" WORD of TRUTH Lighthouse "

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

"You Are In My Prayers"

Ephesians 1:15-16 "Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the LORD JESUS, and love unto all the saints (brethren), cease not to give thinks for you, making mention of you in my prayers."

Prayer was absolutely vital in the Apostle Paul's spiritual ministry to the saints (brethren) in the early church. For example, he prayed for those in Colosse that they "might be filled with the knowledge of [GOD's] will" and be "strengthened with all might, according to HIS glorious power" (Colossians 1:9-11 pictured above). Ephesians chapter one restates this important theme - that prayer brings to pass the will of GOD. Paul continually prayed for this church to experience all that the LORD desired for them (vv.17 see pictured below). His prayers exemplify the kind of intercession that is pleasing to our GOD.

The word "wherefore" (v.15) at the beginning of this section points back to the means by which the LORD's ongoing work within the life and ministry of the believer is to be accomplished by "HIS mighty power" (v.19 pictured above). This glorious empowerment is responsible for bringing to pass not only the future blessings that will be ours at CHRIST's appearing but also the present strength to live a victorious Christian life. The believer's understanding of GOD's will and purpose and the ability to do what he knows the LORD wants him to do are products of the HOLY SPIRIT's enabling power at work within.

Many believers fail to realize, or perhaps choose to neglect, the fact that the HOLY SPIRIT helps and guides in response to fervent, intercessory prayer (vv.16-17 pictured above). Paul prayed that the saints (brethren) might enter into these great truths in a practical and experiential way. For the Apostle, entreating the LORD on behalf of others was an important part of his spiritual life, not just a pious-sounding afterthought. Prayer is effectual and aids in revealing GOD's will to HIS OWN. Do we make it a priority in our life every day ? DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Monday, July 13, 2026

"Sealed Until the Day of Redemption"

Ephesians 1:13-14 "In WHOM ye also trusted, after that ye heard the WORD of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in WHOM also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that HOLY SPIRIT of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of HIS glory."

The notion that one can be saved and then lost again has no biblical basis whatsoever. All cults, and even many within Christendom, zealously push this heresy; their false gospels implicitly teach that JESUS' work on the cross is insufficient, and GOD did not provide a perfect and complete salvation in HIM and that unless one remains in good repute with the church or with GOD, then his salvation is in question. However, we must realize that if an individual does not have his standing before GOD solely on the imputed righteousness of JESUS CHRIST, his faith is, by default, in his works - this denies the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith alone (Philippians 3:9 pictured above) !

Our text states that all who hear the truth of the Gospel and believe its report are "sealed" with the HOLY SPIRIT the moment they place their faith in CHRIST as their SAVIOR. Seeking to "attain the SPIRIT" or trying to "hold onto salvation" are both concepts contradictory to Bible truth. The gift of the SPIRIT and HIS securing of the one who believes are the operations of GOD, not man (Acts 15:6-9). Our text refers to this seal of the HOLY SPIRIT as the "earnest of our inheritance" (v.14 pictured above). An earnest is a down payment or guarantee - the advancement of a portion of an amount due, the latter to be paid in full at a later date. The HOLY SPIRIT provides absolute assurance of the eventual "redemption of the purchased possession" (v.14 pictured above) at the LORD's appearing. All believers are sealed; all who are sealed will be redeemed. Once again, the phrase "[to] the praise of HIS glory" accompanies this essential doctrine. Why ? GOD's power to save and keep all who put their faith in CHRIST directs all praise to where it is due: HIMSELF ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"IN WHOM We Have an Inheritance"

Ephesians 1:11-12 "In WHOM also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of HIM WHO worketh all things after the counsel of HIS OWN will: that we should be to the praise of HIS glory, who first trusted in CHRIST."

Part of the believer's standing in the LORD JESUS CHRIST is that he is "predestined" to receive an inheritance (v.11). He has not yet entered into its fullness, but he will receive it when he finally attains the end of his salvation, that is, the redemption that will take place when he sees his SAVIOR face to face. Previously, we observed that every Christian is predestined to be conformed to the image of CHRIST (Romans 8:29 pictured above) - this conformity includes the privilege of joining with the LORD in what is rightfully HIS: "And if children, then heirs; heirs of GOD, and joint-heirs with CHRIST" (Romans 8:16-18). By faith, we look forward to the "adoption" (Romans 8:23) - that time when we will take possession of the promised inheritance. Imagine what it entails to be accounted worthy (through the merit of CHRIST) to receive from the FATHER the inheritance due the SON ! But keep in mind, this blessing is only for those "in CHRIST."

GOD loved us so much that HE sent HIS SON JESUS CHRIST to die for us (John 3:16); therefore, "shall HE not with HIM [JESUS] freely give us all things ?" (Romans 8:32 pictured above). What indescribable glory is ours, both now and for eternity, in CHRIST ! Perhaps we have been called upon to endure a measure of hardship; if so, the Bible tells us that our suffering will seem as nothing compared with the glory that is to follow (Romans 8:18; 1st.Peter 1:3-9). The present may seem inglorious, but great blessing awaits all who are saved. "We should be to the praise of HIS glory" (v.12 cf. Romans 8:28-30), and we will be at the crowning day when HE will complete that which HE has begun in us (Philippians 1:6). When we obtain our promised inheritance. GOD will receive all the glory. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Saturday, July 11, 2026

"In WHOM We Have Redemption"

Ephesians 1:7-10 "In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace; wherein HE hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of HIS will, according to HIS good pleasure which HE hath purposed in HIMSELF: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times HE might gather together in one all things in CHRIST, both which are in Heaven, and which are on Earth; even in HIM:"

We have absolute assurance concerning our future redemption (v.7). Through CHRIST's shed blood on the cross, the sinner enters, by faith alone, into a relationship with the LORD whereby his sins are washed away and the eventual redemption of his body, soul, and spirit is just as sure as if he were already in Heaven with his SAVIOR at that very moment. The believer's present and eternal standing as a cleansed, redeemed sinner is "according to the riches of [GOD's] grace" (v.7). The LORD has chosen to bless HIS child (even though he is utterly undeserving) with these magnificent verities. JESUS CHRIST has provided a perfect salvation - "we have redemption" solely through what HE has done, not anything we do; thus, all who are "in CHRIST" (v.1) possess this glorious and everlasting promise (John 3:16 pictured above; 1st.Timothy 1:16 pictured below).

Through HIS "wisdom and prudence" (v.8). GOD remains just while also justifying the ungodly. How does HE do this ? It is only by the merit of CHRIST's substitutionary sacrifice for fallen man. Justice has been served. The "mystery of HIS will" (v.9) speaks of the redemption that we will witness "in the dispensation of the fulness of times" (v.10). The day is coming when "all things" - all creation - will bow to the SON of GOD (Romans 14:11), when a redeemed Earth will no longer groan under the curse (Romans 8:19-23), and when a future throng will join in the heavenly song (Revelation 5:9-14). Yes, every knee will one day bow once GOD has "put all things in subjection under HIS feet" (Hebrews 2:8). Those who know the LORD JESUS CHRIST as their own personal SAVIOR can lay claim to the perfect redemption that HE offers. What an amazing future ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Friday, July 10, 2026

"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

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivesstarchristianministries.com/salvation

Thursday, July 9, 2026

"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

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation