"Virtuous Living"

 

1st.Thessalonians 4:1-8 "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the LORD JESUS, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please GOD, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the LORD JESUS. For this is the will of GOD, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not GOD: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the LORD is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For GOD hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but GOD, WHO hath also given unto us HIS HOLY SPIRIT."

     Morality, as defined by the WORD of GOD, matters very little to many in the world around us. Unbelievers naturally have no desire to live in a manner that is glorifying to our LORD, but, sadly, this seems to be true even of some professing Christians as well. Moral standards are not something about which to pray for the LORD to reveal HIS will -- this is simply a matter of submission and obedience (vv.3,7). GOD's will is for HIS children to be set apart from sin and unto HIMSELF (v.7). Abstaining from fornication (as well as any other form of sexual impurity) is not just GOD's suggestion to us; rather, it is a specific command "by the LORD JESUS" (v.2). In other words, this issue is of extreme importance to the ONE WHO paid for our sins through HIS sacrificial, atoning death on the cross of Calvary. CHRIST redeemed us so that sin need not continue its dominion in our lives (Romans 6:1-2 pictured above; 1st.Corinthians 6:19-20 pictured below).

     GOD, not the world, determines what is morally acceptable, and we can expect unbelievers to view us as "strange" when we reject their values (v.5 cf. 1st.Peter 4:3-4 pictured at top of post). Always take care to believe in a proper fashion toward those of the opposite gender (v.6). The Bible tells us that to act immorally is actually to despise the GOD WHOSE SPIRIT indwells us (v.8) because we are choosing sin rather than obedience to HIS clear commands. If you are heading down a dangerous path, heed the HOLY SPIRIT's voice of conviction and turn around ! Temporary pleasure is never worth permanent regret. Do not be impressed with the ungodly of this world nor follow their wicked path. Rather, do the LORD's will in this personal and extremely important area of godly living. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Christmas is Over But . . ."

 

Christmas is over, but GOD never stops thinking about you. We put away the decorations. We toss out the tree to the curb. We literally put all the things away that should remind us of the reason for the season.

Thankfully GOD is not that way. HE does not put our pictures in a box, our toys, our prayers, our daily needs into a closet never to be thought of, except for that one season a year.

HE is ever present, working in the background of your life. HE puts the pieces of a very large puzzle together so that they all fit perfectly for HIS glory and for your learning. I have often wondered what it would be like if we could see HIM standing with us every moment of every day. Would we treat others differently; would we talk about HIM to others more often, would we live our lives differently ?

Our GOD is an awesome, loving, giving and Holy GOD. HE never sleeps, slumbers, is away, nor will HE turn HIS back on us. HE is so loving that HE gave us a very special gift. A gift that no one else could give. It is not a gift just for your birthday, or Christmas. It is such a special gift that if you receive it, you will enjoy HIS love not only here but for all eternity with HIM in Heaven.

The special gift that GOD gave to all mankind is JESUS, HIS only begotten SON. GOD the FATHER sent HIS SON, JESUS, to earth in human form so that HE could live a sinless life and be the perfect sacrifice that was needed to pay for the sins of all mankind. Sin must be paid for, and we are all born sinners. As sinners, we cannot pay for our own sin, but there must be a payment made that is perfect, and without sin. JESUS was that payment.

So now, Christmas is over, and GOD has not stopped thinking about you, not even once. What are you going to do about your sin. If you die without receiving GOD's free gift of salvation through HIS SON, JESUS, then a Devil's Hell will be your eternal home. You will be totally alone, separated from all those you love and who love you. But "The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." HE made a way for you to have a first-class ticket to Heaven through the death, burial and resurrection of HIS SON, JESUS. There is no need for you to go to a Devil's Hell, the payment has been made, just receive the gift of GOD and your name will be written in the LAMB's Book of Life, and Heaven will be your final home for all eternity.

Repentance, some see this as a scary word, but it is not. To repent is to turn to GOD from your sin. It would be like standing facing in one direction, the direction of a sinful life: then doing an about face and heading in the direction of GOD's outstretched hands waiting for you to come to HIM. HE loves you so much. HE gave HIS most precious gift to see you forgiven and with HIM in Heaven. Come to HIM today. Believe that JESUS died and rose again on the third day for you and call upon HIM to save you.

If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, trusting HIM to save you, please 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.

". . .BEHOLD, now is the accepted time; BEHOLD, now is the day of salvation." No one is promised any more time than the moments that we are currently living in. Life can be very short, and eternity can happen in an instant. Don't wait ! Ask JESUS to save you today, tomorrow is not a sure thing !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD IS CALLING"

"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 verse is said to be the most famous verse in the Bible, and it reveals the heart of GOD.

It reveals that:

GOD is calling; HE loves each of us.

HE tells us in this verse that "GOD so loved the world. . ."

The world, in this verse, refers to every single person. . .that includes you.

The LORD wants you to experience the ". . .grace of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and the love of GOD" (2nd.Corinthians 13:14).

Each of us has great value.

HE loves you so much ". . .that HE gave HIS only begotten SON. . ."

GOD has revealed to us that life is extremely valuable. It is so valuable that HE sacrificed HIS own SON for you.

The Bible teaches us that ". . .all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD." (Romans 3:23).

The payment for our sin is eternal separation from GOD, but ". . .while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (Romans 5:8).

GOD showed how much HE loved us and how much value we have by sending HIS only SON to die in our place. 

GOD loves us and JESUS died for us on the cross. . .this is a great Truth. JESUS took our sin "and took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross" (Colossians 2:14).

Each of us has a purpose.

GOD tells us ". . .that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life."

The Bible tells us that ". . .HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:4).

JESUS rose from the grave on the third day so that you can have purpose and the promise of eternal life.

JESUS said that HE will ". . .go and prepare a place for you. . ." (John 14:3). The place that JESUS has been preparing for you is eternal life in Heaven. 

GOD keeps all of HIS promises "and this is the promise that HE hath promised us, even eternal life" (1st.John 2:25).

You can receive GOD's call and promise of eternal life. It is as easy as the ABC's:

Admit that you are a sinner. The Bible tells us that ". . .all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23).

Believe that JESUS both died and rose from the grave for you. ". . .while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Call upon the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST and be saved, "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).

Be willing to "Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved. . ." (Acts 16:31). You can be saved by placing your trust on the LORD JESUS.

Below is a simple prayer that you can pray, and the LORD has promised to save you:

LORD, I know I am a sinner. I believe that YOU died on the cross and rose for me. Come into my heart and save me from my sins. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

If you prayed that prayer, then you have just "passed from death unto life" (John 5:24). We are excited about your new life in CHRIST and would like to rejoice with you. Please feel free to contact us, or better yet, come and visit us !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Gulf

Coast

Baptist Church

312 SE 24th. Ave.

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-1000

Dr. Robert Butz, Pastor

"Every Visitor is an Honored Guest !"

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"Satan IS Real"

 

Ezekiel 28:11-19 "Moreover the WORD of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the King of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the Garden of GOD; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz,, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so; thou wast upon the holy mountain of GOD; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou was created, till iniquity was found in thee.

By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of GOD: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the Earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more."

     The Devil is the cunning, methodical enemy of the child of GOD (Genesis 3:1; Ephesians 6:11). Satan (the accuser) can transform himself in a variety of ways. He is able to present himself as "an angel of light" and his followers as "ministers of righteousness" (2nd.Corinthians 11:14-15 pictured above). Scripture, on one occasion, pictures him as a dragon with horns and a tail (Revelation 12:3-4) and, while not an indication of his actual appearance, this is a representation of his fierce nature and of the death struggle in which he is engaged with GOD's people. Surely, without question, Satan is real. Every reference by CHRIST to the Evil One is proof of his existence (Matthew 13:39; 25:41; Luke 10:18; John 12:31; 16:11). Furthermore, GOD draws aside the curtain of obscurity to provide a glimpse of this enemy who was once the "covering cherub" (v.16) but who now stands in direct opposition to GOD and HIS purpose. In Ezekiel 28, the change of address from the "prince of Tyrus" (vv.1-10 to the "King of Tyrus" (vv.11-19) draws our attention from the actual human ruler to the spirit who influenced the prince. Ephesians 6:12 clearly informs us that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Satan and his minions work with cunning craftiness to blind the minds of those who believe not; to seduce, if possible, even the very elect of GOD; to deceive the children of GOD; and to corrupt Christians from the simplicity that is in CHRIST (2nd.Corinthians 4:4 pictured below; 11:3; Mark 13:22). We must recognize our enemy and not be ignorant of his devices, lest he "should get an advantage of us" (2nd.Corinthians 2:11). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A Prayer & Plan for the New Year"

Psalm 119:33-40 "Teach me, O LORD, the way of THY statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep THY Law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of THY commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto THY testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken THOU me to THY way. Stablish THY WORD unto THY servant, who is devoted to THY fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for THY judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after THY precepts: quicken me in THY righteousness."

A Prayer

     Happy New Year ! As we begin another year, the verses in our above text contains a prayer that should be the desire of our heart each day. Do you want to be taught, controlled, energized, and strengthened by GOD this year ? If so, make these words a regular part of your communion with the LORD. In this passage we find. . .

     A Prayer to Be Taught by GOD (vv.33-34 pictured above) Notice the plea of the psalmist. "Teach me" and "give me understanding." A teachable heart is the beginning of a life that brings joy to the believer and glory to GOD. And, of course, the source of all true knowledge and understanding comes only from our CREATOR through HIS Holy WORD.

     A Prayer to Be Controlled by GOD (vv.35-37 pictured above) Again, take note of the words of the psalmist: "make me to go," "incline my heart," and "turn away mine eyes." We should earnestly desire to be controlled by no one or nothing other than the very ONE WHO knows what is genuinely best for us. When we allow ourselves to be controlled by our own flesh or by any other person or thing, then we will most assuredly find ourselves walking down a path that eventually leads to physical, emotional, and spiritual ruin.

     A Prayer to Be Energized and Strengthened by GOD (vv.38-40 pictured above) Once again, consider the words of the psalmist: "Stablish THY WORD," "Turn away my reproach," and "quicken me." Only GOD can establish us, make us alive, and transform us into the kind of people who shine as lights in a dark world. HE wants to use us, but we can only be of benefit to HIM when we are pure and yielded vessels. May the LORD teach you, control you, and strengthen you this year as you earnestly seek to be used by HIM.

1st.Timothy 4:6-9 "If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of JESUS CHRIST, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation."

A Plan

     As we have begun another year, we cannot expect to prosper in any area of life without a plan. If you want to lose weight, you must implement a plan and stick to it in order to meet your goal. If you want to save more money, you must plot a course of action and abide by your budget. Likewise in the spiritual realm, if you want to grow closer to GOD and be spiritually healthy, you must have a plan in place and be faithful in abiding by your plan. Our text provides a biblical three-step plan for spiritual health.

     FIRST, in order to be spiritually healthy, you need to eat the right things (v.6 pictured below). Of course, spiritual food is the subject of consideration here. We need to be "nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine." Timothy himself was to be consuming these things, and as an elder in the Ephesian church, he was to feed others the same. "Words of faith" and "good doctrine" entail the communication of GOD to man -- the Bible. It is impossible to be spiritually healthy without eating this food daily. One meal is not enough. We need to be continually reminded and taught these "words of faith" and "good doctrine." The Apostle Peter knew that man tends to be forgetful, so he reminded the church that the Holy Scriptures were written down for our perpetual instruction (2nd.Peter 12-21). How can we nourish ourselves on GOD's WORD regularly ? We need to spend time in the Bible both privately (personal devotions) as well as publicly (church attendance). Feast on the Scriptures and sit under the teaching of those who "feed the flock of GOD" (1st.Peter 5:2 pictured above) by "preaching the WORD" (2nd.Timothy 4:2 pictured above).

     If you desire to be spiritually healthy in the coming year, you must follow GOD's plan for spiritual health as found in the above Scripture text (1st.Timothy 4:6-9). As we have already noted, the first part of the plan entails eating the right things (v.6 pictured above) -- being nourished "in the words of faith and of good doctrine." Yet the second step is just as important:

     You need to avoid consuming the wrong things (v.7a pictured above). The Bible describes spiritual junk food as "profane and old wives fables." The Greek term underlying "fables" is mythos, and calling them "profane and oldwives fables" carries the idea of "fictional drivel." Today, many Christians are consuming the foolish and erroneous ideas, opinions, and philosophies of men. To be spiritually healthy means to "refuse" this junk food, to separate from it. The final step in order to be spiritually healthy is:

     You need to exercise regularly (v.7b-9 pictured above). Rather than filling your body with the wrong things ("fables"), you must "exercise" yourself unto godliness. This denotes maintaining your spiritual health (Paul is presenting a comparison here between the physical and the spiritual). To exercise yourself unto godliness entails making much of those things that are important to GOD (truth). It means you will act and think like CHRIST, having the right attitude (love). John Phillips wrote, "Godliness affects all areas of life. . . .Godliness is an adornment, regardless of one's age, social standing, or walk in life." Why should you exercise yourself unto godliness ? It is "profitable" (v.8) to you both now and later. The word "profitable" in our text means "useful." Nothing is more practical than a godly life right now, and, it will reap eternal rewards yet future. 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 Danger of and Cure for Double-Mindedness"

 

The Danger, James 1:1-8 "James, a servant of GOD and of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of GOD, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the LORD. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways."

     Our text gives important instruction regarding the believer's trials and testing's (vv.2-3), the need for patience while GOD is working in one's life (v.4), and the proper approach to prayer (vv.5-7). Sometimes our trials may seem too difficult; however, GOD knows exactly what we need and when we need it, for our good and HIS glory.

     These are indeed wonderful directives; however, many seem to overlook the final verse of this text (v.8 pictured above) despite the fact that it is a vitally important warning from the LORD about the danger of double-mindedness: "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." Instability has become a major problem in our society, causing many to seek after man's wisdom for the answers to their problems. This explains why psychology has become so popular and why countless individuals today spend millions of dollars and far too many hours on self-help books, motivational talks, and self-improvement seminars. The fact that the unsaved turn to futile sources for help is understandable, but the sad reality that believers likewise often make this same mistake is inexcusable.

     GOD's WORD has all the answers we need. The early church demonstrated exactly the opposite of double mindedness -- they worshiped, praised, and served the LORD with "singleness of heart" (Acts 2:46-47 pictured above). The biblical injunction for us today is that we demonstrate the same focused objective: "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of GOD" (1st.Corinthians 10:31 pictured above). Instability on the part of so many believers is a direct result of listening to and seeking to please men (including themselves) rather than GOD. Do not make this tragic mistake ! We need to faithfully serve the LORD with singleness of heart.

The Cure, James 4:1-8 "From whence come wars and fighting's among you ? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members ? Ye lust, and have not; ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with GOD ? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of GOD. Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vain, The SPIRIT that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy ? But HE giveth more grace. Wherefore HE saith, GOD resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to GOD. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to GOD, and HE will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."

     A sure cure is available for the double-mindedness that has left multitudes uncertain, unstable, confused, and desperate. A simple personal application of our text will produce wonderful and practical results, but unfortunately many are turning, instead, to so-called "Chistian Psychology" in which humanistic, godless psychology is mixed with biblical principles. The inevitable result of such an unholy amalgamation, however, is a more deceptive kind of double-mindedness because believers are usually unaware that they are embracing humanistic ideologies.

     Our text above sets forth both the cause and the cure for double-mindedness. The WORD of GOD forewarns that all of man's attempts to gratify his fleshly desires will be unsuccessful (vv.1-2) and that such misguided aspirations will result in unanswered prayer (v.3), which obviously robs the believer of the help that GOD alone can give. Our text above speaks of the dangerous consequences of worldliness (vv.4-5 pictured above), and yet, astoundingly, worldliness has infiltrated the churches and the hearts of believers today to an unprecedented degree, making them all the more double-minded and unstable.

     How can we as believers be protected or delivered from double-mindedness ? We must completely submit to the LORD and continuously resist whatever the Devil puts before us (v.7 pictured above). We must "draw nigh to GOD," "cleanse [our] hands," "purify [our] hearts" (v.8 pictured above), and wholly depend upon the LORD's sustaining grace that HE has promised to give to the humble saint (v.6). The Bible provides the only source of stability that the believer can trust in these tumultuous, deceptive days before CHRIST's return. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"The LORD Spake"

 

Exodus 6:10-13 "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Go in, speak unto Pharoah King of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharoah hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips ? And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharoah King of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt."

     The simple phrase "The LORD spake" is in the Scriptures 144 times, with most of those instances found in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. GOD spoke multiple times to Moses and eventually also to Joshua, Moses' successor. Those were direct communications from the LORD HIMSELF for the specific purpose of leading the children of Israel, and they have become a part of GOD's written record -- the Bible. But the LORD's speaking did not end there. As GOD raised up the prophets, they, too, were HIS spokesmen and communicated with the authority of "Thus saith the LORD" (Isaiah 44:6). Additionally, the writer of the book of Hebrews unequivocally proclaimed that not only had GOD in times past spoken by the prophets but also by HIS SON, the LORD JESUS CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1-2 pictured above). Clearly, GOD has a message that is of paramount importance to mankind, and HE has given it to us through these various means in order that we might know and rightly respond to HIM.

     Indeed, the Bible, in its entirety, is the result of divine inspiration, as noted by Paul: "All Scritpture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2nd.Timothy 3:16 pictured above). Peter, in his second epistle, records that holy men of GOD spoke as they were moved (borne along) by the HOLY SPIRIT; thus, what they wrote was and is the very WORD of GOD (2nd.Peter 1:21). If the LORD had not spoken to Moses, to the prophets, and through HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, then we would be left with no way of knowing WHO and WHAT GOD is. Oh, let us thank GOD for the revelation of HIMSELF through HIS WORDs so clearly spoken. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation