"How to Have a GOOD Report"

 

Hebrews 11:32-40 "And what shall I more say ? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonments; they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: GOD having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."

     The "Faith Chapter," Hebrews 11, is aptly named, for it sets forth some basic truths concerning the importance of faith and provides practical examples of those who walked "by faith, not by sight" (2nd.Corinthians 5:7 pictured above). Our text gives a vivid picture of men and women in the Old Testament who were faithful to the LORD despite facing extreme persecutions and testings. Some experienced miraculous deliverances from impossible situations (vv.32-35a). Others endured great persecution - some of whom became martyrs, "not accepting deliverance" (vv.35b-38). The perfect will of GOD was what determined that which was required of those godly believers who walked by faith.

     Note that all the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 received a "good report" from GOD (v.39). Today, charismatic leaders are influencing millions to accept their unscriptural teachings that every believer can claim bodily healing and financial prosperity as a result of his or her salvation in CHRIST; it is important to study today's text as well as other portions of Scripture as a necessary refutation of such false teaching. Christians who are going through great trials, testings, and persecutions need to leave their circumstance in GOD's hands, understanding that HE knows best how each of HIS children can be the most effective testimony for HIM. The goal of every believer should be to obtain a "good report" from the LORD, just like those in the "Hall of Faith." This is only possible when we trust in the LORD rather than men. Do not let those who twist the Scriptures discourage your heart if you are not delivered in the way they claim you should. GOD's report of "well done" is all that matters (Matthew 25:21 pictured above). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"ANXIOUS about Many Things !"

 

Philippians 4:4-9 "Rejoice in the LORD alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The LORD is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD. And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the GOD of peace shall be with you."

     For many believers, one of the more persistent sins that plagues them is anxiety. A multitude of troubles can potentially concern us - some big, others small - and many seem to recur on occasion. With the passing of time and the process of maturing one would think that, by now, we would have learned the lesson that GOD is faithful and will not allow us to be tested beyond the level of our understanding of HIS WORD or our capacity to bear under the pressure and strain (1st.Corinthians 10:13 pictured below). We must realize that HE does not give us testing for which we are not ready and capable of enduring.

     As one reads the account of the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites, it is clear that they failed to trust the LORD, despite the incredible things HE had done to demonstrate HIS faithfulness to them. HE not only delivered them from the bondage of Egypt, but HE also enabled them to survive in the desert, leading them every step of the way, providing food and drink for them, and giving them HIS Law by which they were to govern themselves as a nation and as individuals until the arrival of their MESSIAH. Likewise, even among the greatest of the Old Testament prophets, priests, and Kings, the Bible repeatedly records their failure to rely upon the LORD. They had so much of GOD's revelation, and yet the testimony they often left for us today is one of fear, worry, and bitterness. Despite the people's continual failures, GOD remained faithful.

     Sadly, we do little better than GOD's people of old. The Bible is clear on the need to rely on HIM. "Ask the SAVIOR to help you, comfort, strengthen, and keep you; HE is willing to aid you. HE will carry you through." Let go of anxiety and trust the LORD ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"WHO is the REAL Biblical JESUS ?"

 

Many men have been given the name "Jesus." In Bible times, the naming of children was more serious than today. Today, parents name their child after a loved one or friend, or perhaps a name they think is pretty. In Bible times, children were given names which related to certain things, especially those in reference to GOD. The Apostle Paul warned in 2nd.Corinthians 11:4 about the possibility of another Jesus being preached, also in Galatians 1:8-9. We desire to present unto you the JESUS of the Bible. No person except JESUS the CHRIST could fulfill the meaning of the name "Jesus," because of WHO and WHAT HE is.

HE IS THE SON OF GOD.

". . .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." (Luke 1:35). "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. For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through HIM might be saved." (John 3:16-17). HE also is GOD the SON ! "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 1:1,14). "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: GOD was manifest in the flesh. . ." (1st.Timothy 3:16).

HE IS THE SACRIFICE DEMANDED.

HE is the only one GOD the FATHER would accept. The Old Testament sets forth the principle that the only means of acceptance with GOD is through sacrifice. ". . .we are sanctified through the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this MAN, after HE had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of GOD;" (Hebrews 10:10-12). This implies that HIS work as PRIEST is accepted and HIS sacrifice is complete !

HE IS THE SUBSTITUTE.

When our first parents willfully disobeyed the LORD, they lost their position and privilege of relationship with HIM. Thus, Adam brought the consequences of that disobedience upon himself and all his lineage: for Adam was created in the image of GOD (Genesis 1:27), but Adam's lineage was begotten in his image, the image of the disobedient - the offender. (Genesis 5:3).

Therefore, something or someone else must suffer the consequences of that disobedience in order for restoration to that standing prior to the act of disobedience. It could not be them (first parents) because they were guilty and the consequence of that guiltiness was death (Genesis 2:17). The sufferer for the offence must be innocent of any offence before it (he) could suffer on behalf of another. It is said of JESUS, "WHO did no sin, neither was guile found in HIS mouth. . .but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (1st.Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15).

GOD in HIS mercy made Adam and Eve coats of skins, and clothed them, which implies the slaying of an animal. (Genesis3:21). Not only was there the dying, but the shedding of blood as well. This was all a type of JESUS CHRIST, WHO would be killed and HIS blood shed for offenders (sinners). Many animals died throughout the Old Testament era on behalf of an offender of GOD's Law. The author of Hebrews tells us, "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. . .Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by HIS OWN blood HE [JESUS] entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us" (Hebrews 10:4; 9:12).

HE IS THE SAVIOR.

The name JESUS means "salvation of GOD," or "GOD our SAVIOR." When the angel informed Joseph that the CHILD his espoused wife Mary was to give birth to was to be named "JESUS" (Matthew 1:20,21), more was involved than the mere naming of a child: ". . .for HE [JESUS] shall save HIS people from their sins." Every person whom GOD saves; HE saved through this name. JESUS said, ". . .I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME." (John 14:6). "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).

Dear Friend, just think of that which GOD has done in giving JESUS to die in your stead, that you as the offender (sinner) might be forgiven your offenses (sins). Will you realize your need of the LORD JESUS CHRIST ? Will you recognize yourself to be a sinner and under the consequence (condemnation) of sin ? "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23). The Apostle Paul said, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9). Will you turn to GOD in repentance and faith ? Will you receive HIM as your SACRIFICE, SUBSTITUTE and SAVIOR ? 

If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance 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 in John 10:28-30 "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand. MY FATHER, which gave them ME, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of MY FATHER's hand. I and MY FATHER are ONE." Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Who Do You Think You Are ?"

 

Romans 12:1-10 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of GOD, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of GOD. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as GOD hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in CHRIST, and every one members one of another.

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching: or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;"

     "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself" (Galatians 6:3). We must think correctly about ourselves and not be puffed up with an exaggerated and unrealistic idea of our own importance and superiority. We must not have a lofty, proud view of ourselves, but instead we must see ourselves as GOD does. We may believe we are something; GOD says that without HIM we are nothing ! We think we are a big number, but we are actually a zero apart from the LORD. Yet, we must not be discouraged by our own nothingness and lack of importance. The good news is that GOD, in HIS grace, can make something out of nothing.

     Martin Luther once said, "GOD created the world out of nothing (Hebrews 11:3 pictured above) and as long as we are nothing GOD can make something out of us." Here is some advice for anyone who considers himself a V.I.P. (Very Important Person):

Sometime when you're feeling important, sometime when your ego's way up; sometime when you take it for granted that you are the prize winning "pup"; sometime when you feel that your absence would leave an unfillable hole, just follow these simple instructions, and see how it humbles your soul. Take a bucket and fill it with water, put you hand in it up to your wrist. Now pull it out fast and the hole that remains is the measure of how you'll be missed. You may splash all you please as you enter, and stir up the water galore, but STOP and you'll find in a minute, it's back where it was before.

May we never forget that our SAVIOR, the high and lifted up ONE (Isaiah 6:3 pictured above; John 12:41), humbled HIMSELF for our sakes and was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8) GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"WARNING: Do NOT Claim Your Own Righteousness"

 

Deuteronomy 9:1-29 "Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven, a people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before the children of Anak ? Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy GOD is HE which goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire HE shall destroy them, and HE shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee. Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy GOD hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doeth drive them out from before thee. Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nation the LORD thy GOD doth drive them out from before thee, and that HE may perform the WORD which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Understand therefore, that the LORD thy GOD giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.

Remember, and forget not, how thou provoked the LORD thy GOD to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD. Also in Horeb ye provoked the LORD to wrath, so that the LORD was angry with you to have destroyed you. When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water; and the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of GOD; and on there was written according to all the WORDs, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly. And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that the LORD gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant. And the LORD said unto me, Arise, get thee down quickly from hence; for thy people which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted themselves; they are quickly turned aside out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten image.

Furthermore the LORD spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they. So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands. And I looked, and, behold, ye had sinned against the LORD your GOD, and had made you a molten calf: ye had turned aside quickly out of the way which the LORD had commanded you. And I took the two tables, and cast them out of my two hands, and brake them before your eyes. And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD, to provoke HIM to anger.

For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also. And the LORD was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him: and I prayed for Aaron also the same time. And I took your sin, the calf which ye had made, and burnt it with fire, and stamped it, and ground it very small, even until it was as small as dust: and I cast the dust thereof into the brook that descended out of the mount. And at Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibrothhattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath. Likewise when the LORD sent you from Kadeshbarnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then ye rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your GOD, and ye believed HIM not, nor hearkened to HIS voice. Ye have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you.

Thus I fell down before the LORD forty days and forty nights, as I fell down at the first; because the LORD had said HE would destroy you. I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O LORD GOD, destroy not THY people and thine inheritance, which THOU hast redeemed through THY greatness, which THOU hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Remember THY servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubborness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin: lest the land whence THOU broughtest us out say, Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land which HE promised them, and because HE hated them, HE hath brought them out to slay them in the wilderness. Yet they are THY people and THINE inheritance, which THOU broughtest out by THY mighty power and by THY stretched out arm."

     This chapter is a fascinating account of the LORD, through Moses, addressing HIS people prior to their entering the Promised Land. They would encounter nations mightier, taller, and stronger than themselves (vv.1-2), yet GOD was greater than all of Israel's enemies and would empower HIS people to conquer them (v.3). They were not to think that their conquests were due to their own righteousness; GOD would enable them because of the wickedness of the heathen and because of HIS promises to the patriarchs (vv.4-5). Israel was reminded of how disobedient they had been:

(1) They were a rebellious people for their entire forty years in the wilderness (v.7).

(2) Israel received the Ten Commandments at Horeb (Mt.Sinai) yet quickly broke GOD's Law with their golden calf idolatry (vv.8-21). GOD was so angered that HE would have destroyed the nation, including Aaron, had it not been for the intercessory prayer of Moses (vv.19-20, 26-29). 

(3) After the golden calf fiasco, Israel continued to provoke the LORD to wrath (v.22).

(4) Kadesh-Barnea was a turning point where the people were unwilling to possess the land that GOD had already promised to give them, and with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, refused to believe the LORD (v.23); thus, that generation was condemned to die in the wilderness.

     As believers in the LORD JESUS CHRIST, we must never think that our own righteousness is the reason we are enjoying the blessings of GOD. Every good thing we have is due solely to the mercy and grace of GOD. The Apostle Paul did not point to his own righteousness: "And be found in HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of CHRIST" (Philippians 3:9 pictured above). Let us always keep this perspective. GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD Loves the Unborn"

 

GOD'S VIEW ON LIFE

     The ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF refers to the unborn as literal human beings. In HIS OWN WORDs, HE stated that the virgin Mary "...was found with CHILD of the HOLY GHOST." (Matthew 1:18). This verse refers to JESUS CHRIST when HE was still in Mary's womb.

     When speaking of the unborn baby, John, the Bible states, "...the babe leaped in her womb..." (Luke 1:41). Refusing a helpless baby the right to be born is murder and is therefore against GOD's will. Proverbs 6:16-17 states, "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto HIM: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood..."

THE CHOICE FOR LIFE !

     Friend, did you know that GOD's HOLY WORD speaks of others who are unborn in a different kind of way ? However, these can choose to be born or not. In the Bible, JESUS explained this to a very moral and religious man named Nicodemus. "JESUS answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of GOD." (John 3:3). Thinking that JESUS was talking about a physical birth, "Nicodemus saith unto HIM, How can a man be born when he is old ? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born ?" (John 3:4). JESUS' answer was that a man must have a second birth -  a spiritual birth - to enter into the Kingdom of GOD. "...Except a man be born of water (the first birth from the Mother's womb) and of the SPIRIT (from the WORD of GOD), he cannot enter into the kingdom of GOD." (John 3:5). JESUS did not use the word water to refer to baptism; instead, HE is speaking of the first physical birth. JESUS reaffirms this meaning in verse six, when HE said, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh (physical birth); and that which is born of the SPIRIT is spirit (born again spiritual birth)."

WHY A SECOND BIRTH ?

     According to the Bible, GOD said that Adam, the first man, would die the very day that he ate the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. GOD warned Adam, "...in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:17). Adam did not die a physical death that day. His death was a spiritual death which passed upon all mankind. "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). All mankind has inherited spiritual death from Adam and must be "born again" to have spiritual life.

GOD LOVES THE UNBORN !

     JESUS told Nicodemus how to be born spiritually in John 3:14-15: "...even so must the SON of MAN be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have eternal life." Please notice that only belief in GOD is required for spiritual life, and it is nothing you can earn through doing good works of any kind. John 3:16 says, "For GOD so loved the world (spiritually unborn), that HE gave HIS only begotten SON (to die on the cross), that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." GOD promised that those who believe in HIM would have everlasting life, not a probationary life.

     If you have never been born again, you are still spiritually unborn; but GOD loves you, and HE has made a way for you to become HIS spiritual child. Friend, according to GOD's Holy WORD, you are a creation of GOD, but you are not considered a child of GOD until you are born of the SPIRIT - born again spiritually. The only way that you can become a child of GOD is by putting your complete faith in JESUS CHRIST to save your soul. "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). Becoming a child of GOD is made very clear in HIS Holy WORD. "For ye are all the children of GOD by faith in CHRIST JESUS." (Galatians 3:26). Think of it ! The very moment that you call on JESUS CHRIST, trusting HIM to save your soul, you are born again into the Family of GOD, and you are HIS child forever ! "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).

     If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance 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 IS YOUR CHOICE ?

_____ I choose to be born again of the SPIRIT by completely trusting in JESUS CHRIST to save my soul forever. "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).

_____ I am content with being born once and choose to remain spiritually dead (unborn). "...he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him." (John 3:36b).

"BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corithians 6:2b); you may not have another chance, this moment is all that you are promised.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"I Hate Religion - Religion Has NO ROOM for JESUS !"

 

     I hate "religion" because of its liturgies. I hate "religion" because of its pomp. I hate "religion" because it is sending more people to a Devil's Hell. I hate "religion" because it complicates something that is so simple even a little child can understand it. I hate "religion" because it lies, manipulates, demands, deceives, controls, and did I say it takes what belongs to JESUS and gives it to mere men. JESUS said that even a little child will understand HIM.

Mark 10:13-16 "And they brought young children to HIM, that HE should touch them: and HIS disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when JESUS saw it, HE was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer (Let) the little children to come unto ME and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of GOD. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of GOD as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And HE took them up in HIS arms, put HIS hands upon them and blessed them."

     Now unless you want to call JESUS a liar, HE said that even a little child can understand WHO HE is. Now what child or adult, these days, has any idea what "religion" has really done for them ?

Matthew 11:25-30 "At that time JESUS answered and said, I thank THEE, O FATHER, LORD of Heaven and Earth, because THOU hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and has revealed them unto babes. Even so, FATHER: for so it seemed good in THY sight. All things are delivered unto ME of MY FATHER: and no man knows the SON, but the FATHER: neither knows any man the FATHER, save the SON, and HE to whomsoever the SON will reveal HIM. Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take MY yoke upon you, and learn of ME; for I AM meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For MY yoke is easy, and MY burden is light."

     Do these WORDs describe your "religion"; easy, light, restful ? I'll bet not. How many people do you have to go to before you get your prayers answered, or not ? How many works do you have to do to get your sins forgiven, or not ? "Religion" is not simple, it's not easy and you have no rest nor forgiveness for your souls !

2nd.Corinthians 11:3 "But I (Paul) 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."

     The Apostle Paul feared for the flock. Paul feared that "false gospels" would come and those who were not grounded in the simplicity that is CHRIST would follow after them. He feared that wolves would come into the church and not spare the flock. He even said it again in Galatians 1:8-9 pictured above.

     Now I'll bet you are wondering what all this has to do with hating "religion" ? Because "religion" is a liar, it's a deceiver, it takes what belongs to JESUS and gives it to mere men. It blinds the eyes of those who are searching for GOD to the simplicity that is in the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST.

     A little child can know that he or she does bad things (sins). A little child can know that JESUS was put on the cross to pay for the bad things that they have done. A little child can know that 3 days later JESUS was alive again. A little child can know that if they pray to JESUS and ask HIM to forgive them and to come into their heart and love and be with them forever, that HE will. A little child can know the simplicity that is in JESUS.

     As an adult, can you know that you do bad things (sins) ? As an adult can you know that JESUS loves you ? As an adult can you know that JESUS was put on a cross to pay for the bad things that you have done ? As an adult can you know that 3 days later JESUS rose from the dead and was alive again ? As an adult can you know that if you pray and ask JESUS to forgive you and come into your heart and love you and be with you forever, that HE will ? The picture below is the simple Gospel of CHRIST that the Apostle Paul feared and warned that it would be corrupted by wolves in sheep's clothing:

     Toss out your man-made "religion" and replace it with a personal "relationship" with the GOD WHO created the Heavens and the Earth and You ! For more info on how to be saved please see the picture below and also the QR code which can be scanned into for a salvation message.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation