" Critically Important News "

 

Ephesians 2:1-9  "And you has HE quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in time past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But GOD, who is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with CHRIST, (by grace ye are saved): and has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS: that in the ages to come HE might show the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us through CHRIST JESUS. 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."

     Daily we are inundated with news. Some of it is interesting, and some of it is relevant to our life in the present. But GOD has news that makes everything else pale in comparison. It is important because it affects not just today or the near future but all eternity. This GOOD NEWS from GOD is the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST. The Bible tells us that, prior to being saved, we "were dead in trespasses and sins" (v. 1 above). Being "dead" does not imply that we are unable to live or function, nor does it mean we are powerless to comprehend our spiritual condition or its remedy. Rather, it means we are separated from GOD, unable to save ourselves. Because we are sinners by birth and deed, our mind, emotions, and will are under the control of sin. Thus, anything we attempt to do in order to bring about GOD's forgiveness is also tainted by human depravity, rendering it unacceptable to HIM. This sinful condition leaves mankind in a state of spiritual death, unable to accomplish any work that would generate life (v. 9).

     However, we have good news: The LORD JESUS died in our place. HIS death, burial and resurrection secured the forgiveness of our sins, reconciling us to GOD the FATHER. When we are forgiven, we receive the gift of eternal life. To obtain this eternal life, each person must exercise faith in what CHRIST has done on his or her behalf (v. 8). Every individual must "believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST" (Acts 16:31 above), trusting in the Gospel message (see picture below) in order to be saved (v. 8). The one who received the gift of salvation is saved and safe forever because of WHO CHRIST is and what HE has done, having paid in full the just penalty for our sin. Have you believed this important news of the Gospel ? GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" True Victory "

 

Athletes have long-been aspiring for victory. Years of training, self-discipline, perseverance, patience, and determination are all in preparation for the goal. Whether competing as a team player or individually, the hope is to reach that defining moment when victory is claimed.

WHAT IS TRUE VICTORY ?

     Astylos of Croton, an Olympic champion in ancient Greece, donned the prestigious olive wreath six times, claiming highest victory in three Olympiads. A record-breaking runner, Astylos' claim to fame was winning an event in which the athletes ran with a full armoured suit.

     Though Astylos gained fame and notoriety and was among those reaching the pinnacle of successful athleticism, he died a defeated and lonely man. It was discovered by his compatriots, that he had received a bribe to participate under the banner of Syracuse. To dishonor his name, the people of Croton demolished his statue and converted his home into a prison. His family disowned him.

     The victory of Astylos was temporary. "And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." (1st.Corinthians 9:25) True and lasting victory is not found in trophies, medals, and the praise of men. The victor standing in the winner's circle today will be replaced by another tomorrow. Age, injury, and fading popularity prevent victory from being permanent.

     True victory is not found in position, but in a person, JESUS CHRIST. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ?" (Mark 8:36) Friend, if you want true victory, it has already been won for you !

1. Without JESUS CHRIST, we are ALL losers. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD." (Romans 3:23) Because we are all sinners, we are all under the same condemnation of sin. Defeat is certain.

2. The condemnation of our sin will send us to an eternal death in a Devil's Hell. "For the wages of sin is death,. ." (Romans 6:23a) "Wherefore as by one man (Adam), sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." (Romans 5:12) If we have broken even one of GOD's Commandments, we will stand condemned before GOD. "For whosoever shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10)

3. GOD loved us so much that HE gave HIS only perfect and sinless SON to suffer in our place. HE became our substitute. "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). "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) "For HE has made HIM to be sin for us, WHO knew no sin. ." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21). "But GOD commended HIS love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8)

4. Our victory was won when JESUS CHRIST triumphed over the grave and hell. "O death where is thy sting ? O grave where is thy victory ? . . .But thanks be to GOD, which gives us the victory." (1st.Corinthians 15:55,57) "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 15:3-4)

5. CHRIST's victory is ours for the claiming. The prize is eternal life with HIM in Heaven. "But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name:" (John 1:12). "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9-10,13)

     Friend, do not be satisfied with temporary victory. The accolades of men, material gain, and financial success will never give true peace and satisfaction. True victory has already been won for you ! If you believe that JESUS CHRIST was crucified, buried and that HE rose again for you and if your trust in HIM as your only SAVIOR, you will receive the forgiveness of all your sin and the gift of eternal life. Step up and claim it. Call on the LORD JESUS CHRIST today ! You can pray this simple prayer or one like it:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner; and I believe that 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.

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. JESUS said, "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

" The REST of the STORY "

 

The story of our LORD JESUS CHRIST did not end with HIS death on the cross. The Bible says that after three days, HE rose again from the grave.

The angel of the LORD said, ". . .I know that ye seek JESUS, which was crucified. HE is not here: for HE is risen, as HE said. Come, see the place where the LORD lay" (Matthew 28:5-6).

The Gospel according to the Bible is that CHRIST died for our sins, HE was buried, and most importantly, HE rose from the dead on the third day.

1st.Corinthians 15:1-4,  ". . .I declare unto you the Gospel. . .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."

CHRIST's resurrection and life complete the Gospel story. We are saved not by the life and death of the SON of GOD, but by the death and life of the SON of GOD. ". . .We were reconciled to GOD by the death of HIS SON, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by HIS life" (Romans 5:10).

The rest of the story is that JESUS rose from the grave and gave us the promise of HIS return.

JESUS  IS  COMING  AGAIN  !

In Acts 1:11, the angel of the LORD said, ". . .this same JESUS, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen HIM go into Heaven."

The next great event on GOD's calendar of events is the rapture of the church, when the LORD JESUS will come again for those who have put their trust in HIM.

Dear Friend, have you put your trust in GOD ?

You may ask, "What does it mean to trust GOD ?"

FIRST, trust GOD when HE says that every person is a sinner.

Romans 3:10 reads: ". . .There is none righteous, no, not one.

And again in Romans 3:23, the Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD."

Our sins have separated us from GOD. Before a person can know that he has eternal life and that he will go to Heaven, he must first know and believe that he is a sinner.

SECOND, trust GOD when HE says that sin must be paid for.

Romans 6:23 reads: "For the wages of sin is death. . ."

According to GOD's WORD, we are all sinners, and our sin must be paid for. If we fail to trust GOD in this life, we will die without CHRIST and spend eternity separated from GOD.

THIRD, trust GOD when HE says that CHRIST died for our sins.

Romans 5:8, reads: "But GOD commended HIS love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us."

The best news that anyone could ever tell you is that JESUS CHRIST died for your sins. All our sins were laid on HIM. HE paid our sin debt in full.

FOURTH, trust GOD when HE says we must pray and receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Romans 10:13 reads: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved."

A person can believe that GOD loves him. He can believe that he is a sinner and that sin must be paid for; BUT if he is not willing to trust GOD by receiving the LORD JESUS as his personal SAVIOR, he will die without CHRIST.

Let us review for a moment.

1. Do you realize that GOD loves you ? (John 3:16)

2. Do you believe that all men are sinners ? (Romans 3:23)

3. Do you agree with the Bible that sin must be paid for ? (Romans 6:23)

4. Do you believe that CHRIST died for you ? (Romans 5:8)

5. Do you see that you must personally pray and receive CHRIST as your SAVIOR ? (Romans 10:13)

The Bible says that "the goodness of GOD leads thee to repentance" (Romans 2:4). If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, pray this simple prayer or one like it:

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.

NEW  LIFE

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28).

THE  REST  OF  THE  STORY  IS

JESUS says to those who receive HIM, ". . .because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19).

Now that you have received the LORD JESUS as your personal SAVIOR, please contact us or plan to visit us. We would like to REJOICE with you in your newfound faith.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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GULF COAST BAPTIST CHURCH

Pastor Tom Sexton

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33990

#239-574-1000

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

(c)Five Star Christian Publications, (239) 574-STAR

info@5scp, www.5SCP.com

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