" WORD of TRUTH Lighthouse "

Friday, July 17, 2026

"We Were Dead in Trespasses and Sins"

Ephesians 2:1-3 "And you hath HE quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins: wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the Prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Every Christian has an inglorious past. Before trusting in JESUS CHRIST as their personal SAVIOR, we were totally alienated from GOD and from everything that is good and acceptable in HIS sight. It is rather strange, then, that some believers seem to pride themselves in their previous sinful exploits or revel in their former worldly pursuits and achievements. The Apostle Paul had the right perspective when he said concerning past deeds, "What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed ?" (Romans 6:21 pictured above). Prior to salvation, the child of GOD was on an equal plane with every other hell-bound sinner: "dead in trespasses and sins" (v.1). When we consider the sinful deeds of the past, we have nothing in which to find glory or to fondly recall. It is so sad when the believer allows the flesh to lure him back to "the course of this world."

In our former unregenerate state, we were, in reality, the "walking dead" with respect to all things spiritual. We were helplessly subject to the course of this world (v.2a), the god of this world (v.2b), and or own sinful flesh (v.3). We could do nothing to ingratiate ourselves to GOD; no form of religious activity or altruistic endeavor could draw us closer to HIM. Nothing in us could please the LORD whatsoever ! We were, by our very nature, "the children of wrath" (v.3 cf. John 3:36 pictured above). As unsaved sinners, we "fulfill[ed] the desires of the flesh" (v.3). Yes, the lost can find a measure of gratification in pursuing the riches, pleasures, and accomplishments of the world - Satan will certainly see to that, for he "worketh in (enables, empowers) his own (v.2). But sadly, they are destined for GOD's wrath (v.3) - an eternity in the Lake of Fire. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"CHRIST Exalted as Head Over All"

Ephesians 1:20-23 "Which HE wrought in CHRIST, when HE raised HIM from the dead, and set HIM at HIS OWN right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under HIS feet, and gave HIM to be the head over all things to the church, which is HIS body, the fulness of HIM that filleth all in all."

Today's Scripture text further expounds upon the SPIRIT-wrought power that GOD desires to work in us. Do we ever feel weak or even completely inept when it comes to living the kind of Christian life we know is the LORD's will for us ? Have weights and besetting sins habitually hindered us to the point that it seems we will never be what we thought, as younger Christians, we would one day become ? If so, we cannot blame GOD. It is not HIS fault that we have not fully yielded to HIS will and desire for us. But it is not too late to do something about it ! We have at our present disposal everything we need to make this day - and every succeeding day until the LORD takes us home - an experience in living the abundant life of fruitfulness and blessing. We yet have hope, despite how disappointing our past or present may be !

The same divine power that characterized the life and ministry of CHRIST JESUS is now available to every child of GOD - to all who are "in CHRIST" (Ephesians 1:1). To "know HIM, and the power of HIS resurrection" is the believer's source of spiritual strength (Philippians 3:10 see pictured above). Notice, too, that today's text emphasizes JESUS as the "head over all things" (v.22), which necessarily includes the church corporately as well as each saint who comprises it. If we are to live correctly and powerfully according to GOD's will, we must be rightly related to, and subject to, GOD's prescribed order. We cannot be in rebellion against the HEAD (Colossians 1:18 pictured above) and successfully function in life as we should. As the body of CHRIST, we are to enter into the "fulness of HIM" (v.23) by bearing testimony to HIS presence within. Let us be faithful and obedient through HIS enabling grace. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Things GOD Wants Us to Know"

Ephesians 1:17-19 "That the GOD of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the FATHER of glory, may give unto you the SPIRIT of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of HIM; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of HIS calling, and what the riches of the glory of HIS inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of HIS power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of HIS mighty power.

Only the HOLY SPIRIT can enlighten the believer with respect to spiritual truth (v.17 pictured above). GOD has certain important verities that HE wants HIS children to know, and the Apostle's prayer for the saints at Ephesus was that they would have a comprehension of those divine realities. We, too, need that same understanding today.

FIRST, GOD wants us to know "what is the hope of HIS calling" (v.18). Everyone who has trusted CHRIST as their personal SAVIOR has a calling, and that objective is to be like our LORD while we are dwelling here on Earth (Ephesians 4:1 cf. Romans 8:28-29; 1st.Peter 1:14-16. Our expectation is that one day - at CHRIST's glorious appearing - we will be changed to be like HIM (1st.John3:2 pictured above). However, until that day, we must rely upon the HOLY SPIRIT's sanctifying ministry in our daily life - are we walking "worthy" of our Holy calling ?

SECOND, the LORD wants us to know "the riches of the glory of HIS inheritance in the saints" (v.18). The believer's inheritance was one of the primary considerations in the first part of this chapter. Tremendous blessings are in store for those who are "in CHRIST JESUS" (v.1) - those who are joint-heirs with HIM. We will reign with our SAVIOR in the Millennial Kingdom and dwell eternally in the heavenly city (Revelation 20:6 see pictured above; Revelation 22:5 see pictured below).

THIRD, GOD wants us to know "the exceeding greatness of HIS power to us-ward who believe" (v.19). We are without excuse if we are not living a victorious, fruitful Christian life. Everything GOD wants us to be in this life (and in the life to come) is accomplished through HIS unfailing strength. We do not have to rely upon our own feeble efforts. HIS power is "to us-ward" - it is appointed for us ! Rest in HIS promises. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

"Absolutely FREE !"

In this day and time, it's not often that someone offers an absolutely free gift. Yet here it is, the most wonderful and precious free gift especially for you ! It has already been paid for by someone else. Please read on to find out more . . . . . . .

This gift is ETERNAL

LIFE in

HEAVEN.

It is difficult for men to accept the thought of this being a free gift. Man wants to earn everlasting life.

The Holy Bible says: "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 Bible says: ". . .the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23).

A gift is not something we earn or work for. We receive gifts out of love. In fact, "GRACE" means: "Unmerited, or unearned favor." If we work for something, it is no longer a gift, but a wage.

G R A C E =

GOD's

Riches

CHRIST's

Expense

The wages of sin is death.

"For the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23a).

". . .and sin, when it is finished bringeth

forth death." (James 1:15b)

"In flaming fire taking vengeance

on them that know not GOD, and that

obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST:"

(2nd.Thessalonians 1:8)

We deserve death in a Devil's Hell, but

GOD gives us Heaven through

HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST

The LORD JESUS CHRIST paid for this gift, in full, with HIS OWN dear shed blood on the cross of Calvary. ". . .without [the] shedding of blood is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22b). ". . .the blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanseth us from all sin." (1st.John 1:7b). "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8).

"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).

Receive this absolutely free gift TODAY ! Come to GOD in humble prayer, admit your guilt as a sinner before an all-Holy GOD. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD." (Romans 3:23). Turn to GOD in repentance and faith, asking GOD to save you through the LORD JESUS CHRIST. "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). "Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks (Gentiles), repentance toward GOD, and faith toward our LORD JESUS CHRIST." (Acts 20:21).

"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 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.

"BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b). Come to JESUS today, before it is too late !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"You Are In My Prayers"

Ephesians 1:15-16 "Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the LORD JESUS, and love unto all the saints (brethren), cease not to give thinks for you, making mention of you in my prayers."

Prayer was absolutely vital in the Apostle Paul's spiritual ministry to the saints (brethren) in the early church. For example, he prayed for those in Colosse that they "might be filled with the knowledge of [GOD's] will" and be "strengthened with all might, according to HIS glorious power" (Colossians 1:9-11 pictured above). Ephesians chapter one restates this important theme - that prayer brings to pass the will of GOD. Paul continually prayed for this church to experience all that the LORD desired for them (vv.17 see pictured below). His prayers exemplify the kind of intercession that is pleasing to our GOD.

The word "wherefore" (v.15) at the beginning of this section points back to the means by which the LORD's ongoing work within the life and ministry of the believer is to be accomplished by "HIS mighty power" (v.19 pictured above). This glorious empowerment is responsible for bringing to pass not only the future blessings that will be ours at CHRIST's appearing but also the present strength to live a victorious Christian life. The believer's understanding of GOD's will and purpose and the ability to do what he knows the LORD wants him to do are products of the HOLY SPIRIT's enabling power at work within.

Many believers fail to realize, or perhaps choose to neglect, the fact that the HOLY SPIRIT helps and guides in response to fervent, intercessory prayer (vv.16-17 pictured above). Paul prayed that the saints (brethren) might enter into these great truths in a practical and experiential way. For the Apostle, entreating the LORD on behalf of others was an important part of his spiritual life, not just a pious-sounding afterthought. Prayer is effectual and aids in revealing GOD's will to HIS OWN. Do we make it a priority in our life every day ? DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Monday, July 13, 2026

"Sealed Until the Day of Redemption"

Ephesians 1:13-14 "In WHOM ye also trusted, after that ye heard the WORD of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in WHOM also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that HOLY SPIRIT of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of HIS glory."

The notion that one can be saved and then lost again has no biblical basis whatsoever. All cults, and even many within Christendom, zealously push this heresy; their false gospels implicitly teach that JESUS' work on the cross is insufficient, and GOD did not provide a perfect and complete salvation in HIM and that unless one remains in good repute with the church or with GOD, then his salvation is in question. However, we must realize that if an individual does not have his standing before GOD solely on the imputed righteousness of JESUS CHRIST, his faith is, by default, in his works - this denies the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith alone (Philippians 3:9 pictured above) !

Our text states that all who hear the truth of the Gospel and believe its report are "sealed" with the HOLY SPIRIT the moment they place their faith in CHRIST as their SAVIOR. Seeking to "attain the SPIRIT" or trying to "hold onto salvation" are both concepts contradictory to Bible truth. The gift of the SPIRIT and HIS securing of the one who believes are the operations of GOD, not man (Acts 15:6-9). Our text refers to this seal of the HOLY SPIRIT as the "earnest of our inheritance" (v.14 pictured above). An earnest is a down payment or guarantee - the advancement of a portion of an amount due, the latter to be paid in full at a later date. The HOLY SPIRIT provides absolute assurance of the eventual "redemption of the purchased possession" (v.14 pictured above) at the LORD's appearing. All believers are sealed; all who are sealed will be redeemed. Once again, the phrase "[to] the praise of HIS glory" accompanies this essential doctrine. Why ? GOD's power to save and keep all who put their faith in CHRIST directs all praise to where it is due: HIMSELF ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"IN WHOM We Have an Inheritance"

Ephesians 1:11-12 "In WHOM also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of HIM WHO worketh all things after the counsel of HIS OWN will: that we should be to the praise of HIS glory, who first trusted in CHRIST."

Part of the believer's standing in the LORD JESUS CHRIST is that he is "predestined" to receive an inheritance (v.11). He has not yet entered into its fullness, but he will receive it when he finally attains the end of his salvation, that is, the redemption that will take place when he sees his SAVIOR face to face. Previously, we observed that every Christian is predestined to be conformed to the image of CHRIST (Romans 8:29 pictured above) - this conformity includes the privilege of joining with the LORD in what is rightfully HIS: "And if children, then heirs; heirs of GOD, and joint-heirs with CHRIST" (Romans 8:16-18). By faith, we look forward to the "adoption" (Romans 8:23) - that time when we will take possession of the promised inheritance. Imagine what it entails to be accounted worthy (through the merit of CHRIST) to receive from the FATHER the inheritance due the SON ! But keep in mind, this blessing is only for those "in CHRIST."

GOD loved us so much that HE sent HIS SON JESUS CHRIST to die for us (John 3:16); therefore, "shall HE not with HIM [JESUS] freely give us all things ?" (Romans 8:32 pictured above). What indescribable glory is ours, both now and for eternity, in CHRIST ! Perhaps we have been called upon to endure a measure of hardship; if so, the Bible tells us that our suffering will seem as nothing compared with the glory that is to follow (Romans 8:18; 1st.Peter 1:3-9). The present may seem inglorious, but great blessing awaits all who are saved. "We should be to the praise of HIS glory" (v.12 cf. Romans 8:28-30), and we will be at the crowning day when HE will complete that which HE has begun in us (Philippians 1:6). When we obtain our promised inheritance. GOD will receive all the glory. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation