" The Day of the LORD ! "

 

Isaiah 13:1-15 "The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see. Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles. I have commanded MY sanctified ones, I have also called MY mighty ones for MINE anger, even them that rejoice in MY highness. The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of Hosts mustereth the host of the battle. They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of HIS indignation, to destroy the whole land.

Howl ye; for the Day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the ALMIGHTY. Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: and they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. Behold, the Day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and HE shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in HIS going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the Earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of Hosts, and in the Day of HIS fierce anger. And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee everyone into his own land. Every one that is found shall be thrust through; and every one that is joined unto them shall fall by the sword."

     We live in a world in which justice and judgment seem to be in short supply. The wicked are flourishing, and the righteous are suffering. Even though mankind feels a growing sense of impending doom, few care to listen to the LORD's warning concerning HIS future righteous judgment upon this CHRIST-rejecting world.

     Our text clearly speaks of a future period of divine judgment called "the Day of the LORD" (v.6) -- a season when GOD "will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity," a time when GOD will permanently halt "the arrogancy of the proud" and "the haughtiness of the terrible" (v.11). This is the prophesied period of time following the rapture that is also known as the "Great Tribulation" when GOD's judgment will fall upon an unbelieving world. At this time "shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt" (v.7). The catastrophic events that cause this fear are from the hand of "the ALMIGHTY" (v.6), and though they involve the so-called "forces of nature," man cannot explain them away as "natural disasters." GOD is behind these supernatural, cataclysmic events, and all the world will recognize that fact. The Day of the LORD encompasses GOD's judgment (vv.9-13; Revelation 6:15-17 pictured above); but praise the LORD, it extends to HIS subsequent millennial reign in righteousness upon the Earth as well.

     Meanwhile, believers must remember that GOD says, "Vengeance is MINE; I will repay" (v.15 cf. Romans 12:19 pictured above). We should not try to "get even" with those who oppress us; rather, we must preach the WORD of GOD to them in a spirit of gentleness, recognizing the fact that they are dead in sin and in desperate need of the SAVIOR. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" GUILTY ! "

 

Romans 3:19-23 "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. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in HIS sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of GOD without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of GOD which is by faith of JESUS CHRIST unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;"

     The case is on the docket; the evidence is presented; the jury reaches a decision; the judge issues the verdict loud and clear as his gavel sounds, and he intones "guilty." That is not a word we delight in proclaiming, especially when it pertains to us personally. Due to a traffic violation, I recently had to sign my name on a line indicating I was pleading guilty to that particular infraction of the law, and I would pay my fine, even though it was certainly never my intention to break the law.

     While it is humbling to admit to violating a traffic law, it is of a far more serious nature to realize and admit to the violation of GOD's Law -- an infraction that has eternal consequences as opposed to merely having to pay a fine. In verse nineteen, Paul noted man's guilt before GOD, the JUDGE of all mankind: "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." We are all guilty of the transgression of GOD's Law. Every person on the earth, according to GOD's WORD, stands guilty before the LORD, worthy of death and eternal separation from HIM in the Lake of Fire.

     We could do nothing to change the verdict. We were found guilty in GOD's court of Law. None of us can legitimately plead "not guilty" before GOD, the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE. Guilty ! Yes, we are all guilty before a thrice holy GOD ! "But GOD, Who is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with CHRIST, (by grace ye are saved)" (Ephesians 2:4-5). What wondrous love is this ! Guilty sinners can find redemption through CHRIST JESUS. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

THE GOSPEL FILM (subtitles in 50+ languages!)

The Gospel Film is 14:20 min. in length. Please share it with everyone you know or don't know. Time is drawing very short for those we love to come to JESUS for salvation. Thank Your for stopping by.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" Struggling with Assurance ? "

 

Isaiah 45:18-25 "For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; GOD HIMSELF that formed the Earth and made it; HE hath established it, HE created it not in vain, HE formed it to be inhabited: I AM the LORD; and there is none else. I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the Earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye ME in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.

Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time ? who hath told it from that time ? have not I the LORD  ? and there is no GOD else beside ME; a just GOD and a SAVIOR; there is none beside ME. Look unto ME, and be ye saved, all the ends of the Earth: for I AM GOD, and there is none else. I have sworn by MYSELF, the WORD is gone out of MY mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto ME every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory."

     How can I know that I am saved, that my sins are forgiven, that I have eternal life now and forever, and that I will never be condemned to a Devil's Hell ? GOD's salvation promises are sure:

If I believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST I will be saved (Acts 16:31 pictured below);

If I believe in CHRIST, I will receive forgiveness of my sins (Acts 10:43 pictured below);

If I believe on CHRIST then I have everlasting life (John 6:47 pictured below);

If I believe on GOD, I will never come into condemnation (John 5:24 pictured below).

I know GOD will keep HIS promises. If I do my part (believe on CHRIST), then GOD will do HIS part. I do not doubt that GOD will do HIS part, but my struggle involves whether I have done my part. Have I truly exercised saving faith ?

     There is a danger in introspection. Assurance does not come by looking at my faith; it comes by "looking unto JESUS" (Hebrews 12:2 pictured above). The more I examine my faith, the more discouraged I will be and the more doubts I will have. The more I look to my SAVIOR and contemplate HIS finished work, HIS saving power, and HIS love for poor, lost sinners, the more my faith will be strengthened. GOD never asks me to believe in my faith. Rather, the Bible commands me to place my weak faith in a wonderful SAVIOR WHO has promised to save to the uttermost all who come to GOD through HIM (Hebrews 7:25 second picture from the top of post). Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the English Pastor of London's Metropolitan Tabernacle, was saved based on this text" Look unto ME, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I AM GOD, and there is none else" (v. 22 pictured at top of post). The preacher once said, "Young man, look to JESUS CHRIST. Look ! Look ! You have nothing to do but look and live !" GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright,  FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" The LIGHT of Life "

John 8:12-20 "Then spake JESUS again unto them, saying, I AM the LIGHT of the world: he that followeth ME shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the LIGHT of life. The Pharisees therefore said unto HIM, THOU bearest record of THYSELF; THY record is not true. JESUS answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of MYSELF, yet MY record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh: I judge no man. And yet if I judge, MY judgment is true: for I AM not alone, but I and the FATHER that sent ME.

It is also written in your Law, that the testimony of two men is true. I AM one that bear witness of MYSELF, and the FATHER that sent ME beareth witness of ME. Then said they unto HIM, Where is THY FATHER ? JESUS answered, Ye neither know ME, nor MY FATHER: if ye had known ME, ye should have known MY FATHER also. These words spake JESUS in the treasury, as HE taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on HIM; for HIS hour was not yet come."

     JESUS said, "I AM the LIGHT of the world" (v.12). Such a statement infuriated the Pharisees because they did not believe JESUS possessed the authority to make such a claim. But JESUS made it clear that GOD the FATHER "beareth witness" that HE was and is, indeed, the LIGHT of the world (v.18). Those who follow JESUS CHRIST will have the LIGHT of Life. This world, steeped in darkness, desperately needs that LIGHT. JESUS spoke to the heart of man's problem when HE said that men reject HIM as the LIGHT because their deeds are evil (John 3:19 pictured above). If they were to come to HIM, then HIS light would fully expose their wicked hearts and actions. Those who refuse the LIGHT actually hate that LIGHT (John 3:18-20), so we should not be surprised when we as Christians experience the disdain of those who deny CHRIST as the only true LIGHT of the world.

     The apostate ecumenical leaders of our day love to boast in their receptivity to the idea of finding "additional light" in other religions, yet they refuse to follow and obey JESUS CHRIST, WHO is the only true LIGHT of Life. Instead, they dialogue with Catholics, Orthodox, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and others and have the mistaken and dangerous belief that each of these groups has at least "some light" to contribute to the search for "more light." But all who refuse to exclusively follow the CHRIST of the Bible have "no light" in them (Isaiah 8:20). JESUS is the LIVING WORD and the LIGHT of Life. The Bible is GOD's written WORD, the WORD of Life. It was the Living WORD WHO gave us the written WORD, and the two are in perfect agreement. What a blessing it is to know that we have the LIGHT of Life and the WORD of Life to light our way (Psalm 119:105 pictured above). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

 

" The BREAD of Life "

 

John 6:26-51 JESUS answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek ME, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the SON of MAN shall give unto you: for HIM hath GOD the FATHER sealed. Then said they unto HIM, What shall we do, that we might work the works of GOD ? JESUS answered and said unto them, This is the work of GOD, that ye believe on HIM WHOM HE hath sent. They said therefore unto HIM, What sign showest THOU then, that we may see, and believe THEE ? what dost THOU work ? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written HE gave them bread from Heaven to eat. Then JESUS said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from Heaven; but MY FATHER giveth you the true BREAD from Heaven. For the BREAD of GOD is HE which cometh down from Heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto HIM, LORD, evermore give us this bread.

And JESUS said unto them, I AM the BREAD of life: he that cometh to ME shall never hunger: and he that believeth on ME shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen ME, and believe not. All that the FATHER giveth ME shall come to ME; and him that cometh to ME I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from Heaven , not to do MINE own will, but the will of HIM that sent ME. And this is the FATHER's will which hath sent ME, that of all which HE hath given ME I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of HIM that sent ME, that everyone which seeth the SON, and believeth on HIM, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The Jews then murmured at HIM, because HE said, I AM the BREAD which came down from Heaven. And they said, Is not this JESUS, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know ? how is it then that HE saith, I came down from Heaven ? JESUS therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.

No man can come to ME, except the FATHER which hath sent ME draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of GOD. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the FATHER, cometh unto ME. Not that any man hath seen the FATHER, save HE which is of GOD, HE hath seen the FATHER. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on ME hath everlasting life. I AM the BREAD of Life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the BREAD which cometh down from Heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I AM the living BREAD which came down from Heaven: if any man eat of this BREAD, he shall live forever: and the BREAD that I will give is MY flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."

     JESUS warned about the danger of laboring only for temporary, physical sustenance while neglecting that which is spiritual and everlasting (v.27 pictured above). The Jews to whom JESUS was speaking knew about the bread from Heaven (manna), which GOD miraculously had provided to meet the physical needs of their forefathers in the wilderness. Yet here in their midst stood JESUS CHRIST, the true BREAD of Heaven, teaching them timeless truths; nevertheless, most of them could only respond with insulting questions. They refused to believe in CHRIST and thus enjoy the spiritual BREAD that satisfies completely and eternally. This BREAD of Life was, and still is, a gift. While mankind must labor for that which is temporary, everlasting life is free. What a contrast !

     Our SAVIOR's message was not complicated: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on ME hath everlasting life. I AM that BREAD of Life" (vv.47-48). The Gospel of CHRIST is simple yet powerful; it will save anyone and everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). The WORD of GOD explicitly states that satanically inspired opposition to the Gospel will always exist. Nevertheless, we do not need to soften GOD's message, sugar coat it, disguise it, or embellish it in an attempt to lessen its offense. Paul did not try to alter the Gospel in order to appease the Jews or the Greeks (1st.Corinthians 1:18-25). JESUS CHRIST, the BREAD from Heaven, can be, wants to be, and will be the REDEEMER and SATISFIER of all who come to HIM (v.37). We have wonderfully good news to proclaim ! If the BREAD of Life has satisfied your soul, then share HIM with others. Together with the psalmist, "let the redeemed of the LORD say so" (Psalm 107:2 pictured above). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

"The WATER of Life "

 

John 4:1-15 "When therefore the LORD knew how the Pharisees had heard that JESUS made and baptized more disciples than John, (though JESUS HIMSELF baptized not, but HIS disciples.) HE left Judah, and departed again into Galilee. And HE must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh HE to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

Now Jacob's well was there, JESUS therefore, being wearied with HIS journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: JESUS saith unto her, Give ME to drink. (For HIS disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto HIM, How is it that THOU, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria ?  for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. JESUS answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of GOD, and WHO it is that saith to thee, Give ME to drink; thou wouldest have asked of HIM, and HE would have given thee LIVING WATER.

The woman saith unto HIM, Sir, THOU hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast THOU that LIVING WATER ? Art THOU greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle ? JESUS answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the WATER that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the WATER that I shall give him shall be in him a well of WATER springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto HIM, Sir, give me this WATER, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw."

     The woman in today's text would not have known of the WATER of Life unless JESUS CHRIST had spoken to her concerning her need and how she could fulfill it (vv.13-14). We must be ready to witness to those we meet. We cannot always discern from outward appearances -- there might be a thirsty soul who seemingly is content with life but inwardly is longing for that WATER of Life, which alone can bring eternal satisfaction. As we read the rest of this chapter, we find that JESUS' ministry to just one woman resulted in many others believing on HIM (John 4:28-29 pictured above & v.39). Those who have experienced the satisfaction of the WATER of Life should desire to share it with other thirsty souls. How selfish we are if we fail to give the Gospel when the LORD provides us with an open door to guide the "one that thirsteth" unto HIM (Isaiah 55:1 pictured below).

     The LORD JESUS was physically exhausted from HIS travels (v.6), and HE easily could have used HIS weariness as an excuse for not speaking to this woman. But notice that when HIS disciples returned from their journey to the city to buy food, they discovered CHRIST was already refreshed and thought perhaps someone had given HIM something to eat (John 4:31-34). JESUS explained to them a valuable truth that is important for every believer today to understand: True satisfaction (both physical and spiritual) results from doing the work of the LORD. In fact, this gratification defies natural explanation.

     CHRIST our SAVIOR is the WATER of Life. Many thirsty souls surround us every day, though most of them try to appear self-satisfied and unconcerned. May we fervently entreat others to come to JESUS and "take the WATER of Life freely" (Revelation 22:17 pictured above). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

"The WORD of Life "

 

John 1:1-14 "In the beginning was the WORD, 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 anything made that was made. In HIM was life; and the life was the light of men. And the LIGHT shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from GOD, whose name was John. The same came for a witness to bear witness of the LIGHT, that all men through him might believe. 

He was not that LIGHT, but was sent to bear witness of the LIGHT. That was the true LIGHT, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. HE was in the world, and the world was made by HIM, and the world knew HIM not. 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. 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."

     JESUS CHRIST's unique, absolute deity is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith. Those who deny HIS deity have the "spirit of antichrist" (1st.John 4:1-4) and are living without a SAVIOR. Regardless of whether a person belongs to a bizarre cult or is a member of a mainstream denomination, if he denies that JESUS is "GOD. . .manifest in the flesh" (1st.Timothy 3:16 pictured above), then he is not a child of GOD. The Bible is absolutely clear in its declaration of CHRIST's deity. "In the beginning was the WORD (JESUS CHRIST), and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD" (v.1). That same CREATOR was and is one with GOD the FATHER (vv.1-3). In HIM is life (v.4) ! Salvation cannot be found in any religion or in any person other than in our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

     To HIS disciples, JESUS said, "HE that hath seen ME hath seen the FATHER" (John 14:9b). To the doubters of HIS day, JESUS said, "I and MY FATHER are one" (John 10:30 pictured above). JESUS was not just claiming to agree with GOD the FATHER in purpose or ministry, as some of today's heretics propose. No, JESUS CHRIST was claiming to be GOD -- the unbelieving Jews realized what HE was saying, and they intended to stone HIM for blasphemy (John 10:30-33 pictured below).

     JESUS said, "If ye believe not that I AM HE (GOD), ye shall die in your sins" (John 8:24b). No one can have eternal life unless he believes that JESUS CHRIST is the WORD of LIFE, that HE is GOD. First John 5:7 declares, "The FATHER, the WORD, and the HOLY GHOST. . .these three are one." The absolute, eternal deity of the SON of GOD is a fundamental doctrine that mankind must believe and that believers must intrepidly proclaim. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" WHO is the Real Biblical JESUS ? "

Many men have been given the name "JESUS." In Bible times, the naming of children was more serious than today. Today, parents name their child after a loved one or friend, or perhaps a name they think is pretty. In Bible times, children were given names which related to certain things, especially those in reference to GOD. The Apostle Paul warned in 2nd.Corinthians 11:4 about the possibility of another JESUS being preached. We desire to present unto you the JESUS of the Bible. No person except JESUS CHRIST could fulfill the meaning of the name "JESUS," because of WHO and WHAT HE is.

HE IS THE SON OF GOD.

". . .The HOLY GHOST shall come upon thee, and the power of the HIGHEST shall overshadow thee: therefore also that Holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the SON of GOD." (Luke 1:35)  "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. For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through HIM might be saved." (John 3:16-17)  HE also is GOD the SON !  "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. . .And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us. . ." (John 1:1, 14)  "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: GOD was manifest in the flesh. . ." (1st.Timothy 3:16)

HE IS THE SACRIFICE DEMANDED.

HE is the only ONE GOD would accept. The Old Testament sets forth the principle that the only means of acceptance with GOD is through sacrifice ". . .we are sanctified though the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this MAN, after HE had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of GOD." (Hebrews 10:10-12)  This implies that HIS work as PRIEST is accepted and HIS sacrifice is complete ! "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 IS THE SUBSTITUTE.

When our first parents willfully disobeyed the LORD, they lost their position and privilege of relationship with HIM. Thus, Adam brought the consequences of that disobedience upon himself and all his lineage; for Adam was created in the image of GOD (Genesis 1:27), but Adam's lineage was begotten in his image of the disobedient -- the offender. (Genesis 5:3)

Therefore, something or someone else must suffer the consequences of that disobedience in order for restoration to that standing prior to the act of disobedience. It could not be them (first parents) because they were guilty and the consequence of that guiltiness was death. (Genesis 2:17)  The sufferer for the offence must be innocent of any offence before it (he) could suffer in behalf of another. It is said of JESUS, "WHO did no sin, nether was guile found in HIS mouth. . .but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (1st.Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15)  GOD in HIS mercy made Adam and Eve coats of skins, and clothed them, which implies the slaying of an animal. (Genesis 3:21)  Not only was there the dying, but the shedding of blood as well. This was all a type of JESUS CHRIST, WHO would be killed and HIS blood shed for offenders (sinners). Many animals died throughout the Old Testament era in behalf of an offender of GOD's Law. The author of Hebrews tells us. "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. . .Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by HIS OWN blood HE (JESUS) entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 10:4; 9:12)

HE IS THE SAVIOR.

The name JESUS means "salvation of GOD," or, "GOD our SAVIOR." When the angel informed Joseph that the CHILD his espoused wife Mary was to give birth to be named "JESUS" (Matthew 1:20-21), more was involved than the mere naming of a child: ". . .for HE (JESUS) shall save HIS people from their sins." Every person whom GOD saves, HE saves through this name. JESUS said, ". . .I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME." (John 14:6)  "Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

Dear Friend, just think of that which GOD has done in giving JESUS to die in your stead, that you as an offender (sinner) might be forgiven your offense. Will you realize your need of the LORD JESUS CHRIST ? Will you recognize yourself to be a sinner and under the consequence (condemnation) of sin ? Will you turn to GOD from your sin (repent) and request forgiveness of those sins ? The Apostle Paul said, "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)  Will you repent ? Will you receive JESUS as your sacrifice, substitute and SAVIOR ? If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance 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.

JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, HE that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)  BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

 

" Relying On & Applying the WORD of GOD "

 

2nd.Timothy 2:15-16; 3:16-17 "Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. . .All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of GOD may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

     How reliable is the Bible ? Likely, on the spine of your Bible you will find the words "Holy Bible." The word holy speaks of something that is sacred, consecrated, hallowed. Your Bible is a holy book. It is GOD's WORD. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (v.16). "Holy men of GOD spake as they were moved by the HOLY GHOST" (2nd.Peter 1:21 pictured above). The Bible is not the conception of men but of GOD. 

     Historically, the true church has always held to the infallibility of the Bible (it is incapable of error), recognizing that GOD has revealed HIMSELF not only in "general" revelation (creation) but also in "special" revelation in history, over many centuries, until the fullness of the revelation had come, and that it has become inscripturated -- come down to us in written form and free from all error, both in the whole and in part. But just as surely, the world has spawned countless critics, skeptics, and scorners who do not take the Scriptures at face value and who reject what GOD has said. JESUS prayed, "Sanctify them through THY truth: THY WORD is truth." (John 17:17 pictured above). But the critic responds in the cynical words of Pilate: "What is truth ?" (John 18:38). He is not alone, for many have followed the same road, believing no absolute truth exists. Tragically, this is even taught in many pulpits. Yet, the very nature of the divine inspiration of the Scriptures renders the Bible infallible -- IT cannot deceive us, for IT is inerrant in that IT is not false, mistaken, or defective. While a battle may rage in the minds of some, the believer rests in the security of the GOD of the WORD WHO speaks truth and not error.

     The devotional reading of GOD's WORD ought to be a given in the life of any Christian. But that devotional reading should move the child of GOD into a deeper desire for and involvement with his Bible -- actually giving careful time and attention to the study of GOD's WORD (v.15; 1st.Peter 2:2 pictured above). The ultimate goal in Bible study is not to do something with the Bible, but it is to allow the Bible to do something to us !

     Observation and interpretation are not enough; it is the application of GOD's WORD to the heart that completes the Bible study process. The potential of the WORD of GOD is so very powerful; the Apostle Paul declared: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: for it is the power of GOD unto salvation to everyone that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek [Gentile]." (Romans 1:16). GOD wants HIS WORD to be at the center of our life -- instructing, motivating, empowering us. The WORD cleanses and purifies (John 15:3 pictured above). IT gives strength for living (Deuteronomy 8:3). As a sword, IT equips us for battle (Ephesians 6:17 pictured below). As a manual, IT gives counsel for our walk (Psalm 119:24). As water, flowing from the throne of GOD, IT brings forth fruit to the glory of GOD (Psalm 1:2-3).

     Personal application of the Bible is important, as both Old Testament and New Testament were written with two basic purposes: first, to show unbelievers the way to GOD and, second, to teach believers how to walk with their LORD each day. Appling the Scriptures will become a natural habit when the child of GOD is convinced that the Bible provides relevant instruction that is to be personally lived out for GOD's glory. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permissions.   www.featoday.org

" All Flesh Died "

 

Genesis 7:21-24 "And all flesh died that moved upon the Earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the Earth, and every man: all in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the Earth: and Noah only remained alive, and the water prevailed upon the Earth an hundred and fifty days."

     Today's text clearly explains the devastating impact of the flood: "And all flesh died that moved upon the Earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the Earth, and every man" (v.21). The flood was absolutely overwhelming in its impact and scope. Stop and carefully consider these concluding verses of Genesis 7. Animal life and human life were utterly wiped off the face of the Earth. The only survivors were those in the ark. The description of this total annihilation and death is such that no doubt can be cast upon the result of the flood -- it was exactly as GOD had said: HE completely destroyed both man and the animals from off the Earth (Genesis 6:7 pictured above). It is important to realize that the LORD was not merely seeking to be punitive by judging humanity for its sin; rather, HE literally had to cleanse the planet from all its wickedness by getting rid of the corruption that filled this world by both man and beast. Every human and all the land-dwelling creatures were categorically terminated; the phrase "every living substance" (v.23) leaves no room for the survival of any person or animal that did not enter into the ark.

     People often underestimate the depravity of the human race. We usually think in comparative terms. We like to judge ourselves against others (2nd.Corinthians 10:12). The fact is, however, we all fall short of GOD's perfect standard of righteousness (Romans 3:23). By birth and deed, each of us is a sinner, deserving of GOD's wrath. Within the fallen heart, everyone has the capacity to commit even the most heinous of sins. But just as with Noah, escape from the condemnation of GOD is available through JESUS CHRIST, the "ark" of our salvation (John 5:24 pictured above).GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org