" WORD of TRUTH Lighthouse "

Friday, December 19, 2025

"The Gift of GOD"

CHRISTMAS is a season for giving. There is no greater gift than what GOD gave the world:

"For GOD so loved that world, that

HE gave HIS only begotten SON,

that whosoever believeth in HIM should

not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

This great Bible verse reveals four truths from the heart of GOD about HIS CHRISTMAS gift to the world.

We are loved.

It tells us that we are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world. . ." GOD loves us and gave HIS SON for us. HE wants us ". . .to know the love of CHRIST. . ." Ephesians 3:19.

We are of worth.

The LORD wants us to know that we are of worth. We are so dear to GOD that ". . .HE gave HIS only begotten SON. . ." HE gave HIS precious SON, JESUS CHRIST, to pay our sin debt in full.

The Bible teaches us that we are all sinners. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD." Romans 3:23. And sin must be paid for. "For the wages of sin is death. . ." Romans 6:23a.

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

You may ask, "How can GOD forgive sin ?" HE can do that because of what JESUS did for us. ". . .While we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." Romans 5:8.

We can have hope.

GOD wants us to know that we can have hope. HE said ". . .that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish. . ." The LORD does not want anyone to be separated from GOD. We were created to spend eternity with HIM.

We can have purpose.

GOD wants us to know that we can have purpose in life. HE desires that we "should not perish but have everlasting life. "And this is the promise that HE hath promised us, even eternal life." 1st.John 2:25.

Everlasting life is ours when we turn to GOD in repentance and faith and receive the LORD JESUS CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. You may ask, "How can I receive GOD's gift of eternal life ?" The answer is as simple as the ABC's:

Acknowledge that you are a sinner, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD." Romans 3:23

Believe that the LORD JESUS died for you, for "CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures;" 1st.Corinthians 15:3.

Call upon the LORD to save you, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." Romans 10:13.

If you would like to receive GOD's CHRISTMAS gift and have the promise of everlasting life, pray this simple prayer and receive CHRIST today:

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.

"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. Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

". . . but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." Romans 6:23b

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

GULF COAST

BAPTIST CHURCH

Pastor Robert Butz

Pastor, Emeritus Tom Sexton

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-1000

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Thursday, December 18, 2025

"Christmas in Your Heart"

Christmas is a special time around the world. Young and old alike eagerly anticipate exchanging gifts and spending time with friends and family. The gifts exchanged at Christmas serve as a reminder of the greatest gift ever given. That gift is JESUS CHRIST, GOD's only begotten SON, WHO was born to bring salvation to all who will receive HIM.

THE REASON FOR THIS GIFT

Often, a gift given at Christmas is based on what a person needs. The gift GOD gave to the world met the need of every person that has ever lived or ever will live. The Bible states that we are sinners, separated from GOD, and deserve eternal death. "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). "But your iniquities have separated between you and your GOD, and your sins have hid HIS face from you, that HE will not hear" (Isaiah 59:2). "for the wages of sin is death;" (Romans 6:23b).

To meet our need of salvation, GOD wrapped HIS only begotten SON, JESUS CHRIST, and presented HIM to the world. "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). GOD gave HIS gift because of HIS great love for us.

THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS GIFT

Webster's Dictionary defines a gift as something of value that is voluntarily given from one person to another without receiving anything in return. This is exactly what GOD did for us by giving HIS SON to die on the cross in our place for our sins. 2nd.Corinthians 9:15 states, "Thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable gift." This gift cannot be measured in value. It can never be destroyed or broken. This gift is eternal life. "...the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23b).

JESUS willingly gave HIMSELF to meet our need. "Who gave HIMSELF for our sins, that HE might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of GOD and our FATHER:" (Galatians 1:4).

A true gift is given freely. GOD does not ask you to do anything to earn salvation. It is a free gift. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: not of works lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9).

THE RECEIVING OF THIS GIFT

We give gifts and expect them to be received. No one gives a present for it to be rejected. However, many people reject GOD's gift. Refusing to accept GOD's gift results in an eternity in a Devil's Hell. "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).

"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).

You can receive HIS gift by repenting (a turning to GOD from your sin) and putting your faith totally in the finished work of JESUS CHRIST on the cross. Accepting HIM as your personal LORD and SAVIOR is as easy as, "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 with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation...For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9-10,13).

If you would like to accept and receive GOD's free gift of salvation, pray this simple prayer or one like it:

The LORD JESUS said, "...I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish..." (John 10:28). If you just prayed and accepted GOD's gift, this will be the year that you not only have Christmas in your home, but you also will now have Christmas in your heart !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

"REJOICE with the Shepherds !"

Luke 2:1-14 "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was Governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one unto his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn SON, and wrapped HIM in swaddling clothes, and laid HIM in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the BABE wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising GOD, and saying, Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

The angelic message given to the shepherds on that night so long ago near the village of Bethlehem is truly fascinating: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD" (v.11 pictured above). The angel assigned three titles to JESUS that are replete with meaning; he proclaimed JESUS as "SAVIOR" (DELIVERER), "CHRIST" (meaning MESSIAH, the ANOINTED ONE), and the "LORD," declaring HIM to be JEHOVAH -- the supreme, eternal BEING and RULER of the heavens and the Earth.

HE is our SAVIOR, which is expressed in HIS name: JESUS. An angel assured Joseph that Mary was with child by the power of the SPIRIT of GOD, that she would bare a SON, and that HIS name was to be "JESUS: for HE shall save HIS people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21 pictured above). HE is CHRIST, the ANOINTED of GOD, MESSIAH of Israel, acknowledged as such by Peter where he declared, "THOU art the CHRIST, the SON of the living GOD" (Matthew 16:16). HE is the LORD, GOD manifest in the flesh, as John recorded in his Gospel account: "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. . .And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us,(and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the FATHER,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:1,14).

What an announcement that angel proclaimed to those lowly shepherds ! The promised REDEEMER was born (Genesis 3:15). HE came "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). HE "took upon HIM the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7 pictured above) for fallen creatures, "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). HALLELUAH, what a SAVIOR ! Rejoice with the shepherds at the birth of JESUS CHRIST ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Four "Fear Not's" Relating to CHRIST's Birth"

Luke 1:30-37 "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with GOD. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a SON, and shalt call HIS name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the SON of the HIGHEST; and the LORD GOD shall give unto HIM the throne of HIS father David: and HE shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of HIS kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man ? And the angel answered and said unto her, The HOLY GHOST shall come upon thee, and the power of the HIGHEST shall overshadow thee: therefore also that Holy THING which shall be born of thee shall be called the SON of GOD. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with GOD nothing shall be impossible."

Many times, in the Bible GOD told HIS people to "fear not," desiring their heart to be released from unnecessary worry and fear. In the accounts of the birth of CHRIST we find four highly instructive "fear not's":

(1) The "fear not" of answered prayer (Zacharias -- Luke 1:13-14), "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son" (v.13). His wife was barren, and they were too old to have children. Zacharias had prayed for a son, GOD miraculously answered, and this son would be the forerunner of the MESSIAH.

(2) The "fear not" of immediate obedience (Joseph -- Matthew 1:20,24). "Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife" (Matthew 1:20). Joseph had serious apprehensions. He was engaged to be married but discovered that Mary was pregnant. We can only imagine what thoughts went through his mind. Yet GOD calmed his fears and told him to take Mary as his wife. Joseph quickly obeyed (Matthew 1:24).

(3) The "fear not" of the humanly impossible (Mary -- Luke 1:25-33). "Fear not, Mary (v.30). GOD's angel informed Mary that the impossible would take place: She would bring forth a SON totally apart from any human father. Such a pregnancy would arouse huge suspicions and accusations, but Mary was not to fear.

(4) The "fear not" of CHRIST's salvation (Shepherds -- Luke 2:10-11 pictured above). "Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy" (v.10). The shepherds were terrified because the peaceful nighttime sky suddenly burst forth with brilliant light and spectacular glory, as if some cataclysmic event were about to happen. GOD's angel quickly reassured them that they were about to witness the MESSIAH's birth ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Pondering"

Luke 2:8-20 "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the BABE wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising GOD, and saying, Glory to GOD in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this CHILD. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising GOD for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart" (v.19). Much took place in Mary's life before, during, and after the birth of her divine SON. Not only did she preserve all of those events in her memory, but she "pondered" on them as well. The Greek verb translated "pondered" literally means "to throw together." When pondering, the individual brings two or more things together; for example, the Scriptures also used this term to describe a king's decision regarding the coming together of two armies (Luke 14:31). So, what, exactly, did Mary "bring together" regarding the birth and early life of the SAVIOR ? From the Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke, we read of the messages from the angel Gabriel, the joyful reaction of the unborn John the Baptist and his mother Elizabeth upon Mary's arrival (Luke 1:41-47 pictured above), the change of heart in Joseph, the journey to Bethlehem, the testimonies of the shepherds on the night of CHRIST's birth, the prophecy of Simeon and thanksgiving of Anna, the visit of the Magi, the escape from Bethlehem, the return to Nazareth, and the explanation from a twelve year old JESUS when HE was found in the temple (Luke 2:49 pictured below). Mary brought all of these events, and more, together for her examination and understanding of the LORD's ways.

She pondered all of these events for the same purpose that we should do so today. We need to contemplate the LORD's actions in order to learn of HIS grace. Also, we should consider HIS working in our life and understand HIS purpose for us. Most importantly, like Mary, we need to preserve these observations in our affections as well as in our heart -- not just in our mind -- and this ought to impact how we live. KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Friday, December 12, 2025

"Doing What Comes Naturally"

Romans 3:10-18 "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after GOD. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. There throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways: and the way of peace have they not known: there is no fear of GOD before their eyes."

Why do people sin ? Why do Christians sin ? We sin because we are all sinners by nature. It comes innately to all of us because every person is a sinner by birth (Psalm 51:5). Jeremiah wrote that the human "heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9 pictured above). HE was not speaking of the organ that pumps blood throughout the body; rather, HE was referring to the internal component of man that motivates how he lives. The SAVIOR also graphically articulated this in HIS OWN WORDs in Matthew 15:19: What comes out of us is the expression of what is truly in the heart -- our behavior reveals what kind of person we are on the inside.

When we think of horrific sins, we often call to mind great travesties such as the Holocaust, the purges in Russia and China, and the killing fields in Cambodia. These terrible events in history are manifestations of the immeasurable wickedness that lies within the hearts of depraved humans. Those types of acts (and many others certainly could be added) illustrate what happens when fallen creatures are left to themselves. The wonder of it all is that these atrocities do not happen more frequently and that even greater devastation does not take place in the world. How grateful we are for the restraining ministry of GOD's HOLY SPIRIT during this age of grace (2nd.Thessalonians 2:6-7 pictured above). Let us not dismiss, however, the so-called "little" sins (lying, covetousness, gossip, etc.) that likewise sent CHRIST to the cross. We are to "put off" (Colossians 3:8), that is, stop all such behavior. GOD saved us and calls us to be CHRISTlike (Ephesians 4:25-32). Rather than doing what comes naturally (sin), let us strive to be of benefit and blessing to others. GDR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://wwwfivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Monday, December 8, 2025

"Is JESUS GOD ?"

IS JESUS GOD ?

Is JESUS CHRIST GOD ? Is HE equal with GOD the FATHER ? That is, does HE have all the same attributes that make GOD, GOD ?

The Bible gives seven testimonies concerning the Deity of JESUS CHRIST:

1. The testimony of the Bible.

"In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with GOD and the WORD was GOD. . .And the WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us. . ." John 1:1, 14a.

"WHO {CHRIST} being in the form of GOD thought it not robbery to be equal with GOD" Philippians 2:6.

2. The testimony of the Unbelieving Pharisees.

"The Jews answered HIM, saying, For a good work we stone THEE not; but for blasphemy; and because that THOU, being a MAN, makest THYSELF GOD" John 10:33.

{There was no doubt in their minds as to WHO JESUS claimed to be !}

3. The testimony of the Prophets.

"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" Isaiah 9:6.

4. The testimony of the Apostles.

Paul - "For by HIM were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by HIM and for HIM: And HE is before all things and by HIM all things consist" Colossians 1:16-17.

John - says JESUS was ". . .that eternal life, which was with the FATHER and was manifested unto us" 1st.John 1:2b. ". . .the true GOD and Eternal Life" 1st.John 5:20b.

5. The testimony of the Angels.

"They shall call HIS name EMMANUEL, which being interpreted is GOD with us" Matthew 1:23b.

6. The testimony of CHRIST HIMSELF.

JESUS calls HIMSELF the great "I AM", John 8:58. This is the Hebrew word of Exodus 3:14 for GOD HIMSELF.

JESUS said, "And I give unto them Eternal Life; and they shall never perish. . ." John 10:28a.

{GOD alone can give life.}

JESUS said, ". . .He that hath seen ME hath seen the FATHER. . ." John 14:9.

7. The testimony of GOD the FATHER.

Speaking of CHRIST: "But unto the SON HE saith, THY throne, O GOD, is for ever and ever. . ." Hebrews 1:8a

JESUS CHRIST is declared in the Bible to be GOD. As GOD manifested in the flesh HE died for your sins on the cross. Have you believed on HIM as your personal SAVIOR ? Will you right now repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) of your sins ?

Perhaps you will say that you are not such a bad sinner. But the Bible says in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD." Also in James 2:10 we read: "For whosoever shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."

Therefore, will you not turn to GOD from your sin today and accept JESUS, GOD's only begotten SON, as your personal SAVIOR. "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.

"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.

"But as many as received HIM {CHRIST}, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name" John 1:12.

JESUS came as GOD in the flesh, so that HE could die for the sins of the whole world, which includes yours and mine. Please do not wait to hear, believe and receive JESUS as your personal SAVIOR. You can pray this simple prayer or one like it:

Do not delay in accepting JESUS as your personal SAVIOR. No one has the promise of tomorrow !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation