"RECEIVED Up Into Glory"

 

Acts 1:1-11 "The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that JESUS began both to do and teach, until the day in which HE was taken up, after that HE through the HOLY GHOST had given commandments unto the Apostles whom HE had chosen: to whom also HE showed HIMSELF alive after HIS passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of GOD: and, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the FATHER, which, saith HE, ye have heard of ME. For John (the Baptist) truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the HOLY GHOST not many days hence.

When they therefore were come together, they asked of HIM, saying, LORD, wilt THOU at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel ?  And HE said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the FATHER hath put in HIS OWN power. But ye shall receive power, after that the HOLY GHOST is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the Earth. And when HE had spoken these things, while they beheld, HE was taken up; and a cloud received HIM out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward Heaven as HE went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven ? this same JESUS, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen HIM go into Heaven."

     The SAVIOR's resurrection and ascension into Heaven were public signs of GOD the FATHER's acceptance of the finished work that JESUS CHRIST had wrought on behalf of sinful man: JESUS' earthly ministry was complete, and a finished salvation was now available to mankind through HIS sinless life, substitutionary death on Calvary's cross, and triumphant resurrection from the grave. CHRIST was "received up into glory" (1st.Timothy 3:16 pictured at top of post), having perfectly fulfilled the FATHER's will. The fact that the risen, living SAVIOR was "received up into glory" also reminds us of HIS present ministry at the right hand of the FATHER: "We have an ADVOCATE with the FATHER, JESUS CHRIST the RIGHTEOUS" (1st.John 2:1 pictured above). GOD the SON appears before the FATHER's throne on behalf of believers. Based upon the authority of the precious blood of CHRIST, that was shed on man's behalf, any accusation leveled against the saint by "the accuser (the Devil) of the brethren" will not stand. Those who are "in CHRIST" are saved "to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing HE ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25 pictured below).

     The LORD JESUS CHRIST's ascension into glory was accompanied by a blessed promise made to HIS disciples who witnesses this glorious event: "This same JESUS, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner" (v.11). Yes, we are thankful for HIS birth, HIS walk, and HIS finished work while HE tabernacled among men, but praise the LORD for the blessed hope of HIS return -- the same CHRIST JESUS WHO came to Earth to die so that man might live is coming back again. Perhaps even today could be the day when we will see our SAVIOR face to face ! Are you ready ? DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"BELIEVED On in the World"

 

John 3:14-21 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the SON of MAN be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have eternal life. 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.

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. And this is the condemnation, that LIGHT is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than LIGHT, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the LIGHT, neither cometh to the LIGHT, lest his deeds should be reproved [exposed]. But he that doeth truth cometh to the LIGHT, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in GOD."

     The vast majority of those who "celebrate Christmas" really have no reason to celebrate at all. Actually, the contrary is true, for anyone who has not found peace with GOD through JESUS CHRIST is but a heartbeat away from judgment in a Devil's Hell. Their merriment is baseless, and they are comparable to the people in Ezekiel's day who were making "mirth" but who failed to realize their precarious situation (Ezekiel 21:8-10 pictured above) ! Only those who have received, by faith, the biblical testimony of CHRIST's divine person and HIS perfect and finished work on Calvary's cross, trusting in HIM alone for their salvation, can rightfully call GOD their heavenly FATHER and claim HIS promise of everlasting life. One of the problems during the Christmas season is that the world sees JESUS' birth only as a symbol for "peace and goodwill" among men and nations, and they completely ignore the matter of personal sin and man's need for salvation. While our text tells us of the LORD's love in sending HIS SON and the forgiveness afforded to all who believe and thereby receive HIM as their personal SAVIOR (vv.15-17), few truly do believe. Why ? It is because men love "darkness rather than LIGHT, because their deeds [are] evil" (vv.19-20). People enjoy talking about the "Christmas spirit," their warm fuzzy feelings, and their philanthropic deeds, but few see CHRIST's coming as the GOD-sent remedy for sin. That is the real issue in remembering the day when GOD became "flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Today, be sure that you have received the gift of eternal life through faith alone in the person and finished work of JESUS CHRIST and then praise and thank GOD for HIS love for you. Those who have a relationship with the LORD have much to celebrate ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Preached unto the Gentiles"

 

Ephesians 2:11-18 "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without CHRIST, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without GOD in the world: but now in CHRIST JESUS ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of CHRIST. For HE is our peace, WHO hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Having abolished in HIS flesh the enmity, even the Law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in HIMSELF of twain one new man, so making peace; and that HE might reconcile both unto GOD in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were night. For through HIM we both have access by one SPIRIT unto the FATHER."

     Most Scriptures dealing with the coming of CHRIST have to do with GOD's promises to Israel that will yet be fulfilled when JESUS returns to inaugurate HIS millennial kingdom. The texts detailing with the birth of JESUS in Bethlehem announce, "peace [and] good will" (Luke 2:14 pictured above) to the Jewish people if they would simply receive the newborn "PRINCE of PEACE" (Isaiah 9:6 pictured below), prophesied in the Old Testament, as their LORD and KING. Certainly no one, neither Jew nor Gentile, will find "peace and goodwill" in CHRIST JESUS unless he or she first acknowledges themselves to be a sinner and, through faith alone, humbly receives the LORD JESUS CHRIST as his or her sin-bearer -- as their personal SAVIOR.

     The nation of Israel rejected the SON of GOD at HIS first coming, and HIS subsequent death on the Roman cross opened the way for all men, not just the Jew, to become members of the household of GOD. This is why 1st. Timothy 3:16 (pictured at top of post) is such a blessed verse, for it clearly and succinctly expresses the good news that resulted from the birth of the Incarnate LORD of GLORY. Now, both Jew and Gentile alike can know the "peace and goodwill" of GOD if they will simply believe. Through faith in the Gospel message, the Gentiles, "which were afar off" (v.17), are now "made nigh by the blood of CHRIST" (v.13 cf. Romans 1:15-17). Because GOD the SON was born to die, "whosoever will" may come and partake of "the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). Merely celebrating the birth of JESUS CHRIST will not save anyone, but receiving the living CHRIST as SAVIOR by trusting in HIS substitutionary death and glorious resurrection certainly will. We must herald this good news to all, both during the Christmas season and throughout the year. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Seen of Angels"

 

Luke 2:7-14 "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.

     Angels receive much attention today, particularly from inventive religious leaders who suggest that we can improve our effectiveness as believers by supposedly tapping into the resources supplied by the angelic host. The problem with this focus upon angels, however, is that it is an improper emphasis because the Bible never instructs the Christian to summon their aid or seek to communicate with them in any way. Trying to interact with the unseen spirit world may even potentially provide the inquirer with a few spiritual contacts and problems for which he had not bargained.

     GOD uses angels to minister to the saints (Hebrews 1:13-14 pictured above); generally, in ways unknown to them. Angels are on a mission to do their MASTER's will, they are not hovering around, waiting for the believer to tell them what to do. Also, the angels' purpose and desire are to direct all praise and notice to GOD, not to themselves (Psalm 103:20-21 pictured above). Spurious occultic and charismatic teachings all too often focus on the beings of the spirit world, but the Christian's attention should be, as is true of the angels, riveted upon the LORD.

     GOD's WORD speaks of the angels' sporadic participation in the events surrounding the LORD's earthly ministry; perhaps the most well-known occasion was when, with worship and jubilation, they proclaimed HIS birth to the shepherds. What a marvelous night that was ! Their CREATOR had come to dwell among men (John 1:14). The joyous exaltation of the angelic host at HIS birth and their deep interest in all things pertaining to their MASTER reveal an attitude that we would do well to emulate. All glory and praise are due GOD the SON, and the angelic host perfectly demonstrates that transcendent reality. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Justified in the SPIRIT"

 

Luke 4:16-21 "And HE came to Nazareth, where HE had been brought up: and, as HIS custom was, HE went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto HIM the book of the prophet Esaias. And when HE had opened the book, HE found the place where it was written, The SPIRIT of the LORD is upon ME, because HE hath anointed ME to preach the Gospel to the poor; HE hath sent ME to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering the sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the LORD. And HE closed the book, and HE gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on HIM. And HE began to say unto them, This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears."

     Everything that JESUS CHRIST did was in absolute conformity to the will of HIS heavenly FATHER and performed through the enabling power of the HOLY SPIRIT. The Bible says concerning CHRIST: "GOD giveth not the SPIRIT by measure unto HIM" (John 3:34 pictured above) -- in other words, the HOLY SPIRIT was upon the LORD JESUS CHRIST without any limits. Even though HE was in the form of human flesh, CHRIST had a ministry, life, and witness that demonstrated perfectly the "walk in the SPIRIT." HIS actions, miracles, words, desires, and thoughts were in exact agreement with HIS FATHER. Through HIS earthly life, the Incarnate LORD of GLORY revealed to mankind the unity and yet distinctiveness, of each of the three persons of the Trinity. GOD the SON, empowered and led by GOD the HOLY SPIRIT, perfectly accomplished the will of GOD the FATHER.

     HIS reliance upon the HOLY SPIRIT to perform HIS ministry did not make JESUS CHRIST any less GOD. Rather, the SPIRIT's supporting role reveals the unity and interrelatedness of the three persons of the GODhead. Also, the HOLY SPIRIT's empowering, nurturing and leading of the SAVIOR (v.1 cf. Matthew 4:1; John 1:32-34 pictured above) serve as an example of how New Testament believers are likewise enabled to live a life that is pleasing to their GOD.

     JESUS CHRIST was "justified in the SPIRIT" (1st.Timothy 3:16 pictured at top of post), that is, HE was absolutely perfect and upright in all HE said and did. HE was the ANOINTED, the ONE prophesied of old, WHO would "fulfill all righteousness" and thereby satisfy through HIMSELF the righteous demands of the Law (Matthew 3:15). Thus, mankind can find deliverance from the Law's curse through JESUS' sinless life and substitutionary death (Galatians 3:13; 4:4-5 pictured above). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD Was Manifest in the Flesh"

 

John 1:1-14 "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. The same was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made by HIM; and without HIM was not any thing made that was made. In HIM was life; and the life was the light of men. And the LIGHT shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from GOD, whose name was John (the Baptist). The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the LIGHT, that all men through HIM might believe. He was not that LIGHT, but was sent to bear witness of the LIGHT.

That was the true LIGHT, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. HE was in the world, and the world was made by HIM, and the world knew HIM not. HE came unto HIS own, and HIS own received HIM not. 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: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of 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.

     The studies over the next few days will be an exposition of 1st.Timothy 3:16 (pictured at top of post), a glorious verse that encapsulates the significance of the coming of our LORD to this world over 2,000 years ago -- this is the story that we must proclaim during the Christmas season as well as every other season during the year. GOD's WORD certainly has much to say about the birth of our LORD JESUS CHRIST and the Christian should never capitulate to outside pressures that cause him to lightly regard any aspect of CHRIST's coming -- from HIS historic first coming to HIS promised return yet future.

     The person of JESUS CHRIST is of central importance in GOD's WORD. HE, "whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" (Micah 5:2 pictured above) was no less absolute deity after having taken the form of human flesh through the virgin birth than HE was when HE existed as one with GOD the FATHER from eternity past. Only the sinless SON of GOD could offer HIMSELF as the perfect substitute to bear the eternal judgment due the sinner. GOD's SON came to earth so that we, through faith in HIS sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, might have everlasting life (John 3:16 pictured above). The King James Version is absolutely correct (unlike many newer corrupted versions) when it says, "GOD was manifest in the flesh" (1st.Timothy 3:16 pictured at top of post) and, "The WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (v.14). Make no mistake: This same WORD (JESUS) was ONE with GOD and was, in fact, GOD (v.1). The CHRIST WHO died on the cross had to be much more than just a man or merely " a SON of GOD," as some say. In order for JESUS to pay the penalty for the sin of mankind, HE had to be the Incarnate LORD of GLORY, the ALMIGHTY GOD; HE was -- and HE is ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright,  FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GREAT Is the Mystery"

 

1st.Timothy 3:16 "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: GOD was manifest in the flesh, justified in the SPIRIT, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."

     "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: GOD was manifest in the flesh, justified in the SPIRIT, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory" (v.16). Great is the blessedness of this verse ! The mystery of the incarnation of the LORD of GLORY was, in Old Testament dispensations, hidden in shadows, types, and veiled promises and prophecies. But when JESUS CHRIST was born, the "mystery of godliness" was made known. That night, GOD became flesh, thereby opening the way for sinful man to be reconciled to an all-Holy GOD. It is sad that some professing Christians refuse to acknowledge this glorious, age-transforming event at this time of the year when much of the world commemorates CHRIST's birth even though few understand its true significance. Others are so intimidated by those who oppose the concept of "Christmas" that they avoid even mentioning what the Bible has to say about the Incarnation. This attitude is wrong. We must proclaim the glorious message of our SAVIOR at all times !

     The birth of the LORD JESUS CHRIST may provide only sentimental imagery and religious ceremony for multitudes in the world, but for the one who has trusted CHRIST as their personal SAVIOR, the Incarnation of the LORD of GLORY takes on immeasurable meaning. The commercialism and pagan folklore that characterize the Christmas season must never captivate the Christian, but neither should they deter the child of GOD from boldly proclaiming to a lost and dying world the significance of CHRIST's first coming. EMMANUEL, "GOD with us" (Matthew 1:23 pictured above), must always be the focus of all our honor and praise. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright,  FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation