"GOD Loves You"

 

"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

     This great Bible verse reveals four truths from the heart of GOD for all people.

We are loved.

    GOD wants us to know that we are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world. . ."  You are a part of this world, and GOD loves you. HE gave HIS SON for you, and HE wants you ". . .to know the love of CHRIST. . ." (Ephesians 3:19).

We are of worth.

     The LORD also wants us to know that we are of worth. We are so dear to GOD ". . .that HE gave HIS only begotten SON . . ." 

     The Bible teaches us that we are all sinners. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 2:23). And sin must be paid for. "For the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23).

     But the Bible also teaches us that ". . .CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthains 15:3). GOD demonstrated HIS love for us and our worth to HIM when HE sent HIS SON, JESUS, to die in our place.

     The good news is that the LORD JESUS paid our sin debt in full when HE died on the cross. "For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us. . ." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21). CHRIST loved us and gave HIMSELF for us as payment, in full, for our sin.

     You may ask, "How can GOD forgive my sin ?" HE can because of what JESUS did. ". . .While we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (Romans 5:8).

We can have hope.

     GOD wants us to know that we can have hope. HE said ". . .that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish. . ." Life is fragile, and people are perishing. But CHRIST came ". . . that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).

     In a world where so many have lost hope, GOD wants us to know that the ". . .LORD JESUS CHRIST. . .is our hope" (1st.Timothy 1:1). HE rose from the dead, and HE said, ". . .Because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19).

We can have purpose.

     GOD wants us to know that we can have purpose in life. HE desires that we ". . .should not perish, but have everlasting life."

     "And this is the promise that HE hath promised us, even eternal life" (1st.John 2:23).

     You may ask, "How can I receive GOD's promise of eternal life ?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now that you're a Christian:

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

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

"BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time;

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

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

GULF COAST BAPTIST CHURCH

Pastor Tom Sexton

312 SE 24th Avenue 

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-1000

GulfCoastBaptist@aol.com

www.gulfcoastbaptistchurch.com

In Remembrance of Fallen Officers

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"JOB: The Book of Suffering and Patience"

 

Job 1:1-22 There was man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared GOD, and eschewed (shunned) evil. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed GOD in their hearts, Thus did Job continually.  Now there was a day when the sons of GOD came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou ? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered MY servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth GOD, and escheweth (shuns) evil ? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear GOD for nought ? Hast not THOU made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side ? THOU hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse THEE to THY face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house; and there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: and the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of GOD is fallen from Heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: and, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshiped and said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charge GOD foolishly."

     After the Pentateuch and the historical sections of the Old Testament, the next five books comprise the poetical division. These books were written in Hebrew metre -- poetic rhythm. They are predominantly of a religious character and of great importance for the special instructions they convey. Job is the first of these books. G. Campbell Morgan said, "In magnificence of argument and beauty of style this book is one of the grandest in the Divine Library." The book solves an important metaphysical problem. Satan asked, "Doth Job fear GOD for nought ?" (v.9). This account of the patriarch is GOD's answer: Uprightness can, indeed, survive the destruction of all temporal good. Loss of property, family, and physical health could not bring Job to curse the GOD WHOM he feared nor to commit the evil that he hated.

     The book derives its name from the man whose history it records; it chronicles the piety, riches, afflictions, and restoration of this extraordinary person, emphasizing his trials, and sufferings. A desperate struggle occurred between Job and his adversary (Satan), and the LORD allowed it to take place in the open so that we might learn the secret of resistance (James 4:7 pictured above; 1st.Peter 5:8-9). This book has a number of objectives: [1.] To reveal that the righteous as well as the wicked suffer; [2.] To show that nothing "just happens" in a believer's life; [3.] To demonstrate that man's ways are not GOD's ways; [4.] To reveal Job to himself (Job 40:4 pictured above); [5.] And to teach repentance. We cannot overlook the fact that, although Job was one of the greatest individuals who ever lived, his goodness could not save him; he still had to come to the LORD by faith alone and fully trust in HIM. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"ESTHER: The Book of Divine Providence"

Esther 4:1-14 "When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; and came even before the King's gate: for none might enter into the King's gate clothed with sackcloth. And in every province, whithersoever the King's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her, Then was the Queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not. Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the King's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.

So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the King's gate. And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the King's treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them. Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to show it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the King, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people. And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai. Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;

All the King's servants, and the people of the King's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the King into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the King shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the King these thirty days. And they told to Mordecai Esther's words. Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the King's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this ?"

     In order to understand the place of this book within the historical section of the Old Testament, it should be read between chapters six and seven of the book of Ezra, linking the events in Esther with not only the book of Ezra but also the book of Nehemiah. Esther, a Jewish captive, became the bride of the Persian King, Ahasuerus, and it is clear that she, under GOD's sovereign hand, came to the kingdom at a very critical time. The book of Esther is fascinating, with a cast of characters consisting of King Ahasuerus, Vashti (the Queen who was displaced), Esther (the orphan who was crowned in Vashti's place), Mordecai (a detested Jew who came to be respected), Haman (the villain, fittingly executed in the end), and the Jews, who won their freedom after being sentenced to die when Haman sought to destroy them because of his utter hatred of Mordecai -- yet another satanic attempt to abolish the people of GOD.

     This book is the Romans 8:28 (pictured above) of the Old Testament. Though the name of GOD is never mentioned in the text, we find the singular providence of GOD in taking care of HIS people amid adversity, in humbling the proud, in exalting the lowly, and in saving those who pray to HIM and trust in HIM. Matthew Henry said, "If the name of GOD is not here, HIS finger is."  A. T. Pierson wrote, "The name of GOD is not found here. HIS is a secret control of the affairs of HIS people: a hidden hand shifts the scenes. Only the eye of faith sees the divine factor in human history, but to the attentive observer all history is a burning bush aflame with the mysterious PRESENCE." We are here reminded of GOD's unseen hand in delivering HIS people, even unto this day. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"I MUST Tell You This"

I know something so wonderful that I must tell you ! It is so vital that it may change your entire future as it did mine. In fact, the decision you make about it will affect you both in life and death.

Let me emphasize that this message is absolutely true, because GOD said it. When GOD makes a promise you can rest upon it, because HIS promises can never fail. GOD will not make you believe this message. That is your choice, but HE will hold you responsible for having heard it.

It is a very personal message, something you must decide. You must say either, "I will" or "I will not."

Here is the message. It is an exact quotation from GOD's WORD, the Holy Bible. "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) Did you ever hear such wonderful WORDs ? Think for a moment what they say. They reveal three marvelous facts.

First, "GOD so loved the world" ! Since you are in the world, HE loved you. If that doesn't astonish you, remember, that when GOD loved you, HE loved a sinner ! "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23). If you are honest, you will agree.

Although GOD loves you, HE still hates your sin. Since GOD is Holy, HE must punish sin. HE had to make a Holy way of saving sinners. Otherwise, the sinner must pay for his own sins, and that would mean spending eternity in a Devil's Hell. "And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:15)

The Second great fact is "HE gave HIS only begotten SON" GOD loved you so much, that HE sent HIS SON to earth to become a man and die on the cross of Calvary, so that you could be saved. "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).

You see, someone must pay the penalty of sin-either-you-or a sinless substitute. GOD gave HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, to be your sinless substitute. HE shed HIS blood so that your sins can be put away, so that you can have eternal life.

And now the Third tremendous fact is "Whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life: !" Think of it ! GOD gives eternal life to those who believe in JESUS CHRIST. The SAVIOR has "finished" the work. HE has died. HE has risen from the grave, and HE has gone back into Heaven. Now your part is to believe in HIM.

This simply means that you must agree that you are a sinner, realize that CHRIST has paid the "full" penalty for your sins, repent (which is a turning to GOD from your sin) and then receive HIM as your personal LORD and SAVIOR.

This is the message which I had to tell you. Now, you must make a decision. Will you accept HIM, or reject HIM ? Think of it once again: "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).

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.

Your time on Earth is so very short, but your decision for CHRIST lasts for all eternity. Will you receive JESUS CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR before it is too late. "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b) You may not get another chance.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"RUTH: The Sacred Love Story"

 

Ruth 1:16-17 "And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy GOD my GOD: where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."

     Ruth is one of only two books in the Bible bearing the name of a woman, the other being Esther. It is titled after the Moabitess Ruth, who figures prominently in the narrative. Little, if anything, in world literature is more beautiful than Ruth's earnest address to her mother-in-law Naomi in today's text -- it is sublime, as eloquent as any oration that can be found within the whole range of man's writings.

     The book of Ruth singles out a family who lived during the days of the Judges. It is an appendix to the book of Judges, standing in striking contrast to that book while being closely connected with it. This story illustrates the truth that the LORD has never left HIMSELF "without witness" (Acts 14:17 pictured above). Throughout the long period of Israel's degeneracy, a remnant of devoted souls, children of faith, lived a life of fidelity to GOD. This account carries us from the disloyalty of Elimelech and his family to the loyalty of Ruth to Naomi and ultimately to the royalty that would arise through David (Ruth 4:17 pictured above).

     M.R.DeHaan called the book of Ruth "The Romance of Redemption." How fitting ! Boaz, the kinsman redeemer, is a type of CHRIST while Ruth is a type of the Gentiles -- this story foreshadows the calling out of the Gentiles and portrays CHRIST as our KINSMAN-REDEEMER. What Boaz was to Ruth, JESUS is to all who draw near to GOD through HIS shed blood. The kinsman-redeemer had to be a physical relative (Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 2:14); he also had to have the ability to pay (Ephesians 1:7) and be willing to redeem (Luke 19:10 pictured above; John 10:17-18). The theme of rest permeates the whole book. Ruth found rest in redemption and union with her redeemer (Boaz), and so do we in CHRIST. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"HELL - And Eternal Protection for the Saints"

2nd.Peter 2:1-9 "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the LORD that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if GOD spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to Hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly; and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) the LORD knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:"

     GOD's WORD declares that Hell is real, and that GOD is love. Sadly, many who do not understand the nature of GOD believe that these two verities cannot coexist. Yet mankind's finite, errant understanding of GOD and HIS WORD does not negate the truth ! Not only does the love of GOD manifest itself in the gracious plan of redemption offered to all men, but it also reveals itself in the protection of the righteous as well. As odd as it sounds, Hell ensures the believers' eternal safety and his protection from sin. It is evidence of the LORD's love to all who believe in HIM.

     In the physical realm, criminals are incarcerated, additionally, those afflicted with contagious diseases are quarantined. Obviously, separation from these individuals is necessary for the protection and benefit of others. The same is true in the spiritual realm. Hell guarantees our safety from evil and unbelief. Sin and sinful men destroy and defile others. Our text tells us that some even spread "damnable heresies" (v.1 pictured above) and infect many (v.2 pictured above). If these sinners refuse to receive GOD's redemption, they must be forever separated from GOD and HIS children. The LORD, in HIS goodness, knows "how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and [how] to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished" (v.9). While the reality of Hell is certainly an unpleasant and sobering thought, it should motivate us as believers to faithfully serve our LORD and proclaim salvation to the lost. Hell is a real place that lasts forever. Hell is necessary due to GOD's nature and HIS laws. But praise GOD for the grace HE offers to all and for the eternal protection that HE bestows on those who accept HIS wonderful gift. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"HELL - And a GOD of Law and Order"

2nd.Thessalonians 1:1-12 "Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST: grace unto you, and peace, from GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We are bound to thank GOD always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of GOD for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of GOD, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of GOD, for which ye also suffer: seeing it is a righteous thing with GOD to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the LORD JESUS shall be revealed from Heaven with HIS mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD, and from the glory of HIS power; when HE shall come to be glorified in HIS saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our GOD would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of HIS goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST may be glorified in you, and ye in HIM, according to the grace of our GOD and the LORD JESUS CHRIST."

     From the beginning, GOD established laws by which HIS creation must abide. Law is necessary in the home, in government, and in nature in order for things to function properly. The LORD has also set laws by which HE governs the spiritual realm. Due to the very nature of a holy GOD, divine Law demands absolute righteousness and holiness in order to enter into HIS Heaven. All, however, are born sinners. Every violation of the Law carries a penalty. The consequence for sin is separation from GOD and punishment for iniquity and unbelief (Romans 6:23 pictured at top of post); Ezekiel 18:4 pictured above). Hell is a necessary reality because sinful man is incompatible with a holy GOD. The LORD cannot change HIS attributes or nature, so what is the solution to our sin problem ? We must be changed. GOD loved the world so much that HE provided us the means to change.

     All that GOD requires or demands in order for us to enjoy a right relationship with HIM is graciously offered to us as a free gift through faith in JESUS CHRIST. JESUS died that we might have salvation. We must either accept or reject this gift. Those who accept it will enjoy eternal life with GOD. Those who reject it cannot reside with GOD and will face eternal punishment. Hell is an endless prison house for those who have violated GOD's spiritual Law and refuse to be governed by it. Today's text explicitly defines the people who will spend eternity there -- those who "know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST" (v.8). The LORD prepared Hell, not for man, but for Satan and his angels (demons). However, all who refuse HIS free gift of eternal life will pay the penalty for their sin in this horrifying place (Matthew 25:41 pictured above; Revelation 20:7-15). MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"HELL - And A Loving GOD"

 

2nd.Thessalonians 1:1-12 "Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST: grace unto you, and peace, from GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We are bound to thank GOD always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of GOD for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulation that ye endure: which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of GOD, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of GOD, for which ye also suffer: seeing it is a righteous thing with GOD to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the LORD JESUS shall be revealed from Heaven with HIS mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD, and from the glory of HIS power; when HE shall come to be glorified in HIS saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our GOD would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of HIS goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST may be glorified in you, and ye in HIM, according to the grace of our GOD and the LORD JESUS CHRIST."

     Those who argue against the reality of a literal Hell usually claim that the existence of such a terrible place could not possibly coincide with their conception of a "loving GOD." These skeptics oftentimes will ask, "How could a loving GOD send anyone to a literal, eternal Hell to suffer endless torment ?" They reject what the Scriptures have to say because they fail to understand the nature of GOD.

     The Bible plainly states that Hell is literal and real. The LORD spoke more about Hell then HE did about Heaven. Yet GOD's WORD also makes it clear that HE is a GOD of love and compassion. How do we know this ? First, love expresses itself in the provision of needs. GOD has provided us with so much for which to be thankful -- fresh air, sunshine, water, food, clothing, and everything else we require in order to live. Second, love manifests itself by sacrifice. We know that "GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (Romans 5:8). HE loved us so much that HE suffered and died in our place on Calvary's cross. This is the ultimate sacrifice. Third, GOD conveys HIS love through HIS "grace" and "peace" offered to every believer (vv.2,12). HE not only desires for mankind to experience HIS grace, but HE also wants HIS children to have peace and rest amid turmoil and confusion (v.7). The Bible, from cover to cover, is the story of GOD's love for mankind. HE made the world for man. HE created day and night for man. HE initiated redemption from sin and death for man. HE promises to eternally bless all who believe in CHRIST. The LORD also desires for all to be in fellowship with HIM forever (2nd.Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 33:11 both pictured above). All of this clearly proves the love of our GOD. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Is Hell Real ?"

 

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 the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and Death and Hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And Death and Hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the [LAMBS] Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire."

     Certainly, one of the most unpleasant topics in Scripture is the subject of eternal damnation in the Lake of Fire. Due to its horrifying description, the reality of Hell is naturally one of the most unpopular truths, even among Christians. No one wants to think about going to Hell, and sometimes believers are wary about telling others that Hell is real. As a result of its offensiveness, some religious leaders have denied the literal reality of Hell. The late Pope John Paul II said the Bible's references to Hell are only symbolic of "the complete frustration and emptiness of life without GOD." The late Evangelist Billy Graham also questioned the doctrine of a literal Hell, saying it is "not fire but something worse -- a thirst for GOD that cannot be quenched." It seems as though every month a professing Christian pastor or author makes a statement or publishes a book that denies an actual literal Hell. But what does GOD's WORD have to say on the subject ?

     Since Hell is such an unpleasant idea that, in the mind of man, fails to conform to his concept of an "all loving GOD," people attempt to invent afterlife alternatives. But as today's text reveals, Hell is a real, literal place. The enemies of truth, including Satan, the Antichrist, the false prophet, will be cast into this real Lake of Fire and "tormented day and night for ever and ever" (v.10). Likewise, those who have rejected GOD's gift of eternal life through JESUS CHRIST will also be cast into this dreadful place (v.15). We must never minimize the reality of Hell simply because it is an unpopular subject and a horrible thought that anyone we know, or love could end up there. Apart from JESUS CHRIST, the wages of sin is death, and this condemnation entails far more than a "thirst for GOD that cannot be quenched." MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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