"A Wonderful Analogy: The Two Creations"

2nd.Corinthians 4:1-11 "Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the WORD of GOD deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of GOD. 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. For we preach not ourselves, but CHRIST JESUS the LORD; and ourselves your servants for JESUS' sake. For GOD, WHO commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of GOD, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the LORD JESUS, that the life also of JESUS might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for JESUS's sake, that the life also of JESUS might be made manifest in our mortal flesh."

     "For GOD, WHO commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST" (v.6). Paul, in this verse, draws a beautiful analogy comparing our new creation in CHRIST (2nd.Corinthians 5:17 pictured above) to GOD's creation of our world. Both we and the world originally existed in darkness. As for the Earth, "darkness was upon the face of the deep" (Genesis 1:2). As for us, our former condition was one of darkness. As for us, our former condition was one of darkness (Ephesians 5:8), "having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of GOD" (Ephesians 4:18). On the first day of the creation of the world GOD gave the command, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3), and out of the darkness came a brilliant light. In the new creation, GOD has shined spiritual light in the hearts of believers where formerly there was only darkness. May we never cease to show forth the praises and the excellencies of the ONE WHO has called us "out of darkness into HIS marvelous light" (1st.Peter2:9).

     John Darby aptly stated that the LORD "has shone in our hearts for the shining forth of the knowledge of the glory of GOD in [the] face of [JESUS] CHRIST." This signifies that we are to shine forth this light to others: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your FATHER which is in Heaven" (Matthew 5:16). In the physical realm, the sun is the light of our world today; spiritually speaking, the SON, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, is the LIGHT of the World, making it possible for us to walk in the light as HE is in the light (John 8:12 pictured above; 1st.John 1:7). Let there be light as we shine forth the glorious light of the LORD to those who desperately need to know HIM ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"Confident of This Very Thing"

 

Philippians 1:3-7 "I thank my GOD upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that HE which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of JESUS CHRIST: even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace."

     The believer has many things about which he can be "always confident" (2nd.Corinthians 5:6 pictured at top of post). Yesterday's text emphasized the LORD's promised provision for the replacement of our earthly body with a heavenly, perfect, eternal body (2nd.Corinthians 5:1-8). Today, our text speaks to the wonderful truth that every believer can be absolutely certain of eternal salvation. The simple reason for this is that the LORD never starts a work HE cannot or will not finish: "HE which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of JESUS CHRIST" (v.6 pictured below). Paul could pray with certainty that the fellowship he so enjoyed with the Philippian believers at a distance would continue under GOD's hand of blessing (vv.3-5); he was completely confident that CHRIST would keep them secure in HIM to the very end -- until that day when they would be glorified at HIS appearing.

     Our eternal salvation depends entirely upon GOD's work, not our own. Galatians 3:1-3, pictured above, refutes the erroneous belief that one is saved by grace but kept saved by works -- this produces fear rather than confidence. And, without certainty in the continuing work of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT "until the day of JESUS CHRIST" (V.6), every incident of human failure gives Satan an opportunity to fill that person with doubt as to his redemption. This apprehension and unease that the Devil delights to impress upon us is a terrible enemy of the soul. The confidence that the LORD wants all of HIS children to have concerning the eternal security of their salvation does not beget indolence or carelessness, but rather it produces fidelity to the WORD of GOD as well as gratefulness to the SAVIOR for the fact that HIS keeping power is as great as HIS saving power. 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 Anatomy of the MESSIAH"

Our MESSIAH must go through many physical sufferings before HE can be the atonement for our souls. What factual questions need to be asked about our MESSIAH ? To explore these questions and find the truth is no shame, for GOD HIMSELF has put forth HIS truth so we would not be misled in any way. That is why we have the Bible, the Book of GOD's truth.

* What must the MESSIAH do for us to know that HE is the MESSIAH ? 

HE must suffer for our sins as the prophet Isaiah foretold in the Bible:

"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."  The Book of Isaiah 53:5

* Does the Bible tell us where on HIS body HE will be wounded ?

HIS hands and feet were pierced:

"And one shall say to HIM, What are these wounds in thine hands ? Then HE shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of MY friends." The Book of Zechariah 13:6

"For dogs have compassed ME: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed ME: they pierced MY hands and MY feet." The Book of Psalms 22:16

HIS back and face will be smitten:

"I gave MY back to the smiters, and MY cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not MY face from shame and spitting." The Book of Isaiah 50:6

"Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: HE hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the JUDGE of Israel with a rod upon the cheek."  Micah 5:1

Not one bone in HIS body shall be broken:

"HE keepeth all HIS bones: not one of them is broken" The Book of Psalms 34:20

* In Bible prophecy the MESSIAH is beaten so badly, that HIS appearance is disfigured more than any man !

"As many were astonied of THEE; HIS visage was so marred more than any man, and HIS form more than the sons of men:" The Book of Isaiah 52:14

* What else must the MESSIAH endure to fulfill Bible prophecy ?

The Bible teaches that GOD will give HIM to be the flawless and perfect sacrifice for our sins:

"HE was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare HIS generation ? for HE was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of MY people was HE stricken. And HE made HIS grave with the wicked; and with the rich in HIS death; because HE had done no violence, neither was any deceit in HIS mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise HIM; HE hath put HIM to grief: when THOU shalt make HIS soul an offering for sins, HE shall see HIS seed, HE shall prolong HIS days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in HIS hand." The Book of Isaiah 53:8-10

"Therefore will I divide HIM a portion with the great, and HE shall divide the spoil with the strong: because HE hath poured out HIS soul unto death: and HE was numbered with the transgressors; and HE bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." The Book of Isaiah 53:12

HE will be resurrected after 3 days:

"After two days will HE revive us: in the third day HE will raise us up, and we shall live in HIS sight." The Book of Hosea 6:2

* Has there ever in history been a man that has fulfilled all these requirements ? Yes, there was such a MAN - HE fulfilled each and every MESSIANIC prophecy.

HIS hands and feet were pierced:

"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified HIM, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left." The Book of Luke 23:33

HIS back and face were smitten:

"Then Pilate therefore took JESUS, and scourged HIM." The Book of John 19:1

"And they smote HIM on the head with a reed, and did spit upon HIM, and bowing their knees worshiped HIM." The Book of Mark 15:19

"And the men that held JESUS mocked HIM, and smote HIM. And when they had blindfolded HIM, they struck HIM on the face, and asked HIM, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee ?" The Book of Luke 22:63-64

Not one bone in HIS body was broken:

"But when they came to JESUS, and saw that HE was dead already, they brake not HIS legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced HIS side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. . .For these things were done, that the Scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of HIM shall not be broken." The Book of John 19:33-34,36

MESSIAH rose 3 days after HIS crucifixion:

"And that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" The Book of 1st.Corinthians 15:4

Many messiahs have come and gone, but only the true MESSIAH has come, has died, and been raised from the dead.

* What must I do to receive the promises of the MESSIAH ?

"For the Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by JESUS CHRIST." The Book of John 1:17

"And by HIM all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses." The Book of Acts 13:39

"Repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the LORD." The Book of Acts 3:19

"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." The Book of Romans 10:9

Repent and pray - ask the MESSIAH, the LORD JESUS CHRIST into your heart, and you will be given eternal life !

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. . ." The Book of John 10:28 Everlasting life is ours when we receive the MESSIAH, JESUS CHRIST, as our personal SAVIOR.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"The Father of LIES"

 

John 8:44 "Ye are of your father the Devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."

     Verity characterizes the triune GODhead (John 14:6; 15:26; Jeremiah 10:10), and the very WORDs that flow from GOD are designated as "truth" (John 17:17). The ultimate enemy of GOD is the complete opposite of truth. Satan "is a liar" (v.44); in a word, he is the antithesis -- the exact counterpart -- of the truth. Have you ever noticed how much time the Apostle John spends in his writings emphasizing and encouraging believers to distinguish truth from error/lies ? In today's text, the LORD JESUS identified Satan as the "father" of lies. When he speaks, deceit pours forth because his communication is grounded in falsehood. He refuses to dwell in the truth and does not allow it to influence him in any way.

     The Devil is very real, not some mythological or imaginary character made up to scare us. He is the enemy of our LORD and of our soul. When questions arise that cast doubt upon the truth, especially concerning GOD and HIS WORD, then we can be sure that it is none other than Satan who is behind them. He is adept at lies and deceit and at fooling people into following him in his rebellion against the truth. He has had thousands and thousands of years of experience and knows what it takes to deceive both saved and unsaved people alike. Thankfully, those who have been saved/born again, have the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT WHO is greater than the one who dominates, manipulates, and controls this present world (1st.John 4:4) Our plan of battle, however, is not to try to take on Satan in combat. The Bible never commands us to personally perform exorcisms or attempt to "bind" the Devil -- as if we even could ! Rather, we are to arm ourselves with spiritual weapons (2nd.Corinthians 10:4-5 pictured above; Ephesians 6:14-18 pictured above). We are to "resist" the enemy" steadfast in the faith" (1st.Peter 5:9) and pray (Ephesians 6:18 pictured above). GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The TRUTH Questioned"

 

Genesis 3:4 "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:"

     Despite what many today think, truth matters because it is the fundamental moral category in creation. The depravity in our world resulted from a lie that our first parents heard and believed (v.4). Initially, the serpent raised an uncertainty as to whether or not GOD had spoken what HE did (v.1 cf. Genesis 2:17 pictured above) and if HE actually meant what HE said. Nothing is wrong with asking questions, but when the inquiries are framed to cast doubt or aspersion on the truthfulness of GOD's WORD, we know such people are actually rebels at heart. The serpent sought to cause Adam, through Eve, to distrust the truth of GOD's communication. He posed his query in such a way as to suggest that GOD might not truly be good and that HE may actually be unfair because HE was keeping them from partaking of this fruit they so richly deserved and needed. This was a complete, though subtle, assault on GOD's WORD; not only did the serpent cast doubt on the truth, but he essentially accused GOD HIMSELF of being a deceiver !

     The devious posing of the question "Yea, hath GOD said. . .?" (v.1) led to Satan's bold lie: "Ye shall not surely die" (v.4). Tragically, Eve listened to the lie, and both she and Adam succumbed, plunging this world into the chaos, decay, and corruption (physical, ethical/moral, and spiritual) that we see all around us today. Do not be deceived by authors, scholars, or preachers who raise questions about the content and commands of Scripture or by those in the world who disbelieve the truthfulness of GOD's WORD. This problem has existed since the beginning of human history and will continue until the LORD calls us home. The WORD of GOD is Truth (John 17:17 pictured above). Trust it fully ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Absolute TRUTH"

 

John 8:32 "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Truth -- that which is real -- is under incredible assault today. Our postmodern culture and even many within the professing church do not believe absolute truth is knowable or even that it exists. Yet Scripture is clear on this matter. Not only can we discern the truth, but it is something that GOD expects us to understand. Our eternal destiny depends upon the ability to know with certainty what the Scriptures declare.

Biblical Truth is "That which is sure, reliable, firm, stable, lasting, perpetual, faithful; probity, uprightness, and integrity"; additionally, it is "dependability, upright in thought and deed." In other words, it is whatever conforms to GOD's nature, person, and WORD. Authentic Christianity, taught by JESUS HIMSELF, is fact (John 16:12-15; Ephesians 4:21).

     Truth is reality -- as opposed to merely being a deceptive appearance of reality. When we share the message about the person and work of JESUS CHRIST, we must not hide it behind "flattering words" or a "cloak" (1st.Thessalonians 2:5). As we witness to the lost, we must take care not to deceive people or attempt to impress them with pseudo-intellectual insights. We have important, consequential truths to clearly and boldly declare: ALL are sinners (Romans 3:23) who will one day die and subsequently face the Righteous JUDGE (Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:27); after death, man has no second chance to be saved from sin's price. Only one way of deliverance exists from the penalty, power, and ultimately the very presence of sin: Man must put his complete faith in JESUS CHRIST -- HIS substitutionary death on the cross and HIS resurrection from the grave -- for the forgiveness of sin. No other way to GOD is possible, and that is "the truth" (John 14:6 pictured above). GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Some Might Believe"

 

John 9:8-16 "The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged ? Some said, This is he; others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened ? He answered and said, A MAN that is called JESUS made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

Then said they unto him, Where is HE ? He said I know not. They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. And it was the Sabbath day when JESUS made the clay, and opened his eyes. Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, HE put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This MAN is not of GOD, because HE keepeth not the Sabbath day. Others said, How can a MAN that is a sinner do such miracles ? And there was a division among them."

     John chapter nine describes the account of a man blind from birth who experienced two miracles in a short period of time. First, JESUS healed his physical blindness (v.7); then, JESUS healed his spiritual blindness (vv.35-38). Despite much persecution, this man steadfastly maintained his testimony concerning what JESUS CHRIST had done for him. We, too, must remain firm in our declaration of the Gospel because JESUS, indeed, has worked a miracle in our life and because others will attempt to question or discredit our message. But we also must stay fixed and consistent in our witness to others because perhaps some might believe and be saved as a result of our testimony. GOD calls on us to be ambassadors for CHRIST and stewards of the Gospel message. We must never hide this good news or feel as though no one will listen to us.

     Perhaps the blind man's testimony planted a seed in the hearts of his friends who questioned him (v.12 verse on the picture at top of post); we do not know for sure. Yet we do know that the Pharisees were divided (v.16). Some believed while others refused to heed the evidence and chose, instead, to reject the man's testimony. But the LORD promises that HIS WORD will not return unto HIM void (Isaiah 55:11 pictured above). We are simply responsible to plant the seed. Some will believe. Others will not. And still others will believe at a later time when someone else waters the seed we have planted (1st.Corinthians 3:6-9 pictured above). The key is this: We must staunchly and accurately continue to proclaim GOD's WORD to mankind. Do not keep quiet. Do not change the message. Do not validate false doctrine that is taught by another. Follow the model of this once-blind man. Steadfastly and straightforwardly tell it like it is ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Guarding the Sheep"

 

Psalm 23:1-6 " The LORD is my SHEPHERD; I shall not want. HE maketh me to lie down in green pastures: HE leadeth me beside the still waters. HE restoreth my soul: HE leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for HIS name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for THOU art with me; THY rod and THY staff they comfort me. THOU preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: THOU anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."

     "THOU preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:" (v.5 pictured below) As the Bible student examines this familiar verse, some questions arise:

(1) What did this table look like ?

(2) Is there only one sheep associated with this table ?

(3) Why would the SHEPHERD care for only one sheep ?

(4) Who is the enemy of this one sheep ?

Dr. Robert Boyd asked these questions of Israeli shepherds, and he shared his interesting findings in a small book titled The Testimony of the Sheep.

     When a sheep becomes sick or is wounded in some way, perhaps suffering from a broken bone, the healthy sheep will torment the disabled one, including eating the grass around it in an effort to starve the injured creature. The other sheep are the enemy. In response, however, the shepherd will prepare a "table" for the debilitated sheep. He carries it to a certain location in the field where he then pushes his rod into the ground on one side of the sheep and his staff into the ground on the opposite side. The shepherd puts his coat on the third side, and he himself will lay down on the fourth side. The flock knows better than to step on this "table" in order to harass the enfeebled animal, for the shepherd will chasten any malice-minded sheep in the blink of an eye.

     In like manner, our loving LORD will protect HIS child, even from HIS other children. At the same time, all of us "sheep" must do our part never to become the enemy but to support one another. Our SHEPHERD commands us to take care of the other saints by strengthening the down-trodden (Hebrews 12:12 pictured above), supporting the weak, comforting the feeble-minded, warning the unruly, and being patient toward all men (1st.Thessalonians 5:14 pictured above). KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"HOPE for the Wayward"

 

Psalm 32:1-11 "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night THY hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto THEE, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and THOU forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. 

For this shall every one that is godly pray unto THEE in a time when THOU mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. THOU art my hiding place; THOU shalt preserve me from trouble; THOU shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto Thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart."

     Perhaps we have recognized ourselves as the "fool" described so often throughout the WORD of GOD, superficially giving the impression that we want to know and do the will of GOD but inwardly admitting that we have certain areas in our life where this is simply not the case. We therefore have to confess that, at times, we are guilty of being "hearers" but not "doers of the WORD" (James 1:22 pictured above). Can one find hope for such an unhappy condition ? This blessed Psalm answers with a resounding "YES" !

     First, we must acknowledge before the LORD that a rebellious spirit is, indeed, sin (vv.5-6 cf. 1st.John 1:6-10 pictured above). Remember, sin is anything that keeps us from perfect conformity to the will of GOD. Whether we refuse to do what we know GOD wants us to do or whether we do what HE does not want us to do, we are committing sin and hindering our walk and fellowship with HIM. "Blessed," or happy, is the one who deals with sin GOD's way (vv.1-2). SPIRIT-wrought repentance is sin's only remedy (vv.3-5).

     Second, we must yield to the leading of the LORD (vv.8-10). Rather than mule-like obstinacy, we should allow the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT to create a humble and genuine spirit within us in which "there is no guile" (v.2b), where hypocrisy and obstinate willfulness have no place. Our attitude is just as important to the LORD as our actions. If our heart is not right, then our works, no matter what we do, will not please our MASTER. Only GOD's power and grace can accomplish the blessings of confidence and joy within the believer who is walking in proper fellowship with HIS LORD (vv.7,11). Are we willing to take the necessary steps to secure these blessings as our own ? DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"One WORD"

 

Ephesians 2:1-9 " And you hath HE quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But GOD, WHO is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with CHRIST, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS: that in the ages to come HE might show the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us through CHRIST JESUS. 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."

     In studying the Scriptures, it is always a delight to come across seemingly insignificant words that ultimately change the course of the narrative and add a whole new layer of meaning to the passage. A simple word like "But" ought to capture our attention as we read GOD's WORD. One key passage of Scripture -- Ephesians 2:1-6 -- quickly comes to mind because it highlights the importance of this little word.

     Ephesians 2 begins with Paul's description of the spiritual condition of the believers at Ephesus before they were saved: dead in trespasses and sins, walking according to the present age and to the prince of the power of the air (the spirit working in the children of disobedience), with their manner of life in the lust of their old nature, who were by nature the children of wrath just like those around them. Please notice, however, that all of this changed at verse four with these WORDs: "But GOD. . ." Our redemption from sin hangs on the word "but." The Apostle Paul explains: "But GOD, WHO is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with CHRIST, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS: that in the ages to come HE might show the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us through CHRIST JESUS. 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" (vv.4-9). Think of it: from death to life, from a walk of wickedness to a life of holiness. What looked so desperately dark is now suffused with glorious light -- in CHRIST ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A Search for ATONING BLOOD"

 

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and

I have given it to you upon the altar to

make an atonement for your souls: for it is

the blood that maketh an atonement for

the soul."  Leviticus 17:11

One spring evening many years ago, and old Jewish gentleman gave the following personal account to a meeting of fellow Hebrews.

"This is Passover week among you, my Jewish brethren, and as I sit here I was thinking how you will be observing it. You will have to put away all leaven from your houses; you will eat the Matzoth (unleavened bread) and the roasted Lamb. You will attend the synagogue and carry out the ritual and direction of the Talmud; but you forget, my brethren, that you have done everything, but that which JEHOVAH required first of all.

HE did not say, 'When I see the leaven put away,' or 'When I see you eat the Matzoth, or the Lamb, or go to the synagogue,' but HIS WORD was, 'When I see the blood, I will pass over you.' Ah ! My brethren, you cannot substitute anything for this. You must have blood - blood - blood."

     As he reiterated this word with ever increasing emphasis, his black eyes flashed warningly, and his Jewish hearers trembled before him. Blood ! It is an awful word for one who reveres the ancient oracles and yet has no sacrifice. Turn where he will in the Book, the blood meets him; but let him seek where he may, he cannot find it in the Judaism of the present.

     After a moment's pause, the old man went on somewhat as follows: "I was born in Israel, nearly seventy years ago. As a child I was taught to read the Law, the Psalms, and the Prophets. I attended the synagogue and learned what I was told, that our's was the true and only religion. As I grew older and studied the Law more intently, I was struck by the place the blood had in all the ceremonies outlined there, and I was equally struck by its utter absence in the rituals in which I was brought up. Again and again, I read Exodus 12 and Leviticus 16 and 17. The latter chapters especially made me tremble as I thought of the great day of atonement and the place the blood had there. Day and night, one verse would ring in my ears: "It is the blood that maketh atonement for the soul." I knew I had broken the Law; I needed atonement. Year after year, on that day, I beat my breast as I confessed my need of it; but it was to be made by blood, and there was no BLOOD !

     In my distress, I at last opened my heart to a learned and venerable Rabbi. He told me that GOD was angry with HIS people, the temple was destroyed, and a Mohammedan Mosque was reared up in its place. The only spot on this Earth where we dare shed the blood of sacrifice, in accordance with Deuteronomy 12 and Leviticus 17, was desecrated when our nation was scattered. That was why there was no blood. GOD HIMSELF had closed the way to carry out the solemn service of the great Day of Atonement. According to the Rabbi, we must turn to the Talmud, rest on its instructions, and trust in the mercy of GOD and the merits of our fathers.

     I tried to be satisfied but could not. Something seemed to say that the Law was unaltered, even though our temple was destroyed. Nothing else but the blood could atone for the soul. We dare not shed blood for atonement elsewhere than in the place the LORD had chosen. This meant we were left without an atonement at all. The thought filled me with horror. In my distress I consulted many other Rabbis. I had but one great question - Where can I find the blood of atonement ? I was over thirty years of age when I left Israel and came to Constantinople with my still unanswered question ever before my mind, and my soul exceedingly troubled about my sins.

     One night I was walking down one of the narrow streets of that city, when I saw a sign telling of a meeting for Jews. Curiosity led me to open the door and go in. Just as I took a seat, I heard a man say, "The blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanseth us from all sin." It was my first introduction to Christianity, but I listened breathlessly as the speaker told how GOD had declared that "Without shedding of blood is no remission." However, HE had given HIS only begotten SON, the LAMB of GOD, to die for our sins, and those who trusted in HIS BLOOD were forgiven of all their iniquities. This was the MESSIAH of Isaiah 53, and this was the SUFFERER of Psalm 22.

     AH, my brethren, I had found the blood atonement at last. I trusted it, and now I love to read the New Testament and see how all the shadows of the Law are fulfilled in JESUS. HIS BLOOD has been shed for sinners - once for all. It has satisfied GOD, and it is the only means of salvation for either Jew or Gentile."

Dear Reader, have you yet found the Blood of atonement ? Are you trusting in GOD's smitten LAMB ?

It is written in GOD's WORD:

"...when I see the blood, I will pass over you..." (Exodus 12:13)

"...for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." (Leviticus 17:11)

"...the blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanseth us from all sin." (1st.John 1:7)

"In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" (Colossians 1:14)

"But this MAN, after HE had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of GOD;" (Hebrews 10:12)

"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 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.

Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our blood atonement and personal SAVIOR.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation