" WORD of TRUTH Lighthouse "

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

"Religion or Salvation ? What is the Difference ?"

1st.Peter 3:14-22 "But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the LORD GOD in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in CHRIST. For it is better, if the will of GOD be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

For CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that HE might bring us to GOD, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the SPIRIT: by which also HE went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of GOD waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward GOD.) by the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST: WHO is gone into Heaven, and is on the right hand of GOD; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto HIM."

The Bible declares that "CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins, the JUST (the RIGHTEOUS ONE) for the unjust (the unrighteous ones), that HE might bring us to GOD" (v.18). Herein lies the great difference between religion and salvation. Religion is man trying to bring himself to GOD (by human effort, by sacraments, by good works, by following various rituals, by trying to measure up to certain moral standards, etc.). Salvation is wholly different. GOD knew that man, on his own, could never measure up to what GOD's righteousness requires, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23). Therefore, salvation is CHRIST bringing us (sinful, helpless, hopeless, and depraved men and women) to GOD on the basis of what HE did for us on the cross. Salvation can never be earned by performing certain religious deeds: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us" (Titus 3:5). It is not our doing (Romans 3:20 pictured above), but it is CHRIST's "done" (John 19:30 pictured below).

The following illustration shows the folly of a religious man trying to work his way to Heaven. Consider two men seeking to go from New York to London. One man trusts his own efforts and jumping into the ocean, attempts to swim all the way to London. No matter how good a swimmer he is, he will perish. The other man gets on a ship and allows it to do all the work. The man of faith trusts CHRIST to do all the work in order that he might be brought to GOD. "I do not work my soul to save, that my LORD hath done. But I would work like any slave for love of GOD's dear SON !" GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

"Through Us"

2nd.Corinthians 5:14-21 "For the love of CHRIST constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that HE died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto HIM which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea though we have known CHRIST after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we HIM no more. Therefore if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

And all things are of GOD, WHO hath reconciled us to HIMSELF by JESUS CHRIST, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that GOD was in CHRIST reconciling the world unto HIMSELF, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for CHRIST, as though GOD did beseech you by us: we pray you in CHRIST's stead, be ye reconciled to GOD. For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us, WHO knew no sin; that we might be the righteousness of GOD in HIM."

Every believer is an ambassador for CHRIST, representing HIM in this dark world. The SAVIOR wants to speak to lost men and women through us "As though GOD did beseech you by us" (v.20). GOD is beseeching the unsaved, but HE is doing so through us. The LORD wants to speak through us in a very passionate and heartfelt way. Second Corinthians 5:20 contains two words that describe how GOD reaches out to men through us. Paul uses the verb "beseech" and then the synonym "pray." Both words carry the meaning of "implore, beg, urge, entreat, plead." If CHRIST were speaking to the unsaved, HE would be imploring, urging, and pleading with them, yet HE wants us to do this on HIS behalf. Through us GOD wants people to know that HE is "not willing that any should perish" (2nd.Peter 3:9 pictured above). Through us GOD wants the world to know how much HE desires for all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1st.Timothy 2:4). As we share the Gospel, do we convey the compassionate heart of the LORD for sinners ? Do we do so through tear-dimmed eyes ? We could simply give the objective facts of the Gospel: "My Friend, if you believe in CHRIST crucified and risen for you, you will have eternal life. If you reject HIM you will perish." This is very true, but where is the urging ? Where is the pleading ? "My Friend, I urge you to trust CHRIST and be saved. Your eternal destiny is at stake. I plead with you that you might come to CHRIST. HE is your only hope for this life and the next." Show that you deeply care about his or her soul. Convey the urgency and importance of being saved and how much you long for him or her to be reconciled to the LORD. The compassionate GOD wants to speak through you ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Saturday, May 9, 2026

"So GREAT Salvation !"

Hebrews 2:3 "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard HIM;"

Some may wonder, "Why did GOD permit sin to enter the world in the first place ?" Suggested answers range from: "HE could not have prevented it" (this answer limits HIS power) to "Sin is a necessary way to the greatest good" (this answer limits HIS goodness). These responses stem from fallen man's logic and do not adequately help us in our understanding and walk with the LORD. Frankly, with regard to many questions, we do not find easy answers as to why GOD did or did not do some things (Deuteronomy 29:29). Yet, we know without a doubt that whatever GOD's reasons are for what HE does, HE is right and completely just in all things (Genesis 18:25 pictured above; Job 40:1-2).

In pondering the above question, one should consider some of the reasons why GOD created the world in the first place: for HIS own glory (Isaiah 43:7 pictured above), to demonstrate HIS glory to all (Psalm 19:1), and for HIS OWN pleasure (Revelation 4:11). HIS will is for all creation to worship and honor HIM (Revelation 5:8-14) -- not as mere robots but out of a heartfelt desire, an earnest compulsion to do so as the result of HIS glorious redemption. We are sinners saved by GOD's infinite grace (Luke 7:47; Ephesians 2:7), and that fact should stir us to praise HIM. Scripture tells us that Heaven rejoices when even one sinner repents and is saved (Luke 15:7). Salvation is a wonderful, amazing reality that many believers do not adequately grasp or appreciate. Sin no longer has the authority to reign over us; we are now free from its dominion and control (Romans 6:1-14). Therefore, "no condemnation" (Romans 8:1) ought to be the words that resonate with our every thought and action as we focus upon our salvation -- which is truly "so GREAT" !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Monday, May 4, 2026

"The Armor Series - The Sword of the SPIRIT - Part 7 of 7"

Ephesians 6:17 "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD of GOD;"

The "sword of the SPIRIT" is "the WORD of GOD" -- the Bible. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2nd. Timothy 3:16). The word "inspiration" in this verse means "GOD breathed," signifying that the words came directly from the LORD (1st.Peter 1:11-12; 2nd.Peter 1:20-21 pictured above). Despite the clarity of 2nd.Timothy 3:16, so many deny its truth, including some who claim to be Christians. Why do people reject the Scriptures ? Is it because its doctrines are challenging ? Or is it that the Bible rebukes and convicts the reader as his sin is revealed ? Or is it because the WORD dares to communicate a way of living ("instruction in righteousness") that is contrary to man's ways ? May we never allow these excuses to keep us from believing and obeying GOD's WORD.

We know that the follower of the LORD should regularly read and learn the Bible: "Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth" (2nd.Timothy 2:15). We need to hide its WORDs in our heart (Psalm 119:11 pictured above) and meditate on them (think about how we can "flesh out" Scripture's lessons in our life, Psalm 119:15 pictured above). But beyond just reading and thinking upon the WORD of GOD, it is vital that we obey it: "But be ye doers of the WORD, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22). Like a sword, the Scriptures "cut" -- they separate the saint, who humbly follows the Bible's commands, from sin. Just as a soldier who merely carries a sword and does not know how to use it, so is the child of GOD who has the WORD but does not submit himself to its divinely revealed truth. KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Armor Series - The Helmet of Salvation - Part 6 of 7"

Ephesians 6:17 "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD of GOD;"

The gift of salvation changes the entire destiny of the one who believes. The Apostle declared this truth to the Philippian jailer, who asked him, "What must I do to be saved ?" Paul's response was: "Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:30-31 pictured above). In addition, the jailer's household believed as well.

When describing the armor of GOD, the SPIRIT used the words "the helmet of salvation" to indicate that Christian's ought to think upon the saving work of JESUS CHRIST. We should remind ourselves daily of the significance of our salvation. Paul said of himself: "That I may know HIM, and the power of HIS resurrection" (Philippians 3:10). The fact that we have been saved from the Lake of Fire needs to be regularly at the forefront of our thoughts (Revelation 20:11-15). As new creatures in CHRIST (2nd.Corinthians 5:17), we now have the ability to think about heavenly things (Colossians 3:2). When we present ourselves to the LORD, HE renews our mind (Romans 12:1-2) so that we can walk in "newness of life" (Romans 7:6). In our observance of the LORD's Supper, CHRIST's death and imminent return are to be our main consideration. While fellowshipping with other saints, our focus should be upon our common salvation and the ONE WHO provided it. Above all else, the great work of our SAVIOR -- the spotless LAMB of GOD (1st.Peter 1:19; John 1:29) WHO took humanity's sin upon HIMSELF on the cross (Isaiah 53:6; 1st.Peter 2:24-25) --must be chief in our thoughts. We need to meditate on how JESUS CHRIST poured out HIS life's blood in death as the substitutionary sacrifice for mankind (Ephesians 1:7; 1st.John 1:7) dying on behalf of all humanity (Titus 2:14 pictured above). Let us ponder on our amazing salvation ! KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Armor Series - The Shield of Faith - Part 5 of 7"

Ephesians 6:16 "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

Without doubt, every piece of the believer's spiritual armor is essential for the safety of his walk in righteousness; however, note that when it came to the "shield of faith," Paul wrote: "Above all." Faith undergirds the strength of every other piece of armor. Consider the "cloud of witnesses" who exercised their faith and were blessed and acclaimed by the LORD (Hebrews Chapter 11 pictures above & below). Our LORD JESUS referred to a faith that was the size of a mustard seed, and as we consider the heroes of the faith, some had "mustard seed faith" yet were rewarded because they obeyed. It is important to realize that the believer's faith is grounded in the LORD's promises, not meritless opinion.

One valuable characteristic of a Romans shield was its versatility. The soldier could keep the shield in front of him, pivot it to the side, or even hold it over his head. A highly skilled warrior even might have been able to deflect some weapons coming from behind him. In the same fashion, the saint can use the shield of faith at any time and for multiple purposes. In Christian warfare, the primary use of this armor is to ward off "the fiery darts of the wicked" as well as the "wiles (tricks) of the Devil" (Ephesians 6:11,16).

A necessary condition for the use of this weapon is alertness -- the believer must be mindful of the Devil's tricks: false teachings not in keeping with the Bible, false teachers ("wolves . . . not sparing the flock," Acts 20:29), and those who appear to be angels of light (2nd.Corinthians 11:13-15 pictured above). Most of all the saint must listen carefully for lies and half-truths (Genesis 3:1-5). Let us "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1st.Peter 5:8). KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Armor Series - The Gospel Shoes of Peace - Part 4 of 7"

Ephesians 6:15 "And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace;"

Following HIS resurrection, the LORD JESUS made it clear that HE expected HIS Apostles to go throughout the world in order to make disciples: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations (make disciples), baptizing them in the name of the FATHER, and the SON, and the HOLY GHOST: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I AM with you alway, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:19-20 pictured above). Our LORD already had a plan for the propagation of the Gospel of salvation. "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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the Earth" (Acts 1:8). Clearly, the Apostles would have to walk from location to location, going person to person, in order to communicate the good news. The result of their activity: "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things !" (Romans 10:15 pictured below).

Lovingly, the LORD provides the "Gospel of peace" like shoes for the Christian warrior. Some propose that this apparel is so-named because the messenger is bringing the good news of GOD's peace to sorrowful, hurting, delusional hearts. Another way of looking at this footwear is that the wearer experiences the comfort of GOD and peace of heart as he goes from person to person. Oh, his feet may still ache at the end of the day, but the soreness is overshadowed by the joy and contentment that comes to the bearer of the Gospel message. He has no thought of guilt in his heart when he asks himself whether HE did enough for the LORD. So, let us go and get our "shoes" dirty ! KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation