"The Tie-Breaking Vote"

 

Being elected to a public office is truly a GOD-ordained position, but there is a higher office which you must obtain. Here is how:

HOW TO QUALIFY.

You must accept this fact: "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10).

HOW TO VIEW YOURSELF.

You are a sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23).

YOUR OPPONENT.

Sin hinders your race, "Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12).

THE COST TO WIN THE RACE.

The cost is much higher than your personal efforts or campaign funds could ever cover. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done. . ." (Titus 3:5a). "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. . ." (Isaiah 64:6a).

A LEGAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION 

HAS BEEN MADE.

Even though you are unable to pay the price to win this race, SOMEONE has paid it for you ! "For when we were yet without strength, in due time CHRIST died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6).

THE ONLY WAY TO PAY THE DEBT.

"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 the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on HIM shall not be ashamed . . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9-11,13).

THE TIE-BREAKING VOTE.

Satan has voted against you ! "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (1st.Peter 5:8).

JESUS CHRIST has voted for you ! "Greater love hath no man than this, that a MAN lay down HIS life for HIS friends." (John 15:13).

You cast the tie-breaking vote ! If you have never trusted the eternity of your soul to JESUS CHRIST, you haven't really believed on HIM. Your vote is now with Satan, and you stand condemned. If you are concerned enough about the eternal destiny of your own soul, right now where you are, cast your vote with JESUS CHRIST by putting your complete faith and trust in HIM as your personal SAVIOR:

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 CHOICE IS YOURS !

"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).

Will you accept the office of a Christian ? Will you serve the true and only living GOD ? The office is yours if you will repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) and turn to JESUS CHRIST to forgive your sins, and you will put your complete trust in HIM to save your soul. Take GOD at HIS WORD and claim HIS promise for your own salvation: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13). If you will accept JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR and LORD, please pray the simple prayer shown above with all your heart. GOD's WORD says, "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b) Don't put it off and accept the office of a Christian today.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Nevertheless, GOD . . ."

 

2nd.Corinthians 7:1-7 "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of GOD. Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless GOD, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; and not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more."

     The word nevertheless and a similar word, notwithstanding, frequently appear in both the Old and New Testaments. These two words express the precious truth that no matter how difficult or even impossible certain situations may appear to be, GOD has the solution if we will only believe HIS WORD and walk by faith, not by sight. Our FATHER allows hindrances and trials so that we will learn to trust HIM.

     In today's text the HOLY SPIRIT sets before us some of the difficult situations that the Apostle Paul faced in his life and ministry. Paul writes, "Our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears" (v.5). Nevertheless, GOD had special comfort and help for Paul - first in the person of a dear fellow helper, Titus, and second, by the word brought to him concerning the believers in Corinth who had compassion and were prayerfully concerned about Paul's heavy burdens (vv.6-7). How often do we stop and consider the comfort that GOD has given to each of us in the midst of our own times of difficulty and sorrow ? These blessings from the LORD that Paul experienced are promised to obedient believers who separate from unrighteousness (2nd.Corinthians 6:14 pictured above) and refuse to touch "the unclean thing" (2nd.Corinthians 6:17 pictured above). Yes, obedience often comes with a price, such as rejection from those who were once close friends, but GOD promises that HE will receive us and manifest HIMSELF to us as a wonderful, all-powerful heavenly FATHER (2nd.Corinthians 6:14-18 pictured above). Paul's "nevertheless" experiences will be ours as well if we practice biblical separation and walk in holiness and in the fear of GOD, for we, also, possess "these promises" from our loving LORD (v.1). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Unforsaken People"

 

Judges 6:11-16 "And there came an Angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the Angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valor. And Gideon said unto HIM, Oh, my LORD, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us ? and where be all HIS miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt ? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee ? And he said unto HIM, Oh my LORD, wherewith shall I save Israel ? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man."

     In this account we read of the Angel of the LORD coming to Gideon to appoint him as the next Judge of Israel in order to deliver the people from their oppressors. As he conversed with the Angel of the LORD, however, Gideon made a typical accusation against GOD about Israel's situation - namely, the people were under tyranny, and he felt that, while GOD had led them out of Egypt with many miracles, as recounted to them by their fathers, now the LORD was abandoning Israel. In fact, Gideon believed GOD was to blame for the people being in bondage to the Midianites (v.13).

     Sadly, many miss an important factor when reading this and similar biblical accounts: GOD had not forsaken them and, in fact, that is why Israel was in their difficult situation when this conversation occurred (v.1 cf. Hebrews 12:6 pictured above). Earlier, the people had repented of their disobedience, and the LORD used Deborah and Barak to deliver them. But once again, Israel fell into sin despite the fact that they had GOD's stern warning that rebellion would not be tolerated (Deuteronomy 28:15-66). HE was patient with them but given the revelation HE had entrusted to HIS people, their disobedience was something HE needed to address. It is remarkable that the LORD endured with them for so long, especially during the days of the Judges when the characteristic of the time is described as everyone doing "that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25 pictured above). However, we cannot sanctimoniously condemn Israel, for we today possess GOD's completed revelation (the Bible) and have no excuse for not serving HIM out of love and gratitude for the deliverance we have experienced. May we live in humble, sincere obedience to the written WORD of GOD ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"CHRIST IS COMING !"

 

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."

     The timing of the Rapture of the church (the body and bride of CHRIST), and whether or not it will actually happen, is the subject of a great deal of discussion among Christians. The majority seems to think either that it will never occur or that it will take place during or at the end of the tribulation period. Indeed, for many Bible teachers, the doctrine of the "blessed hope" has become something over which to ridicule other believers. Even some of our fellow brethren are asking, "Where is the promise of HIS coming?" (2nd.Peter 3:4 pictured above), as if it were not promised in Scripture but merely a wishful desire because we do not want to endure the prophesied "wrath to come." Yet, a faithful minority still maintain that it will occur prior to the Tribulation period (1st.Thessalonians 5:1-10; 2nd.Thessalonians 2:1-9).

     Reading the prophetic portions of Scripture consistently and literally leads the Christian to believe in the Pretribulational return of CHRIST for HIS church, the body and bride of CHRIST, which, in turn, provides incentive for godly living and service in this present life (1st.John 2:28 pictured above; 1st.John 3:2-3). The Rapture is not something believers ought to fear or dread, nor is it an event that should cause anxiety. The Apostle Paul referred to it as the "Blessed" expectation in Titus 2:13 and used it to encourage and comfort believers who had lost loved ones in death with the promise that body and soul would be reunited when it occurs (1st.Thessalonians 4:18). Even JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF communicated the expectation of HIS return in order to reassure and calm the disciples' hearts during a time of fear and turmoil resulting from the impending events that were about to happen to them and HIM (John 14:1-3 Main picture at top of post). JESUS IS COMING, and the Rapture could take place at any moment. ARE YOU READY ? GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Race That is Set Before Us"

 

Hebrews 12:1-3 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto JESUS the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith; WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD. For consider HIM that endured such contradiction of sinners against HIMSELF, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."

     During the last several days, we have considered the reality of the race of life - spiritually speaking - as well as the rules of this race and the need to persevere and keep our eyes on the goal: the LORD JESUS CHRIST, the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith. But before we leave this text, it is vitally important to remember that GOD HIMSELF is the ONE WHO has laid out the parameters of this race for each individual Christian ("the race that is set before us," v.1). While all of us must patiently endure and face the pitfalls that are a part of life, we must realize that our individual problems and trials will vary. We are all different. At the same time, however, we are all, without exception, called and empowered to run the race by looking unto JESUS CHRIST in faith. Our LORD has given us the necessary tools to victoriously prevail. No one is exempt from running the race, from adhering to the rules, or from focusing on the finish line. Keep in mind - the race is not about us; it is wholly about bringing glory to our GOD !

     Ultimately, this race is run and endured by faith. We look to the ONE we cannot physically see, but we prove our faith and "[see] HIM WHO is invisible" (Hebrews 11:27 pictured above) when we press forward and rest in HIS promises, just as Noah, Moses, Abraham, Joseph, and other men and women of faith did (Hebrews Chapter 11). The author of Hebrews lifts up the LORD JESUS CHRIST as the perfect example of what it means to start and finish strong. When we begin to feel the natural tendency to become weary and faint because of the difficult race set before us, we must look to our SAVIOR and remember HIM. HE is the ONE WHO ultimately "endured," and we can and must do the same (v.3). MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvatin

"Run With the Finish Line in View"

 

Hebrews 12:1-3 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto JESUS the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith; WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD. For consider HIM that endured such contradiction of sinners against HIMSELF, let ye be wearied and faint in your minds."

     As we run life's race, we must remember to keep our eyes on the finish line. "Looking unto JESUS" (v.2) - the word "looking" means to fix our eyes in trust upon JESUS. HIS role is summed up in two ways: First, HE is the "AUTHOR" of our faith - the word author means HE is the originator and the rule; HE is the founder, leader, and prince of our faith. Without HIM we have, and we are, nothing. Second, HE is the "FINISHER" of our faith - the word finisher means a completer or perfecter, one who brings something through to the goal. JESUS is the ONE WHO will see us through. Philippians 1:6, pictured above, reminds us to be confident in the truth that "HE which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the Day of JESUS CHRIST." First Peter 1:3-5, pictured below, notes that since our GOD is all-powerful, we are "kept" in the unfailing grasp of HIS hand.

     "Consider HIM" (v.3) - JESUS is not only at the finish line, but HE has already run the race and is present with us right now ! HE has lived and died for us, and HIS life was marked by patient endurance as HE fulfilled HIS FATHER's will. The phrase "consider HIM" is a command that means to seriously and perceptively contemplate JESUS CHRIST. As Christians, we are called to live a "CHRISTocentric" life rather than an "egocentric" life. We must match everything up to CHRIST, not to ourselves or to some other standard. When our life is CHRISTocentric, then all our problems and trials will pale in comparison not only to what JESUS endured but to WHO HE is right now ! Take some time not only to think about the words "JESUS died for me" but also to meditate upon what HE went through for you. Keep your eyes on the LORD until the end ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Follow the Rules of the Race"

 

Hebrews 12:1-2 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto JESUS the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith, WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD."

     Every believer who is persistently running the race of life must exercise patience while running. This is the first "rule of running." Yet patience is not enough. The author of Hebrews gives us a second rule: Run without hindrances. Just as a marathon competitor would never run a race encumbered by heavy clothing or a weight belt, every believer who is running the spiritual race of life must be sure he is not spiritually weighed down. We find two particular categories of hindrances listed.

     First, we must remove every "weight"; they may not be inherently sinful, but they can prevent us from running the race effectively. These encumbrances can be people or relationships; they can be hobbies or interests - whatever we spend our time doing at the expense of our spiritual well-being. They can also be beliefs or passions - something we feel strongly about such as politics or social issues. Even if a weight is not intrinsically wrong, it becomes a sin whenever it keeps us from faithfully, patiently, and effectively moving forward in the Christian life and making the LORD our priority.

     Second, we must lay aside any "sins" that "so easily beset us" (v.1). The visual picture being painted by the author of Hebrews is that of a person becoming ensnared or tangled up by something that clings to him. These transgressions can be particular beliefs, such as embracing false doctrines that lead to ungodly behavior. Or they can stem from our own pride and laziness. They can entail passions such as lust, covetousness, or idolatry. All of these sins can easily entangle us and keep us from running as we should. Let us put off sins and hindrances for our good and for GOD's glory ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Patiently Running the Race"

 

Hebrews 12:1-2 'Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto JESUS the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith; WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD."

     The race of life, which the author of Hebrews exhorts us to keep running, can only be completed successfully by following certain rules. Notice 2nd.Timothy 2:5 pictured above for here the Apostle Paul reminds us that "if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." GOD has set the guidelines for running the race of life, and only by following these rules will we experience the peace and joy of the LORD and simultaneously, bring glory to HIM. Today's text describes two edicts for running this race. We will consider the first one today and the second one tomorrow.

     First, we must "run with patience" (v.1). Every child of GOD must persistently face the race of life with fortitude. Tribulation and trials will happen, and this text exhorts us to endure through the hardships that will inevitably come. Consider Psalm 73:1-17, 22-28 and compare these verses to Hebrews 11. From our finite, human perspective, it seems as though unbelievers "have it good" and are getting away with everything. Yet patient perseverance with the eye of faith puts everything in its proper perspective.

     Patience is so essential to the Christian life, yet it goes against everything our flesh and our culture stand for. We want everything now, and we do not want to experience difficulties in order to get what we want. But consider the men and women listed in Hebrews 11 and notice how faith and patience coincide. Each of these individuals demonstrated faith by believing GOD and patiently awaiting the fulfillment of HIS promises - and sometimes they died before even getting to see them become a reality (Hebrews 11:39 pictured above) ! The race of life requires patience, and a lack of patience reveals a lack of faith. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"We Are ALL Running the Race, Keep Running !"

 

Hebrews 12:1 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,"

     The first verse of Hebrews 12 makes it clear that every Christian is a participant in the race of life. Notice the pronoun "us" in the phrase "let us," for the author of this letter includes himself as one who was in the process of running and enduring life's race. We are not certain who the author is, yet we know that he was either a New Testament Apostle or Prophet who was led along by the HOLY SPIRIT to pen GOD's very WORDs to HIS church. In other words, GOD mightily used this author of Hebrews to communicate HIS truth. And yet, as important as this person was, he too, needed to endure. He did not receive "special treatment" from the LORD that let him take a spiritual shortcut or live a life that was free from any trials or difficulties.

     Sometimes we get the idea that a status of "super Christian" exists. Perhaps we feel like some people are above the realm of trials or difficulties and receive a special "pass" from GOD that keeps them from needing to endure or they have some kind of unique ability to press on and be victorious while we - the common man - are not so equipped. Or, conversely, maybe we feel as though we are this "super Christian" who is allowed to coast through life on autopilot without needing to run the race and obey the rules GOD has established. Yet this is not the case. Every Christian is a saved sinner who has been called by GOD to endure and press forward through the difficulties of life. Those such as Abel, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and Moses - all mentioned in the previous chapter 11 - were not "super saints" but were simply men who persevered and relied on the LORD as they walked by faith and overcame the obstacles they faced.

     Not only does the author of Hebrews remind us that we all must run the race of life, but he also tells us that we must keep enduring without giving up or giving in to the pressures that surround us - the compulsion to quit or "cut corners." The verb tense of the world "run" in our text means to "keep on running"; quitting, stopping, or even slowing down and taking it easy are not options in the life of a believer. It is interesting to note that the Greek term underlying the word "race" (v.1b) transliterates as "agony" in English. Life is not a ride - it is a race, and running can often be painful.

     Yes, life may be difficult and remaining faithful and obedient to GOD is certainly challenging at times. Perhaps we feel like it would be simpler if we could turn off our brain and not think about the hard issues of life. Maybe we assume things would be easier if we went with the flow of "everyone else." Sometimes we might reason that our path would be trouble-free if we just followed the rules of others and "piggybacked" on their religion or relationship with GOD (this is what the Hebrew believers were tending to do by falling back into legalism rather than persevering in grace, Hebrews 2:1 pictured above; Hebrews 4:1). Yet the exhortation to us today is to keep on running and do not stop. Elsewhere in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul urges us to be "always abounding in the work of the LORD" (1st.Corinthians 15:58 pictured above). He said concerning himself, "I press toward the mark" (Philippians 3:14 pictured above) so that in the end he could declare, "I have finished my course" (2nd.Timothy 4:7 pictured above). Follow the good example of the godly men and women who have gone before us (Hebrews Chapter 11) and do not quit moving forward in your spiritual walk with GOD ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Let Us Endure !"

 

Hebrews 12:1-3 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto JESUS the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith; WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD. For consider HIM that endured such contradiction of sinners against HIMSELF, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." 

     Life can be hard. Many people struggle with family problems, financial problems, and other worries that often seem to overwhelm us. Yet the eleventh chapter of Hebrews reminds us that godly men and women suffered trials and tribulations even worse than our own and GOD commended them for their faith in HIM. While we think of Hebrews chapter eleven as the "Great Faith Chapter," a deeper truth runs throughout and culminates in today's text. Here is the command: Let us endure the race of life. This is the thrust of the entire letter to the Hebrew believers - Keep pressing forward and doing what is right; do not slide backward; continue to persevere; DO NOT QUIT ! And, of course, faith plays a principal role in this needed endurance.

     Have you ever felt like giving up on doing what you know to be right ? Does it seem like life would be so much easier if you just went with the flow rather than trying to do and be what GOD has called you to do and be ? Do you think that going your own way would be in your best interest ? Well, that is exactly what the Hebrew believers were feeling ! This letter was written to encourage them not to fall away - to keep moving forward in their spiritual life and not to slide backward in their walk with the LORD. Therefore, after elaborating on a large group of people who kept their eyes of faith on GOD and HIS promises (we are surrounded by this great "cloud of witnesses" the whole verse is pictured above), the author of Hebrews challenges us to endure - to keep persisting in the race of life, to keep doing what is right and living by faith every day despite our problems. During the next few days, we will consider several truths concerning this exhortation to press on. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation