"Persecution and Eternal Life"

 

Luke 21:12-19 "But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before Kings and Rulers for MY name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer. For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for MY name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls." 

     In the midst of the Olivet Discourse, JESUS gives a marvelous promise to HIS disciples. Although they were going to be persecuted by the Jews (apprehended, attacked in the synagogues, cast into prison, despised by family and friends, and put to death, vv.12,16), JESUS followed up with this statement: "But there shall not an hair of your head perish" (v.18). The question is: How can the persecuted be put to death and yet not have a hair on their head destroyed ? JESUS was teaching that no matter the intensity of earthly persecution, the saint can never lose his eternal life !

     Using different scenarios, Scripture repeats this truth throughout its pages. In Romans 8:35-39, pictured above, we learn that tribulation, famine, sword (war), demonic powers, height, depth, and any creature cannot separate us from the love of the LORD. In Mark 10:29-30, pictured above, JESUS taught the disciples that whatever family members they might lose, the LORD would multiply to them father, mother, wife, brother, and sister. Should all family and friends turn to oppress the saint, the LORD promised that HE would replace them with others in the eternal life. In Revelation 2:10, the LORD counseled the congregation of Smyrna not to fear the persecution that Satan would bring upon them because when they passed through this trial, they would receive a "crown of life" in Heaven.

     Sadly, many saints fall into despair because of illness, loss of possessions, or abandonment by family and friends. Yet nothing will remove the LORD's devotion from any saint. JESUS said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5 pictured above). Regardless of what this day holds for you, rejoice in the salvation that you have in HIM ! KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Be Patient !"

 

Psalm 40:1-3 "I waited patiently for the LORD; and HE inclined unto me, and heard my cry. HE brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And HE hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our GOD: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD."

     It is not natural to be patient. We want things now, instantaneously ! When we are excited, we say, "I just can't wait !" No one is exempt from being impatient, so patience is truly a virtue. "The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit" (Ecclesiastes 7:8b). One reason why we grow anxious over delays is because we are not trusting in the LORD. In our pride, we want to be in charge and do not want to yield to GOD's timetable. We try to justify our hurried nature by equating waiting with weakness, but the Bible teaches otherwise. Scripture says, "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of GOD, ye might receive the promise." (Hebrews 10:36 pictured above).

     GOD commands us to be patient and wait. "Wait on the LORD be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD" (Psalm 27:14). Those who wait will find blessing" "Blessed are all they that wait for HIM" (Isaiah 30:18). Believers in JESUS CHRIST are waiting for HIS soon return, but many are losing patience. However, CHRIST will, indeed, come again, and we all must be ready and waiting: "And the LORD direct your hearts into the love of GOD, and into the patient waiting for CHRIST" (2nd.Thessalonians 3:5 pictured above). "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the LORD. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the LORD draweth nigh" (James 5:7-8).

     Do Not Give Up ! Rather, "let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto JESUS . . ." (Hebrews 12:1-2 pictured above). PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Wise Counsel for the Days Ahead"

 

Proverbs 19:20-29 "Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devises in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar. The fear of the LORD tendeth to life; and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools."

     Advice abounds concerning how to prepare for a secure future and live in the present so that one can enjoy the fruits of his industry and frugality upon entering the "twilight years," as they are sometimes called. Stores are filled with books on financial planning, health care, emotional fitness, and a number of other topics wherein one can supposedly learn how to weather the storms of life that no doubt lie ahead. But give heed, Christian ! GOD has given us HIS WORD and therein lies all we need to know regarding how to live life to the fullest and how to be ready for whatever comes our way until the glorious day when we will be with our LORD forevermore. "Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end (v.20). We can count on this divine instruction to work; it has GOD's guarantee - "the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand (v.21b pictured above) ! Man's plan for surviving this life is insufficient at best; but GOD's perfect counsel, coupled with HIS grace and power to bring it to pass, is the key to future happiness regardless of the circumstances of life.

     Notice also that reverential resignation to the will of GOD will enable the trusting saint to "abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil" (v.23). That is the kind of insurance we need - satisfaction now as well as divine protection from whatever difficulty or adversity is in the future ! Oh, dear Christian, may we diligently seek this counsel and instruction in the WORD and be prepared for the days ahead. Conversely, "cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge" (v.27 pictured above). Reject anything that is contrary to the inerrant, all-sufficient WORD of GOD ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD's Estimation of the Bully !"

 

Proverbs 3:30-39 "Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the froward (perverse) is an abomination to the LORD; but HIS secret [counsel] is with the righteous. The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but HE blesseth the habitation of the just. Surely HE scorneth the scorners: but HE giveth grace unto the lowly. The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools."

     Today's text contrasts two completely different temperaments along with their ensuing actions. Keep in mind that the wayward believer can play the part of the fool with respect to the wickedness mentioned in these proverbs just as surely as the unsaved, for both have an old nature that they deal with. Only the "wise" saint who puts off the sinful works of the flesh will "inherit glory" (v.35 pictured above); that is, he will experience GOD's blessing and esteem rather than the shame that is in store for the proud "fool."

     The sinful behavior described in our text is basically a depiction of what we would commonly refer to as a belligerent, haughty, abusive bully. Notice how this "oppressor" (v.31) is quick to pick a fight or enter into heated contention with someone - for no good reason whatsoever (v.30). GOD's WORD says in no uncertain terms to "strive not. . ." - do not act that way ! Furthermore, not only do the victims of this unruly, unwarranted, harassment dread this "froward (perverse)" individual, but he is even an "abomination to the LORD" (v.32). The scornful bully is, in turn, scorned by the ALMIGHTY GOD of the universe in an infinitely greater measure than he can even comprehend (v.34 pictured above). Bullies are not just the young - they come in all sizes and ages and use various means to cause grief. But one thing is sure: they are cursed and headed for certain judgment (v.33 pictured below).

     Christian, heed these divine warnings. Never try to be like the oppressor in any way (v.31). Trust GOD for the blessing that will come to those who are just and look to HIM for the grace needed to bear the assaults of others. Seek out and stand with those believers being oppressed by the wicked. GOD will bless you both for it (v.33 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

"What You Say and the Way You Say It !"

 

Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."

     Every day, we communicate with people through our words. Whether we are speaking to a fellow Christian or to an unbelieving friend or acquaintance, our choice of words and the attitude with which we express ourselves either advances our testimony for JESUS CHRIST or hinders our witness for HIM. In today's text, the Apostle Paul instructs us, "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt" - no exceptions ! This short verse is essential for every Christian to consider and obey, for it describes the manner in which believers are to converse with others.

     First of all, Paul tells us to always exercise grace (unmerited favor) in our choice of words. The context of this verse specifically refers to the believer's conversations with unbelievers (Colossians 4:5 pictured above). Sadly, many Christians think they have the right to speak harshly or in a condescending manner to unbelievers concerning their need for salvation. Sometimes, our own old nature gets the best of us, and we react to those who question or attack our faith by engaging in a shouting match or using inappropriate words. But GOD commands us to always - in every circumstance - communicate in a courteous manner. Yet gracious speech does not denote a watering down of the truth, for Paul reminds us that our words also must be "seasoned with salt." Salt often acts as an irritant to the flesh. Christians must ever declare the truth to the unsaved, even though the truth may not be popular with the world. Clearly, we must exercise a biblical balance in our communication with others. We need to proclaim the truth (even when it hurts), but we also must choose our words wisely and speak with love and grace (Ephesians 4:15 pictured above). MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"No Other Name !"

 

Acts 4:10-13 "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth, WHOM ye crucified, WHOM GOD raised from the dead, even by HIM doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the STONE which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the HEAD of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with JESUS."

     We live in a day in which everyone tries to pave his own path to GOD. People from all walks of life invent their personal theologies concerning GOD, salvation, and the human condition, and they proclaim their beliefs to be just as true and valid as every other religious creed that exists. These unbelievers fail to agree among themselves concerning the way to truth or even the existence of truth, yet they piously frown upon anyone who declares that truth does, in fact, exist and that it can be known only through one PERSON. To the unsaved culture in which we live, anything goes - except exclusivity. Our "tolerant" society does not tolerate absolutes regarding GOD, salvation, or the state of fallen mankind. Yet this sad situation is not new. The believers in the early church experienced a similar set of circumstances. How did they respond ? They boldly and unashamedly proclaimed that truth does exist and that JESUS CHRIST is, indeed, the only path to GOD the FATHER- the only way to be saved (v.12 pictured above) !

     Peter and John, "unlearned and ignorant men" from the world's perspective (v.13), boldly declared that salvation comes only through the person and work of JESUS CHRIST. The late Bible teacher Keith L. Brooks once wrote:

"There is just one way - CHRIST (John 14:6);

There is just one name - CHRIST (Acts 4:12);

There is just one foundation - CHRIST (1st.Corinthians 3:11);

There is just one entrance - CHRIST (John 10:1); 

There is just one atonement - CHRIST (Hebrews 9:12,22,28);

There is just one saving power - CHRIST (John 6:44; Romans 1:16);

There is just one Gospel - CHRIST (Galatians 1:8-9)."

The Bible firmly declares that JESUS is the One and Only way to GOD. Let us declare this truth to the world ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Where Idolatry Begins"

 

Ezekiel 14:3-7 "Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them ? Therefore speak unto them and say unto them, Thus saith the LORD GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from ME through their idols. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the LORD GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from ME, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning ME; I the LORD will answer him by MYSELF:"

     Me ? An idolater ? No, never ! Would that not be the response of most people in our country if they were to be confronted with such an accusation ? Many a person today would insist that they could never be an idol worshiper, bowing before an image of wood or stone ! Yet, JEHOVAH GOD, in today's text, definitively addresses the starting point of idolatry. It begins when a person "setteth up his idols in his heart" (v.4). That is the place where idolatry takes root - in the heart. The prophet Jeremiah recorded that "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it ?" (Jeremiah 17:9 pictured above). Before idolatry ever becomes outwardly tangible, it first manifests itself within the individual. "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. . ." (Proverbs 23:7).

     Matthew Hery wrote, "We are that really, both to GOD and to man, which we are inwardly." Paul the Apostle spoke of those who did not want to keep GOD in their knowledge, leading them to change the "glory of the uncorruptible GOD into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things" (Romans 1:23). It is not a long journey from setting up idols in the heart to the actuality of visible, tangible objects beginning to be the attraction of our life. This can happen before we even comprehend that it is taking place. While we may not bow down to wooden carvings or bring our offerings to statues made of stone, as the pagans do, our personal idols include anything that turns us away from faithful service to the ONE TRUE GOD. Out of the heart proceeds all kinds of evil, including "covetousness, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5). "Little children, keep yourselves from idols, Amen." (1st.John 5:21 pictured above). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.     www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation