"The Drifting Series: Drift from What ?"

 

Hebrews 2:1-3 "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the WORD spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard HIM;"

     Yesterday we considered the exhortation to beware of the danger of spiritual drifting. This is a serious problem among professing Christians, so the author of Hebrews makes it clear that prioritizing GOD's truth and complying with it require intense attention and dedication. Notice the language that he uses: "give the more earnest heed" (v.1). The phrase "give. . .heed" in this text means "to attach oneself to; to adhere to"; it involves continual commitment to a cause or conviction. In other words, be spiritually alert and extremely sensitive to the subject ! And what is the subject ? It is truth - the WORD of GOD - the body of revealed doctrine given by JESUS.

     "The things which we have heard" are the truths revealed and spoken by JESUS CHRIST that we now have in HIS WORD. In the past, communication from the LORD often came through messengers of GOD, or "angels" (v.2). Everything GOD declared via angels or by HIS prophets was steadfast and sure and happened just as HE said. If those declarations were trustworthy, then how much more certain are the very WORDs we have from CHRIST HIMSELF (v.3) ! JESUS told HIS disciples that after HIS ascension HE would send the HOLY SPIRIT to guide them into all truth and they, in turn, would perfectly pen those WORDs to mankind, which is what we have in the Bible today (John 16:12-14). Verse three describes these "things which we have heard" as "so great salvation." Our "great salvation" is something we at times take for granted or even abuse when we drift away from the truth and neglect to grow spiritually (Hebrews 5:11-6:3). And, we will surely fail to mature if we forsake GOD's WORD and HIS church (Hebrews 10:23-25 pictured above). 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 Drifting Series: The Danger of Drifting"

 

Hebrews 2:1-3 "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the WORD spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard HIM;"

     The letter to the Hebrew Christians could not be a more perfect place to consider the dangers of spiritually drifting, for it was written to those who not only were beginning to abandon living a life empowered by GOD's grace but, even more importantly, they were straying from their fellowship with JESUS CHRIST. So, the author of Hebrews commences in just the fifteenth verse of his epistle to sound an important warning concerning the believer's natural tendency to drift. Today, we need to hear and heed this same admonition. Because we are still in the flesh, we all have an inclination to wander away from a proper relationship with our SAVIOR, and yet the very language used by the writer of Hebrews reveals that we have a moral imperative both to avoid this terrible tendency and to make much of GOD's truth and adhere to it.

     Notice the word "therefore" in verse one of our text - the author is about to say something that is the result of what he had just previously stated in chapter one, namely, the person and superiority of JESUS CHRIST, particularly HIS special revelation to mankind (Hebrews 1:1-2 pictured above). As we see in today's reading, this revelation of CHRIST ("the things which we have heard") is the basis of not only our salvation but also our Christian life. Therefore, "we ought to give the more earnest heed" to the WORD of GOD lest we drift. The author of Hebrews includes himself in this exhortation ("we"). Nobody is excluded or immune from drifting. The word "ought" (Hebrews 2:1 pictured above) is not denoting a suggestion but rather a command to obedience. The effort we must put forth in living out the Christian life is not optional based upon our feelings or emotions - it is a decree from the LORD. 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 SECOND COMING"

 

Where did everybody go ? What is happening ?

Why am I left here ? Is there any hope ?

These questions are some you might be asking if you

miss the first phase of the Second Coming of 

JESUS CHRIST to the Earth, called the Rapture !

WHAT IS THE RAPTURE ?

This is when JESUS CHRIST comes for HIS saints, those who have by faith completely trusted the eternity of their souls to HIS saving power with nothing else added. "For the LORD HIMSELF shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in CHRIST shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD." (1st.Thessalonians 4:16-17).

WILL YOU BE LEFT BEHIND ?

Those left behind will cry out for help and comfort. Questions will arise in every heart. Where did the "Christians" go ? One man, Satan's soul-incarnate, the antichrist, will have all the answers. "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause GOD shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2nd.Thessalonians 2:9-12).

THE GREAT TRIBULATION

Peace will reign for 3 1/2 years. Then, in this time called the Great Tribulation in Revelation 7:14, all of GOD's judgment will be meted out on this world as Satan's emissaries, the beast, the antichrist, and the false prophet wreak havoc on mankind.

Revelation 16 records seven great judgments poured out on a GOD-forsaking world and its Satanic leaders ! Petrifying painful sores, seas of dead men's blood, rivers filled with blood, and the stench of dying aquatic life will plague man and beast. The sun will scorch the flesh of blasphemous man, and then disappear into the blackness of full darkness, as men gnaw their tongues in pain. The Euphrates River is dried up, and GOD sends great earthquakes, tremendous thundering's and lightnings, and huge (nearly 100 lbs. a piece) hail stones that pound the remnant of Earth's inhabitants. "It is done," thunders from Heaven as GOD's wrath is satisfied.

THE SECOND COMING

Then the second phase of CHRIST's Second Coming transpires ! ". . .the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST with all HIS saints." (1st.Thessalonians 3:13b). HE comes and defeats the armies of the antichrist. The LORD JESUS will then reign for 1000 years on the throne of David in Jerusalem. You say, "I just cannot believe it, I have so many questions." Let's allow GOD's WORD to answer them for you. . . .

When will the Rapture take place ? SOON !

". . .for in such an hour as ye think not the SON of MAN cometh." (Matthew 24:44b). 

"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but MY FATHER only." (Matthew 24:36).

Will it affect me ? YES !

"Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left." (Matthew 24:40).

If you miss the Rapture, you will be left behind to go through the Great Tribulation. Then as a non-believer, you will end up in Hell for all eternity.

How can it be true ? JESUS SAID SO !

". . .I will come again, and receive you unto MYSELF; that where I AM, there ye may be also." (John 14:3b). JESUS CHRIST would not lie. HE promised to come again, and HE will for those who are ready - the truly born again/saved.

What should I do ? REPENT (Turn to GOD), BELIEVE, BE SAVED !

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out," (Acts 3:19a).

". . .Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:31b).

"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." (Romans 10:9-10,13).

"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).

Our time on Earth is so very short. GOD said, "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b). Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Receive JESUS as your personal SAVIOR today !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A Heavenly 401k"

 

Ephesians 1:1-14 "Paul, an Apostle of JESUS CHRIST by the will of GOD, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in CHRIST JESUS: grace be to you, and peace, from GOD our FATHER, and from the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in CHRIST: according as HE hath chosen us in HIM before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before HIM in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children of JESUS CHRIST to HIMSELF, according to the good pleasure of HIS will, to the praise of the glory of HIS grace, wherein HE hath made us accepted in the beloved.

In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace; wherein HE hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of HIS will, according to HIS good pleasure which HE hath purposed in HIMSELF: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times HE might gather together in one all things in CHRIST, both which are in Heaven, and which are on Earth; even in HIM: in WHOM also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of HIM WHO worketh all things after the counsel of HIS OWN will: that we should be to the praise of HIS glory, who first trusted in CHRIST. In WHOM ye also trusted, after that ye heard the WORD of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in WHOM also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that HOLY SPIRIT of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of HIS glory."

     Occasionally, as I do research on the internet, I cross paths with an advertisement that is worded something like this: "I have a retirement fund of X number of dollars - is that enough on with to comfortably retire ?" As we grow older, I suppose many of us begin to entertain thoughts along these lines, and obviously the Scriptures give direction as to the proper attitude toward and wise stewardship of our finances. Yet the LORD also warns us that, in the handling of this world's goods, we are to refrain from setting our love upon riches and, thereby, replacing GOD upon the throne of our heart by worshiping that which HE provides rather than WHO HE is.

     We must daily remember that life - real life - does not consist in what we have according to our financial balance sheet but, rather what we have as the "bottom line" in GOD's spiritual investments. The Bible reminds us that riches can take wing and fly away. The rich man of whom JESUS spoke wanted to tear down his barns, build bigger ones, and let his soul take its ease, but GOD called him a "fool" whose soul would be required of him that very night - he would die and leave it all behind (Luke 12:16-21).

     I am not suggesting that we should not plan for the financial well-being of ourselves and our loved ones while we live; rather, I challenge you to read Ephesians 1:1-14 again and claim, as a child of GOD, the spiritual blessings and riches that are yours right now in JESUS CHRIST. We are guaranteed a future inheritance of which the HOLY SPIRIT is GOD's down payment. Your investments in GOD's heavenly 401k will far outshine and outlast any earthly investment you could make, so spend your life with eternity in view. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"The Devil and the Gospel"

 

Luke 8:1-12 " And it came to pass afterward, that HE went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of GOD: and the twelve were with HIM, and certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto HIM of their substance. And when much people were gathered together, and were come to HIM out of every city, HE spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when HE had said these things, HE cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And HIS disciples asked HIM, saying, What might this parable be ? And HE said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of GOD; but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the WORD of GOD. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the Devil, and taketh away the WORD out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved."

     Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the Devil, and taketh away the WORD out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved" (v.12). The Devil especially does not want individuals to do two specific things - he does not want them to believe, and he does not want them to be saved. If you ask people what they must do to be saved, few will give the correct answer. They are blind to the true Gospel of CHRIST. Yet, Satan knows GOD's plan of salvation summarized in just four words: "Believe and be saved." The Devil does not mind if people are religious. Indeed, he uses religion to keep people in the dark. Most religious people on our planet have no idea about GOD's true Gospel. They may say the LORD's Prayer, recite the Golden Rule, or read the Sermon on the Mount, and yet they do not know the first thing about how to be saved/born again from above. Many seek to follow the sacraments, perform daily and weekly rituals, and utter repetitious prayers, but their spiritual leaders never present to them the true Gospel of grace based upon the finished work of JESUS CHRIST. How tragic this is !

     "But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of CHRIST, WHO is the image of GOD, should shine unto them" (2nd.Corinthians 4:3-4 pictured above). How wonderful it is to know that the LORD is infinitely greater than Satan, and HE, through the Gospel, can "open their eyes, and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto GOD, that they may receive forgiveness of sins" (Acts 26:18). May we faithfully share GOD's powerful Gospel that alone can save (Romans 1:16 pictured above) ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Joseph's Excellent Example"

 

Genesis 19:6-18 "And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favored. And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; there is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against GOD ? And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, that she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: and it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out. And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home. And she spake unto him, according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou has brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me: and it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out."

     For a young man, Joseph displayed remarkable spiritual discernment in the face of sexual temptation:

(1) GOD allowed this temptation. Joseph was doing nothing wrong. He was serving his master Potiphar exceptionally well, and because of Joseph, GOD was blessing Potiphar in every way. Yet, through no fault of Joseph's, the LORD allowed a wicked woman to entice him. In GOD's overall plan, Joseph had to go to prison and later be exalted. The LORD was involved in every detail of what we might call "unfortunate" events.

(2) Joseph said "NO," and he meant it ! He was a physically attractive man (v.6), and his master's wife set her eyes on him and made her move: "Lie with me" (v.7). Without any hesitation Joseph refused and strongly rejected her seductive invitation.

(3) Joseph had two reasons for declining her sinful offer. First, he had served Potiphar well and was unwilling to betray him (vv.8-9). Second, he greatly feared GOD: "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against GOD ?" (v.9). Sinning against his master would have been horrible enough, but sinning against GOD would be far worse ! How we today need to have Joseph's hatred of sin in a day when sexual enticements are everywhere !

(4) The temptation continued day after day. The wretched woman bombarded Joseph with repeated sexual advances. Note that he met each inducement with a strong refusal - not just to lie with her but even to be with her (v.10). He kept his distance since closeness could easily lead to sin.

(5) When she eventually forced herself on him, he ran ! He anticipated Paul's future command: "Flee also youthful lusts" (2nd.Timothy 2:22 pictured above). Dare to be a Joseph !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Pure Love Toward the Unlovable !"

 

Romans 12:9 "Let love be without dissimulation (hypocrisy). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."

     To express love "without dissimulation" is imperative in a culture that focuses on self-gratification, indulgence, licentiousness, and other selfish passions. It means we go against the grain of the trends in our day. In part, it entails what is required to be a "non-conformist" (Romans 12:2 pictured above), spiritually speaking. The word dissimulation means "hypocrisy." Therefore, the love we have toward others is to be honest, sincere, pure, and without ulterior or selfish motives. It is to be an affection that is genuine, not merely giving lip service or trying to make ourselves outwardly "look good." It is to be directed even to the ungodly, marking us as people who not only love the LORD but also HIS fallen creatures, despite the wicked and perverted sinfulness they often express. This does not mean we approve of their sin but that we show a concern demonstrating our desire for them to turn to GOD and away from their sin for salvation (or return to the LORD for sanctification). As believers, we are to love those who not only do not deserve our charity but also do not even desire it in the first place. We are to visibly display a sincere care for others, especially our fellow brothers and sisters in the LORD; the book of 1st.John makes this fact abundantly clear. True love is not merely words or an emotional feeling but, rather, an act of the will that manifests itself in tangible, meaningful ways.

     How can we demonstrate sincere, biblical love ? We do so by humbly, graciously, patiently, and faithfully proclaiming GOD's truth whenever we are given the opportunity - and we do this both in word and by deed. Showing love is part of what it means to "put . . . on the LORD JESUS CHRIST" (Romans 13:14 pictured above), the divine AUTHOR and CREATOR of love. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation