" What Can the Righteous Do ? "

Psalm 11:1-7   " In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain  ?  For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do ?  The LORD is in HIS Holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven:  HIS eyes behold, HIS eyelids try, the children of men.  The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence HIS soul hateth.  Upon the wicked HE shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest:  this shall be the portion of their cup. For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness;  HIS countenance doth behold the upright. "

     Recent revelations of widespread corruption in primary government agencies and changes in the foundational moral fabric of our nation have caused many to ask:  " Pastor, what is a Bible-believing Christian to do? "  The question is not unique to our day but was voiced to the psalmist 3,000 years ago in the latter days of the corrupt governmental practices of King Saul.  The jealous king was unjustly pursuing David, and the morning news was full of accounts of Saul's treacherous attempts to trap and kill righteous David.  The counsel given to the psalmist was startling:  " How say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain ? For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do ?" (vv.1-3).  David's response was firm and straightforward:  " In the LORD put I my trust " (v.1). David continued to pursue a righteous course despite the wicked agenda of King Saul and despite the questionable advice of his friends.  The psalmist understood that the final chapter was not yet written, and in faith David declared in verse seven:  " For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; HIS countenance doth behold the upright. "

     As you read the morning paper, your troubled soul might have asked,  " If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do ? "(v.3).  The answer remains the same as in David's day:  " In the LORD put I my trust " (v.1).  Our present world is being radically changed by various  "correctness doctrines" that disagree with GOD's righteous standards, but let us continue to stand up for righteousness and trust in the LORD. JMC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright,  Feature:  A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" The Making of an Apostle "

Acts 9:1-31   " And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the LORD, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.  And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:  And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him,  ' Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou ME ? '  And he said,  ' Who art thou Lord ?'  And the LORD said,  ' I AM JESUS WHOM thou persecutest:  it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.'  And he trembling and astonished said, 'LORD, what wilt THOU have me to do ?'  And the LORD said unto him,  'Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.' 

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.  And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.  And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the LORD in a vision,  ' Ananias,'  and he said,  ' Behold, I am here, LORD.'  And the LORD said unto him,  ' Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.'

Then Ananias answered,  ' LORD, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to THY saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on THY name.'  But the LORD said unto him, ' Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto ME, to bear MY name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for MY name's sake.'  And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said,  ' Brother Saul, the LORD, even JESUS, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the HOLY GHOST.'

And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached CHRIST in the synagogues, that HE is the SON of GOD. But all that heard him were amazed, and said;  ' Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests ? ' But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very CHRIST. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the Apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the LORD in the way, and that HE had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of JESUS. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. And he spake boldly in the name of the LORD JESUS, and disputed against the Grecians; but they went about to slay him. Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the LORD, and in the comfort of the HOLY GHOST, were multiplied. "

     The story is told of a malicious old Scotsman with the last name of Kline, who was saved through the misunderstanding of a line in a familiar hymn. As he walked down a country road past a small church, the singing of a hymn caught his attention, and, pausing for a moment as the congregation sang  " JESUS died for all mankind,"  and he thought he heard  "JESUS died for auld man Kline."  That roadside incident led to the transformation of the man's life as he came to JESUS CHRIST for redemption.

     Today's text tells of another roadside occurrence that changed the life of Saul of Tarsus, whom we know as the Apostle Paul.  Over twenty years later, looking back, Paul declared that he was  "apprehended of CHRIST JESUS" (Phil.3:12).  In other words, CHRIST got a grip on him and would not let go. The turnabout of Paul's life demonstrates the tremendous power of JESUS CHRIST. Becoming a follower of JESUS was the farthest thing from Paul's mind as he traveled the Damascus Road.  His whole focus was on destroying all who trusted in the SAVIOR.  He was obsessed with his scheme of sweeping Christianity off the earth, once and for all.  Never did he dream that he himself would become a believer.  But then, he also had not reckoned on the power of JESUS CHRIST.

     The LORD JESUS CHRIST changes men and women who come to HIM by faith (2nd.Cor.5:17).  HE turned the life of Saul inside out and right side up. Saul the persecutor became Paul  "the Apostle of the Gentiles"  (Rom.11:13), carrying the message of  "the Gospel of CHRIST"  to Jew and Gentile (Rom.1:16).  Hopeless cases are GOD's specialty.  Keep praying for those who perhaps seem to be beyond hope.  The LORD is able ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright,  Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" The Big Bang "

2nd. Peter 3:9-13   " The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance.  But the Day of the LORD will come as a thief in the night;  in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day of GOD, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat ?  Nevertheless we, according to HIS promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. " 

     Those who deny the biblical account,  " In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth " (Genesis 1:1), are left with the question:  How did the universe come into being ?  The most common explanation given by evolutionists in recent decades is called  "the big bang theory."  As the term "big bang"  implies, the basic premise of the theory is that all the order we now see in the universe came from an explosion of unimaginable magnitude. But unanswerable contradictions exist that are casually ignored.  The term  "explosion"  does not bring to our minds a picture of order.  When a building explodes, we do not expect to see the fragments deposited in well-organized piles, let alone a new structure.  Even more perplexing is, if there is no creator, what was the source of all the original matter that purportedly went  "bang"  ?

     After throwing cold water on the secular  "big bang theory,"  I must admit that I believe in a big bang with respect to the universe, for the WORD of GOD, in today's text, teaches the truth of the "big bang"  - not at the beginning of our present universe but at the end of its existence.  The inexplicable supernatural creation of our universe reveals GOD, the CREATOR (Psalm 19:1). Though our universe did not begin with a  "big bang,"  it will, in fact, end with one.  The same passage of Scripture that tells us of this coming explosion explains to us that the loving and merciful CREATOR of the universe is  "not willing that any should perish" (v.9).  As Christians, we all must be aware of the future  "big bang," and it would behoove us to keep today's text in mind as we live life in the here-and-now.  Make certain that you are in Heaven when it happens ! JMC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature:  A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" It Really Does Matter... " ( Part 5 of 5 )

Galatians 1:6-12   " I marvel (amazed) that ye are so soon removed from HIM that called you into the grace of CHRIST unto another gospel:  Which is not another (different);  but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert (change) the Gospel of CHRIST.  But though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (anathema).  As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.  For do I now persuade men, or GOD ? or do I seek to please men ? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of CHRIST. But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man.  For I neither receive it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of JESUS CHRIST.

     It really does matter what you believe about the Gospel message.  The Gospel, or  "good news" of JESUS' substitutionary death and resurrection, is non-negotiable (1st.Cor.15:1-4).  Both the content of the Gospel as well as the way in which it is appropriated are absolutely essential.  The Gospel is the  "good news"  that although all people are born sinners and face the penalty of death, JESUS CHRIST - GOD in the flesh - died and rose again as the substitutionary sacrifice for sinful man in order that he might be reconciled to GOD.  Grace and works are mutually exclusive.  Salvation does not come both through man's will and work and also through GOD's calling and grace. The issue here is, literally, life and death - spiritual life and eternal relationship with GOD or spiritual death and eternity in the Lake of Fire.  Our eternal destiny hinges upon the object of our faith and our knowledge and belief that Salvation is appropriated only through faith alone in the person and work of JESUS CHRIST.  To minimize or ignore doctrinal differences with those who embrace a "works"  Salvation is an extremely grave error.

     In conclusion, we must reject the advice of those who encourage Christians to relegate important doctrinal truths to a place of insignificance.  Keep in mind that the issue here is not simply differing on a particular interpretation or application of one Scriptural text.  The issue centers around the totality of biblical teaching on topics that affect not only the doctrine of Salvation but also Christian living and the very person and nature of GOD HIMSELF.  It really does matter what you believe !  We need to fellowship with those who make much of doctrine and who seek to live out the truth daily. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.   www.feasite.org

" It Really Does Matter... " (Part 4 of 5 )

Philippians 1:3-6   " I thank my GOD upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel from the first - day until now;  Being confident of this very thing, that HE which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of JESUS CHRIST: "

     It really does matter what you believe about the eternal security of the believer.  Either Salvation is entirely by grace through faith alone, or Salvation is through our own effort, merit, or  "will."  The Scriptures are definitive in declaring that GOD the FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT are strong enough not only to save a sinner but also to keep him or her saved through their power. One's understanding not only of the nature and purpose of Salvation but also of the person of GOD is extremely vital.  The Apostle Paul made it clear that any "gospel"  not consistent with the Gospel he declared - grace alone through faith alone in the person and work of JESUS CHRIST - is under GOD's curse, for it is NOT truly  "good news"  (Gal.1:6-9).  In today's text, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that the GOD WHO called and saved you promises to see your redemption through to the end (v.6).  HE - NOT you - is the AUTHOR and FINISHER of your faith (Heb.12:2).

     It really does matter what you believe about Israel and the church. The promises GOD gave to Israel in the Old Testament are still valid (Rom.11:25-27).  The LORD has not withdrawn HIS promises, nor has HE given them to a new group of people.  Those who embrace a  "Covenant Theology"  as well as many today who categorize themselves as  "Reformed"  believe that GOD will not keep HIS promises to the people of Israel as HE stated in the Old Testament, falsely supposing that the church has replaced Israel or that Israel has  "merged"  into the church.  However, to presume that GOD's promises are void, have been given to another people, or are symbolic rather than literal is to misinterpret and misapply Scripture and, worse, to accuse GOD of failing to fulfill HIS promises. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.   www.feasite.org

" It Really Does Matter...... " ( Part 3 of 5 )

Zechariah 14:1-11   " BEHOLD, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished;  and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.  Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations as when HE fought in the day of battle.

And HIS feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.  And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains;  for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal:  yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah King of Judah:  and the LORD my GOD shall come, and all the saints with THEE.

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: but it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.  And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem;  half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea:  in summer and in winter shall it be.  And the LORD shall be KING over all the earth:  in that day shall there be ONE LORD, and HIS name ONE.

All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses.  And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.

     It really does matter what you believe about the kingdom of GOD.  We are NOT currently living in the "kingdom"  that is prophesied throughout the Old and New Testaments.  Despite what many Reformed and Covenant theologians believe, JESUS CHRIST will literally rule and reign from the throne of David in Jerusalem upon this earth in the future for a period of 1,000 years.

Today's text is a promise from GOD concerning this truth ! Our responsibility on the earth at this moment is NOT to "bring in the kingdom"  or even to  "do kingdom work." JESUS CHRIST commands the church to  "make disciples" (Matt.28:19-20) and "fight the good fight of faith" (1st.Timothy 6:11-12) as we embrace the truth, live the truth, and propagate the truth each day of our lives.

     It really does matter what you believe about sign gifts and the timing of their cessation.  GOD has already revealed in HIS WORD everything that HE wants us to know in this age.  When the canon of Scripture was completed following GOD's final revelation to John on the Island of Patmos, the HOLY SPIRIT ceased from using the gifts of signs, tongues, and prophecy - revelatory gifts designed to relay GOD's WORD and to authenticate the Gospel to the Jews (1st.Cor.13:8-13).  No other revelation from GOD (which was the very purpose of the sign gifts)  is needed.  Now, the responsibility of GOD's people is simply to get to know HIM better through HIS WORD and to faithfully heed and obey the WORD HE has given to us.  To believe that GOD still speaks today through these means is to deny the sufficiency of Scripture and to open oneself up to all forms of error and deceit of men - something that the god of this world is ready to  "reveal"  to any who will listen. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.   www.feasite.org

" It Really Does Matter......... (Part 2 of 5)

Ephesians 4:11-16   " And HE gave some, Apostles; and some, Prophets; and some, Evangelists; and some, Pastors and Teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of CHRIST: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the SON of GOD, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of CHRIST: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into HIM in all things, which is the Head, even CHRIST: from WHOM the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

     It really does matter what you believe about the purpose and ministry of the church.  An improper view of the purpose and ministry of the church has led to much of the mess in which the church now finds itself today.  Are we supposed to be changing the culture ?  Are we supposed to be bringing in the Kingdom ?  Are we supposed to be  "winning souls"  during every Sunday morning service ?  Are we supposed to be feeding the hungry and clothing the naked ?  The Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus makes it clear that the local church exists to equip believers to be ministers of JESUS CHRIST for the glory of GOD.  When we understand that the church is CHRIST's body and that the local church exists for the purpose of equipping, admonishing, and edifying the saints as they serve as ambassadors for the LORD JESUS out in the world, then we will focus our energy on being faithful children of GOD who meet together on a regular basis so that we can better comprehend HIS message and will for our lives.

     It really does matter what you believe about the rapture.  Read Titus 2:11-13.  An improper view of the any-moment return of JESUS CHRIST for HIS church has led believers to become fearful of the world around them. Because they have confused the rapture and the second coming of CHRIST (prior to the establishment of HIS Kingdom), they are looking for  "signs"  and fearing the tribulation that will come upon the world.  Their focus has shifted away from certainty and comfort to worry and fear. But GOD wants HIS children to await HIS imminent return and find comfort in the fact that we will NOT have to endure the seven-year tribulation that will absolutely devastate this sin-cursed world. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.  www.feasite.org

" It Really Does Matter " (Intro 1 of 5)

2nd.Corinthians 13:5   " Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith;  prove your own selves.  Know ye not your own selves, how that JESUS CHRIST is in you, except ye be reprobates (one who rejects the faith). "

     Many Christians today are being told that when it comes to Christian doctrine, it really does not matter what one believes about particular areas of doctrine and theology as long as one embraces JESUS as LORD and SAVIOR or as long as one is sincere in his belief or experience.  In this day and age, sincerity and flexibility in biblical interpretation are exalted, while certainty and dogmatism are condemned.

     Although any believer would have to admit that some interpretive issues are relatively minor and Christian love and forbearance are in order, the doctrines that many believers are relegating to the  "minor"  category are, in fact, extremely major.  These are issues that affect the very foundation and fabric of not only Christian living but of the person and plan of GOD for the believer today.  And, it stands to reason that all the various doctrinal views that exist pertaining to a particular issue cannot be correct.  If one view stands as the "truth,"  then competing views must fall into the category of  "error."  GOD has declared HIS truth in HIS WORD, and HE wants us to be certain of it.

     In today's text, the Apostle Paul exhorts the Corinthian believers to "examine"  and  "prove"  their beliefs and behavior.  Obviously, what we believe concerning Salvation and living the Christian life matters to GOD, for we cannot "examine"  or  "prove"  ourselves without first considering our belief and behavior.  The LORD has given us HIS WORD so that we might know the truth, know WHO HE is, know how to live a life that glorifies HIM, and know the difference between truth and error.  It really DOES matter what you believe and how you live - so do not let anyone try to convince you otherwise ! MDC

Introduction Part 1 of 5

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide. 

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" Why Do the Heathen Rage ? "

Psalm 2:1-12   " Why do the heathen (nations) rage, and the people imagine a vain (foolish) thing ?  The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against HIS anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

HE that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh:  the LORD shall have them in derision.  Then shall HE speak unto them in HIS wrath, and vex (trouble) them in HIS sore (great) displeasure.  Yet have I set (founded) MY KING upon MY holy hill of Zion.  I will declare the decree:  the LORD hath said unto ME, THOU art MY SON;  this day have I begotten THEE.

Ask of ME, and I shall give THEE the heathen for THINE inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for THY possession.  THOU shalt break them with a rod of iron; THOU shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.  Kiss the SON (act of homage), lest HE be angry, and ye perish from the way, when HIS wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in HIM.     Psalm 2:1-12

     No one needs to prove to us that the ungodly are raging today and that people all over the world are imagining and falling for vain, unbiblical things on every hand (v.1).  But it is important to have GOD's answer to the question above, Why do the heathen rage ?  The unregenerate world is giving all kinds of answers as they vainly struggle for peace, prosperity, and unity.  Many claim that the raging of the heathen would cease if all the religions of the world could just get together or if racial prejudice could be eradicated or if poverty could be abolished by some program of so-called  "economic justice"  that assures all mankind of financial equality.  These  "answers,"  however, ignore the basic problem of man's inherent sinfulness, and they substitute man's philosophies and agendas for the true answers found in GOD's WORD.

     The heathen are raging today because they have rejected GOD's WORD, the Bible, and GOD's SON, JESUS CHRIST.  Because they will not submit to GOD's rule, they join with other CHRIST-rejecters and take counsel together in an effort to rid themselves of GOD.  It is no wonder, then, that GOD's people are also the object of their rage (vv.1-3).  So loud is the raging of the heathen today that we are apt to forget that GOD will perform HIS WORD and execute HIS divine justice upon all who mock HIM and oppress HIS people (vv.4-9). This psalm closes with the important reminder that the LORD's blessing rests upon all who put their trust in HIM.  Therefore, we must continue to witness to the unsaved, even in the midst of harsh opposition (vv.10-12).  Faithful service for GOD will lead to great rejoicing.  We have glorious news that the world needs to hear. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide. 

Used with permission. www.feasite.org