"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

WordToTheWorld@ aol.com    www.FiveStarChristianMinistries.com

" The Blood "

 

MAN'S GREATEST NEED

Sin has separated man from GOD. To be separated from GOD at death means to spend eternity in a Devil's Hell, because GOD will not excuse sin, and sin must be punished. Man is sinful, but GOD is Holy. The blood of JESUS CHRIST is GOD's way of meeting man's greatest need.

GOD'S GREATEST SACRIFICE

GOD sent HIS SON, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, to die on the cross as the payment for your sins: "WHOM GOD hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in HIS blood. . ." (Romans 3:25) Notice that it was GOD's plan, not man's: "WHOM GOD hath set forth. . ." Secondly, notice that CHRIST died to pay for our sins: ". . .to be a propitiation. . ." Finally, this verse states that forgiveness is obtained simply by trusting what JESUS has done: ". . .through HIS blood. . ." Because of the blood, GOD can show mercy to sinners yet still remain Holy and Just. ". . .that HE might be just, and the JUSTIFIER of him which believeth in JESUS." (Romans 3:26)

WHAT WILL JESUS' BLOOD DO ?

1. The blood washes and cleanses you from sin. ". . .Unto HIM that loved us, and washed us from our sins in HIS OWN blood," (Revelation 1:5) ". . .and the blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanseth us from all sin." (1st.John 1:7)

2. The blood pays for your forgiveness. "In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins. . ." (Ephesians 1:7)

3. The blood makes peace with GOD. "And, having made peace through the blood of HIS cross, by HIM to reconcile all things unto HIMSELF. . ." (Colossians 1:20)

4. The blood saves you from GOD's wrath. "Much more then, being now justified by HIS blood, we shall be saved from wrath through HIM." (Romans 5:9)

5. The blood opens the way to Heaven. "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of JESUS," (Hebrews 10:19)

WHAT MUST I DO ?

1. Admit your need. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23) "For I acknowledge my transgression. . ." (Psalm 51:3) "For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin." (Psalm 38:18)

2. Trust GOD's promises completely. ". . .Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be save. . ." (Acts 16:31) "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) "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of CHRIST, as of a LAMB without blemish and without spot:" (1st.Peter 1:18-19)

3. Cry out to GOD in prayer. ". . .GOD be merciful to me a sinner." (Luke 18:13) "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

YOUR GREATEST DECISION

JESUS shed HIS blood, was buried, and rose again the third day. At this moment HE stands ready, able, and willing to save you. The choice is yours. A song says, "If the blood of CHRIST is sufficient for GOD, it is surely sufficient for me." It is the blood that satisfies GOD.

Why not put your trust in CHRIST's finished work, and call on HIM for salvation right now ? "Wherefore HE is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing HE ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25) ". . .JESUS CHRIST. . .loved us, and washed us from our sins in HIS OWN blood," (Revelation 1:5)

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) PLEASE, do not put this decision off. "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

"GOD's Will Revealed"

Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of GOD, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of GOD."

     Do you realize that GOD has a plan and a purpose for your life right now ? Do you want to know and do HIS will ? Many claim to desire GOD's will for their life but seem to have trouble perceiving it and then doing it. However, today text tells us how we can know the very will of GOD. To discern GOD's will requires three acts of our will that can be summed up in one word -- commitment. To commit to something means arriving at the place in life where we realize our need to take action and then determinedly resolving, with GOD's help, to do whatever must be done.

     Why should we want to know and do the will of GOD ? Romans 12:1-2 gives us two reasons why we should seek to discern and fulfill GOD's will. First, we should desire to accomplish the will of GOD because Paul "beseech[es]" us to do so. The word "beseech" in today's text denotes the idea of coming alongside a person and exhorting him to take action. The LORD is not harshly and abrasively commanding us to know and do HIS will. Rather, HE lovingly encourages and exhorts us to desire to honor and obey HIM. Second, we should want to know and accomplish GOD's will as a result of HIS mercy and goodness to us. Paul beseeches us "therefore (because of what I have previously told you) by the mercies of GOD. . ." The motivation for our commitment and yieldedness to GOD lies in that which HE has done for us. Romans 1-11 details GOD's great mercies. Paul writes a grand doxology in Romans 11:33-36 (pictured above) that leads into today's text, a passage urging us to take action -- to commit. The greater our understanding is of what the LORD has done for us, the greater our commitment to HIM will be.

Yieldedness - Part 1

     We must seek to know GOD's will for our life, and do it because GOD exhorts us to do so and because HE has bestowed innumerable mercies upon each of us (v.1a). But how, exactly, can we understand GOD's will and accomplish it ? According to the Scriptures, we can know and fulfill the will of GOD by doing three things that involve our unreserved commitment. First, we must surrender to the LORD by giving ourselves wholly (entirely) to HIM. In other words, we must yield our life to HIM (v.1b). Being submitted to the LORD is crucial if we are to know and do HIS will.

     In today's text, the word "present" means "to place beside"; it alludes to the Old Testament sacrifices in which the priests tied up the lamb beside the altar prior to the time of sacrifice. Within these two verses we discover the characteristics of our sacrifice to GOD. First, this sacrifice must be alive: We are a "living sacrifice." We have already been "crucified with CHRIST," but now we live (Galatians 2:20 pictured above). Our sacrifice to GOD is our life on this earth. Second, the sacrifice must be "holy," that is, set apart and undefiled in order to be used by GOD. In the Old Testament, the lamb had to be free of any blemish, just as all who have trusted in JESUS are, in the eyes of GOD, clothed in the righteousness of CHRIST. We must be sanctified in order to be yielded to GOD, Finally, the sacrifice must be "acceptable," that is, well-pleasing. Are you living in a manner that pleases GOD ? Robert Haldane wrote, "GOD approves of nothing but obedience to HIS own commands." How true ! We yield our bodies to GOD by being a living, holy, and acceptable sacrifice. Are you allowing the SAVIOR to use you as HE sees fit ?

Yieldedness - Part 2

     In order to know and do the LORD's will, we must first commit our body as a living sacrifice to our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. The characteristics of a yielded sacrifice are clearly spelled out in the two verses of our text -- we are to be living, holy, and acceptable. We cannot claim that we are accomplishing the will of GOD if our life is inconsistent or at odds with the holy and righteous character of the LORD.

     Today's text not only describes the characteristics of a yielded sacrifice, but it also reveals the extent of this sacrifice. The Apostle Paul writes, "I beseech you therefore, brethren. . .that ye present your bodies. . ." Clearly, the scope of our sacrifice to GOD is to encompass our entire body. The LORD desires to utilize every aspect of our life !

     The Body is the encasement of our total person. It involves every physical part as well as our immaterial parts (soul and spirit). It is foolish for any of us to feel as though we can yield part of our self to GOD and allow other components to be controlled by the flesh. No, this bodily commitment is total and "reasonable" (v.1). Halfway commitment is an illogical concept. Elsewhere in Scripture, JESUS CHRIST reminds us that we cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24 pictured above). Either we are wholly committed to GOD and yielded to HIM, "which is [our] reasonable (logical) service," or we are wholly committed and yielded to someone or something else. No middle ground exists ! JESUS provided us with a full, complete salvation when HE gave HIS life on the cross of Calvary. Likewise, HE promises eternal security in HIM and everlasting life. HE has given all of HIMSELF for us. How could we give our LORD any less in return ?

Nonconformity

     The Bible states that we should desire to know GOD's will for our life and commit to glorifying our LORD by fulfilling HIS will. Today's text explains how we can know and accomplish GOD's will. First, we must yield our whole self to HIM as a living sacrifice. Second, we must refuse to identify with the world system in which we now live. Separation from worldliness is essential if we are to discern GOD's will and do it. The Apostle Paul specifically commands us, "Be not conformed to this world" (v.2); in other words, we must not be marked by the characteristics of this world by fashioning ourselves according to the spirit of the age (1st.Peter 1:14 pictured above). As Christians, we must commit to being different from the unsaved. Our lifestyle, our philosophy, our worldview, and our conduct must be distinct from that of the unbelieving world.

     The Greek root that underlies the word "conformed" in this text is schema from which we get our English word scheme. It entails a conformation that is external, having no connection with the inner essence. To "conform" in this sense, is to outwardly act in a manner that does not reflect the inner man. This imperative in verse two requires that we, as Christians, refuse to be marked by the characteristics of this age -- on the outside as well as the inside ! The LORD has saved us and delivered us from this world system (Galatians 1:3-4 pictured above). Why, then, would we want to fit in with that from which we have been delivered ? We must not live as "chameleon Christians." The world is not to be our model for Christian living or ministry. If we truly desire to know and do the will of GOD, we must yield our life to the LORD and separate from the spirit of this age.

Transformation

     Today's text not only exhorts us to know the will of GOD for our life, but it also tells us how to understand and accomplish HIS will. First, we must be yielded to our SAVIOR as a living, holy, acceptable sacrifice. Second, we must be separated from worldliness. We can never truly glorify GOD if we are living and thinking like the world. Finally, we must be "transformed" in order to know and do GOD's will. When we are transformed by renewed thinking (that is, we put on the mind of CHRIST), then we will be able to determine GOD's will for our life and do that which pleases HIM.

     The Apostle Paul exhorts, "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind" (v.2). Transformation is a change of the inner man. It means we possess a new thought process -- a new mind. We often do not realize the extent to which sin offends a Holy GOD and how far our mind truly is from the mind of CHRIST. When we transform our inner man by changing the way we think, we put on the mind of CHRIST and begin to think and act as the LORD would have us to think and act. This "renewing" occurs in our life when we allow GOD's SPIRIT to change us (2nd.Corinthians 3:18 pictured above) as we are yielded and separated; the HOLY SPIRIT takes the WORD Of GOD and appropriates it to our life.

     Have you surrendered to the LORD by consciously refusing to be conformed to the world system and by humbly putting on the mind of JESUS CHRIST ? Only when we are yielded, separated, and transformed can we both know and do the will of GOD as we remove our ambitions from the equation (v.2c). Let us unreservedly present our life to the LORD that we may "prove" (determine) what is "the perfect will of GOD." MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"How is Your Heart ?"

 

Psalm 51:9-19 "Hide THY face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O GOD; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from THY presence; and take not THY HOLY SPIRIT from me. Restore unto me the joy of THY salvation; and uphold me with THY free SPIRIT. Then will I teach transgressors THY ways; and sinners shall be converted unto THEE. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O GOD, THOU GOD of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of THY righteousness.

O LORD, open THOU my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth THY praise. For THOU desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: THOU delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of GOD are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O GOD, THOU wilt not despise. Do good in THY good pleasure unto Zion: build THOU the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt THOU be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon THINE altar."

     Someone has said, "The heart of the matter is the matter of the heart !" Nothing is more important than the state of our heart. In the physical realm, heart checkups can prevent premature death. In the spiritual realm, the state of the heart is even more vital ! "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23 pictured above). Let us take the following "heart examination" by asking ourselves these personal questions:

1. Whom does your heart serve ? Do you serve the LORD with whole-hearted (not half-hearted) devotion ? "And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the GOD of thy father, and serve HIM with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts. . .If thou seek HIM, HE will be found of thee; but if thou forsake HIM, HE will cast thee off for ever" (1st.Chronicles 28:9).

2. What causes you heart to rejoice ? What brings joy to your heart ? In what does your heart delight ? "The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes" (Psalm 19:8).

3. Is your heart trusting in a great GOD ? "the LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in HIM, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise HIM" (Psalm 28:7).

4. How clean or pure is your heart ? The LORD is eager to restore you to fellowship: "Nothing between my soul and the SAVIOR !" Are you harboring unconfessed sin in your life ? "Create in me a clean heart, O GOD; and renew a right spirit within me" (v.10). 

5. Is your heart broken and contrite over sins committed ? "The sacrifices of GOD are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O GOD, THOU wilt not despise" (v.17)

Proverbs 4:14-23 "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

     "Search me, O GOD, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see of there be any wicked way in me. . ." (Psalm 139:23-24 pictured above). We must allow the SPIRIT of GOD to examine our innermost being to determine the state of our heart. Thus, we continue the heart exam we began above:

6. How soft is your heart ? "To day if ye will hear HIS voice, harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness" (Psalm 95:7-9). When we respond in the right way to what GOD says, our heart softens; when we do not, it hardens.

7. What have you treasured up in your heart ? Does GOD's WORD dwell richly within you ? "THY WORD have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against THEE" (Psalm 119:11).

8. What does your heart treasure ? What does your heart find most valuable and precious ? "But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:20-21).

9. What does your heart love more than anything else ? Who is the greatest love of your life ? Who is your "first love" (Revelation 2:4) ? "JESUS said unto him Thou shalt love the LORD thy GOD with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (Matthew 22:37).

10.What kind of melody is in your heart ? What song does your heart sing ? Does it sing "the song of fools" (Eccl.7:5) or praise to the ONE WHO is altogether lovely ? "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the LORD" (Ephesians 5:19). May we carefully, regularly, and honestly examine our heart. 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 Curse and The Cleanse"

 

Ezekiel 18:4,20 "Behold, all souls are MINE; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is MINE; the soul that sinneth, it shall die. . .The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him."

     Some people do not view themselves as sinners despite the obvious evidence to the contrary as well as the indictment of GOD's WORD. Our text twice declares, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die." The New Testament states, "The wages of sin is death. . .For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23; 6:23 both pictured above). Who, in his right mind, would claim to be free of sin ? Our thoughts and words and deeds condemn us. It has been said that the only way to prove you are not a sinner is to never die ! "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" -- this is the curse of sin.

     But, is there not a cure for this dreadful curse of sin ? Thank GOD, yes: the shed blood of JESUS CHRIST. The Apostle Peter wrote that we are "not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold. . .but with the precious blood of CHRIST, as of a LAMB without blemish and without spot" (1st.Peter 1:18-19 pictured above). Forgetfulness is not the cure for sin. Some people mistakenly believe that GOD will simply forget their sin. Others think they will forget it and never need to deal with it. But time cannot resolve the guilt of our iniquity, as Joseph's brothers discovered when dealing with him in Egypt (Genesis 42:21).

     A crucial question, however, is this: How much of our sin does CHRIST's shed blood cure ? Listen to the following WORDs from 1st.John 1:7 (also pictured above) and note the answer: "The blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanseth us from all sin." You and I can find no means of reviewing our whole past life and dealing with every sin we have ever committed, nor can we foresee those that we will commit yet future -- but GOD can. We have a glorious cure for the curse of sin, and it is JESUS' blood, which cleanses us from all sin. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation