"Is Experience the Final Test ?"

 

Isaiah 8:19-22 "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their GOD ? for the living to the dead ? To the Law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this WORD, it is because there is no light in them. And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry; and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their GOD, and look upward. And they shall look unto the Earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness."

     The leaders and adherents of virtually every false religion and movement (of which there are many) place a great emphasis upon their physical, mental, or emotional experiences. Thus, the "proof" that their religion is from GOD consists of their testimonials concerning healings, success, financial gain, or reduced mental and physical stress. However, when someone accepts empiricism as the validation of truth, he will often ignore the serious errors of his religious group. Those who rely upon experiences as their standard often say, "You can't tell me it's wrong; I know what happened !" And no matter what the WORD Of GOD says regarding a particular subject, it is their own personal observations that become the determining factor for what they believe to be true.

     The Bible is completely without error, and we must accept what it says is true by faith rather than what we may experience by sight. Satan gives unsaved people counterfeit encounters that bind them to false cults and religions and blind them to the liberating truth to be found only in JESUS CHRIST, the LIVING WORD, and in the Bible, the written WORD. One of the great deceptions of our day is the unscriptural charismatic teaching that public healings and other supposedly miraculous signs and wonders are an indication of GOD's approval of the message and the messenger (but remember, the end-time messenger of Satan will use miracles to authenticate his diabolical message; see 2nd.Thessalonians 2:8-9 and Revelation 13:3, both pictured above). The Bible is the only test whereby we can know what is true (v.20). Be careful that you are not deceived. The end for those who look anywhere other than to GOD and HIS WORD will be great disappointment (v.22). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"But the Wise Shall Understand"

 

Hebrews 11:1-8 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the WORD of GOD, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto GOD a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, GOD testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because GOD had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased GOD. But without faith it is impossible to please HIM: for he that cometh to GOD must believe that HE is, and that HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM. By faith Noah, being warned of GOD of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went."

     Faith is essential in order to understand and please GOD: "But without faith it is impossible to please HIM" (v.6). The believer who says he wants to understand the LORD's will for his life must be willing to walk by faith, for unless he is convinced that GOD's way is best, he will not naturally nor willingly walk in the way of the LORD. It is important for believers to know the will of GOD, and those who obey the WORD have the promise that they will receive this understanding (Psalm 111:10 pictured at top of post). Notice in our text (as well as in the remainder of this eleventh chapter of Hebrews) that all of these Old Testament saints understood GOD's will because they heard and believed HIS WORD. Not only did they know what the LORD desired of them, but they also stepped out in faith and obeyed what HE said. Understanding the will of GOD goes hand in hand with following HIS WORD, for the LORD grants spiritual understanding to the obedient.

     The Bible also says that those who hear and heed reproof will gain understanding (Proverbs 15:32 pictured above). However, admonition is unpopular, and many believers have closed their ears to scriptural rebuke. The psalmist wrote that one result of understanding GOD's WORD is the saint will "hate every false way" (Psalm 119:104 pictured above). Such a position is often criticized by both the world and other Christians as being "unloving," but they have a wrong understanding of genuine love. Regarding the future events of the end times, the LORD told Daniel, "None of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand" (Daniel 12:10). Believers should not be perplexed, confused, or troubled by the many voices crying out to be heard; "the wise shall understand" -- and stand ! MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"What Glory Awaits !"

 

Philippians 3:20-21 "For our conversation is in Heaven; from whence also we look for the SAVIOR, the LORD JESUS CHRIST: WHO shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto HIS glorious body, according to the working whereby HE is able even to subdue all things unto HIMSELF."

     As time passes and we face difficulties and trials, some that seem almost impossible to bear, we must rest upon the truths revealed in Scripture, especially concerning the future. As bad as things are politically, economically, socially, morally, and even religiously, we know that it is going to get much worse in the future (2nd.Timothy 3:13 pictured above). The people of this Earth will one day endure a terrible seven-year period known as "the time of Jacob's trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7) or the "Tribulation" (Mark 13:24), of which the final three and one half years are designated by the LORD as the "Great Tribulation" (Matthew 24:21 pictured below). During this time GOD will pour out HIS wrath in a series of ever-intensifying judgments on HIS creation (the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments), bringing it to the very brink of extinction. In fact, the LORD JESUS said that "except those days should be shortened," not even the elect would survive this time (Matthew 24:22 pictured below). GOD's mercy and grace are contrary to what this wicked world deserves and the opposite of what the Devil desires, for his intent is to destroy all of GOD's creatures. After all, he was "a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him" (John 8:44). We know that whatever he can possibly do to wreak havoc and confusion on those created in GOD's image, he is more than willing to try.

     With each passing day, the importance and necessity of doing everything we can for the LORD becomes increasingly urgent, yet it seems to be more challenging as well. May we keep our eyes on what lies ahead, not becoming distraught, discouraged, or distracted by anything we might face right now. GOD will be victorious in the end ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"ABOVE ALL Others"

 

Psalm 119:97 "O how love I THY Law ! It is my meditation all the day."

     The 119th. Psalm is surely one of the most treasured chapters in all of Scripture. We repeatedly read of the value and significance of the WORD of GOD in the life of the believer when it comes to practical daily living. The names used to identify GOD's WORD throughout this chapter (law, precepts, statutes, words, testimonies, judgments, ordinances, etc.) encourage believers of all ages to know and understand that Scripture is the single source for safety, stability, and security in a fallen world fraught with danger, deception, and devastation. Not only is the chapter deeply rich in doctrine, but it also admonishes GOD's children to meditate on HIS revelation and to implement it into daily life and ministry. When difficulties arise and when trials come, the one source to which every believer can turn is the perfect, ageless WORD of GOD.

     The Bible far exceeds any work of literature. IT is a treasure that we are blessed not only to possess but also to study and put into practice in daily life. No other book, no matter how well written, is capable of transforming the heart, mind, and soul, for all other writings are not even in the same realm. GOD's WORD transcends anything that man can create. No work of science, religion, or philosophy can do what the Holy Scriptures alone can do: change a person's entire destiny and life, both now and eternally.

     One of the great privileges we have today is that we now hold in our hands the completed canon of Scripture. We possess GOD's inspired, inerrant, divinely authoritative revelation for us -- not in part, but finished (1st.Corinthians 13:10 pictured above). Do you read IT regularly, consistently, and reverently ? Are you allowing IT to read you and to change your life every day ? GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Paid in Full, Love, JESUS"

 

DID YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN DEBT

BECAUSE OF YOUR SIN ?

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

"Now we know that what things soever the Law saith, it saith to them who are under the Law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before GOD." (Romans 3:19).

DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOUR SIN DEBT

WILL COST YOU FOR ALL OF ETERNITY ?

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

"And Death and Hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death." (Revelation 14:11).

"And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever. . ." (Revelation 14:11).

HAVE YOU HEARD YOUR SIN DEBT

HAS BEEN "PAID IN FULL ?"

"And she shall bring forth a SON, and thou shalt call HIS name JESUS: for HE shall save HIS people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21).

"For CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that HE might bring us to GOD. . ." (1st.Peter 3:18).

"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).

WILL YOU BELIEVE THE BIBLE, THE RECORD

OF WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU ?

"For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on HIM shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:11).

"And this is the record, that GOD hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON." (1st.John 5:11).

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." (1st.Timothy 1:15).

WILL YOU TRUST THE ETERNITY OF YOUR 

SOUL COMPLETELY TO JESUS CHRIST ?

"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." (John 3:16)

"And by HIM all that believe are justified from all things from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses." (Acts 13:39).

". . .Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved. . ." (Acts 16:31).

PLEASE REALIZE THAT YOU MUST TRUST

JESUS, AND HE ALONE, FOR SALVATION.

"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on HIM that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." (Romans 4:5).

"JESUS answered and said unto them, This is the work of GOD, that ye believe on HIM WHOM HE hath sent." (John 6:29).

"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law." (Romans 3:28).

"But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8).

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.

____ I CHOOSE TO TRUST JESUS CHRIST AND HIS FINISHED PAYMENT FOR MY SIN DEBT.

"To HIM give all the prophets witness, that through HIS name whosoever believeth in HIM shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:43).

"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 whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9,13).

____ I CHOOSE TO REJECT THE PAYMENT OF JESUS CHRIST AND TRUST MY OWN PAYMENT.

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation. . ." (Hebrews 2:3).

"In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD, and from the glory of HIS power;" (2nd.Thessalonians 1:8-9).

"And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:15).

2nd.Corinthians 6:2b says, "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation."  Your sin debt has been paid in full. PLEASE accept the free gift of salvation that the LORD is offering you today. You may not have a tomorrow.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Blessed or Cursed ?"

 

Genesis 17:1-8 "And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I AM the ALMIGHTY GOD; walk before ME, and be thou perfect. And I will make MY covenant between ME and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and GOD talked with him, saying, As for ME, behold, MY covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish MY covenant between ME and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a GOD unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their GOD."

     GOD placed HIS unremitting love upon Israel, choosing Abraham as the Father of this people and making promises to him that were ratified in an unconditional covenant. The LORD gave oaths to the patriarch in Genesis 12 and later confirmed and amplified them in chapters thirteen (see picture above), fifteen, and seventeen. GOD, in HIS mercy and grace, made individual promises to Abraham, national promises to HIS seed, and universal promises through him to all families of the Earth. He enjoyed a personal relationship with his GOD and acquired land, servants, cattle, silver, and gold. To the nation of Israel GOD promised the continuation of HIS covenant with them, vowing that HE would make of them a great nation and would give them a promised land as "an everlasting possession" (v.8). Concerning all people, the LORD stated that HE would bless those who blessed Abraham and his descendants and curse whoever cursed them.

     Throughout history, nations and peoples have been blessed or cursed depending on their attitude toward the Jews. This is a principle that applied during Abraham's lifetime and throughout the history of the nation of Israel, and it is still in effect today. Abraham himself was a great blessing to all nations and is revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Israel has blessed the world by being the channel through which GOD sent HIS written revelation, the Bible. JESUS, as the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16 pictured above), has by HIS coming blessed the entire world, for the Scriptures tell us that "HE is the propitiation (sacrificial payment) for our sins and . . . also for the sins of the whole world" (1st.John 2:2). JESUS CHRIST is the SAVIOR and the MESSIAH; trust HIM today and be blessed of GOD today. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD Loves You, Yes You !"

 

"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."

~ John 3:16

We are loved.

This great Bible verse reveals four truths from the heart of GOD for all people. GOD wants us to know that we are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world. . ." You are part of this world, and GOD loves you, yes, you ! HE gave HIS SON for you, and HE wants you ". . .to know the love of CHRIST. . ." (Ephesians 3:19).

We are if worth.

The LORD also wants us to know that we are of worth. We are so dear to GOD ". . .that HE gave HIS only begotten SON. . ." The Bible teaches us that we are all sinners. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23). And sin must be paid for, "For the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23).

But the Bible also teaches us that ". . .CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3). GOD demonstrated HIS love for us and our worth to HIM when HE sent HIS SON to die in our place.

The good news is that the LORD JESUS paid our sin debt in full when HE died on the cross. "For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us. . ." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21). CHRIST loved us and gave HIMSELF for us as payment for our sin. HE loves you, yes, you !

You may ask, "How can GOD forgive my sin ?" HE can because of what JESUS did. "While we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (Romans 5:8).

We can have hope.

GOD wants us to know that we can have hope. HE said, ". . .that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish. . ." Life is fragile, and people are perishing. But CHRIST came ". . .that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).

In a world where so many have lost hope, GOD wants us to know that the ". . .LORD JESUS CHRIST. . .is our hope" (1st.Timothy 1:1). When HE rose from the dead HE said, ". . .Because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19).

We can have purpose.

GOD wants us to know that we can have purpose in life. HE desires that we ". . .should not perish, but have everlasting life." "And this is the promise that HE hath promised us, even eternal life" (1st.John 2:25).

You may ask, "How can I receive GOD's promise of eternal life ?"

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

Believe that the LORD JESUS died for you, yes, you ! For "CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3).

Call upon the LORD to save you, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Romans 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, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand." (John 10:28). Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Now that you're a Christian:

*  Share your new-found faith with your family and friends (Acts 16:31-33).

*  Identify with CHRIST through believer's baptism and become part of a local, Bible-believing church (Acts 2:41, 47).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Gulf Coast Baptist Church

Pastor Dr. Robert Butz

Pastor Emeritus Dr. Tom Sexton

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-1000

GulfCoastBaptist@aol.com

www.gulfcoastbaptistchurch.com

www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation