" Preeminent in ALL Things "

 

Colossians 1:15-19  "WHO (JESUS) is the image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn of every creature: 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. And HE is the head of the body, the church: WHO Is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things HE might have the preeminence. For it pleased the FATHER that in HIM should all fulness dwell."

     Today's text clearly expresses the deity of JESUS CHRIST, a doctrine taught throughout the Scriptures. Paul declares JESUS to be "the image of the invisible GOD" and "the firstborn of every creature" (v.15). JESUS CHRIST created all things, whether in Heaven or on Earth, whether visible or invisible, including "thrones," "dominions," "principalities," and "powers"; the all-inclusive work of HIS creatorship is plainly and forcefully set forth when the WORD of GOD declares. "All things were created by HIM, and for HIM" (v.16). JESUS CHRIST's deity is further verified by the grand testimony that "HE is before all things, and by HIM all things consist" (v.17).

     Today, many claim to be "Christians" despite the fact that they deny or doubt the deity of CHRIST. Some "Christian" leaders have tried to downgrade the importance of this doctrine, but the Bible teaches that those who do not believe that JESUS is the GOD-man have the "spirit of antichrist" (1st.John 4:1-3 pictured above). True believers affirm and proclaim that JESUS is GOD manifest in the flesh WHO humbled HIMSELF to be our SAVIOR (Philippians 2:5-11 pictured below).

     Our text also presents a second wonderful truth coupled with CHRIST's deity: HE is the head of the church (v.18). The combination of these two important doctrines results in a statement that every believer should make the top priority in life -- "that in all things HE might have the preeminence." Certainly that is the position JESUS deserves, but is that the position HE has in our life today ? Think about how much time we spend seeking to please ourselves or other people, yet how much time and effort do we devote in seeking to please the ONE WHO should have primacy in all things ? MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" According To . . . "

 

Ephesians 1:7 "In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace;"

     The phrase "according to. . ." is an intriguing expression in GOD's WORD. It occurs 725 times in the Bible; 117 of those incidences are in the New Testament; 71 times it appears in the Pauline epistles. It is twice used in the Old Testament in connection with GOD's lovingkindness. David prayed: "Have mercy upon me, O GOD, according to THY lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of THY tender mercies blot out my transgressions" (Psalm 51:1). This was his prayer after Nathan the Prophet confronted him concerning his sin with Bathsheba. The writer of Psalm 119 (perhaps David also) expressed his love of GOD's precepts (commandments) and requested that he be "quicken[ed] (revived) . . . according to THY lovingkindness" (Psalm 119:159 pictured above).

     The Apostle reminded the believers at Corinth of the good news he had already delivered to them: "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 part of the last picture in the post). Paul's message was corroborated by the WORD of GOD. Concerning the Judgement Seat of CHRIST, he declared that Christians will receive or lose reward "according to that [we have] done" (2nd.Corinthians 5:10 pictured above). Another verse that brings joy is today's text: "We have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace." Let that grip your soul ! GOD provides redemption for us through HIS SON -- not out of the riches of HIS grace but according to the riches of HIS grace. HIS grace is inexhaustible; HIS grace is always available; HIS grace is beyond comprehension. HE provides "forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace." PRAISE GOD ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" Unto You is Born This Day . . . a SAVIOR ! "

 

Luke 2:1-20  "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was Governor of Syria). And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David): to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped HIM in swaddling cloths, and laid HIM in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising GOD, and saying, Glory to GOD in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising GOD for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them."

     The LORD first gave HIS promise of a SAVIOR, a REDEEMER, to Adam and Eve back in the Garden of Eden immediately after they had sinned (Genesis 3:15 pictured above). Later, Isaiah prophesied the miraculous nature of CHRIST's virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14 see picture below), and Micah even foretold the location of HIS birth (Micah 5:2 2nd.picture from top of post). Centuries later, godly Simeon, who had been looking for the promised MESSIAH, praised GOD when sight confirmed his faith (Luke 2:25-32 pictured below). Today's text is GOD's inspired record of the fulfillment of the many Old Testament prophecies concerning the birth of JESUS CHRIST. Millions have read and rejoiced in these precious words, and many who have believed have thereafter happily joined in reiterating these precious words, "GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY" (Luke 2:10-11 pictured at top of post).

     Christmas, though its observance has obviously become a means of promoting religious ceremonialism, heathen observances, crass commercialism, and social debauchery, does provide a wonderful opportunity for Christian witness. Those who personally know JESUS CHRIST, the SAVIOR WHO indeed came into the world, are the very ones who must bear testimony of that blessed reality to others. Believers can use this season to tell the unsaved WHO JESUS is and why HE came, urging them to trust HIM as their personal SAVIOR. And, let us remember that although we do not know the precise date of JESUS' birth nor have we been told the exact date of HIS return, we do know that HE did come to Earth over 2,000 years ago and that HE is coming again -- it could be at any time; HE could even come today ! "Thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable gift" (2nd.Corinthians 9:15), and praise the LORD for our "blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-13). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" GOD Sent Forth "

 

Galatians 4:4-5  "But when the fulness of the time was come, GOD sent forth HIS SON, made of a woman, made under the Law, to redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."

     An unknown author wrote the following: "If our greatest need had been information, GOD would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, GOD would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, GOD would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, GOD would have sent us an entertainer. BUT our greatest need was forgiveness, so GOD sent us a SAVIOR." In today's text, the words "sent forth" are the translation of a Greek word meaning "to send away forth, i.e. (on a mission)." Our GOD is the greatest at sending agents, and when GOD sends, HE appoints someone with a task, with the necessary resources to accomplish the task, and with the authority to represent HIM.

     HE sent the prophets to carry HIS message: Jeremiah records, "And the LORD hath sent unto you all HIS servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear" (Jeremiah 25:4 two pictures above). HE sent John the Baptist as the forerunner of CHRIST: "There was a man sent from GOD, whose name was John. . .And he shall go before HIM in the spirit and power of Elias" (John 1:6; Luke 1:17). HE sent HIS SON to be the SAVIOR: "And we have seen and do testify that the FATHER sent the SON to be the SAVIOR of the world" (1st.John 4:14 pictured at top of post). HE sent the disciples with the Gospel: "As THOU hast sent ME into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world" (John 17:18 pictured above). And HE continues to work through man by sending him to accomplish HIS purpose. HE commissions us to be witnesses of HIS saving grace and power to a lost and dying world. We have been sent and equipped. Are we going forth ? JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" Joseph's Thoughtful Deliberation "

 

Matthew 1:18-25  "Now the birth of JESUS CHRIST was on this wise: When as HIS Mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with  CHILD of the HOLY GHOST. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the HOLY GHOST. And she shall bring forth a SON, and thou shall call HIS name JESUS : for HE shall save HIS people from their sins.

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the LORD by the prophet, saying, 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. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the LORD had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn SON: and he called HIS name JESUS."

     "When as HIS Mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with CHILD of the HOLY GHOST" (v.18 pictured above). Put yourself in Joseph's shoes (sandals). Prior to the consummation of their marriage, Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant. He knew that the CHILD was not his, and so it seemed that he could come to only one conclusion: Mary had been unfaithful. She must have been with some other man. Joseph was greatly troubled. It just did not make any sense. The Mary he knew would not have done this. What should he do ?

     As he considered his options, he did not wish to make a public spectacle of Mary. To deal with the matter in private seemed best. "He thought on these things" (v.20 pictured at top of post). Joseph did not act in haste or in anger. He deliberated. He waited on the LORD. "LORD, what should I do ? I love Mary; I can't believe this has happened. I don't understand it. LORD, show me what to do." GOD quickly answered and supplied the vital information that Joseph lacked (vv.20-21). May we avoid rash actions and not jump to conclusions before learning all the facts. We need to wait on the LORD and carefully evaluate the situation in light of what we know to be true. The person who manifests the love of CHRIST does not hastily prejudge a case but, rather, "believeth all things" (1st.Corinthians 13:7); that is, he tries to put the best possible construction on actions and events. May we believe that a person is innocent until the facts prove otherwise. It is important to accept what a person says in his own defense unless we have solid evidence to the contrary. "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage. . .Wait, I say, on the LORD" (Psalm 27:14 pictured above). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" Was Joseph the Father of JESUS ? "

 

Luke 2:40-52  "And the CHILD grew, and waxed strong in SPIRIT, filled with wisdom: and the grace of GOD was upon HIM. Now HIS parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when HE was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the CHILD JESUS tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and HIS Mother knew not of it. But they, supposing HIM to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought HIM among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found HIM not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking HIM.

And it came to pass, that after three days they found HIM in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard HIM were astonished at HIS understanding and answers. And when they saw HIM, they were amazed: and HIS Mother said unto HIM, behold, THY Father and I have sought THEE sorrowing. And HE said unto them, How is it that ye sought ME ? Wist ye not that I must be about MY FATHER's business ? And they understood not the saying which HE spoke unto them. And HE went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but HIS Mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And JESUS increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with GOD and man."

     "And Joseph and HIS Mother marveled at those things which were spoken of HIM" (Luke 2:33 picture at top of post). Notice that Luke does not say, "HIS Father and HIS Mother." Joseph was not JESUS' biological Father. The LORD JESUS was the SON of MAN. No man was involved in HIS supernatural conception. Now consider Luke 2:48 (pictured above) where Mary says, "THY Father and I have sought THEE sorrowing." Mary calls Joseph the Father of JESUS. Was Mary mistaken ? If anyone knew about the virgin birth and supernatural conception, Mary certainly did. Was Joseph the Father of JESUS or not ? Keep in mind what a Father is meant to be. Many fathers today are missing in action. Sadly, too many children are born out of wedlock and raised without the presence of a Father. Others have deadbeat Dads who refuse to play a responsible role in their upbringing. This was never GOD's intent. The breakdown of the family has been a curse on our society in so many ways.

     Back to our question: What is a Father supposed to be ? Here are three simple words that sum up the paternal responsibilities: The Father is to provide (1st.Timothy 5:8), protect (Proverbs 14:26), and teach (Ephesians 6:4). Joseph provided for his family by working diligently as a carpenter (Matthew 13:55), protected his family from harm (Matthew 2:13-14), and taught his family (two of his sons, James and Jude, authored books of the Bible). Joseph, our LORD's foster Father, faithfully fulfilled the role of a Father, even though he had nothing to do with JESUS' conception. "Joseph. . .fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the HOLY GHOST" (Matthew 1:20 pictured above). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" GOD Loves You ! "

 

"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

     This great Bible verse reveals four truths from the heart 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 HI 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 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 sin ?" 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 can have hope. HE said, ". . .that whosoever believes 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 life also" (John 14:19).

We can have purpose.

     GOD wants us to know that we an have purpose in life. HE desires that we ". . .should not perish, but have everlasting life." 

"And this is the promise that HE has 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, personally, 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, for 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 life 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).

"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

GULF COAST 

BAPTIST CHURCH

317 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-1000

Pastor Tom Sexton

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

" The Wrath to Come ! "

 

1st.Thessalonians 1:5-10  "For our Gospel came not unto you in WORD only, but also in power, and in the HOLY GHOST, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the LORD, having received the WORD in much affliction, with joy of the HOLY GHOST: so that ye were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the WORD of the LORD not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to GOD-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to GOD from idols to serve the living and true GOD; and to wait for HIS SON from Heaven, WHOM HE raised from the dead, even JESUS, which delivered us from the wrath to come."

     Believers at Thessalonica heard the Gospel, believed the Gospel, preached the Gospel, and lived the Gospel (vv.1-9). They also believed in the Rapture, the imminent return of CHRIST WHO delivered them "from the wrath to come" (v.10); they would be taken up before GOD's prophesied wrath would come down (1st.Thessalonians 4:16-17; 5:9). This was wonderful news to those early believers just as it is fantastic news for us today. Many of the Christians in Thessalonica were undergoing such terrible persecution that they thought perhaps they had missed the Rapture and were going through the Great Tribulation. But the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD had Paul assure them that such was not the case (Note 1st.Thessalonians 3:3-4; 4:13-18; 5:9; 2nd.Thessalonians 2:1-12).

     Today much misunderstanding concerning the return of CHRIST abounds, similar to the confusion that existed in Thessalonica (2nd.Thessalonians 2:1-7). Many errant teachers are telling believers that the church will go through all or part of the Tribulation (Revelation 6:16; 16:1,19). But verse ten of our text specifically states that our LORD JESUS CHRIST has "delivered us from the wrath to come." Does this "wrath to come" refer only to eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire ? Believers, of course, have been delivered from that, but Christians have also been delivered from ("out of") the coming wrath of GOD (the "Day of the LORD") that will be poured out upon the Earth in full measure during the Seven-year Tribulation. The church will be translated to Heaven before that global judgment (Revelation 3:10 pictured above). All genuine believers can anticipate the joy of the blessed hope (Titus 2:13) rather than the fear of GOD's holy wrath to come. Keep looking up ! MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: The Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" The Daysman (Arbiter) "

 

Job 9:18-33  "HE will not suffer me to take my breath but fills me with bitterness. If I speak of strength, lo, HE is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead ? If I justify myself mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse. Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life. This is one thing, therefore I said it, HE destroys the perfect and the wicked. If the scourge slay suddenly, HE will laugh at the trial of the innocent. The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covers the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he ? Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.

They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that hasten to the prey. If I say, I will forget my compliant, I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself: I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that THOU wilt not hold me innocent. If I be wicked, why then labor I in vain ? If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; yet shalt THOU plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me. For HE is not a man, as I am, that I should answer HIM, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman (Arbiter) betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both."

     Job was in the midst of suffering, under the divinely permitted testing of his faith by Satan his adversary, when this plaintive cry escaped his lips: "Neither is there any daysman (Arbiter) betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both" (v.33 pictured at top of post). The surrounding verses make it clear that Job, while trying to understand GOD's purpose in allowing this grief and misery, was conscious of sin. In fact, he freely acknowledged to GOD, "THOU wilt not hold me innocent" (v.28), and he gave a confession of guilt: "If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me" (v.20 pictured below). Furthermore, he cried in agony, "If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; yet shalt THOU plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me" (vv.30-31).

     His anguished cry was for an arbiter, a mediator, to lay his hand on both GOD and man and hold them both accountable in this matter of judgment. Job speaks for all sinful people as he seeks reconciliation with GOD, knowing that "if I say, I am perfect [my mouth] shall also prove me perverse" (v.20 pictured above). He pleaded for someone to "lay his hand upon us both" (v.33 pictured at top of post) -- to bring us together, mediating between us. Here Job is, a sinful, finite creature, as are we, who realizes that he cannot argue his own cause before the eternal JUDGE and regards it unfair that his JUDGE and his INDICTER should be the same PERSON. But, thank GOD for the DAYSMAN, the MAN CHRIST JESUS, WHO is the MEDIATOR between GOD and man. JESUS paid the penalty, in full, for the sins of the whole world and has provided reconciliation with GOD; the FATHER is satisfied with the sacrifice of HIS SON. CHRIST has laid HIS hand upon both GOD and man, bridging that immense gap. PRAISE GOD HE did ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org