"Looking unto JESUS"

 

". . .Unto them that look for HIM shall

HE appear the second time. . ."

Hebrews 9:28

The next great event on GOD's calendar of events is the coming of the LORD JESUS for HIS own. The LORD JESUS said, ". . .I go and prepare a place for you. . ." (John 14:3). HIS coming is closer today than it has ever been. HE is coming for those who have put their trust in HIM.

Dear Friend, have you put your trust in HIM ? Will HE come for you or will you be left behind ?

You may ask, "What does it mean to put your trust in HIM ?"

FIRST, trust GOD when HE says that every person is a sinner.

Romans 3:10 reads:

". . .There is none righteous, no, not one."

And again, in Romans 3:23, the Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD."

Our sins have separated us from GOD. Before a person can know that he has eternal life and that he will go to Heaven, he must first know and believe that he is a sinner.

SECOND, trust GOD when HE says that sin must be paid for.

Romans 6:23 reads:

"For the wages of sin is death. . ."

According to GOD's WORD, we are all sinners, and our sin must be paid for. If we fail to trust GOD in this life, we will die without CHRIST and spend eternity separated from GOD.

THIRD, trust GOD when HE says that CHRIST died for our sins.

Romans 5:8 reads: "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us."

The best news that anyone could ever tell you is that JESUS died for your sins. HE paid our sin debt in full.

FOURTH, trust GOD when HE says we must pray and receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Romans 10:13 reads: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved."

A person can believe that GOD loves him. He can believe that he is a sinner and that sin must be paid for. BUT if he is not willing to trust GOD by receiving the LORD JESUS as his own personal SAVIOR, he will die in his sin without CHRIST.

Let us review for a moment:

1. Do you realize that GOD loves you ?  (John 3:16)

2. Do you believe that all men are sinners ?  (Romans 3:23)

3. Do you agree with the Bible that sin must be paid for ?  (Romans 6:23)

4. Do you believe that CHRIST died for you ?  (Romans 5:8)

5. Do you see that you must pray and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR ?  (Romans 10:13)

The Bible says that "the goodness of GOD leadeth thee to repentance" (Romans 2:4). If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, pray this simple prayer:

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.

NEW LIFE

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "He that believeth on ME hath everlasting life" (John 6:47)

If you have received the LORD JESUS as your personal SAVIOR, please contact us or plan to visit us. We would like to rejoice with you in your newfound faith.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

". . .Unto them that look for HIM shall

HE appear the second time. . ."

Hebrews 9:28

KEEP  LOOKING  UP !

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gulf Coast Baptist Church

Pastor Tom Sexton, Pastor Emeritus

Pastor Robert Butz

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-1000

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The REST of the STORY"

 

The story of our LORD JESUS CHRIST did not end with HIS death on the cross. The Bible says that after three days, He arose again from the grave. The angel of the LORD said, ". . .I know that ye seek JESUS, which was crucified. HE is not here: for HE is risen, as HE said, Come, see the place where the LORD lay" (Matthew 28:5-6).

The Gospel, according to the Bible, is that CHRIST died for our sins, HE was buried, and most importantly, HE rose from the dead on the third day. ". . .I declare unto you the Gospel. . .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 15:1-4).

CHRIST's resurrection and life complete the Gospel story. We are saved not by the life and death of the SON of GOD, but by the death and life of the SON of GOD. ". . .We were reconciled to GOD by the death of HIS SON, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by HIS life." (Romans 5:10)

The rest of the story is that JESUS rose from the grave and gave us the promise of HIS return.

JESUS IS COMING AGAIN.

In Acts 1:11, the angel of the LORD said, ". . .this same JESUS, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen HIM go into Heaven."

The next great event on GOD's calendar of events is the rapture of the church, when the LORD JESUS will come again for those who have put their trust in HIM.

Dear Friend, have you put your trust in GOD ?

You may ask, "What does it mean to trust GOD ?"

FIRST, trust GOD when HE says that every person is a sinner.

Romans 3:10 reads: ". . .There is none righteous, no, not one."  And again in Romans 3:23, the Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD."

Our sins have separated us from GOD. Before a person can know that he has eternal life and that he will go to Heaven, he must first know and believe that he is a sinner.

SECOND, trust GOD when HE says that sin must be paid for.

Romans 6:23 reads: "For the wages of sin is death. . ."

According to GOD's WORD, we are all sinners, and our sin must be paid for. If we fail to trust GOD in this life, we will die without CHRIST and spend eternity separated from GOD.

THIRD, trust GOD when HE says that CHRIST died for our sins.

Romans 5:8 reads: "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us."

The best news that anyone could ever tell you is that JESUS CHRIST died for your sins. All our sins were laid on HIM. HE paid our sin debt in full.

FOURTH, trust GOD when HE says we must pray and receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Romans 10:13 reads: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LLORD shall be saved."

A person can believe that GOD loves him. He can believe that he is a sinner and that sin must be paid for; but if he is not willing to trust GOD by receiving the LORD JESUS as his personal SAVIOR, he will die without CHRIST.

Let us review for a moment.

1. Do you realize that GOD loves you ? (John 3:16)

2. Do you believe that all men are sinners ? (Romans 3:23)

3. Do you agree with the Bible that sin must be paid for ? (Romans 6:23)

4. Do you believe that CHRIST died for you ? (Romans 5:8)

5. Do you see that you must personally pray and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR ? (Romans 10:13)

The Bible says that "the goodness of GOD leadeth thee to repentance" (Romans 2:4). If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, pray this simple prayer:

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.

NEW LIFE

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

THE REST OF THE STORY IS. . .

JESUS says to those who receive HIM, ". . .because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19).

Now that you have received the LORD JESUS as your personal SAVIOR, please contact us or plan to visit us. We would like to rejoice with you in your newfound faith.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gulf Coast Baptist Church

Pastor Tom Sexton, Pastor Emeritus

Pastor Robert Butz

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL   33990

239-574-1000

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

(C) Five Star Christian Publications (239) 574-STAR 

info@5scp.com    www.5SCP.com

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Compassion of JESUS CHRIST"

 

John 8:10-11 "When JESUS had lifted up HIMSELF, and saw none but the woman, HE said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers ? hath no man condemned thee ? She said, No man, LORD, And JESUS said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."

     As Christians, we have a compassionate SAVIOR. Never let anyone tell you that you serve a GOD of hate. JESUS desires to see all come to HIM (2nd.Peter 3:9), and HIS lovingkindness is clearly evident in today's text. Some claim that CHRIST condoned sin by not requiring the woman to face physical punishment, but nothing could be further from the truth ! Why ? First, HE had just finished rebuking the sin and hypocrisy of the religious leaders; and second, HE told the woman to "go, and sin no more" (v.11). The LORD never disregards sin. However, we must understand that JESUS came to earth to fulfill the Law; HE left Heaven to pay the penalty for our sin. HIS purpose was to save, not condemn (John 3:16-18 pictured below). All who trust JESUS CHRIST as their SAVIOR have been graciously forgiven of their sin. They no longer live under condemnation.

     The woman in today's text experienced the compassion and grace of GOD. It appears that she believed on JESUS CHRIST, for HE told her to "sin no more." Certainly, an unbeliever would not possess the ability or strength to eradicate sin from his or her life. JESUS even told the woman that HE did not condemn her -- what glorious compassion and forgiveness ! As believers, we must likewise live a life that reflects our freedom from the bondage of sin, realizing that we now live "under grace" (Romans 6:1-15). GOD has forgiven us and shown us infinite mercy, just as HE did to this woman who was caught in the act of adultery (a crime punishable by death by stoning). May we always remember that "it is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because HIS compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is THY faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23 pictured above) -- a precious promise indeed ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Conviction of the Sinners"

 

John 8:9 "And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and JESUS was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst."

     JESUS' WORDs left the Scribes and Pharisees speechless. They thought they had trapped HIM. They presumed that HE could not possibly answer their question and pass their test without indicting HIMSELF, either in the eyes of the Jewish people or the Roman government. Yet CHRIST's response could only have come from the mouth of GOD HIMSELF. "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her" (v.7 pictured above). How could JESUS utter these WORDs ? It is because HE knew their innermost thoughts and actions. Yes, these religious leaders were certainly hypocrites, and they knew it. They had absolutely nothing to reply to CHRIST's challenge. Convicted of their sin and pretense, they left JESUS' presence, starting from the oldest on down to the youngest.

     Even today, we need to realize that unbelievers have a conscience and know what is right and wrong. They may reject the divine Standard of righteousness, but in their heart, they know that GOD exists, and HE will exact judgment upon wickedness (Romans 1:19-25,28,32). What is our responsibility to these individuals who are dead in trespasses and sins ? We must tell them of their need for a SAVIOR and of the wonderful provision of salvation made for them through the finished work of JESUS CHRIST on Calvary's cross. They can reject or disregard our message, but their conscience will be pricked by the HOLY SPIRIT as we present to them the WORD of GOD and ITs glorious message of the Gospel (John 16:7-11 pictured above). We, ourselves, are not able to convict another's conscience; we must allow GOD's SPIRIT and the WORD to do their work of conviction. However, we are certainly responsible to share the good news with them. Are we doing our job ? MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Consistency of the SAVIOR"

 

John 8:1-2 "JESUS went unto the Mount of Olives. And early in the morning HE came again into the temple, and all the people came unto HIM; and HE sat down, and taught them."

     What makes today's text so amazing is the context in which the LORD JESUS calmly sat and taught the people in the temple. In the previous chapters of John's Gospel, the Jewish leaders persecuted JESUS and even plotted to arrest and kill HIM (John 7:1 pictured above, 32, 45-53). The religious leadership hated JESUS and HIS message, for HE claimed to be GOD, HE revealed their hypocrisy, and HE rejected their vain traditions. Yet despite the harassment HE continually faced, once again we see JESUS back to work doing the will of HIS FATHER. HE was always willing to teach those who took the time to hear HIS message; HE certainly was not afraid of the opinions or the schemes of men. JESUS CHRIST consistently followed GOD the FATHER's plan, regardless of the cost.

     CHRIST's remarkable consistency compels us, as HIS followers, to ask ourselves, "How consistent are we ?" Do we allow our life and service to be dictated by the world around us ? Are we afraid of what people may think and thus alter our behavior or lifestyle in order to avoid their scorn ? The endeavor to please men is crippling the church today. Satan wants believers to be incapacitated by apprehension, causing them to modify their beliefs, conduct, and actions as a result. Why do so many professing Christians today twist GOD's WORD and change their ministries ? It is because they dread the derision of men and want to be accepted by everyone. Our SAVIOR, however, continued to proclaim the truth and to live a life that honored the FATHER because HE did not fear what others thought (2nd.Timothy 1:7-8 pictured above). Let us, like JESUS, remain "steadfast [and] unmovable" (1st.Corinthians 15:58), consistently carrying out GOD's work GOD's way. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianminisries.com/salvation

"The First Drop of Blood"

 

2nd.Timothy 2:1-3 " Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in CHRIST JESUS. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful me, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST."

     Dr. David Livingstone was a Scottish missionary and physician known for his exploration of Africa during the mid-nineteenth century. He once said, "If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all" (Quote pictured at top of post). A similar sentiment came from the lips of Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth President of the United States. He used to remark that he could get any amount of men who were "willing to shed their last drop of blood"; however, he found it difficult to get some men to shed their first drop.

     In today's text, the Apostle Paul told young Timothy to "be strong in the grace that is in CHRIST JESUS" and to "endure hardness, as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST." To the believers in Ephesus, his words were fraught with meaning where he challenged them to "be strong in the LORD, and in the power of HIS might" (Ephesians 6:10 pictured above). He went on to further exhort, "Put on the whole armour of GOD" (Ephesians 611 pictured above). I have a friend who often says, "Growing old is not for sissies." Well, the Christian life is not for sissies either ! In the midst of a trial involving a physical infirmity, Paul received the LORD's reminder that HIS grace is what would lift him up and sustain him (2nd.Corinthians 12:7-10). The Apostle did not depend upon his own strength or abilities, and to the believers in Philippi, Paul said, "I can do all things through CHRIST which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). No, the Christian life was never promised to be an easy life. Trials, troubles, and struggles will come, but the LORD will supply the necessary strength, wisdom, grace, and patience. Heed Paul's challenge to "quit you like men, be strong" (1st.Corinthians 16:13 pictured above).JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Made IN CHRIST"

2nd.Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

     Most likely, you have had the experience of looking at items for sale and noticing the following labels: "Made in Japan," "Crafted in China," "Manufactured in Taiwan," "Tailored in Romania," or even "Made in USA -- Assembled in Mexico." However, one can find a "made in" that is never farmed out to another country, crosses all cultural and socio-economic boundaries, applies to every people and age group, and is universally needed by each and every person on the planet. The "made in" of which I am speaking is the label "made IN CHRIST." Every child of GOD is made IN CHRIST. It is amazing to realize that sin has unmade us, but GOD's grace remakes us. Today's verse tells us that we are new creatures, or creations, IN CHRIST JESUS.

     Contemplate with me some ways that we are "made in CHRIST:"

We are "made nigh" -- we have nearness to GOD because of CHRIST in Ephesians 2:13.

We are "made righteous" --we are "made the righteousness of GOD" in CHRIST in 2nd.Corinthians 5:21 (pictured above).

Our robes are "made. . .white," speaking of purity or holiness because faith applied the purifying blood of JESUS once for all in Revelation 7:14 and Hebrews 7:27.

We have been "made accepted" -- we are "accepted in the BELOVED," highly favored of GOD and graciously received of HIM in Ephesians 1:6 (pictured above).

We give thanks that GOD has "made us meet" "to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light," speaking of the sufficiency of CHRIST in Colossians 1:12. 

In addition, we are "made heirs" -- we have heirship "according to the hope of eternal life" in Titus 3:7

Finally. as children of GOD, we are "made Kings and Priests" -- GOD the FATHER has granted us nobility in Revelation 1:6. 

REJOICE, dear Christian - You are "made 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