"Life's Greatest Decision"

 

CAREER                                         Yes___  No___

MARRIAGE                                 Yes___  No___

BUYING A HOME                   Yes___  No___

INVESTMENTS                        Yes___  No___

RETIREMENT                           Yes___  No___

LIFE INSURANCE                   Yes___  No___

     The greatest decision you will ever make is to accept or reject eternal life ! To have peace with GOD and the assurance of Heaven, you must have eternal life !

     You see, when GOD created Adam and Eve and put them in the Garden of Eden, they knew nothing about sin. GOD visited them in the cool of the day, and they enjoyed sweet fellowship with their CREATOR. GOD only made one restriction. "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 that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17). 

     In spite of GOD's blessings, Adam and Eve disobeyed GOD and ate of the forbidden tree. That day they died spiritually. "For the wages of sin is death . . ." (Romans 6:23a). By their own choice, they were separated from GOD, WHO loved them. They were driven from the Garden, and mankind has been separated from GOD ever since. "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). So, you and I, like Adam, are sinners. We have not obeyed all of GOD's commandments. "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10a) "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23).

     Some people think they can earn GOD's acceptance by doing good works. "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. . ." (Isaiah 64:6). GOD says your good works are not good - in HIS sight. You are still a sinner separated from GOD ! My Friend, there is a terrible penalty for sin. If you die in your sins, you will spend eternity in the flames of a burning Hell ! "And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:15) "And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever . . ." (Revelation 14:11).

     The good news is that the LORD JESUS CHRIST has paid the full penalty for your sin. GOD has made a way for you to be reconciled to HIM. "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8). "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). The Bible states, ". . .HE was wounded for our transgressions, HE was bruised for our iniquities . . ." (Isaiah 53:5a).

     Because JESUS shed HIS precious blood for all of your sins, GOD will free you from the guilt, the power, and the penalty of sin, if you will only "repent. . .and believe the Gospel." (Mark 1:15). The Apostle Paul preached to all ". . .that they should repent and turn to GOD. . ." (Acts 26:20). The Gospel is "that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day. . ." (1st.Corinthians 15:3,4). ". . .Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou halt be saved. . ." (Acts 16:31)

     Neither your family, water baptism, church membership nor any good works can save you. "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). JESUS said, ". . .I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by me." (John 14:6). ". . .the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23b)

     My Friend, if you reject GOD's free gift of eternal life, not only will you remain separated from GOD now, but also when you die without CHRIST, you will be eternally separated from GOD in the flames of a Devil's Hell. Please don't wait until it is too late. Have you made the right decision ? Even though you are not worthy of GOD's mercy, HE wants to save you ! Right now, will you pray to GOD, asking the LORD JESUS CHRIST to forgive you and to give you eternal life ? "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, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand." (John 10:28). PLEASE, do not put off your decision; no one is promised any more time than the moment he is in. HE says, "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b). Come to JESUS today !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A Good Fight to the End"

 

2nd.Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the LORD the righteous JUDGE, shall give me at that Day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love HIS appearing."

     Shortly before his death, the Apostle Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy. Even as he penned this epistle, Paul knew that his time on Earth was coming to a close. Therefore, he exhorted Timothy to be a faithful and effective minister of JESUS CHRIST, just as Paul himself had been an obedient, bold testimony for the SAVIOR. Notice the Apostle's exact words at the end of his life: "I have fought a good fight." Did we read that correctly ? Is the Bible actually advocating the need to fight ? Yes, it is if such conflict entails a battle for truth. Today, many unbelievers and professing Christians encourage spiritual pacifism. They oppose any form of contending for the truth or warring against doctrinal error. But is such an understanding of Christianity correct ? Absolutely not ! Throughout his life, Paul suffered at the hands of unbelievers as well as fellow believers who were disseminating false doctrine and slandering his faithful work. Yet this great man of GOD continued unreservedly to preach and teach the WORD and defend the faith despite so many seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

     Elsewhere in the New Testament, the Greek word translated in our text as "fight" is rendered "conflict" (Philippians 1:30; Colossians 2:1 pictured above) and "contention" (1st.Thessalonians 2:2 pictured above). The Apostle fought a good conflict. He contended. How did he accomplish this ? First, he "finished [the] course" the LORD had set before him. He completed GOD's work GOD's way and refused to cut corners. Second, he "kept the faith." The term keep not only means "to guard" but also "to observe and do." Paul guarded the truth and obeyed it. Are you fighting for GOD's WORD, or are you allowing the enemy to gain the upper hand ?

     The Apostle Paul also realized that the Christian life involves a battle between good and evil, truth and error. In fact, he exhorted Timothy in a previous letter to "war a good warfare" (1st.Timothy 1:18). Any believer who fails to realize that he is involved in a battle is automatically handing the enemy a clear advantage. But because Paul knew that he was continually wrestling against spiritual wickedness (Ephesians 6:12 pictured above), he earnestly contended for the faith. At the end of his life, the aged Apostle could tell Timothy that he had "fought a good fight" by finishing the course the LORD had set before him and by keeping the faith (guarding the truth and obeying the WORD of GOD).

     So how, exactly, did Paul fight a good fight and keep the faith as required by the LORD ? First, the Apostle was never reluctant to share the WORD. He boldly declared to the believers in Rome, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST" (Romans 1:16), even though he had suffered greatly as a result of the doctrines he preached (2nd.Timothy 1:11-13). Second, Paul never feared the opinions of men (2nd.Timothy 1:7-9). He knew the world would increase in wickedness, yet he still exhorted Timothy to "preach the WORD" despite the fact that most people would vehemently hate his message (2nd.Timothy 3:1-5 cf. 4:1-5). Third, Paul never allowed the world to dictate his standards for ministry. He remained steadfast and unmovable in the LORD's work (1st.Corinthians 15:58 pictured above) and never changed GOD's message or allowed pragmatism to characterize his ministry. Finally, Paul never tolerated error or complacency (2nd.Timothy 2:1-7). Are we emulating the Apostle Paul's warfare strategy in our own life ? If not, we cannot expect to receive the LORD's approval in the end (v.8).MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD's Last Name is NOT Damn !"

 

Many people strive to make a name for themselves. A person's name symbolizes not only what they have accomplished in their lifetime, but it also reveals their character, whether good or bad. The Bible states, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. . ." (Proverbs 22:1). In fact, GOD values HIS name so much that HE gave the following command: "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy GOD in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh HIS name in vain." (Exodus 20:7).

The Bible is the record of GOD's love for mankind. Throughout the Bible, many names referring to GOD are given, and each name gives a different aspect of GOD's character. For instance, Isaiah 9:6 states, "For unto us a CHILD is born, unto us a SON is given; and the government shall be upon HIS shoulder: and HIS name shall be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, THE PRINCE of PEACE." These names refer to the precious SON of GOD, and each name gives a glimpse of GOD's character.

Not only does the Bible show the character of GOD, but it also reveals the depravity of man. Romans 3:12 states, ". . .there is none that doeth good, no, not one." Also, Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD." Your sin has earned you spiritual death, separation from an all-HOLY GOD, and an eternity in a Devil's Hell. "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). Without the mercy of GOD, you and I would be lost and without hope forever.

The good news is that GOD's love for you gives you a way of escape. This way is revealed in HIS name. Matthew 1:21 states, "And she shall bring forth a SON, and thou shalt call HIS name JESUS: for HE shall save HIS people from their sins." GOD loves you so much that HE sent HIS SON to pay the penalty for your sins. "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8). JESUS' death on the cross paid your sin debt in full, if you will only believe in HIM. JESUS stated in John 5:24, "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."

The Bible was ". . .written, that ye might believe that JESUS is the CHRIST, the SON of GOD; and that believing ye might have life through HIS name." (John 20:30-31). There is no other way to obtain salvation. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12). Doing good deeds will not earn your salvation. PLEASE do not believe that your good deeds will outweigh your bad deed - that is nowhere in the Bible. It is an evil lie of the Devil. GOD said, "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). Being saved and going to Heaven has absolutely nothing to do with doing good works.

Obtaining salvation and an eternity in Heaven is so simple. "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 y 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). GOD gives you this promise: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9,13).

If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance (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.

What's in a name ? Philippians 2:9-11 says that the name of JESUS is ". . .above every name: That at the name of JESUS every knee should bow . . . And that every tongue should confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD, to the glory of GOD the FATHER." One day, you will believe in GOD, but will you be too late ? GOD says in HIS WORD, "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b). Tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone. Receive JESUS today !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"How to Be SAVED and KNOW It !"

 

IF YOU SHOULD DIE TODAY,

WHERE WOULD YOU SPEND ETERNITY ?

No one likes to think about death, but death comes to everyone. GOD tells us in HIS WORD, "And it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27). Since death is so certain, you must prepare to meet GOD. According to GOD's WORD, you will spend eternity in one of two places - either in Heaven or in a Devil's Hell. "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment [Hell]; but the righteous into life eternal [Heaven]." (Matthew 25:46).

EVERY PERSON CONCEIVED INTO THIS
WORLD INHERITS A SINFUL NATURE.

". . .and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." (Ephesians 2:3b). "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). "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it ? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

THIS SINFUL NATURE PRODUCES

ALL SORTS OF EVIL DEEDS.

"For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these things come from within, and defile the man." Mark 7:21-23. You must admit you are a sinner. Admit it not only to yourself but also admit it to GOD. There is absolutely no chance for you to be saved from a Devil's Hell unless you know that you are a sinner and need to be saved. GOD's WORD declares it and you must believe it ! Because you are a sinner, you are destined for Hell for all eternity. "For the wages of sin is death . . . " (Romans 6:23a). ". . .and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:15).

THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO

TO SAVE YOURSELF.

You cannot be good enough. ". . .there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Romans 3:12). You cannot be saved by keeping the Law, joining the church and being water baptized will not even help save you. ". . .by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16). You are helpless. You cannot save yourself.

HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL:

In spite of your sin, GOD loves you and has done everything necessary for your salvation. "For when we were yet without strength [helpless], in due time CHRIST died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6). "For CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that HE might bring us to GOD, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the SPIRIT." (1st.Peter 3:18). "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). 

JUST BELIEVING INTELLECTUALLY THAT YOU

ARE A SINNER, THAT GOD LOVES YOU, AND 

THAT CHRIST DIED FOR YOU IS NOT ENOUGH.

You must apply this to yourself personally by repenting (a turning to GOD from your sin) and receiving the LORD JESUS CHRIST as your own personal SAVIOR. Repentance is a "change of mind" brought to your heart by the HOLY SPIRIT through the WORD of GOD. It causes you to turn to GOD from your sin, dead religions, and your own good works to trust CHRIST alone. ". . .all men. . ." (Acts 17:30) are commanded to repent and therefore can. Don't put this off - do it now ! Because GOD says in HIS WORD, "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b). "Seek ye the LORD while HE may be found, call ye upon HIM while HE is near." (Isaiah 55:6). "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). ". . .all men. . ." (1st.Timothy 2:4,6) can be saved. Wherever you are right now, tell GOD that you are a lost sinner, ask HIM to forgive you of your sins, and receive the LORD JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR. Claim salvation by faith. "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).

YOU MAY PRAY THIS SIMPLE PRAYER,

MEANING IT WITH ALL YOUR HEART:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe that 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, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand." (John 10:28). The promise of eternal life, which cannot be lost or taken away, is yours if you receive JESUS as your personal LORD and SAVIOR. "And this is the record, that GOD hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON. He that hath the SON hath life; and he that hath not the SON of GOD hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the SON of GOD; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the SON of GOD." (1st.John 5:11-13). Receive JESUS today, there is no guarantee of tomorrow for any of us.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Where is the Fire of GOD Today ?"

 

2nd.Kings 1:16-18 "And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Beelzebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no GOD in Israel to enquire of HIS WORD ? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. So he died according to the WORD of the LORD which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram reigned in his stead in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat King of Judah; because he had no son. Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah which he did, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel ?"

     The real fire of GOD today is manifest whenever a Bible based ministry serves the LORD humbly and faithfully according to the absolute truth of HIS WORD. Notice 1st.Corinthians 2:1-13. The "speech" and the "words" of the Apostle Paul were, as stated in verse four, the "demonstration of the SPIRIT and of power." GOD's WORD alone defines HIS work and power today (Romans 1:16 pictured above; 1st.Thessalonians 2:13 pictured below), we walk by faith according to the light of the Scriptures, not by sight and extrabiblical display.

     The LORD requires HIS servants to look to HIS WORD alone for answers. Ahaziah turned to false gods - but "not because there [was] no GOD in Israel to enquire of HIS WORD" (vv.16-17). The King fell not only from his upper chamber (v.2) but also eventually from his high opinion of himself. He learned too late that the ONE to WHOM he had to answer in the end was the same ONE he should have looked to in the beginning. Rebellion against GOD's WORD exacts a terrible price. We can count on the LORD to bring to pass all that HE has spoken, whether it is promised blessing or eventual judgment.

     The Bible - not only hearing it but understanding how to apply and obey its truths - will set us "on fire" for GOD. Think of the glory, the unspeakable display, on the Mount of Transfiguration, and yet 2nd.Peter 1:16-19, pictured above, tells us that, in comparison to this miraculous manifestation, "We have also a more sure WORD of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed. . ." According to the promises and precepts of the WORD, a faithful ministry will, in and of itself, be a SPIRIT wrought demonstration of the hand of GOD, for the "fire" of the LORD manifests itself through HIS holy WORD. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Fire from Heaven !"

 

2nd.Kings 1:9-15 "Then the King sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of GOD, the King hath said, Come down. And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of GOD, then let fire come down from Heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from Heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of GOD, thus hath the King said, Come down quickly. And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of GOD, let fire come down from Heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of GOD came down from Heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and sought him, and said unto him, O man of GOD, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight. Behold, there came fire down from Heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight. And the Angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the King."

     The point of today's text is not the spectacular nature of this miraculous phenomenon - the fire coming down from Heaven and consuming the soldiers sent to apprehend, and thus silence, the prophet of GOD - but rather, it is the power of the prophet's message. The LORD wanted the King of Israel to understand that Elijah was simply HIS mouthpiece and that what was spoken by Elijah was, in fact, the WORD of GOD - all-authoritative and not to be taken lightly. And so it is in our own contemporary religious context. Today, GOD's "fire" is not in the form of signs and wonders, dynamic speakers, or ecumenical gatherings that impress nearly everyone. Notice that the "fire from Heaven" in our text came in response to the charge: "If I am speaking the very WORDs of the ALMIGHTY, then let fire . . ." The authority with which Elijah spoke revealed the true power of GOD; the fire merely authenticated the divine sanction behind what he said. The authority of GOD's WORD was, and still is, the issue (2nd.Timothy 3:16 pictured above).

     Vain, proud, and sick Ahaziah reflected the attitude of the first two captains - oblivious to the danger of strutting before GOD and withstanding HIS decree (vv.9b,11b). So, who had the authority: the two captains that declared the King's command or Elijah, who spoke the WORD of ALMIGHTY GOD ? The answer was unequivocally revealed through great loss of life: 102 souls burned up ! Humble resignation to GOD's will was the only way to avoid judgment (vv.13-15). We today must "serve GOD acceptably with reverence and godly fear." Why ? "Our GOD is a consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:28-29 pictured above). DWC

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 Not a GOD in Israel ?"

 

2nd.Kings 1:1-8 "Then Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab. And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease. But the Angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite. Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a GOD in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron ? Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shall surely die. And Elijah departed. And when the messengers turned back unto him, he said unto them, Why are you now turned back ? And they said unto him, There came a man up to meet us, and said unto us, Go, turn again unto the king that sent you, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Is it not because there is not a GOD in Israel, that thou sendest to enquire of Baalezbub the god of Ekron ? therefore thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shall surely die. And he said unto them, What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words ? And they answered him, He was a hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite."

     Ahaziah, Ahab's son, needed to learn a crucial lesson. Because he wanted to know if he would recover from his illness (v.2), he sent inquiry to Ekron where "the gods" were notoriously favorable in their answers. He knew he would hear a positive message from the prophets of Baalzebub, the god of Ekron, even though they would be lies. But the King of Israel should have known that the GOD of Israel was, in fact, the only true GOD, as the Angel of the LORD made abundantly clear through Elijah (v.3). King Ahaziah paid the price for ignoring the word spoken by the faithful prophet of GOD. His arrogant disregard for the ONE TRUE source of help for GOD's people resulted in his death (v.4b cf. v.17).

     Although man's spiritual needs today are great, not many desire what the LORD says will suffice those needs: sound doctrine, straightforward warnings, and solemn exhortations (1st.Timothy 4:1-2 pictured above; 2nd.Timothy 3:1-5 pictured above; 2nd.Timothy 4:1-4 pictured below). Few want what is essential for a faithful fellowship of believers: sincere love for the true WORD Of GOD. Supposed "miracle services" and religious self-help programs are nothing more than contemporary "gods of Ekron." "Strange fire," like that offered by Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-3, abounds where superficial experiences and fleshly entertainment draw the crowds; these man-made religious "fires" by charismatics and compromisers are not from on HIGH (Isaiah 50:10-11 pictured below). Fidelity to the WORD is the only valid demonstration of the power of GOD.

     Ahaziah thought his antagonist was Elijah, but, in reality, it was the word of the LORD delivered by the prophet (vv.7-8). Keep in mind - when we faithfully warn against that which does not square with Scripture, we, too, will be considered "the enemy." DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation