" Resurrection Realities "

 

Romans 6:3-6 "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into JESUS CHRIST were baptized into HIS death ? Therefore we are buried with HIM by baptism into death: that like as CHRIST was raised up from the dead by the glory of the FATHER, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of HIS death, we shall be also in the likeness of HIS resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with HIM, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."

     The resurrection of JESUS CHRIST from the dead cannot be under-estimated in the life and ministry of the child of GOD. Every aspect of one's "new life" in JESUS CHRIST is centered in this historic and miraculous fact. Let us consider:

     Our faith is rooted in the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST. The Apostle Paul made it very clear that the resurrection is a vital part of the Gospel message (1st.Corinthians 15:3-4 pictured above) and a central facet of our faith (1st.Corinthians 15:14,17 pictured above). Without the resurrection, we would not possess eternal life, nor would we have any relationship with our GOD right now.

     Our water baptism pictures the resurrection of CHRIST. Paul told the Roman Christians that the very act of water baptism is a picture of our identification with not only the death of JESUS CHRIST but also HIS resurrection (vv.3-4). We died with CHRIST (Galatians 2:20 pictured above), and we are now alive in HIM. In the meantime, as believers we are to walk in newness of life !

     Our daily life should reflect the resurrection of JESUS. In today's text, Paul is using the historical resurrection of JESUS CHRIST as a picture of what it means to be different now that we know the LORD JESUS CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. If you are truly a believer, you should now walk "in newness of life" (v.4) as opposed to being spiritually dead and a slave to sin (v.6). "How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein ?" (Romans 6:2 pictured above). A new life means a new MASTER, a new way of thinking, and also a new walk.

     Our future hope is based on the resurrection of JESUS. Because JESUS rose from the grave, we also will one day rise again (1st.Corinthians 15:20-23 pictured above). The resurrection means so much to us. May we praise GOD today for the glorious fact of the resurrection. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org     #JESUS

" JESUS Died for Me ! "

 

Romans 5:6-8 "For when we were yet without strength, in due time CHRIST died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us."

     To a friend who stood by his bedside, Charles H. Spurgeon, the "Prince of Preachers," declared, "My theology now is in four words: JESUS died for me. I do not say this is all I shall preach were I raised up, but it is enough to die upon. JESUS died for me." The words in the chorus of the beloved hymn "JESUS Paid It All" convey this message clearly: "JESUS paid it all, All to HIM I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain -- HE washed it white as snow." Another hymn that continues that theme comes easily to the lips as well: "What can wash away my sin ? Nothing but the blood of JESUS; What can make me whole again ? Nothing but the blood of JESUS." Hymn after hymn has been written with that glorious message boldly proclaimed many times over.

     Those precious words find their basis and foundation only in the WORD of GOD and particularly in today's text: "For when we were yet without strength, in due time CHRIST died for the ungodly. . .But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (vv.6,8). GOD's message of salvation is for everyone, no exceptions. It has been declared for the "whosoever will[s]." CHRIST died for me, and, like Spurgeon, I rest in that truth: "JESUS died for me !" Friend, HE died for you as well -- HE died for the sins of the whole world (1st.John 2:2 pictured above). HE shed HIS blood to pay the penalty for your sin. When HE hung upon that cruel Roman cross, HE was there in your place. HE provided the means of redemption, and now HE invites you: "Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28 pictured above). Come to HIM today and wholly trust in the fact: JESUS died for me. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org     #JESUS

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

" METAMORPHOSIS: Changed and Changing ! "

 

2nd.Corinthians 3:4-18 "And such trust have we through CHRIST to GOD-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of GOD; WHO also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the SPIRIT: for the letter killeth, but the SPIRIT giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the SPIRIT be rather glorious ? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. Seeing then that we have such hope. we use great plainness of speech: and not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: but their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in CHRIST. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the LORD, the vail shall be taken away. Now the LORD is the SPIRIT: and where the SPIRIT of the LORD is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the LORD, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the SPIRIT of the LORD."

     Consider the astounding wonder of the life cycle of a bullfrog. These frogs lay their eggs in water, and eventually tiny tadpoles emerge. The tadpoles grow and develop, being perfectly designed to live totally submerged in water. The tadpole gets oxygen from gills and propels itself through the water with its powerful tail. Then the transformation begins to take place. The tail gradually gets smaller, hind feet start to develop, and later front feet emerge. The amphibian moves toward the shore, loses its tail completely, and can breathe air through fully developed lungs. Soon this frog will be catching hundreds of insects with its long sticky tongue ! We can think of other examples of metamorphosis: an ugly underwater grub changing into a winged dragonfly, or a wormlike caterpillar transforming into a beautiful butterfly.

     Yet, these amazing transformations of nature cannot compare to what GOD does in the miracle of regeneration: A lost, depraved soul is instantly transformed into a new creation. By GOD's grace, a wretched sinner (all of us) become a saint, a child of the KING, and a citizen of Heaven. "Therefore if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things become new" (2nd.Corinthians 5:17 pictured above). This is "the new man, which after GOD is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Ephesians 4:24 pictured above). Delivered from the miry pit, he is now established on the ROCK with a new song in his mouth (Psalm 40:1-3). Moreover, this transformation continues on a daily basis: "Beholding as in a glass [mirror] the glory of the LORD, [we] are changed into the same image from glory to glory" (v.18). Praise GOD for a changed and changing life !

     As believers, we want to progress spiritually, to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST" (2nd.Peter 3:18 pictured above). We may look back and cringe at our earlier words and actions as new believers. What were we thinking ? We would never react that way now ! An athlete once remarked how much she had changed and improved, noting, "That (former) player doesn't even exist now !" We, too, can take heart that the Christian who made those initial mistakes was in the "caterpillar" stage and does not even exist now ! We are different, by GOD's grace ! May we live in the present and in the reality of truth -- "speaking the truth in love. . .grow up into HIM in all things" (Ephesians 4:15). Enjoy the wings of "butterfly" flight, and do not focus on the "caterpillar" days -- all was preparation ! Let us "be not conformed to this world" but, rather, be "transformed by the renewing of [our] mind" (Romans 12:2).

     We also must remember that others are going forward and changing as well. We may be offended or even horrified by a past remark that another person would never say now. We need to be longsuffering with others as well as ourselves and pray that they also may behold the glory of the LORD and be "changed into the same image from glory to glory. . .by the SPIRIT of the LORD" (v.18). May we behold HIM with the eyes of faith and a heart of adoration, knowing that this life here on Earth is a life of gradual transformation. Recognizing that our thoughts and values are molded by those with whom we associate and by what we contemplate, may we "put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of HIM that created him" (Colossians 3:10 pictured above). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

" The GOD-MAN "

 

1st.Timothy 3:16 "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: GOD was manifest in the flesh, justified in the SPIRIT, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."

     The deity of JESUS CHRIST is an important and wonderful doctrine. Great minds throughout church history have penned a multitude of volumes expounding the truth that the MAN JESUS of Nazareth was and is fully "GOD. . .manifest in the flesh." Our finite minds cannot fully grasp or understand CHRIST's deity and concurrent humanity; nevertheless, we must embrace and honor this vital biblical truth (Philippians 2:9-10 pictured above). Writing to the saints who were in Colosse, the Apostle Paul declared that in CHRIST JESUS "dwelleth all the fulness of the GODhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9 pictured below). Every element of deity possessed by the FATHER and the SPIRIT, the LORD JESUS CHRIST likewise possesses.

     The truth that the GOD of creation took on human flesh is of critical value and helps to explain many features of JESUS' earthly ministry and HIS vicarious death and bodily resurrection from the dead. The fact is this: HE is that "CHRIST. . .WHO is over all, GOD blessed forever" (Romans 9:5), WHO was miraculously born, lived, died, and rose again from the dead. As the infinite GOD-MAN, JESUS CHRIST alone was qualified and able to pay for the sins of all mankind through HIS substitutionary death on Calvary's cross.

     Do not take the deity of JEUS CHRIST for granted. Never consider it, and related truths, inconsequential matters that can be ignored or compromised. The fact of JESUS' deity is a primary and fundamental doctrine of the faith. Believers may not fully grasp this truth, but to deny it is to place oneself outside the bounds of Christianity. HIS deity is an integral part of "the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3 pictured above). GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" One Heartbeat Away . . . . "

FROM HEAVEN OR HELL

    

     You may be admired for your talents, abilities, or even for your generosity shown through acts of charity. However, GOD looks in the heart and sees all the things that you do, say, and even think. GOD says, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10). "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23). In this condition, everyone is condemned and remains one heartbeat away from Heaven or Hell.

     If you are honest with yourself, you realize that one day you will die. "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). Therefore, right now, you are one heartbeat away from Heaven or Hell.

     At your job, you might be paid hourly, weekly, or by salary for the work that you do. GOD says that unless you accept the payment that JESUS CHRIST made when HE died on Calvary, you will be paid wages for your sins. "For the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23a). However, JESUS has paid for your sins, if you will accept HIS gift of eternal life. ". . .but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23b). While you decide which payment you will choose, you are only one heartbeat away from Heaven or Hell.

     GOD loves you so much that HE gave HIS only begotten SON's life in order for you to be saved. It is HIS desire that no one would perish and spend eternity in Hell. "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8). GOD's WORD tells us 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:"

     Do you believe that you are a sinner and need to repent (turn from your sin to GOD) and ask forgiveness ? Do you believe that HE loved you so much that HE died for you ? Do you believe that GOD raised HIM from the dead, and that JESUS CHRIST is now in Heaven ? If you do, GOD promises that you can be saved right now. "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). Take GOD at HIS WORD, and trust HIM to save you right now. After all, you are one heartbeat away from Heaven or Hell.

     GOD said that you must accept JESUS CHRIST with a childlike faith and trust. "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10). You must call on GOD and ask HIM to save you. If you trust HIM to keep HIS WORD, HE has promised that HE will save you. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13).

     If you will accept JESUS CHRIST as your LORD and SAVIOR, please pray this simple prayer, or one similar to it, with all your heart:

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.

     If you have accepted CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR, you are one heartbeat away from spending eternity in Heaven; however, if you have rejected HIM, you are still one heartbeat away from an eternity in Hell. 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)  But HE also said, ". . .and he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him." (John 3:36b). Today is still the day of salvation !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

" The WORD of Faith, Which We Preach ! "

 

Romans 10:6-8 "But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into Heaven ? (that is, to bring CHRIST down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep ? (that is, to bring up CHRIST again from the dead.) But what saith it ? The WORD is night thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the WORD of faith, which we preach;"

     Doing religious works, striving to keep the Law in hopes of procuring GOD's acceptance, or embarking on a supposed quest to "discover the path to GOD," as so many today are purporting to do, cannot secure GOD's righteousness. One cannot "discover" the SAVIOR through one's own pursuits, on one's own terms, or by one's own particular beliefs concerning the way to attain salvation (vv.6-7). No, it is already "nigh thee" (v.8 pictured at top of post) in the clear testimony of GOD's inspired WORD. This was true for Israel in the Old Testament dispensation of Law, and it is likewise true for all mankind in this present dispensation of the grace of GOD (Ephesians 3:1-12). GOD's salvation -- based upon JESUS CHRIST's perfect person and finished work as it is accurately presented from the written WORD of GOD -- must be accepted by faith. The search is over !

     The LORD has clearly revealed in HIS WORD the exact requirement for salvation from an eternity in the Lake of Fire (believe on/trust in HIM alone to be saved) and the wonderful provision HE has made readily available to all the world (HIS substitutionary death on the cross). The religious Jew could secure a "righteous" standing before GOD by turning from the arrogant religion of works described above and by humbly accepting the "WORD of faith" -- the glorious gospel message preached by the Apostle himself (v.8 pictured at top of post). Paul proceeded to explain this conversion experience in terms, and with Old Testament Scripture texts, that the Jew would understand. Consider the mechanics of this new birth experience, which takes place at a moment in time, and the life-long transformation process of the sinner saved by GOD's grace in Romans 10:9-10. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

" After Death What ? "

 

     How many times have you looked into a casket, seen the face of the deceased, and listened to the following statements: "He sure has suffered, but he is better off now," or "She is at peace, never to suffer anymore." ?

     Dear Reader, if the deceased had accepted CHRIST as their personal LORD and SAVIOR and had been born again, these are correct statements. The Apostle Paul said this of Christians: "Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the LORD: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the LORD." (2nd.Corinthians 5:6-8).

     However, if the deceased died in a lost spiritual condition, his troubles have only just begun. The instant their soul leaves their body, it goes directly to a Devil's Hell to burn forever and ever. "The wicked shall be turned into Hell, and all the nations that forget GOD." (Psalm 9:17). The Bible states that Hell is a place "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." (Mark 9:44). Listen to the voice of the rich man crying out from Hell: "And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in Hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame." (Luke 16:22-24).

     Perhaps someone looked at the face of this rich man as he was prepared for burial, and remarked that he was at peace now, never to suffer anymore. How wrong their statement would have been ! As they were saying beautiful words over his body, his soul was screaming from the pits of a Devil's Hell. Suffering does not end at death for a lost person. After ten million years of eternity, he will still be burning. If you are spiritually lost and die in that condition, then you too will be doomed to a burning Hell.

     You might wonder what you must do to escape this torment in a Devil's Hell. The answer is the same one that JESUS gave to Nicodemus. "JESUS answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of GOD." (John 3:3). Just as you were born physically, you must be born spiritually to reach the portals of 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). The Apostle Paul declared the Gospel of salvation clearly 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:"

     You are not promised another day on this earth. Tomorrow might be too late. Now is the time to do something about your lost condition. ". . .For HE saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured (helped) thee: Behold, Now is the accepted time; Behold, Now is the day of salvation. . ." (2nd.Corithians 6:2b). Right now, while there is still life in your body, will you repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) of your sins and call upon JESUS CHRIST to come into your heart and save your soul ? "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). "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). The decision is yours. Where will your soul be when they are preaching your funeral ? Your life might end before another hour passes and your soul will be somewhere for all eternity. Will you receive JESUS CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR and be confident of everlasting life in Heaven ?

     If you would like to call on the LORD to save you, and have the promise of everlasting life, pray this simple prayer of salvation 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 you receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand." Receive JESUS today, tomorrow may be too late !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Vertical and the Horizontal Relationships"

 

1st.John 1:1-2:2 "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the WORD of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the FATHER, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the FATHER, and with HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of HIM, and declare unto you, that GOD is light, and in HIM is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with HIM, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

But if we walk in the light, as HE is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make HIM a liar, and HIS WORD is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an ADVOCATE with the FATHER, JESUS CHRIST the RIGHTEOUS: and HE is the propitiation (sacrificial payment) for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

     The "vertical" refers to our relationship with our SAVIOR and LORD. "GOD is faithful, by WHOM we were called unto the fellowship of HIS SON JESUS CHRIST our LORD" (1st.Corinthians 1:9). The "horizontal" refers to our relationship with other people: believers in CHRIST, loved ones, family members, neighbors, etc. The key to the horizontal is the vertical. If we are to relate in a proper way to our fellow man, then it is essential for our heart to be right with GOD. The foundation of our fellowship with other believers is our relationship with GOD: "that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the FATHER, and with HIS SON JESUS CHRIST" (1st.John 1:3 pictured at top of post). Our union with GOD HIMSELF makes it possible to enjoy oneness with fellow saints (Ephesians 4:1-3). 

     The vertical relationship must ever be our priority. Only as we keep our heart right with GOD can we be all that we should be to others. Those around us may not have a vertical relationship (unsaved), or perhaps they have a broken vertical relationship (carnal Christian). We cannot fix their problems, but we can be a testimony to them through our own fellowship with GOD. In a marriage as well as in other relationships between two believers, it is helpful to think of a triangle. GOD is at the top, and the two believers are on either side at the bottom. As both proceed upward toward GOD, they will find not only that they are drawing closer to the LORD but also closer to each other. Again, our GODward relationship is the key to every human relationship. Many will be offended by our vertical relationship (John 15:18-20 pictured above) yet may that drive us even closer to the heart of GOD. Stand firm against anything that hinders the vertical ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Will GOD Do What HE Said ?"

 

Genesis 1:6-15 "And GOD said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And GOD made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And GOD called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. And GOD said, Let the waters under the Heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And GOD called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called HE Seas: and GOD saw that it was good.

And GOD said, Let the Earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the Earth: and it was so. And the Earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and GOD saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day. And GOD said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the Earth: and it was so."

     Let us answer this question from the Scriptures, noting the italicized texts. "And GOD said. . .and it was so" (vv. 6-7, 9, 14-15, 24). "For HE spake, and it was done; HE commanded, and it stood fast" (Psalm 33:9). "[Abraham] staggered not at the promise of GOD through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to GOD; and being fully persuaded that, what HE had promised, HE was able also to perform" (Romans 4:20-21). "There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass " (Joshua 21:45) "Ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your GOD spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof" (Joshua 23:14). "Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto HIS people Israel, according to all that HE promised: there hath not failed one word of all HIS good promise" (1st.Kings 8:56). "The mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. . .The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this (Isaiah 40:5; 9:7). "All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of [by] the LORD by the prophet" (Matthew 1:22). "The Scriptures must be fulfilled" (Mark 14:49). "For there stood by me [Paul] this night the angel of GOD, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar. . .Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer; for I believe GOD, that it shall be even as it was told me" (Acts 27:23-25). "All things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning ME" (Luke 24:44 pictured above). "Thus saith the LORD" (found 415 times in the Old Testament). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.come/salvation

"The LORD's Supper"

 

1st.Corinthians 11:23-29 "For I have received of the LORD that which also I delivered unto you, That the LORD JESUS the same night in which HE was betrayed took bread: and when HE had given thanks, HE brake it, and said, Take eat: this in MY body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of ME. After the same manner also HE took the cup, when HE had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in MY blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of ME. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the LORD's death til HE come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the LORD, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the LORD. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the LORD's body."

     The LORD JESUS CHRIST left the church of the living GOD a wonderful heirloom in the ordinance of the LORD's Table, as noted by the Apostle Paul in today's Scripture text. The emblems in it are most simple in character -- bread and the unfermented juice of the grape -- yet the significance of them in the hands of JESUS CHRIST embodies the most profound facts in Christianity: the bread -- "MY Body"; the juice -- MY Blood." Both are symbols of HIS perfect character and mission of providing salvation.

     Seven features stand out in GOD's WORD about the LORD's Supper:

1.) CHRIST's Incarnation -- HE took bread and said, "This is MY body," reminding us that HE took upon HIMSELF not the figure of angels but the likeness of sinful flesh.

2.) CHRIST's Devotion -- HE gave thanks, expressing appreciation to GOD the FATHER for a body that was to be bruised and broken on the cross.

3.) CHRIST's Suffering -- after giving thanks, HE broke the bread, every word and act replete with meaning.

4.) CHRIST's Substitution -- "MY body, which is broken for you" indicates that it was not broken by accident; HE was wounded for our transgressions, broken for each one of us. The juice of HIS blood was poured out for our redemption.

5.) CHRIST's Invitation -- "Take, eat . . . This do in remembrance of ME."

6.) CHRIST's Purpose -- "Ye do show (forth) the LORD's death till HE come," bringing the Crucifixion ever before us because our entire salvation is based upon it.

7.) CHRIST's Prospect -- "Ye do show the LORD's death till HE come"; yes, HE is coming again in fulfillment of HIS unfailing promise.

Dwell on these truths when you next observe the LORD's Supper with other believers. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Turn To GOD's WORD ! "

 

Romans 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."

     How important is the WORD of GOD to you ? What impact has the Bible had on your life ? How often do you turn to the Scriptures to seek comfort or help as you face the issues of life ? In Romans 15:4, the Apostle Paul emphasized the value of the Scriptures, saying of the Old Testament writing, "Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." He reminded Timothy, his "son in the faith" (1st.Timothy 1:2), of what Timothy had learned as a child at the knee of his Mother and Grandmother: "And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in CHRIST JESUS" (2nd.Timothy 3:15 pictured above), "All (both Old and New Testament) Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable. . ." (2nd.Timothy 3:16 pictured at top of post), bringing about maturity and the manifestation of good works as the believer feeds upon the WORD of GOD (2nd.Timothy 3:17).

     We should be driven to the WORD over and over again as we face life each day. In the midst of joys and sorrows, struggles and trials, burdens and heavy loads, we find solace, comfort, peace, delight, and rest by spending time in GOD's Holy WORD. Do not give in to despair or depression. GOD is on the throne ! HIS WORD is still "true and righteous altogether" (Psalm 19:9). It is more precious than the purest gold and sweeter than the sweetest of honey (Psalm 19:10). As you feed upon the WORD, may the prayer of David likewise be yours: "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). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation