"THE BIBLE: GOD's Miracle Book"

 

"Forever, O LORD, THY WORD is settled in Heaven." Psalm 119:89

The Bible is a very wonderful book. It is a composite library of 66 books, of which 39 comprise the Old Testament and 27 the New Testament. The Bible is unique, for it is no mere haphazard collection of writings, but is an organic whole; each of the 66 books being necessary to the whole 'library.'

Any careful reader will quickly discover that there is a plan behind the arrangement of the books, and a unity about the Bible that is nothing less than miraculous. That is why we have entitled this study "THE BIBLE: GOD's Miracle Book." The Bible is inspired, authoritative and entirely trustworthy. What are the grounds for believing this ? Consider the following:

THE WONDER OF ITS FORMATION.

The Old Testament can be divided into four sections for study:

     *  The Pentateuch (Genesis to Deuteronomy).

     *  The Historical books (Joshua to Job).

     *  The Poetical books (Psalms to Song of Solomon).

     *  The Prophetical books (Isaiah to Malachi).

The New Testament can be divided into three sections for study:

     *  The Historical books (Matthew to Acts).

     *  The Doctrinal books (Romans to Jude).

     *  The great book of Prophecy (Revelation).

But from where did these 66 books come. How were they written, and by whom ? How were they brought together in one volume ? Here is a miracle of tremendous significance ! The 66 books of the Bible were written by some forty different writers, who lived in different countries, spoke different languages, and came from different backgrounds.

The writers included a King, a Doctor, a Herdsman, a Tax Collector, a Theologian, a Scribe, a Fisherman, etc.; and their writings spread over a period of 1600 years, so there could be no collusion or communication.

Think of it - 40 different writers, spread over 55 generations, producing 66 books; and yet when these books are placed together there is a perfect unity and harmony about them, and they all fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. What is the explanation ? There is only one explanation: The Bible is GOD's miracle book !

THE CLAIM OF ITS WRITERS.

GOD is the AUTHOR of the Bible, but HE employed many human writers. These forty writers claimed to be writing down the words of the LORD. 'This is what the LORD says. . .' and similar expressions occur hundreds of times in the Bible - compare Exodus 20:1 & 24:4 "And GOD spake all these words. . .And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel." In the twenty-seven chapters of Leviticus there are fifty-six assertions assigning its authorship to the LORD HIMSELF.

The same is true of the Historical, the Poetical and the Prophetical books of the Old Testament. What about the New Testament ? The Old Testament is woven into the New Testament. Scores of Old Testament sayings are quoted in the New Testament, and JESUS, the Gospel writers, Paul, Peter, James, and John all accepted the divine authority and authorship of the Old Testament.

What is the explanation of the fact that the writers in the Bible claim to have written under the inspiration of the HOLY SPIRIT ? The explanation is this: The Bible is GOD's Miracle Book !

THE ACCURACY OF ITS STATEMENTS.

It is commonly held that the Bible is full of errors and misstatements. Let us understand that there are many things in the Bible about which we need fuller light. Let us also state confidently that the Bible is accurate and reliable. What seems to be discrepancies are often cleared away after careful and prayerful investigation. Look up Psalm 119:160 "I made hast and delayed not to keep THY commandments." There is not one single proved inaccuracy in the whole Bible.

The Bible is accurate historically, geographically, genealogically, scientifically, psychologically, typologically, and verbally. What is the secret of this amazing accuracy ? The Bible is GOD's miracle book !

THE PROGRESSIVENESS OF ITS REVELATION.

The revelation of truth we have in the Bible is progressively given, and by the time we get to the Book of Revelation we have a perfect and complete body of truth. In the 66 books there is everything we need to know about ourselves, sin, death, Heaven, human destiny, human relations, and above all, about GOD and HIS nature, about CHRIST and HIS love, and about redemption.

The revelation in the Bible is complete. Look up Jude 3 "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." There is everything we need in the Bible. Why ? Because the Bible is GOD's miracle book !

THE FULFILMENT OF ITS PROPHECIES.

Two-thirds of the Bible is made up of prophecies. Prophecy is history written in advance of it happening. Only a small portion of these prophecies have so far been fulfilled, but all fulfilled prophecy has been literally fulfilled. In the Bible we have prophecies relating to places, events, and people.

A most helpful approach to this subject would be to study the Old Testament prophecies relating to the PERSON of CHRIST and see them fulfilled in HIS birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. Note also that over thirty prophecies relating to HIS arrest, trial and crucifixion were all fulfilled within 24 hours when HE died.

What is the explanation of the power of this book to predict the future ? The Bible is GOD's miracle book !

THE INSISTENCE OF ITS MESSAGE.

One message runs right through the Bible - the message of GOD's great love for sinful humanity; of the gift of HIS SON, our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST; of HIS provision of salvation, and of HIS righteous claims perfectly satisfied at Calvary - Genesis 3:15.

Throughout the Bible we trace the message of John 3:16, until we come to the final appeal to sinful men to accept the Gospel invitation - Revelation 22:17. What is the explanation of this one insistent message running through the Bible ? The Bible is GOD's miracle book !

As we conclude this study, notice one final bit of evidence of the Bible's unique nature, inspiration, and authority: it is to be found in:

THE EXPLANATION OF ITS AUTHOR.

What is the explanation of the miraculous nature of the Bible ?

Paul said, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of GOD may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2nd.Timothy 3:16.

Peter said, "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of GOD spake as they were moved by the HOLY GHOST." 2nd.Peter 1:21. These verses proclaim the inspiration of the Bible.

Thank GOD, the Bible is GOD-given, fully inspired, completely authoritative and absolutely trustworthy ! It truly is GOD's miracle book. Let us love it, believe it, learn it, practice it, defend it, and pass it on to others. AMEN !

WORDS OF LIFE MINISTRIES

Edited by Dr. Tom Sexton - www.FiveStarChristianMinistries.com - WordToTheWorld@aol.com

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"2nd.Thessalonians: CHRIST's Second Coming"

 

2nd.Thessalonians 2:1-12 "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, and by our gathering together unto HIM. The ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the Day of CHRIST is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that Day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called GOD, or that is worshiped; so that he as GOD sitteth in the temple of GOD, showing himself that he is GOD. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things ? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only HE WHO now letteth will let, until HE be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the LORD shall consume with the SPIRIT of HIS mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of HIS coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause GOD shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

     In no other epistle is CHRIST's coming in the Rapture so clearly the object of the believer's "patience of hope" (1st.Thessalonians 1:3 pictured above) as in 2nd.Thessalonians. We are to be continually watching and waiting for this imminent event. A misunderstanding had occurred regarding the coming of CHRIST for HIS own (the Rapture) and the future Day of the LORD (1st.Thessalonians 4:13-5:10); it centered on a point of teaching that had been given both in person by Paul as well as in his first letter. The Apostle learned that the Thessalonians had received a forged letter or a false verbal message with new revelation supposedly from him (v.2; 3:17). This caused some to neglect their daily work, which led to a disorderly life (3:10-12); and, because they were being severely persecuted, they wrongly supposed the Day of the LORD had, indeed, arrived.

     Paul wrote this subsequent letter to the Thessalonian church to correct their confusion and reassure them that CHRIST's Second Coming would vindicate their cause (2nd.Thessalonians 1:5-12). He explained that certain events must first come to pass prior to CHRIST's return to this Earth, revealing to them the following details: (1) A "falling away" will first occur as the LORD catches up HIS church in the Rapture. (2) The "Man of sin" will come into public view with his awful campaign against the LORD. (3) Following the seven-year Tribulation period, the LORD will return with HIS saints in judgment at HIS Second Coming. Paul exhorted them, in the meantime, to lead a quiet, sober, and industrious life (2nd.Thessalonians 3:6-15), he comforted them in their persecutions, and he assured them that believers in this church age will not be overtaken by the judgments comprising the Day of the LORD. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"1st.Thessalonians: The Epistle of the Rapture"

 

1st.Thessalonians 4:13-18 "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in JESUS will GOD bring with HIM. For this we say unto you by the WORD of the LORD, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the LORD shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep. For the LORD HIMSELF shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in CHRIST shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD. Wherefore comfort one another with these WORDs."

     We have before us the first of two epistles to the Thessalonians. Both letters address the event and the context of the return of JESUS CHRIST. Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia, and Paul planted the church in this city during his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-10). He was there less than a month, yet he labored so strenuously and faithfully that he not only founded but also firmly established this church. These Thessalonian saints seem to have dispensed with the customary crawling and creeping stages of spiritual progress, making such rapid growth that the Apostle Paul fed them with "strong meat" (cf. Hebrews 5:14) -- truths and teachings that are now (sadly) deemed "divisive" or irrelevant to the modern church. Both epistles are dogmatic, presenting true faith in contrast to doctrinal and practical error.

     Persecution had broken out in Thessalonica, causing Paul to escape to Berea (Acts 17:10,13-15). When his oppressors pursued him there as well, he fled to Athens, leaving behind Timothy and Silas. Timothy then met Paul in Athens, and the Apostle sent him back to Thessalonica in order to comfort the saints there (1st.Thessalonians 3:2). Paul was in Corinth (Acts 18:1,5) when Timothy reported back that the apostle's character and motives had been attacked and the believers were disconcerted over the fact that some in the church had died, perhaps having misunderstood Paul as teaching that JESUS' return would occur prior to anyone's death. Among other things, Paul wrote to comfort the Thessalonians with the truth of the Rapture (1st.Thessalonians 4:13-5:11) and to highly commend this church for their faith, love, and hope as they waited for CHRIST's return (1st.Thessalonians 1:3, 10 both pictured above). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A Basic Overview of End Time Prophecies"

 

Matthew 24:1-3, v.3, "And as HE sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto HIM privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be ? and what shall be the sign of THY coming, and of the end of the world ?"

The disciples asked the LORD JESUS to tell them what the end would be like. The LORD JESUS not only knows the beginning and the end, but HE is the beginning and the end.

Revelation 22:13, "I am ALPHA and OMEGA, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."

As we study this lesson as an overview of things to come, we should ask the LORD to stir our hearts like HE did the disciples. This lesson is only an overview.

The Rapture of the Church

1st.Corinthians 15:51-53, "Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality."

Supporting verses: 1st.Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 4:1

At the Rapture we will receive our glorified bodies. The Rapture of the church is the next great event to unfold in GOD's plan for the ages. It is important to remember that there are no signs for the Rapture of the church. JESUS will come to the clouds, and no one will see HIM. HE will call HIS Bride up to HIM in the clouds.

The Judgment Seat of CHRIST

2nd.Corinthians 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of CHRIST; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."

Supporting verses: 1st.Corinthians 3:9-15; Romans 14:10

Every Christian will appear before the Judgment Seat of CHRIST. We will have our glorified body and we will be like JESUS. 1st.John 3:1-3.

The Marriage supper of the LAMB

Matthew 22:2, "The kingdom of Heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son."

Matthew 25:1, "Then shall the kingdom of Heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom."

Supporting verses: Luke 12:35-36; John 3:27-30; 2nd.Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:22-32; Jude 24

We will be given to CHRIST and HE will care for us and keep us for all eternity. CHRIST paid for our redemption on Calvary and this symbolic wedding helps us understand how dear we are to HIM. We will have the marriage supper of the LAMB (Revelation 19:9).

The Tribulation Period

1st.Thessalonians 1:10, "And to wait for HIS SON from Heaven, WHOM HE raised from the dead, even JESUS, which delivered us from the wrath to come."

Matthew 24:21, "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."

Supporting verses: Matthew 24:29; Revelation 14:7, 10, 15:17, 16:1; Revelation 2:22, 3:10.

The Tribulation is a seven-year period of time that takes place on this earth after the Rapture of the church. This will be a time of suffering the wrath of GOD, which is unparalleled in human history. It is divided up into two parts, three and a half years in each part; the Tribulation and the Great Tribulation period.

The Second Coming of CHRIST

Matthew 24:29-30, "Immediately after the Tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the power of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the SON of MAN in Heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the SON of MAN coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory."

Supporting verses: Zechariah 14:4-8; 2nd.Thessalonians 1:7; Revelation 1:7, 11:15, 19:11-16.

The Second Coming of CHRIST is when HE comes to this earth. It is different from the Rapture in that every eye shall see HIM and that HE comes to the earth. No one is raptured at this coming. HE comes at the end of the seven-year tribulation period. This is referred to as HIS glorious appearing in Titus 2:13.

The Battle of Armageddon

Revelation 16:16, "And HE gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon."

Supporting verses: Psalm 2:1-5; Isaiah 34:1-6, 63:3-4; Joel 3:2, 9:16; Zechariah 12:2, 14:2-3,12; Revelation 14:14-20 19:11-21.

When the LORD JESUS returns HE will fight the armies of the earth who have gathered themselves together to battle HIM. This will end with the death of all unsaved people. Flesh eating birds will come and eat the dead. (Revelation 19:17-18).

Satan Bound and the Millennial Reign of CHRIST

Revelation 20:1-3, "And I saw an angel come down from Heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season."

Supporting verses: Zechariah 14:9, 16-21; Psalm 2:6-9; Isaiah 2:2-4, 11:6-9, 65:18-23; Matthew 5:1-20, 19:27-30, 26:27-29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18; 1st.Corinthians 6:9-11.

The Millennial rule and reign of CHRIST, on the throne of David, will last for one thousand years. Satan will be bound for this time period and will not influence people. During this time period CHRIST fulfills HIS promise to David and to Abraham.

Satan's Final Revolt

Revelation 20:7-10, "And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison. And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from GOD our of Heaven, and devoured them. And the Devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."

Satan is loosed for a short period and manages to deceive people to follow him in his final revolt against the LORD JESUS. This final revolt ends with fire coming down from Heaven and devouring them. Satan is then cast into the Lake of Fire where he spends all eternity (Revelation 20:7-10).

The Great White Throne Judgment

Revelation 20:11-15, "And I saw a great white throne, and HIM that sat on it, from whose face the Earth and the Heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before GOD; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life: . . .And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire."

Supporting verses: Psalm 9:17; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Daniel 7:9-10; Matthew 12:36-37; Hebrews 9:27.

The Great White Throne Judgment is the saddest event in all of human history. It will be the last time we see our unsaved friends and loved ones. All who died without CHRIST will be cast into the Lake of Fire where they will spend eternity, separated from GOD and us forever. No wonder GOD will then "wipe away every tear from our eyes." (See below reference).

The New Heaven and the New Earth

Revelation 21:1, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away: and there was no more sea." 

Supporting verses: Isaiah 65:17, 66:22; 2nd.Peter 3:13-14.

GOD's desire has always been to spend eternity with us. This is when it begins. HE wipes away the tears from our eyes (Revelation 21:4), and HE makes all things new (Revelation 21:5).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Five Star

Christian Ministries

www.fivestarchristianministries.com

Dr. Tom Sexton

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Baptism of JESUS"

"Then cometh JESUS from Galilee to Jordan 

unto John, to be baptized . . ."

by Dr. Tom Sexton

The Baptism of JESUS

"Then cometh JESUS from Galilee to Jordan unto John to be baptized of him. But John forbad HIM, saying, I have need to be baptized of THEE, and comest THOU to me ?

And JESUS answering said unto him, suffer it to be so now: for this it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered HIM.

And JESUS, when HE was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto HIM, and HE saw the SPIRIT of GOD descending like a dove, and lighting upon HIM: and lo a voice from Heaven, saying This is MY beloved SON, in WHOM I AM well pleased." Matthew 3:13-17.

Why Was JESUS Baptized ?

There has been much debate about the baptism of JESUS. However, the debate ends when we let JESUS speak for HIMSELF. HE tells us in Scripture why HE was baptized.

HE said, "for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." In other words, JESUS was baptized to fulfill the Scripture concerning HIM.

HIS baptism was a witness that

HE is WHO HE said HE was.

JESUS was baptized for a witness that HE was WHO HE said HE was. JESUS said about HIS baptism, "If I bear witness of MYSELF, MY witness is not true. There is another that beareth witness of ME; and I know that the witness which HE witnesseth of ME is true. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth." John 5:31-33.

Our baptism is a testimony that we are who and what we say we are - followers of CHRIST.

HIS baptism was how HE identified

with GOD the FATHER.

JESUS identified with GOD the FATHER through HIS baptism. GOD said from Heaven, "This is MY beloved SON, in WHOM I AM well please." Matthew 3:17

Our baptism identifies us with Bible believers who are continuing, "steadfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship" from the time of CHRIST, around the world.

HIS baptism was to be an example

for all believers to follow.

Paul said, "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." Romans 6:4

The Bible says about the first century believers who were saved, "Then they that gladly received HIS WORD were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Acts 2:41

No believer will have the full blessing of GOD on their life who has not followed CHRIST in believers' baptism.

I have discovered the reason why many Christians, who did not follow CHRIST in believers' baptism, and take their first step in their newfound faith, after their salvation, was because the personal worker did not see the importance of it.

How sad a child of GOD would fail to get started right and take the first step of obedience because of a personal worker's failure to inform them about baptism.

Answers for Questions About 

Believers' Baptism.

JESUS said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY GHOST." Matthew 28:19. Baptism is part of the great commission given to the local church.

Therefore, it is an ordinance to be carried out under the authority of the local church.

When Should New Converts

Be Baptized ?

After a person receives CHRIST as their personal SAVIOR, they should follow the LORD in believers' baptism.

Baptism is the first step of obedience, and the first act of surrender for the new believer in CHRIST. The Bible says concerning the first century believers, "Then they that gladly received HIS WORD were baptized. . ." Acts 2:41

Believer's baptism is for believers. When the man from Ethiopia asked Philip, "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized ? Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that JESUS CHRIST is the SON of GOD. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water. . .and he baptized him." Acts 8:37-38.

People sometimes ask if their baby can be baptized. The answer is, 'Can they answer the question Philip asked the Ethiopian ?' Believers' baptism is for believers.

Why should a believer be baptized ?

Baptism is part of our mission from GOD: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY GHOST." Matthew 28:19.

We follow the example set for us: "Then cometh JESUS from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him." Matthew 3:13

We show obedience to CHRIST. "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of HIM, because we keep HIS commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in HIS sight." 1st.John 3:22.

How should a believer be baptized ?

Baptism pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of CHRIST. Our baptism is a picture of what CHRIST did for us, and it is our testimony and identification with HIM.

The Bible says, "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." Romans 6:4

Death         Burial       Resurrection

What if a believer refuses to be baptized ?

He begins a life of disobedience. "Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17. He breaks fellowship with the LORD. "Ye are MY friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." John 15:14. The reason most new believers fail to follow CHRIST in believer' baptism, is because they do not know and understand the importance of believer's baptism.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

by Dr. Tom Sexton

Five Star Christian Ministries

WordToTheWorld@aol.com

www.FiveStarChristianMinistries.com

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"The 400 Silent Years"

 

Galatians 4:4-5 "But when the fulness of the time was come, GOD sent forth HIS SON, made of a woman, made under the Law, to redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."

     Between the close of the Old Testament and the opening of the New Testament was a span of time lasting 400 years -- silent years as to divine revelation. After the completion of Nehemiah's historical record and Malachi's prophecy, no voice was heard nor vision seen from Heaven until the LORD GOD spoke through an angel to Zacharias, who was to become the father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-25 see picture above v.13, 57-80) It is difficult to grasp the vast political, religious, and societal changes that had taken place in the world, and especially in Israel, during this time unless we have at least an elementary grasp of what transpired during this "intertestamental period."

     The Old Testament closed with the Medo-Persian Empire firmly in control, while the New Testament opens during the Roman period. Between those two empires was the rule of Alexander the Great, during which time Greek culture and language dominated the people of the land. It was within these "silent" years that the priesthood grew more involved in war and politics and became corrupted, paving the way for the rise of the sects of the Pharisees and Sadducees. In addition, the fourteen writings of the Apocrypha were produced, which, while not part of the inspired canon, are of literary and historical importance. Initially, those who returned from the Babylonian exile probably held their synagogue meetings in homes (Ezekiel 8:1 pictured above; 20:1-3), with worship, prayer, and instruction in the Scriptures being carried out wherever Jews lived. All the while, GOD was preparing the way for HIS divine plan. As the 400 silent years came to an end, "the fulness of the time was come, [and] GOD sent forth HIS SON" (vv.4-5). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"HABAKKUK: The Mysteries of Providence"

 

Habakkuk 3:1-19 "A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth. O LORD, I have heard THY speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive THY work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. GOD came from Teman, and the HOLY ONE from mount Paran. Selah. HIS glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of HIS praise. And HIS brightness was as the light; HE had horns coming out of HIS hand: and there was the hiding of HIS power. Before HIM went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at HIS feet. HE stood, and measured the Earth: HE beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: HIS ways are everlasting.

I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble. Was the LORD displeased against the rivers ? was THINE anger against the rivers ? was THY wrath against the sea, that THOU didst ride upon THINE horses and THY chariots of salvation ? THY bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even THY WORD. Selah. THOU didst cleave the Earth with rivers. The mountains saw THEE, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered HIS voice, and lifted up HIS hands on high. The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of THINE arrows they went, and at the shining of THY glittering spear. THOU did march through the land in indignation, THOU didst thresh the heathen in anger. THOU went forth for the salvation of THY people, even for salvation with THINE anointed; THOU woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.

THOU didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly. THOU didst walk through the sea with THINE horses, through the heap of great waters. When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the GOD of my salvation. The LORD GOD is my strength, and HE will make my feet like hinds' feet, and HE will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments."

     Have you ever found yourself with questions of faith for which you were earnestly seeking answers ? That is exactly the position in which Habakkuk found himself. He is called the "questioning prophet" and the "Job" among the prophets. The problem for both Job and Habakkuk were: Why does a just and omnipotent GOD at times permit the wicked to flourish and the righteous to suffer affliction ? With Job, the problem was personal; with Habakkuk, it was national. This book is unique in its literary form, for two-thirds of it is a conversation between the prophet and the LORD. The prophet voices two primary complaints to GOD: (1) Judah's apostacy and (2) the fact that HE would use, as an instrument of chastisement, a people so wicked as the Chaldeans. This is significant, for the timing of Habakkuk's prophecy came just prior to King Nebuchadnezzar's first incursion against Jerusalem (2nd.Chronicles 36:5-6).

     True to his name (which means "embrace"), Habakkuk expressed an adhering trust that laid hold on GOD. The key word of this book is "faith" (Habakkuk 2:4 pictured above) -- vital to maintaining righteousness amid life's trials as well as its triumphs. The prophet clung to GOD, and pouring out his heart to HIM in prayer, waited patiently for the divine answer (Habakkuk 2:1 pictured above). Unlike so many Christians today, he took his problems to the LORD and learned to trust GOD when he could not see the way. The book of Habakkuk opens in darkness and closes in light; it begins with a question mark and ends with an exclamation point. GOD replied to Habakkuk's complaint concerning the Chaldeans with HIS divine principle of righteousness. The unjust shall die; the just shall live. HIS providence is always perfect. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD Wants You to KNOW 4 Things"

GOD Wants You To Know That . . .

1. You are a sinner and cannot save yourself.

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD."

(Romans 3:23)

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us."

(Titus 3:5)

GOD Wants You To Know That . . .

2. JESUS CHRIST has already provided the way of salvation.

"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."

(John 3:16)

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures: and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:"

(1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4)

"For CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that HE might bring us to GOD."

(1st.Peter 3:18)

GOD Wants You To Know That . . .

3. You must repent (turning to GOD from your sin), and receive CHRIST as your personal 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. 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."

(Romans 10:9-10,13)

4. Acceptance or refusal determines your destiny.

"He that believeth on HIM is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD."

(John 3:18)

"He that believeth on the SON hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him."

(John 3:36)

What Must I Do ?

1. I must accept that I am a sinner.

2. I must believe I need a SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.

3. I must repent and receive CHRIST by faith.

4. I must call on the LORD JESUS CHRIST to save me.

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.

"BEHOLD, Now is the accepted time;

 BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." Tomorrow may be too late !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation