" WORD of TRUTH Lighthouse ": July 2025

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

"GOD IS: Love"

1st.John 4:8-10 "He that loveth not knoweth not GOD; for GOD is love. In this was manifested the love of GOD toward us, because that GOD sent HIS only begotten SON into the world, that we might live through HIM. Herein is love, not that we loved GOD, but that HE loved us, and sent HIS SON to be the propitiation for our sins."

As believers, we should desire to have a proper understanding of our GOD and SAVIOR. GOD's WORD to us, the Bible, reveals many of the LORD's attributes, or perfections. We have taken the time during the past 7 studies to consider HIS qualities of greatness (immutability, omnipotence, omnipresence, immanence, omniscience, eternality, and infiniteness), but now we will take the next 7 studies to contemplate what the WORD of GOD says about HIS attributes of goodness, that is, WHO GOD is in relation to HIS creation.

How glorious it is to know that the ONE WHO created us and WHO keeps us is a GOD of love. In fact, the Bible declares that "GOD is love" (v.8 pictured above). What, exactly, is love as it pertains to the LORD and HIS relationship with HIS creation ? Love is that which moves GOD to give of HIMSELF and HIS gifts for our own good, despite our complete lack of merit. It is that attribute whereby the LORD reveals HIS genuine care for our well-being.

Today's text explains the extent to which GOD has manifested HIS love to us: "GOD sent HIS only begotten SON into the world, that we might live through HIM . . . not that we loved GOD, but that HE loved us" (vv.9-10). Thus, GOD's love for us is voluntary (under no compulsion), righteous (always accomplishing that which is right), and eternal (never ceasing). GOD sent HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, into the world to reconcile us unto HIMSELF because HE loves the world (John 3:16 pictured above) and desires a relationship with HIS creation. As believers, how will we respond to the GOD WHO manifested HIS great love to us in such a magnificent way ? GOD's love should motivate us to love HIM more and to prove our love for HIM by obeying HIS perfect will (John 15:12-14 pictured above). MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD IS: Immutable"

Psalm 102:25-27 "Of old hast THOU laid the foundation of the Earth; and the Heavens are the work of THY hands. They shall perish, but THOU shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt THOU change them, and they shall be changed: but THOU art the same, and THY years shall have no end."

As human beings we constantly change, but we serve a GOD WHO cannot change. HE is immutable. HE is incapable of growing, decaying, or being inconsistent in any respect. Therefore, unlike mankind, the LORD does not improve nor regress. Why ? GOD cannot alter HIMSELF in any way because HE is already perfect -- HE is perfection itself. Immutability (or constancy) is that attribute whereby GOD's personality and essence are unchangeable. HE cannot modify HIS person, HIS attributes, or HIS purposes and promises. Yet immutability, or constancy, does not mean that the LORD does not sometimes change HIS actions. While GOD is immutable in HIS being, nature, and plan, HE is mobile as well. The mobility of the LORD is that characteristic of HIS nature whereby HE can shift the course of HIS activities or dealing with men.

Today's text reminds us that although the very nature of the world will one day change, the nature of GOD is always "the same" (v.27). In Malachi 3:6, GOD says, "For I AM the LORD, I change not." Likewise, HIS WORD and HIS thoughts do not change: "The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of HIS heart to all generations" (Psalm 33:11 pictured above). In the New Testament, James tells us that GOD does not change, specifically, concerning HIS goodness to HIS own (James 1:17 pictured above). As believers, we can take comfort in the fact that the GOD WHOM we serve is immutable in HIS nature, attributes, and purpose. Because HE does not change, we know for certain that HE cannot and will not sin nor fail, that HE will always keep HIS promises, and that HE is forever faithful, just, and good. May we rest in the truth that our GOD will always be the same GOD ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Monday, July 21, 2025

"What You MISS By Being A Christian !"

H E L L !

Read how the Bible describes Hell:

1. A Lake of Fire Revelation 20:15

2. A bottomless pit Revelation 20:1

3. A horrible tempest Psalm 11:6

4. A place of everlasting burnings Isaiah 33:14

5. A furnace of fire Matthew 13:42

6. A devouring fire Isaiah 33:14

7. A place of torments Luke 16:23

8. A place of everlasting punishment Matthew 25:46

9. A place where people pray Luke 16:24

10.A place where people cry for mercy Matthew 13:42

11.A place where people wail Revelation 16:11

12.A place where people blaspheme GOD Revelation 20:15

13.A place of no forgiveness Matthew 12:32

14.A place of filthiness Revelation 22:11

15.A place of weeping Matthew 8:12

16.A place of sorrows Psalm 18:5

17.A place of outer darkness Matthew 8:12

18.A place where people have no rest Revelation 14:11

19.A place where people gnaw their tongues Revelation 16:10

20.A place of blackness and darkness forever Jude 1:13

21.A place where their worm dieth not,

and the fire is not quenched Mark 9:48

22.A place where people are tormented

with fire and brimstone Revelation 14:10

23.A place from which the smoke of people's

torment ascends up forever Revelation 14:11

24.A place where people do not want their

loved ones to go Luke 16:28

"And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:15. The Bible asks in Hebrews 2:3 "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation..." If you choose to go to Hell, do nothing ! You have already done enough ! "For the wages of sin is death;..." (Romans 6:23a). "The wicked shall be turned into Hell..." (Psalm 9:17).

If you choose to escape Hell, you must do a few things. First, you must believe you are a sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23).

Secondly, you must believe you deserve to go to Hell. "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).

The third thing that you must do is to repent (a turning to GOD from your sin). "...As I live, saith the LORD GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live..." (Ezekiel 33:11).

You must also believe JESUS died to pay for your sins. "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8). "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).

Finally, you need to trust JESUS to be your personal SAVIOR. "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). "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9,13).

YOUR BIGGEST DECISION !

JESUS has already "Paid in Full" the price for your eternal salvation. However, HE leaves the final decision entirely up to you. So, what will you do with JESUS CHRIST ? Will you receive HIM, or will you reject HIM ? If you want to receive HIM, just come to HIM in 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 and help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

JESUS gives you this promise: "He that believeth on the SON hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him." (John 3:36). Come to JESUS for forgiveness and eternal life before it is too late !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD IS: Eternal"

Psalm 102:11-12 "My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass. But THOU, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and THY remembrance unto all generations."

Not only is our GOD self-existent, but HE also is eternal. The eternity or eternality of the LORD is that attribute of HIS nature and essence by which HE is unaffected by time. GOD, as the AUTHOR and CREATOR of time, is not limited by it. Thus, HIS everlasting existence cannot be measured according to units of time. HE not only has been from eternity past, but HE also will be for all eternity yet future. HE exists infinitely and cannot cease. In other words, the LORD is endlessly self-existent !

In Psalm 90:2 (pictured above) Moses described the LORD in the following manner: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever THOU hadst formed the Earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, THOU art GOD." This verse expresses both GOD's self-existence and HIS eternality. The phrase "from everlasting to everlasting" means that GOD has always existed and always will exist. Moses also articulated the LORD's eternality in Deuteronomy 33:27: " The eternal GOD is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." GOD HIMSELF is eternal, and the strength and support HE gives to HIS own are eternal. In Job 36:26, Elihu told Job, "Behold, GOD is great. . .neither can the number of HIS years be searched out." It is impossible to discover GOD's age, for HE is ageless and immortal. Isaiah 57:15 (pictured above) describes the LORD as "the high and lofty ONE that inhabiteth eternity." Clearly, GOD's WORD reveals that our LORD is eternal -- both past and future. This truth should greatly comfort us in the fact that our GOD will never cease to exist. Therefore, we can always be certain that the LORD is, and will be, forever in control of all things, great or small, just as HE ever has been from eternity past. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD IS: Omnipresent"

Psalm 139:7-12 "Whither shall I go from THY SPIRIT ? or whither shall I flee from THY presence ? If I ascend up into Heaven, THOU art there: if I make my bed in Hell, behold, THOU art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall THY hand lead me, and THY right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from THEE; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to THEE."

The GOD we worship is infinite, self-existent, all-powerful, and all-knowing. The Bible also clearly reveals to us that we serve an omnipresent GOD. The LORD is everywhere present in the universe, filling it with HIS whole being at all times. While GOD transcends spacial dimensions. HE is also present to every point of space with HIS whole essence. The immensity of GOD describes HIS transcendence of time and space, and the omnipresence of GOD defines HIS immanence, that is, HE operates and exists within time and space. While HIS presence is everywhere, HE does not manifest HIMSELF everywhere. When describing the LORD as omnipresent and immense, we must understand that such terms do not mean GOD can be found in all things (pantheism); nor do they mean that wherever the LORD is present. HE is there in the very same sense (for example, HE is not in the unsaved as HE is in the saved; HE does not inhabit the earth the same way that HE dwells in Heaven). However, these words do mean that GOD, in HIS entire being, is everywhere present in one sense or another.

Jeremiah 23:24 asks, "Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him ? saith the LORD. Do not I fill Heaven and Earth ? saith the LORD." According to today's text the answer to the first question is: "No, nobody can hide himself from GOD." The answer to the second question, according to our text, is: "Yes, GOD does fill Heaven and Earth." We can be assured that because our GOD is omnipresent, HE is always near (Jeremiah 23:23). In fact, HE indwells us, as believers, through HIS HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 8:9; 1st.Corinthians 3:16, both pictured above). How comforting it is to know that we are never alone. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Saturday, July 19, 2025

"GOD IS: Omniscient"

Psalm 147:4-5 "HE telleth the number of the stars; HE calleth them all by their names. Great is our LORD, and of great power: HIS understanding is infinite."

Not only do we serve a GOD WHO is infinite, self-existent, and omnipotent, but we also serve a GOD WHO is omniscient, that is HE knows all things. The LORD, in an entirely unique manner, is aware of everything perfectly -- past, present and future -- in one eternal act. Our GOD never discovers anything, learns anything, nor is surprised by anything. Today, a divisive heresy proposing that the LORD does not know the future and is taken aback by man's decisions is currently plaguing the church. This unorthodox doctrine, known as "open theism" or the "openness of GOD theology," stands in complete opposition to the Bibles' teaching concerning the nature of GOD.

The Scriptures tell us in 1st.John 3:20 (pictured above), "GOD...knoweth all things." David notes in Psalm 139:16, pictured above, that the LORD knew all about the psalmist before he was even born: "Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect: and in THY book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them." Notice today's text: "Great is our LORD. . .HIS understanding is infinite" (v.5). GOD even sees the outcomes of hypothetical situations that could have occurred in life (Matthew 11:21-23). The LORD's knowledge is perfect (Job 37:16), complete, and all-encompassing (Hebrews 4:13), and as a result of HIS omniscience, believers can trust that whatever GOD says in HIS WORD is true. We are able to draw from HIS wisdom and apply it to our own life and take comfort in the fact that nothing will ever take our SAVIOR by surprise. We serve a great GOD WHO is infinite in HIS knowledge and wisdom. May we continually glorify HIM and depend upon HIM as a result of WHO HE is ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD IS: Omnipotent"

Jeremiah 32:17 "Ah LORD GOD ! behold, THOU hast made the Heaven and the Earth by THY great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for THEE:"

GOD not only is infinite and self-existent, but HE also is omnipotent, that is, all-powerful. By HIS inexhaustible power, GOD can do all things consistent with HIS person and will. Nothing is too difficult for HIM. Yet we must understand that while GOD is not limited in strength, HE is limited by HIS nature. For example, GOD cannot sin because if HE sinned, HE would then cease to be GOD -- and such is not possible. GOD does not do anything contradictory to HIS own character. We also must understand that GOD can do all that HE wills, but HE will not do all that HE can. For instance, GOD could make humans from stones, but HE would not do so because it does not correspond with HIS will (Matthew 3:9 pictured above). The LORD possesses power over HIS power.

How do we know that GOD is all-powerful ? HIS WORD provides ample proof of this fact. The Bible uses the WORD Almighty only in reference to GOD (see Genesis 17:1; Exodus 6:3; 2nd.Corinthians 6:18). In Job 42:2, pictured above, Job tells the LORD, "I know that THOU canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from THEE." Job was right ! Isaiah 40:28 declares that GOD never faints nor is weary. And, in Revelation 19:6, the Apostle John records the believers in Heaven proclaiming. "Alleluia: for the LORD GOD omnipotent reigneth." Yes, our GOD is all-powerful. HE manifests HIS omnipotence over nature (Psalm 33:6-9), over man and angels (Daniel 4:35), over Satan (Job 1:12), over history (Daniel 4:17), and over redemption (Ephesians 1:11-12). Believers can rejoice in the glorious truth that the LORD's omnipotence assures a perfect salvation and eternal security (Romans 1:16; 1st.Peter 1:5). May we praise our mighty GOD for HIS infinite power ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Thursday, July 17, 2025

"GOD IS: Self-Existent"

Isaiah 40:18-31 "To whom then will ye liken GOD ? or what likeness will ye compare unto HIM ? The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains. He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved. Have ye not known ? have ye not heard ? hath it not been told you from the beginning ? have ye not understood from the foundations of the Earth ? It is HE that sitteth upon the circle of the Earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: that bringeth the princes to nothing ; HE maketh the judges of the Earth as vanity. Yea, they shall not be planted; yea they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the Earth: and HE shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.

To whom then will ye liken ME, or shall I be equal ? saith the Holy ONE. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold WHO hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: HE calleth them all by names by the greatness of HIS might, for that HE is strong in power; not one faileth. Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my GOD ? Hast thou not known ? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting GOD, the LORD, the CREATOR of the ends of the Earth, faineth not, neither is weary ? there is no searching of HIS understanding. HE giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might HE increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Not only is GOD infinite, but HE also is self-existent, that is, the source of GOD's existence is HIMSELF. HE is completely independent of all things external to HIMSELF. Whereas man is caused, GOD is uncaused. Whereas man is dependent upon a CREATOR and a life-sustaining creation, GOD is totally independent of all things. HE always has existed and needs nothing in order to sustain HIS existence.

In John 5:26 (pictured above), the LORD JESUS said, "For as the FATHER hath life in HIMSELF, so hath HE given to the SON to have life in HIMSELF." Both GOD the FATHER and GOD the SON are self-existent. The SON has always existed as the SON, and the FATHER has always existed as the FATHER. This glorious verse reveals the deity of JESUS CHRIST and HIS eternal SONship as well as the general self-existence of GOD. HIS very name that HE revealed to Moses in the desert likewise attests to the self-existence of the LORD. HE told Moses, "Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you" (Exodus 3:14 pictured above). The name "I AM" implies eternal existence rather than derived life.

As believers, we can be thankful that the GOD we serve has always existed and is the CREATOR of all things. Our text describes the foolishness of worshiping man-made idols when mankind could, and should, be worshiping the eternally existent GOD WHO created the very materials used to craft those worthless statues. The LORD asks, "To whom then will ye liken ME, or shall I be equal ?" (v.25 pictured above). Our GOD, the "everlasting GOD," created all things and never faints nor is weary (v.28). May we not put our trust in anything other than the self-existent GOD WHO is the very source of all things. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD IS: Infinite"

Acts 17:24-28 "GOD that made the world and all things therein, seeing that HE is LORD of Heaven and Earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshiped with men's hands, as though HE needed anything, seeing HE giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the Earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the LORD, if haply they might feel after HIM, and find HIM, though HE be not far from every one of us: for in HIM we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also HIS offspring."

As Christians, we frequently study and meditate upon the wonderful works of our great GOD, but how often do we take the time to consider and learn about the nature of GOD HIMSELF ? We should strive to better understand and know the LORD WHOM we serve, and HIS WORD provides us with a wealth of information concerning HIS attributes, that is, those distinguishing, inherent characteristics of HIS divine nature. Over the years, pastors and theologians have wrestled with the process of classifying GOD's attributes; for our study, we will categorize the characteristics of GOD as either aspects of HIS greatness or features of HIS goodness. During the next two weeks, we will examine some (though certainly not all) of the attributes of our CREATOR's greatness in week one, and we will look at several elements of HIS goodness in week two. The qualities of HIS greatness pertain to GOD as HE is in HIMSELF (GOD is infinite, omnipotent, omniscient, eternal, etc.). The LORD's attributes of goodness apply to GOD in relation to HIS creation (GOD is love, faithful, righteous, etc.).

The GOD we worship is an infinite GOD. HE exists without outside limitations. HE is not restricted or bound by time and space. HE lacks nothing and is complete in and of HIMSELF. And, because HE HIMSELF is infinite, HIS power and knowledge are also infinite (Romans 11:33 Pictured above) Psalm 147:5 reminds us, "Great is our LORD, and of great power: HIS understanding is infinite." (also pictured above). We serve a GOD WHO is not shackled with man's inadequacies. HE created everything that exists and needs absolutely nothing (vv.25-26). Let us praise and lift high our infinite GOD for HIS greatness, which has no end. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

"They Have NO Knowledge"

Isaiah 5:11-17 "Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them ! And the harp, and the viol, are in their tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of HIS hands. Therefore MY people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.

Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled: but the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and GOD that is Holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat."

The LORD exalts truth and always deals with HIS people according to that which is just and right: "But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and GOD that is Holy shall be sanctified in righteousness" (v.16). Because the children of Israel refused to exercise spiritual judgment (Isaiah 5:1-10), the LORD subsequently stepped in as their Righteous JUDGE. Had HE failed to chastise HIS children, HE would have been an unrighteous JUDGE by allowing such lawlessness. GOD wants every believer today likewise to have biblical discernment and then to actively pursue that which is right, whether it involves taking a stand for the truth or speaking out against error. We are to proficiently exercise ourselves "to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14 pictured above).

The world in which we live detests dogmatism and refuses to believe in a GOD of judgment, yet we know from Scripture not only that absolute truth exists but also that the LORD will judge mankind according to the absolutes of HIS WORD. HE pronounces woe upon the evildoer and upon those who disregard their CREATOR (vv.11-12). What was Israel's real problem ? They were stubborn and self-willed: "Therefore MY people are gone into captivity, because they have NO knowledge" (v.13). Arrogant willfulness breeds spiritual ignorance. Their problem was not a lack of mental ability to understand GOD's will but rather a determination to spurn it. Their ignorance was self-imposed, and they were without excuse when the judgment of the LORD fell upon them (vv.13-15 partially pictured above). Are we willing to obey what the WORD tells us, or are we following the Israelites' example by lacking in knowledge ? GOD's judgment will fall upon the ignorant. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation