" GOD Says Please Do Not Go To Hell ! "

 

"There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after GOD." (Romans 3:11) Man does not seek after GOD, but in HIS love, GOD seeks man, so that he will not go to a Devils' Hell.

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;" (Isaiah 53:6a) "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8)  "Seek ye the LORD while HE may be found, call ye upon HIM while HE is near:" (Isaiah 55:6)  While HIS SPIRIT works in your heart, PLEASE DO NOT GO TO HELL.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." (John 10:1)  You cannot go to Heaven by church membership, good works, being born into a Christian family, or by water baptism, but only through the blood of JESUS, so PLEASE DO NOT GO TO HELL.

"JESUS saith unto him, I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME." (John 14:6)  Here GOD says again, if you go to Heaven, you must go through HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. There is no reason for you to go to a Devil's Hell.

"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." (John 6:44)  Once we see ourselves as a sinner in GOD's sight and realize that JESUS CHRIST is the only way to Heaven, the HOLY SPIRIT says, "PLEASE DO NOT GO TO HELL."

"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)  We cast things away when we no longer need them, but GOD will never cast us out when we come to HIM. HE begs us not to go to Hell.

"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) GOD made the only way to Heaven, PLEASE DO NOT GO TO HELL.

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27)  "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the WORD of GOD." (Romans 10:17) After we hear the WORD of GOD, the Gospel of salvation, we must accept HIM, because after death it will be too late. PLEASE DO NOT GO TO HELL.

"GOD forbid: yea, let GOD be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged." (Romans 3:4)  Regardless of what man may say, GOD's WORD is true; therefore, PLEASE DO NOT GO TO HELL.

"I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent (a turning to GOD from your sin), ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5)  Repentance is see ourselves and our sin as GOD does, turning to GOD and coming to JESUS CHRIST and trusting HIM for our salvation. If you do not turn to GOD, but reject JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, you will not enter the kingdom of Heaven. PLEASE DO NOT GO TO HELL.

Heavenly FATHER, in the name of JESUS CHRIST, I ask YOU to give everyone who reads this post the courage to 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, "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)  Today is still the day of salvation. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) PLEASE DO NOT GO TO HELL.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" THE REAL CHRISTMAS STORY " Part# 3 of 3

 

WHEN AND WHERE CHRIST

WAS BORN IS IMPORTANT

     

     The Bible says, "In the fulness of time GOD sent HIS SON." (Galatians 4:4) GOD foretold of the birth of CHRIST centuries before the LORD was born. When the wise men came to Jerusalem, Herod asked the religious leaders where CHRIST was to be born. It is amazing that they could tell Herod the very place that CHRIST was born. This is important because we can trust what GOD says in HIS WORD. What GOD says about life, death, and things to come is true. When and where CHRIST was born is important.

HOW CHRIST WAS 

BORN IS MORE IMPORTANT

     The Bible says "But when the fulness of the time was come, GOD sent forth HIS SON, made of a woman, made under the Law." (Galatians 4:4) It is important to know that the LORD JESUS did not have an earthly father. HE is GOD's only begotten SON. The reason it is so important to know how CHRIST was born is because HE did not inherit the same sinful nature we inherited from Adam.

     The Bible says that "By one man sin entered into the world and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men for all have sinned." (Romans 5:12) The only person that death did not pass upon was the LORD JESUS. HE was sinless and therefore owed no sin debt. We, on the other hand, are born sinners. We inherited from Adam a sinful nature. We are all sinners. Our sin does not make us sinners; our sin proves that we are sinners.

     My oldest grandson, just before his third birthday, dug all the dirt out of a potted plant in our living room. I was supposed to have been watching him. I found him by the pot with a wooden spoon in his hand and dirt all over him. I asked the dumbest question. I said, "Did you do this ?" He looked at me and said, "No." Where did he learn to lie ? Did his grandmother teach him to lie ? No, children have it in them. The best of kids do the dumbest things. And yes, they even lie. Watching children helps us understand that we are born sinners. Our sin does not make us sinners; it proves that we are sinners.

     The LORD JESUS was not born like other men. HE did not inherit from Adam what we all inherited. HE was sinless.

     The Bible says that "the wages of sin is death," (Romans 6:23a) but CHRIST did not owe a sin debt. HE did not have to die. It is important to know when and where JESUS was born, but it is more important to know why HE was born.

WHY CHRIST WAS BORN IS

 THE MOST IMPORTANT WHY

     The most important thing to know about the birth of CHRIST is why HE was born. Most people do not understand why CHRIST was born. The Bible says, "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." (Galatians 4:4-5) Why did JESUS come into this world ? HE came to "redeem" us. The Bible says, "to redeem them that were under the Law." (Galatians 4:4-5)

     We are all part of the "them" for which CHRIST came. The most important thing about the birth of CHRIST is why HE came. HE came to die for our sins. When JESUS died, HE died for your sins, and HE died for all our sin. The Bible says that GOD "made HIM to be sin for us, WHO knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21)

     The LORD JESUS told the woman at the well that if she would ask, HE would give her everlasting life. GOD has given us the same promise. The Bible says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

     You may ask, "How can I receive GOD's promise of eternal life ?" It is as simple as A-B-C.

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. "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 15:3b-4)

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 of salvation.

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" LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I trust YOU to forgive me, and help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name, AMEN."

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     The LORD JESUS said, "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish" (John 12:28). everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOUR.

     Dear Friend, as you have just read The Real Christmas Story, there is no greater gift than what GOD gave the world. "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). This great Bible verse reveals four truths from the heart of GOD about HIS Christmas gift to the world.

Receiving GOD's

Christmas Gift

YOU ARE LOVED

     

     GOD wants you to know that you are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world" (John 3:16a). You are a part of this world, and GOD loves you. GOD loves you and gave HIS SON for you. HE wants you "to know the love of CHRIST"  (Ephesians 3:19)

YOU ARE OF WORTH

     The LORD also wants you to know that you are of worth. You are so dear to GOD that "HE gave HIS only begotten SON" (John 3:16b). HE gave HIS precious SON, JESUS CHRIST, to pay your sin debt. The Bible teaches us that we are all sinners. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23).

     Sin must be paid for. "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).

     The good news is that the LORD JESUS paid your sin debt in full when HE died on the cross. "For HE that made HIM to be sin for us" (2nd.Corinthians 5:21). CHRIST loves you and gave HIMSELF for you as payment for your sin. You may ask, "How can GOD forgive sin ?" HE can do that because of what JESUS did for you. "While we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (Romans 5:8).

WE CAN HAVE HOPE

     GOD wants you to know that you can have hope. HE said "that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish" (John 3:16c). The LORD does not want anyone to be separated from GOD. We were created to spend eternity with HIM.

YOU CAN HAVE PURPOSE

     GOD wants you to know that you can have purpose in life. HE desires that you "should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16d). "And this is the promise that HE hath promised us, even eternal life" (1st.John 2:25). Everlasting life is yours when you turn to GOD in repentance and faith and receive the LORD JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOUR.

     Dear Friend, if you have never received the LORD JESUS -- GOD's gift to the world -- as your personal SAVIOUR, our Heavenly FATHER wants to give you the best Christmas gift ever. HE wants to give you eternal life. HE said, "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish" (John 10:28). 

Receive the gift of JESUS today !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

C H R I S T M A S

IS A SEASON OF GIVING.

NO ONE EVER GAVE A 

MORE PRECIOUS GIFT

THAN THE 

G I F T  OF  GOD.

Five Star

Christian Ministries

312 SE 24th. Ave.

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-STAR

" THE REAL CHRISTMAS STORY " Part # 2 of 3

 

     And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar 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 Judaea, 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. (Luke 2:1-5)

JESUS IS BORN

IN BETHLEHEM

     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 clothes, and laid HIM in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7) And he called HIS name JESUS. (Matthew 1:25)

THE ANGELS ANOUNCE

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST

     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 SAVIOUR, 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. (Luke 2:8-14)

     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. (Luke 2:15-18)

     And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, HIS name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before HE was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses were accomplished, they brought HIM to Jerusalem, to present HIM to the LORD; (As it is written in the Law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the LORD;) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the Law of the LORD, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

     And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the HOLY GHOST was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the HOLY GHOST, that he should not see death, before he had seen the LORD's CHRIST. And he came by the SPIRIT into the temple: and when the parents brought in the CHILD JESUS, to do for HIM after the custom of the Law then took HE HIM up in his arms, and blessed GOD, and said, LORD, now lettest THOU THY servant depart in peace, according to THY WORD: for mine eyes have seen THY salvation, which THOU hast prepared before the face of all people; a LIGHT to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of THY people Israel. And Joseph and HIS mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of HIM.

     And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary HIS mother, Behold, this CHILD is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served GOD with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the LORD, and spake of HIM to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:21-38)

     Now when JESUS was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the King, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is HE that is born KING of the Jews ? for we have seen HIS star in the east, and are come to worship HIM. When Herod the King had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

     And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where CHRIST should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a GOVERNOR, that shall rule MY people Israel.

     Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young CHILD; and when ye have found HIM, bring me word again, that I may come and worship HIM also. When they had heard the King, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young CHILD was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

     And when they were come into the house, they saw the young CHILD with Mary HIS mother, and fell down, and worshipped HIM: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto HIM gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of GOD in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. (Matthew 2:1-12)

     And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the LORD appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young CHILD and HIS mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young CHILD to destroy HIM. When he arose, he took the young CHILD and HIS mother by night, and departed into Egypt: and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the LORD by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called MY SON.

     Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. (Matthew 2:13-16)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     We are stopping Part# 2 here and will finish The Real Christmas Story in part# 3. Please finish reading this wonderful revisiting of the miraculous birth of CHRIST in the 3rd. and final part.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Five Star

Christian Ministries

312 se 24th. Ave.

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-STAR

" THE REAL CHRISTMAS STORY " Part# 1 of 3

THE REAL

CHRISTMAS

STORY

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MATTHEW 1 & 2, LUKE 1 & 2

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dr. Tom Sexton

     The most famous event in all of human history is the birth of CHRIST. Down through the centuries, this amazing event has been played out and told by people all around the world. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year for millions of people. Go with me as we travel back centuries ago and revisit the time when "the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us." (John 1:14a) The following text is taken from the WORD of GOD in the order in which the events occurred . No words or comments have been added to the text. Every WORD is from the WORD of GOD.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     Now the birth of JESUS CHRIST was on this wise. (Matthew 1:18) The angel Gabriel was sent from GOD unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the LORD is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

     And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour  with GOD. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a SON, and shalt call HIS name JESUS. HE shall be great, and shall be called the SON of the HIGHEST: and the LORD GOD shall give unto HIM the throne of HIS father David: and HE shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of HIS kingdom there shall be no end.

     Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man ?

     And the angel answered and said unto her, 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. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with GOD nothing shall be impossible.

     And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the LORD; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26-38)

     And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the HOLY GHOST: and she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my LORD should come to me ? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the LORD.

     And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the LORD, And my spirit hath rejoiced in GOD my SAVIOUR. For HE hath regarded the low estate of HIS handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For HE that is mighty hath done to me great things; and Holy is HIS name. And HIS mercy is on them that fear HIM from generation to generation. HE hath showed strength with HIS arm; HE hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. HE hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. HE hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich HE hath sent empty away. HE hath holpen HIS servant Israel, in remembrance of HIS mercy; As HE spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house. (Luke 1:39-56)

AN ANGEL APPEARS TO JOSEPH

AND HE MARRIES MARY

     When. . .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 publick 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 shalt 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 brought forth her firstborn SON. (Matthew 1:18-25)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     We will end Part # 1 here and pick up Part# 2 in the next post. Please continue on with me as we revisit the time of JESUS' birth, the Real Christmas Story.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Five Star

Christian Publications

312 SE 24th. Ave.

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-STAR

 

" Walk as Children of Light ! "

 

1st.Thessalonians 5:4-11 "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For GOD hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with HIM. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."

    We can, by GOD's enabling grace and the power of the SPIRIT, walk as "children of light." But we also can, through indifference and neglect, walk in a manner similar to the unsaved who are yet in darkness and dead in trespasses and sins. The key characteristic of those in such darkness is their disregard for what GOD has in store for the future. The Christian who knows what lies ahead is accountable for that knowledge. He is to live differently from those who are "of darkness" (v.5) -- those who are asleep to the reality of pending judgment. The believer should live soberly and righteously and be a testimony to those in need. The promised deliverance from future judgment ought not to encourage spiritual apathy or careless living (vv.4-8); rather, the "blessed hope" should have a purifying effect (1st.John 2:28 pictured above; 3:1-3).

     The "Day of the LORD" includes both the seven-year tribulation as well as the subsequent millennial reign of CHRIST. But these seven years of judgment will not overtake the believer. Why ? The reason is obvious, for that has been Paul's subject of consideration all along: "For GOD hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our LORD JESUS CHRIST" (v.9). "Salvation" in this verse refers to deliverance, by way of the rapture, from this period of GOD's judgment. Whether dead or alive at HIS appearing, we shall live together forever with HIM (v.10 cf. 4:17). The Christian is not to look for the Tribulation but, rather, for the SAVIOR ! GOD has promised to rescue HIS church (Revelation 3:10 pictured above), and this blessed hope is the basis for Paul's message of comfort and edification as we see the Day of the LORD drawing nigh (v.11 cf. 4:18). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" The Day of the LORD ! "

 

1st.Thessalonians5:1-3 "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the LORD so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."

     The Thessalonian believers needed apostolic instruction concerning the catching away (rapture) of the church, so Paul dealt with this in the preceding chapter of his epistle. The rapture is a uniquely "church age" truth, for the Old Testament prophecies did not address this event. The Apostle explained the timing of CHRIST's coming, which will occur in two phases ("in the air" and "on the earth"). "Of the times and the seasons" (v.1) the church of Thessalonica now had full comprehension (v.2). They understood GOD's future dispensational dealings with a believing Jewish remnant and a godless, wicked world. Yes, the Thessalonians grasped "perfectly" Paul's clarification that the rapture of the church would precede the coming "Day of the LORD," the season of great judgment to come revealed extensively in the Old Testament Scriptures. Can it be said of us regarding our knowledge of prophecy and dispensational truth that we "know perfectly" ? Likely many Christians could stand to improve in this area.

     The prophesied "Day of the LORD" will overtake the children "of darkness" "as a thief in the night (vv.2,5). It is a time of terrible judgment, and "they [the unbelievers left behind following the catching away of the church] shall not escape" (v.3 cf. Zephaniah 1:14-16 pictured above). Just when it seems the Antichrist has brought peace to the world, the cataclysmic judgments of GOD will fall upon the Earth, preceding the second advent of CHRIST (Matthew 24:15-31). The Thessalonians understood these prophecies, but in Paul's second epistle to them, he had to correct some who mistakenly thought they had somehow missed the rapture and were enduring the tribulation (2nd.Thessalonians 2:1-10 partially pictured above). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" The LORD Shall Descend ! "

 

1st.Thessalonians 4:16-18 "For the LORD HIMSELF shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in CHRIST shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up (raptured) together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD. Wherefore comfort one another with these WORDs."

     Today's text describes the manner of CHRIST's coming. It will be personal: "For the LORD HIMSELF shall descend from Heaven" (v.16). Only the blood-washed church possesses this "blessed hope," not the unbeliever, not the merely religious, and certainly not the one whose hope rests only in this world. We are not to be looking for a reformed, "Christianized" society or for a movement that will "bring in the kingdom." We are to watch for JESUS CHRIST to come and receive us unto HIMSELF. If the expectation of HIS appearing is not a blessed, happy consideration for you, then perhaps you are not numbered among those who can declare, "We believe" (vv. 14ff).

     Furthermore, CHRIST's coming at the rapture will be "with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD" (v.16). Be careful not to confuse the coming of the LORD for the saints "in the air" and the coming of the LORD "with the saints" at the end of the Tribulation to defeat the Antichrist (Jude 1:14-15 pictured above; Revelation 19:7-14 partially pictured above). The trumpet mentioned in Matthew 24:31 and Revelation 11:15 is heard by those who find themselves in the midst of the Great Tribulation; on the other hand, the sound of the trumpet in today's text (as well as 1st.Corinthians 15:50-54) distinctively announces the saints' deliverance from their natural, mortal bodies when they receive their glorified bodies at HIS appearing. We must rightly divide the WORD of truth (2nd.Timothy 2:15), and this means we must understand the dissimilarities, as well as the similarities, in the events surrounding CHRIST's return. What a comfort it is to know that GOD has "not appointed us to wrath" reserved for the unbelievers who know not CHRIST (v.18 cf. 1st.Thessalonians 5:9-11). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" DEATH - It Happens Every Day! "

 

    What if you died today ? Even while reading this post, you could be having a slight pain in your chest or head. Within a few hours, you could be dead of a heart attack or brain hemorrhage. You might think that could never happen to you. However, the Bible states, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life ? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14).

     Even if you are in excellent health, you could be killed in an auto accident today. Do you remember the shock you felt the last time you heard someone you knew was killed in an accident ? They certainly never thought that death would come so suddenly to them. Perhaps these will be the last words you will ever read !

     You cannot escape death ! "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27). Maybe you are thinking, "If I would die today, I'm ready to go; after all, I've never done anything really bad. I don't believe that a merciful GOD would send me to Hell." The Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23a). "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." (Revelation 21:8). According to GOD's WORD, it does not matter how good you are. You deserve to burn in the Lake of Fire forever and ever !

     However, there is good news. GOD provides a way of escape, because HE has given you a SAVIOR. ". . .the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23b). "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). PLEASE STOP for a moment and read that last verse once again. How does the Bible say that you can have everlasting life ? It does not say that you can have everlasting life by trusting in some church or saint or acts of obedience (works) ! "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). The Bible does not say you can have everlasting life by doing good works ! "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).

     GOD made the only way of salvation thru HIS SON, the LORD JESUS CHRIST. "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). There is no other way; there is nothing you can do - no works of any kind, no water baptism, no church membership, no being born into a Christian family, no taking of sacraments, no praying to saints - nothing.

     You can only get everlasting life by completely trusting JESUS. "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 abides on him." (John 3:36). Why don't you admit to GOD that you are a hell-bound sinner. Admit to HIM that you are willing to turn to GOD from your sin (repentance) and accept the LORD JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR. If you will do that with a sincere heart, GOD's WORD says that you can know for sure that you have eternal life. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the SON of GOD; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the SON of GOD." (1st.John 5:13). This is not just a coincidence that you are reading this post. GOD planned for you to read it. This could be your last warning !

     Will you reject JESUS ? The Bible states, ". . .he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." (John 3:18b). Will you accept JESUS as your personal SAVIOR ? Remember, salvation does not depend on feelings or on an emotional experience. It is based on what GOD has promised in HIS WORD. GOD promised, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13). Call on GOD today ! Don't put it off another minute ! If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple pray 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 in John 5:24, "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." TODAY is YOUR day of salvation, come to JESUS as you are !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" Absolutely Free ! "

 

In this day and time, it's not often that someone offers an absolutely free gift. Yet here is the most wonderful and precious free gift especially for you ! It has already been paid for by someone else. Please read on to find out more. . . . . . .

This gift is ETERNAL LIFE in glorious

Heaven.

It is difficult for men to accept the thought of this being a free gift. Man wants to earn forgiveness and everlasting life.

The Holy Bible says: "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) The Bible also says: ". . .the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23b)

A gift is not something we earn or work for. We receive gifts out of love. In fact, "GRACE" means: "Unmerited, or unearned favor." If we work for something, it is no longer a gift, but a wage. There is only one spiritual wage a person can obtain . . .

The wages of sin is death.

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

". . .and sin, when it is finished, bringeth

forth death." (James 1:15b)

"In flaming fire taking vengeance

on them that know not GOD, and that

obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST:"

(2nd.Thessalonians 1:8)

We earn death in a Devil's Hell, but GOD

gives us Heaven through JESUS CHRIST !

The LORD JESUS CHRIST paid for this gift with HIS own precious blood shed on the cross ". . .without shedding of blood is no remission [of sin]." (Hebrews 9:22b) ". . .the blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanseth us from all sin." (1st.John 1:7b)

"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)  GOD's WORD also says, "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8)

Receive this absolutely free gift TODAY ! Come to GOD in humble prayer, admit your guilt as a sinner before an all-Holy GOD, repent (a turning to GOD from your sin), asking GOD to save you through the LORD JESUS CHRIST. 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 !

"But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name:" (John 1:12)

"Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks (Gentiles), repentance toward GOD, and faith toward our LORD JESUS CHRIST (Acts 20:21)

"For whosoever (YOU !) shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

PLEASE do not delay in coming to CHRIST. The time is growing so short.

"BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b)

JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie