"Tell It To JESUS ! "

 

"Casting all your care upon HIM;

for HE careth for you." 1st.Peter 5:7

"Trust in HIM at all times. . .

pour out your heart before HIM:

JESUS is a refuge for us."  Psalm 62:8

GOD loves you. JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

JESUS Said We Are Loved.

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

JESUS Said We Are of Worth.

JESUS wants us to know that we are of worth. We are so dear to GOD ". . .that HE gave HIS only begotten SON. . ." The Bible teaches us that we are all sinners, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" Romans 3:23. Our sin must be paid for. "For the wages of sin is death. . ." Romans 6:23.

JESUS "died for our sins according to the Scriptures" 1st.Corinthians 15:3. GOD demonstrated HIS love for us and our worth to HIM when HE sent HIS SON to die in our place. You may ask, "How can GOD forgive my sin ?" HE can because of what JESUS did. ". . .While we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." Romans 5:8.

JESUS Said We Can Have Hope.

GOD wants us to know that we can have hope. JESUS said, ". . .that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish. . ."

Life is fragile, and people are perishing. JESUS said I came ". . .that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10.

In a world where so many have lost hope, GOD wants us to know that the ". . .LORD JESUS CHRIST. . .is our hope." 1st.Timothy 1:1. HE rose from the dead, and HE said, ". . .Because I live, ye shall live also." John 14:19.

JESUS Said Our Life Can Have Purpose.

JESUS wants us to know that we can have purpose in life. HE desires that we ". . .should not perish, but have everlasting life." "And this is the promise that HE hath promised us, even eternal life." 1st.John 2:25. You may ask, "How can I receive GOD's promise of eternal life ?

Acknowledge that you are a sinner, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD." Romans 3:23

Believe that the LORD JESUS died for you, "CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures." 1st.Corinthians 15:3.

CALL upon the LORD to save you, "for whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." Romans 10:13. If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation:

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

JESUS said, ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." John 10:28. Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal LORD and SAVIOR. GOD bless you. 

Share your new-found faith with your family and friends. Acts 16:31-33.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

JESUS said, "If ye shall ask any

thing in MY name, I will do it . . .

Call unto ME, and I will answer

thee, and show thee great and

mighty things, which thou

knowest not."

John 14:14; Jeremiah 33:3

Gulf Coast Baptist Church

Pastor Rober Butz

Pastor Tom Sexton, Pastor Emeritus

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-1000

GulfCoastBaptist@aol.com

www.gulfcoastbaptistchurch.com

https://www.FiveStarChristianMinistries.com

Printed in Memory of Dalton Cash

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"PORNOGRAPHY: Death of a Marriage"

By Dr. Tom Sexton

The Bible tells us that, "Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." (Jude 1:7)

"Fornication" is a word GOD uses to describe all sexual sins including Pornography. This sin had captured men, women, and children in "Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them..." People of Sodom and Gomorrah passed on their sexual perversions to their children and to their future generations. JESUS spoke of looking on a woman to lust after her during HIS earthly ministry in Matthew 5:28 pictured below.

Sadly, in our day, many young brides enter into a marriage with dreams of hope and love, then are shocked when they discover a pornography problem with their husband during their marriage. And not just a problem, but a serious addiction.

Premarital counseling from parents, pastors, and others in a couple's life, should be told about a serious problem such as sexual addiction before entering into a marriage, especially a marriage where children will be born. Sexual addictions create a tremendous problem in a marital relationship and usually they are passed on to the children in the family.

Marrying to rid oneself of a pornography addiction is very foolish and nothing more than wishful thinking in a couple's relationship. This problem should be addressed 100% before marriage.

A wife cannot solve this kind of addiction in her husband's life because she does not begin to understand what will be required of her in their physical relationship within the marriage.

A young bride, who has discovered this hidden sin in the man she has chosen to spend the rest of her life with; and raise a family, must not keep this a secret from the ones who can help.

If a family member, of the husband, knew of such an addiction and chose to keep it from the bride, before marriage, they have committed a horrible sin against their family and the children who will be born.

They also have disqualified themselves from helping the new couple and their family, because they have proven themselves untrustworthy, and cannot be trusted with the future of others.

It may take years before they will have a loving, trusting relationship with their daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. The reason I say this so strongly is because people become what they are willing to accept.

The Bible says, "It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment." (Proverbs 18:5 pictured below) A family member, who knew of this addiction and chose to keep it a secret, may find themselves entangled in the same sin. We all are becoming what we are willing to accept.

Young wives and mothers my choose not to fight nor to say or do anything that would bring shame on their family's good name because of this sin, but their silence is a mistake. They must get help, or the problem will only get bigger and possibly consume their children in the home.

In my ministry I have witnessed the children of such men entering this wicked lifestyle in their teenage years. Sadly, their fathers have by then lost all influence to help their own children from going into the world their fathers are addicted to and consumed with.

The Bible says, "the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly" (Genesis 13:13 pictured above) Lot became one of the men of Sodom, lost his influence and could not help his married children escape the judgement of GOD on Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Bible says, "And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law."  (Genesis 19:13 pictured below)

Lot lost his married daughters forever. How foolish for a husband and father to follow the example of Lot which "vexed his righteous soul." (2nd.Peter 2:8)

WINNING  VICTORY

The Bible says that GOD "delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The LORD knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:"  (2nd.Peter 2:7-9).

We must remember that GOD is able to deliver. The LORD JESUS taught HIS disciples to pray, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For THINE is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen." (Matthew 6:13).   What can we do ?

Do not try to hide it from GOD.

"If we say that we have fellowship with HIM, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. . .If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1st.John 1:6-9). This sin cannot be hidden from GOD.

Confess and forsake it.

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but: whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (Proverbs 28:13 pictured below).

It is not enough just to confess this sin; it must also be forsaken.

Make NO provisions for it.

"Put ye on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." (Romans 13:14).

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes." (Psalm 101:3).

Disconnect all means of connecting to the vile world of pornography, not only for your sakes but also for your family's sake.

Choose your friends very carefully.

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." (Proverbs 13:20).

Surround yourself with good godly friends.

Make yourself accountable.

Be accountable to your pastor.

"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the WORD of GOD: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. . .Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:7,13).

No one will be able to win this victory without spiritual help.

Be accountable to you wife.

"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of GOD." (Ephesians 5:21).

The Bible says, "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." (Proverbs 18:22 pictured below)

The Bible also says, "By this I know that THOU favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me." (Psalm 41:11).

Our three great enemies are: the world, the flesh, and the devil. A wife, with the favor of the LORD, can help you win personal victory over the sin of pornography.

You must let your wife help you. You are in this battle together as one !

Be accountable to your Christian friends.

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs 27:17).

Good friends will help you keep your sword sharp !

Die to self.

"In CHRIST JESUS our LORD, I die daily." (1st.Corinthians 15:31).

"I am crucified with CHRIST: nevertheless I life; yet not I, but CHRIST liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the SON of GOD, WHO loved me, and gave HIMSELF for me." (Galatians 2:20 pictured below).

You must live the "crucified" life.

Never accept this as normal

behavior for our day !

"It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment." (Proverbs 18:5 pictures earlier in this post).

Fathers must always remember that those who follow them will become what they themselves are willing to accept. We are all, today, what we have been willing to accept !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

By Dr. Tom Sexton

WordToTheWorld@aol.com

www.FiveStarChristianMinistries.com

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"No Longer"

1st.Peter 4:1-11 " Forasmuch then as CHRIST hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of GOD. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: who shall give account to HIM that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

For for this cause was the Gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to GOD in the spirit. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath receive the gift, even to minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of GOD. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of GOD; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which GOD giveth: that GOD in all things may be glorified through JESUS CHRIST, to WHOM be praise and dominion for ever and ever, Amen.

     How tragic it is when a person, who claims to be a believer in JESUS CHRIST, continues to live as an unsaved person, showing little if any evidence of a transformed life ! He still fulfills the strong desires of the flesh. He still loves the things of the world. He still lives as if he were a stranger to the grace of GOD. He has little hunger for the WORD of GOD and a meager appetite for the things of CHRIST. Yet GOD's command to the Christian is this: "Let every one that nameth the name of CHRIST depart from iniquity" (2nd.Timothy 2:19 pictured above). The watchword of every saint should be: "No Longer !" 

     Consider these precious passages and apply them to yourself:

1. No longer am I a slave of sin: "Knowing this, that our old man is [was] crucified with HIM, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Romans 6:6).

2. It is no longer the self-life, but it is the CHRIST-life -- HIS life in me: "I am crucified with CHRIST: nevertheless I live; yet not I [literally, it is "no longer I"], but CHRIST liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the SON of GOD, WHO loved me, and gave HIMSELF for me" (Galatians 2:20 pictured above).

3. I no longer live to please myself:  "And that HE died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto HIM which died for them, and rose again" (2nd.Corinthians 5:15).

4. I no longer live the way unsaved people live: "That ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind" (Ephesians 4:17). 

The second verse of today's text sums it up well: "That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of GOD." May our motto daily be: "No longer !" GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"No Respecter of Persons"

 

Acts 10:30-34 "And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of GOD. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before GOD, to hear all things that are commanded thee of GOD. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that GOD is no respecter of persons:"

     "I perceive that GOD is no respecter of persons" (v.34). The Apostle Peter uttered those words in the house of a Roman centurion who was seeking GOD. In that home, the LORD made clear the answer to a question that the Apostle Paul would eventually ask and answer: "Is HE the GOD of the Jews only ? is HE not also of the Gentiles ? Yes, of the Gentiles also" (Romans 3:29). In fact, Paul reproduced the same thought as Peter with nearly the same phrase, writing, "For there is no respect of persons with GOD" (Romans 2:11 pictured above). In regard to all distinctions of social rank or wealth or knowledge or ethnicity or race, etc., GOD is clearly "no respecter of persons." His message of truth, the offer of salvation, is available to all -- whosoever will, may come.

     In the opening chapters of John's Gospel, JESUS demonstrated the availability of the Gospel message to all people. Two rugged fishermen, Peter and Andrew, became HIS disciples, as recorded in the first chapter (John 1:40-42). In chapter three, we have the account of a religious but self-righteous and lost Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus who came to JESUS by night and was told, "Ye must be born again" (John 3:7). We learn in chapter four that our LORD deliberately passed through Samaria in order to encounter a sinful, fallen woman at Jacob's well and to offer her "living water. . .a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:10, 14 pictured above). Also in chapter four, a nobleman (a royal person) appealed to JESUS on behalf of his dying son, "and the man believed" (John 4:49-53). GOD is no respecter of persons, and whosoever will, may come. Come now. No matter who you are or what you have done, HE will not turn you away. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD's Grace"

 

Galatians 2:21 "I do not frustrate the grace of GOD: for if righteousness came by the Law, then CHRIST is dead in vain."

     "Amazing grace" - speak these words and immediately most minds (even those of the unsaved) will be turned to the Christian hymn of that same name written by John Newton, who had been saved from a life of sin and debauchery. His well-known and beloved hymn has been heard and sung around the world. Our hymnals are filled with other songs that also herald the grace of GOD ("the free unmerited love and favor of GOD, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him." Webster's 1828 Dictionary). We sing of GOD's grace in hymns such as: "Behold, What Wonderous Grace"; "Grace Greater Than Our Sin"; "Victory Through Grace"; "He Giveth More Grace"; "Grace, 'Tis a Charming Sound," to name a few.

     Salvation is by grace through faith; GOD's grace is sufficient; receive not the grace of GOD in vain; by the grace of GOD, I am what I am -- these and many other thoughts concerning the grace of GOD are found throughout Scripture. In Paul's letter to the Galatian believers, he said "I do not frustrate the grace of GOD." Paul was not depending on the Law of Moses to redeem him from sin. He was "in CHRIST" and was totally dependent on JESUS and HIS redemptive work on the cross. Consequently, Paul did not set aside, refuse, thwart, or neutralize the grace of GOD -- "the free gift of justification which GOD had offered him in HIS SON. He had made his choice of CHRIST, and not of the Law. On the other hand, if he had chosen the Law, and gone to it, and not to CHRIST. . .he would have practically declared the death of CHRIST to be a useless and unnecessary sacrifice" (Ellicott's Bible Commentary). Thank GOD for HIS AMAZING GRACE ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"For Whom Did CHRIST Die ?"

 

1st.Timothy 2:1-7 " I exhort therefore, that, first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for Kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of GOD our SAVIOR; WHO will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one GOD, and one MEDIATOR between GOD and men, the MAN CHRIST JESUS; WHO gave HIMSELF a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an Apostle (I speak the truth in CHRIST, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity."

     GOD's answer to this question is unmistakably clear and greatly encouraging. Consider what GOD's WORD says:

HE died "for all" (v.6)

HE died for "all men" (1st.Timothy 4:10; Romans 5:18)

HE died for "us all" -- for all of us (Isaiah 53:6 pictured above)

HE died "for the unjust," that is, the unrighteous ones (1st.Peter 3:18)

HE "died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6)

HE died for CHRIST-deniers (2nd.Peter 2:1)

HE died for "sinners" (Romans 5:8)

HE died "for every man" -- for everyone (Hebrews 2:9)

HE died "for many" (Matthew 20:28)

HE died for "the world" (John 6:33,51; John 3:16)

HE died for "the whole world" (1st.John 2:2)

HE died for "the whole nation" of Israel (John 11:50-51)

HE died for "the church" (Ephesians 5:25)

HE died for HIS "sheep" (John 10:11)

And HE died "for me" (Galatians 2:20)

     GOD has made provision for the salvation of all men, for every single person, past, present and future, on this earth. "For the grace of GOD that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men" (Titus 2:11 pictured above). Our Gospel is to go to all people (Mark 16:15), and the very heart of the Gospel message is that "CHRIST died for our sins" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-4 pictured below). Therefore, we can go to any person, whether he will ever be saved or not, and say, "My Friend, I have wonderful news for you ! JESUS CHRIST died for your sins -- HE died for you !" "I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" (Luke 2:10). May we never limit GOD's love (John 3:16). May we never diminish the LORD's heart of concern for all men -- without exception (v.4). What an awesome fact it is that the CREATOR, the Almighty GOD, became a man, went to the cross, became my SUBSTITUTE, suffered GOD's wrath in my place, and bore the penalty for all of my sins. HALLELUJAH, what a SAVIOR ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Paul's Three Great "I Am's"

 

Romans 1:3-16 "Concerning HIS SON JESUS CHRIST our LORD, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the SON of GOD with power, according to the SPIRIT of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: by WHOM we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for HIS name: among whom are ye also the called of JESUS CHRIST: to all that be in Rome, beloved of GOD, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from GOD our FATHER, and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. First, I thank my GOD through JESUS CHRIST for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For GOD is my witness, WHOM I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of HIS SON, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers:

Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of GOD to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established: that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: for it is the power of GOD unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

     In Romans 1:3-16 Paul makes three "I am" statements relating to personal evangelism that are highly instructive:

1. "I am debtor" (v.14 pictured above). As a debtor, Paul owed something. He had an obligation, a Gospel duty. Elsewhere Paul wrote, "For though I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel" (1st.Corinthians 9:16). If we were to discover a cure for cancer, would we keep it a secret ? Would we not owe it to the world to give them the information that would save countless lives ? Saul of Tarsus once felt an obligation to persecute every Christian, but later Paul felt an obligation to preach the Gospel to all (Mark 16:15). He "owed" this good news to every member of the human race: Life is short; death is sure; sin the cause, CHRIST the cure !

2. "I am ready" (v.15 pictured above). Paul was ready, willing, and eager to share the good news concerning his SAVIOR. The Greek word for "ready" (prothumos) conveys a sense of eagerness, readiness, or willingness. It describes and eager attitude of being prepared to act or respond positively. It describes a disposition that is enthusiastic and keen to serve or obey. Paul was ready to preach the Gospel and looked for every opportunity to do so. We need to prepare by prayer, asking GOD to give us opportunities, even today, to share the Gospel with others.

3. "I am not ashamed" (v.16 pictured above). Like Paul, Christians should not be ashamed of the Gospel, nor should we be a shame to the Gospel by living contrary to its principles. If we are ashamed of the Gospel, then we are ashamed of JESUS CHRIST, the very ONE WHOM the Gospel is all about. May we be bold as a lion to share the wonderful, good news ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The TRUE Source of Good"

 

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 "There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of GOD. For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I ? For GOD giveth to a man that is good in HIS sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner HE giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before GOD. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit."

     In the concluding section of this chapter, King Solomon proposes a way of living that coincides with his observation concerning the plight of all men. But remember - his suppositions stem from his personal perspective "under the sun," not the LORD's point of view. In light of the evident truth that GOD at times blesses the fool as well as the prudent with good things from HIS hand (v.24b). Solomon proposes that a reasonable approach to pursuing the best that life can afford would be to "eat and drink, and . . . make his soul enjoy good in his labor" (v.24a). The King had traveled this road for a while; no one on earth had as much capacity for enjoying the finest things that money could buy (v.25 pictured above). But once again, Solomon is not considering the reality of a GOD in Heaven WHO has a great deal to say to the sons of men, both the saved as well as the lost. In a later chapter of Ecclesiastes, we read that the one who does not know the LORD might as well enjoy this present life as much as he possibly can, while he can, because this is the only good, he will ever see - GOD's sure judgment lies ahead !

     The concluding verse in this chapter is unique, for here we have the interjection of revealed truth relating to the Almighty GOD and HIS dealings with men (v.26 pictured above). Yes, as we have already noticed, the LORD is the source of any good that can benefit man, but HE is also the Righteous JUDGE who will call into account the life lived "under the sun." The phrase "GOD giveth to a man" speaks of HIS grace -- GOD provides that which man cannot attain by his own efforts. But, the LORD also brings "travail" to the sinner. Man must answer to GOD, and this fact is truly "vexation of spirit" to the self-sufficient. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Death Has Been DEFEATED !"

 

Dr. Tom Sexton

Printed in Memory of Dalton Cash

01/05/2004 - 02/11/2025

Everything about death changed when JESUS rose from the grave. In the Old Testament the Psalmist said, "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." (Psalm 23:4)

There are no valleys and no shadows in death, for the believer, since JESUS rose from the grave. Death has been defeated. JESUS said, "I AM HE that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I AM alive for evermore, AMEN; and have the keys of Hell and of Death." (Revelation 1:18).

There is no fear in death for the child of GOD.

The Bible says, in death we are "absent from the body, and. . .present with the LORD." (2nd.Corinthians 5:8b). JESUS said that Christians never die. HE said to Martha, "I AM the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in ME, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in ME shall never die. Believest thou this ?" (John 11:25-26 pictured above).

GOD created man in HIS image. GOD made man a living soul (Genesis 2:7). Man is "spirit and soul and body." (1st.Thessalonians 5:23)

When our body dies, we do not die. Everyone who has ever lived is still alive today somewhere in their forever. For the child of GOD their forever home IS Heaven.

In the Book of Job this question is asked, "If a man die shall he live again ?" GOD did not answer the question, in the Old Testament, but JESUS did when HE told Martha "whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." (John 11:26). A Christian never dies.

JESUS said we will not even see death.

JESUS said to HIS followers, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, IF a man keep MY saying, he shall never see death." (John 8:51 pictured above). Our body dies, but we never die, and we do not see death when our body dies.

We see our friends and loved ones, who die in the faith, close their eyes and leave this world in death. But what we see, they do not see.

We see what happens on the outside because man looks on the outside; but the one dying does not see what we see: they see JESUS. In other words, they leave their body behind in death because GOD will one day give them a glorious body.

When Steven was put to death, by stoning, for preaching the Gospel, he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the SON of MAN standing on the right hand of GOD." (Acts 7:56). Steven did not see his body dying, he saw JESUS standing, welcoming him home to Heaven.

When our loved ones leave this world, in death, they do not see what others around them see; they see JESUS standing, welcoming them home to Heaven. Heaven is GOD's gift to HIS children.

Heaven is GOD's Gift to Believers

JESUS said, "I go and prepare a place for you. . .that where I AM, there ye may be also." (John 14:2-3). Heaven is a place with beauty beyond our dreams.

JESUS is the only door to Heaven. JESUS said, I AM the DOOR: by ME if any man enter in, he shall be saved." (John 10:9). JESUS died for our sins and paid our sin debt in full. After three days JESUS rose from the grave.

HE said, "Because I live ye shall live also." (John 10:7). "JESUS said. . .I AM the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in ME, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." (John 11:25-26).

JESUS said that believers "never die." Their body dies, but believers have everlasting life. They do not die. They close their eyes in death and open them in Heaven. In death, Christians are "absent from the body, and. . .present with the LORD." (2nd.Corinthians 5:8b). Everyone is going to live forever somewhere; one day we will see it is true. Is Heaven going to be your eternal home when you die ?

You Can Go To Heaven

Acknowledge you are a sinner. The Bible says, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. . .For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:10,23).

Believe CHRIST died for you. The Bible says, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." "GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 6:23;5:8).

Call upon HIM to save you. 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." (Romans 10:9).

If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, pray this 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.

Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal LORD and SAVIOR. GOD bless you.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

HEAVEN

By Tom Sexton

There are no shadows in death with JESUS.

There are no valleys we must walk through.

Death is only a doorway,

And all of Heaven awaits you. 

Our vision on earth is limited -

We see only into the blue,

But in death our vision is endless - 

All of Glory comes into view.

Death takes hold of the body,

And our race on earth is through. 

The battle for us is over. 

With open arms HE welcomes you.

So, fear not the end of life's journey.

Believe what GOD says is true.

Death has been defeated !

Heaven is HIS gift to you.

Printed in memory of Dalton Cash

01/05/2004 - 02/11/2025

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