"Heavenly Care, Comfort, and Resources"

 

Hebrews 4:9-16 "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of GOD. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as GOD did from HIS. Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the WORD of GOD is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in HIS sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of HIM with WHOM we have to do. Seeing then that we have a Great HIGH PRIEST, that is passed into the heavens, JESUS the SON Of GOD, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

     GOD is totally sufficient for every situation in which HE places you:

Whatever your trial -- GOD sees ! "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous" (Psalm 34:15)  "For the eyes of the LORD run to and from throughout the whole earth, to show HIMSELF strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward HIM" (2nd.Chronicles 16:9). "Doth not HE see my ways, and count all my steps ?" (Job 31:4).

Whatever your struggles -- GOD knows ! "For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish" (Psalm 1:6).  ""But HE knoweth the way that I take: when HE hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). "GOD is faithful, WHO will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1st.Corinthians 10:13).

Whatever your cry -- GOD hears ! "For the eyes of the LORD are over the righteous, and HIS ears are open unto their prayers" (1st.Peter 3:12). "And the Angel of the LORD said unto her. . .the LORD hath heard thy affliction" (Genesis 16:11).

Whatever your difficulty -- GOD cares ! "Casting all your care upon HIM, for HE careth for you" (1st.Peter 5:7). You and your circumstances matter to HIM !

Whatever your problem -- GOD understands ! "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (vv.15-16).

Whatever your need -- GOD provides ! "But my GOD shall supply all your need according to HIS riches in glory by CHRIST JESUS" (Philippians 4:19 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

"CHRIST Is Everything"

 

Colossians 1:12-20 "Giving thanks unto the FATHER, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: WHO hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of HIS dear SON: in WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, even the forgiveness of sins: WHO is the image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn of every creature: for by HIM were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by HIM, and for HIM:

And HE is before all things, and by HIM all things consist. And HE is the head of the body, the church: WHO is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead: that in all things HE might have the preeminence. For it pleased the FATHER that in HIM should all fulness dwell and, having made peace through the blood of HIS cross, by HIM to reconcile all things unto HIMSELF; by HIM I say, whether they be things in Earth, or things in Heaven."

     JESUS CHRIST created all things (v.16; John 1:3) and upholds all things (v.17; Hebrews 1:3). 

In the Old Testament HE is the grand subject of prophecy, and in the New Testament HE is the grand fulfillment (Luke 24:27,44).

HE is the subject and fulfillment of the first great promise (Genesis 3:15).

HIS future earthly kingdom is the subject of hundreds of prophecies. No one else may be called KING of Kings and LORD of Lords (Revelation 19:16).

HE is the "ALPHA and OMEGA, the beginning and the ending. . .the FIRST and the LAST" (Revelation 1:8,17).

People have come into this world by creation and by procreation, but JESUS CHRIST is the only ONE WHO came by virgin birth and incarnation (John 1:14 pictured above).

HIS enemies could not defeat HIM, the grave could not hold HIM, and the gates of Hades will never prevail against HIS church (Matthew 16:18).

To the believer HE is everything. CHRIST is the Christian's center, the Christian's circumference, and everything in between -- as Paul stated, "CHRIST is all, and in all" (Colossians 3:11).

"CHRIST liveth in me" (Galatians 2:20).

HE "is our life" (Colossians 3:3-4).

HE "is our hope" (1st.Timothy 1:1).

HE "is our "true VINE" (John 15:1-5).

HE is the source of our strength (Philippians 4:13). 

HE is our victory (1st.Corinthians 15:57).

Without HIM we can do nothing (John 15:5).

HE "is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1st.Corithians 1:30).

Our ambition to please HIM (2nd.Corinthians 5:9).

Our ardent desire to know HIM (Philippians 3:10).

Our earnest expectation is to magnify HIM (Philippians 1:20).

And our greatest hope is to see HIM (1st.John 3:2).

Sadly, those who are not in HIM are cursed (1st.Corinthians 15:22).

And those who do not believe in HIM are condemned (John 3:18,36).

Is JESUS CHRIST everything to you ? GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Where To Put Your Trust"

 

1st.Timothy 6:17 "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living GOD, WHO giveth us richly all things to enjoy;"

     The LORD never said that possessing riches is an evil thing, but warnings abound in HIS WORD against trusting in riches. Today's text is one such caution that we must not ignore. Our attitude toward money and possessions is extremely important. "If riches increase, set not your heart upon them" (Psalm 62:10 pictured above). The parable that JESUS told of the rich fool who wanted to pull down his barns and build greater ones that would hold all his fruits and goods while he lived out the rest of his life in ease ended in tragedy: "But GOD said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou has provided?" (Luke 12:20).

     Solemn words given through the prophet Jeremiah add impetus to these warnings: "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth ME" (Jeremiahs 9:23 pictured at top of post). Adam Clarke writes in his Commentary on the Bible, "Because GOD is the FOUNTAIN of all good neither wisdom, nor might, nor riches, nor prosperity can come but from or through HIM. Nothing can be more rational than that the SOURCE of all blessings should be acknowledged. Riches cannot deliver in the day of death; strength cannot avail against HIM; and as a shield against HIM, our wisdom is foolishness." According to the LORD JESUS, "the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches" can choke out the WORD in our life (Matthew 13:22), and Solomon reminds us that riches "make themselves wings" and "fly away" (Proverbs 23:5 pictured above). Our trust must rest in GOD alone ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"HE Came, HE Went Back, HE Will Come Again !"

 

HE is the most important person who ever lived.

* HE CAME

HIS first coming was so important that even now, over 2,000 years later, we plan for the celebration of HIS birth by a month of feverish activity. We call HIS birthday Christmas.

HE was killed at an early age of 33. Before HIS death HE had spent only three years speaking to the people. Why is HE so important ?

* HE WENT BACK

Three days after HIS death, HE arose from the grave and was seen on many occasions by a total of over 500 people. 

Then HE physically ascended into Heaven ! How could all this be ? What is HE doing now ?

* HE WILL COME AGAIN

On many occasions during HIS life and after HIS resurrection HE clearly stated that HE will come again. Since everything predicted about HIS first coming has come true, and everything that HE said has come true, it is certain that HE will return.

Obviously all this could not happen to a mere man. And these events are important to know simply because JESUS CHRIST is both GOD and MAN.

* HE CAME

He came the first time to solve the basic problem of mankind: the sin-problem which separates an all Holy GOD from sinful mankind.

HIS teachings are wonderful. You can read the story of HIS life in two hours in one of the short books (called Gospels) written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.

But more important than what HE said is what HE did. Although HE was perfectly good (sinless) HE took the punishment due us because of our sins. HE died for us. Those who accept HIM as their substitute will not have to pay for their own sins. This is GOD's plan for rescuing mankind.

GOD showed HIS approval of JESUS' work by raising HIM from the dead. Death is the result of sin. By conquering sin, JESUS defeated death !

* HE WENT BACK

After proving beyond any doubt that HE was physically alive, JESUS returned to HIS FATHER in Heaven. HE is there now. HE watches as HIS church spreads throughout the world. HE helps HIS followers. HE rules everything - every nation and person and event - to guide history to the point where HE will return. 

* HE WILL COME AGAIN

When JESUS comes again, HE won't come as a weak baby in a poor stable. HE will come in majesty and honor ! HE won't come to be crucified. HE will come as KING of the universe ! Everyone who has ever lived will be brought before HIM for judgment.

How will you stand in that judgment ? The key to your being acquitted or condemned is whether or not you have honored HIM in this life by believing the facts about HIM, repenting (a turning to GOD from your sin) and putting your complete faith and trust in JESUS' finished work on the cross, and HIS resurrection.

JESUS is GOD in the flesh. HE came once to conquer evil. HE will come again to reward those who believe and condemn those who reject HIM as SAVIOR, in unbelief !

Are you ready for HIS coming ?

"And as it is appointed unto men once to died, but after this the judgment: So CHRIST was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for HIM shall HE appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:27-28) "Prepare to meet thy GOD !" (Amos 4:12).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Eternal Life is a FREE Gift !"

 

     The LORD JESUS CHRIST paid the full price for the salvation of your soul. HE "gave HIMSELF for our sins," (Galatians 1:4a). JESUS, the SON Of GOD, "loved me, and gave HIMSELF for me." (Galatians 2:20b). Now because "by HIS OWN blood HE entered in once into the Holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." there remains no price for us to pay ! (Hebrews 9:12b) We are "justified freely by HIS grace." (Romans 3:24a) 

Doing good works cannot save you.

     Salvation is "Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:9) GOD "hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to HIS OWN purpose and grace, which was given us in CHRIST JESUS before the world began," (2nd.Timothy 1:9b)

     The Bible, GOD's WORD, 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) Sin is the problem, and even belonging to a church will not take it away. JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF said, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of GOD." (John 3:3b) As the Bible says, "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law." (Romans 3:28) "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD:" (Ephesians 2:8)

You cannot take your chances.

     The Bible says, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27) You really don't know for sure how much time is left of your life. "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life ? It is a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away." (James 4:14)

You cannot save yourself.

     The Bible says, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law," (Galatians 2:16a) It also says, "we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;" (Isaiah 64:6a)

Salvation is free to all.

     The Bible says, "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 whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) The Bible says, "CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners;" (1st.Timothy 1:15b) "For CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that HE might bring us to GOD," (1st.Peter 3:18a)

If you do not get saved. . .

     The Bible says, "And the smoke of their torment ascended up forever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night," (Revelation 14:11a) "For the wages of sin is death;" (Romans 6:23a) This death is more than just physical death. It is an "eternal burning" ! The Bible says, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the Lake which burns with fire and brimstone which is the second death." (Revelation 21:8)

How you can be saved.

     The Bible calls for "repentance toward GOD," (Acts 20:21b) Repentance is a change of heart which causes you to turn to GOD from your sin. Accept the Bible facts that you are guilty as a sinner before HIM, and you are unable to deliver yourself from the punishment of a Devil's Hell, which is due you because of your sin.

     The Bible also calls for "faith toward our LORD JESUS CHRIST." (Acts 20:21b) Faith is putting complete trust in JESUS CHRIST as your own personal LORD and SAVIOR. Believing that you are unable to do anything to save yourself and that JESUS paid your sin debt in full. The Bible says, ". . .Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved," (Acts 16:31a) If you will receive JESUS CHRIST into your heart, by trusting HIM to save your soul, you will become a son or daughter of GOD and spend eternity in Heaven. "But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE the power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name." (John 1:12)

     GOD promises HE will save you if you will trust JESUS CHRIST as your own personal LORD and SAVIOR. "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) Please accept the "Free gift" of eternal life GOD is offering you.

     JESUS CHRIST said, "Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take MY yoke upon you, and learn of ME; for I AM meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For MY yoke is easy, and MY burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) 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 hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24) "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b) No one is promised any more time than the moment they are in. Come to JESUS today !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Romans Road to Heaven"

 

WHY CAN'T WE GO TO HEAVEN ?

Because we are all sinners !

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

Romans 3:10 says, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"

We must then conclude that in our natural state, GOD views us as lost sinners that are headed to some place of rewards - some good but others bad.

WHERE WILL WE GO ?

Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death (eternity in a Devil's Hell); but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD."

Since the Bible terms the Second Death the "Lake of Fire," death in this verse means when we sin now, we pay later in a Devil's Hell. "And Death and Hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death." (Revelation 20:14).

HOW CAN WE GO TO HEAVEN

WHEN WE PHYSICALLY DIE ?

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

Realize your state before GOD as a sinner, condemned to pay your debt to HIM by going to a Devil's Hell. See that GOD, WHO loves you in spite of your sins (while we were yet sinners), sent JESUS CHRIST to take the punishment for your sins on HIMSELF. After you acknowledge these things in your heart, please read on.

Romans 10:9-10,13 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine hear that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead (JESUS is not dead, but alive by the power of HIS resurrection, showing that HE was and is GOD), thou shall 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."

GOD calls accepting CHRIST being saved. It is trusting what HE said in HIS WORD and then doing something about it. 

WHAT EXACTLY DO I DO NOW ?

Realize you are a lost sinner. Realize CHRIST died and rose again for your sins. Repent, which means to turn to GOD from your sin, and ask HIM to forgive you and save you. 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.

Did you mean it the best that you know how ? I hope you did. Remember, "Whosoever shall call. . .shall be saved." If you called and meant it, you received what GOD said you would - forgiveness, salvation, and an eternal home in Heaven. If you are still not certain, please re-read this post over and over again until you are sure. GOD bless you !  by Dr. Walter S. Beebe

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie 

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Proclamation of Liberty !"

 

Isaiah 61:1-3 "The SPIRIT of the LORD GOD is upon ME; because the LORD hath anointed ME to preach good tidings unto the meek; HE hath sent ME to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our GOD; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that HE might be glorified."

     Millions around the world today are enslaved by tyrannical despots and long for the freedoms enjoyed, but often taken for granted, by those living in countries where such tyranny is prohibited because of foundational, guaranteed liberties. Yes multitudes, even in our "free America," are unknowingly slaves to sin and headed for a Devil's Hell; however, every believer has a wonderful message to give to those who will listen: the good news of the Gospel. Forgiveness from the penalty of sin and liberty from the bondage of sin are available to all who will believe from the heart that JESUS died for their sins and rose again for their justification (Romans 10:1-17). We have the best news possible -- the one message that not only proclaims but also guarantees liberty for the soul both now and in the future. Have you trusted in this saving truth ? If so, are you proclaiming it to the lost who so desperately need to hear it (1st.Corinthians 2) ?

     Today's text goes back in history to the time of Isaiah, one of GOD's faithful Old Testament servants. This prophecy by Isaiah is obviously a promise of the coming of the MESSIAH, JESUS CHRIST. Part of the prophecy already has been fulfilled in CHRIST's first advent when HE was born of a virgin in Bethlehem, an event also prophesied in other Scriptures. Read Luke Chapters 1-3 for details of CHRIST's first coming; then read Acts 1:1-11 for the promise of HIS imminent return. In verse three of our text, note the gracious promises GOD has given concerning that which HE alone can and will bestow upon HIS people in the future. Let every believer join in praise to the LORD for the liberty HE has provided in JESUS CHRIST and proclaim this glorious freedom to all who are still bound in sin. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A Sad State of Affairs"

 

Isaiah 3:1-12 "For, behold, the LORD, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the stuff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water, the mighty man, and the man of war, the judge and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient, the captain of fifty, and the honorable man, and the counselor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator. And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them. And the people shall be oppressed, everyone by another, and everyone by his neighbor; the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honorable. When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, saying. Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and let this ruin be under thy hand:

In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people. For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of HIS glory. The show of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul ! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked ! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. As for MY people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O MY People, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths."

     Those who insist upon having their own way rather than GOD's way will pay the price for their pride and rebellion. In our text, Israel was paying just such a price, and things were about to get worse. GOD warned that "babes" would rule over Israel's "mighty men," and HIS judgment would likewise be upon the prophets, warriors, judges, counselors, orators, and "the ancient" (vv.2-4). Israel was suffering oppression by their own neighbors, and juvenile haughtiness and delinquency abounded (v.5). The LORD described the pitiable state of those who should have been abounding by HIS power and provision: "As for MY people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them" (v.12a Pictured above). What a shame ! Yet, how can we fail to see the similar situation that exists today -- with rebellion and lack of respect for authority among many youths coupled with adults who reject the need for moral standards and the reality of absolute truth ? The world has become terribly mixed up. As was true of Israel, the so-called "Christian nations" of our day have turned their backs on the LORD.

     Was there a reason for Israel's sorry situation ? Indeed there was. GOD revealed that "their tongue and their doings are against the LORD" (v.8), and HE went on to warn about the false leaders who caused the people to err (v.12b Pictured above). The people had become so hardened in their sin that they made no effort to even hide it. The prophet Isaiah declared, "Woe unto their soul ! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves" (v.9). We must cautiously heed GOD's warnings while joyfully accepting HIS promises (vv.10-11); to do otherwise is to invite HIS chastening hand and forfeit HIS blessings. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation