"The Blood, Man's Greatest Need !"

 

MAN'S GREATEST NEED

Sin has separated man from GOD. To be separated from GOD at death means to spend eternity in a Devil's Hell, because GOD will not excuse sin, and sin must be punished. Man is sinful, but GOD is Holy. The blood of JESUS CHRIST is GOD's way of meeting man's greatest need.

GOD'S GREATEST SACRIFICE

GOD sent HIS SON, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, to die on the cross as the payment for your sins: "WHOM GOD hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in HIS blood. . ." (Romans 3:25). Notice that it was GOD's plan, not man's: "WHOM GOD hath set forth. . ." Secondly, notice that CHRIST died to pay for our sins: ". . .to be a propitiation. . ." Finally, this verse states that forgiveness is obtained simply by trusting what JESUS has done: ". . .through faith in HIS blood. . ." Because of the blood, GOD can show mercy to sinners, yet still remain Holy and Just. ". . .that HE might be just, and the JUSTIFIER of him which believeth in JESUS." (Romans 3:26)

WHAT WILL JESUS' BLOOD DO ?

1.  The blood washes and cleanses you from sin. ". . .Unto HIM that loved us, and washed us from our sins in HIS own blood," (Revelation 1:5) ". . .and the blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanseth us from all sin." (1st.John 1:7)

2.  The blood pays for your forgiveness. "In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins. . ." (Ephesians 1:7)

3.  The blood makes peace with GOD. "And, having made peace through the blood of HIS cross, by HIM to reconcile all things unto HIMSELF. . ." (Colossians 1:20)

4.  The blood saves you from GOD's wrath. "Much more then, being now justified by HIS blood, we shall be saved from wrath through HIM." (Romans 5:9)

5.  The blood opens the way to Heaven. "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of JESUS," (Hebrews 10:19)

6.  The blood is the center piece of the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST for salvation. "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)

WHAT MUST YOU DO ?

1.  Admit your need. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23) "For I acknowledge my transgressions. . ." (Psalm 51:3) "For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin." (Psalm 38:18) 

2.  Trust GOD's promises completely. ". . .Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved. . ." (Acts 16:31) "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) "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from you fathers; But with the precious blood of CHRIST, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" (1st.Peter 1:18-19)

3.  Cry out to GOD in prayer. ". . .GOD be merciful to me a sinner." (Luke 18:13) "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

YOUR GREATEST DECISION

JESUS shed HIS blood, was buried, and rose again the third day. At this moment HE stands ready, able, and willing to save you. The choice is yours. A song says, "If the blood of CHRIST is sufficient for GOD, it is surely sufficient for me." It is the blood that satisfies GOD.

Why not put your trust in CHRIST's finished work, and call on HIM for salvation now ? "Wherefore HE is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing HE ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25) ". . .JESUS CHRIST. . .loved us, and washed us from our sins in HIS own blood," (Revelation 1:5)

If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance (turning to GOD from your sin) and faith, pray this simple prayer 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.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

"What Good is Anxiety, Trust in the LORD !"

 

Psalm 37:1-9 "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and HE shall give thee the desire of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in HIM; and HE shall bring it to pass. And HE shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for HIM: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the Earth."

     How much time and emotional energy do you spend stressing about matters over which you have no control ? Do you find yourself frustrated or angered when government officials enact regulations that result in the restriction of freedoms or create laws that are destructive to spiritual principles ? Many of those who govern us are ambivalent or even atheistic when it comes to GOD and HIS WORD (Luke 18:2-5 pictured below), but this is not surprising since it is the natural result of living in a fallen, sinful world.

     To "fret" (vv.1,7,8) means to be in a continual state of worry or anxiety. Rather than allowing our heart to trouble us, we must resign ourselves to the truth that evildoers exist and often succeed in their wicked devices. In fact, sometimes the extraordinarily wicked are able to do significant harm when they are in powerful positions bridging both governmental and religious roles (e.g. Islam, Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, etc.)

     However, verse two prompts us to remember the reality that the influence of the unrighteous is fleeting, temporary. It will not last. The end result for the "evildoers" and "workers of iniquity" is that they will be "cut down" and "wither." Therefore, we must not envy them, even though they may seem to be successful and prosperous according to the world's standards. The unrighteous will meet an end that is worthy of their wickedness. They do not simply get to "ride off into the sunset." Ultimately, they will stand before the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE WHO will render to "every man according to their works" and cast these unbelievers into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:13-15 pictured above). Stop worrying about life's many injustices--GOD has it all under control. Trust HIM !

     What is the remedy for worry and envy regarding evil people and what they do ? It is to sincerely rely upon the LORD. At all times, HE must be our mind's focus. David noted that trusting GOD will have concrete results such as security and satisfaction (v.3). In fact, the person who trusts in the LORD will have the longings of his hear fulfilled as it aligns with GOD's will (v.4 pictured above). The one who places his absolute confidence in the LORD will make the objectives of GOD his own; in other words, the "desires of thine heart" are rooted in what the LORD wants for the one who trusts HIM.

     Verse four is not a divine promise for "health and wealth," as some in Christendom try to make it. In fact, mere physical blessings seldom fix the problems that many people have, for material wealth often creates a different set of difficulties all their own. Consider the context--this psalm is about not being overwhelmed by evil. Thus, as one strives to "commit" to the LORD the manner in which he is living, GOD will accomplish that which HE intends (vv.5-6). When the believer conforms his life to the perfect mind and will of GOD, he can then "rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for HIM" (v.7 pictured at the top of the post). This circles back to the fact that our focus must be solely upon the ONE WHO alone can render justice upon the ungodly and their wicked deeds (vv.8-10).

     Our LORD is fully aware of the evil and its perpetrators surrounding us. HE was not panicked or alarmed that wicked rulers dominated the world of David's day, and neither do they frustrate HIM today. HE will deal with them according to HIS purposes and program (vv.9-10,13 pictured above, 20 also pictured above). Our responsibility is simply to trust HIM in all things. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

"HE Came, HE Went Back, HE Will Come Again ! "

HE is the most important person WHO ever lived.

* HE CAME

HIS first coming was so important that even now, more than 2,000 years later, we plan for the celebration of HIS birth by a month of feverish activity. We call HIS birthday Christmas.

     HE was crucified at the early age of 33. Before HIS death HE had spent only three years speaking to the people. Why is HE important ?

* HE WENT BACK

Three days after HIS death, HE arose from the grave and was seen on many occasions by a total of over 500 people.

     Then HE physically ascended into Heaven ! How could all this be ? What is HE doing now ?

* HE WILL COME AGAIN

On many occasions during HIS life and after HIS resurrection HE clearly stated that HE will come again. Since everything predicted about HIS first coming has come true, and everything that HE said has come true, it is certain that HE will return.

     Obviously all this could not happen to a mere man. And these events are important to know simply because JESUS CHRIST is both GOD and man.

* HE CAME

HE came the first time to solve the basic problem of mankind: the sin-problem which separates GOD and man.

     HIS teachings are wonderful. You can read the story of HIS life in two hours in one of the short books (called Gospels) written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.

     "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)

     But more important than what HE said is what HE did. Although HE was perfectly good, HE took the punishment due us because of our sins. HE died for us. Those who accept HIM as their substitute will not have to pay for their own sin. This is GOD's plan for rescuing mankind.

     GOD showed HIS approval of JESUS' work by raising HIM from the dead. Death is the result of sin. By conquering sin, JESUS defeated death !

* HE WENT BACK

After proving beyond doubt that HE was physically alive, JESUS returned to HIS FATHER in Heaven. HE is there now. HE watches as HIS church spreads throughout the world. HE helps HIS followers. HE rules everything - every nation and person and event - to guide history to the point where HE will return.

* HE WILL COME AGAIN

When JESUS comes again, HE won't come as a weak baby in a poor stable. HE will come in majesty and honor ! HE won't come to be crucified. HE will come as KING of the Universe ! Everyone who has ever lived, whose name is not written in the LAMB's Book of Life, will be brought before HIM for judgment.

     How will you stand in that judgment ? The key to your being acquitted or condemned is whether or not you have honored HIM in this life by repenting (turning to GOD from your sin), and by faith believe what the Bible says about HIM and receive HIS forgiveness.

     JESUS is GOD in the flesh. HE came once to conquer evil. HE will come again to take HIS church, the Bride of CHRIST home to be with HIM. HE will come again to reward those who believe and condemn those who reject HIM in unbelief !  ARE YOU READY FOR HIS COMING ?

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So CHRIST was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for HIM shall HE appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:27-28)

"Prepare to meet thy GOD ! " (Amos 4:12)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

 

" Paid in FULL ! "

 

DID YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN DEBT

BECAUSE OF YOUR SIN ?

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23)

"Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before GOD." (Romans 3:19)

DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOUR SIN DEBT

WILL COST YOU FOR ALL ETERNITY ?

"For the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23a)

"And Death and Hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death." (Revelation 20:14)

"And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever. . ." (Revelation 14:11)

HAVE YOU HEARD YOUR SIN DEBT

HAS BEEN "PAID IN FULL ?"

"And she shall bring forth a SON, and thou shalt call HIS name JESUS: for HE shall save HIS people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

"For CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that HE might bring us to GOD. . ." (1st.Peter 3:18)

WILL YOU BELIEVE THE BIBLE, THE RECORD OF

WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU ?

"For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on HIM shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:11)

"And this is the record, that GOD hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON." (1st.John 5:11)

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners. . ." (1st.Timothy 1:15)

"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)

WILL YOU TRUST THE ETERNITY OF YOUR SOUL

COMPLETELY TO JESUS CHRIST ?

"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)

"And by HIM all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:39)

". . .Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved. . ." (Acts 16:31)

PLEASE REALIZE THAT YOU MUST TRUST JESUS,

AND HE ALONE, FOR SALVATION.

"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on HIM that justified the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." (Romans 4:5)

"JESUS answered and said unto them, This is the work of GOD, that ye believe on HIM WHOM HE hath sent (JESUS)." (John 6:29)

"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." (Romans 3:28)

"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 believeth 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)

     You may ask, "How can my sin debt be paid in full and 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 (a turning to GOD from your sin) and faith, pray this simple prayer 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.

WILL YOU CLAIM THE "PAID IN FULL" 

RECEIPT FOR YOUR SIN DEBT ?

___  I CHOOSE TO TRUST JESUS CHRIST AND HIS FINISHED WORK FOR MY SIN DEBT.

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through HIS name whosoever believeth in HIM shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:43)  "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 whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9,13)

___  I CHOOSE TO REJECT THE PAYMENT OF JESUS CHRIST AND TRUST MY PAYMENT.

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation. . ." (Hebrews 2:3)  "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD, and from the glory of HIS power;" (2nd.Thessalonians 1:8-9)

If you have made a decision to trust JESUS as your personal SAVIOR, everlasting life is yours. The LORD JESUS said, ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" Security of the Believer"

 

The LORD JESUS said, "My sheep hear MY voice, and I know them, and they follow ME: 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 10:27-29

Did CHRIST mean what HE said, and did HE say what HE meant ? Of course HE did. The LORD JESUS always spoke TRUTH. So, how secure are we as believers ? What if we don't feel like a Christian ? What if we don't always act like a Christian ? Do we still have eternal life ? For the answer to these and many other questions let us look at GOD's WORD.

First, Salvation is a Gift

Romans 6:23, ". . .the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD."

All that we have we got one of three ways. We worked and earned it. Someone gave it to us, or we stole it. Salvation cannot be earned by good works. We certainly can't steal it. The only way to receive salvation is to receive it as a gift. "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

Salvation Depends Upon the Finished Work of CHRIST

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the SON of MAN be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:14-15

"When JESUS therefore had received the vinegar, HE said, It is finished: and HE bowed HIS head, and gave up the Ghost." John 19:30 When the LORD JESUS said, "It is finished" HE had taken the sinner's place and had paid the penalty of all our sin.

The Requirements for Salvation is to Believe

"He that believeth on the SON hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him." John 3:36

To believe "on" CHRIST means more than believing "in" CHRIST. It means that we trust HIM fully. You don't go to Heaven because you believe in HIM. You go to Heaven because you turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith and believe "on" HIM.

Secondly, Salvation Establishes a Relationship

"Beloved, now are we the sons of GOD, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when HE shall appear, we shall be like HIM; for we shall see HIM as HE is." 1st.John 3:2

"HE came unto HIS own, and HIS own received HIM not. 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: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of GOD." John 1:11-13

When we receive CHRIST, we are born into GOD's family. HE becomes our heavenly FATHER.

Our Relationship is Eternal

"And this is the will of HIM that sent ME, that every one which seeth the SON, and believeth on HIM, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40

Sin Affects Our Fellowship But Not Our Relationship

There are two words that every Christian should know: relationship and fellowship. We are brought into the family of GOD when we receive JESUS CHRIST by faith. This relationship is eternal. Our mistakes and failures affect our fellowship but not our relationship. Carefully read the following:

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness:" 1st.John 1:8-2:1

"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of HIM, because we keep HIS commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in HIS sight." 1st. John 3:22

Our going to Heaven when we die is the result of our relationship. If GOD blesses us here and whether we are used of the LORD in this life is determined by our fellowship with CHRIST. We can break fellowship with the LORD, but we will never lose our relationship with CHRIST.

THIRDLY, Nothing Can Separate Us from GOD

"Who shall separate us from the love of CHRIST ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword ?  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through HIM that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD, which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD." Romans 8:33-39

It is impossible for anything to separate us from GOD and HIS WORD says, ". . .Neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand." John 10:28  If no man can pluck us out of GOD's hands, then we cannot pluck ourselves out of GOD's hand.

The Christian is Sealed by the HOLY SPIRIT

". . , ye were sealed with that HOLY SPIRIT of promise." Ephesians 1:13

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the SPIRIT of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, FATHER. The SPIRIT ITSELF beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of GOD:" Romans 8:15-16

Being sealed by the HOLY SPIRIT gives us the assurance that we belong to CHRIST and that HE will return for us.

The Bible Says That there is No Condemnation

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in CHRIST JESUS, who walk not after the flesh, but after the SPIRIT." Romans 8:1

The child of GOD will never stand in the same judgment with the unsaved. We will one day give an account of our lives as to what we have done with our life, but we will never be judged and cast into Hell.

JESUS Promised to Preserve Our Relationship Forever

"All that the FATHER giveth ME shall come to ME; and him that cometh to ME I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37

The LORD JESUS has promised never to cast us out. There will be a day when the unsaved man will be cast out into the Lake of Fire, but the child of GOD will never be cast out.

Dr. Tom Sexton

WordToTheWorld@aol.com

www.FiveStarChristianMinistries.com

 

 

" The Condition of Unsaved People "

Our failure to understand the condition of people without CHRIST has robbed us of the thing we need most in reaching them with the Gospel. We need compassion ! The Bible says, "And of some have compassion, making a difference. . ." Jude 22-23

THE ARE LOST. "For the SON of MAN is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10

They do not know where they are going. They are living without GOD's WORD for their life's direction. Will someone help them find the way to Heaven ?

THEY ARE WITHOUT HOPE. "That at that time ye were without CHRIST. . .having no hope, and without GOD in the world." Ephesians 12:2

The things of this world cannot give hope in the times of trouble, and they will see that "man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble." Job 14:2  Will they hear the message of hope before it is too late ?

THEY ARE PERISHING. "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

Life is fragile and everyday our physical life is perishing a little at a time. No one has the power to turn back time. Will they perish before they hear the Gospel?

THE ARE BLINDED BY THE DEVIL. "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them, which believe not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of CHRIST, WHO is the image of GOD, should shine unto them." 2nd.Corinthians 4:4

Will they be able to see the light of "of the glorious Gospel of CHRIST" before they die in their blindness ?

THEY ARE ON THE ROAD TO HELL. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many therebe which go in thereat." Matthew 7:13

It is hard for those who are living their life on the "Broad. . .Way" to take the exit to Heaven, without someone pointing them to JESUS, "The WAY" to Heaven. JESUS said, "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME." John 14:6  Will someone show them the way ?

THEY ARE UNDER THE WRATH OF GOD. "He that believeth on the SON hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him." John 3:36

GOD's "wrath" is what happens to them after they die. Today they can have GOD's "grace and mercy." The song writer had it right when he wrote, "Mercy there was great, and grace was free."

THEY ARE DEAD IN TRESPASSES AND SINS. "And you hath HE quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins." Ephesians 2:1

How can a dead man possibly give life to himself ? But the Bible says, "And you hath HE quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins." Ephesians 2:1

THEY ARE CONDEMNED ALREADY. "He that believeth on HIM is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." John 3:18  Some believe that after they die if their good outweighs their bad, they get to go to Heaven. They will one day discover they are "condemned" already.

The only hope for unsaved people is the Gospel. They must hear and believe before they die. 

Give out Gospel tracts / posts. By doing so you are giving hope to the perishing. GOD bless you.

Dr. Tom Sexton

WordToTheWorld@aol.com

WWW.FiveStarChristianMinistries.com

 

" Idol Worship ! "

 

Romans 1:21-23  "Because that, when they knew GOD, they glorified HIM not as GOD, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible GOD into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things."

     How easy, yet how foolish, it is to exchange the truth of GOD for a lie and to worship and serve the works of our own hands, allowing them to take the place of GOD in our life. Paul, in his indictment of the Gentile apostasy, wrote in today's text, "Because that, when they knew GOD, they glorified HIM not as GOD, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible GOD into and image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things." But, idolatry was not (and is not) confined to the pagan Gentile world, for the Israelites time and again submitted themselves to the lifestyle of the idol worshipers who surrounded their land. Foolishly and recklessly, they gave themselves in utter abandonment to the worship of the idols of their enemies. Through the Prophet Isaiah and others, the LORD clearly warned HIS chosen people of the consequences of their sin, but over and over again they paid HIM no heed. We must realize that whatever usurps the place of GOD in our life is an idol.

     It is irrational, according to Isaiah 44, to take a tree, burn part of it for warmth, kindle some and bake bread, and then fashion a god and worship it ! GOD says, "They have not known nor understood: for HE [GOD] hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand" (Isaiah 44:18 & 19 both pictured above). It escapes them that they burned part of the wood in the fire, baked bread upon the coals, roasted flesh to eat, and made the residue an abomination (an idol). Oh, the wicked foolishness of man ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.ord

 

" Safe and Secure IN CHRIST "

 

Philippians 1:6  "Being confident of this very thing, that HE which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of JESUS CHRIST."

     If we are to come to any fixed conclusion concerning the eternal security of the believer, it must be through the clear teaching of the WORD of GOD. Years ago, I read this statement: "The Bible declares that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by GOD's power and are thus safe and secure IN CHRIST." That is a firm statement, and many people today would take strong exception because of their denominational background. The question, then, that must be asked is: "Do we have just cause from the Bible to make such a statement ?" Ultimately, only an intense study of GOD's WORD can bring us to solid conviction. When we look at the Scriptures, we must not isolate them, ignore their context, or elevate them above any other statements in the Bible.

     If one faithfully studies GOD's WORD, he will discover that the concept of salvation through faith alone in CHRIST alone cannot be reconciled with the belief that one can forfeit his salvation. Consider some pertinent Scriptures. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth MY WORD, and believe on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life" (John 5:24 pictured above). "MY sheep hear MY voice, and I know them, and they follow ME: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand" (John 10:27-28 pictured above). If our salvation is not secure, how could JESUS say about those to whom HE gives eternal life "they shall never perish" ? If even one person receives eternal life and then forfeits it through sin or apostasy, will he not perish and, by doing so, make JESUS' WORDs a lie ? GOD FORBID ! We are secure IN CHRIST. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.ord

" After You Have Suffered Awhile . . . "

 

1st.Peter 5:10-11  "But the GOD of all grace, WHO hath called us unto HIS eternal glory by CHRIST JESUS, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To HIM be glory and dominion forever and ever. AMEN."

     In these days of immense instability, it is wonderful to be reminded that the GOD of all grace WHO has called us unto HIS future, eternal glory (v.10) has also provided all that we need in the present in order to calm our soul and settle our heart amid the raging storms of life. The LORD does not want HIS children to be blown about by "every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14 pictured above), and we will not be spiritually unstable if we walk in HIM (Colossians 2:6-7). HE does not want us to be filled with fear either, and we will not be afraid if we are filled with HIS love (1st.John 4:18) and truly surrendered to HIS perfect will (Romans 12:1-2). Believers are stablished as they study GOD's WORD, comparing Scripture with Scripture and rejoicing in the sure foundation that is ours through JESUS CHRIST, the Living WORD (1st.Corinthians3:11), and the Bible, the written WORD (Ephesians 2:20;2nd.Peter 1:19). We are strengthened in the "inner man" through the ministry of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 3:16 pictured below), and we are settled (at rest within) as we exercise faith in the "great and precious promises" GOD has given us in HIS WORD (2nd.Peter 1:3-4).

     However, we also must recognize another way in which GOD brings us to maturity in the Christian walk: Suffering adversity causes us to rest in GOD's sustaining grace. Stablished, strengthened, settled believers are a great asset to any family, any church, or any country, but they are in short supply today because too many are feeding on wind (Hosea 12:1 pictured below) rather then enjoying the rich spiritual feast GOD has provided for all of HIS children through the holy, eternal, infallible, inspired, and totally sufficient WORD. Do not miss the LORD's best by eating the wrong food at the wrong table.

     We briefly mentioned above that GOD uses suffering and adversity in order to bring the believer to the place of spiritual maturity. Our heavenly FATHER often allows us to endure difficulties to refine our faith and build us up. Many within Christendom erroneously teach that all suffering is either the result of satanic oppression or sin in the Christian's life. Although it is true that Satan does cause much misery and that the LORD does sometimes use painful situations in order to correct the wayward believer, a study of the Bible is essential if one is to avoid the confusion and doubt propagated today particularly through the fallacies of the charismatic movement.

     GOD has various reasons for permitting suffering or adversity. The Apostle Paul learned an important lesson when the LORD did not remove his "thorn in the flesh," and this led him thereafter to thank GOD for that trial (2nd.Corinthians 12:7-10 pictured above). Today's text, while not dealing with the subject of suffering as a major theme, does refer to the sufferings of CHRIST (1st.Peter 5:1) as well as the believer's suffering during the period of time between the new birth and the future glory (vv.10-11). The Scriptures clearly teach that the saint's suffering for CHRIST precedes reigning with HIM (2nd.Timothy 2:12 pictured below). When we are hard-pressed to find a reason for our afflictions, we must look to the WORD of GOD. We will then discover that our situation is not unique -- the LORD has been training HIS own in this way since the beginning (1st.Peter 4:12-19). As we walk by faith and keep GOD's ways and our own future glory in mind, present distress will become bearable, and it will mature us into the kind of people GOD would have us to be (2nd.Corinthians 4:16-18). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org