"The GOSPEL "

 

GOD Loves You and Has A Plan for

Your Life

John 3:16, "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."

2nd.Peter 3:9, "The LORD is . . . not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

We Are All Sinners

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

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

Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD."

CHRIST Died for Our Sins

Romans 5:8, "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us."

2nd.Corinthians 5:21, "For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us, WHO knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of GOD In HIM."

1st.Peter 1:18-19, ". . .Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things . . . But with the precious blood of CHRIST:"

CHRIST Rose From the Grave and 

Offers Forgiveness to All

Romans 10:9, "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."

Romans 10:13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved."

Isaiah 1:18, ". . .Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

You may ask, "How can I receive

GOD's promise of eternal life ?"

Acknowledge that you are a sinner, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23).

Believe that the LORD JESUS died for you, for "CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3).

Call upon the LORD to save you, "for whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).

     If you would like to call on the LORD to save you, and have the promise of everlasting life, pray this prayer and receive CHRIST today:

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.

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

There is New Life for the Believer.

He is to Grow and Go Tell Others.

John 14:9b, ". . .because I live, ye shall live also."

2nd.Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Mark 16:15, "And HE said unto them, GO ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature."

Now that you're a Christian:

**  Share your new-found faith with your family and friends (Acts 16:31-33).

**  Identify with CHRIST through believer's baptism and become part of a local Bible-believing church (Acts 2:41,47)

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

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

GULF COAST

BAPTIST CHURCH

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33990

(239) 574-1000

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

(c) Five Star Christian Ministries

(239)574-STAR

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"This Could Be Your LAST 5 Minutes Alive !"

 

     It has been estimated that three people around the world will die every second (Per the Population Institute of the U.S.). This means that by the time you finish reading this post, over nine hundred people will have died. For the next five minutes, I want you to imagine what it would be like if these were your last five moments alive. After all, someone in your city will likely die in the next few minutes. It could be you. Why not ?

     When you die, someone will place a sheet or a blanket over your head. An ambulance may take you to the hospital for an autopsy. The undertaker will be called, and arrangements will be made to place you in a grave. People will come to the funeral and shed tears over your lifeless body. They will look at your cold, blank face and mourn, but you will be gone. They will slowly drive to a cemetery with your body in a casket. At the cemetery, they will carry your casket to a hole in the ground and lower it down. People will cry. The men will cover your casket with dirt and a tombstone. Your name, the date of your birth, and the date of your death will be on the stone. The people will leave, recover, and perhaps someday, forget that your body is there.

     Your five minutes are almost gone, so I must get to the point. When your time is up and you have died, where are you going ? We have already decided where your body is going, but what about your soul ? Will you be in Heaven or a Devil's Hell ? Oh, yes, you will be in one place or the other. So, in these remaining minutes, I will tell you what to do to get to the place of your choice,

     If your choice is a Devil's Hell, do nothing ! You have already done enough ! "For the wages of sin is death;. . ." (Romans 6:23a) "The wicked shall be turned into Hell . . ." (Psalm 9:17) If however, you choose to go to Heaven, you must do several things. First, you must believe you are a sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23)

     Secondly, you must believe you deserve to go to a Devil's Hell. "Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all man, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12) Thirdly, you must repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) of your sin. ". . .As I live, saith the LORD GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live. . ." (Ezekiel 33:11)

     You must also believe JESUS died, was buried and rose again to pay your sin debt in full. "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) Also in Romans 5:8 it states, "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us."

     Finally, you need to trust JESUS as your personal LORD and SAVIOR. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

     Your time is so very short in this world. The decision is your own personal responsibility. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27) I will tell you what you must do to go to Heaven. You must acknowledge your sins, repent (a turning to GOD from your sin), and admit that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness. Confess to GOD that you know JESUS died for you on the cross, was buried and rose again for you. "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." (Romans 10:9)

     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.

     JESUS said, "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." (John 5:24) Since our time here on Earth is so very short GOD says, "BEHOLD, Now is the accepted time; BEHOLD, Now is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Have You Believed ANOTHER Gospel ?"

 

The Bible teaches that the Gospel is JESUS CHRIST's death, burial and resurrection for our sins. According to GOD's WORD, placing your complete trust in CHRIST's atoning death is the ONLY way to Heaven. "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). Although this message is clearly presented in the Bible, there are many people who teach other ways to GOD. Have you believed another gospel ?

The word gospel means, "good news or glad tidings." The Apostle Paul declared 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:" Trusting in JESUS CHRIST for your salvation is the Gospel the Bible teaches. Have you believed another gospel ?

Another Gospel Deceives Your Mind !

2nd.Corinthians 4:4 states, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of CHRIST, WHO is the image of GOD, should shine unto them." Many people are blinded by vain teachings. Ephesians 5:6 states "Let no man deceive you with vain words:" The word vain means "having no real value, worthless, empty." The only message of real value is that salvation comes by faith in the death, burial and resurrection of JESUS CHRIST. Have you believed another gospel ?

Another Gospel Damns Your Soul !

Peter asks in 1st.Peter 4:17b, "...what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of GOD ?"  GOD gives the answer in 2nd.Thessalonians 1:8-9, "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction..." If you think your good deeds, church membership, water baptism, or obedience to a set of religious rules will help you escape this punishment, you are not obeying the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST. Have you believed another gospel ?

Another Gospel Denies GOD's WORD !

Paul states in Galatians 1:7-8;11, "...there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of CHRIST. But though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed...But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was peached of me is not after man." The Bible clearly teaches that a person must believe the Gospel to go to Heaven. To teach any other way of salvation is to deny GOD's WORD. Have you believed another gospel ?

The Gospel of JESUS CHRIST

Gives Assurance of Eternal Life !

Paul stated in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: for IT IS the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth;" Friend, GOD does not want you to go to Hell when you die. In fact, the greatest gift ever given was the Gospel, because it shows GOD's love for you. The Gospel reveals that even though you are a sinner and deserve an eternal punishment in a Devil's Hell, you can be forgiven if you will believe GOD's WORD and repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) and place your complete trust in CHRIST's atoning death. GOD promises in Romans 10:9-10;13 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation...For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved."

If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation:

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

JESUS said 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."  Don't believe another gospel !  Come to JESUS today !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"In GOD We Trust"

 

Luke 12:15-21 "And HE said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And HE spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits ? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul. Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But GOD said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided ? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward GOD."

     According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, "The motto 'In GOD We Trust' was placed on United States coins largely because of the increased religious sentiment existing during the Civil War. . . .Since 1938, all United States coins bear the inscription." But, for how many people is that motto true in our nation today ? In JESUS' day, HE spoke a parable about a "certain rich man" (v.16) for which that motto would not have been true. As the short account indicates, this man was trusting in his accumulated riches and planned to retire early in leisure. Then GOD proclaimed these sobering WORDs: "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided ?" (v.20). The man was wealthy because of the bountiful yields from his fields and by the amassing of many possessions. He was trusting in his riches, living a life of ease, and congratulating himself in his wisdom that so bountifully provided for his future life. Because of his wealth, he assumed he was immune from evil and an untimely death. But GOD told him otherwise.

     King Solomon was a man of great wisdom and riches because of the LORD's favor upon him. Yet he undertook an experiment to determine if wisdom, wealth, and pleasures could provide him with true peace, joy, and satisfaction apart from GOD. What was there under the light of the sun that would completely satisfy the inner hunger of his soul ? His answer in Ecclesiastes was this: "All was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 2:11 pictured above). Riches, even your retirement package, profit you nothing apart from the LORD. "In GOD We Trust" -- do you really ? JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Prayer Series - Answered Prayer"

 

1st.John 5:10-16 "He that believeth on the SON of GOD hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not GOD hath made HIM a liar; because he believeth not the record that GOD gave of HIS SON. And this is the record, that GOD hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON. He that hath the SON hath life; and he that hath not the SON of GOD hath not 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.

And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE heareth us.: and if we know that HE hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of HIM. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and HE shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

     What constitutes answered prayer ? We usually thank the LORD for answered prayer when HE says "Yes" to a request. Of course, nothing is wrong with that -- in fact, a lack of thankfulness is a serious matter (Romans 1:21 pictured above). But it is easy to forget that GOD does not always answer "Yes" to our prayers. Sometimes GOD, in HIS infinite wisdom, will answer "No," knowing that our request is not in accordance with HIS perfect will. At other times, HIS answer to a particular petition may be "Wait a while." We must realize that GOD's denial of our requests ought not to shake our faith in HIM nor disappoint us. Why ? Only GOD knows the future, and only HE can adequately distinguish between our needs and our wants. The LORD knows when we "ask amiss" (James 4:3). We can always be sure that whether GOD says "Yes," or "No," or "Wait" to our petition, HE has indeed answered our prayer; therefore, we should thank our loving FATHER for responding to our request according to HIS will. Keep in mind, though, that harbored sin will hinder our prayers from even being heard (Psalm 66:18).

     Our text today is crucial because it explains how a believer can have assurance of eternal life (vv.10-13) and gives the basis upon which the child of GOD can make his prayers with confidence (vv.14-15) -- "If we ask any thing according to HIS will." But what about those times when we face complex problems and simply do not know how to pray regarding a certain situation ? Romans 8:26-27 promises the HOLY SPIRIT's help in praying according to the FATHER's will, for the SPIRIT intercedes accordingly. The LORD so wonderfully provides (Philippians 4:19 pictured above) ! May we be thankful for answered prayer. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Prayer Series - Prayer is Centered in GOD and HIS Work"

 

Philippians 1:8-11 "For GOD is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of CHRIST; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by JESUS CHRIST, unto the glory and praise of GOD."

     The accomplishment of GOD's will (Matthew 6:10) needs to be the underlying motive of every prayer; and, of course, HIS will is indivisible from HIS WORD (1st.John 5:14-15 pictured above; Psalm 119:104-105). Doing the LORD's will, not our own, should be the primary desire of our heart. We must never fall into the trap of thinking that we can demand of GOD to be healed or to be prosperous or to be wealthy, as some falsely teach today. Paul prayed for healing until he determined that it was not GOD's will for him (2nd.Corinthians 12:7-10). Always pray, "If the LORD will. . ." (James 4:15 pictured below) when making a petition to the LORD for something concerning which the WORD of GOD does not directly speak.

     We should pray for the good of the church -- this entails whatever brings honor to GOD, advances the work of CHRIST, or benefits HIS people. GOD's work in others was a central theme in the Apostle Paul's prayer (vv.8-11). Intercede for your fellow believers !

     GOD is all wise; HE knows what is best for us. Believe this to be true and yield to HIS will, whatever it might be. May we be able to pray from the heart: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in THY sight, O LORD, my strength, and my REDEEMER" (Psalm 19:14 pictured above). Earnest prayer is essential to the "abundant life" that the LORD desires for each of HIS own. But always keep in mind -- the fulfillment of HIS promised blessings is conditional upon a heart in tune with GOD's will and marked by importunity in prayer. May we more fully commit ourselves to GOD's prescribed way of communing with HIM, and may we continually seek to know HIM better as we grow in our knowledge of HIS WORD and pray according to HIS will. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Prayer Series - Prayer Relates to GOD's Promises"

 

Matthew 26:47-54 "And while HE yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed HIM gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is HE: hold HIM fast. And forthwith he came to JESUS, and said, Hail, master; and kissed HIM. And JESUS said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come ? Then came they, and laid hands on JESUS, and took HIM.

And, behold, one of them which were with JESUS stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. 

Then said JESUS unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to MY FATHER, and HE shall presently give ME more than twelve legions of angels ? But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be ? 

     The psalmist said, "I understand THY favor with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to THY WORD" (Psalm 119:58 pictured at top of post).  GOD's WORD is the measure for the confidence we can have with respect to answered prayer; when we are in HIS will, claiming HIS promises, we can be sure that the answer is on the way (1st.John 5:14-15 pictured above). The SPIRIT quickens the believer's heart by the WORD and causes him to pray accordingly. Our communion with GOD should be immersed in the truths of Scripture. This will eliminate many of our self-serving prayers as well as our misconceptions concerning the purpose of praise and intercession; JESUS so tempered HIS OWN prayer in our text. HE could have prayed to HIS FATHER, and "more than twelve legions of angels" would have delivered HIM from the Romans soldiers (v.53). Why did HE not so pray to this end ? It is because the Scriptures indicated that would not have been according to the FATHER's will. "THY will be done" (v.42) was CHRIST's example of effective prayer.

     The life of Elijah provides a good example of GOD's will being accomplished in response to fervent prayer (James 5:16-18; 1st.Kings 17:1; 18:1, 41-46). GOD revealed to Elijah that it was HIS will for a drought to come, and then later, the LORD indicated that the rain would fall once more. However, in both instances the will of GOD was not realized until Elijah fervently prayed that such would, indeed, come to pass. Think of the implications ! When we study the WORD and find therein what GOD's will is concerning our needs and circumstances, we can then pray with confidence. Prayer is instrumental in receiving "grace to help" in our times of need (Hebrews 4:14-16). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Prayer Series - Prayer Involves Each Member of the GODhead"

 

Luke 11:1-10 "And it came to pass, that, as HE was praying in a certain place, when HE ceased, one of HIS disciples said unto HIM, LORD, teach us to pray, as John (the Baptist) also taught his disciples. And HE said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our FATHER, which art in Heaven, Hallowed be THY name. THY kingdom come, THY will be done, as in Heaven, so in Earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. And HE said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him ? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

     We are to direct our prayers to GOD "our FATHER" (v.2), for HE is the source of rest and satisfaction for the soul. That HIS will be accomplished here on Earth as it is in Heaven ought to be our greatest desire. Reverence is essential in our approach to GOD (Hebrews 12:28-29). Trifling with prayer is tantamount to trampling on that which is Holy. The sad spectacles of prayer so common today completely disregard the clear teaching of Scripture concerning the importance of our supplications being addressed to our heavenly FATHER. The charismatics have done much harm in introducing the error that the HOLY SPIRIT is to be addressed directly. NOT SO ! JESUS makes it very clear that GOD the FATHER, not GOD the HOLY SPIRIT, is the ONE to WHOM we are to pray.

     True prayer is "through CHRIST," for the believer comes to GOD in JESUS' merits -- in HIS blood, righteousness, victory, and intercession. "For through [JESUS CHRIST] we both have access by one SPIRIT unto the FATHER" (Ephesians 2:18). Our prayers are received by the FATHER in the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. The HOLY SPIRIT, likewise, is integrally linked with the FATHER and the SON in prayer as we pray by the SPIRIT's enabling. HE brings to our mind things we need to communicate to GOD, and HE HIMSELF intercedes for us before the FATHER with "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26-27 pictured above). This ministry of the SPIRIT is of greater value than we could even imagine. Think of how amazing it is that the HOLY SPIRIT is actually praying for us that GOD's will might be done in our life ! As we wait upon the LORD in prayer, we can enter into this incredible reality that the blessed Trinity is working in concert whenever the believer prays. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.ord

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Prayer Series - Prayer is Affectionate"

 

Psalm 42:1-11 "As the hart (deer) panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after THEE, O GOD. My soul thirsteth for GOD, for the living GOD: when shall I come and appear before GOD ? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy GOD ? When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of GOD, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holy day. Why art thou cast down, O my soul ? and why art thou disquieted in me ? hope thou in GOD: for I shall yet praise HIM for the help of HIS countenance. O my GOD, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of THY waterspouts, all THY waves and THY billows are gone over me. Yet the LORD will command HIS lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night HIS song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the GOD of my life. I will say unto GOD my ROCK, Why hast THOU forgotten me ? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy ? As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say unto me, Where is thy GOD ? Why art thou cast down, O my soul ? and why art thou disquieted within me ? hope thou in GOD: for I shall yet praise HIM, WHO is the health of my countenance, and my GOD."

     Communion with GOD entails much more than merely making our petitions known; it is also an exercise of the heart. True prayer is affectionate -- "tender; loving; compassionate." The relationship between the LORD and the abiding Christian is one of tender fellowship, and prayer should be the most blessed expression of the soul redeemed by grace. The ONE before WHOM the believer comes has bestowed love beyond all measure. Such love should bring about a comparable response from within the heart of the saint. Note that the only remedy for the "cast down" soul in today's text was to experience the countenance of his GOD through prayer. To those who believe, "HE is precious" (1st.Peter 2:7 pictured above); that fact should certainly be reflected in our approach unto the throne of grace. When we truly grasp from the Scriptures what GOD has done on our behalf, affectionate praise will be an automatic reaction. Our prayers should reflect our understanding of what GOD's love means to us personally.

     "My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living GOD" (Psalm 84:2 pictured above). The heart's cry of the psalmist was that he might enjoy the presence of his loving GOD; nothing else would suffice. When we meditate upon GOD's lovingkindness each day, how can we do anything less than come before the throne of grace with full hearts. "We love HIM, because HE first loved us" (1st.John 4:19), and our prayers should be a natural expression of that love. Uttering a few rote expressions will never do (Luke 11:1-9; Genesis 32:24-26); the heart ought to be so engaged that the soul spends itself as we earnestly, adoringly come before GOD. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Prayer Series - Prayer is Sensible"

1st.Corinthians 14:12-20 "Even, so, ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then ? I will pray with the SPIRIT, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the SPIRIT, and I will sing with the understanding also. 

Else when thou shalt bless with the SPIRIT, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest ? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my GOD, I speak with tongues more than ye all: yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in and unknown tongue. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men."

     Prayer must be not only sincere but also sensible, that is, "easily perceived; it makes good sense." The one praying understands what he is saying; he is specific. Whatever our particular need might be, whatever is causing us concern, we must articulate that burden to our heavenly FATHER: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD" (Philippians 4:6 pictured at top of post). Cast your cares upon the LORD (1st.Peter 5:7 pictured above). Too often we fill our prayers with pious phraseology and religious rhetoric that mean little to us and even less to GOD. Make sense; express what is on your heart. Speak to the LORD what you understand from HIS WORD -- what you know is needful and right.

     Prayer is a sensible, knowledgeable communication from the heart. The Scriptures never speak of unintelligible worship or praise or of any edification that is apart from understood truth. This is important in light of the current charismatic heresy of praying in tongues in which only senseless, silly gibberish is vocalized. The one praying in tongues in today's text was giving thanks, not uttering meaningless sounds (vv.16-19). His understanding was "unfruitful" (v.14 pictured above) not with respect to his own understanding (he was edified; he "givest thanks well," v.17), but his prayer was unfruitful with regard to the rest of the church because they did not understand what was being said by the one speaking in tongues since no one was interpreting (vv.5-6, 16-17). The nonsensical "prayer language" claimed by many today in which they have no idea what is being said has no biblical precedent or defense. True prayer is always sensible. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"The Prayer Series - Prayer is Sincere"

 

Psalm 51:1-19 "Have mercy upon me, O GOD, according to THY lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of THY tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against THEE, THEE only, have I sinned, and done this evil in THY sight: that THOU mightest be justified when THOU speakest, and be clear when THOU judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, THOU desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part THOU shalt make me to know wisdom.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which THOU hast broken may rejoice. Hide THY face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O GOD; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from THY presence; and take not THY HOLY SPIRIT from me. Restore unto me the joy of THY salvation; and uphold me with THY free SPIRIT. Then will I teach transgressors THY ways; and sinners shall be converted unto THEE.

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O GOD, THOU GOD of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of THY righteousness. O LORD, open THOU my lips; and my mouth shall show forth THY praise. For THOU desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: THOU delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of GOD are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O GOD, THOU wilt not despise. Do good in THY good pleasure unto Zion: build THOU the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt THOU be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon THINE altar."

     Building upon yesterday's definition of prayer we learn that, first, prayer must be sincere, that is, "without deceit or pretense; genuine." We must deal with sin in our life, or else our prayers will be nothing more than pious-sounding pretense. GOD sees our heart. All is open to HIS perfect understanding, and we are only fooling ourselves if we think we can effectually pray without first addressing those matters that we know are robbing us of uninterrupted fellowship and power with GOD (Psalm 139:23-24 pictured at top of post). Sin can be hidden from others but not from GOD. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the LORD will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18 pictured above; cf. Proverbs 15:8-9,29; Hosea 7:14; Amos 5:21-24). We cannot come unto GOD with a pure heart unless known sin is purged -- it is as simple as that ! The preparation of the heart is the beginning of true, sincere prayer.

     It is important to note that in this study on prayer, we are dealing primarily with the personal prayer life of the believer. Some aspects of our communication with GOD are to be between us and the LORD alone, and they simply are not expedient for mentioning in the context of corporate prayer (for example, the prerequisite that sin be dealt with at the outset). Prayer that is truly genuine and heartfelt cannot be spoken from a pure heart unless confession and cleansing have first taken place (1st.John 1:9 pictured above). This time of waiting quietly before the LORD as the HOLY SPIRIT brings to mind matters that need to be resolved and sins that need to be confessed should be taken care of before we come to the prayer meeting service. Public prayer is not the place to deal with sins and personal issues that ought to be brought before the LORD in secret. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation