"A Special Day !"

Psalm 118:21-29 "I will praise THEE: for THOU hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The STONE which the builders refused is become the HEAD STONE of the corner. The is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech THEE, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech THEE, send now prosperity. Blessed be HE that cometh in the name of the LORD; we have blessed YOU out of the house of the LORD. GOD is the LORD, which hath showed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. THOU art my GOD, and I will praise THEE; THOU art my GOD, I will exalt THEE. O give thanks unto the LORD; for HE is good: for HIS mercy endureth for ever."

     "The STONE which the builders refused is become the HEAD STONE of the corner" (v.22). This Messianic passage is quoted five time in the New Testament (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; 1st.Peter 2:4,7); it speaks of a rejected STONE (JESUS CHRIST) WHO become the most exalted and preeminent STONE of the building. Peter explains this transformation from rejection to exaltation: "Be it known unto 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. This is the STONE which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the HEAD of the corner" (Acts 4:10-11). Both the death and the resurrection of CHRIST are in view. JESUS was the rejected STONE, and HIS FATHER, through the resurrection, has made HIM the HEADSTONE of the corner. The believing heart can only respond in one way: "This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes" (v.23). This leads to the next verse: "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (v.24). While we should rejoice in every day GOD gives us, this verse refers to a special day -- the day of CHRIST's resurrection, which has made new life in CHRIST and a new standing in grace available to all. Each Sunday should be a reminder of the glorious work of GOD in raising HIS SON and exalting HIM as HEAD over a new body and building, HIS church (Ephesians 1:19-23 pictured above). May the LORD's Day never lose its marvel and wonder ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"The CLEAR GOSPEL Truth"

 

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."

     Can any true hope exist apart from the good news of the Gospel ? Certainly not ! Therefore, the message of JESUS' substitutionary death for the sin of the world and HIS resurrection from the dead must be communicated plainly and accurately. Salvation -- eternal life -- is the gift of GOD offered to all people (Romans 6:23). Yet sadly, the majority of churches and denominations today have perverted the Gospel of grace and have capitulated to "another gospel" of human work and effort -- a "gospel: which is not another" (Galatians 1:6-9 pictured above) and is "accursed". How can one find forgiveness, peace, and a personal relationship with GOD ? It is only by HIS grace through faith alone in the PERSON and finished work of CHRIST alone. In today's text, Paul declared by inspiration of the HOLY SPIRIT, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it (salvation/eternal life) is the gift of GOD: NOT of works lest any many should boast." Any work on the part of the sinner (all mankind) or any idea that one can "bargain" with GOD or bring anything to the table to gain eternal life leads only to the "broad way" of destruction (Matthew 7:13,21-23). "Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST" is GOD's command in Acts 16:31. Paul preached "repentance toward GOD, and faith toward our LORD JESUS CHRIST" in Acts 20:21 -- that is, one must change his mind concerning his sinfulness, his need of a SAVIOR, and the object of his trust for salvation and then, in turn, place his faith solely in the PERSON (the sinless SON of GOD) and finished work (the substitutionary death and resurrection) of CHRIST. This is the only message of hope for the world: "Whosoever believeth in HIM [JESUS] should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16b). Is your faith in CHRIST alone ? MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Is There Something MISSING in Your Life ?"

 

What is missing ?

My Friend, are you dead or alive ? Do you ever feel that there is something important missing from your life ? A vital part of your existence that isn't there, and has never been there ? An empty void and a longing, deep within the depths of your soul, crying out to be filled ?

If you do not know the LORD JESUS CHRIST on a personal basis, that is the problem. GOD, the GIVER and SUSTAINER of life, is missing from your life. The Bible says that without JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, you are "dead in trespasses and sins." (Ephesians 2:1b).

How did it happen ?

In the Garden of Eden, before man's fall, Adam and Eve were alive, that is, they were "spiritually" alive. They walked in perfection, and oneness with GOD. "And the LORD GOD commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17).

On that day, when they disobeyed GOD and ate of the fruit, they died a "spiritual" death. Sin entered in, and they were separated from GOD. Since then, every one of us has been born into sin. "Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12). "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5). "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10). "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23).

The results of sin are a spiritual death, a physical death, and if you die without JESUS CHRIST, an eternal death. This is eternal separation from GOD in Hell fire.

What has been done about it ?

JESUS CHRIST, the GOD-man, was not a partaker of man's sinful bloodline. HE was perfect, sinless, righteous, Holy, born of a virgin, and GOD in the flesh. "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. The same was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made by HIM; and without HIM was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:1-3). "And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the FATHER,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14 pictured above).

"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).

HE came to seek and to save that which was lost. HE offered HIMSELF the perfect, sinless sacrifice unto GOD, to redeem man from the sin which separates him from GOD. HE came to give life back unto men. ". . .I AM come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10). "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth 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. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the SON of GOD: and they that hear shall live." (John 5:24-25).

Now it is up to you.

My Friend, do you hear HIS voice calling you through these Scriptures ? HE wants to breathe life into you. This receiving of new life from JESUS CHRIST is what HE called being "born again." We see this in the Bible when JESUS was talking to Nicodemus and said, ". . .Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of GOD. . .That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the SPIRIT is spirit." (John 3:3,6).

     My Friend, repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) ! Turn to GOD from your sin, and embrace the LORD JESUS CHRIST by faith, and be born of GOD. GOD promised in Romans 10:9 & 13, "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."

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.

When you turn to GOD, the missing link will be found, and the empty void will be filled. You will be one with GOD. HE will be your FATHER, and you will be HIS son or daughter. You can rejoice with us in this great truth forever, AMEN. "He that hath the SON hath life; and he that hath not the SON of GOD hath not life." (1st.John 5:12). Make the decision right now, because tomorrow is promised to no man. "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"MEDITATION: Be STILL, Be SILENT, Be WAITING"

 

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I AM GOD: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 62:1 "Truly my soul waiteth upon GOD: from HIM cometh my salvation."

     Mention the word meditation and the majority of people will immediately think of Eastern religions and the New Age movement. A picture comes to mind of an individual sitting on a mat, with eyes closed, humming a quiet mantra, and assuming a yoga position. For the child of GOD, however, this word should instead direct our thoughts toward Psalm 1, which states that the blessed man delights in the Law of the LORD and meditates on the WORD of GOD day and night (Psalm 1:1-2 pictured above). In the biblical sense, the term meditation entails a "a quiet contemplation of spiritual truths." 

     J.B.Stoney, a believer from the early nineteenth century, stated the following: "You will find that no one learns truth easily. He who built on the rock was not secure merely because he build on the rock; but he also digged deep. What springs up quickly has no root. The more you understand the nature and scope of the WORD, the more you will see the demand it makes on you and how unreserved must be our subjection to it, while as you are subject to it, and you learn the blessedness and virtues of it."

     This silent contemplation of spiritual truths in the Bible takes time. We find an important precept to observe when we reflect upon the LORD and HIS WORD: Stillness is the key -- "Be still, and know that I AM GOD." Whether in the midst of calamity (vv.2-3) or in our quiet time alone with GOD, we are to be in a state of rest. The word "still" in our text means "to slacken, be idle, be still." How still should we be ? Pastor George Parsons put it well: "Be still as a stone." We will know GOD best when we set time aside for HIM and learn to be still before HIM as we meditate on HIS WORD.

     Some Christians seem to like microwave-type devotions: thirty seconds of spiritual heat and they are pretty much warm for the day. OH, REALLY ! You cannot truly know GOD if you are always rushing here and there with countless calls pulling you in various directions. It is imperative that we learn to say an emphatic "NO !" to some of the demands made upon our time and refuse to give in to "The Tyranny of the Urgent" -- especially when it has a negative affect upon our time with GOD.

     The right order of priority should be: (1) time with GOD, (2) time with family, and (3) time with the church (the saints of GOD). That time with the LORD is so imperative in order to keep us balanced in our walk with HIM, with our family, and with fellow believers. One of Satan's traps is to get us so involved in activity that we have no time to be still in the presence of GOD. Sometimes the LORD must force us to be still by putting us flat on our back before we can be made to listen to what HE wants us to hear. 

     "Be still, and know that I AM GOD," says JEHOVAH. We must, as the hymnwriter encourages, "take time to be Holy" -- get to know the LORD as a PERSON with WHOM we delight to spend time. Stillness brings us to the point where we can concentrate. It is difficult to fix our thoughts on GOD as we barrel down the highway or stand in the midst of noisy friends; add to that the fact that, for many of us, we are the ones who like to do the talking. But GOD says, "Be still." Be quiet before the LORD: keep silence; be, or stand, still. Scripture also commands us to "wait" (Psalm 27:14 pictured above; Psalm 130:5 also pictured above). Even if life's way is twisting and turning, wait patiently on the LORD while meditating on HIS WORD.

     We have considered the biblical admonition to "be still, and know that I AM GOD" in Psalm 46:10 and have joined it with the thought of meditating upon GOD and HIS WORD -- being still or silent before HIM. Previously we briefly touched on the concept of "waiting"; now, let us consider a companion verse: "Truly my soul waiteth upon GOD: from HIM cometh my salvation." This psalm of David employs an idea that speaks of "stillness; quiet trust, silence." Once more we slip into the realm of meditation -- quiet contemplation of the WORD of GOD as we trustingly wait upon HIM.

     Often, we miss GOD's most beautiful interventions in our life because we are so distracted by other things that we cannot see or hear HIM working. We are not sensitive before HIM. We have not learned to be still in HIS presence. One shudders at the thought of some who "study" their Bibles with the television blaring or who utter a brief "Help me through the day, LORD," as they gobble their instant spiritual breakfast and head out the door to work. That is not meditation, and a steady diet of that type of reading and praying will ultimately lead to spiritual malnutrition (Hebrews 5:12-14 pictured above).

     The Tozer Pulpit records the following statement: "I do challenge you to meditate, quietly, reverently, prayerfully for a month. Put away questions and answers and the filling in of blank lines in the portions you haven't been able to understand. Put all of the cheap trash away and take the Bible, get on your knees, and in faith say 'FATHER, here I am. Begin to teach me !" Then, patiently be still, be silent, meditate on the WORD of GOD, and keenly wait upon HIM to speak to your heart through the Holy Scriptures. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD Loves You"

 

"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

     This great Bible verse reveals four truths from the heart of GOD for all people.

We are loved.

     GOD wants us to know that we are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world. . ." You are part of this world, and GOD loves you. HE gave HIS SON for you, and HE wants you ". . .to know the love of CHRIST. . ." (Ephesians 3:19).

We are of worth.

     The LORD also wants us to know that 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. "the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23a).

     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).

We can have hope.

     GOD wants us to know that we can have hope. HE said, ". . .that whosoever believeth 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).

We can have purpose.

     GOD wants us to know that we can have purpose in life. HE desires that we ". . .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 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 according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3).

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 (a turning to GOD from your sin) 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're a Christian:

* 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).

     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).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Gulf Coast Baptist Church

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33990

(239)574-1000

Pastor Tom Sexton, Pastor Emeritus

Pastor Robert Butz

(c) Five Star Christian Publications

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The GRACE That SAVES"

 

     You need salvation because of your sin. "Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12). You are not only a sinner by birth through Adam, but also by your choice. ". . .There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after GOD. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Romans 3:10-12). "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23).

     As a sinner, you are without GOD and without hope. Sin brings death and eternal separation from GOD. "For the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23a). "And death and hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:14-15). JESUS CHRIST told the true story, not a parable, of a rich man who was cast into Hell after he died. This rich man is still in Hell at this very moment, over two thousand years after JESUS spoke of him. In ten years, this man will still be in Hell. A thousand years from now, he will still be in the burning pit of unquenchable fire. He is damned for all eternity. As a sinner, you will share the same fate, unless you accept GOD's free gift of grace.

     The Bible shows how simple it is to escape the eternal fire of Hell. "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). JESUS CHRIST, GOD's only SON, came ". . .to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10b). Sin has a price and GOD must punish sin. Because you have sinned against HIM, you must bear your own punishment or accept CHRIST's substitutionary death on the cross of Calvary. "WHO HIS OWN SELF bare our sins in HIS OWN body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. . ." (1st.Peter 2:24). "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." (Isaiah 53:5). Please look at these verses again. The Bible states that JESUS was wounded for your transgressions and bruised for your iniquities.

     JESUS CHRIST, the perfect SON of GOD, was the only MAN WHO ever lived a sinless life. Out of infinite love and pity for you, JESUS became your substitute and bore your judgment of sin. "For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us, WHO knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21). JESUS wants to save you, even more than you desire. HE invites you to come to HIM. "Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). Please come to CHRIST and trust HIM to save you. Why would you reject your only hope ? "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:". "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 3:18).

     JESUS loves you and died to save you from your sins. Salvation is only through JESUS CHRIST, not through your church, lodge, good works, water baptism, or keeping the Golden Rule. Every lost sinner is going to a Devil's Hell, but GOD offers you the gift of salvation through the precious blood of CHRIST. "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). The Bible states that salvation is not something earned, but it is a gift. A gift is simply accepted. "But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name:" (John 1:12). Salvation is a gift from GOD, and if you will believe JESUS CHRIST died for your sins and receive HIM as your personal SAVIOR, you can be saved at this moment. GOD promises, "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." (Romans 10:9).

     If you will accept JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, please pray this prayer or one similar to it:

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 and help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

     JESUS is knocking at the door of your heart. "BEHOLD, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear MY voice, and open the door, I will come in to him. . ." (Revelation 3:20a). Will you let HIM in today ?

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Is a Person Saved by Calling on CHRIST ?"

 

Luke 18:9-14 "And HE spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a Publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, GOD, I thank THEE, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this Publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the Publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto Heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, GOD be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbeleth himself shall be exalted."

     "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Romans 10:13 pictured at top of post). What a wonderful salvation promise ! Man does the calling; GOD does the saving. GOD is rich unto all who call upon HIM (Romans 10:12 pictured above). The richest people in all the world are those who are saved ! The unsaved billionaires of this world are rich for a second but poor for all eternity. The Bible gives two clear examples of men who called upon the name of the LORD: (1) The tax collector (Publican) cried, "GOD be merciful to me a sinner" (vv.10-14). (2) The malefactor (thief) on the cross said, "LORD, remember me when THOU comest into THY kingdom" (Luke 23:39-43). Knowing their desperate need, they each cried out in faith to the only ONE WHO could save them. The Publican was justified, and the malefactor (thief) would soon be in paradise. However, the Pharisee (vv.11-12) and the other malefactor (thief) (Luke 23:39) refused to call upon the LORD, and both remained in their sins.

     Calling upon the name of the LORD is not a condition of salvation. That is separate from faith; rather, it is an outward expression of one's inward faith. Before a person can call on JESUS CHRIST, he must first believe on HIM in his heart. When the malefactor (thief) cried out, "LORD, remember me !" he had already chosen to believe in JESUS; his words merely expressed the faith that he had. As the Publican cried out to the LORD for mercy, his faith was already in the merciful GOD. Hence, Romans 10:14 (pictured above) asks, "How then shall they call on HIM in WHOM they have not believed ?" You cannot call upon CHRIST for salvation unless you have first believed on HIM in your heart. Calling upon HIS name is simply a natural expression of the faith that a person already possesses. GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation