"Nevertheless We, According to HIS Promise . . ."

 

2nd.Peter 3:8-18 "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the LORD as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the Day of the LORD will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the Earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hastening unto the coming of the Day of GOD, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat ?

Nevertheless we, according to HIS promise, look for new heavens and a new Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of HIM in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our LORD is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (twist), as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. To HIM be glory both now and forever, AMEN."

     People are desperately seeking solutions to personal and world problems. Sadly, far too many, having rejected GOD's guidance, are involved in vain and futile efforts. Note another nevertheless - "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand" (Proverbs 19:21 pictured above). We can understand why unbelievers seek man's devices, but how incredible it is that so many Christians give their time, effort, and money to programs that will fail. Why will they fail ? It is because their philosophies and strategies openly contradict GOD's counsel !

     Massive prayer and evangelistic programs are attractive to many. Yes, this world is certainly in need of more prayer and evangelism, but most of these efforts do not conform to biblical standards as they are filled with the leaven of unbelieving, ecumenical leadership and participation. True believers are, indeed, to be unified (Ephesians 4:3 pictured above), but the unity so popular in our day is an unscriptural union upon which GOD has pronounced a curse, not a blessing. In addition to religious joint-efforts, environmental and social issues are also bringing together a strange mixture of advocates. While we should be conscious about pollution and social ills, usually those people who are dedicated to such movements have distorted priorities and little or no concern about spiritual and ideological contaminations, which are far more dangerous. Our text reveals GOD's plan for this old world as well as HIS promise for a new one: "Nevertheless we, according to HIS promise, look for new heavens and a new Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (v.13). This world is not our home; we are to wait for something far better ! MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Nevertheless Afterward . . ."

 

Hebrews 12:5-11 "And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, MY son, despise not thou the chastening of the LORD, nor faint when thou are rebuked of HIM: for whom the LORD loveth HE chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom HE receiveth. If ye endure chastening, GOD dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the FATHER chasteneth not ? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the FATHER of spirits, and live ? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but HE for our profit, that we might be partakers of HIS holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."

     The chastening hand of the LORD is a loving hand - a demonstration of HIS concern for our spiritual well-being (v.6). GOD's discipline, though it will certainly cause discomfort, is to be welcomed and endured as one proof of our sonship (vv.7-8). The humble believer will not complain but, rather, will rejoice in the fact that GOD's correction is not random or without purpose. HE is the perfect FATHER WHO chastens for our good and for HIS glory; through HIS correction, we will be "partakers of HIS holiness" (vv.9-10). In the midst of whatever chastisement GOD initiates, we must not forget the "nevertheless" that goes with it: "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby" (v.11 pictured above).

     What a blessed promise ! In a day when so many charismatic leaders are falsely claiming that a loving GOD would never permit HIS faithful children to suffer, we must listen to GOD's WORD and reject the teaching of those who twist the Scriptures and lead believers to think that any affliction they experience is due to their supposed lack of faith. Obviously, Christians need to have implicit belief in whatever GOD says in HIS WORD, but, in addition, they also must reject all teachings that are contrary to the Bible. Furthermore, they must remember that GOD often permits HIS children to experience deep sorrow and great sufferings not necessarily to discipline but to purify, as explained in 1st.Peter 4:12-19, pictured above. GOD allows "fiery trials" in order to strengthen our faith. Yielding to CHRIST will produce spiritual fruit that will be a blessing to ourselves and others. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Nevertheless the Foundation of GOD . . ."

 

2nd.Timothy 2:15-19 "Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of GOD standeth sure, having this seal. The LORD knoweth them that are HIS. And, let everyone that nameth the name of CHRIST depart from iniquity."

     Opposition to the truth abounds; "nevertheless the foundation of GOD standeth sure" (v.19). "Profane and vain" babblers during the days of the early church proclaimed false teachings that led to an increase of ungodliness (v.16), and they spoke words that acted as a deadly spiritual cancer (vv.17-18). In our day, many in Christendom think that mentioning false teachers by name is "unloving," but note that the Apostle Paul listed two of the deceivers of his day: Hymenaeus and Philetus. Throughout the Bible, the errant are identified and rebuked. Faithful servants of CHRIST today likewise have GOD's command to ascertain and expose deception (Romans 16:17; 2nd.Thessaslonians 3:6 pictured above, and 2nd.Thessalonians 3:14). The foundation of the faith, the WORD of GOD, is the criterion by which we are to judge truth and error, and every person is responsible to apply that standard (Psalm 119:104 pictured below).

     What Bible-taught believer could fail to recognize the fact that "vain babblers" are multiplying rapidly ? Theological liberals continue to encourage men and women to doubt the veracity and authenticity of Scriptures. Ecumenical leaders are devising programs intended to unite all people, regardless of creed. Roman Catholic, Mormons, JW's, & 7th.Day Adventists, and countless other unbiblical religious groups believe and proclaim a false gospel of salvation by works, and they are not leading lost souls to the light of GOD's saving power but, on the contrary, are giving them false hope. Despite the popularity of errant and compromising teachers, we must stand fast against any who do not preach and embrace sound doctrine. Christians must identify and separate from all spiritual infidelity and iniquity (v.19) and, instead, rest upon GOD's firm foundation of truth ! MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Tie-Breaking Vote"

 

Being elected to a public office is truly a GOD-ordained position, but there is a higher office which you must obtain. Here is how:

HOW TO QUALIFY.

You must accept this fact: "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10).

HOW TO VIEW YOURSELF.

You are a sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23).

YOUR OPPONENT.

Sin hinders your race, "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).

THE COST TO WIN THE RACE.

The cost is much higher than your personal efforts or campaign funds could ever cover. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done. . ." (Titus 3:5a). "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. . ." (Isaiah 64:6a).

A LEGAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION 

HAS BEEN MADE.

Even though you are unable to pay the price to win this race, SOMEONE has paid it for you ! "For when we were yet without strength, in due time CHRIST died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6).

THE ONLY WAY TO PAY THE DEBT.

"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 the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on HIM shall not be ashamed . . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9-11,13).

THE TIE-BREAKING VOTE.

Satan has voted against you ! "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (1st.Peter 5:8).

JESUS CHRIST has voted for you ! "Greater love hath no man than this, that a MAN lay down HIS life for HIS friends." (John 15:13).

You cast the tie-breaking vote ! If you have never trusted the eternity of your soul to JESUS CHRIST, you haven't really believed on HIM. Your vote is now with Satan, and you stand condemned. If you are concerned enough about the eternal destiny of your own soul, right now where you are, cast your vote with JESUS CHRIST by putting your complete faith and trust in HIM as your personal SAVIOR:

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 CHOICE IS YOURS !

"He that believeth on HIM is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." (John 3:18).

Will you accept the office of a Christian ? Will you serve the true and only living GOD ? The office is yours if you will repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) and turn to JESUS CHRIST to forgive your sins, and you will put your complete trust in HIM to save your soul. Take GOD at HIS WORD and claim HIS promise for your own salvation: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13). If you will accept JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR and LORD, please pray the simple prayer shown above with all your heart. GOD's WORD says, "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b) Don't put it off and accept the office of a Christian today.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Nevertheless, GOD . . ."

 

2nd.Corinthians 7:1-7 "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of GOD. Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless GOD, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; and not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more."

     The word nevertheless and a similar word, notwithstanding, frequently appear in both the Old and New Testaments. These two words express the precious truth that no matter how difficult or even impossible certain situations may appear to be, GOD has the solution if we will only believe HIS WORD and walk by faith, not by sight. Our FATHER allows hindrances and trials so that we will learn to trust HIM.

     In today's text the HOLY SPIRIT sets before us some of the difficult situations that the Apostle Paul faced in his life and ministry. Paul writes, "Our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears" (v.5). Nevertheless, GOD had special comfort and help for Paul - first in the person of a dear fellow helper, Titus, and second, by the word brought to him concerning the believers in Corinth who had compassion and were prayerfully concerned about Paul's heavy burdens (vv.6-7). How often do we stop and consider the comfort that GOD has given to each of us in the midst of our own times of difficulty and sorrow ? These blessings from the LORD that Paul experienced are promised to obedient believers who separate from unrighteousness (2nd.Corinthians 6:14 pictured above) and refuse to touch "the unclean thing" (2nd.Corinthians 6:17 pictured above). Yes, obedience often comes with a price, such as rejection from those who were once close friends, but GOD promises that HE will receive us and manifest HIMSELF to us as a wonderful, all-powerful heavenly FATHER (2nd.Corinthians 6:14-18 pictured above). Paul's "nevertheless" experiences will be ours as well if we practice biblical separation and walk in holiness and in the fear of GOD, for we, also, possess "these promises" from our loving LORD (v.1). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Unforsaken People"

 

Judges 6:11-16 "And there came an Angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the Angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valor. And Gideon said unto HIM, Oh, my LORD, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us ? and where be all HIS miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt ? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee ? And he said unto HIM, Oh my LORD, wherewith shall I save Israel ? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man."

     In this account we read of the Angel of the LORD coming to Gideon to appoint him as the next Judge of Israel in order to deliver the people from their oppressors. As he conversed with the Angel of the LORD, however, Gideon made a typical accusation against GOD about Israel's situation - namely, the people were under tyranny, and he felt that, while GOD had led them out of Egypt with many miracles, as recounted to them by their fathers, now the LORD was abandoning Israel. In fact, Gideon believed GOD was to blame for the people being in bondage to the Midianites (v.13).

     Sadly, many miss an important factor when reading this and similar biblical accounts: GOD had not forsaken them and, in fact, that is why Israel was in their difficult situation when this conversation occurred (v.1 cf. Hebrews 12:6 pictured above). Earlier, the people had repented of their disobedience, and the LORD used Deborah and Barak to deliver them. But once again, Israel fell into sin despite the fact that they had GOD's stern warning that rebellion would not be tolerated (Deuteronomy 28:15-66). HE was patient with them but given the revelation HE had entrusted to HIS people, their disobedience was something HE needed to address. It is remarkable that the LORD endured with them for so long, especially during the days of the Judges when the characteristic of the time is described as everyone doing "that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25 pictured above). However, we cannot sanctimoniously condemn Israel, for we today possess GOD's completed revelation (the Bible) and have no excuse for not serving HIM out of love and gratitude for the deliverance we have experienced. May we live in humble, sincere obedience to the written WORD of GOD ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"CHRIST IS COMING !"

 

1st.Thessalonians 1:10 "And to wait for HIS SON from Heaven, WHOM HE raised from the dead, even JESUS, which delivered us from the wrath to come."

     The timing of the Rapture of the church (the body and bride of CHRIST), and whether or not it will actually happen, is the subject of a great deal of discussion among Christians. The majority seems to think either that it will never occur or that it will take place during or at the end of the tribulation period. Indeed, for many Bible teachers, the doctrine of the "blessed hope" has become something over which to ridicule other believers. Even some of our fellow brethren are asking, "Where is the promise of HIS coming?" (2nd.Peter 3:4 pictured above), as if it were not promised in Scripture but merely a wishful desire because we do not want to endure the prophesied "wrath to come." Yet, a faithful minority still maintain that it will occur prior to the Tribulation period (1st.Thessalonians 5:1-10; 2nd.Thessalonians 2:1-9).

     Reading the prophetic portions of Scripture consistently and literally leads the Christian to believe in the Pretribulational return of CHRIST for HIS church, the body and bride of CHRIST, which, in turn, provides incentive for godly living and service in this present life (1st.John 2:28 pictured above; 1st.John 3:2-3). The Rapture is not something believers ought to fear or dread, nor is it an event that should cause anxiety. The Apostle Paul referred to it as the "Blessed" expectation in Titus 2:13 and used it to encourage and comfort believers who had lost loved ones in death with the promise that body and soul would be reunited when it occurs (1st.Thessalonians 4:18). Even JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF communicated the expectation of HIS return in order to reassure and calm the disciples' hearts during a time of fear and turmoil resulting from the impending events that were about to happen to them and HIM (John 14:1-3 Main picture at top of post). JESUS IS COMING, and the Rapture could take place at any moment. ARE YOU READY ? GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation