"The GREATEST Miracle"

 

Matthew 28:1-10 "In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the LORD descended from Heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek JESUS, which was crucified.

HE is not here: for HE is risen, as HE said. Come, see the place where the LORD lay. And go quickly, and tell HIS disciples that HE is risen from the dead; and, behold, HE goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see HIM: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring HIS disciple's word. And as they went to tell HIS disciples, behold, JESUS met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held HIM by the feet, and worshipped HIM. Then said JESUS unto them, Be not afraid: go tell MY brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see ME."

     Throughout the Old Testament, the one event selected by the LORD GOD HIMSELF as being the predominant miracle of that time was the crossing of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:1-31. The Israelites' march on dry land through the Red Sea was the singular miracle that was repeatedly mentioned throughout their history, up until the time of CHRIST JESUS' advent. This marvel struck fear into the surrounding nations (Joshua 2:10 pictured above) and made a lasting impression across the centuries (Nehemiah 9:11).

     However, when it comes to miracles, the absolute most important event in human history is the resurrection of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. This is, by far, the greatest miracle recorded in all of Scripture. By it, we have the assurance that our sins are forgiven (1st.Corinthians 15:17). Conversely, if JESUS CHRIST had not risen from the dead, then all preaching today would be pointless because we would have no good news whatsoever to share with others (1st.Corinthians 15:14), and, in addition, those who proclaim the Gospel would be liars (1st.Corinthians 15:15). But because JESUS did rise from the dead, we can be confident that all who trust in JESUS CHRIST for the forgiveness of sins will also be raised just as HE has ordained (1st.Corinthians 15:23). In fact, CHRIST's resurrection is a clear, resounding declaration from GOD the FATHER that HE, JESUS CHRIST, is indeed the SON of GOD (Romans 6:4-5). We are no longer the servants of sin (Romans 6:6); therefore, let us yield ourselves to GOD (Romans 6:13). The Apostle Paul's passion was to "know [CHRIST], and the power of HIS resurrection" (Philippians 3:10 pictured above); may that be our fervent desire as well ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Greater Works !"

 

John 14:12 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on ME, the works that I do shall he do also: and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto MY FATHER."

     Many today sincerely believe that because JESUS performed numerous miracles -- healing illnesses and raising the dead, which were certainly miracles in the truest designation -- GOD intends the followers of CHRIST to accomplish "greater works" (v.12) in the sense of more substantial miracles. Yet, we know that such is not the case because these supernatural wonders ceased with the passing of the Apostles in the first century. The so-called miracles carried out today are, in most cases, simply bogus manipulations. The devastating result is that they draw attention away from man's greatest need -- healing for his sin-sick soul. It is the height of hubris for one to believe that he could out-do our LORD when it comes to working miracles.

     The "greater works" to which JESUS refers are not the "sign gifts" that Charismatics and Pentecostals insist are still taking place today. Obviously, their supposed speaking in tongues and giving of prophetic words are not as great as the miracles of CHRIST. Do not allow yourself to be conned by the charlatans and false deceivers of our day ! So, in what sense, then, are we to understand the "greater works" comment that JESUS made ? HIS miracles were undeniable (John 11:47 pictured above). They were spectacular (Luke 22:50-51). They were abundant and often public (Matthew 14:14 pictured above). What works could be "greater" that JESUS' miracles ? The answer simply is this -- none of those miracles had eternal ramifications. They all met an immediate physical need and did not fix man's ultimate necessity: forgiveness of sins. A "greater work," then, is the preaching of the Gospel for salvation by grace through faith in JESUS CHRIST alone, and seeing the lost sinner receive the gift of eternal life. How great a work HE left us to do ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Miracles"

 

John 5:39 "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of ME."

     From the miracles of CHRIST, we learn much about both HIS person and HIS intent. Throughout JESUS' earthly ministry, HE made two claims about HIMSELF: First, HE was Israel's promised MESSIAH. Hundreds of prophecies are scattered throughout the Old Testament foretelling both HIS person and work. The air of expectancy among the first-century Jewish population was understandably based on these biblical promises. Second, JESUS contended that HE was GOD in human flesh. During most of HIS public ministry, HE went throughout Israel saturating the country with this message. These were stunning assertions considering HIS audience. The latter claim was blasphemous to the Jews if it could not be supported in some tangible way. A few connected what HE said and did with WHO HE was professing to be - the promised MESSIAH. So, how could JESUS prove HIMSELF and verify HIS message to the people ?

     The Gospels mention thirty-five miracles that JESUS performed in addition to the many that went unrecorded (John 21:25; Matthew 4:23-25; 8:16). The ones selected for inclusion in GOD's WORD convey important truths about HIM - mainly, HE was exactly WHO HE claimed to be - Israel's MESSIAH, GOD Incarnate ! HE did these miracles in order to authenticate HIS message and ministry, not merely to give people a better quality of life. Unlike the deceit and manipulation of charismatic charlatans in our day, the miracles of JESUS were remarkable and wonderful, substantiating the extraordinary message that they were intended to communicate - GOD was dwelling among men (John 1:14 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 Riches of GOD's Mercy and Grace"

 

Ephesians 2:4-10 "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. For we are HIS workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works, which GOD hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

     Today's text reminds us that GOD is "rich in mercy" and rich in grace (vv.4,7). Both of these blessed spiritual realities have special significance for the child of GOD. As believers, we can look back and thank GOD for HIS amazing mercy and grace in sending HIS only begotten SON, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, to die on the cross for our sins and rise again bodily for our justification. How grateful we should be for these great riches of GOD's mercy and grace revealed through HIS WORD. We were born again as the HOLY SPIRIT took the WORD of GOD and used IT to convict us of our sin and of our need to trust in the only SAVIOR from sin, JESUS CHRIST (Romans 10:17 pictured above).

     The Bible tells us that the moment we accepted the Scripture's invitation to be saved, we became new creatures in CHRIST (2nd.Corinthians 5:17 pictured above). The new walk is to be different from the old one. We are now partakers of GOD's grace as HIS dear children. We now have the blessed privilege of doing the good works for which we were created in CHRIST JESUS in the first place (v.10). It is GOD's will that we not only look back in thankfulness for HIS mercy and grace in salvation but also that we trust HIM more each day; the result of our yielded reliance is that we will do the work GOD has called us to do.

     These provisions are truly wonderful, but notice verse seven, which tells us that the best is yet ahead; GOD's eternal plan is to manifest "the exceeding riches of HIS grace" throughout "the ages to come !" Every child of GOD can anticipate a glorious future ! No believer has any reason to be downcast or discouraged, for GOD's mercy and grace has been -- and always will be -- abundant toward HIS beloved children. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A Special Day !"

Psalm 118:21-29 "I will praise THEE: for THOU hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The STONE which the builders refused is become the HEAD STONE of the corner. The is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech THEE, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech THEE, send now prosperity. Blessed be HE that cometh in the name of the LORD; we have blessed YOU out of the house of the LORD. GOD is the LORD, which hath showed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. THOU art my GOD, and I will praise THEE; THOU art my GOD, I will exalt THEE. O give thanks unto the LORD; for HE is good: for HIS mercy endureth for ever."

     "The STONE which the builders refused is become the HEAD STONE of the corner" (v.22). This Messianic passage is quoted five time in the New Testament (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; 1st.Peter 2:4,7); it speaks of a rejected STONE (JESUS CHRIST) WHO become the most exalted and preeminent STONE of the building. Peter explains this transformation from rejection to exaltation: "Be it known unto all. . .that by the name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth, WHOM ye crucified, WHOM GOD raised from the dead, even by HIM doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the STONE which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the HEAD of the corner" (Acts 4:10-11). Both the death and the resurrection of CHRIST are in view. JESUS was the rejected STONE, and HIS FATHER, through the resurrection, has made HIM the HEADSTONE of the corner. The believing heart can only respond in one way: "This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes" (v.23). This leads to the next verse: "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (v.24). While we should rejoice in every day GOD gives us, this verse refers to a special day -- the day of CHRIST's resurrection, which has made new life in CHRIST and a new standing in grace available to all. Each Sunday should be a reminder of the glorious work of GOD in raising HIS SON and exalting HIM as HEAD over a new body and building, HIS church (Ephesians 1:19-23 pictured above). May the LORD's Day never lose its marvel and wonder ! 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 CLEAR GOSPEL Truth"

 

Ephesians 2:8-9 "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."

     Can any true hope exist apart from the good news of the Gospel ? Certainly not ! Therefore, the message of JESUS' substitutionary death for the sin of the world and HIS resurrection from the dead must be communicated plainly and accurately. Salvation -- eternal life -- is the gift of GOD offered to all people (Romans 6:23). Yet sadly, the majority of churches and denominations today have perverted the Gospel of grace and have capitulated to "another gospel" of human work and effort -- a "gospel: which is not another" (Galatians 1:6-9 pictured above) and is "accursed". How can one find forgiveness, peace, and a personal relationship with GOD ? It is only by HIS grace through faith alone in the PERSON and finished work of CHRIST alone. In today's text, Paul declared by inspiration of the HOLY SPIRIT, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it (salvation/eternal life) is the gift of GOD: NOT of works lest any many should boast." Any work on the part of the sinner (all mankind) or any idea that one can "bargain" with GOD or bring anything to the table to gain eternal life leads only to the "broad way" of destruction (Matthew 7:13,21-23). "Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST" is GOD's command in Acts 16:31. Paul preached "repentance toward GOD, and faith toward our LORD JESUS CHRIST" in Acts 20:21 -- that is, one must change his mind concerning his sinfulness, his need of a SAVIOR, and the object of his trust for salvation and then, in turn, place his faith solely in the PERSON (the sinless SON of GOD) and finished work (the substitutionary death and resurrection) of CHRIST. This is the only message of hope for the world: "Whosoever believeth in HIM [JESUS] should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16b). Is your faith in CHRIST alone ? MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Is There Something MISSING in Your Life ?"

 

What is missing ?

My Friend, are you dead or alive ? Do you ever feel that there is something important missing from your life ? A vital part of your existence that isn't there, and has never been there ? An empty void and a longing, deep within the depths of your soul, crying out to be filled ?

If you do not know the LORD JESUS CHRIST on a personal basis, that is the problem. GOD, the GIVER and SUSTAINER of life, is missing from your life. The Bible says that without JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, you are "dead in trespasses and sins." (Ephesians 2:1b).

How did it happen ?

In the Garden of Eden, before man's fall, Adam and Eve were alive, that is, they were "spiritually" alive. They walked in perfection, and oneness with GOD. "And the LORD GOD commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17).

On that day, when they disobeyed GOD and ate of the fruit, they died a "spiritual" death. Sin entered in, and they were separated from GOD. Since then, every one of us has been born into sin. "Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12). "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5). "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10). "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23).

The results of sin are a spiritual death, a physical death, and if you die without JESUS CHRIST, an eternal death. This is eternal separation from GOD in Hell fire.

What has been done about it ?

JESUS CHRIST, the GOD-man, was not a partaker of man's sinful bloodline. HE was perfect, sinless, righteous, Holy, born of a virgin, and GOD in the flesh. "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. The same was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made by HIM; and without HIM was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:1-3). "And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the FATHER,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14 pictured above).

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

HE came to seek and to save that which was lost. HE offered HIMSELF the perfect, sinless sacrifice unto GOD, to redeem man from the sin which separates him from GOD. HE came to give life back unto men. ". . .I AM come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10). "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth MY WORD, and believeth on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the SON of GOD: and they that hear shall live." (John 5:24-25).

Now it is up to you.

My Friend, do you hear HIS voice calling you through these Scriptures ? HE wants to breathe life into you. This receiving of new life from JESUS CHRIST is what HE called being "born again." We see this in the Bible when JESUS was talking to Nicodemus and said, ". . .Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of GOD. . .That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the SPIRIT is spirit." (John 3:3,6).

     My Friend, repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) ! Turn to GOD from your sin, and embrace the LORD JESUS CHRIST by faith, and be born of GOD. GOD promised in Romans 10:9 & 13, "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."

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.

When you turn to GOD, the missing link will be found, and the empty void will be filled. You will be one with GOD. HE will be your FATHER, and you will be HIS son or daughter. You can rejoice with us in this great truth forever, AMEN. "He that hath the SON hath life; and he that hath not the SON of GOD hath not life." (1st.John 5:12). Make the decision right now, because tomorrow is promised to no man. "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"MEDITATION: Be STILL, Be SILENT, Be WAITING"

 

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I AM GOD: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 62:1 "Truly my soul waiteth upon GOD: from HIM cometh my salvation."

     Mention the word meditation and the majority of people will immediately think of Eastern religions and the New Age movement. A picture comes to mind of an individual sitting on a mat, with eyes closed, humming a quiet mantra, and assuming a yoga position. For the child of GOD, however, this word should instead direct our thoughts toward Psalm 1, which states that the blessed man delights in the Law of the LORD and meditates on the WORD of GOD day and night (Psalm 1:1-2 pictured above). In the biblical sense, the term meditation entails a "a quiet contemplation of spiritual truths." 

     J.B.Stoney, a believer from the early nineteenth century, stated the following: "You will find that no one learns truth easily. He who built on the rock was not secure merely because he build on the rock; but he also digged deep. What springs up quickly has no root. The more you understand the nature and scope of the WORD, the more you will see the demand it makes on you and how unreserved must be our subjection to it, while as you are subject to it, and you learn the blessedness and virtues of it."

     This silent contemplation of spiritual truths in the Bible takes time. We find an important precept to observe when we reflect upon the LORD and HIS WORD: Stillness is the key -- "Be still, and know that I AM GOD." Whether in the midst of calamity (vv.2-3) or in our quiet time alone with GOD, we are to be in a state of rest. The word "still" in our text means "to slacken, be idle, be still." How still should we be ? Pastor George Parsons put it well: "Be still as a stone." We will know GOD best when we set time aside for HIM and learn to be still before HIM as we meditate on HIS WORD.

     Some Christians seem to like microwave-type devotions: thirty seconds of spiritual heat and they are pretty much warm for the day. OH, REALLY ! You cannot truly know GOD if you are always rushing here and there with countless calls pulling you in various directions. It is imperative that we learn to say an emphatic "NO !" to some of the demands made upon our time and refuse to give in to "The Tyranny of the Urgent" -- especially when it has a negative affect upon our time with GOD.

     The right order of priority should be: (1) time with GOD, (2) time with family, and (3) time with the church (the saints of GOD). That time with the LORD is so imperative in order to keep us balanced in our walk with HIM, with our family, and with fellow believers. One of Satan's traps is to get us so involved in activity that we have no time to be still in the presence of GOD. Sometimes the LORD must force us to be still by putting us flat on our back before we can be made to listen to what HE wants us to hear. 

     "Be still, and know that I AM GOD," says JEHOVAH. We must, as the hymnwriter encourages, "take time to be Holy" -- get to know the LORD as a PERSON with WHOM we delight to spend time. Stillness brings us to the point where we can concentrate. It is difficult to fix our thoughts on GOD as we barrel down the highway or stand in the midst of noisy friends; add to that the fact that, for many of us, we are the ones who like to do the talking. But GOD says, "Be still." Be quiet before the LORD: keep silence; be, or stand, still. Scripture also commands us to "wait" (Psalm 27:14 pictured above; Psalm 130:5 also pictured above). Even if life's way is twisting and turning, wait patiently on the LORD while meditating on HIS WORD.

     We have considered the biblical admonition to "be still, and know that I AM GOD" in Psalm 46:10 and have joined it with the thought of meditating upon GOD and HIS WORD -- being still or silent before HIM. Previously we briefly touched on the concept of "waiting"; now, let us consider a companion verse: "Truly my soul waiteth upon GOD: from HIM cometh my salvation." This psalm of David employs an idea that speaks of "stillness; quiet trust, silence." Once more we slip into the realm of meditation -- quiet contemplation of the WORD of GOD as we trustingly wait upon HIM.

     Often, we miss GOD's most beautiful interventions in our life because we are so distracted by other things that we cannot see or hear HIM working. We are not sensitive before HIM. We have not learned to be still in HIS presence. One shudders at the thought of some who "study" their Bibles with the television blaring or who utter a brief "Help me through the day, LORD," as they gobble their instant spiritual breakfast and head out the door to work. That is not meditation, and a steady diet of that type of reading and praying will ultimately lead to spiritual malnutrition (Hebrews 5:12-14 pictured above).

     The Tozer Pulpit records the following statement: "I do challenge you to meditate, quietly, reverently, prayerfully for a month. Put away questions and answers and the filling in of blank lines in the portions you haven't been able to understand. Put all of the cheap trash away and take the Bible, get on your knees, and in faith say 'FATHER, here I am. Begin to teach me !" Then, patiently be still, be silent, meditate on the WORD of GOD, and keenly wait upon HIM to speak to your heart through the Holy Scriptures. 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 Loves You"

 

"For GOD so loved the world,

that HE gave HIS only begotten SON,

that whosoever believeth in HIM should

not perish, but have everlasting life." ~ John 3:16

     This great Bible verse reveals four truths from the heart of GOD for all people.

We are loved.

     GOD wants us to know that we are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world. . ." You are 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).

We are of worth.

     The LORD also 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). And sin must be paid for. "the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23a).

     But the Bible also teaches us that ". . .CHRIST 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.

     The Good News is that the LORD JESUS paid our sin debt in full when HE died on the cross. "For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us. . ." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21). CHRIST loved us and gave HIMSELF for us as payment for our sin.

     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).

We can have hope.

     GOD wants us to know that we can have hope. HE said, ". . .that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish. . ." Life is fragile, and people are perishing. But CHRIST 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).

We can have purpose.

     GOD wants us to know that we can have purpose in life. HE desires that we ". . .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, for "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 (a turning to GOD from your sin) 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.

     The LORD 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 SAVIOR.

Now that you're a Christian:

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

* Identify with CHRIST through believer's baptism and become part of a local, Bible-believing church (Acts 2:41,47).

     Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "He that believeth on ME hath everlasting life" (John 6:47).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Gulf Coast Baptist Church

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33990

(239)574-1000

Pastor Tom Sexton, Pastor Emeritus

Pastor Robert Butz

(c) Five Star Christian Publications

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The GRACE That SAVES"

 

     You need salvation because of your sin. "Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12). You are not only a sinner by birth through Adam, but also by your choice. ". . .There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after GOD. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Romans 3:10-12). "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23).

     As a sinner, you are without GOD and without hope. Sin brings death and eternal separation from GOD. "For the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23a). "And death and hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:14-15). JESUS CHRIST told the true story, not a parable, of a rich man who was cast into Hell after he died. This rich man is still in Hell at this very moment, over two thousand years after JESUS spoke of him. In ten years, this man will still be in Hell. A thousand years from now, he will still be in the burning pit of unquenchable fire. He is damned for all eternity. As a sinner, you will share the same fate, unless you accept GOD's free gift of grace.

     The Bible shows how simple it is to escape the eternal fire of Hell. "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 CHRIST, GOD's only SON, came ". . .to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10b). Sin has a price and GOD must punish sin. Because you have sinned against HIM, you must bear your own punishment or accept CHRIST's substitutionary death on the cross of Calvary. "WHO HIS OWN SELF bare our sins in HIS OWN body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. . ." (1st.Peter 2:24). "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." (Isaiah 53:5). Please look at these verses again. The Bible states that JESUS was wounded for your transgressions and bruised for your iniquities.

     JESUS CHRIST, the perfect SON of GOD, was the only MAN WHO ever lived a sinless life. Out of infinite love and pity for you, JESUS became your substitute and bore your judgment of sin. "For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us, WHO knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21). JESUS wants to save you, even more than you desire. HE invites you to come to HIM. "Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). Please come to CHRIST and trust HIM to save you. Why would you reject your only hope ? "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:". "He that believeth on HIM is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD."  (John 3:18).

     JESUS loves you and died to save you from your sins. Salvation is only through JESUS CHRIST, not through your church, lodge, good works, water baptism, or keeping the Golden Rule. Every lost sinner is going to a Devil's Hell, but GOD offers you the gift of salvation through the precious blood of CHRIST. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: NOT of works lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible states that salvation is not something earned, but it is a gift. A gift is simply accepted. "But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name:" (John 1:12). Salvation is a gift from GOD, and if you will believe JESUS CHRIST died for your sins and receive HIM as your personal SAVIOR, you can be saved at this moment. GOD promises, "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 will accept JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, please pray this prayer or one similar to it:

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 and help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

     JESUS is knocking at the door of your heart. "BEHOLD, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear MY voice, and open the door, I will come in to him. . ." (Revelation 3:20a). Will you let HIM in today ?

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation