"Is Being Sincere Enough ?"

 

Proverbs 14:12-16 "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways; and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident."

     It is common to hear people say with regard to religious beliefs, "Well, as long as a person is sincere, that's all that counts." But is this true ? We do not consent to such reasoning in any other sphere of life, so why should we accept it in the realm of spiritual matters, which affect the present and all eternity ? For example, would sincerity be enough if a person believed he should take poison rather than cough medicine ? Or, if someone who wanted to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco headed south instead of north, would we encourage him to continue in the wrong direction just because he was convinced he was right ? Unlike the latter example, our obligation to provide correct spiritual direction has eternal consequences.

     Our text clearly refutes the "sincerity is enough" fallacy. A person may be fully convinced and entirely sincere in choosing a way that seems right to him, yet GOD warns that "the end thereof are the ways of death" (v.12). All who substitute their own ideas for what the Bible says, no matter how sincere they may be, will suffer tragic consequences when they stand before their CREATOR (Revelation 20:11-15 pictured above). The wise man "feareth" (v.16), that is, he respects what GOD says above all else and corrects his walk accordingly (v.15). The belief that "sincerity is enough" in matters of life, death, and eternity arises from satanic delusion. It is absolutely necessary to find out what GOD says about sin (Romans 3:10,23;6:23), about salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9 pictured above), and about living a life pleasing to GOD (Colossians 3:1-25). Since it is very possible to be sincerely wrong, we must look to Scripture alone for what is right because being sincere is simply not enough ! MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Fate of the Ungodly"

 

Psalm 1:4-6 "The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish."

     Regarding the topic of the "ungodly" (vv.1,4), we read in today's text that the wicked are in great peril. The precarious condition of the ungodly is emphasized in the underlying Hebrew, wherein "not" is the first word of verse four; it could literally read, "Not so, not so. . ." In contrast to the stability and steadfastness of the godly man (vv.1-3), "the ungodly" -- those who remain in their fallen, sinful state -- are not secure, well-nourished, or thriving. This verse clearly declares how strikingly opposite the state of the ungodly man is from that of the godly person; it describes him as being "like the chaff" (pictured below). In other words, those who oppose the LORD are useless and unprofitable. Chaff is not beneficial for anything lasting or meaningful, and the method of harvesting wheat back in Old Testament times vividly illustrates this point. When farmers winnowed their crops, they would toss the grains into the air; the wind would then carry away the debris and husks while the wheat, barley, oats, etc., fell back down to the ground, enabling the farmer to collect only the desired product.

     Just as chaff is blown away by the wind, so the ungodly will not outlast their coming judgment. As we will see in the final verses of this psalm, the ungodly are in great danger, for they are headed toward ultimate doom because of their spiritual condition. While their lives may seem significant and important to everyone else, Judgment Day will reveal their true nature and worth. The instability and emptiness of the ungodly ought to be a warning and a sober reminder to believers today. Do we realize how fleeting this earthly life is and how desperately the lost need to hear of the SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST ?

     In this final consideration of the godly versus the wicked, notice the fate of the ungodly (vv.5-6) -- he will "not stand in the judgment." This does not mean he will bypass GOD's judgment; rather, the idea is that he will not be able to legitimately justify his actions as they are scrutinized under the light of GOD's revealed truth when Judgment Day comes. In other words, he cannot "stand" in CHRIST's righteousness; his unbelief condemns him (John 3:18 pictured above). The psalmist further notes that "sinners" will not be among "the congregation of the righteous"; those who have chosen to reject the saving grace of GOD will not be found among believers. The LORD will ultimately separate the two groups, and unbelievers will have no basis for inclusion with GOD's people.

     Today's text coincides with other Bible passages concerning the judgments GOD will execute. Ezekiel 20:33-44 says that in the future judgment of Israel, the LORD will "purge out from among you the rebels" (Ezekiel 20:38 pictured above). This complements JESUS' parable in which the five foolish virgins are prohibited from entering the kingdom (Matthew 25:10-12) as well as HIS parable of the "unprofitable servant" who is cast into "outer darkness" rather than entering "into the joy of the LORD" (Matthew 25:14-30). JESUS also spoke of the post-tribulation judgment upon Gentile nations out of which HE will separate the goats (Matthew 25:41,46). Psalm 1:5-6 likewise harmonizes with Revelation 20:11-15 pictured above) which describes the Great White Throne Judgment wherein all who appear there are cast into the Lake of Fire. Every soul facing that throne is doomed, unable to offer any legitimate defense for his or her unbelief. The fate of the ungodly is as tragic as it is unnecessary. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"PARDON ME . . . "

 

Since I may never see you face to face, would you please read this friendly post ?

     Your reading this post today is not altogether by chance. Although we are not able to become well acquainted, may I share with you something most wonderful ?

     Some time ago I met a remarkable PERSON, so great and outstanding, that it has become a joy to introduce HIM to others. The great tragedy is that so many know about HIM, but so few know HIM personally. Perhaps you have already guessed that I am speaking of JESUS CHRIST.

     To some HE is little more than a word of blasphemy, and to others a source of embarrassment, but to those who know HIM, HE is wonderful !

     You may recall that the Apostle Paul persecuted the early Christians, but after he met JESUS, his life was transformed. He wrote:

"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

"For all have sinned, and come short of

the glory of GOD."         Romans 3:23

     It hurts our pride to admit that we are sinners, but it is wonderful when we experience the power of JESUS CHRIST to forgive our sins and to heal our hearts.

     When once we accept HIM, as our personal SAVIOR, we make an amazing discovery. JESUS did not come to make us stuffy saints or miserable mortals, but HE came to give us LIFE -- the very fullest and richest. Listen to what JESUS said:

"I AM come that they might have life,

and that they might have it more

abundantly."           John 10:10

     Dear Reader, whatever may have been your disappointment with people, disillusionment with life, and confusion with religion, let me assure you that this is not the fault of JESUS CHRIST. HE has been misrepresented, betrayed, denied, and neglected, but HE stands majestically, in love pleading with everyone of Earth's billions.

"Come unto ME, all ye that labor and

are heavy laden, and I will give you

rest."                   Matthew 11:28

     HE speaks to you today. Do you personally know HIM ? Repent (a turning to GOD from your sin), believe that JESUS died on the cross to pay for your sins, and make HIM the LORD of your life. Read the following Scriptures carefully. Then believe it and act upon it:

"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

"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 want to know more about this wonderful SAVIOR, get a copy of the Gospel of John and read it. Talk to a committed born again/saved Christian; go to a church where the Good News of salvation is clearly explained. 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.

     All things are planned by GOD -- also your spotting this post. Do not harden yourself against HIS call. Pray that the HOLY SPIRIT will open your mind and heart to let JESUS in. It will be going from death unto life. JESUS said,

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hearth

MY WORD, and believeth on HIM that sent me

hath everlasting life, and shall not come into

condemnation, but is passed from death

unto life."                   John 5:24

     Dear Reader, do not put this most important decision off until another day. GOD tells us, "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." 2nd.Corinthians 6:2b Tomorrow may be too late !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"That I May Know 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."

John 3:16

     Life's greatest knowledge is to know CHRIST.

To Know HIM is to Know

We are loved.

     The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world. . ." 

     You are a part of this world, and GOD loved you. HE gave HIS SON for you, and HE wants you, ". . .to know the love of CHRIST. . ." (Ephesians 3:19).

To Know HIM is to Know

We are of worth.

     We are so dear to GOD, ". . .that HE gave HIS only begotten SON. . ."

     The Bible teaches us that we are all sinners. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23). And sin must be paid for. "For the wages of sine is death. . ." (Romans 6:23).

     But the Bible also teaches us that, ". . .CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3). GOD demonstrated HIS love for us, and our worth to HIM, when HE sent HIS SON to die in our place.

     The good news is that the LORD JESUS paid our sin debt in full when HE died on the cross. "For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us. . ." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21). CHRIST loved us and gave HIMSELF for us as payment for our sin.

     You may ask, "How can GOD forgive my sin ?" HE can because of what JESUS did. ". . .While we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (Romans 5:8).

To Know HIM is to Know

We can have hope.

     HE said, ". . .that whosoever believe in HIM should not perish. . ."

     Life is fragile, and people are perishing. But CHRIST came, ". . .that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).

     In a world where so many have lost hope, GOD wants us to know that the, ". . .LORD JESUS CHRIST . . . is our hope" (1st.Timothy 1:1).

     HE rose from the dead, and HE said, ". . .Because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19).

To Know HIM is to Know

We can have purpose.

     HE desires that we, ". . .should not perish, but have everlasting life." 

     "And this is the promise that HE hath promised us even eternal life" (1st.John 2:25).

     You may ask, "How can I know HIM and receive GOD's promise of eternal life ?"

Acknowledge that you are a sinner, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23).

Believe that the LORD JESUS died for you, for "CHRIST died for our sins. . .was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3-4).

Call upon the LORD to save you, "for whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).

     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.

     The LORD JESUS said, ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28). Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Now that you Know HIM.

*  Share your new-found faith with your family and friends (Acts 16:31-33).

*  Identify with CHRIST through believer's baptism and become part of a local, Bible-believing church (Acts 2:41,47).

Gulf Coast Baptist Church

Pastor Tom Sexton

312 SE 24th. Ave.

Cape Coral, FL 33990

239-574-1000

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"THE BIBLE: GOD's Miracle Book"

 

"Forever, O LORD, THY WORD is settled in Heaven." Psalm 119:89

The Bible is a very wonderful book. It is a composite library of 66 books, of which 39 comprise the Old Testament and 27 the New Testament. The Bible is unique, for it is no mere haphazard collection of writings, but is an organic whole; each of the 66 books being necessary to the whole 'library.'

Any careful reader will quickly discover that there is a plan behind the arrangement of the books, and a unity about the Bible that is nothing less than miraculous. That is why we have entitled this study "THE BIBLE: GOD's Miracle Book." The Bible is inspired, authoritative and entirely trustworthy. What are the grounds for believing this ? Consider the following:

THE WONDER OF ITS FORMATION.

The Old Testament can be divided into four sections for study:

     *  The Pentateuch (Genesis to Deuteronomy).

     *  The Historical books (Joshua to Job).

     *  The Poetical books (Psalms to Song of Solomon).

     *  The Prophetical books (Isaiah to Malachi).

The New Testament can be divided into three sections for study:

     *  The Historical books (Matthew to Acts).

     *  The Doctrinal books (Romans to Jude).

     *  The great book of Prophecy (Revelation).

But from where did these 66 books come. How were they written, and by whom ? How were they brought together in one volume ? Here is a miracle of tremendous significance ! The 66 books of the Bible were written by some forty different writers, who lived in different countries, spoke different languages, and came from different backgrounds.

The writers included a King, a Doctor, a Herdsman, a Tax Collector, a Theologian, a Scribe, a Fisherman, etc.; and their writings spread over a period of 1600 years, so there could be no collusion or communication.

Think of it - 40 different writers, spread over 55 generations, producing 66 books; and yet when these books are placed together there is a perfect unity and harmony about them, and they all fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. What is the explanation ? There is only one explanation: The Bible is GOD's miracle book !

THE CLAIM OF ITS WRITERS.

GOD is the AUTHOR of the Bible, but HE employed many human writers. These forty writers claimed to be writing down the words of the LORD. 'This is what the LORD says. . .' and similar expressions occur hundreds of times in the Bible - compare Exodus 20:1 & 24:4 "And GOD spake all these words. . .And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel." In the twenty-seven chapters of Leviticus there are fifty-six assertions assigning its authorship to the LORD HIMSELF.

The same is true of the Historical, the Poetical and the Prophetical books of the Old Testament. What about the New Testament ? The Old Testament is woven into the New Testament. Scores of Old Testament sayings are quoted in the New Testament, and JESUS, the Gospel writers, Paul, Peter, James, and John all accepted the divine authority and authorship of the Old Testament.

What is the explanation of the fact that the writers in the Bible claim to have written under the inspiration of the HOLY SPIRIT ? The explanation is this: The Bible is GOD's Miracle Book !

THE ACCURACY OF ITS STATEMENTS.

It is commonly held that the Bible is full of errors and misstatements. Let us understand that there are many things in the Bible about which we need fuller light. Let us also state confidently that the Bible is accurate and reliable. What seems to be discrepancies are often cleared away after careful and prayerful investigation. Look up Psalm 119:160 "I made hast and delayed not to keep THY commandments." There is not one single proved inaccuracy in the whole Bible.

The Bible is accurate historically, geographically, genealogically, scientifically, psychologically, typologically, and verbally. What is the secret of this amazing accuracy ? The Bible is GOD's miracle book !

THE PROGRESSIVENESS OF ITS REVELATION.

The revelation of truth we have in the Bible is progressively given, and by the time we get to the Book of Revelation we have a perfect and complete body of truth. In the 66 books there is everything we need to know about ourselves, sin, death, Heaven, human destiny, human relations, and above all, about GOD and HIS nature, about CHRIST and HIS love, and about redemption.

The revelation in the Bible is complete. Look up Jude 3 "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." There is everything we need in the Bible. Why ? Because the Bible is GOD's miracle book !

THE FULFILMENT OF ITS PROPHECIES.

Two-thirds of the Bible is made up of prophecies. Prophecy is history written in advance of it happening. Only a small portion of these prophecies have so far been fulfilled, but all fulfilled prophecy has been literally fulfilled. In the Bible we have prophecies relating to places, events, and people.

A most helpful approach to this subject would be to study the Old Testament prophecies relating to the PERSON of CHRIST and see them fulfilled in HIS birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. Note also that over thirty prophecies relating to HIS arrest, trial and crucifixion were all fulfilled within 24 hours when HE died.

What is the explanation of the power of this book to predict the future ? The Bible is GOD's miracle book !

THE INSISTENCE OF ITS MESSAGE.

One message runs right through the Bible - the message of GOD's great love for sinful humanity; of the gift of HIS SON, our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST; of HIS provision of salvation, and of HIS righteous claims perfectly satisfied at Calvary - Genesis 3:15.

Throughout the Bible we trace the message of John 3:16, until we come to the final appeal to sinful men to accept the Gospel invitation - Revelation 22:17. What is the explanation of this one insistent message running through the Bible ? The Bible is GOD's miracle book !

As we conclude this study, notice one final bit of evidence of the Bible's unique nature, inspiration, and authority: it is to be found in:

THE EXPLANATION OF ITS AUTHOR.

What is the explanation of the miraculous nature of the Bible ?

Paul said, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of GOD may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2nd.Timothy 3:16.

Peter said, "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of GOD spake as they were moved by the HOLY GHOST." 2nd.Peter 1:21. These verses proclaim the inspiration of the Bible.

Thank GOD, the Bible is GOD-given, fully inspired, completely authoritative and absolutely trustworthy ! It truly is GOD's miracle book. Let us love it, believe it, learn it, practice it, defend it, and pass it on to others. AMEN !

WORDS OF LIFE MINISTRIES

Edited by Dr. Tom Sexton - www.FiveStarChristianMinistries.com - WordToTheWorld@aol.com

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"2nd.Thessalonians: CHRIST's Second Coming"

 

2nd.Thessalonians 2:1-12 "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, and by our gathering together unto HIM. The ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the Day of CHRIST is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that Day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called GOD, or that is worshiped; so that he as GOD sitteth in the temple of GOD, showing himself that he is GOD. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things ? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only HE WHO now letteth will let, until HE be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the LORD shall consume with the SPIRIT of HIS mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of HIS coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause GOD shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

     In no other epistle is CHRIST's coming in the Rapture so clearly the object of the believer's "patience of hope" (1st.Thessalonians 1:3 pictured above) as in 2nd.Thessalonians. We are to be continually watching and waiting for this imminent event. A misunderstanding had occurred regarding the coming of CHRIST for HIS own (the Rapture) and the future Day of the LORD (1st.Thessalonians 4:13-5:10); it centered on a point of teaching that had been given both in person by Paul as well as in his first letter. The Apostle learned that the Thessalonians had received a forged letter or a false verbal message with new revelation supposedly from him (v.2; 3:17). This caused some to neglect their daily work, which led to a disorderly life (3:10-12); and, because they were being severely persecuted, they wrongly supposed the Day of the LORD had, indeed, arrived.

     Paul wrote this subsequent letter to the Thessalonian church to correct their confusion and reassure them that CHRIST's Second Coming would vindicate their cause (2nd.Thessalonians 1:5-12). He explained that certain events must first come to pass prior to CHRIST's return to this Earth, revealing to them the following details: (1) A "falling away" will first occur as the LORD catches up HIS church in the Rapture. (2) The "Man of sin" will come into public view with his awful campaign against the LORD. (3) Following the seven-year Tribulation period, the LORD will return with HIS saints in judgment at HIS Second Coming. Paul exhorted them, in the meantime, to lead a quiet, sober, and industrious life (2nd.Thessalonians 3:6-15), he comforted them in their persecutions, and he assured them that believers in this church age will not be overtaken by the judgments comprising the Day of the LORD. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"1st.Thessalonians: The Epistle of the Rapture"

 

1st.Thessalonians 4:13-18 "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in JESUS will GOD bring with HIM. For this we say unto you by the WORD of the LORD, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the LORD shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep. For the LORD HIMSELF shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in CHRIST shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD. Wherefore comfort one another with these WORDs."

     We have before us the first of two epistles to the Thessalonians. Both letters address the event and the context of the return of JESUS CHRIST. Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia, and Paul planted the church in this city during his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-10). He was there less than a month, yet he labored so strenuously and faithfully that he not only founded but also firmly established this church. These Thessalonian saints seem to have dispensed with the customary crawling and creeping stages of spiritual progress, making such rapid growth that the Apostle Paul fed them with "strong meat" (cf. Hebrews 5:14) -- truths and teachings that are now (sadly) deemed "divisive" or irrelevant to the modern church. Both epistles are dogmatic, presenting true faith in contrast to doctrinal and practical error.

     Persecution had broken out in Thessalonica, causing Paul to escape to Berea (Acts 17:10,13-15). When his oppressors pursued him there as well, he fled to Athens, leaving behind Timothy and Silas. Timothy then met Paul in Athens, and the Apostle sent him back to Thessalonica in order to comfort the saints there (1st.Thessalonians 3:2). Paul was in Corinth (Acts 18:1,5) when Timothy reported back that the apostle's character and motives had been attacked and the believers were disconcerted over the fact that some in the church had died, perhaps having misunderstood Paul as teaching that JESUS' return would occur prior to anyone's death. Among other things, Paul wrote to comfort the Thessalonians with the truth of the Rapture (1st.Thessalonians 4:13-5:11) and to highly commend this church for their faith, love, and hope as they waited for CHRIST's return (1st.Thessalonians 1:3, 10 both pictured above). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation