" WORD of TRUTH Lighthouse "

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

Saturday, May 2, 2026

"The Armor Series - The Breastplate of Righteousness - Part 3 of 7"

Ephesians 6:14 "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;"

The purpose of the breastplate was to protect the chest and abdomen of the soldier; those areas contain most of the vital organs of the body. In modern times, we refer to the center of our affection for another as the heart; in ancient Greece, the citizens chose the bowel -- the organs of the abdomen -- as the focal point of emotion. Whether one uses the word heart or bowel, the individual is saying that his or her affection comes from deep within one's being. Just as a person seeks to protect the vital organs of the body, the believer should want to protect his affection for the LORD.

The Christian must take heed that his devotion is directed toward the right PERSON -- JESUS CHRIST -- and toward the right object -- HIS righteousness. Positionally, every believer is clothed in the righteousness of CHRIST (2nd.Corinthians 5:21 pictured above), but at the same time, the saint must seek to live righteously through a walk of faith (1st.John 2:29 pictured above; Romans 6:13). "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness" (Romans 6:18). Job said it best: "My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go" (Job 27:6 pictured below).

The child of GOD needs to vigilantly maintain a righteous walk. Ponder the degree of loss that biblical personalities from the past experienced when they turned away from righteousness. Ananias and Sapphira wanted to give to the LORD's work and sold their property, but when they saw the financial implications, they turned their hearts away from GOD (Acts 5:1-11). Demas made a tragic mistake when he grew fond of the world and left Paul for Thessalonica (2nd.Timothy 4:10). "Remember Lot's wife" (Luke 17:32). The saint must immerse his affections for the LORD with the desire for righteousness.KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Armor Series - The Belt of Truth - Part 2 of 7"

Ephesians 6:14 "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;"

Truth is the first virtue in the list of the armor of GOD, and the bodily assignment for this trait is the waist: "your loins girt about with truth." Every child of GOD ought to know how important truth is to everyday life and remember that it was a lie which destroyed man's relationship with his CREATOR (Genesis 3:2-4), bringing death to all mankind. The Scriptures provide historical accounts illustrating how lies have caused saints to make wrong decisions (1st.Kings 13:11-24), and they urge every believer to "think on" that which is true (Philippians 4:8 pictured above). Meditating on the life and words of JESUS CHRIST will equip the saint to walk close to the TRUTH (John 14:6 pictured below; 1st.John 1:5-8 also pictured below).

The question arises: "Why is truth associated with a belt that girds the waist ?" One suggestion some offer is that the back located at the waist is the weakest part of the body's core. We know that weightlifters wear thick belts in order to reinforce the back when working out. Nothing makes an individual stronger than the application of truth. Another reason proposed is that the belts of the Romans armor held other pieces of armor in place -- the breastplate and the sword would have been attached to the belt. Righteousness and the Sword of the SPIRIT are closely associated with truth.

Living a life of truthfulness not only strengthens the believer himself but also helps to fortify churches and communities. Trust is foundational in relationships, and everyone knows that a liar is unreliable. Some presume that telling a "little white lie" hurts no one, but any distortion of the truth is an offence to the GOD of truth. Yes, truth can sometimes be uncomfortable, but it is an essential component of the Christian life. KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation