"GOD's Last Name is NOT Damn ! "

 

GOD's Last Name is NOT Damn !

     Many people strive to make a name for themselves. A person's name symbolizes not only what they have accomplished in their lifetime, but it also reveals their character, whether good or bad. The Bible states, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. . ." (Proverbs 22:1) In fact, GOD values HIS name so much that HE gave the following command: "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy GOD in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh HIS name in vain." (Exodus 20:7)

     The Bible is the record of GOD's love for mankind. Throughout the Bible, many names referring to GOD are given, and each name gives a different aspect of GOD's character. For instance, Isaiah 9:6 states, "For unto us a CHILD is born, unto us a SON is given: and the government shall be upon HIS shoulder: and HIS name shall be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, The MIGHTY GOD, The EVERLASTING FATHER, The PRINCE of PEACE." These names refer to the precious SON of GOD, and each name gives a glimpse of GOD's character.

     Not only does the Bible show the character of GOD, but it also reveals the depravity of man. Romans 3:12 states, ". . .there is none that doeth good, no, not one." "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23) Your sin has earned spiritual death, separation from a Holy GOD, and an eternity in a Devil's Hell. "For the wages of sin is death. . . " (Romans 6:23a) "And Death and Hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:14-15) Without the mercy of GOD, you are lost and without hope.

     The good news is that GOD's love for you gives you a way of escape. This way is revealed in HIS name. Matthew 1:21 states, "And she (Mary) shall bring forth a SON, and thou shalt call HIS name JESUS: for HE shall save HIS people from their sins." GOD loves you so much that HE sent HIS SON to pay the penalty for your sins. "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8)

     JESUS' death on the cross paid your sin debt in full, if you will only believe in HIM. The Gospel of JESUS CHRIST is simply stated in 1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4, "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:" JESUS states in John 5:24, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth MY WORD, and believeth on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."

     The Bible was ". . .written that ye might believe that JESUS is the CHRIST, the SON Of GOD; and believing ye might have life through HIS name." (John 20:30-31) There is no other way to obtain salvation. "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) Doing good deeds, works of the Law, or water baptism will not earn your salvation. GOD said, "He that believeth on HIM is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." (John 3:18)

     Obtaining salvation and an eternity in Heaven is so simple. GOD gives you this promise: "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)

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

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me. Come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

     What's in a name ? Philippians 2:9-11 says that the name of JESUS is ". . . above every name: That at the name of JESUS every knee should bow . . . And that every tongue should confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD, to the glory of GOD the FATHER." One day, you will believe in GOD, but will you be too late ? Please do not take your salvation lightly. "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b). 

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" The Indispensable SPIRIT ! "

 

Romans 8:8-17 "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please GOD. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the SPIRIT, if so be that the SPIRIT of GOD dwell in you. Now if any man have not the SPIRIT of CHRIST, he is none of HIS. And if CHRIST be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the SPIRIT is life because of righteousness. But if the SPIRIT of HIM that raised up JESUS from the dead dwell in you, HE that raised up CHRIST from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by HIS SPIRIT that dwelleth in you.

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the SPIRIT do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the SPIRIT of GOD, they are the sons of GOD. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the SPIRIT of adoption, whereby we cry, ABBA, FATHER. The SPIRIT ITSELF beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of GOD: and if children, then heirs; heirs of GOD, and joint-heirs with CHRIST; if so be that we suffer with HIM, that we may be also glorified together."

     If the HOLY SPIRIT were to suddenly exit this earth today, most churches would continue on as if nothing had happened ! Yet, those who are tuned in to the Scriptures know how indispensable the HOLY SPIRIT is.

1.)  We cannot be saved apart from HIS convicting ministry: "And when HE is come, HE will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 6:18).

2.)  We cannot be regenerated apart from the SPIRIT: "Except a man be born of water and of the SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of GOD" (John3:5).

3.)  No one belongs to JESUS CHRIST apart from HIS indwelling: "If any man have not the SPIRIT of CHRIST, he is none of HIS" (Romans 8:9).

4.)  We cannot enjoy assurance of salvation apart from HIS inner witness: "The SPIRIT ITSELF beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of GOD" (Romans 8:16).

5.)  We cannot be a member of CHRIST's church apart from HIM: "For by one SPIRIT are we all baptized into one body" (1st.Corinthians 12:13).

6.)  We cannot learn truth apart from HIS teaching ministry: "When HE, the SPIRIT of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).

7.)  We cannot bear spiritual fruit apart from HIS filling: "But the fruit of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace . . ." (Galatians 5:22-23).

8.) We cannot have victory over sin apart from HIS empowerment: "For the law of the SPIRIT of life in CHRIST JESUS hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2).

9.)  We cannot overcome the flesh apart from HIM: "Walk in the SPIRIT, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16).

10.) We cannot be conformed to CHRIST apart from the SPIRIT: "We . . . are changed into the same image . . . even as by the SPIRIT of the LORD" (2nd.Corinthians 3:18)

11.) We cannot be assured of our eternal salvation, that cannot be lost once we are truly saved, without the HOLY SPIRIT's seal: "In WHOM ye also trusted, after that ye heard the WORD of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in WHOM also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT of promise;" (Ephesians 1:13 pictured above).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" JESUS is . . . . . . . "

 

John 2:12-25 "After this HE went down to Capernaum, HE, and HIS mother, and HIS brethren, and HIS disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews Passover was at hand, and JESUS went up to Jerusalem, and found in the Temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: and when HE had made a scourge of small cords, HE drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not MY FATHER's house an house of merchandise. And HIS disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of THINE house hath eaten ME up.

Then answered the Jews and said unto HIM, What sign shewest THOU unto us, seeing that THOU doest these things ? JESUS answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this Temple in building, and wilt THOU rear it up in three days ? But HE spake of the temple of HIS body. When therefore HE was risen from the dead, HIS disciples remembered that HE had said this unto them: and they believed the Scripture, and the WORD which JESUS had said. Now when HE was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast day, many believed in HIS name, when they saw the miracles which HE did. But JESUS did not commit HIMSELF unto them, because HE knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for HE knew what was in man."

JESUS is Intolerant. 

     At the time of Passover, Jewish males traveled to Jerusalem to observe the feast, to offer sacrifices, and to pay the temple tax, which had to be submitted in the appropriate currency. Those who journeyed to Jerusalem needed to exchange coins and purchase necessary goods in order to properly keep the feast and the sacrifices. During this period in Israel's history, money changers used Passover as an opportunity to charge excessive rates of exchange, and peddlers utilized the Temple courts to see, at inflated costs, the animals necessary for the sacrifices. The Jews had, in essence, set up a flea market within the Temple boundaries and exploited this holiday as a money-making opportunity. When JESUS witnessed this travesty and its approval by the religious leaders, HE immediately drove out all the men and animals from the court. HE "poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables," proclaiming, "Take these things hence; make not MY FATHER's house an house of merchandise" (vv.15-16).

     JESUS' actions reveal HIS intolerance concerning three aspects of Israel's "worship." First, HE was clearly intolerant of their hypocrisy. JESUS saw their hearts, and HE knew that although they claimed to worship according to the will of GOD, their hearts were far from HIM (Matthew 15:1-9; 23:1-15, 27-28). Second, JESUS revealed HIS intolerance of their unscrupulous behavior as they took financial advantage of others. Finally, HE refused to tolerate their irreverence. The Temple was to be a sacred place, but these men were defiling it through their actions. CHRIST was intolerant of false worship, so let us today be sure we are worshiping the LORD according to HIS holy standards.

JESUS is Authoritative.

     In our text, we see JESUS CHRIST revealing to mankind the authority that underlies HIS actions. The religious leaders of JESUS' day placed a great emphasis on authority (John 1:19-26). They were so full of pride that they despised anyone who did not conform to their vain traditions and customs, thereby defying their rule. So, when CHRIST boldly cleansed the Temple of unscrupulous men, these Jewish rulers wanted to know by what authority HE based HIS actions (v.18). Of course, they questioned JESUS because they refused to recognize HIM as GOD. Had they believed that HE was the promised MESSIAH, then they surely never would have made such an inquiry.

     JESUS proclaimed HIS authority to them in no uncertain terms. First, HE revealed that HIS mandate was given to HIM by GOD the FATHER -- the ONE WHOM these men claimed to worship -- when HE called the Temple HIS "FATHER's house" (v.16). Throughout the entire Gospel of John, JESUS repeatedly told the Jews that HE and the FATHER were ONE and that HE had come to fulfill the will of GOD HIS FATHER (John 5:15-24). However, they refused to believe HIM. Second, JESUS revealed HIS authority by performing signs and miracles, which clearly displayed HIS omnipotence and deity (v.23 pictured above). Of course, the ultimate proof of JESUS CHRIST's authority rested in HIS death and resurrection, just as HE had prophesied to these Jewish rulers (vv.19-22). JESUS clearly proved that, as GOD, HE had the right to do what HE did, yet the Jews continued to reject HIM. Today, we must ask ourselves if we truly accept the LORD's supremacy in our own life -- or do we, like those religious leaders, think that our way is better than GOD's way.

JESUS is Omniscient.

     The LORD JESUS CHRIST is not only all-powerful and all-authoritative, but HE is also all-knowing. Only ALMIGHTY GOD can see into the very heart of man and every thought of man, and we can be certain that HE is cognizant of absolutely everything about us. HE demonstrated HIS omniscience to both the Jewish leaders and the common people in today's text. CHRIST foreknew that HE was going to die and rise again three days after HIS death (vv.19-21 pictured above). Throughout HIS earthly ministry, HE even knew what the Jewish leaders were thinking, and HE frequently displayed this awareness by revealing to them their thoughts and motives (Matthew 12:14-15,25; Luke 6:7-8). JESUS also demonstrated HIS omniscience by discerning the hearts and minds of those who professed to believe in HIM (vv.23-25). "HE knew what was in man," and HE did not need any human to testify to another man's belief or unbelief. The LORD knew (and continues to know) the faith, or lack thereof, of every individual on earth.

     Today, we worship and serve the very same GOD WHO, almost 2,000 years ago, knew the hearts and minds of all men. JESUS CHRIST knows our motives, thoughts, and desires. We can certainly mislead other individuals, but we can never deceive the LORD. Are we living life with the constant recognition that our GOD is omniscient ? If so, then we should consequently desire to maintain a close fellowship with HIM and refrain from doing anything that dishonors HIM. Psalm 1:6 (pictured above) reminds us, "For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish." Let us purpose each day to live for the LORD from the heart, for HE knows our true motives. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with permission.    www.featoday.org

" Preach the WORD ! "

 

2nd.Timothy 4:1-4 "I charge thee therefore before GOD, and the LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO shall judge the quick and the dead at HIS appearing and HIS kingdom; preach the WORD; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine: but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

     Consider these familiar words found in the first two verses of today's reading: "I charge thee therefore before GOD, and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. . .Preach the WORD." The Apostle Paul's last letter to his younger fellow worker, his son in the faith (2nd.Timothy 1:2), was coming to a close. The parchment or papyrus in Paul's prison room was nearly full as Luke recorded the dictated words from the heart and lips of the aged Apostle. The final message from this fervent warrior in the battle for truth needed an appropriate challenge as a preface to his concluding exhortations: "I charge thee therefore" are the words that flow forth as he speaks before the divine witnesses of the eternal FATHER and the blessed SON (v.1), WHO were surely present not only with Paul in prison but with Timothy as well amid his responsibilities as Pastor in Ephesus.

     What was so important that Paul would direct this solemn charge toward Timothy ? How can we sum up the importance of these closing words from a man whose heart was fixed on GOD ? Paul does it in three simple words: "Preach the WORD." Men will rebel against the truth and gather teachers who say what they want to hear. They will "be turned unto fables" rather than the unadulterated truth of GOD's WORD (v.4). So, what was Timothy to do ? Preach the WORD ! Allow the Bible to do what it does best and proclaim it at all times: "reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." "All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2nd.Timothy 3:16 pictured above). Just declare GOD's WORD and let IT do ITs work. You can never go wrong by preaching the WORD of GOD. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" The Believer's Walk "

Colossians 1:9-10 "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of HIS will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the LORD unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of GOD:"

     As I age, I am noticing that my steps are not as steady as they once were. Some of the reason for this is perhaps because of the back problems that have troubled me for a number of years. But whatever the cause, the unsteadiness and imbalance in my walking are most definitely increasing. Yet, as disconcerting as the advance of old age combined with increasing physical infirmities can be, it is not my physical walking abilities that are of greatest importance but my spiritual walk. This very thought should be most vital to everyone, regardless of age or bodily condition.

     The New Testament describes the Christian life in terms of walking. As we go about in this life, it is so important that our spiritual walk be such that it is a testimony to the work of GOD within us. Without expounding on the context of each passage, let us consider some truths from GOD's WORD pertaining to our daily spiritual walk in this life:

(1) We are to "walk in love" (Ephesians 5:2 pictured above).

(2) In 3rd.John 3, it is clear that we are to walk in truth.

(3) Paul admonishes us to walk in the SPIRIT (Galatians 5:16,25).

(4) We are to "walk by faith, not by sight" (2nd.Corinthians 5:7).

(5) Paul called upon the Roman believers to "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4).

(6) He encouraged those same believers to "walk honestly" (Romans 13:13 pictured above).

And finally, today's text sums it up: The Apostle challenged the saints at Colosse to "walk worthy of the LORD unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of GOD" (v.10 pictured at the top of post). Whether or not your steps are faltering in your physical walk, be sure to seek GOD's wisdom, strength, and help in order to have a steady spiritual walk that is pleasing to HIM. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

 

" How to be SAVED and KNOW It ! "

IF YOU SHOULD DIED TODAY,

WHERE WOULD YOU SPEND ETERNITY ?

No one likes to think about death, but death comes to everyone. GOD tells us in HIS WORD, "And it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27). Since death is so certain, you must prepare to meet GOD. According to GOD's WORD, you will spend eternity in one of two places -- either Heaven or in a Devil's Hell. "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment (Hell): but the righteous into life eternal (Heaven)." (Matthew 25:46)

EVERY PERSON BORN INTO THIS

WORLD INHERITED A SINFUL NATURE.

". . .and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." (Ephesians 2:3b)

"Wherefore as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12).

"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5)

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it ? (Jeremiah 17:9)

THIS SINFUL NATURE PRODUCES 

ALL SORTS OF EVIL DEEDS.

"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man." (Mark 7:21-23) You must admit you are a sinner. Admit it not only to yourself, but also admit it to GOD. There is absolutely no chance for you to be saved from a Devil's Hell unless you know that you are a sinner. GOD's WORD declares it and you must believe it ! Because you are a sinner, you are destined for a Devil's Hell for all eternity. "For the wages of sin is death . . ." (Romans 6:23a). ". . .and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:15)

THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO 

TO SAVE YOURSELF.

You cannot be good enough. ". . .there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Romans 3:12) You cannot be saved by keeping the Law. Joining the church or being water baptized will not even help you. ". . .by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16) You are helpless. You cannot save yourself !

HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL:

In spite of your sin, GOD loves you and has done everything necessary for your salvation. "For when we were yet without strength (helpless), in due time CHRIST died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6)

"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)

"For CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that HE might bring us to GOD, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the SPIRIT:" (1st.Peter 3:18).

JUST BELIEVING INTELLECTUALLY THAT YOU

ARE A SINNER, THAT GOD LOVES YOU, AND

THAT CHRIST DIED FOR YOU IS NOT ENOUGH.

You must apply this to yourself personally by repenting (a turning to GOD from your sin) and receiving the LORD JESUS CHRIST as your own personal LORD and SAVIOR. Repentance is a "change of mind" brought to your heart by the HOLY SPIRIT through the WORD of GOD. It causes you to turn from your sins, dead religion, and works to trust CHRIST alone.  ". . .except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3b) "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). 

". . .all men. . ." (Acts 17:30) are commanded to repent and therefore can. Don't put this off - do it now ! "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b)

"Seek ye the LORD while HE may be found, call ye upon HIM while HE is near:" (Isaiah 55:6). "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

". . .all men. . ." (1st.Timothy 2:4,6) can be saved. Wherever you are right now, tell GOD that you are a lost sinner, ask HIM to forgive you of your sins, and receive the LORD JESUS CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR. Claim salvation by faith. "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)

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.

The LORD JESUS said, ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28). Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

 

" To the PRAISE of HIS Glory ! "

 

Ephesians 2:1-10 " And you hath HE quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 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:)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS: that in the ages to come HE might show the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us through CHRIST JESUS. 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. For we are HIS workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works, which GOD hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

     What is GOD's purpose in offering a perfect salvation for the believing sinner, a redemption that is the product of HIS unfathomable grace from start to finish ? The LORD provided this perfect salvation so that the redeemed would shine forth as a trophy of HIS glory and grace, both now and throughout eternity (v.7 pictured below). If a Christian could justifiably claim that his salvation, even in the slightest degree, was due to his own good deeds or his own faithfulness, he would have reason to boast. But salvation is completely by grace, not by works -- the two are mutually exclusive.

     Eternal life is GOD's gift that HE gives to the believing individual who accepts the Gospel by faith alone. It is apart from any attempted merit or good works in order that "the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us through CHRIST JESUS" (v.7 pictured above) might be clearly seen. If our salvation were in any way dependent upon our works, then we could never have a perfect redemption. Salvation in its entire scope -- our deliverance from the penalty of sin, the reigning power of sin, and one day the very presence of sin -- is the result of GOD's grace that is ours by virtue of our identification with the finished work of JESUS CHRIST. The forgiven sinner who has been declared to be righteous "in CHRIST" has no room for boasting -- only praise and thanksgiving !

     We are HIS workmanship, created anew by the HOLY SPIRIT for the purpose of conforming to the image of the SON (v.10 pictured above). We are not saved by good works of any kind, but it is clearly GOD's will "that we should walk in them" once we are saved. GOD's grace provides the means and the strength to live day by day as a new creation in CHRIST. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" The Mighty Has Fallen ! "

 

Isaiah 14:12-23 "How art thou fallen from Heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning ! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations ! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into Heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of GOD: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds: I will be like the most HIGH. Yet thou shall be brought down to Hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the Earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; that made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners ?

All the Kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house. But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcass trodden under feet. Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned. Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities. For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD. I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts."

     Today's text reveals one of the most staggering events in all of history. Think of this -- the wisest, most exquisite creature the LORD had made, the one who guarded the throne of the living GOD, fell into sin (Ezekiel 28:12-19). Consumed with pride, Lucifer succumbed to the temptation of believing that he could become something more than he was (vv.12-14 pictured above). Each of the five "I wills" in these verses indicates that he deemed himself to be superior to his CREATOR. Though a created being, his desire was to be in the dwelling of GOD ("Heaven"), to rule over the angelic realm ("stars of GOD"), to have messianic anointing in GOD's kingdom ("mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north"), to have glory that GOD alone possesses ("heights of the clouds"), and to take the very place of GOD HIMSELF ("be like the most HIGH").

     Sin brought down the most incredible being GOD had ever made. Thinking about this horrible event is both humbling and sobering. The mightiest, most beautiful and intelligent of all of GOD's angels took it upon himself to attempt to overthrow his CREATOR by rebelling against HIM. Lucifer sought to be free and independent from the LORD. He even went beyond that desire -- he wanted to replace GOD and planted this thought in Eve's mind when he deceived her in the garden (Genesis 3:5). Because our first parents succumbed to temptation, all of us, as their descendants, are sinners by birth and deed. Isaiah wrote, "All we like sheep have gone astray" (Isaiah 53:6 pictured above). A popular song from a previous generation sums up this sinful, wicked attitude; when contemplating his existence, the famous vocalist declared that he had lived his life "My Way !" GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" Behave the Gospel ! "

 

Matthew 5:14-16 "Ye are the light of the world, A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your FATHER which is in Heaven."

     A southern Preacher once said, "There are two parts to the Gospel. The first part is the believing it, and the second part the behaving it." "Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31). How true are those WORDs ! We, most definitely, are called to be witnesses for CHRIST and to declare the Gospel message with our lips. JESUS told HIS disciples, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). The Apostle John wrote in 1st.John 4:14, "And we have seen and do testify that the FATHER sent the SON to be the SAVIOR of the world." This word "testify" means "to be a witness, bear record," which involves using one's voice to present that witness. It is imperative for sinners to hear the proclamation of GOD's WORD, especially the message of salvation. Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST, for he realized that it was "the power of GOD unto salvation" to those who believe, Jew or Gentile (Romans 1:16). The hearer must believe this Gospel message in order to enter into the blessing of the good news of salvation.

     But we dare not neglect what our lives say as they "preach" -- either upholding the message of truth or "speaking" in contradiction to everything we verbally express. JESUS instructed HIS followers to "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your FATHER which is in Heaven" (v.16 pictured at the top of post). According to the Scriptures, we who seek to be witnesses for JESUS CHRIST, having believed the Gospel, are now to behave the Gospel. We are to "walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8 second picture from top of post) and "walk worthy of GOD" (1st.Thessalonians 2:12 pictured above). Our walk must support our message. JED

Your servant in CHRIST

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" Pleasing to the Ears . . . But NOT Pleasing to GOD ! "

 

1st.Kings 22:1-18 "And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel. And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the King of Judah came down to the King of Israel. And the King of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is our's, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the King of Syria ? And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramoth - Gilead ? And Jehoshaphat said to the King of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses. And Jehoshaphat said unto the King of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the WORD of the LORD today. Then the King of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramoth-Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear ? And they said, Go up: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the King. And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of HIM ? And the King of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the King say so. Then the King of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah.

And the King of Israel and Jehoshaphat the King of Judah sat each on his throne, having put on their robes, in a void place in the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them. And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-Gilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the King's hand. And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the King with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak. So he came to the King, And the King said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramoth-Gilead to battle, or shall we forbear ? And he answered him, Go, and prosper for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the King. And the King said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD ? And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace. And the King of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil ?"

     In our text, Jehoshaphat, the godly King of Judah, entered into a compromising alliance with Ahab, King of Israel. Ahab had a plan to retake Ramoth-Gilead from the Syrians and sought Jehoshaphat's help. The King of Judah agreed but requested that Ahab inquire of his "prophets" whether or not this strategy was actually GOD's will. Ahab called his four hundred prophets together, but not one among them could legitimately be considered a faithful prophet who declared only what the LORD wanted him to say. This wicked King had assembled around him false, lying prophets who told him only what he wanted to hear. This sorry state of affairs is much like our own day. Relatively few truly want to hear what the LORD has to say on any subject.

     Perhaps we, like King Ahab, shun those who try to exhort us when we go astray. We might know what is right -- just as Ahab knew that he should be following the counsel of the LORD -- but we, too, can turn a deaf ear to GOD's instruction and instead surround ourselves with those who encourage us in our disobedience -- we develop a case of "itching ears" (2nd.Timothy 4:1-4). When King Jehoshaphat asked Ahab if a true prophet of the LORD was available, Ahab affirmed, "There is yet one man . . . but I hate him; for he doth not prophecy good concerning me, but evil" (v.8). Did Ahab deserve to have anything good prophesied to him ? Absolutely not ! He was committing much iniquity and justifying his nefarious actions by listening to false prophets who supported his wicked ways. We must seek the fellowship of those who faithfully give the WORD of GOD and walk in IT's light, for the ungodly will only lead us away from the LORD.

     Micaiah was in a difficult position. He was the only genuine prophet of the LORD who could be found in Israel. He was despised, and even hated, because he alone spoke what the LORD wanted him to say rather than what King Ahab desired to hear. Micaiah rarely had a positive message, even though the four hundred other prophets could come up with many affirmative things to say. What a brave, stalwart testimony this prophet had in standing true to his GOD and not yielding to compromise !

     Even Ahab's personal messenger pressured Micaiah to speak a positive message that would be in accordance with the words of the other prophets (v.13), but Micaiah knew that to do so would not be pleasing to GOD. he resolutely affirmed, "As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak" (v.14). Micaiah determined to tell Ahab exactly what GOD had revealed to him -- nothing more, nothing less. Upon hearing Micaiah's faithful message, King Ahab flew into a rage and threw him in prison. How lonely Micaiah must have been ! The King and all the ungodly prophets rejected and detested him simply because he purposed to please the LORD above all else, and that could only come to pass if he obeyed GOD rather than placating people.

     Are we like Micaiah, who knew what was right and purposed to do that which was pleasing to his GOD, no matter the cost ? Or are we more like Ahab, who also knew what was right but ignored GOD's message and gathered around himself those who would make him feel comfortable in his willful disregard for the truth ? How we respond to GOD's revealed will indicates whose will is important to us: ours or HIS. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" How Hot are We ? "

Colossians 3:15-25 "And let the peace of GOD rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the WORD of CHRIST dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the LORD. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the LORD JESUS, giving thanks to GOD and the FATHER by HIM. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the LORD. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the LORD. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing GOD: and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men; knowing that of the LORD ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the LORD CHRIST. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."

     Believers are to serve the LORD with enthusiasm, eagerness, excitement, passion, fervency, wholeheartedness, exuberance, and zeal. Yet how often do we find our service to be lukewarm, complacent, lackadaisical, sluggish, halfhearted, and spiritless ? The command is clear: "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men" (v.23). "Heartily" literally means "from the soul." We should put our whole soul into it ! Each new day of serving the LORD should be an exciting adventure as we learn what GOD has in store for us. We are to be "fervent in spirit; serving the LORD" (Romans 12:11 pictured above). The word "fervent" comes from a verb meaning "to boil, seethe." Spiritually, we should be on fire for the LORD, fired up, boiling, zealous, glowing ! GOD wants us to be hot, to have a godly enthusiasm and excitement for the things of the LORD. As the hymn says: "May each soul be rekindled with fire from above !"

     Apollos was a great example of such a person: "mighty in Scriptures" and "fervent in the spirit" (Acts 18:24-25). Epaphras had an exuberant prayer life: "always laboring fervently . . . in prayers" (Colossians 4:12 pictured above). How many of us would have to admit to an ineffective prayer life due to laziness and neglect ? The household of Stephanas "addicted themselves to the ministry (service) of the saints" (1st.Corinthians 16:15) -- what a wonderful habit ! "For the love of CHRIST constraineth us . . . HE died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto HIM which died for them, and rose again" (2nd.Corinthians 5:14-15). How can we not but have a godly and zealous enthusiasm to serve the ONE WHO died for us and rose again from the grave ? GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org