"The GOD You CAN Know"

     Everyone has questions about GOD. What is HE like ? Does HE really care about me ? How do I get to know HIM ?

     On one occasion, a class of students were drawing pictures about people from the Bible. One youngster was especially intent in her work. "What are you drawing ?" an observer asked. "Oh, I'm drawing a picture of GOD," she replied confidently. "Well, that's a nice idea," he answered, "but really no one knows what GOD looks like." "Oh, they will when I get done !" she replied and hurried on with her drawing.

     Think about that for a moment. "They'll know what GOD looks like when I get done." An overstatement ? Yes, for a four-year old. But not for JESUS CHRIST. HE came to show us GOD.

     One of the names given to JESUS is "EMMANUEL," which means "GOD with us." When JESUS was on Earth, GOD was on Earth. When JESUS healed, GOD healed. When JESUS forgave sinners, GOD forgave sinners. The Bible says that "GOD was in CHRIST reconciling the world unto HIMSELF" (2nd.Corinthians 5:19).

     When JESUS came to Earth, HE revealed GOD through simple, yet beautiful figures of speech. HE said, "I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD . . . I AM the DOOR . . . I AM the BREAD of life."

     A good shepherd is a tender-hearted person, seeking the lost sheep. So, GOD is compassionate, seeking each lost man or woman, boy or girl, in our big, bustling world. HE is the DOOR. Through HIM is the knowledge of GOD. HE is the BREAD of life. HE is to your soul what bread is to your body.

     On the cross of Calvary, JESUS fully revealed GOD's love. When HE died, HE was actually taking our place that we might live. There HE took the punishment that you and I deserved for our sins. "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). Why did HE take the punishment that you and I deserved ? The answer is divinely clear: "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).

     By CHRIST's birth, HIS life on Earth, HIS death, and HIS resurrection from the grave, we can know GOD. HE promises: "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE; no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME." (John 14:6). We are all born sinners, and those sins need to be paid for. JESUS came and paid for everyone's sin, in full, when HE died on the cross, was buried and rose again.

     Do you know GOD ? Or do you just know about HIM ? There is a big difference. You can know all the theological facts but not know HIM. Knowing GOD requires personal faith in HIS SON and what HE has accomplished for you. Turning to HIM in repentance and faith from your sins and receiving HIM as your own personal SAVIOR and LORD is as simple as asking:

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.

     JESUS CHRIST invited you: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear MY voice, and open the door, I will come in," (Revelation 3:20). Come to CHRIST today. HE is GOD's answer for your questions.

Adapted from an article by Harold J. Sala

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"Accepted IN the BELOVED"

 

Ephesians 1:4-6 "According as HE hath chosen us in HIM before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before HIM in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by JESUS CHRIST to HIMSELF, according to the good pleasure of HIS will, to the praise of the glory of HIS grace, wherein HE hath made us accepted in the BELOVED."

     The eternal purpose of GOD for "the church, which is HIS body" (Ephesians 1:22-23) is to "present it to HIMSELF a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing (Ephesians 5:26-27). This "body" includes all believers from Pentecost to the imminent Rapture. Who will be saved is not the issue in today's text; rather, these verses serve to assure the believer of his or her final glorification. GOD the FATHER has expressly declared that all who are in CHRIST "should be holy and without blame" (v.4) until the glorious Day of HIS return, having the assurance that they will not be lost along the way or miss out on their redemption (v.5). The eternal security of the child of GOD is the glorious truth revealed in the predestination mentioned in verse five; the LORD has preordained every Christian one day to be perfectly "conformed to the image of HIS SON" (Romans 8:29 pictured above).

     The "adoption" (v.5) speaks of the promised end of the believer's sanctification - something the saint is still "waiting for" (Romans 8:23). The time of the adoption is inseparably linked to the redemption of the body, that is, the moment when the believer is finally in the presence of his LORD (Romans 8:23-30). Whether resurrected or raptured (1st.Thessalonians 4:13-18), the child of GOD will, at that time, enter into the fullness of his inheritance. How can we know the apex of our salvation will come to pass ? It is guaranteed by GOD's grace and power (vv.5-6 cf. Philippians 1:6 pictured above). We cannot fully appreciate this consummate gift until we understand that HE has made us "accepted in the BELOVED [in JESUS]." We do not work for acceptance; we already are accepted - in CHRIST ! Our salvation, from start to finish, is all "to the praise of the glory of HIS grace" (v.6). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivesstarchristianministries.com/salvation

"All Spiritual Blessings IN CHRIST"

 

Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in CHRIST:"

     The believer has been blessed "with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in CHRIST" (v.3). Notice that this verse does not say we "might be blessed"; it decisively declares that we have been blessed ! Spiritual, GOD - given blessings and even our perfect standing before GOD the FATHER that we have "IN CHRIST," are the unconditional portion of all who have believed on HIM. Our spiritual blessings compare in glory and magnitude to the spiritual realities found in "heavenly places" - in Heaven itself. What joy comes to our heart when we consider what is ours through GOD's grace ! Obviously, most benefits of being a believer are immeasurable and far beyond our current comprehension. But some day we will perfectly understand the infinite grace of GOD, and we will praise our SAVIOR throughout eternity as the result.

     Think of what it means to have all our sins forgiven and the wrath due, because of that sin, forever taken away. Think of the blessing of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT WHO enables us to walk in newness of life, no more bound by "the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2 pictured above). Think of the privilege of confidently accessing the throne of grace and having "an ADVOCATE with the FATHER" (1st.John 2:1 pictured above) when we stumble and fall. Think of the blessed communion we have with CHRIST and the glorious prospect of HIS coming to receive us unto HIMSELF to be ever with HIM. So many more "spiritual blessings" that we have by virtue of our relationship with JESUS CHRIST could be mentioned - fully undeserved on our part yet no less real due to the merit of HIM WHO loved us and gave HIMSELF for us. Are you downhearted today ? Meditate on what you have in JESUS CHRIST ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"The Faithful IN CHRIST JESUS"

 

Ephesians 1:1-2 "Paul, an Apostle of JESUS CHRIST by the will of GOD, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in CHRIST JESUS: grace be to you, and peace, from GOD our FATHER, and from the LORD JESUS CHRIST."

     The key phrase in the beginning of the doctrinal section (chapters 1-3) of Ephesians is "in CHRIST." The practical section (chapters 4-6) deals with the believer's duties that result from being made a new creature "in CHRIST." This progression is typical of apostolic instruction - the precise teaching of what GOD has done followed by an impassioned plea for the believer to "walk worthy of the vocation" (Ephesians 4:1 pictured above) to which he has been called. Learning Bible doctrine is not a dull exercise that has no relevance to everyday life; it is the fountainhead from which victorious and fruitful Christian living flows. The more we understand what it means to be, by faith, identified with JESUS CHRIST in HIS perfect work of salvation - from the moment of regeneration until our final glorification - the better we will live accordingly now. 

     GOD used Paul as the human instrument to pen this letter, He was "an Apostle of JESUS CHRIST by the will of GOD" (v.1), and he had received two distinct revelations from the LORD: First, the Gospel message itself (Galatians 1:11-12 pictured above) and, second, the New Testament truth concerning the "mystery" of the church, comprised of both believing Jews and Gentiles who were now equals before GOD (Ephesians 3:1-6). This latter revelation serves as one of the main topics of this book. Notice that Paul writes his letter to those who are set apart unto GOD ("saints") - to the "faithful" in CHRIST (v.1). Only the saved can receive true grace and peace, for GOD the FATHER and the SON are the only source of both (v.2). If grace and peace were all we had, what more could we want ? And yet we have so much more ! This epistle reveals our manifold spiritual blessings in CHRIST. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Beginning of the Ephesian Church"

Acts 19:1-20 " And it came to pass that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus; and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the HOLY GHOST since ye believed ? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any HOLY GHOST. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized ? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on HIM which should come after him, that is, on CHRIST JESUS. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the LORD JESUS. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the HOLY GHOST come on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve. And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of GOD. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that Way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the WORD of the LORD JESUS, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles).

And GOD wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchief's or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LORD JESUS, saying, We adjure you by JESUS WHOM Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, JESUS I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye ? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the LORD JESUS was magnified. And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the WORD of GOD and prevailed.

     Both the unbelieving Jews and the heathen Ephesians greatly opposed the preaching of the Gospel (vv. 23-41). Yet as the Apostle Paul persisted in sharing the glorious message of salvation (vv.9-10), "the name of the LORD JESUS was magnified" (v.17), "many . . . believed" (v.18), and "mightily grew the WORD of GOD and prevailed" (v.20). GOD's plan for the local church has not changed. Believers are to continue proclaiming the Gospel and assembling, worshiping, and serving their LORD together. To glorify GOD ought to be the purpose of every single church; therefore, the WORD of GOD must superintend all that is believed, said, and done. Faithful, Bible-centered local churches are a testimony of the LORD's work in the world today.

     Certain disciples of John the Baptist resided in Ephesus. They had never heard of the advent of the HOLY SPIRIT (v.2) or that JESUS CHRIST was the ONE concerning WHOM John the Baptist spoke. They needed to "believe on" JESUS (v.4), and they did. It is important to realize that Paul's laying of hands upon them did not give them the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT - the indwelling SPIRIT is a gift from GOD based solely upon one's salvation. Rather, when the Apostle touched these new converts, the visible (but temporal)) gifts of the SPIRIT manifested themselves, outwardly revealing to them the SPIRIT's now inward presence. The gift of the SPIRIT is received the moment the lost sinner hears the Gospel and trusts CHRIST as HIS personal SAVIOR. Study Acts 10:34-48 and 15:6-11. GOD the FATHER gives the gift of the SPIRIT when the sinner's heart is purified by faith (Acts 15:7-9 pictured above). If one does not have the SPIRIT, he does not have salvation (Romans 8:9 pictured above). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"FREEDOM !"

 

Psalm 33:1-22 "REJOICE in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the LORD with harp; sing unto HIM with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto HIM a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise. For the WORD of the LORD is right; and all HIS works are done in truth. HE loveth righteousness and judgment; the Earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. By the WORD of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of HIS mouth. HE gathereth the waters of the sea together as in heap: HE layeth up the depth in storehouses.

Let all the Earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of HIM. For HE spake, and it was done; HE commanded, and it stood fast. The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: HE maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of HIS heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose GOD is the LORD; and the people whom HE hath chosen for HIS own inheritance. The LORD looketh from Heaven; HE beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of HIS habitation HE looketh upon all the inhabitants of the Earth. 

HE fashioneth their hearts alike; HE considereth all their works. There is no king saved by the multitude of an host; a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety; neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear HIM, upon them that hope in HIS mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the LORD: HE is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in HIM, because we have trusted in HIS holy name. Let THY mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in THEE."

     As we celebrate our American Independence, let us think for a moment about our freedoms. These liberties did not come without a cost. The blood of many was shed upon the soils of foreign nations as well as our own homeland, yet far too often we fail to remember this sacrifice. How quick we are to forget those who paid the ultimate price ! How ready we are to complain and then sit back while others die for what we enjoy ! Our freedoms are not rights to be abused. GOD has not given us the license to do what we want at the expense of righteousness. We are not free to go our own way without facing the consequences for our choices. It seems like everywhere we look freedoms are being violated, abused, and sacrificed. Today's text tells us, "Blessed is the nation whose GOD is the LORD" (v.12). Our liberty cannot be separated from GOD, for it is HE WHO ultimately gave it to us. However, our civil rights will only be enjoyed in relation to our acknowledgment of the LORD; the further away this nation moves from HIM, the fewer our freedoms will be until they eventually cease to exist.

     We also must consider another, more essential freedom: spiritual liberty. Only those who are rightly related to GOD can experience it. Everyone who rejects CHRIST as their personal SAVIOR is enslaved to sin. True freedom comes only when a person puts his complete faith in CHRIST. JESUS said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32 pictured above). What is truth ? JESUS stated, "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE" (John 14:6 pictured above). Freedom from sin and condemnation comes only through HIM; HE paid the ultimate price. "If the SON therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:36 pictured below). PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"It's a Honey of a Deal !"

 

THE  DEAL

HEAVEN OR HELL, WHICH ONE FOR YOU ?

GOD gives every man the following choice: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23).

THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE DEAL.

1.  The Bible states that you are a sinner. "For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not." (Ecclesiastes 7:20). "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10).

2.  The price of sin is to be separated from GOD and to spend all eternity in a Devil's Hell. "Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12). "And Death and Hell were cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:14-15).

THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF THE DEAL.

1.  JESUS CHRIST, the SON of GOD, has paid the penalty for your sin in full. ". . .without shedding of blood is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22). "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8). "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." (Leviticus 17:11).

2.  Salvation is a gift and cannot be earned. "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). "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us . . ." (Titus 3:5). "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 the HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4).

THE TERMS OF THE DEAL.

1.  ". . .Sirs, what must I do to be saved ? And they said, Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved . . ." (Acts 16:30-31). "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). "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).

2.  Are you willing to accept GOD's deal ? If you are, admit to GOD that you are a guilty sinner and that you want to repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) and be saved. ". . .except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3).

3.  GOD gives you this promise: "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 with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9-10,13).

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, ". . .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