" Does Creation Speak ? "

 

This beautiful world speaks to us of a loving GOD WHO cares for HIS creation.

"For by HIM were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth. . .and by HIM all things consist" (Colossians 1:16-17).

What is clearly seen in creation are ". . .HIS eternal power and GODhead. . ." (Romans 1:20).  "The heavens declare. . .HIS handywork"(Psalm 19:1).

Yes, creation does speak. GOD holds the world together, and HIS creation trusts and depends upon HIM.

GOD's greatest creation is man because ". . .GOD created man in HIS OWN image. . ." (Genesis 1:27). And GOD gave man a free will to choose if he will trust his CREATOR.

Dear Friend, have you put your trust in GOD ?

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

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

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

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

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

Romans 6:23 says, "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 and rose from the dead.

The Bible tells us in Romans 5:8, "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.

CHRIST shed HIS blood on Calvary for you, because ". . .without shedding of blood is no remission [of sin]" (Hebrews 9:22). Then HE rose from the dead, and HE said to those who trust HIM, ". . .Because I live ye shall live also" (John 14:19).

FOURTH, trust GOD when HE says we must personally receive CHRIST as our SAVIOR.

Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." That "whosoever" means you. GOD allows you to choose whether or not you will trust HIM.

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 put his faith and trust in CHRIST alone, he will die lost and be separated from GOD forever.

Let us review for a moment.

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

* Do you believe that you are a sinner ? (Romans 3:23)

* Do you agree with the Bible that your sin debt must be paid ? (Romans 6:23)

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

* Do you see that you must call upon the LORD to save you ? (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, 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.

GOD's promise for you is everlasting life:

"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)

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)

JESUS said in John 5:24, "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."

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

GULF COAST BAPTIST CHURCH

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33990

(239) 574-1000

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"DOING the WILL of GOD from the HEART"

 

Ephesians 6:5-6 "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto CHRIST; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of CHRIST doing the will of GOD from the heart;"

     A marvelous thought is tucked away in the book of Ephesians wherein Paul is instructing servants in relation to their masters (think of employee/employer relationship today). The Apostle encourages them to fulfill their responsibilities to their master/employer "with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto CHRIST; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of CHRIST, doing the will of GOD from the heart." Pay particular attention to these words: "as unto CHRIST; not . . . as menpleasers; but as the servants of CHRIST." Notice how this obedience in these human relationships is closely related to our submission to the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

     The last three chapters of Ephesians contain instruction concerning the daily and practical application of the doctrinal truths revealed in the opening three chapters. Paul's subject matter is the walk and warfare of the child of GOD. In each relationship of life that he mentions -- whether husband and wife, parent and child, master and servant, spiritual warrior and invisible enemy -- the believer's walk and warfare are connected directly to his or her submission and obedience to CHRIST. Notice the indicators of that truth: "Wives, submit . . . as unto the LORD"; "Husbands, love your wives, even as CHRIST also loved the church"; "Children, obey your parents in the LORD"; "Father's . . . bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the LORD"; "My brethren, be strong in the LORD, and . . . put on the whole armor of GOD." The ability to submit, love, obey, nurture, and admonish to be strong and put on the battle armor is only possible as we are in submission to JESUS CHRIST and "doing the will of GOD from the heart" (v.6). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.  www.featoday.org   #armor  #heart  #battle   #submission

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Where Are You Going to Spend Eternity ?"

 

     Dear Soul, if you were to die right now, do you know whether you would go to Heaven or to a Devil's Hell, for all eternity ? The bible, the WORD Of GOD, says that you can know.

     My Friend, I am asking you the most important question of your entire life. Your answer will determine where you will spend eternity ! The question is: Are you saved ? The question is not if you are a member of a church, but are you saved ? It is not if you are leading a good life, but are you saved ? It is not if you are working on it or hoping to be, but are you saved ? The Bibe says: "...we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

     To be saved, you first must admit that you are a sinner. "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:...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). Friend, your sins have made you fall short of GOD's glory, and you are unable to meet HIS requirements for getting into Heaven.

     Secondly, you need to realize that SOMEONE loved you and died for you. JESUS CHRIST died on a cross to pay for your sins and to give you an opportunity to go to Heaven. "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8). When JESUS died on the cross, HIS blood paid the penalty for your sins. "In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" (Colossians 1:14).

     Realize that you cannot do anything to earn or help earn your way to Heaven. JESUS already completely paid for it when HE died on the cross. Just before HE died HE said, "...It is finished:" (John 19:30). HE now wants to give you a home in Heaven. "...the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23)

     You must realize that when JESUS saves you, it is forever. JESUS did not stay dead. HE arose from the grave and is now alive in Heaven interceding for those who have trusted in HIM. "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and where in 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) "Wherefore HE is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing HE ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25)

     By repentance and faith, receive JESUS CHRIST. JESUS died to give the gift of eternal life to everyone. However, like all other gifts, this one is of no value unless you receive it for yourself. "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). Faith is a complete trust and repentance is a turning to GOD from your sin.

     The Bible says you are "saved through faith" without needing to add anything else. "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 only faith that saves is complete faith in JESUS CHRIST. "...Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved,..." (Acts 16:31). Anything that you try to add to faith, such as water baptism, church membership, good works, is a "works based" salvation; which is no salvation at all. "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law." (Romans 3:28)

     Dear Soul, if you're willing to stop trying to get to Heaven your way, and completely trust JESUS CHRIST, then you can be saved right now ! It's now up to you ! Just bow your head and pray a simple prayer of faith similar to this one:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me. Come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

     The Bible says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved . . . For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9,13) If you have chosen not to admit your guilt and to trust JESUS CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR, please read what the Bible says, "...he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten SON Of GOD." (John 3:18b) and "And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:15). Please don't reject the Gospel ! Trust CHRIST today !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

#JESUS   #eternity   #salvation   #Gospel   #Heaven   #Hell

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

" Heaven or Hell, Which for You ? "

 

ARE YOU GOING TO HEAVEN

OR HELL ?

Many seemingly good people are going to Hell, because "...all have sinned..." Romans 3:23

"For there is not a just man upon Earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not." Ecclesiastes 7:20

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF SIN ?

"...the soul that sinneth, it shall die." Ezekiel 18:4

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

WHAT IF YOU ARE NOT SAVED

WHEN YOU DIE ?

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Hebrews 9:27

"And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." Revelation 20:15

WOULD GOD SAVE A SINNER LIKE YOU ?

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

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

JESUS said, "...him that cometh to ME I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW HOW 

TO BE SAVED ?

FIRST, you must realize there is nothing you can do to make yourself worthy of Heaven. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us..." Titus 3:5a

THEN YOU MUST . . . 

Repent: "...GOD...now commandeth all men every where to repent:" Acts 17:30 Repentance is a turning to GOD from your sin.

Believe: "...that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day..." 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

Receive: "But as many as received HIM (JESUS), to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name:" John 1:12

IS ALL THIS FREE ?

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: NOT of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

JESUS CHRIST AWAITS YOUR 

CHOICE.

The way to be saved is so simple! Yet many refuse to be saved. They will not accept JESUS CHRIST as their personal LORD and SAVIOR, and HIM alone, for salvation from sin and its penalty. They do not believe that the LORD JESUS is powerful enough to save them all by HIMSELF. DO You ?

"He that believeth on the SON hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him." John 3:36

Will you admit you are a sinner ? Do you want to be forgiven ? Right now, where you are, pray to GOD, asking JESUS CHRIST to save you:

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.

"Wherefore HE is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM seeing HE ever liveth and make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25

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

Don't put it off till tomorrow. You are not promised more than the time that you have at this moment. 

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie       #JESUS   #Heaven   #Hell   #Sin

"A Soldier's Endurance"

 

2nd.Timothy 2:1-4 "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 men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please HIM WHO hath chosen him to be a soldier."

     While all believers face various trials in life, many who live in the West seldom encounter the persecution for the faith that their brothers and sisters in CHRIST in other areas of the world must frequently endure. Being a Christian carries a high price where no freedom to do so exists, and it requires determination and courage to be faithful to JESUS CHRIST. While we in the United States of America still possess many of our religious and political freedoms given at the founding of this nation, that may soon change as we witness our society's rapid shift into a humanistic culture that rejects the GOD of the Bible. In comparison to many brethren around the world who live in countries where even being a believer comes at a tremendous cost, we still have an abundance of liberty; however, we are clearly losing those rights as time goes by.

     When we observe the persecuted believer's bravery and commitment to CHRIST in the face of mortal danger for simply being a Christian, we are reminded of what it means to be "a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST" (v.3 pictured at top of post). These oppressed saints regard allegiance to GOD as their life's priority. HE has enlisted them in HIS service, and they are ready and willing to follow HIS orders. JESUS' clear call to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20 pictured above) has come with a high price tag throughout church history, and obedience to this command continues to be costly in many nations today. Both in the past and in the present, we find those who were and are examples of ones who faithfully endure as good soldiers. They demonstrate what this entails by remaining steadfast at their post, following CHRIST's command to pass on the faith to the next generation (v.2)

     Paul uses an important illustration to communicate the necessity of remaining faithful in the Christian life. In our text, Timothy is to "endure hardness, as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST" (v.3 pictured at top of post). The English words "endure hardness" are translated from a Greek compound word that conveys serving while suffering distress. Often, life is not easy for believers in CHRIST. Living a godly Christian life is not for the weak or faint of heart, we face a powerful foe who seeks to destroy us by sending trials resulting from our faith in CHRIST. Yet, we must continue to fight the good fight (2nd.TImothy 4:7 pictured above).

     To "endure" (v.3 pictured at top of post) is more than simply "to put up with" or "tolerate affliction." The implication is that, just as a soldier trains for his duties, believers likewise should be suited for the conflicts of life in "this present evil world" (Galatians 1:4 pictured above). We must be ready for the battles that come our way. Paul reminds Timothy, and us today, that when a person has believed on CHRIST for salvation, he will encounter a relentless enemy (Satan) who has resources at his disposal -- the world and the flesh -- that he unceasingly utilizes in his effort to thwart progress and spiritual growth in the Christian's life.

     A soldier's life, especially in the midst of combat, is not easy. He often is deprived of the basic comforts of life. For those who choose to make the world their priority, life can be "easy street" as it offers them much in the way of pleasure and indulgence. For the LORD's soldiers, however, these temporary attractions are but "for a season," and the "reproach of CHRIST [is] greater riches" (Hebrews 11:25-26). May we "be strong in the LORD" and fit ourselves for the battle with the armor of GOD (Ephesians 6:11-17 pictured above).

     Notice from our text the Christian soldier's positive value to his COMMANDER. The apostle Paul exhorts Timothy to "endure hardness as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST" (v.3 pictured at top of post). How, then, does one qualify to be described as a "good soldier" ? This requires the believer to be faithful, loyal, and obedient to the COMMANDER, and he does so in order to "please HIM WHO hath chosen him to be a soldier" (v.4). The child of GOD has been selected for service by the Great COMMANDER, "JESUS CHRIST" (v.3) !

     A good soldier must put off "the affairs of this life" (v.4). Interestingly, the Greek word that Paul uses for "affairs" also gives us the English word "pragmatic." The idea seems to be that ordinary, run-of-the-mill things that "civilians" take for granted, such as the comforts of home or the entertainments of society, are unnecessary or unavailable for those who are engaged in battle. Thus, the faithful Christian soldier is willing to forgo this world's pleasures so that he "may please HIM," his COMMANDER JESUS CHRIST.

The Soldiers that the Apostle Paul was chained to.

     As far as we know, Paul never served in the army, and yet he understood much concerning what it takes to be a good soldier. How ? As a prisoner of Rome, he was continually chained to various soldiers, and no doubt he would have observed their routines as well as engaged them in conversation. He readily could see the importance of the soldiers' discipline, endurance, and faithful duty. In the Christian life, how is your service in the LORD's army ? Do you find yourself entangled with matters pertaining to the comforts of this present world ? Or, have you determined that, in even the basic issues of life, you will do what is pleasing to your COMMANDER and LORD ? GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org   #soldier #Christian #JESUS

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

" THE SHOCKING TRUTH ! "

 

The shocking truth is that JESUS CHRIST will not save you. That's right ! JESUS CHRIST will not save you, unless you realize the following facts:

1.) You are separated from GOD. "But your iniquities have separated between you and your GOD, and your sins have hid HIS face from you, that HE will not hear;" (Isaiah 59:2). "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23).

2.) You are condemned by GOD at this moment. ". . .he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." (John 3:18b). "Now we know that what things soever the Law saith, it saith to them who are under the Law (you): that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before GOD." (Romans 3:19).

3.) Your punishment is certain. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27). "The wicked shall be turned into Hell. . ." (Psalm 9:17a). ". . .be sure your sin will find you out." (Numbers 32:23). "For the wages of sin is death;" (Romans 6:23a).

HOWEVER. . .

1.) JESUS CHRIST died for you. "But GOD commendeth (sent forth) HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8). "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).

2.) JESUS CHRIST is the only way. "JESUS saith unto him, I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by me." (John 14:6) "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven give among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12).

3.) JESUS CHRIST saves without help. "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) "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)

Now that you have the truth, the decision is yours ! Will you repent ? Repentance means that you've decided to turn to GOD from your sin. "The LORD is...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2nd.Peter 3:9) "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out," (Acts 3:19a)

Will you trust JESUS CHRIST to save you ? Romans 10:9-10,13 states, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." JESUS CHRIST did everything that was needed to be done to pay for your sins and take you to Heaven. That is the reason JESUS CHRIST came to Earth, and that is why HE is called the SAVIOR. You cannot help save yourself by water baptism, church membership or attendance, sacraments, giving money, doing good works, or trying to lead a good life. In order to be saved (born again), you must completely trust JESUS CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR, and HIS power to save you.

Can you afford to wait ? The Bible says, "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation. . ." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b). "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." (Proverbs 27:1) Dear Soul, the most important decision that you will make in this life will be to trust or to reject JESUS CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR. Don't take a chance ! Call on GOD now ! You might not be alive tomorrow !

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.

JESUS said, "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." (John 5:24) Trust JESUS today, tomorrow may be too late !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie  

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

" Gain or Loss ? "

 

Philippians 3:4-9 " Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the Law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the Law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for CHRIST. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS my LORD: for WHOM I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win CHRIST, and be found in HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of CHRIST, the righteousness which is of GOD by faith:"

     What do you hope to gain in this life ? What truly captivates your full attention ? Some people might quickly respond with answers like riches, power, or prestige. But what, exactly, does it mean to gain ? The word itself is defined as "to get (something desired), especially as a result of one's own effort." Far too often that desire is fueled by greed and leads to mischief and harm to others (Proverbs 1:19 pictured above) and even trouble to one's own house (Proverbs 15:27 pictured below). JESUS asked the probing question: "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ?" (Matthew 16:26 pictured at top of post). To lose one's soul, even for a King's ransom, is not a profitable exchange; and yet, the ungodly continue to seek after temporary gain and vain fortune. Again, the LORD JESUS reminds us, "How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of GOD !" (Mark 10:24)

     The Apostle Paul spoke of what he trusted in before his salvation: his circumcision, his Jewish heritage, his life as a Pharisee, his zeal in persecuting the church, his self-righteousness pertaining to his outward obedience to the Law (vv.4-6). Those things were gain to him in his unsaved state, but after putting his trust in CHRIST alone, he said, "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for CHRIST. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS . . . and [to] be found in HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of [in] CHRIST, the righteousness which is of GOD by faith" (vv.7-9). That is a most worthy exchange. Has this been your gain as it was Paul's ? JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org     #greed

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation