"The Comfort Series: Communication with GOD Brings Comfort"

 

John 13:36-14:14 Simon Peter said unto HIM, LORD, whither goest THOU ? JESUS answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow ME now; but thou shalt follow ME afterwards. Peter said unto HIM, LORD, why cannot I follow THEE now ? I will lay down my life for THY sake. JESUS answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for MY sake ? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied ME thrice. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in GOD, believe also in ME. In MY FATHER's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto MYSELF; that where I AM, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Thomas saith unto HIM, LORD, we know not whither THOU goest; and how can we know the way ? JESUS saith unto him, I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME. If ye had known ME, ye should have known MY FATHER also: and from henceforth ye know HIM, and have seen HIM. Philip saith unto HIM, LORD, show us the FATHER, and it sufficeth us. JESUS saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known ME Philip ? he that hath seen ME hath seen the FATHER; and how sayest thou then, Show us the FATHER ? Believest thou not that I AM in the FATHER, and the FATHER in ME ? the WORDs that I speak unto you I speak not of MYSELF; but the FATHER that dwelleth in ME, HE doeth the works. Believe ME that I AM in the FATHER, and the FATHER in ME: or else believe ME for the very works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on ME, the works that I do shall he do also: and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the FATHER. And whatsoever ye shall ask in MY name, that will I do, that the FATHER may be glorified in the SON. If ye shall ask any thing in MY name, I will do it."

     The LORD JESUS comforted HIS disciples by assuring them that, despite HIS physical absence from them, they would still be able to communicate with HIM and draw upon HIS power through prayer. In just two short verses, JESUS extensively described and defined biblical prayer. Notice what John 14:13-14 tells us about our privilege of communing with GOD. First, JESUS revealed the scope of prayer ("whatsoever") -- nothing is too hard for our GOD. Second, HE communicated the condition of prayer ("ye shall ask") -- we must proactively approach GOD. James wrote, "Ye have not, because ye ask not" (James 4:2-3 pictured above); he also noted that sometimes we ask "amiss," that is, we ask with a wrong motive or for something outside of GOD's will. Third, JESUS explained the foundation of prayer ("in MY name"). This is not merely a trivial set of words we tack on to the end of our prayers. Rather, it implies deep truth:

1.) That we are "in CHRIST," that is, we are fully identified and joined with HIM as we offer our requests only on the basis of the merit of JESUS CHRIST.

2.) That we are praying in union with HIM according to HIS will rather than our own desires.

3.) That we are enjoying fellowship with HIM and walking in obedience to HIS WORD (John 14:15).

Next, JESUS promised to hear and answer our prayers when we ask according to HIS will ("that will I do") -- HE will always do that which glorifies the FATHER. Finally, JESUS described the goal of prayer ("that the FATHER may be glorified in the SON") -- all our communication with GOD and our daily activities must glorify HIM. How comforting it is to know that we can talk to a GOD WHO hears ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Comfort Series: Empowerment for Ministry Brings Comfort"

 

John 13:36-14:12 "Simon Peter said unto HIM, LORD, whither goest THOU ? JESUS answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow ME now; but thou shalt follow ME afterwards. Peter said unto HIM, LORD, why cannot I follow THEE now ? I will lay down my life for THY sake. JESUS answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for MY sake ? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied ME thrice. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in GOD, believe also in ME. In MY FATHER's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto MYSELF; that where I AM, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto HIM, LORD, we know not whither THOU goest; and how can we know the way ?

JESUS saith unto him, I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME. If ye had known ME, ye should have known MY FATHER also: and from henceforth ye know HIM, and have seen HIM. Philip saith unto HIM, LORD, show us the FATHER, and it suffieceth us. JESUS saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known ME, Philip ? he that hath seen ME hath seen the FATHER; and how sayest thou then, Show us the FATHER ? Believest thou not that I AM in the FATHER, and the FATHER in ME ? the WORDs that I speak unto you I speak not of MYSELF; but the FATHER that dwelleth in ME, HE doeth the works. Believe ME that I AM in the FATHER, and the FATHER in ME: or else believe ME for the very works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on ME, the works that I do shall he do also: and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto MY FATHER."

     As JESUS continued HIS comforting discourse with the disciples. HE consoled HIS followers by telling them that, subsequent to HIS ascension, they would be able not only to emulate HIS works but also to accomplish even "greater works" than HIS OWN ! While the LORD would give these future apostles the supernatural ability to perform signs and miracles, the meaning of the word "works" here signifies something far more. So, what are these "works" (Greek: ergon) -- not "signs," "wonders," or "miracles (entirely different Greek words). The word "works" in verse twelve is a broad term describing general activities. It means "the performance of an act" or "to labor" in a general sense. These "works" include any activity that brings honor and glory to GOD.

     How are these works "greater" than even the works of JESUS ? First, they are surpassing in benefit and scope. Numerically, many more have been touched through the efforts of countless believers across the ages than by the singular work of one physical PERSON; moreover, these "works" impact the heart. Second, they are "greater" because they are accomplished by means of weak human vessels. JESUS is operating through us to witness, edify, teach, and serve others. These spiritual "works" are more valuable and even more incredible than JESUS healing people because they are being achieved by GOD via sinful man ! The wonder and impact of anything we do that is good and glorifying to the LORD stems from the fact that it is by the power of the SPIRIT. How comforting it is to know that GOD uses us to achieve great things for HIS glory ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Comfort Series: The Divinity of CHRIST Brings Comfort"

 

John 3:36-14:11 "Simon Peter said unto HIM, LORD, whither goest THOU ? JESUS answered HIM, Whither I go, thou canst not follow ME now; but thou shalt follow ME afterwards. Peter said unto HIM, LORD, why cannot I follow THEE now ? I will lay down my life for THY sake. JESUS answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for MY sake ? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied ME thrice. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in GOD, believe also in ME. In MY FATHER's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto MYSELF; that where I AM, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Thomas saith unto HIM, LORD, we know not whither THOU goest; and how can we know the way ? JESUS saith unto him, I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME. If ye had known ME, ye should have known MY FATHER also: and from henceforth ye know HIM, and have seen HIM. Philip saith unto HIM, LORD, show us the FATHER, and it sufficeth us. JESUS saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip ? he that hath seen ME hath seen the FATHER; and how sayest thou then, Show us the FATHER ? Believest thou not that I AM in the FATHER, and the FATHER in ME ? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of MYSELF; but the FATHER that dwelleth in ME, HE doeth the works. Believe ME that I AM in the FATHER; and the FATHER in ME; or else believe ME for the very works' sake.

     In the midst of JESUS' discourse with HIS disciples, HE took the time to clarify some misunderstandings among HIS OWN concerning HIS relationship to GOD the FATHER. They believed that JESUS was the promised MESSIAH and that HE was GOD (John 6:68-69 pictured above), but HIS actual relationship to GOD the FATHER was an enigma to them. So, the LORD JESUS clarified the issue and, in turn, provided them with one more reason why they could be comforted in the troubling world in which they lived.

     JESUS told HIS disciples, "If ye had known ME, ye should have known MY FATHER also: and from henceforth ye know HIM, and have seen HIM" (John 14:7). Philip did not understand, so he suggested that CHRIST simply show them the FATHER just as JESUS HIMSELF was revealed to them in the flesh. JESUS' response to Philip was twofold. First, CHRIST said that to see HIMSELF is to see the FATHER (John 14:9) -- not in the sense that one is seeing the person of the FATHER, but in the sense that both persons are GOD and JESUS is the image of the FATHER (Colossians 1:15 pictured above). JESUS shares the divine nature of GOD and makes the FATHER known (John 1:18). In John 10:30, CHRIST declared, "I and MY FATHER are ONE." Therefore, to see JESUS is to see the FATHER. Second, JESUS responded to Philip by saying that HE is in the FATHER and the FATHER is in HIM (John 14:10-11). This tells us that JESUS, and the FATHER are two distinct PERSONS, yet they are related in such a way that each is in the other, that is, each is an essential part of the other. The LORD JESUS comforted HIS disciples (and us) by reminding them that HE is, in fact, the omnipotent GOD, no matter what the world may say. What assurance we can find in this glorious fact ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Comfort Series: Our Certainty in CHRIST Brings Comfort"

 

John 3:36-14:7 "Simon Peter said unto HIM, LORD, whither goest THOU ? JESUS answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow ME now; but thou shalt follow ME afterwards. Peter said unto HIM, LORD, why cannot I follow THEE now ? I will lay down my life for THY sake. JESUS answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for MY sake ? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied ME thrice. 

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in GOD, believe also in ME. In MY FATHER's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto MYSELF; that where I AM, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto HIM, LORD, we know not whither THOU goest; and how can we know the way ? JESUS saith unto him, I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME. If ye had known ME, ye should have known MY FATHER also; and from henceforth ye know HIM, and have seen HIM."

     According to JESUS, not only can we as believers find comfort in this life by believing HIM (John 14:1 pictured above) and by looking for HIS any moment return (John 14:2-3), but we also can be heartened by the assurance of our relationship with GOD (John 14:5-7). The days in which the apostles lived were similar to our own. Paganism prevailed, and mankind worshiped innumerable false gods. How, then, did they find comfort amid this wicked, religious pluralism that surrounded them ? The disciples knew they were accepted by GOD the FATHER because they believed that JESUS alone was their connection to HIM. Today, we, too, can know we have a relationship with GOD if we have trusted in the PERSON and work of CHRIST, WHO is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE.

     First, JESUS is the WAY. HE not only shows people the way to GOD (by revealing the WAY), but HE is the WAY (that is, HE alone redeems us). The word way refers to a connection between two persons or things. JESUS CHRIST is the sole connection between GOD the FATHER and sinful man (John 14:6b pictured above). Second, JESUS is the TRUTH. HE is not merely a source of truth; HE is the TRUTH. No lie, imperfection, deception, error, or exaggeration exists in HIS person. Thus, everything true is of HIM. Third, JESUS CHRIST is the LIFE. Everlasting life with GOD comes only through the giver of life, the LORD JESUS (John 17:3 pictured below).

     Today, we can find comfort in the knowledge and assurance that we possess a relationship with GOD due only to the work of CHRIST. When we experience sorrow or discouragement from the circumstances around us, we must remember that our standing before GOD is sure because of the perfect, finished work of JESUS on our behalf ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"DEATH - IT Happens Every Day"

 

     What if you died today ? Even while reading this post, you could be having a slight pain in your chest or head. Within a few hours, you could be dead of a heart attack or brain hemorrhage. You might think that could never happen to you. However, the Bible states, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow, For what is your life ? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14).

     Even if you are in excellent health, you could be killed in an auto accident today. Do you remember the shock you felt the last time you heard someone you knew was killed in an accident ? They certainly never thought that death would come so suddenly to them. Perhaps these will be the last words you will ever read !

     You cannot escape death ! "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27). Maybe you are thinking, "If I would die today, I'm ready to go; after all, I've never done anything really bad. I don't believe that a merciful GOD would send me to a Devil's Hell." The Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23). "For the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23a). "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." (Revelation 21:8). According to GOD's WORD, it does not matter how good you are. You and I deserve to burn in the Lake of Fire for ever and ever !

     However, there is good news. GOD provides a way of escape, because HE has given you a SAVIOR. ". . .the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23b). "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). Please stop for a moment and read that last verse once again. How does the Bible say that you can have everlasting life ? It does not say that you can have everlasting life by trusting in some church, saint or water baptism ! "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). The Bible does not say you can have everlasting life by doing good works of any kind ! "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).

     You can only get everlasting life by completely trusting JESUS. "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). Why don't you admit to GOD that you are a hell-bound sinner. Admit to HIM that you are willing to turn from your sinful life and accept the LORD JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR. If you will do that with a sincere heart, GOD's WORD says that you can know for sure that you have eternal life. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the SON of GOD; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the SON of GOD." (1st.John 5:13). This is not just a coincidence that you are reading this post. GOD planned for you to read it and not someone else. This could be your last warning !

    

     Will you reject JESUS ? The Bible states, ". . .he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believe in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." (John 3:18b).

     Will you accept JESUS as your personal SAVIOR ? Remember, salvation does not depend on feelings or on an emotional experience. It is based on what GOD has promised in HIS WORD. GOD promised, "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). Turn to GOD in repentance and faith. Don't put it off another minute ! If you will accept JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, please pray this simple prayer or one like it:

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

"HOW To Become a Christian"

 

HOW To Become a Christian

"For whosoever shall call upon the 

name of the LORD shall be saved.

Romans 10:13

1. Receive CHRIST as Your Personal SAVIOR

"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

2. Receive CHRIST as the only way to GOD

"JESUS saith unto him, I AM the WAY, 

the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh 

unto the FATHER, but by ME." John 14:6

3. Receive CHRIST as LORD

"For to this end CHRIST both died, and rose,

and revived, that HE might be LORD both

of the dead and living." Romans 14:9

4. Receive CHRIST as MEDIATOR

"For CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins,

the just for the unjust, that HE might bring

us to GOD." 1st.Peter 3:18

5. Receive CHRIST as EXAMPLE

"For even hereunto were ye called: because

CHRIST also suffered for us, leaving us an

example, that ye should follow HIS steps."

1st.Peter 2:21

6. Receive CHRIST as TEACHER

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of ME; 

for I AM meek and lowly in heart: and ye

shall find rest unto your souls."

Matthew 11:29

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

"But these are written, that ye might believe that JESUS is the CHRIST, the SON of GOD; and that believing ye might have life through HIS name." John 20:31

"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

     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) Don't wait ! "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time, BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b) No one is promised any more time than the moment we are in.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Comfort Series: Our Blessed Hope Brings Comfort"

 

John 13:36-14:4 "Simon Peter said unto HIM, LORD, whither goest THOU ? JESUS answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow ME now; but thou shalt follow ME afterwards. Peter said unto HIM, LORD, why cannot I follow THEE now ? I will lay down my life for THY sake. JESUS answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for MY sake ? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied ME thrice. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in GOD, believe also in ME. In MY FATHER's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto MYSELF; that where I AM, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."

     In these difficult days in which we live, we not only can find comfort by believing in GOD, that is, exercising complete confidence and faith in the PERSON, work, and WORD of our LORD, but we also can take heart in the knowledge and assurance that JESUS CHRIST will return to catch us away from this world and bring us to the heavenly abode of GOD the FATHER. In today's text, JESUS disclosed some information to HIS followers that had never before been revealed to mankind. HE told the disciples that HE would return to receive them to HIMSELF -- HE would come for them and take them to HIS FATHER's house (John 14:2-3 pictured above). JESUS revealed the reality of the Rapture !

     Previously in HIS ministry, the LORD JESUS focused on HIS coming to Earth to establish HIS Millennial Kingdom. But at this point, the Jewish nation clearly had rejected HIS offer of the kingdom. Now, the disciples would become the foundational building blocks of a new creation, the church. Therefore, rather than telling these believers HE would return to Earth to reign with them, JESUS informs them HE will return for them; at a later time, they would come back with CHRIST to rule and reign. Paul elaborates upon JESUS' coming for HIS saints in 1st.Thessalonians 4:13-18, pictured above, but notice verse eighteen of that text where the Apostle exhorts Christians to "comfort one another with these WORDs." As believers, we would find it impossible to enjoy peace in this life if we knew that the world in which we live, with all of its troubles, was our final stop. No, we must remember that our SAVIOR is coming again for us. Today, we can find comfort in the knowledge of CHRIST's imminent return. Are we looking for HIM ? MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation