" Strength Against the Enemy "

Isaiah 59:16-19   " And HE saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore HIS arm brought Salvation unto HIM; and HIS righteousness, it sustained HIM. And HE put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of Salvation upon HIS head; and HE put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly HE will repay, fury to HIS adversaries, recompense to HIS enemies; to the islands HE will repay recompense. So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and HIS glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the SPIRIT of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. "

     Spiritual warfare is being waged against the saint with great intensity. Satan is leading an attack against GOD's people, and every believer must realize that having the LORD's strength is absolutely essential (Ephesians 6:10). We are wrestling  "against spiritual wickedness in high places,"  and the only way to win that spiritual struggle is through prayer, with the WORD, and by the LORD (Eph. 6:11-18). Our text reminds us that when the enemy comes in  "like a flood, the SPIRIT of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him" (v.19). It is also good to remember that  "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal" - not of the flesh - but are  "mighty through GOD to the pulling down of strongholds" (2nd.Cor.10:4). Because of this glorious fact, every obedient believer can be sure of victory (1st.Cor.15:57; 2nd.Cor.2:14). While we cannot stand against, or even repel, the enemy in our own strength, by the LORD's strength and with the weapons that HE provides, we can boldly move forward to the battle without fear.

     We must realize, however, that even a fully equipped soldier cannot prevail in any battle if his attitude is one of passivity or carelessness. Sadly many believers today, rather than resisting the devil (1st.Peter 5:9), have fallen into the trap of seeking neutrality in spiritual conflicts and refusing to  "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). Such disobedience to the Bible's plain teachings presents the enemy of our souls an undeserved advantage. We must always  "hold the fort"  in GOD's strength and resist the devil, our powerful and deceptive enemy. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" Not With Wisdom of Words "

1st. Corinthians 1:17-2:8   " For CHRIST sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of CHRIST should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of GOD. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise ? Where is the scribe ? Where is the disputer of this world ? Hath not GOD made foolish the wisdom of this world ? For after that in the wisdom of GOD the world by wisdom knew not GOD, it please GOD by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks (Gentiles) seek after wisdom: But we preach CHRIST crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness.

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, CHRIST the power of GOD, and the wisdom of GOD. Because the foolishness of GOD is wiser than men; and the weakness of GOD is stronger than men. For ye see your calling brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But GOD hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and GOD hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath GOD chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in HIS presence. But of HIM are ye in CHRIST JESUS WHO of GOD is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, 'He that glorieth, let him glory in the LORD.'

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of GOD. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save JESUS CHRIST, and HIM crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the SPIRIT and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of GOD. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of GOD in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which GOD ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the LORD of glory. "

     Corinth was a city of great wealth and wickedness. The church at Corinth was spiritually in need of help, so messengers from the local body brought Paul a report and a letter containing inquiries about which they desired instruction. As the Apostle responded to their need for help, beginning with their divisive spirit, he declared,  "For CHRIST sent me ... to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words" (v.17). With the phrase  "not with wisdom of words,"  Paul got to the root of the sectarian difficulty. Remember, these Corinthians were Grecians, and the Greeks exalted human wisdom. Division arose in the Corinthian church as they gathered around their preferred teachers and philosophized together - this is what led the Apostle to proclaim,  "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness" (v.18).

     Paul opposed the idea that the Gospel is mere  "human wisdom," and he showed the distinction between the two - First, by declaring the mystery of the cross (v.18). The preaching of the cross pinpoints the lost condition of man and makes known the necessity of sacrificial atonement by the SON of GOD. Second, he demonstrated this truth by listing those who generally compose the church (v.26); not many people of wise, mighty. or noble character are found therein because, in their exalted estimation of themselves, they are unwilling to submit to the righteousness of GOD by faith. Third, Paul concluded the argument with his own example (2:1-2) - the Apostle himself did not come to the Corinthians with excellence of speech and wisdom; rather, he came proclaiming  "JESUS CHRIST, and HIM crucified" - the only preaching that matters ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" The Assurance of Salvation "

Ephesians 2:8-9   " 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. "

     The assurance of Salvation comes through the written WORD of GOD, received in faith as the very WORD of HIM WHO "cannot lie" (Titus 1:2). Surely, passages from GOD's WORD should be sufficient to bring the assurance of Salvation to the most trembling sinner. Three particular words from GOD to believing sinners ought to ring true and give confidence to all whose faith is in JESUS CHRIST alone for Salvation.

     We begin with the word are - a present fact to be enjoyed here and now. Today's text declares, "For by grace are ye saved through faith" (v.8). John said, "I write unto you ... because your sins are forgiven you" (1st.John 2:12) and added, "Beloved, now are we the sons of GOD" (1st.John 3:2). Paul said, "And by [JESUS] all that believe are justified from all things" (Acts 13:39) and told the Galatians, "For ye are all the children of GOD by faith in CHRIST JESUS" (Galatians 3:26). 

The second word is hath - a present possession. Again, the WORD speaks for itself, "And this is the record, that GOD hath given to us eternal life... He that hath the SON hath life" (1st.John 5:11-12). JESUS said, "He that believeth on the SON hath everlasting life" (John 3:36) and added, "He that heareth MY WORD, and believeth on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life" (John 5:24). 

The final word is know - to have assurance now. John wrote, "These things have I written ... that ye may know that ye have eternal life" (1st.John 5:13). "We know that we have passed from death unto life" (1st.John 3:14). Paul penned, "For I know WHOM I have believed, and am persuaded that HE is able to keep..." (2nd.Timothy 1:12). On the infallible basis of GOD Holy WORD, the believer's assurance of his Salvation is absolutely certain. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" The Existence of Fools "

Psalm 14:1-7   " The fool hath said in his heart, 'There is no GOD.' They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek GOD. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge ? who eat up MY people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD. There were they in great fear: for GOD is in the generation of the righteous. Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge. OH that the Salvation of Israel were come out of Zion ! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of HIS people. Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad. "

     One of the surprising realities about Scripture is that it is often blunt when it refers to unbelievers. In verse one of today's text, we find that the individual who claims GOD does not exist is a  "fool."  Disbelief in GOD's existence is something that is internal - a person  "[says] in his heart, There is no GOD" (v.1). Such language is certainly not endearing nor accommodating to the unbelieving mind. In fact, the intelligentsia of our day fully rejects this bold assessment of the unbeliever.

     The  "fools"  who reject GOD have been around nearly since the beginning of time. This disbelief in GOD is not merely a matter of claiming that HE does not actually exist but that HE does not exist in the way HE has revealed HIMSELF in HIS WORD. For example, certainly Cain was a fool for the way he interacted with GOD in Genesis 4. He obviously believed in the  "existence" of GOD, yet his behavior was an attack on the very person of GOD and the veracity of HIS WORD, which HE had previously revealed to Cain. He had been warned that his attitude toward his brother had dire consequences if allowed to continue. Cain was clearly a  "fool"  for rejecting the revelation of GOD.

     Probably no bigger fool in the Old Testament existed than Pharaoh. The Book of Exodus records that he ordered his troops into the dried bed of the Red Sea, only to witness the entire army's demise when the waters collapsed on them, utterly destroying the chariots, soldiers, and horses. We must be aware that such folly continues into the present time, for the  "fools"  believe in their hearts that  "there is no GOD" (v.1). However, one day all will, without any doubt, know that  "[GOD] is" (Hebrews 11:6). GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" The Power of GOD's WORD "

Isaiah 55:11   " So shall MY WORD be that goeth forth out of MY mouth: IT shall not return unto ME void, but IT shall accomplish that which I please, and IT shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent IT. "

     The Bible is the WORD of GOD. So different than the words of men, IT has the power to fully accomplish all that has been declared. The power of GOD's WORD is seen in creation. GOD spoke, and the heavens and earth came into existence:  "By the WORD of the LORD were the heavens made, and all the host of them by the breath of HIS mouth"  (Psalm 33:6; Genesis 1:3). As JESUS walked the earth, the power of HIS WORD's gave life to a dead man. HE gave instructions to remove the stone door from Lazarus' grave, and his sister reminded the LORD that by now her brother  "stinketh"  (John 11:39). When the stone had been removed, JESUS spoke:  "Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. JESUS saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go" (John 11:43-44). JESUS' WORD's could also take away life. As JESUS and HIS disciples passed a fig tree that bore no fruit, our LORD used the fig tree to teach HIS disciples a lesson about faith, and HIS spoken WORD took the life out of the tree (Matthew 21:19-20). By the spoken WORD JESUS healed the sick and cast out devils. When the band of men came with Judas the betrayer, JESUS spoke, and they fell backward to the ground (John 18:6).

     From the beginning to end, the Scriptures illustrate the power of the WORD of GOD. Yes, as our text declares, GOD's WORD will not return  "void";  IT will "accomplish" what IT states; IT will  "prosper"  in whatever purpose IT claims. For the believer, this is a comforting truth; for the one who has rejected GOD's WORD, the fact remains: Everything GOD declares will come to pass, including the future reality of Heaven and Hell. " JMC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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"Water Baptism: Obedience and Identification"

Acts 8:35-39   " Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him JESUS. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said,  'See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized ?'  And Philip said,  'If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.' And he answered and said,  'I believe that JESUS CHRIST is the SON of GOD.' And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the SPIRIT of the LORD caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. "

     Many people are confused about the purpose of water baptism. JESUS sent out HIS disciples and instructed them to evangelize, teach, and baptize (Matthew 28:19-20). The book of Acts gives us several practical examples of the proper practice of water baptism, and today's text is one such example. Philip the evangelist had explained the way of Salvation to the Ethiopian man who was reading from the prophet Isaiah. After Philip  "preached unto him JESUS" (v.35), the Ethiopian eunuch asked Philip,  "What doth hinder me to be baptized ?" (V.36). Several truths regarding water baptism are evident in Philip's response and the account of the Ethiopians baptism.

     First, water baptism is only for True Believers ("If thou believest with all thine heart," v.37).  The practice of infant baptism is not biblical because a baby does not yet possess the ability to believe with understanding.  Second, water baptism is a public declaration that one is identifying with JESUS  ("I believe that JESUS CHRIST is the SON of GOD," v.37).  Third, the mode of water baptism is by immersion into the water. Not only does the word baptism mean to "dip into,"  but the Bible declares that Philip and the Ethiopian  "went down both into the water"  and came  "up out of the water"  (vv.38-39).  Fourth, True Biblical Conversion followed by identification with JESUS CHRIST through water baptism (Romans 6:3-4) leads to great joy ("and he went away rejoicing,"  v.39).  

     Have you experienced True Biblical Conversion ? After having trusted in JESUS CHRIST alone for your eternal well-being, have you obediently identified yourself with HIM through water baptism ? What a joy it is to obey and to identify with our SAVIOR ! JMC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" Hating Sin, Loving the Sinner "

Romans 5:6-10   " For when we were yet without strength, in due time CHRIST died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure (perhaps) for a good man some would even dare to die. But GOD commendeth (demonstrates) HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us. Much more then, being now justified by HIS blood, we shall be saved from wrath through HIM. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to GOD by the death of HIS SON, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by HIS life. "

     JESUS hated sin but loved the sinner. That divine love brought our LORD from heaven's glory to this sinful world to bear on Calvary's cross the penalty for every person's sin. Today's text declares this wonderful fact. As believers, our emotions well up with eternal awe as we meditate upon the indescribable love of CHRIST for us. Like the morally unchaste woman who came to JESUS with costly ointment and poured it upon the SAVIOR's feet - she understood that HE loved her and wanted to forgive and release her from the power and eternal consequences of her immorality. As she wiped JESUS' anointed feet with her hair, she reveled the true faith of her heart, believing that JESUS was indeed the SAVIOR of the world. What a burden of sin was lifted, and how happy was her heart when she heard JESUS' WORDs,  "Thy sins are forgiven ... Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace" (Luke 7:48-50). What great love !

     How different was the proud attitude of those who hated JESUS, for HIS sinless life revealed the true wickedness of their hearts and the vile nature of their sin ! As HE spoke to these haughty individuals, JESUS explained that they no longer had a  "cloak for their sin"  (John 15:22). With their sin exposed by HIM, they hated our LORD (John 15:24). Pride clouded their eyes to the truth that JESUS loved them; it was their sin that HE hated. Like JESUS, true believers are to hate sin but have benevolence for the sinner. Because the saint's hatred of sin removes the  "cloak for their sin,"  the true Christian often experiences the same misunderstood anger as our LORD received:  "They hated ME without a cause"  (John 15:25). Yet, as JESUS demonstrated, compassion for all is imperative ! JMC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" Ignorance Is Not Bliss "

Acts 17:29-31   " Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of GOD, we ought not to think that the GODhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance GOD winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because HE hath appointed a day, in the which HE will judge the world in righteousness by that MAN WHOM HE hath ordained; whereof HE hath given assurance unto all men, in that HE hath raised HIM from the dead. "

     We can go through life without knowing many things. Our ignorance of those things has no effect upon how we live - we simply do not know anything about such things. But there are other things that can have a detrimental effect upon us if we are ignorant of them. What we do not know can hurt us. Even though people do things contrary to GOD  "through ignorance"  (Acts 3:17), they are still guilty, GOD's requirement is clear:  "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out"  (Acts 3:19). Today's text makes it plain that GOD is a gracious and merciful GOD, but HE does not  "wink at"  or "overlook" man's sin - regardless of whether or not he sins in ignorance. When a person is ignorant of GOD's righteousness, he will go about trying to establish his own righteousness, which only condemns him (Romans 10:3-4).

     The Bible describes those who are living their life without CHRIST in these words:  "Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of GOD through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart"  (Ephesians 4:18). But when CHRIST enters our life, we are no longer to be  "fashioning [ourselves] according to the former lusts in [our] ignorance" (1st. Peter 1:14), but we are to be living holy lives (1st. Peter 1:15-16). One aspect of living such a life is to know GOD's WORD and not be ignorant of what GOD says. Many believers are unaware of important biblical truths such as Satan's devices or purposes for their lives (2nd. Cor. 2:11); the pretribulation rapture, which could happen at any moment (1st. Thess. 4:13-18); and GOD's coming judgment (2nd. Peter 3:3-14). Do not be ignorant ! GOD wants you to know HIS WORD and will ! PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" Before Time Began "

Genesis 1:1   " In the beginning GOD created the heaven and the earth. "

     A sentence is a group of words that express a complete thought. A sentence must have a subject - that of which something is said - and a predicate - that which is said of the subject. In this opening statement of the Bible, it is clear that the first subject of the Bible is GOD - the Architect of creation.  "In the beginning GOD."  It is definite; you do not need to search for a mysterious or unknown  "first cause."  The LORD commanded, and it was done (Hebrews 11:3). As the first subject, GOD is referred to thirty - two times in the thirty - one verses of Genesis chapter one. The Bible begins with GOD, and the Bible ends with GOD. The last verse of GOD's WORD says in Revelation 22:21,  "The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST [WHO is GOD] be with you all, AMEN."

     Did you notice the assumption of today's text ? Before the beginning of time, GOD already was ! The phrase  "In the beginning"  affirms a PERSON WHO is separate from all that follows and, yet, is involved in all that follows. Our text gives no defense for GOD's existence - just the clear affirmation that GOD is. Those who read these words can accept this fact and rejoice, or reject it and suffer the consequences. Even those who reject HIM now will indeed one day acknowledge that JESUS (GOD HIMSELF) is over all things (Philippians 2:10-11). They  will stand before HIM (Revelation 20:11-12), and every tongue will confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD of all - the Cause and Consummation of all things (Revelation 1:18; 22:13). The book of Genesis reveals GOD's activity in the beginning of time; Revelation reveals GOD's victorious consummation of all things through JESUS. Yes, GOD - triumphant, transcending, existing from eternity unto eternity ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" Foundational Truth "

Genesis 1:1   "In the beginning GOD created the heaven and the earth. "

     At least three  "beginnings"  are mentioned in the Scriptures. John 1:1 takes us into uncharted territory when it says,  "In the beginning was the WORD." This is the unbeginning beginning - eternity past: CHRIST has always been the WORD, with GOD, HIMSELF GOD. When the universe was created, the WORD was already there. When John writes in his first epistle of  "that which was from the beginning"  (1st.John 1:1), he is speaking of the beginning of a new dispensation - the beginning of Christianity when the truth was revealed in JESUS CHRIST. Today's text refers to the beginning of creation - "In the beginning GOD created the heaven and the earth."  It was the LORD GOD WHO did it; HE was there; HE brought the universe into existence. This foundational truth introduces the foundational book of the Bible; clearly it is the book of beginnings. Genesis records nine particular beginnings - the beginning of the earth as man's habitation, the human race, human sin, redemptive revelation, the human family, godless civilization, nations, human languages, and the Hebrew race.

     The late Dr. Henry Morris wrote in The Genesis Record, "If a person really believes Genesis 1:1, he will not find it difficult to believe anything else recorded in the Bible. That is, if GOD really created all things, then HE controls all things and can do all things."  Genesis chapter one is not myth; it is divine revelation. Thus, an understanding of the foundational truths of Genesis is the basis for understanding the rest of the Bible. It is vital to know the foundational truths concerning GOD, the universe, mankind, society, sin, the races, and Salvation. Yes -  "In the beginning GOD ... " JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" The Precious Blood "

1st. Peter 1:18-19   " Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation (aimless conduct) received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of CHRIST, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: "

     In the 1908 edition of Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the Christian Science cult, writes,  "The material blood of JESUS was no more efficacious to cleanse from sin when it was shed upon the 'accursed tree,' than when it was flowing in HIS veins as HE went daily about the FATHER's business."  The Bible, however, opposes her words and says,  "For this is MY blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins," and,  "Without shedding of blood is no remission (of sins)" (Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:22). Carefully look at these two statements regarding the blood of JESUS, and you will discover a striking contrast, indeed, a contradiction between what Mary Baker Eddy states and what the Bible, GOD's WORD says. Both cannot be true. Thus, the very nature of the case requires a choice to be made.

     Your eternal well being or woe depends upon your response to the  "precious blood of CHRIST."  In Mrs. Eddy's estimation, the shedding of JESUS CHRIST's blood amounts to nothing; whereas, in GOD's reckoning, it means everything. The shedding of the blood speaks of the laying down of that life in sacrifice. Had an Israelite merely fastened a living lamb by a cord to the door of the house wherein he lived, he would have had no assurance from GOD that his firstborn would escape the sword of the death angel as he passed over the land of Egypt (Exodus 12:13). It was not the blood in the veins but the blood applied to the doorway that GOD required. In connection with the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST on the cross, the Scriptures plainly teach that it is not the blood in HIS veins but HIS shed blood that avails. In other words, it is not the life that HE lived but the death HE died that saves us from the penalty of our sins (John 3:14-15; Revelation 5:9). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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" The next day John (the Baptist) seeth JESUS coming unto him, and saith, BEHOLD the LAMB of GOD, which taketh away the sin of the world. " John 1:29