"FREEDOM !"

 

Psalm 33:1-22 "REJOICE in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the LORD with harp; sing unto HIM with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto HIM a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise. For the WORD of the LORD is right; and all HIS works are done in truth. HE loveth righteousness and judgment; the Earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. By the WORD of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of HIS mouth. HE gathereth the waters of the sea together as in heap: HE layeth up the depth in storehouses.

Let all the Earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of HIM. For HE spake, and it was done; HE commanded, and it stood fast. The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: HE maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of HIS heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose GOD is the LORD; and the people whom HE hath chosen for HIS own inheritance. The LORD looketh from Heaven; HE beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of HIS habitation HE looketh upon all the inhabitants of the Earth. 

HE fashioneth their hearts alike; HE considereth all their works. There is no king saved by the multitude of an host; a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety; neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear HIM, upon them that hope in HIS mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the LORD: HE is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in HIM, because we have trusted in HIS holy name. Let THY mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in THEE."

     As we celebrate our American Independence, let us think for a moment about our freedoms. These liberties did not come without a cost. The blood of many was shed upon the soils of foreign nations as well as our own homeland, yet far too often we fail to remember this sacrifice. How quick we are to forget those who paid the ultimate price ! How ready we are to complain and then sit back while others die for what we enjoy ! Our freedoms are not rights to be abused. GOD has not given us the license to do what we want at the expense of righteousness. We are not free to go our own way without facing the consequences for our choices. It seems like everywhere we look freedoms are being violated, abused, and sacrificed. Today's text tells us, "Blessed is the nation whose GOD is the LORD" (v.12). Our liberty cannot be separated from GOD, for it is HE WHO ultimately gave it to us. However, our civil rights will only be enjoyed in relation to our acknowledgment of the LORD; the further away this nation moves from HIM, the fewer our freedoms will be until they eventually cease to exist.

     We also must consider another, more essential freedom: spiritual liberty. Only those who are rightly related to GOD can experience it. Everyone who rejects CHRIST as their personal SAVIOR is enslaved to sin. True freedom comes only when a person puts his complete faith in CHRIST. JESUS said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32 pictured above). What is truth ? JESUS stated, "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE" (John 14:6 pictured above). Freedom from sin and condemnation comes only through HIM; HE paid the ultimate price. "If the SON therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:36 pictured below). PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"It's a Honey of a Deal !"

 

THE  DEAL

HEAVEN OR HELL, WHICH ONE FOR YOU ?

GOD gives every man the following choice: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23).

THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE DEAL.

1.  The Bible states that you are a sinner. "For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not." (Ecclesiastes 7:20). "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10).

2.  The price of sin is to be separated from GOD and to spend all eternity in a Devil's Hell. "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). "And Death and Hell were cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:14-15).

THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF THE DEAL.

1.  JESUS CHRIST, the SON of GOD, has paid the penalty for your sin in full. ". . .without shedding of blood is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22). "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8). "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." (Leviticus 17:11).

2.  Salvation is a gift and cannot be earned. "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). "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us . . ." (Titus 3:5). "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 the HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4).

THE TERMS OF THE DEAL.

1.  ". . .Sirs, what must I do to be saved ? And they said, Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved . . ." (Acts 16:30-31). "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). "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).

2.  Are you willing to accept GOD's deal ? If you are, admit to GOD that you are a guilty sinner and that you want to repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) and be saved. ". . .except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3).

3.  GOD gives you this promise: "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.

The LORD JESUS said, ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28). Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. 

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Fruit of Lies"

 

Hosea 10:12-13 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till HE come and rain righteousness upon you. Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies; because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men."

     Fruit procured by lies may appear attractive on the outside, but those who plow wickedness by uttering falsehoods will only reap a bitter harvest (v.13 pictured above). Today, the world is obsessed with the errant notion that sowing anti-biblical views will somehow "liberate" the masses and set the captives free. The blasphemy heard on every hand comes from the hearts and lips of those who have rejected the LORD's counsel. Deceitful religious leaders and politicians masterfully twist the truth and make it a lie while the world rejects the concept of absolute truth that is only found in GOD's WORD. One who accepts a worldview of relativism will find himself among "the multitudes of . . . mighty men," but GOD will soon crush his hopes. All that will remain is the "fruit of lies."

     For example, many claim that joining with unbelievers or disobedient Christians in an effort to sow the seed of the "gospel" is GOD-honoring as long as the goal is world evangelism - regardless of the fact that the Gospel message itself is usually ill-defined. NOT SO ! The LORD clearly warns those who are being deceived by such a lie. The inevitable result of sowing to the flesh is corruption, though outward appearances are often deceiving. Carnal, ecumenical programs of evangelism, prayer, and worship may appear to produce amazing results, but they cannot receive GOD's blessing. By contrast, the LORD invites us to sow in righteousness with the assurance that we will "reap in mercy" (v.12). HE delights to bless those who plant the right seed, the right way. Read Galatians 6:7-9, pictured above); for it clearly states the divine principle of sowing and reaping. Stand alone, if need be, and spread the true WORD in order to gain a good harvest. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD's Perfect Love Casts Out Fear"

 

1st.John 4:15-19 "Whosoever shall confess that JESUS is the SON of GOD, GOD dwelleth in him, and he in GOD. And we have known and believed the love that GOD hath to us. GOD is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in GOD, and GOD in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as HE is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love HIM, because HE first loved us."

     The study of today's text will be richly rewarding. The first two verses set forth the glorious news that GOD dwells within all who are saved. What comfort and assurance this truth brings to the hearts of believers who live and witness in these days of consuming fear ! Verse seventeen explains that the believer is delivered from fears both present and future, including the day of judgment. The climax of this text comes in verse eighteen where GOD wants the saint to know that HIS perfect love casts out all fear - no qualifications, no exceptions. Sadly, many believers today have taken their eyes off CHRIST and the Scriptures, seeing only the stormy seas being churned up by Satan. However, to be effective witnesses for CHRIST, we should live and speak confidently and calmly, even if we are enduring the greatest trials we have ever faced.

     According to the WORD of GOD, conditions will grow worse rather than better before our LORD's return (2nd.Timothy 3:13 pictured above). The misguided charismatic and evangelical leaders who prophesy or teach that worldwide revival will take place prior to the rapture are contradicting and twisting the Scriptures. The error that the church can "bring in the kingdom" is also unbiblical, for it denies the future, literal fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Huge programs of ecumenical prayer, worship and evangelism will end in GOD's judgement, not HIS blessing, because they are unscriptural. To the persecuted, faithful remnant CHRIST said, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your FATHER's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32 pictured above). To the church of Smyrna HE said, "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer" (Revelation 2:10a pictured above). May we likewise take heed ! 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 Lure of Legalism"

 

Galatians 5:1 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith CHRIST hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

     Paul's letter to the Galatian believers is a warning concerning the dangers of legalism. Judaizers had infiltrated the churches of Galatia and were preaching "another gospel" of works as opposed to the true Gospel of grace (Galatians 1:6-9 pictured above). Today, Paul's warning is just as necessary and relevant. Two kinds of legalism exist. The first emphasizes the requirement of works in order to be saved. The second stresses the need for works in order to be "spiritual" or acceptable to GOD as a Christian. Legalism in this sense entails the belief that as long as one follows a set of man-made rules, he can feel confident that he is truly a "spiritual" person - regardless of whether he is actually abiding in CHRIST. Paul addressed both aspects of legalism in this letter to the Galatians, and he corrects this error in other epistles as well (Romans 10:4; 14:1-23; Colossians 2:20-23).

     Why are many Christians so captivated by legalism ? First, it strokes man's pride - rather than abiding in CHRIST and humbly allowing GOD's WORD to convict and bring them to spiritual maturity, they want a system by which they can measure their "success." Second, some are so enamored with a particular religious leader that they prefer to follow the teachings and rules of a person rather than GOD HIMSELF. Third, many are not grounded in the essence of true, biblical Christianity. Therefore, they are easily "carried about with every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14 pictured above). Finally, legalism is alluring to some because it is easy to follow a list of "do's" and "don'ts" but requires "study" to "rightly divide" GOD's WORD (2nd.Timothy 2:15 pictured above). Beware of legalism ! Our salvation is not only rooted in grace, but we also are to grow in this grace unto maturity in CHRIST JESUS. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"I Am Willing, or Am I ?"

 

Philippians 3:4-14 "Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, and Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the Law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the Law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for CHRIST. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS my LORD: for WHOM I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win CHRIST, and be found in HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of CHRIST, the righteousness which is of GOD by faith: that I may know HIM, and the power of HIS resurrection, and the fellowship of HIS suffering, being made conformable unto HIS death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of CHRIST JESUS. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of GOD in CHRIST JESUS."

     The Apostle Paul was willing to "count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS' (v.8). What about us ? Our life should declare:

"I am willing !"

I am willing to decrease that CHRIST might increase (John 3:30 pictured above).

I am willing to humble myself and be abased that GOD might lift me up (Luke 14:11; James 4:10).

I, like Paul, am willing to "count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS my LORD," even if I must suffer the loss of all things (v.8).

I am willing to be poor and to make many rich (2nd.Corinthians 6:10).

I am willing to be delivered unto death for JESUS' sake that HIS life might be made manifest in my mortal flesh (2nd.Corinthians 4:11).

I am willing to be content with such things as I have, knowing that I have CHRIST WHO will never leave me (Hebrews 13:5).

I am willing to be persecuted since I can rejoice that I am "counted worthy to suffer shame for HIS name" (Acts 5:41).

I am willing and not ashamed to share the Gospel, "for it is the power of GOD unto salvation" to all who will believe (Romans 1:16).

I am willing to suffer hardship "as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST" (2nd.Timothy 2:3).

I am willing not to be ministered unto, but to minister to others and be a servant to all, even as the SON of MAN did for me (Mark 10:43-45). 

I am willing to lay aside every weight, hindrance, and besetting sin so I might run with patience the race that is set before me (Hebrews 12:1).

I am willing to be a fool for CHRIST's sake (1st.Corinthians 4:10).

I am willing to count not "my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy" (Acts 20:24).

In GOD's time, I am willing to be "absent from the body" that I may "be present with the LORD" (2nd.Corinthians 5:8). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST, 

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Two Groups of Seven Contrasted"

 

Luke 2:41-3:2 "Now HIS parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when HE was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the CHILD JESUS tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and HIS mother knew not of it. But they, supposing HIM to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought HIM among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found HIM not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking HIM. And it came to pass, that after three days they found HIM in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard HIM were astonished at HIS understanding and answers.

And when they saw HIM, they were amazed: and HIS mother said unto HIM, SON, why hast THOU thus dealt with us ? behold, THY father and I have sought THEE sorrowing. And HE said unto them, How is it that ye sought ME ? wist ye not that I must be about MY FATHER's business ? And they understood not the saying which HE spake unto them. And HE went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but HIS mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And JESUS increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with GOD and man. Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesare, Pontus Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the WORD Of GOD came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness."

     Those who are great in the world may be of no account in GOD's sight. The living GOD honors those who honor HIM, but HE does not think highly of those who despise HIM: "For them that honor ME I will honor, and they that despise ME shall be lightly esteemed" (1st.Samuel 2:30). Those who are famous in the history books of the world are often absent from GOD's hall of fame. Conversely, many who are unknown to the world are known and loved by GOD. August Van Ryn points out that the first three chapters of Luke mention by name two contrasting series of seven characters. Note the unlikely "stars" of the Nativity: Zacharias, Elisabeth, Mary, Joseph, Simeon. Anna, and John the Baptist. These seven represent the faithful ones among the people of GOD. Even though the world took little notice of them, they were precious to GOD, and HE appeared to them as "EMMANUEL . . . GOD with us" (Matthew 1:23 pictured above). 

     Tiberias Caesar, Pilate, Herod, Philip, Lysanias, Annas, Caiaphas - these names are listed in Luke 3:1-2. This group typifies the whole world in its might and glory: the Roman Emperor and the empire over which he ruled; the Roman governor and all Judea. Herod and his licentious court; Annas and Caiaphas and with them the apostate nation that would soon crucify its LORD. The world filled its books with the history, exploits, and achievements of these people, but GOD gives them fewer than two verses while the other seven are found in 152 verses. The first seven are the stars of the nativity story because of their relationship to HIS beloved SON. The second seven are all but ignored because whoever does not know and love CHRIST is of no account in GOD's sight. GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation