"Someday You Will Stand Before GOD . . . "

 

ETERNITY DEPENDS ON IT !

Dear Soul, the Bible declares that one day you will die and then stand face to face with GOD to be judged. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT:" Hebrews 9:27. Nothing in your entire life could be more important than to be ready for that day, for it will determine whether you will spend eternity in Heaven or Hell.

     This judgment will be based on "righteousness"; which means to be absolutely perfect and without sin. The Bible says, "HE hath appointed a day, in the which HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS by that MAN WHOM HE hath ordained;" Acts 17:31a. The MAN spoken of in this verse is JESUS CHRIST. This means that your righteousness must match that of JESUS CHRIST. Can you make it through your entire life without committing one single sin ! JESUS CHRIST did, and HE is the ONE that you will be compared with at your judgment.

NONE HAVE IT !

     Nobody but JESUS CHRIST, could ever lead a life without one single sin. The Bible says, "For ALL HAVE SINNED," Romans 3:23a. Nobody but JESUS CHRIST is that righteous. The Bible says, "There is NONE RIGHTEOUS, no, not one:" Romans 3:10b. If you claim to be righteous, you are only deceiving yourself, and making GOD a liar. The Bible says, "If we say that we have not sinned, WE MAKE HIM A LIAR," 1st.John 1:10a. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." 1st.John 1:8.

WITHOUT IT YOU GO TO HELL !

     The Bible says, "Know ye not that THE UNRIGHTEOUS SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD ?" 1st.Corinthians 6:9a. If you're not going to Heaven, that leaves only one other place. "The wicked shall be TURNED INTO HELL. . ." Psalm 9:17a.

YOU CANNOT WORK FOR IT !

     The Bible says, "NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us," Titus 3:5a. If you could "earn" the righteousness of GOD, then JESUS CHRIST would not have had to die on the cross. The Bible says, "I do not frustrate the grace of GOD: for IF RIGHTEOUSNESS COME BY THE LAW, THEN CHRIST IS DEAD IN VAIN." Galatians 2:21. "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, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I declared 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).

     Dear Soul, you cannot earn the "righteousness of GOD" by leading a good life, church membership, sacraments, water baptism, or anything that YOU do. If you do something for it, then it is SELF-righteousness.

FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT.

     Faith is a "complete" trust or dependency upon someone. The Bible says that JESUS CHRIST died to pay for your sins and purchase the "righteousness of GOD" for you. You must stop trying to "earn" it, and "put complete faith in JESUS CHRIST" to receive it. The Bible says, "But TO HIM THAT WORKETH NOT, but BELIEVETH ON HIM that justifieth the ungodly, HIS FAITH IS COUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS." Romans 4:5. "Even the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD which is BY FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST unto all and upon all them THAT BELIEVE:" Romans 3:22a. Then, you will not have to fear your judgment day, because in your heart you know that you will "Be found in HIM, NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, which is of the Law, but THAT WHICH IS THROUGH THE FAITH OF CHRIST, the RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS OF GOD BY FAITH:" Philippians 3:9.

WILL YOU TRUST COMPLETELY IN JESUS CHRIST TO SAVE YOU ?

     Dear Soul, JESUS CHRIST has already paid for eternal life, you need only to receive it as a "gift," by putting your faith in HIM. The Bible says, ". . .the GIFT of GOD is eternal life THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD." Romans 6:23b. GOD cannot lie, and HE has promised to give you eternal life. The Bible says, "In hope of eternal life, WHICH GOD, THAT CANNOT LIE, PROMISED before the world began;" Titus 1:2.

     Will you right now believe GOD's promise ? Will you right now stop trusting "your righteousness," and put all your faith in JESUS CHRIST and receive "HIS righteousness" ? If you will call on JESUS CHRIST, and put all your faith in HIM, HE will save you right now. The Bible says, ". . .CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinner;" 1st.Timothy 1:15b. It also says, "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:

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.

     Eternity is real, and Hell is real. If you want JESUS CHRIST as your LORD and SAVIOR, come to HIM today. No one is promised a tomorrow. 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." Come to JESUS today before it is too late !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

"The Uniqueness of JESUS CHRIST"

 

Matthew 16:13-21 "When JESUS came into the coasts of Cesarea Philippi, HE asked HIS disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the SON of MAN AM ? And they said, Some say that THOU art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias or one of the prophets. HE saith unto them, But WHOM say ye that I AM ? And Simon Peter answered and said, THOU are the CHRIST, the SON of the living GOD. And JESUS answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but MY FATHER which is in Heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build MY church; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of Heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on Earth shall be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on Earth shall be loosed in Heaven. Then charged HE HIS disciples that they should tell no man that HE was JESUS the CHRIST. From that time forth began JESUS to show unto HIS disciples, how that HE must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the Elders, and Chief Priests and Scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day."

JESUS CHRIST is the only one WHO existed prior to HIS conception and birth (John 1:15; 8:58).

HE is the only one WHO had a mother but no biological father (Luke 1:35).

HE is the only one through WHOM all things were created and are upheld (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17).

HE is the only one WHO is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

HE is the only one WHO never sinned in HIS childhood, teen, and adult years (2nd.Corinthians 5:21; 1st.Peter 2:22).

HE is the only one WHO perfectly kept the Ten Commandments and always pleased GOD the FATHER (John 8:29).

HE is the only one WHO could claim to be equal with GOD (one with GOD) without committing blasphemy (John 5:18; 10:30).

HE is the only one WHO died as man's SUBSTITUTE, bearing the sins of all mankind (Hebrews 2:9; Isaiah 53:6).

HE is the only one WHO predicted HIS OWN resurrection and then fulfilled the prediction (Matthew 16:21 pictured at top of post).

HE is the only one WHOSE life, death, resurrection, and exaltation fulfilled hundreds of Bible prophecies (Luke 24:44).

HE is the only SAVIOR and the only MEDIATOR between GOD and men (Isaiah 45:21-22; Acts 4:12; 1st.Timothy 2:5).

HE is the only one WHO will rule this world in righteousness and perfect justice (Jeremiah 23:5).

HE is the only one given the authority to raise the dead and judge all men (John 5:22, 27-29).

In HIS times HE will show WHO is the blessed and only POTENTATE (powerful RULER), the KING of Kings, and LORD of Lords (1st.Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16).

HE is the only one WHO will be the center of worship throughout all eternity (Revelation 5:9, 13).

However, Dear Friend, you are the only one who can determine your own destiny based upon what you will do with JESUS CHRIST, GOD's unique SON (John 3:18,36 pictured above).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.      www.featoday.org

"Deception Is Dangerous"

 

1st.Corinthians 1:17-18 "For CHRIST sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of CHRIST should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of GOD."

     During the past few posts, we have noticed what GOD's WORD says about the inherent power of the Gospel and our responsibility to declare it to others without trying to trick or manipulate them into receiving it. Countless well-meaning believers are negligent in understanding the harm they inflict to the cause of CHRIST by using deceptive evangelistic methods in their attempt to see people come to the LORD. Many unbelievers think they are saved because they "prayed a prayer," "walked an aisle," or "signed on the dotted line"; however, they never truly understood in the first place what it means to become a child of GOD. Others, at the urging of a Christian friend or evangelist who dressed and acted like the world in order to gain their attention or get their respect, have professed to come to CHRIST -- not because they actually repented and believed the Gospel but because becoming a "Christian" was en vogue and seemingly compatible with their worldly lifestyle and worldview. In either case, the cause of CHRIST is harmed because a potential believer has been misled.

     Today's text clearly reveals that it is possible for us to make "the cross of CHRIST . . . of none effect" (v.17 pictured above). A distinction exists between evangelism according to our own fleshly means and evangelism aligning with GOD's WORD. When we try to make the message of salvation "inoffensive" to sinful man or use the world's wisdom to "slip the Gospel" to the unsaved, we are stripping the good news of its power. Our duty is simply to proclaim the Gospel to all and take the time to further explain it to those who are receptive to it. Do not be deceitful. We have nothing of which to be ashamed ! MDC 

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

"The Gospel is Inherently Powerful"

 

1st.Corinthians 2:1-5 "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of GOD. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save JESUS CHRIST, and HIM crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the SPIRIT and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of GOD."

     Many well-meaning Christians who desire to be a witness to others of GOD's gracious offer of salvation often misunderstand the inherent power of the Gospel and the ministry of the HOLY SPIRIT. Believers sometimes fail to realize that they cannot "argue others into Heaven" through debate nor make the Gospel more palatable. Because they do not comprehend these basic facts, they may resort to gimmicks or subterfuge in the effort to render the Gospel as more "acceptable" to the unsaved.

     In 1st.Corinthians 1:17 (pictured at top of post), Paul tells the believers at Corinth that "CHRIST sent me . . . to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of CHRIST should be made of none effect." He continues in today's text by stating that his preaching was accomplished "not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the SPIRIT and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of GOD" (vv.4-5 2nd. picture from top of post). Likewise, he told the believers in Rome, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: for it is the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth . . . for therein is the righteousness of GOD revealed from faith to faith" (Romans 1:16-17 pictured above). Paul knew that the power of the Gospel (along with the convicting work of the HOLY SPIRIT, John 16:7-11), would change the lives of those unregenerate men, women, and children who allowed the SPIRIT to work in their heart. It is the HOLY SPIRIT WHO reproves, or convicts, "the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:8). We have no power to make any person believe anything ! It is our duty simply to obey CHRIST by telling the good news to all who will listen. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

"Let's Be Straight About It"

 

Acts 8:1-4 "And Saul was consenting unto his (Stephen's) death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentations over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and hauling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the WORD."

     As believers, it is vital for us to understand that we are not called to "save" others, nor are we allowed by GOD to change the Gospel message or clothe it in worldly garb in order to attract the attention of the unsaved. If unbelievers refuse to listen to us or deem the good news we proclaim as untrue or irrelevant, so be it. Our command from the LORD and our personal responsibility to HIM and others is simply this: to declare the Gospel message, both by way of testimony and through verbal proclamation. This is what JESUS told HIS disciples when HE commanded them to "be witnesses" (Acts 1:8 pictured above) and "teach all nations" (Matthew 28:19-20 pictured below) throughout the Earth. JESUS' followers obeyed and proclaimed HIS Gospel. They did not use gimmicks or subterfuge in the attempt to attract a wider audience, even though doing so might have caused their message to be more popular in the eyes of men. Rather than embracing a pragmatic philosophy of ministry or evangelism, they simply obeyed their LORD's command and allowed GOD the HOLY SPIRIT to work in the hearts and lives of others.

     Notice the response to the proclamation of the Gospel in the first century. Saul persecuted believers and "made havoc of the church" (v.3). These Christians experienced tyranny to the point of martyrdom for telling the world that JESUS had died and risen again for man's sin. But how did they respond ? "They that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the WORD" (v.4 pictured at top of post). These faithful believers did not change the message, nor did they try to convert others through gimmicks or deceptive means. Even in adversity, may we boldly and straightforwardly share our faith. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

"The Power of the Gospel"

 

Romans 1:15-17 "So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: for it is the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of GOD revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith."

     The Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST is a powerful message that has changed the hearts and lives of many people for thousands of years. The good news of CHRIST's substitutionary death and subsequent resurrection has brought joy to the lives of millions who have realized their sinful, hopeless condition and wholly trusted in JESUS' finished work on Calvary's cross. We have received the forgiveness of sins and have been reconciled to GOD the FATHER, so why would we not unashamedly proclaim this good news to others and allow GOD's SPIRIT to work in the hearts of those who are willing to consider its life-changing power ? After all, that is what JESUS commanded us to do, and that is what HIS apostles did throughout the first century. Why, then, do many Christians today suddenly feel as though the Gospel message is ineffective unless it is first sugar-coated or disguised so as to be more palatable to the unsaved ?

     Churches today have turned to gimmicks, marketing techniques, and even deception in an effort to "win the lost," and though their intentions may be good, they are actually harming the cause of CHRST by trying to gain converts through these faulty means. Why is this happening ? The first reason is that many do not accurately understand the Great Commission. Second, it is occurring because some fail to comprehend the inherent power of the Gospel. Finally, countless churches are negligent in realizing the harm caused by using ploys or subterfuge in seeking to win the lost. The Gospel message "is the power of GOD unto salvation" (v.16 pictured above). Therefore, we must purpose to forthrightly declare this life-changing, wonderful good news in clarity and truth. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" History's Most Important Birth ! "

 

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

     The birth of CHRIST was unique -- No other baby was ever born without having a biological father. Our LORD's supernatural conception was the work of GOD the HOLY SPIRIT apart from any male seed. Mary was overshadowed by the power of the most HIGH, resulting in the birth of a holy CHILD WHO did not inherit a sin nature from Adam. "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" (Luke 1:35 pictured above).

     The birth of CHRIST was timely -- "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 pictured above). At just the right time, the ONE WHO personified GOD's saving grace appeared to all men (Titus 2:11; John 1:17). HIS birth perfectly harmonized with Daniel's Seventy Week Prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27), allowing for HIS death to take place after the sixty-ninth week as prophesied (Daniel 9:26). The timing of HIS entrance into this world changed our calendars forever.

     The birth of CHRIST was purposeful -- The reason for HIS coming is unmistakable: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners" (1st.Timothy 1:15). "For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through HIM might be saved" (John 3:17 pictured above). "I AM come a LIGHT into the world, that whosoever believeth on ME should not abide in darkness" (John 12:46). "I AM come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). Has this purpose been fulfilled in your life, yet ? GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" Perfect Timing ! "

Galatians 4:1-7 "Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 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. And because ye are sons, GOD hath sent forth the SPIRIT of HIS SON into your hearts, crying, ABBA, FATHER. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of GOD through CHRIST."

    According to HIS eternal counsels, GOD had marked on HIS calendar a date for the MESSIAH to come into this world (v.4). CHRIST's birth did not arrive a day early nor a day late. JESUS was destined to appear at the time appointed by the FATHER (v.2). While GOD alone understands all the reasons for choosing this date, we can make several observations:

1.) GOD's amazing Seventy Weeks Prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27 pictured above) indicated exactly when MESSIAH the PRINCE would be presented to the Jewish nation (probably at the Triumphal Entry). Obviously, CHRIST's birth had to predate this even.

2.) For around 1,500 years the Jewish people demonstrated that they were totally incapable of keeping the Mosaic Law. It was time for a new economy, that is, time for the grace of GOD which brings salvation to appear to all men (Titus 2:11; John 1:17).

3.) Following CHRIST's birth, death, and resurrection, it was the ideal time for the disseminating of the Gospel because: First, one common language was spoken in the Roman Empire, namely, Greek; the early missionaries did not need to learn a new language every time they entered a different country. Second, the Romans had built a network of roads that greatly facilitated travel from city to city. Third, the Romans had established Pax Romana (Roman peace), which provided political stability for Gospel outreach (1st.Timothy 2:1-6). Fourth, about 150 synagogues throughout the Roman empire served as Old Testament Scripture depositories, enabling Christian missionaries to reach both Jews and Gentiles proselytes. All of these factors led to great multitudes throughout the known world coming to know GOD's "so great salvation" (Hebrews 2:3). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

 

"Paul's Great Fear of Satan's Methods & Means of Deception"

 

2nd.Corinthians 11:3 "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in CHRIST."

Genesis 3:1-6 "Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD GOD had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath GOD said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden ? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, GOD hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for GOD doeth know that in the day ye eat thereof; then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."

     The Apostle Paul was fearful for GOD's people -- he was afraid that they would fall prey to Satan's devices and thus their minds would become corrupted from "the simplicity that is in CHRIST." He told the Corinthian believers of his apprehension that they would be ruined through the very same methods and means Satan had used to deceive Eve in the Garden of Eden. We will look at the tactics Satan used when deceiving Eve; as well as the Apostle's concern over the fact that Christians can become corrupt in their thinking.

     Paul's warning to the Corinthians reveals to us that it is likewise possible for our own mind to become corrupted "from the simplicity that is in CHRIST." Even believers are not immune to the dangers of embracing a faulty worldview. If we fill our head with the ideas and philosophies of the world and accept everything we hear without comparing it against the truth of GOD's WORD, then we will begin to think like the unsaved. We will become confused and start to wonder whether or not we can even know the truth or whether we can truly determine right from wrong. The fact of the matter is that most moral and ethical questions of life can be answered quite simply. Truth is not difficult to grasp. Yet, when we embrace the erroneous and convoluted views of the unbelieving world, we will lose the "simplicity" that is in CHRIST JESUS. Satan wants to confuse and corrupt the believer's mind. He wants us to call evil "good" and good "evil." He wants us to become so utterly perplexed as to the nature and content of truth that we throw up our hands and give up. Do not let this happen to you !

     Looking in the Genesis text, we discover the method Satan employed to deceive Eve -- the same strategy he uses to tempt us as well (2nd.Corinthians 11:3). Certainly, "we are not ignorant of his devices" (2nd.Corinthians 2:11 pictured above). First, we learn that he utilized an ordinary serpent. Even today, Satan often uses common, everyday things of life to draw us away from the truth: books, television programs, websites, or even simple conversations with other people. Second, he used doubt (v.1). He planted a seed of distrust in Eve's mind by making a simple inquiry. Of course, asking a question is not wrong in itself, but we must be aware that Satan can often use this as a way to introduce doubt. The trend in many churches and schools today is to "rethink" our theology, beliefs, or behavior. Again, to "rethink" is not a sin in itself, but Satan often will use this to plant misgivings concerning the truth. Third, Satan distorted the truth (v.1). The majority of the truth was still present in his statement -- Adam and Eve were allowed to eat from most trees. Yet by distorting the truth even slightly, GOD's clear commands were compromised. Finally, Satan actually denied the truth (v.4). Outright contradiction of GOD's commands is the ultimate end of Satan's method. We live in a day in which many Christians are embracing the Devil's lies; they think, "GOD won't really chastise me for living in sin" or "GOD doesn't really care about how I live and what I believe." These doubts and denials soon translate into an acceptance of false doctrine that eventually leads to a lifestyle indistinguishable from that of unbelievers. Do not allow Satan's methods to entice you away from the simplicity that is in CHRIST.

     Satan used several means to deceive Eve and corrupt her mind from the simplicity of GOD's clear command (Genesis 2:16-17 pictured above). First, he incited the lust of the flesh -- Eve noticed that the tree was "good for food." It appealed to her physical appetite. Second, Satan aroused the lust of the eyes -- Eve saw that it was "pleasant to the eyes." The tree was aesthetically pleasing. Finally, Satan tempted Eve with the pride of life -- Eve perceived that it was "a tree to be desired to make one wise." It appealed to her sense of ambition and self-importance. Notice 1st.John 2:16, pictured below. We, likewise, can fall prey to the same enticements, yet these things are not of the FATHER but are of the world.

     Eve had no excuse for heeding Satan's lie. She understood the clear, uncomplicated command from GOD, and she had abundant evidence of GOD's love and goodness. Today, we have even more advantages ! First, we possess the complete canon of Scriptures -- with specific commands and precepts from GOD HIMSELF. We can see the "whole picture." Second, we have the ability to achieve victory over sin in our life (Romans 6:11-13 pictured below). Third, we possess the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT to strengthen and empower us. Fourth, we can clearly witness GOD's love and goodness all around us. Finally, the harmful, ravenous effects of sin are plain to see. With all these benefits that assist in deterring us from succumbing to Satan's deception, why are we yet deluded so often ?

     Yes, we can become ensnared by the same method and means Satan used in the garden. Paul was afraid that this would happen to the Corinthian believers, and we must be fearful -- in a healthy way -- and aware that this can happen to us. Be careful ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" Isaiah 53, The Forbidden Chapter ? "

 

Isaiah 53 "Who hath believed our report ? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed ? For HE shall grow up before HIM as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: HE hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see HIM, there is no beauty that we should desire HIM. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from HIM; HE was despised, and we esteemed HIM not.

Surely HE hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem HIM stricken, smitten of GOD, and afflicted. But HE was wounded for our transgressions, HE was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon HIM; and with HIS stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned  every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on HIM the iniquity of us all.

HE was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet HE opened not HIS mouth: HE is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so HE openeth not HIS mouth. HE was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare HIS generation ? for HE was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was HE stricken. 

And HE made HIS grave with the wicked, and with the rich in HIS death; because HE had done no violence, neither was any deceit in HIS mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise HIM: HE hath put HIM to grief when THOU shalt make HIS soul and offering for sin, HE shall see HIS seed, HE shall prolong HIS days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in HIS hand.

HE shall see the travail of HIS soul, and shall be satisfied: by HIS knowledge shall MY righteous SERVANT justify many; for HE shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide HIM a portion with the great, and HE shall divide the spoil with the strong; because HE hath poured out HIS soul unto death: and HE was numbered with the transgressors; and HE bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."

     Why would anyone, but the Devil, want a major chapter removed from Scriptures that shows unequivocally that JESUS was and is the Jewish MESSIAH/YESHUA foretold by many Scriptures in the Old Testament ? When I heard that there was a "FORBIDDEN CHAPTER" of Scripture I had to investigate. Jews from around the world are discovering this "Forbidden Chapter" and coming to realize that they have been misled by their religious leaders, just as those in JESUS' day misled their people about who JESUS was. I have decided to simply give the "Forbidden Chapter" in hopes that Jews around the world will continue to discover the truth about their Jewish MESSIAH JESUS/ YESHUA.

     Every prophetic verse in Isaiah 53 has a corresponding fulfillment in the New Testament. The truth is stunningly obvious to anyone who is truly in search of the truth about the Jewish MESSIAH JESUS/YESHUA. Come today and discover WHO you have been missing. HE is waiting and longing for you to come to HIM in repentance and faith. 

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" The Death Penalty "

 

Genesis 9:5-6 "And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man: at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of GOD made HE man."

     While politicians and human rights activists continue debating the issue of the death penalty, GOD leaves no doubt where HE stands. Today's text spells out our LORD's command: namely, capital punishment for capital offenses. HE has never changed or rescinded this mandate. In fact, the LORD repeats HIS command in later Scripture texts. This is a very serious matter and one that is of utmost importance in today's political and religious climate. If a person murders someone -- intentionally, deliberately, and apart from self-defense -- that person is to pay for the crime with his or her own life. The reason for such punishment is because every human bears the image of GOD (Genesis 1:26-27 pictured above). To murder someone is to destroy the LORD's special, singular creation.

     Prior to this mandate, no mechanism was in place for the punishment of murderers; thus, neither Cain nor Lamech received the death penalty. It seems that one result of their crimes was the furtherance of wickedness, culminating in the horrible conditions described in Genesis 6 (Genesis 6:5 pictured above). The earth must have been a terrible place by that time, filled with untold violence and lawlessness. But following the flood, GOD mandated that man govern himself to protect potential victims from predators. The death penalty is not merely about getting vengeance on someone; rather, it is a reflection of GOD's justice and a recognition of the sacredness of human life due to the image of GOD within man. These verses establish what we now call human government --"by man shall his blood be shed" (v.6 pictured at top of post); that is, by people acting on behalf of others to protect and maintain order shall the death penalty be carried out. In this we see the righteousness of GOD. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org