"We Are to Be WATCHING, WARNING and WAITING ! "

 

1st.Thessalonians 5:1-24  "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the LORD so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and Safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that Day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep. as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love: and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

For GOD has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO died for us, that whether we wake or sleep we should live together with HIM. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the LORD, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto  any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of GOD in CHRIST JESUS concerning you. Quench not the SPIRIT. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very GOD of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray GOD your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Faithful is HE that calls you, WHO also will do it."

     The Scriptures continually instruct believers to "watch and be sober," and our text for today emphasizes this divine injunction (v.6). Watching is the opposite of sleeping, and no Christian should be found spiritually slumbering as the time of our LORD JESUS CHRIST's return draws nigh. We are to watch for HIS return, watch for the cunning entrapments of Satan, and watch for any opportunity to serve.

     Nevertheless, it is painfully true today that most believers are asleep; few are truly watching. The LORD does not leave us in the dark about what is coming and why (vv.1-5). Therefore, any believer who finds himself in darkness (ignoring or not understanding GOD's instructions) must be awakened to the fact that his darkened state is self-induced. GOD's light is readily available in HIS WORD, but the sleeping saint cannot benefit from it because his spiritual eyes are closed. What a tragic and unnecessary situation !

     How can we determine whether we are awake or asleep ? The deciding factor is not how we feel or what others may think but whether or not our walk and witness conform to the light of the WORD. Verse eight makes it clear that believers who are awake will "be sober"; they will be wearing "the breastplate of faith and love" and the "helmet of salvation." They will be comforting one another and edifying (spiritually building up) each other (v.11 pictured above). They will be appreciative of and submissive to the faithful overseers (Pastors) GOD has given them, and they will be at peace among themselves (vv.12-13). Are we awake today ? If so, then we will be watching for our SAVIOR's return and living each day like we truly believe HE could come even right now !

     Believers who are watching for their LORD's return will also be diligent in warning others for the dangers that can stumble those who are not walking in the light. Christians who are awake will do their best to rouse all who are slumbering. GOD specifically instructs "watching" believers to "warn them that are unruly" (v.14 pictured above) -- those who walk contrary to GOD's WORD, that is, disobedient brethren (2nd.Thessalonians 3:6). "Watching" believers will also "comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, [and] be patient toward all men" (v.14). Though some believers knowingly rebel against the revealed will of GOD, others are "babes" in CHRIST who have never been given the "strong meat" of the WORD. Some of these saints are the victims of compromising Pastors and leaders who remain silent about the "wolves in sheep's clothing" that are decimating the flock. Be caring and longsuffering when alerting the unwary; your patient concern and exhortation may just be what finally awakens them to the truth.

     In our sincere desire to see the salvation of unsaved friends and loved ones, we must never forget that they are "dead in sins" (Ephesians 2:5) and "blinded" concerning the Gospel (2nd.Corinthians 4:4). We must not fault them for their lost condition nor for their inability to respond to what we know is so important. In love and patience we must keep giving them the simple, pure good news that is able to give life and light. Likewise, as we seek to awaken sleeping Christians, we must manifest longsuffering and concern for ones who do not wake up immediately. We must watch and warn, but we also must exercise compassion for those who are in serious need of awakening (Jude 22).

     In addition to "watching" and "warning," we must add "waiting" to the list of actions that the faithful believer is to take in these last days when opposition to the truth is becoming increasingly more vehement. The Christian is not waiting for the world to get better or for the message of the cross to become more popular; he is, however, anxiously awaiting "the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST" (v.23 pictured above) and the fulfillment of all HIS great and precious promises. All that the LORD has promised in HIS WORD to the believer will one day be fully realized when he stands before the SAVIOR at HIS appearing. GOD has called us to glory, and at that wonderful day of HIS return, HE "also will do it" (v.24); that is, the LORD will bring to pass our glorification: the promised end of our "so great a salvation" (Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:3).

     We must keep in mind, however, that we are not to be idle while we wait for our faith to be made sight. In the meantime, we are to be rejoicing, praying, giving thanks, yielding to the HOLY SPIRIT, studying the WORD, testing all things according to the Scriptures, and holding fast to the truth (vv.15-21). We must seek to walk on a set course that is considerably different from that of this present evil world. Anyone who purposes to obey the command to "abstain from all appearance of evil" (v.22) will necessarily find himself at odds with those who are happy with the broad way. We cannot obey today's text in our own strength, but "faithful is HE that calls you, WHO also will do it" (v.24) -- GOD will enable us. We must not quit or even hesitate to move forward in our Christian walk; it will be worth it all when we see CHRIST. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" Is JESUS CHRIST Your SAVIOR ? "

 

THE ONE SAVIOR

My Friend, are you saved ? Saved is a Bible word, not a term thought up by man. I have been a Christian for almost 50 years, and I find that most people still do not have an understanding of GOD's message of salvation.

First, you must believe there is one true GOD.  Secondly, you must believe that GOD can do something for you, and HE has recorded HIS plan of redemption in the Bible. The only GOD that can save souls is the GOD of the Bible. HIS name is the LORD JESUS CHRIST. The Bible says in Acts 4:12, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

A person is saved by putting their complete trust in JESUS CHRIST, not by doing something to earn Heaven. Trusting is believing. Believing must come from the heart, not the head. Do you love and trust your spouse with your head or with your heart ?

Plato, Aristotle, or Einstein could only think as far as their finite minds were able. They could not even solve the problems of this life, such as sickness, disease, pain, hunger, and death, let alone know anything about eternity. GOD knew we needed something to go by, so HE put everything there is to know in HIS Bible.

THE ONE SINNER

Have you ever sinned ? Just once ? One lie ? One theft ? Once is enough, for GOD says in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" The Bible says in Romans 5:12, "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:" So you and I, like our father Adam, are born sinners. We have not obeyed all of GOD's commandments. Your guilt as a sinner is shown by the fact that you will eventually die. The Bible states, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. . ." (Ezekiel 18:20).

A saved sinner has their sins forgiven by faith in JESUS. An unsaved sinner still bears their sins when they die. No one gets into Heaven with their sins ! Nothing unclean gets into Heaven. This creates a problem ! How do you get rid of your sins ? Are your sins adding up day by day ? Are they too much to even keep up with anymore ? Are you saying, "What's the use" ? JESUS says in Matthew 11:28, "Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Could you say that to someone and mean it ? No ? Well, JESUS CHRIST can !

THE ONE SOLUTION

JESUS CHRIST was not conceived the same way you and I were. HE was born of a virgin. The Bible says in Matthew 1:23, "Behold, a virgin shall be with CHILD, and shall bring forth a SON, and they shall call HIS name EMMANUEL, which being interpreted is, GOD with us." Because JESUS is GOD, HIS blood was sinless. "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  JESUS died on a cross to pay for your sins. ". . .while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8b)  "In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" (Colossians 1:14)

The Bible says, ". . .without the shedding of blood is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22b)  Our blood is polluted by sin, so it could not be shed to take away our sin. The blood of JESUS can take away all of your sins, because HE is sinless, and HIS blood is pure. HIS blood can remove your sin as far as the east is from the west. GOD said HE would remember them no more ! Isn't that good news ! Wouldn't you want that ?

THE ONE SIN.

Please hear this ! People do not go to a Devil's Hell for their sins. They go to Hell for rejecting JESUS CHRIST as their SIN BEARER, their SUBSTITUTE, and the ONE WHO died in their place for their sins. "He that believes on HIM is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." (John 3:18) JESUS knew how many sins you would commit, but HE said HE loved you and died for you. Would you right now just pray to GOD and trust JESUS CHRIST as your SAVIOR ? Romans 10:9,13 states, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." It's your decision.

     If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation or one like with all your heart:

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. 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.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" Pardon Me "

 

PARDON ME . . . Since I may never see you in person, would you please read the friendly post below !

     You reading this post today is not altogether by chance. Although we have not had a chance to meet in person, may I share with you something most wonderful ?

     Some time ago I met a remarkable PERSON, so great and outstanding, that it has become a joy to introduce HIM to others. The great tragedy is that so many know about HIM, but so few know HIM personally. Perhaps you have already guessed that I am speaking of JESUS CHRIST.

     To some HE is little more than a word of blasphemy, and to to others a source of embarrassment, but to those who know HIM, HE is wonderful !

     You may recall that the Apostle Paul persecuted the early Christians, but after he personally met JESUS, his life was transformed. He wrote in 1st.Timothy 1:15  "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief."

     It hurts our pride to admit that we are sinners, but it is wonderful when we experience the power of JESUS CHRIST to forgive our sins and heal our hearts.

     When once we accept HIM as our SAVIOR, we make an amazing discovery. JESUS did not come to make us stuffy saints or miserable mortals, but HE came to give us LIFE - the very fullest and richest. Listen to JESUS' own WORDs:

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10

     Dear Reader, whatever may have been your disappointment with people, disillusionment with life, and confusion with religion, let me assure you that this is not the fault of JESUS CHRIST. HE has been misrepresented, betrayed, denied, and neglected, but HE stands majestically, in love pleading with everyone of Earth's billions,

"Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

"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

     HE speaks to you today. Do you personally know HIM ? Repent, turn to GOD from your sins; believe that JESUS died on the cross to pay for them, and make HIM the LORD of your life. Read the following Scripture carefully. Then believe it and act upon it:

"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD has 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

     If you want to know more of this wonderful SAVIOR, get a copy of the Gospel of John and read it. Talk to a committed born again Christian; go to a church where the Good News of the Gospel of Salvation is clearly explained.

     All things are planned by GOD - also you reading this post. Do not harden yourself against HIS call. If you would be willing to turn to JESUS in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of  salvation or one like it with all your heart:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. Come into my heart and save me and help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

Pray that the HOLY SPIRIT will open your mind and heart to let JESUS in. It will be going from death to life. JESUS said,

"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

Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" Be Watching ! "

 

2nd.Peter 3:12-14  "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. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of HIM in peace, without spot, and blameless."

     The future destruction of this Earth and everything in it not only should motivate us to live godly holy lives, but it also should impel us to watch continually for the any-moment return of JESUS CHRIST. In today's text, Peter tells us that we are to eagerly anticipate the reality of a new Heaven and a new Earth "wherein dwelleth righteousness" (v.13). Of course, prior to the destruction of this sin-cursed Earth and the creation of a new, righteous Earth, CHRIST must return to catch away HIS saints. The blessed reality of the rapture is the next big event to occur on GOD's prophetic timetable. Anticipating CHRIST's return not only will cause us to look forward to a new Heaven and new Earth but also will serve as a purifying factor in our lives right now. We should diligently seek to be "without spot" at CHRIST's appearing (v.14). Blamelessness comes through abiding in CHRIST and living a holy, righteous lifestyle.

     As believers who know that GOD will one day destroy this Earth and its contents with fire, we should eagerly await and anticipate the coming of JESUS CHRIST for HIS saints. We can rejoice in the fact that we will not endure the judgment that GOD has reserved for the world and the lusts therein. We know we will be spared this coming Day because GOD has promised it (v.13). Yet our future salvation should not cause us to be lethargic now. If we anticipate CHRIST's return and live each moment as though it could be our last, we will naturally desire to do that which will enable us to be "blameless" at HIS appearing (v.14 cf. 1st.John 2:28 pictured above). Does JESUS CHRIST's imminent return motivate you to "live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:11-14 pictured below) ? MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" Saved, Sure and Serving ! "

 

NOW I AM A CHILD OF GOD.

"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)

NOW I HAVE ASSURANCE.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on ME has everlasting life."  (John 6:47)

"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. . ."  (1st.John 5:13)

NOW I HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO TEACH ME.

"Hereby know we that we dwell in HIM, and HE in us, because HE has given us of HIS SPIRIT."  (1st.John 4:13)

"Howbeit when HE, the SPIRIT of TRUTH, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of HIMSELF; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE speak: and HE will show you things to come."  (John 16:13)

NOW I AM KEPT BY MY SAVIOR.

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand. MY FATHER, which gave them ME, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of MY FATHER's hand."  (John 10:28-29)

I WILL BE EMMERSED (WATER BAPTIZED) AND WILL UNITE WITH A BIBLE PREACHING CHURCH.

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY GHOST:"  (Matthew 28:19)

"Then they that gladly received HIS WORD were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."  (Acts 2:41)

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the Day approaching."  (Hebrews 10:25)

I WILL STUDY GOD'S WORD DAILY.

"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the WORD, that ye may grow thereby:"  (1st.Peter 2:2)

"Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of TRUTH."  (2nd.Timothy 2:15)

"THY WORD have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against THEE."  (Psalm 119:11)

I WILL PRAY DAILY.

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and HE shall hear my voice."  (Psalm 55:17)

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD."  (Philippians 4:6)

"And whatsoever ye shall ask in MY name, that will I do, that the FATHER may be glorified in the SON."  (John 14:13)

"Pray without ceasing."  (1st.Thessalonians 5:17)

I WILL SURRENDER MY ALL TO SERVE CHRIST.

BODY:  "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of GOD, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD, which is your reasonable service."  (Romans 12:1)

TIME:  "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."  (Ephesians 5:15-16)

TALENTS:  "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of GOD; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which GOD gives: that GOD in all things may be glorified through JESUS CHRIST. . ."  (1st.Peter 4:11)

MONEY:  "But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for GOD loves a cheerful giver."  (2nd.Corinthians 9:6-7)

I WILL WITNESS TO OTHERS DAILY.

"And HE said unto them, GO ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature."  (Mark 16:15)

"But ye shall receive power, after that the HOLY GHOST is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth."  (Acts 1:8)

"Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the WORD."  (Acts 8:4)

REMEMBER GOD'S PROMISE !

"Therefore, MY beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always  abounding in the work of the LORD, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the LORD."  (1st.Corinthians 15:58)

Your servant IN CHRIST,

Julie

" Is There Something MISSING in YOUR Life ? "

 

What is missing ?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Friend, are you dead or alive ? Do you ever feel that there is something important missing from your life ? A vital part of your existence that isn't there, and has never been there ? An empty void and longing, deep within the depths of your soul, crying out to be filled ?

If you do not know the LORD JESUS CHRIST on a personal basis, that is the problem. GOD, the GIVER and SUSTAINER of life, is missing from your life. The Bible says that without JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, you are "dead in trespasses and sins." (Ephesians 2:1b)

How did it happen ?

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In the Garden of Eden, before man's fall, Adam and Eve were alive, that is, they were "spiritually" alive. They walked in perfection, and oneness with GOD. "And the LORD GOD commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17)

On that day, when they disobeyed GOD and ate of the fruit, they died a "spiritual" death. Sin entered in, and they were separated from GOD. Since then, every one of us has been born into sin. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12). "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5)  "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10).  "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23).

The results of sin are a spiritual death, a physical death, and if you die without JESUS CHRIST, and eternal death. THis is eternal separation from GOD in a Devil's Hell fire.

What has been done about it ?

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JESUS CHRIST, the GOD-MAN, was not a partaker of man's sinful bloodline. HE was perfect, sinless, righteous, Holy, born of a virgin, and GOD in the flesh. "In the beginning was the WORD (JESUS), and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. The same was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made by HIM; and without HIM was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:1-3)  "And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the FATHER), full of grace and truth." (John 1:19)

HE came to seek and to save that which was lost. HE offered HIMSELF the perfect, sinless sacrifice unto GOD, to redeem man from the sin which separates him from GOD. "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and where in 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). HE came to give life back unto men. ". . .I AM come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)  "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. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the SON of GOD: and they that hear shall live." (John 5:24-25)

Now it is up to you !

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My Friend, do you hear HIS voice calling you through these Scriptures ? HE wants to breath new life into you. This receiving of new life from JESUS CHRIST is what HE called being "born again" in John 3:3. We see this in the Bible when JESUS tells Nicodemus, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of GOD. . .That which is born of the flesh (the first birth) is flesh; and that which is born of the SPIRIT (the 2nd.birth) is spirit." (John 3:3,6)

My Friend, repent ! Turn to GOD from your sin, and embrace the LORD JESUS CHRIST by faith and be born of GOD. You can pray this simple prayer or one like it with all your heart:

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.

GOD promised in Romans 10:9, "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." When you turn to GOD, the missing link will be found, and the empty void will be filled. You will be one with GOD. HE will be your FATHER, and you will be HIS son or daughter. You can rejoice in this great truth forever:  "He that has the SON has life; and he that has not the SON has not life." (1st.John 5:12).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" New Testament Teaching on Labor "

 

Ephesians 4:22-32  "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after GOD is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members of one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the Devil.

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as GOD for CHRIST's sake hath forgiven you."

1. Sinners must labor to partake of eternal life. Eternal life is not earned by man's efforts or by the performance of good works, but each person must labor to ensure that one's spiritual, eternal needs are met only by way of GOD's free gift (See picture above John 6:27).

2. Believers should always labor and make it their ambition to please GOD: "Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted (well-pleasing to) of HIM" (2nd.Corinthians 5:9 pictured above).

3. A wonderful balance exists between my laboring and GOD's mighty working in me: "Whereunto I also labor, striving according to HIS working, which worketh in me mightily" (Colossians 1:29 pictured above).

4. Wholesome, diligent labor provides for our own needs and also for the needs of others: "Let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth" (v.28 pictured at the top of the post)

5. GOD knows our labor and will reward us accordingly: "I know thy works, and thy labor"; "every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor" (Revelation 2:2; 1st.Corinthians 3:8 both pictured above).

6. The labor that pleases GOD is motivated by a love for GOD and for others: "Remembering without ceasing your. . .labor of love"; "for GOD is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward HIS name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister" (1st.Thessalonians 1:3; Hebrews 6:10 both pictured above).

7. Our labor is not in vain: "Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the LORD" (1st.Corinthians 15:58 pictured above). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" Born Twice, Die Only Once "

 

John 3:1-7  "There was a man of the Pharisees, name Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to JESUS by night, and said unto HIM, RABBI, we know that THOU art a teacher come from GOD: for no man can do these miracles that THOU doest, except GOD be with HIM. JESUS answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of GOD. 

Nicodemus saith unto HIM, How can a man be born when he is old ? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born ? JESUS answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee Except a man be born of water (the first birth) and the SPIRIT (the 2nd.birth), he cannot enter into the kingdom of GOD. That which is born of the flesh (the first birth) is flesh; and that which is born of the SPIRIT (the 2nd. birth) is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."

     "If you are born only once, you will die twice; but if you are born twice, you will die only once." That is an expression I heard my father use many times. But some might say, "I don't understand. What does it mean ?" It really is not that difficult to understand. When GOD created man, it was with the capacity for reproduction. You came into this world through physical birth, and you will some day die just as the writer of Hebrews states: "It is appointed unto men once to die" (Hebrews 9:27 pictured above). However, the verse just quoted continues with "but after this the judgment." GOD will bring us into judgment for our sins UNLESS we have come to HIM through faith in JESUS CHRIST and HIS shed blood. As a result of GOD's judgment, the unsaved will experience what the Bible calls "the second death" when "Death and Hell [are] cast into the Lake of Fire" (Revelation 20:14 pictured below) --eternal separation from GOD in eternal suffering. Yes, if we are born once (physically), we will die twice (both physically and eternally).

     But take heart ! JESUS told Nicodemus he needed to be "born again" (V.3) --He needed a second birth, a spiritual birth into GOD's family. It is in the context of that conversation with Nicodemus that JESUS promised, "Whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16 pictured below) -- born twice, die once (physically but not eternally).

If you have trusted JESUS as your own personal LORD and SAVIOR, then you have the blessed assurance of being "absent from the body, and . . . present with the LORD" (2nd.Corinthians 5:8 pictured below) when your time comes to die physically. If you have never come to CHRIST for salvation, I urge you to trust HIM today while there is still time -- "ye must be born again" (v.7 pictured at the top of the post). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org