" DEATH, It Happens Every Day ! "

 

Hebrews 9:27  " And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"

     What if you died today ? Even while reading this post, you could be having a slight pain in your chest or head. Within a few hours, you could be dead of a heart attack or brain hemorrhage. You might think that could never happen to you. However, the Bible states, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow, For what is your life ? It is even a vapor; that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away." (James 4:14).

     Even if you are in excellent health, you could be killed in an auto accident today. Do you remember the shock you felt the last time you heard someone you knew was killed in an accident ? They certainly never thought that death would come so suddenly to them. Perhaps these will be the last words you will ever read !

     You cannot escape death ! "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27). Maybe you are thinking, "If I would die today, I'm ready to go; after all, I've never done anything really bad. I don't believe that a merciful GOD would send me to Hell." The Bible says, "For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23). "For the wages of sin is death . . ." (Romans 6:23a). "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the Lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." (Revelation 21:8). According to GOD's WORD, it does not matter how good you are. You deserve to burn in the Lake of Fire for all eternity !

     However, there is Good News. GOD provides a way of escape, because HE has given you a SAVIOR. "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel. . .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 15:1a,2a,3-4). ". . . the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23b). "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). Please stop for a moment and read that last verse once again. How does the Bible say that you can have everlasting life ? It does not say that you can have everlasting life by trusting in church membership, water baptism, or a saint ! "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). The Bible does not say you can have everlasting life by doing good works ! "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).

     You can only get everlasting life by completely trusting JESUS. "He that believes on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him." (John 3:36). Why don't you admit to GOD that you are a hell-bound sinner. Admit to HIM that you are willing to turn from your sinful life and accept the LORD JESUS CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR. If you will do that with a sincere heart, GOD's WORD says that you can know for sure that you have eternal life. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the SON of GOD; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the SON of GOD." (1st.John 5:13). This is not just a coincidence that you are reading this post. GOD planned for you to read it. This could be YOUR LAST WARNING !

     Will you reject JESUS ? the Bible states, ". . .he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." (John 3:18b).

     Will you accept JESUS as your personal LORD & SAVIOR ? Remember, salvation does not depend on feelings or on an emotional experience. It is based on what GOD has promised in HIS WORD. GOD promised, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13). Call on GOD today. Don't put it off another minute ! If you will accept JESUS CHRIST as your SAVIOR, please pray this prayer or one like it with all your heart:

Dearest Heavenly FATHER, 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.

     "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" A Systemic Problem "

 

Psalm 51:1-5  "Have mercy upon me, O GOD, according to THY lovingkindness; according unto the multitude of THY tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against THEE, THEE only, have I sinned, and done this evil in THY sight: that THOU might be justified when THOU speak, and be clear when THOU judges. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me."

     Americans and, indeed, all nations-all people-are facing a systemic problem of the greatest magnitude. All other problems stem from this one universal issue. It became evident as soon as man sinned in the Garden of Eden, rebelling against the simple command of GOD. Man must recognize this systemic condition in order to deal with it properly, yet most people of the world vehemently deny it. The practice and behaviors that perpetuate its passage from generation to generation are built into the system itself because its roots are deeply entwined into the soil of humanity. Perhaps you have guessed the problem of which I speak - the problem from which all other problems stem - driven by the dynamic of hearts that are in opposition to GOD. That is right; it is contained in a single yet deadly word: sin.

     King David, after his sins of adultery and murder and under conviction by GOD's WORD, proclaimed, "I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me" (v.5), admitting that he was born a sinner - with a sin nature that condemned him before a Holy GOD. What David confessed as being at the root of his behavior is what is at the root and is the catalyst for executing and exacerbating every sinful practice in the world. Like David, we must come to the point where we admit to GOD that we sin because we are sinners and that we cannot approach HIM in our sinful condition. Our only hope is the hope that GOD HIMSELF offers: "the blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON (that) cleanses us from all sin" (1st.John 1:7). Only GOD has the remedy for the sin problem (Ephesians 1:7), and only those who have believed in CHRIST are free from sin's bondage. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.feasite.org

" A Glorious Invitation: Come ! "

 

Revelation 22:17  "And the SPIRIT and the Bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

     We usually get excited when we are invited to an event such as a party or a game. Sometimes we may have to prepare ourselves for that event if it is a wedding or some formal occasion. But have you considered the greatest invitation of all, offered to you from GOD HIMSELF ? Did you know that HE wants a relationship with you now and an eternity with HIM in heaven ? Read today's text again. Are you listening ? Are you thirsty ? It does not matter who you are because "whosoever" means you ! You are invited to have a relationship with GOD, but you must exercise your free will and accept HIS offer. In order to enter the place called Heaven, you must first come to JESUS, the SON of GOD, WHO died for you and rose again from the grave. HIS familiar words are still beseeching today: "Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

     JESUS is calling you to HIMSELF. HE does not tell you to go to church, to a priest, or to any other place or person. HE HIMSELF is "the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man comes unto the FATHER, but by ME" (John 14:6). If you are sick, you go to the doctor, not the landscaper - you go to the person who has what you need. Maybe you have been working hard in the attempt to earn, merit with GOD. You have been trying to keep the Ten Commandments but have failed. You have worn yourself out with all your efforts, and your charitable deeds have left you exhausted and empty. JESUS offers "rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29) to "whosoever believes in HIM" (John 3:16). Come to JESUS CHRIST by faith and, then, continue to walk by faith as a believer. HE will never fail to provide you with the peace and rest you need. PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" CREATOR and SUSTAINER "

Colossians 1:16-17  "For by HIM were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by HIM, and for HIM: and HE is before all things, and by HIM all things consist."

     While I never studied the subject of physics during my high school years, I am profoundly aware that the laws of physics play a very practical role in my everyday life - the four most fundamental concepts of physics being: classical mechanic (the Laws of Motion), electromagnetism, Relativity, and Thermodynamics. If "laws" exist that govern physics, then who established such laws and who enforces those laws or makes them operable ? How and why does this immense universe function in a precise manner with very little in the way of random and erratic movement ?

     We have a simple yet complex answer to those questions, and it is encapsulated in the opening verse of the Bible, with supporting evidence in many other passages of Scripture: "In the beginning GOD created the Heaven and the Earth" (Genesis 1:1). The simple answer is: "GOD." But the complexity of it is brought before us when we realize that not only was the universe created and set within the parameters of the laws of physics, but it is maintained and stabilized by the upholding hand of the CREATOR. In today's text, the Apostle Paul wrote that "by [CHRIST] were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible . . . All things were created by HIM, and for HIM: and HE is before all things, and by HIM all things consist." Hebrews 1:3 tells us that HE (JESUS CHRIST) "uphold[s] all things by the WORD of HIS power." All things exist because of HIM, and all things continue to function as they should by the command of CHRIST. Rest secure in the hands of the ONE WHO is not only CREATOR also SUSTAINER of our world and the REDEEMER of mankind. Is HE your SAVIOR ? JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

 

" And He Died "

Ephesians 2:4-6  "But GOD, WHO is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with CHRIST, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in CHRST JESUS:"

     How did we so quickly move from this: "And GOD saw every thing that HE had made, and, behold, it was very good" (Genesis 1:31) to this: "And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died" (Genesis 5:5) ? Did you catch that ? He died ! Not only that but death became the end result for all. GOD emphasizes this surety of death by listing nine more men who begot sons and daughters but who then died. And now, we are all embarked on this journey that will end in death. "In Adam all die . . ." (1st.Corinthians 15:22). "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). It is this reality that has led many to despair. You are born, you live, you die, and this life offers nothing more. But this is not the reality that you are obliged to live. Hope exists. Yes, man sinned, and the whole human race was plunged into sin, which brings forth death - "But GOD" ! Indeed, "But GOD, Who is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with CHRIST, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS" (Ephesians 2:4-6).

     GOD intervened and set in motion HIS plan of redemption so that men and women could be restored to a living relationship with HIM - a connection that was lost in the fall of man. GOD sent HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, to bear the penalty of our sin upon the cross and to provide salvation for all who will believe in HIM. The message is clear: "Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31). Death is swallowed up in victory, and man can have eternal life with GOD through faith in JESUS CHRIST. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.  www.feasite.org

 

 

"GOD Loves You, In Remembrance of Fallen Officers"

"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

     This great Bible verse reveals four truths from the hear of GOD for all people.

                                                                       We are loved.

     GOD wants us to know that we are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world . . . " You are part of this world, and GOD loves you. HE gave HIS SON for you, and HE wants you ". . . to know the love of CHRIST. . ." (Ephesians 3:19).

                                                                   We are of worth.

     The LORD also wants us to know that we are of worth. We are so dear to GOD ". . . that HE gave HIS only begotten SON. . ." The Bible teaches us that we are all sinners. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23). And sin must be paid for. "For the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23). But the Bible also teaches us that ". . . CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3).

     GOD demonstrated HIS love for us and our worth to HIM when HE sent HIS SON to die in our place. The Good News is that the LORD JESUS paid our sin debt in full when HE died on the cross. "For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us. . ." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21). CHRIST loved us and gave HIMSELF for us as payment for our sin. You may ask, "How can GOD forgive my sins ?" HE can because of what JESUS did, ". . .While we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (Romans 5:8).

                                                                 We can have hope.

     GOD wants us to know that we have have hope. HE said, ". . . that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish. . ." Life is fragile, and people are perishing. But CHRIST came ". . .that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).

     In a world where so many have lost hope, GOD wants us to know that the ". . .LORD JESUS CHRIST . . . is our hope" (1st.Timothy 1:1). He rose from the dead, and HE said, ". . .Because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19).

                                                            We can have purpose.

 

     GOD wants us to know that we can have purpose in life. HE desires that we ". . .should not perish, but have everlasting life." "And this is the promise that HE hath promised us, even eternal life" (1st.John 2:25).

     You may ask, "How can I receive GOD's promise of eternal life ?"

ACKNOWLEDGE that you are a sinner, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23).

BELIEVE that the LORD JESUS died for you, for "CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3).

CALL upon the LORD to save you, "for whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).

     If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer, or one like it, 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.

                                                     Now that you're a Christian:

*  Share your new-found faith with your family and friends (Acts 16:31-33).

*  Identify with CHRIST through believer's baptism and become part of a local Bible-believing church (Acts 2:41, 47).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Gulf Coast Baptist Church

Pastor Tom Sexton

312 SE 24th.Avenue

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 573-1000

GulfCoastBaptist@aol.com

www.gulfcoastbaptistchurch.com

                           IN  REMEMBRANCE  OF  FALLEN  OFFICERS

           #StandwiththeBlue : contact@SWTB.org  - 239-900-6382

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