"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

"A B C - It's Simple to be Saved !"

 

Salvation is simple, but it is not cheap !

It cost JESUS CHRIST everything so that salvation could be offered to us freely. GOD has provided salvation on a basis which makes it available to everyone and anyone who wants it. If salvation could be received on the basis of education, multitudes would be excluded. If eternal life could be had on the basis of wealth, most of the world would still be left out. If being saved were dependent upon a person's moral perfection, everyone would fall short. GOD has made HIS way of salvation available on the basis of a personal faith which even a child can exercise. This way, everyone is viewed on the same level in the eyes of GOD. ALL must come to HIM on the same terms. (Romans 3:9-10). Paul said, "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).

How simple is it to be saved ?

1.  It is as simple as entering a door. "I AM the door: by ME if any man enter in, he shall be saved. . ." (John 10:9a).

2.  It is as simple as calling for help. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved:" (Romans 10:13).

3.  It is as simple as coming when called. "Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest:" (Matthew 11:28).

4.  It is as simple as receiving a gift. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23).

5.  It is as simple as drinking water. JESUS said, "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14).

6.  It is as simple as eating bread. JESUS said, "For the bread of GOD is HE which cometh down from Heaven, and giveth life unto the world. . .I AM the living bread which came down from Heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever:" (John 6:33,51).

7.  It is as simple as believing GOD, "Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on ME hath everlasting life:" (John 6:47).

Many people stumble at the simplicity of salvation. They often feel that they must do something to earn or deserve such a wonderful offer. Yes, something had to be done so that salvation could be offered to us freely, but JESUS did it all for us. "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). All you must do is believe that JESUS CHRIST died for your sins and rose again. You then must receive HIM into your heart.

Why not make that all-important decision which will transform your life and bring you into a right relationship with GOD ? It is simple, and it works.

It's simply up to you !

Are you willing to settle the matter of your eternal destiny ? Will you do it ? You can, right this moment ! "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and 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).

If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance (a turning to GOD from your sin) 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.

Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28). To be saved is simple, but it is not cheap. We are not promised anymore time then the moment we are in. GOD sais in HIS WORD, "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b). Don't wait !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"How to Keep From Fainting"

 

Psalm 27:1-14 "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear ? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid ? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in HIS temple. For in the time of trouble HE shall hide me in HIS pavilion: in the secret of HIS tabernacle shall HE hide me; HE shall set me up upon a ROCK. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in HIS tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

When THOU saidst, Seek ye MY face, my heart said unto THEE, THY face, LORD, will I seek. Hide not THY face far from me; put not THY servant away in anger; THOU hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O GOD of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Teach me THY way, O LORD, and lead me in a plan path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."

     Because fainting, spiritually speaking, is a common problem, we need to know how to prevent it. Sometimes people misquote verse thirteen to read, "I had fainted, unless I had seen the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." It correctly reads, "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." Changing these few words vastly alters the meaning. Not many would faint while enjoying the blessings and lovingkindness of the LORD. But the emphasis of this verse is on how trusting ("I had believed to see") in GOD's promises keeps us from growing weary. We must be strong in the faith even when giving in would seem to be an easier way out than fighting the good fight. Our text also instructs us to "wait on the LORD" (v.14a), which means to depend fully upon HIM. Furthermore, we are to "be of good courage" - which is not an unreasonable command, for it is accompanied by HIS special promise to us: "HE shall strengthen thine heart" (v.14b).

     We often sense our own weakness and find ourselves ready to fold time and time again. But the Bible reminds us that CHRIST's strength will enable us to "do all things" (Philippians 4:13 pictured above). In fact, we must not faint, for Paul writes that "in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9 pictured above). Laying down on the job now will result in loss of reward later.

     The LORD is indeed our light, our salvation, and our strength (v.1 pictured above), therefore, we have no need to "fear" (the prime cause of fainting). As GOD leads us down "a plain path" (v.11), we will find exactly what we need to continue pressing forward without fainting. Let us look to our SAVIOR for the grace and strength HE freely provides. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"No One Knows"

 

Titus 2:13 "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great GOD and our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST;"

     Several people have tried to predict the exact date and time of the imminent (any moment) return of JESUS CHRIST for HIS bride, the church. They have ridiculous calculations and formulas that usually, even on the surface, are nonsensical. In itself, claiming to know the timing of an imminent event is self-contradictory - it would not be "imminent" if one knew when it was to take place. What happens when these predictions fail ? The world mocks Christianity as a whole, regardless of how much we may attempt to distance ourselves from the foolishness of these deceitful prophets.

     Nothing can be imminent and at the same time able to be predicted as far as its timing is concerned. No "signs" need to occur before the removal of the church from the Earth. The truth of the imminent rapture of believers is our "blessed hope" (v.13). The fact that the LORD JESUS CHRIST is returning to the clouds to catch away HIS bride, the church, is a biblical promise to which we hold in both good times and bad. We do not have some special insight as to when prophetic events regarding Israel will be resumed; however, we do know that nothing further needs to happen in order for the rapture to take place. The sole event that believers in the church age (which age we are currently in) are to be eagerly anticipating is the catching away of CHRIST's church up to our home in Heaven - where we all belong !

     Many scoff at the doctrine of the rapture, denigrating it as "the secret rapture," since only believers will experience the first phase of JESUS' return, or "the great escape," as if those who teach the rapture are merely escapists from the real world (Please check out how Enoch and Elijah left this Earth as examples of a rapture). Nevertheless, let us be eagerly watching for the SAVIOR and not for some "sign" of HIS "imminent" return !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Ceaselessly Praying !"

 

1st.Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."

     When you read the prayers recorded in Scripture, have you ever noticed how different they are from our typical prayers to GOD ? Of course, nothing is wrong with going to the LORD for those things in life that are of concern to us. In fact, we are to cast all our care (anxieties) on GOD because HE does, indeed, care for us (1st.Peter 5:7 pictured above). HE knows our every need and how trials impact us, both positively and negatively. While temporal things are important, we must ask, ourselves: "Is our physical well-being the only matter about which we pray - both for ourselves and others ? Does not life consist of even more important things that should necessitate prayer ?"

     Paul's incredible ministry was divinely empowered because he fervently prayed and enlisted fellow believers and churches to pray for him as well - and to keep on praying continually. What the Apostle achieved was not the result of a one-time prayer for himself or a single petition to GOD by his brothers and sisters in the LORD. It was a constant necessity for him and them - and us today - to approach the Throne of Grace. Their request was that GOD's WORD would advance unhindered through HIS faithful messengers (2nd.Thessalonians 3:1); they had a sense of urgency about communicating GOD's truth. We today, likewise, should be praying for our Pastors and church leaders - that the truth they proclaim would be clearly understood and received by all who hear it.

     The hour is late. We are nearer to the moment of our deliverance than when we first believed (Romans 13:11 pictured above). The imminency of JESUS CHRIST's return in the air for HIS body, the church, should motivate us to live a consistently prayerful and faithful life (1st.John 3:2-3). GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation