"How to Get on Target"

 

WOOSH ! "I can't believe it ! How could I have missed ?" Imagine the disappointment that you would feel if you lost an Archery competition, because you missed the final shot. You would wish that you had done something differently. Perhaps your sight was slightly off the mark, or perhaps you were distracted by outside circumstances beyond your control. It really wouldn't matter, because the winner had a perfect score under the same conditions. You might wish that you could take your shot again, but no one gets a second chance in competition. The judge will not accept any excuses. You would have lost the competition and the reward that goes with it. Friend, there is a close similarity between this scenario and losing at life.

NO SECOND CHANCES

According to the Bible, you only have one life to live, and GOD, your JUDGE, will not allow excuses or give you a second chance. "...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27). "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." (Matthew 12:36).

MISSING THE MARK

As an archer, you might find it interesting to know that the meaning of the word "sin" is missing the mark. According to the Bible, everyone has missed the mark of living a perfect, sinless life. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23). Because of your sin, you will not be allowed to enter into Heaven when you die. "And there shall in no wise enter into it (Heaven) any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie..." (Revelation 21:27). Instead, you will be cast into the Lake of Fire where you will experience everlasting torment and separation from GOD.

AIMING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION

If you are like most people, you desire to go to Heaven; however, you are aiming in the wrong direction. The Bible states, "...wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:" (Matthew 7:13). You may try to be worthy of Heaven by living a good life. This is simply an attempt to establish your own righteousness, but the Bible says, "NOT by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us..." (Titus 3:5).

HOW TO GET ON TARGET

Would you get on target if you knew how ? The Bible teaches that you must stop looking at what you can do to earn salvation. Instead, you must by faith look at what GOD has done to give you salvation. "Look unto ME, and be ye saved, all the ends of the Earth: for I AM GOD, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:22). JESUS CHRIST, WHO is GOD in the form of man, lived the perfect sinless life, and died a bloody death on the cross as a substitute to pay for your sins. HE is the only way to Heaven. "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).

THE GOSPEL TARGET

"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) GOD has promised you, "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 it is your desire to be saved, please pray this simple prayer in repentance (a turning to GOD from your sin) and faith:

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.

Have you hit life's target ? Have you believed GOD's WORD ? "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) Life is very short. We only have a few chances at hitting life's mark at being saved. "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b) Tomorrow may be too late !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Simplicity Series: Simplicity in Satisfaction"

 

1st.Timothy 6:1-8 "Let as many as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of GOD and HIS doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the WORD's of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strife's of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmising's, perverse disputing's of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain."

     Many today fall short of the LORD's will concerning the area of contentment. They find themselves in company with those described in verse five -- "supposing that gain is godliness" rather than joining the faithful few who recognize the truth of verse six: "But godliness with contentment is great gain." This "great gain" is a value that GOD, not man, places upon SPIRIT-wrought godliness. The false charismatic teaching that health, wealth, and prosperity are always GOD's will for the believer has crept into even some fundamental churches. They fail to realize that the earthly, temporal blessings promised to Israel, under the Law, must be distinguished from the spiritual blessings GOD promises to all who are in CHRIST in the present dispensation.

     No person without CHRIST can ever find true satisfaction, and no Christian who is more interested in his own comfort than in perfect submission to the will of GOD can experience the genuine contentment the LORD provides for all who walk by faith, not by sight. Believers must realize that favorable circumstances alone do not yield peace of mind and that every child of GOD can experience perfect serenity even in the most difficult circumstances and in the deepest trials. Why ? It is because our contentedness depends upon simple faith in the many great and precious promises of GOD. Authentic satisfaction hinges upon our complete confidence in the truth of Romans 8:28 (pictured above) -- that GOD will work out HIS purpose in us. It is a mistake to follow the ways of the world, which seeks gratification in all the wrong places. Let us remember that contentment is guaranteed to the believer who yields to the HOLY SPIRIT rather than to the flesh. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Simplicity Series: Simplicity in Separation"

 

2nd.Corinthians 6:14-18 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with darkness ? And what concord hath CHRIST with Belial ? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel ? And what agreement hath the temple of GOD with idols ? for ye are the temple of the living GOD; as GOD hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their GOD, and they shall be MY people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a FATHER unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the LORD ALMIGHTY."

     The Bible teaches that every believer is to separate from false teachers (v.17; Ephesians 5:6-7 pictured above), from disobedient brethren (2nd.Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15 pictured below), and from the world (1st.John 2:15-17 pictured below). These are specific, simple, plainly-stated commands given by GOD for the spiritual welfare of HIS children (v.18). Sadly, it would be difficult to find another doctrine of Scripture that is more universally detested and disobeyed by the majority of professing Christians today. Failure to practice biblical separation has opened up the floodgates of compromise and apostasy to an unprecedented degree.

     Many in the church today offer excuses as to why they refuse to obey GOD in this important matter. Some say, "Well, the fundamentalists tried separation, but it didn't work. Now, we realize they were mistaken. They should have emphasized unity rather than separation." The result is that many disobedient believers are now practicing unscriptural unity rather than biblical separation but guess what -- it "works" from a human, pragmatic standpoint ! Of course, we know that disobedience to GOD's WORD always brings ultimate disaster; however, the concept of unity -- any kind of unity -- is quite popular today, so those who still teach biblical separation are in great reproach.

     Some excuse their disobedience to GOD's command to separate by claiming that they do not know how far to separate. However, the Bible says, "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11). The LORD always knows what is best for HIS OWN. The doctrine of separation is often not easy to obey, yet it is clearly stated in Scripture. What GOD says, we must simply do. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Simplicity Series: Simplicity in Service"

 

Colossians 3:16-24 "Let the WORD of CHRIST dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the LORD. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the LORD JESUS, giving thanks to GOD and the FATHER by HIM. 

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the LORD. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the LORD. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as manpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing GOD:

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men; knowing that of the LORD ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the LORD CHRIST. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."

     Our text sets forth a very simple yet extremely important principle that every believer should remember every moment of every day: "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the LORD JESUS, giving thanks to GOD and the FATHER by HIM . . . And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men; knowing that of the LORD ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the LORD CHRIST" (vv.17 pictured above and 23-24). Not every child of GOD can or is expected to perform the same amount or types of service, but all who faithfully serve the LORD, even in the simplest, most menial and least-noticed tasks, have the assurance of a full reward if their motives and actions are scripturally correct.

     Today, the simplicity and humility in service that GOD desires are too often subverted by jealousy in the local church with regard to preaching, teaching, music, leadership, etc. This is a sad state of affairs in CHRIST's body, and we must take care that we are not coveting someone else's position, prominence, or praise. Such envy not only causes trouble in the church but also prevents the jealous Christian from receiving a full reward.

     In recent years, the teaching that every Christian has been given at least one gift and should focus on discovering what that gift is has gained wide acceptance. Yes, an element of truth is in this teaching; however, those who become obsessed with trying to determine "their gift" dangerously subject themselves to flawed human judgment and open themselves up to a spirit of pride in the use of their gift. GOD will bless our simplicity and our passion in service when whatever we do is for HIS glory alone. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Simplicity Series: Simplicity in Sanctification"

 

1st.Thessalonians 4:1-7 "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the LORD JESUS, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please GOD, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the LORD JESUS. For this is the will of GOD, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel (body) in sanctification and honor; not in the lust of concupiscence (strong sexual desire), even as the Gentiles which know not GOD:  that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the LORD is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For GOD hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness."

     Like salvation, sanctification is an important doctrine to understand and believe; it is another subject that men have corrupted from its biblical simplicity, resulting in much confusion and frustration. The believer's positional sanctification (his eternal salvation) is assured, not by means of his own works but by "the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST" on the cross "once for all" (Hebrews 10:10). While "positional sanctification" refers to one's permanent standing in CHRIST, "practical sanctification" conveys the important truth of being set apart unto holiness through the work of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT -- a work that the Bible promises will continue "until the day of JESUS CHRIST" (Philippians 1:6) when we are finally glorified. The LORD desires for HIS children to be holy just as HE is holy (1st.Peter 1:13-16 pictured above). Put simply, daily sanctification entails choosing to obey GOD rather than the world or the flesh every time the decision arises (James 4:4), and this is only possible when we "walk in the SPIRIT" (Galatians 5:16-25) in continual, unbroken fellowship with our LORD (John 15:4-5).

     Failing to compare Scripture with Scripture, some erroneously teach that once saved, the believer must work to keep that salvation, expecting "sinless perfection" as a result of those efforts. Galatians 3:3, pictured above, refutes such erroneous thinking: " Are ye so foolish ? having begun in the SPIRIT, are ye now made perfect by the flesh ?" This truth, however, does not give license for believers to live carelessly and walk disobediently. Our text makes this abundantly clear (vv.3-4). Denying the world and the flesh is not legalism, as some falsely claim; rather; this is the will of GOD for every believer. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Simplicity Series: Simplicity Concerning Salvation"

 

1st.John 5:9-13 "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of GOD is greater: for this is the witness of GOD which HE hath testified of HIS SON He that believeth on the SON of GOD hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not GOD hath made HIM a liar; because he believeth not the record that GOD gave of HIS SON. 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."

     Men often seek to render salvation as a very complicated thing, but the LORD has made it so simple that even a little child can understand. Men make salvation to be provisional through their various theological systems, but GOD has offered an eternal salvation of which one can be firmly sure right now. Many people "hope" they have salvation; many are "trying" to be saved; others say we cannot be certain whether or not we are saved until we die -- but the LORD says we can "know" (v.13 pictured at top of post).

     Today's text and, of course, many other Scriptures clearly set forth the simplicity concerning salvation. In verse eleven GOD says that salvation ("eternal life") is a gift and that "this life is in HIS SON." Verse twelve makes it evident that only two groups of people are in the world today -- those who have the SON (JESUS CHRIST) and those who do not: "He that hath the SON hath life; and he that hath not the SON of GOD hath not life." That is certainly simple and definite ! But what does it mean to have the SON ? Verse ten explains that this entails believing "the record that GOD gave of HIS SON" (the Gospel message of the substitutionary death of JESUS as the payment for man's sin and HIS glorious physical resurrection from the dead). By trusting in the divine person and saving work of JESUS CHRIST, the believer can know that he has eternal life (v.13 pictured at top of post). Many other texts likewise set forth GOD's simple plan of salvation. Read John 3:16-18 & 36 which are pictured above, also 5:24; Romans 3:20-29; 1st.Corinthians 15:1-4 pictured below; and Ephesians 2:1-9. Do not complicate that which the Bible makes so simple ! Are you sure that you possess eternal life in CHRIST ? You can be, and GOD clearly wants you to be certain today. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Simplicity Series: Simplicity in CHRIST"

 

2nd.Corinthians 11:1-3 "Would to GOD ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to CHRIST. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in CHRIST."

     We live in as day of great confusion. "Scholars" disdain the simple truths of the Bible and speculate about what GOD intended to say when they should be seeking to understand what HE did say. The world and even compromising fellow believers who think they have discovered the "deeper things of GOD" belittle those who are faithful, Bible-believing Christians. But if we are to walk in purity before CHRIST (v.2), then we must reject whatever new teaching, whatever "another. . ." (v.4 pictured above) comes along. The charismatics, liberals, cults, and even new evangelicals on every hand speak of JESUS, but what they proclaim does not agree with the teaching of Scripture.

     Verse three of our text provides a very important corrective. The concern of the Apostle Paul and his admonition to the Corinthian believers, given by inspiration of the HOLY SPIRIT, was to warn of the subtle way in which Satan seeks to "[corrupt]" our minds "from the simplicity that is in CHRIST." Paul feared that some of the Corinthian believers might be carried away with -- or would "bear with" -- the error of the false religionist (v.4 pictured above). And, if the first century believers needed that warning, surely it is doubly important in our day ! The humble, faithful believer often feels that he cannot challenge modern scholarship because he does not possess the academic credentials that are supposedly necessary to successfully refute the unbiblical "findings" of the scholars. But true believers must not be intimidated by modern academia that seeks to beguile and corrupt the child of GOD's mind away "from the simplicity that is in CHRIST" (v.3). "Through [GOD's] precepts [we] get understanding" (Psalm 119:104 pictured above). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation