"Hebrews 11 Series - Enoch's Rapture"

 

Hebrews 11:5-6 "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because GOD had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased GOD. But without faith it is impossible to please HIM: for he that cometh to GOD must believe that HE is, and the HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM."

     The story of Enoch is one of the most intriguing in the book of Genesis. He was the son of Jared (Genesis 5:18) and a descendant of Adam's son Seth (Genesis 5:3). At the age of 65, which was significantly younger than most of those listed in the fifth chapter of Genesis, Enoch fathered Methuselah, a man who was destined to live longer than any other person recorded in Scripture (Genesis 5:27). The Bible specifically mentions that "Enoch walked with GOD" (Genesis 5:22) following the birth of Methuselah, during which time other children were born into his family for the next 300 years. At the end of that time, at the age of 365, Enoch was taken from this earth -- but not by death, for he was "translated" (v.5). The Hebrew text underlying Genesis 5:24, pictured above, literally reads, "He was there, and then he was not there anymore." Today's passage tells us, "Enoch was translated that he should not see death" (v.5). It was not just Enoch's rapture that marks him as being unique among those who lived prior to him as well as those who came later. Rather, he, like Abel, was a testimony of one who walked by faith; he lived in a manner that was pleasing to the LORD (v.5).

     We live in times when "evil men and seducers [are waxing] worse and worse" (2nd.Timothy 3:13 pictured above). Yet throughout the Scriptures we have the assurance that GOD is faithful and watches over HIS people in the midst of difficulties and dark days. And, we also have GOD's promises that HE will save us from HIS impending judgment upon this Earth (1st.Thessalonians 4:14-5:11). HE has delivered HIS saints before (v.5), and HE is perfectly capable of doing it yet again. Christian, "have faith in GOD" (Mark 11:22) -- we are safe in HIM ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Hebrews 11 Series - Abel"

 

Hebrews 11:4 "By faith Abel offered unto GOD a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, GOD testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh."

     Abel demonstrated his love for GOD and unswerving devotion to HIM by offering the blood sacrifice from his own flock of animals, an offering that GOD accepted (Genesis 4:4 pictured above). On the other hand, the LORD refused Cain's offering, and this led to the murder of Abel, his brother. In today's text, the SPIRIT of GOD emphasizes Abel's determination to obey the LORD; through this legacy, he is yet able to communicate what it means to walk by faith -- namely, to walk in obedience to the LORD. The sacrifice was not what justified Abel; rather, his justification was through faith alone in the true and living GOD. Abel's offering merely expressed his faith in GOD. Because of his willing obedience, Abel remains as a "witness" or example of those who live by faith, not sight. He believed, so he gave a sacrifice that the LORD regarded as "excellent." And since it was accepted by GOD, this revealed to all that Abel was a justified man -- he had a righteous standing before the LORD. He serves as a wonderful illustration of what it means to worship the LORD "by faith" and exemplifies what a life of faith truly entails.

     The Christian walk does not consist of merely following a set of rules and regulations. It is a life of joyfully obeying what GOD commands and a willingness to show our love for the LORD through submission to HIS WORD. Faithful service is not something we strive to do in order to appease an angry deity who is never satisfied. When we understand the ramifications of sin and the price paid to save us from those consequences, we will want to be like righteous Abel -- eager and willing to obey our LORD, regardless of the response of others, including those who are the closest to us. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Hebrews 11 Series - By Faith"

 

Hebrews 11:1-3, 32-40 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the WORD of GOD, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. . .And what shall I more say ? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead raised to life again: and other were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonments: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: GOD having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."

     How do we know that living life "by faith" is possible ? How can we be sure it is not just possible but completely necessary if we are to ascertain and accomplish GOD's will as revealed in HIS WORD ? The eleventh chapter of Hebrews gives us remarkable examples of men and women who were faithful servants of the living GOD. Each one -- from Abel (v.4) to Samuel (v.32), as individuals or as part of a great company ("the prophets," v.32) -- reveals that serving the LORD "by faith" is not only possible but is the only way GOD can rightly be honored in our life each day.

     To live "by faith" means to serve and honor the LORD in an outward, tangible way, proving that we trust HIM to keep HIS WORD to us. Notice that in Hebrews 10:35-39, pictured above, the AUTHOR encourages the exercise of "patient endurance" on the part of HIS readers, in chapter eleven, HE then cites numerous examples from the Old Testament and shows how they exercised this fortitude throughout their lives. We can have this same victory in our own experience today. Several chapters earlier (Hebrews 6:12 pictured below), the AUTHOR commanded the readers to be "followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises"; the "Faith chapter" (Chapter 11) then gives examples of those who inherited GOD's promises.

     Finally, we note that the key word in this chapter is faith. It is found twenty-four times, translated once as "faithful" (v.11) and also "believe" (v.6). Having faith in GOD means we trust HIM absolutely and depend upon HIM for everything in life. These examples from the Old Testament ought to encourage our belief that GOD is wholly trustworthy and steadfast and will meet our needs according to HIS perfect plan. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Hebrews 11 Series - The Great Hall"

 

Hebrews 11:1-3 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the WORD of GOD, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."

     The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is known as the "Hall of Faith" for its great summary statements concerning many believers found throughout the pages of the Old Testament. This passage commences by describing exactly what faith is (v.1) and then presents an incredible object of our faith, namely, the creation of the universe out of nothing (v.3) -- and account that can only be understood "by faith."

     One essential principle concerning faith is that we do not trust in just those things we can see or that are tangible in our world (v.1). This entire universe was created when GOD simply spoke it into existence (v.3 cf. Genesis 1:3 ff pictured above); HE did not use previously existing matter in order to make this Earth, the seas, the plants, or the animals. When HE made man from the dust of the Earth and with HIS breath, as described in Genesis 2:7, man became a living soul created in the image and likeness of GOD (Genesis 1:27 pictured above). The LORD removed a rib from Adam's side to fashion a helper for him (Genesis 2:21); HE did not use evolution of any sort to bring about mankind's existence. HE placed Adam in a garden to work and till the land; it was a place of great beauty and sustenance for the benefit and enjoyment of man. GOD graciously and abundantly supplied all of their needs; however, Adam and Eve chose to rebel against the LORD and thus brough sin into the world (Genesis 3:6 pictured below).

     How do we know all of the above to be true ? We believe, "by faith," what is written in GOD's WORD. No one was there, except the LORD, to tell us what or how everything happened, but we do have the inerrant revelation of GOD. "By faith," we know that the Bible is absolutely reliable and true. Our eternal future depends upon its veracity. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"I'm A Pretty Good Person"

 

     It is true; most people are pretty good. However, contrary to popular opinion not all good people go to Heaven. In fact, you do not have to be a bad person to go to Hell. Notice what the Bible says in Titus 3:5: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us. . ." The Bible also states in Ephesians 2:8-9, "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." You can see that even if you are a good person, GOD's WORD declares that your goodness is not sufficient to merit a home in Heaven.

     Another interesting fact found in the Bible is that you are not really as good as you think you are ! Ecclesiastes 7:20 states, "For there is not a just man upon the Earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. . . As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:10,23).

     It is true that you must have goodness to get to Heaven, but the truth is you do not possess that goodness in and of yourself. "But your iniquities have separated between you and your GOD, and your sins have hid HIS face from you, that HE will not hear."  (Isaiah 59:2). "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23). You see, everyone deserves to die and go to a Devil's Hell because of their sin; however, JESUS loved us so much that HE shed HIS sinless blood and died in our place. Three days later, CHRIST arose from the grave, proving that HE had conquered death and Hell, and establishing that HE alone has the power to give us eternal life. "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8).

     Think about this. If your goodness could save you, JESUS would have died in vain. The fact is no one can possibly get to Heaven on their own. JESUS HIMSELF stated in John 14:6, "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME." The Apostle Paul also gave us a short and to the point Gospel of salvation in 1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4, "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:"

     Perhaps by now you are wondering how you can obtain JESUS CHRIST's goodness for yourself. It is really very simple. First, you must be genuinely sorry for your sin. Luke 13:3 states, ". . .except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."  True repentance (a turning to GOD from our sin) produces a new way of living. "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto THY (GOD's) testimonies." (Psalm 119:59).

     Secondly, you must believe that JESUS died for you. "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 with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10).

     Finally, ask HIM to forgive you and to come into your heart to save you. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13). Please call on HIM today. You have no guarantee of tomorrow. "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b). What a tragedy it would be for a good person like you to die and go to a Devil's Hell !

     Why not ask HIM to save you right now ? You can pray from your heart a simple prayer like this one:

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.

     If you have decided to trust JESUS CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR, after reading this post, please let us and your family know of your new life in CHRIST.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"JESUS Saves !"

 

Perhaps you have seen these words on a

billboard or on a banner in a stadium.

JESUS SAVES

is not just a phrase made up by some

religious fanatic. They come from the 

Bible. The words save, saved, 

SAVIOR, and salvation are

found hundreds of times

in GOD's WORD.

JESUS is the SAVIOR, the ONE WHO saves.

"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.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD." Luke 2:11.

JESUS came to save lost sinners.

"For the SON of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10.

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." 1st.Timothy 1:15.

JESUS is the only one who can save.

"Be it known unto you all . . . that by the name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth, WHOM ye crucified, WHOM GOD raised from the dead, even by HIM doth this man stand here before you whole . . .Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:10-12.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" 1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4.

JESUS gives us the faith we need to be saved.

"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." Ephesians 2:8-9.

JESUS saves only those who believe on HIM.

"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. For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through HIM might be saved. 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." John 3:16-18.

JESUS saves anyone who asks HIM.

". . .believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31.

"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.

JESUS saves now and forever.

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us . . . That being justified by HIS grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:5,7.

JESUS wants you to be saved today.

". . .BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." 2nd.Corinthians 6:2b

"There is no GOD else beside ME; a just GOD and a SAVIOR; there is none beside ME. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I AM GOD, and there is none else." Isaiah 45:21,22.

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 personal SAVIOR !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Peace & Holiness Are Inseparable"

 

Hebrews 12:14 "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the LORD;"

     Peace is a subject widely discussed by both the saved and unsaved alike. However, failure to consider what the Bible says about peace results in much wanted time and effort and will only cause shattered dreams for many in the future. GOD's WORD states that "there is no peace . . . to the wicked" (Isaiah 57:21 pictured above); yet millions today put their hopes for peace on political agreements and treaties with the wicked. Our text indicates that the LORD links the concepts of peace and holiness together to the extent that they are inseparable. Without both, "no man shall see the LORD" -- the PRINCE of PEACE. Apart from JESUS CHRIST, man cannot possess peace in his heart, and until the SAVIOR returns, the world will never realize genuine, lasting peace.

     "Peace talks" are common today in the political and religious realms, but how often does the subject of holiness ever enter into that same discussion ? Most people, even many Christians, find the subject of holiness distasteful. Those who declare what GOD's WORD says on this important subject and seek to practice it (1st.Peter 1:15-16 pictured above) face ridicule and scorn; they find themselves labeled with terms of derision such as "prudish," "Victorian," "legalistic," or "holier-than-thou." Of course, a Bible -taught believer will realize that he must expect such verbal abuse from those whose minds and lives have been captivated by worldliness, for holiness and worldliness cannot coexist. CHRIST said no one "can serve two masters" (Matthew 6:24). It is time for believers to stop dreaming of a phony world peace and begin proclaiming the Gospel of peace (Romans 10:15 pictured below), which alone can meet man's needs today, tomorrow, and forever. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation