHO is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with CHRIST, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS: that in the ages to come HE might show the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us through CHRIST JESUS. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: not of works, lest any man should boast" (vv.4-9). Think of it: from death to life, from a walk of wickedness to a life of holiness. What looked so desperately dark is now suffused with glorious light -- in CHRIST ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A Search for ATONING BLOOD"

 

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and

I have given it to you upon the altar to

make an atonement for your souls: for it is

the blood that maketh an atonement for

the soul."  Leviticus 17:11

One spring evening many years ago, and old Jewish gentleman gave the following personal account to a meeting of fellow Hebrews.

"This is Passover week among you, my Jewish brethren, and as I sit here I was thinking how you will be observing it. You will have to put away all leaven from your houses; you will eat the Matzoth (unleavened bread) and the roasted Lamb. You will attend the synagogue and carry out the ritual and direction of the Talmud; but you forget, my brethren, that you have done everything, but that which JEHOVAH required first of all.

HE did not say, 'When I see the leaven put away,' or 'When I see you eat the Matzoth, or the Lamb, or go to the synagogue,' but HIS WORD was, 'When I see the blood, I will pass over you.' Ah ! My brethren, you cannot substitute anything for this. You must have blood - blood - blood."

     As he reiterated this word with ever increasing emphasis, his black eyes flashed warningly, and his Jewish hearers trembled before him. Blood ! It is an awful word for one who reveres the ancient oracles and yet has no sacrifice. Turn where he will in the Book, the blood meets him; but let him seek where he may, he cannot find it in the Judaism of the present.

     After a moment's pause, the old man went on somewhat as follows: "I was born in Israel, nearly seventy years ago. As a child I was taught to read the Law, the Psalms, and the Prophets. I attended the synagogue and learned what I was told, that our's was the true and only religion. As I grew older and studied the Law more intently, I was struck by the place the blood had in all the ceremonies outlined there, and I was equally struck by its utter absence in the rituals in which I was brought up. Again and again, I read Exodus 12 and Leviticus 16 and 17. The latter chapters especially made me tremble as I thought of the great day of atonement and the place the blood had there. Day and night, one verse would ring in my ears: "It is the blood that maketh atonement for the soul." I knew I had broken the Law; I needed atonement. Year after year, on that day, I beat my breast as I confessed my need of it; but it was to be made by blood, and there was no BLOOD !

     In my distress, I at last opened my heart to a learned and venerable Rabbi. He told me that GOD was angry with HIS people, the temple was destroyed, and a Mohammedan Mosque was reared up in its place. The only spot on this Earth where we dare shed the blood of sacrifice, in accordance with Deuteronomy 12 and Leviticus 17, was desecrated when our nation was scattered. That was why there was no blood. GOD HIMSELF had closed the way to carry out the solemn service of the great Day of Atonement. According to the Rabbi, we must turn to the Talmud, rest on its instructions, and trust in the mercy of GOD and the merits of our fathers.

     I tried to be satisfied but could not. Something seemed to say that the Law was unaltered, even though our temple was destroyed. Nothing else but the blood could atone for the soul. We dare not shed blood for atonement elsewhere than in the place the LORD had chosen. This meant we were left without an atonement at all. The thought filled me with horror. In my distress I consulted many other Rabbis. I had but one great question - Where can I find the blood of atonement ? I was over thirty years of age when I left Israel and came to Constantinople with my still unanswered question ever before my mind, and my soul exceedingly troubled about my sins.

     One night I was walking down one of the narrow streets of that city, when I saw a sign telling of a meeting for Jews. Curiosity led me to open the door and go in. Just as I took a seat, I heard a man say, "The blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanseth us from all sin." It was my first introduction to Christianity, but I listened breathlessly as the speaker told how GOD had declared that "Without shedding of blood is no remission." However, HE had given HIS only begotten SON, the LAMB of GOD, to die for our sins, and those who trusted in HIS BLOOD were forgiven of all their iniquities. This was the MESSIAH of Isaiah 53, and this was the SUFFERER of Psalm 22.

     AH, my brethren, I had found the blood atonement at last. I trusted it, and now I love to read the New Testament and see how all the shadows of the Law are fulfilled in JESUS. HIS BLOOD has been shed for sinners - once for all. It has satisfied GOD, and it is the only means of salvation for either Jew or Gentile."

Dear Reader, have you yet found the Blood of atonement ? Are you trusting in GOD's smitten LAMB ?

It is written in GOD's WORD:

"...when I see the blood, I will pass over you..." (Exodus 12:13)

"...for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." (Leviticus 17:11)

"...the blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanseth us from all sin." (1st.John 1:7)

"In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" (Colossians 1:14)

"But this MAN, after HE had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of GOD;" (Hebrews 10:12)

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9,13)

If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me. Come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for you always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our blood atonement and personal SAVIOR.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation