"The Gift of GOD"

 

CHRISTMAS is a season for giving. There is no greater gift than what GOD gave the world:

"For GOD so loved that 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 about HIS CHRISTMAS gift to the world.

We are loved.

It tells us that we are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world. . ." GOD loves us and gave HIS SON for us. HE wants us ". . .to know the love of CHRIST. . ." Ephesians 3:19.

We are of worth.

The LORD wants us to know that we are of worth. We are so dear to GOD that ". . .HE gave HIS only begotten SON. . ." HE gave HIS precious SON, JESUS CHRIST, to pay our sin debt in full.

The Bible teaches us that we are all sinners. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD." Romans 3:23. And sin must be paid for. "For the wages of sin is death. . ." Romans 6:23a.

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 for our sin. 

You may ask, "How can GOD forgive sin ?" HE can do that because of what JESUS did for us. ". . .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. . ." The LORD does not want anyone to be separated from GOD. We were created to spend eternity with HIM.

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 2:25.

Everlasting life is ours when we turn to GOD in repentance and faith and receive the LORD JESUS CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. You may ask, "How can I receive GOD's gift of eternal life ?" The answer is as simple as the ABC's:

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 like to receive GOD's CHRISTMAS gift and have the promise of everlasting life, pray this simple prayer and receive CHRIST today:

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

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD, not of works lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9. Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

". . . but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." Romans 6:23b

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

GULF COAST 

BAPTIST CHURCH

Pastor Robert Butz

Pastor, Emeritus Tom Sexton

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33990

(239) 574-1000

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Christmas in Your Heart"

 

     Christmas is a special time around the world. Young and old alike eagerly anticipate exchanging gifts and spending time with friends and family. The gifts exchanged at Christmas serve as a reminder of the greatest gift ever given. That gift is JESUS CHRIST, GOD's only begotten SON, WHO was born to bring salvation to all who will receive HIM.

THE REASON FOR THIS GIFT

     Often, a gift given at Christmas is based on what a person needs. The gift GOD gave to the world met the need of every person that has ever lived or ever will live. The Bible states that we are sinners, separated from GOD, and deserve eternal death. "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one...For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:10,23). "But your iniquities have separated between you and your GOD, and your sins have hid HIS face from you, that HE will not hear" (Isaiah 59:2). "for the wages of sin is death;" (Romans 6:23b).

     To meet our need of salvation, GOD wrapped HIS only begotten SON, JESUS CHRIST, and presented HIM to the world. "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). GOD gave HIS gift because of HIS great love for us.

THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS GIFT

     Webster's Dictionary defines a gift as something of value that is voluntarily given from one person to another without receiving anything in return. This is exactly what GOD did for us by giving HIS SON to die on the cross in our place for our sins. 2nd.Corinthians 9:15 states, "Thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable gift." This gift cannot be measured in value. It can never be destroyed or broken. This gift is eternal life. "...the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23b).

     JESUS willingly gave HIMSELF to meet our need. "Who gave HIMSELF for our sins, that HE might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of GOD and our FATHER:" (Galatians 1:4).

     A true gift is given freely. GOD does not ask you to do anything to earn salvation. It is a free gift. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: not of works lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9).

THE RECEIVING OF THIS GIFT

     We give gifts and expect them to be received. No one gives a present for it to be rejected. However, many people reject GOD's gift. Refusing to accept GOD's gift results in an eternity in a Devil's Hell. "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).

     "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 can receive HIS gift by repenting (a turning to GOD from your sin) and putting your faith totally in the finished work of JESUS CHRIST on the cross. Accepting HIM as your personal LORD and SAVIOR is as easy as, "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).

     If you would like to accept and receive GOD's free gift of salvation, pray this simple prayer or one like it:

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). If you just prayed and accepted GOD's gift, this will be the year that you not only have Christmas in your home, but you also will now have Christmas in your heart !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"REJOICE with the Shepherds !"

 

Luke 2:1-14 "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was Governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one unto his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn SON, and wrapped HIM in swaddling clothes, and laid HIM in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the BABE wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising GOD, and saying, Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

     The angelic message given to the shepherds on that night so long ago near the village of Bethlehem is truly fascinating: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD" (v.11 pictured above). The angel assigned three titles to JESUS that are replete with meaning; he proclaimed JESUS as "SAVIOR" (DELIVERER), "CHRIST" (meaning MESSIAH, the ANOINTED ONE), and the "LORD," declaring HIM to be JEHOVAH -- the supreme, eternal BEING and RULER of the heavens and the Earth.

     HE is our SAVIOR, which is expressed in HIS name: JESUS. An angel assured Joseph that Mary was with child by the power of the SPIRIT of GOD, that she would bare a SON, and that HIS name was to be "JESUS: for HE shall save HIS people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21 pictured above). HE is CHRIST, the ANOINTED of GOD, MESSIAH of Israel, acknowledged as such by Peter where he declared, "THOU art the CHRIST, the SON of the living GOD" (Matthew 16:16). HE is the LORD, GOD manifest in the flesh, as John recorded in his Gospel account: "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. . .And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us,(and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the FATHER,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:1,14).

     What an announcement that angel proclaimed to those lowly shepherds ! The promised REDEEMER was born (Genesis 3:15). HE came "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). HE "took upon HIM the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7 pictured above) for fallen creatures, "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). HALLELUAH, what a SAVIOR ! Rejoice with the shepherds at the birth of JESUS CHRIST ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Four "Fear Not's" Relating to CHRIST's Birth"

 

Luke 1:30-37 "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with GOD. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a SON, and shalt call HIS name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the SON of the HIGHEST; and the LORD GOD shall give unto HIM the throne of HIS father David: and HE shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of HIS kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man ? And the angel answered and said unto her, The HOLY GHOST shall come upon thee, and the power of the HIGHEST shall overshadow thee: therefore also that Holy THING which shall be born of thee shall be called the SON of GOD. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with GOD nothing shall be impossible."

     Many times, in the Bible GOD told HIS people to "fear not," desiring their heart to be released from unnecessary worry and fear. In the accounts of the birth of CHRIST we find four highly instructive "fear not's":

(1) The "fear not" of answered prayer (Zacharias -- Luke 1:13-14), "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son" (v.13). His wife was barren, and they were too old to have children. Zacharias had prayed for a son, GOD miraculously answered, and this son would be the forerunner of the MESSIAH.

(2) The "fear not" of immediate obedience (Joseph -- Matthew 1:20,24). "Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife" (Matthew 1:20). Joseph had serious apprehensions. He was engaged to be married but discovered that Mary was pregnant. We can only imagine what thoughts went through his mind. Yet GOD calmed his fears and told him to take Mary as his wife. Joseph quickly obeyed (Matthew 1:24).

(3) The "fear not" of the humanly impossible (Mary -- Luke 1:25-33). "Fear not, Mary (v.30). GOD's angel informed Mary that the impossible would take place: She would bring forth a SON totally apart from any human father. Such a pregnancy would arouse huge suspicions and accusations, but Mary was not to fear.

(4) The "fear not" of CHRIST's salvation (Shepherds -- Luke 2:10-11 pictured above). "Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy" (v.10). The shepherds were terrified because the peaceful nighttime sky suddenly burst forth with brilliant light and spectacular glory, as if some cataclysmic event were about to happen. GOD's angel quickly reassured them that they were about to witness the MESSIAH's birth ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Pondering"

 

Luke 2:8-20 "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the BABE wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising GOD, and saying, Glory to GOD in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this CHILD. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising GOD for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

     "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart" (v.19). Much took place in Mary's life before, during, and after the birth of her divine SON. Not only did she preserve all of those events in her memory, but she "pondered" on them as well. The Greek verb translated "pondered" literally means "to throw together." When pondering, the individual brings two or more things together; for example, the Scriptures also used this term to describe a king's decision regarding the coming together of two armies (Luke 14:31). So, what, exactly, did Mary "bring together" regarding the birth and early life of the SAVIOR ? From the Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke, we read of the messages from the angel Gabriel, the joyful reaction of the unborn John the Baptist and his mother Elizabeth upon Mary's arrival (Luke 1:41-47 pictured above), the change of heart in Joseph, the journey to Bethlehem, the testimonies of the shepherds on the night of CHRIST's birth, the prophecy of Simeon and thanksgiving of Anna, the visit of the Magi, the escape from Bethlehem, the return to Nazareth, and the explanation from a twelve year old JESUS when HE was found in the temple (Luke 2:49 pictured below). Mary brought all of these events, and more, together for her examination and understanding of the LORD's ways.

     She pondered all of these events for the same purpose that we should do so today. We need to contemplate the LORD's actions in order to learn of HIS grace. Also, we should consider HIS working in our life and understand HIS purpose for us. Most importantly, like Mary, we need to preserve these observations in our affections as well as in our heart -- not just in our mind -- and this ought to impact how we live. KGL

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"RECEIVED Up Into Glory"

 

Acts 1:1-11 "The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that JESUS began both to do and teach, until the day in which HE was taken up, after that HE through the HOLY GHOST had given commandments unto the Apostles whom HE had chosen: to whom also HE showed HIMSELF alive after HIS passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of GOD: and, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the FATHER, which, saith HE, ye have heard of ME. For John (the Baptist) truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the HOLY GHOST not many days hence.

When they therefore were come together, they asked of HIM, saying, LORD, wilt THOU at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel ?  And HE said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the FATHER hath put in HIS OWN power. But ye shall receive power, after that the HOLY GHOST is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the Earth. And when HE had spoken these things, while they beheld, HE was taken up; and a cloud received HIM out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward Heaven as HE went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven ? this same JESUS, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen HIM go into Heaven."

     The SAVIOR's resurrection and ascension into Heaven were public signs of GOD the FATHER's acceptance of the finished work that JESUS CHRIST had wrought on behalf of sinful man: JESUS' earthly ministry was complete, and a finished salvation was now available to mankind through HIS sinless life, substitutionary death on Calvary's cross, and triumphant resurrection from the grave. CHRIST was "received up into glory" (1st.Timothy 3:16 pictured at top of post), having perfectly fulfilled the FATHER's will. The fact that the risen, living SAVIOR was "received up into glory" also reminds us of HIS present ministry at the right hand of the FATHER: "We have an ADVOCATE with the FATHER, JESUS CHRIST the RIGHTEOUS" (1st.John 2:1 pictured above). GOD the SON appears before the FATHER's throne on behalf of believers. Based upon the authority of the precious blood of CHRIST, that was shed on man's behalf, any accusation leveled against the saint by "the accuser (the Devil) of the brethren" will not stand. Those who are "in CHRIST" are saved "to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing HE ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25 pictured below).

     The LORD JESUS CHRIST's ascension into glory was accompanied by a blessed promise made to HIS disciples who witnesses this glorious event: "This same JESUS, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner" (v.11). Yes, we are thankful for HIS birth, HIS walk, and HIS finished work while HE tabernacled among men, but praise the LORD for the blessed hope of HIS return -- the same CHRIST JESUS WHO came to Earth to die so that man might live is coming back again. Perhaps even today could be the day when we will see our SAVIOR face to face ! Are you ready ? DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"BELIEVED On in the World"

 

John 3:14-21 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the SON of MAN be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have eternal life. 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. For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through HIM might be saved.

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. And this is the condemnation, that LIGHT is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than LIGHT, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the LIGHT, neither cometh to the LIGHT, lest his deeds should be reproved [exposed]. But he that doeth truth cometh to the LIGHT, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in GOD."

     The vast majority of those who "celebrate Christmas" really have no reason to celebrate at all. Actually, the contrary is true, for anyone who has not found peace with GOD through JESUS CHRIST is but a heartbeat away from judgment in a Devil's Hell. Their merriment is baseless, and they are comparable to the people in Ezekiel's day who were making "mirth" but who failed to realize their precarious situation (Ezekiel 21:8-10 pictured above) ! Only those who have received, by faith, the biblical testimony of CHRIST's divine person and HIS perfect and finished work on Calvary's cross, trusting in HIM alone for their salvation, can rightfully call GOD their heavenly FATHER and claim HIS promise of everlasting life. One of the problems during the Christmas season is that the world sees JESUS' birth only as a symbol for "peace and goodwill" among men and nations, and they completely ignore the matter of personal sin and man's need for salvation. While our text tells us of the LORD's love in sending HIS SON and the forgiveness afforded to all who believe and thereby receive HIM as their personal SAVIOR (vv.15-17), few truly do believe. Why ? It is because men love "darkness rather than LIGHT, because their deeds [are] evil" (vv.19-20). People enjoy talking about the "Christmas spirit," their warm fuzzy feelings, and their philanthropic deeds, but few see CHRIST's coming as the GOD-sent remedy for sin. That is the real issue in remembering the day when GOD became "flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Today, be sure that you have received the gift of eternal life through faith alone in the person and finished work of JESUS CHRIST and then praise and thank GOD for HIS love for you. Those who have a relationship with the LORD have much to celebrate ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Preached unto the Gentiles"

 

Ephesians 2:11-18 "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without CHRIST, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without GOD in the world: but now in CHRIST JESUS ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of CHRIST. For HE is our peace, WHO hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Having abolished in HIS flesh the enmity, even the Law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in HIMSELF of twain one new man, so making peace; and that HE might reconcile both unto GOD in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were night. For through HIM we both have access by one SPIRIT unto the FATHER."

     Most Scriptures dealing with the coming of CHRIST have to do with GOD's promises to Israel that will yet be fulfilled when JESUS returns to inaugurate HIS millennial kingdom. The texts detailing with the birth of JESUS in Bethlehem announce, "peace [and] good will" (Luke 2:14 pictured above) to the Jewish people if they would simply receive the newborn "PRINCE of PEACE" (Isaiah 9:6 pictured below), prophesied in the Old Testament, as their LORD and KING. Certainly no one, neither Jew nor Gentile, will find "peace and goodwill" in CHRIST JESUS unless he or she first acknowledges themselves to be a sinner and, through faith alone, humbly receives the LORD JESUS CHRIST as his or her sin-bearer -- as their personal SAVIOR.

     The nation of Israel rejected the SON of GOD at HIS first coming, and HIS subsequent death on the Roman cross opened the way for all men, not just the Jew, to become members of the household of GOD. This is why 1st. Timothy 3:16 (pictured at top of post) is such a blessed verse, for it clearly and succinctly expresses the good news that resulted from the birth of the Incarnate LORD of GLORY. Now, both Jew and Gentile alike can know the "peace and goodwill" of GOD if they will simply believe. Through faith in the Gospel message, the Gentiles, "which were afar off" (v.17), are now "made nigh by the blood of CHRIST" (v.13 cf. Romans 1:15-17). Because GOD the SON was born to die, "whosoever will" may come and partake of "the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). Merely celebrating the birth of JESUS CHRIST will not save anyone, but receiving the living CHRIST as SAVIOR by trusting in HIS substitutionary death and glorious resurrection certainly will. We must herald this good news to all, both during the Christmas season and throughout the year. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Seen of Angels"

 

Luke 2:7-14 "And she brought forth her firstborn SON, and wrapped HIM in swaddling clothes, and laid HIM in a manger: because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the BABE wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising GOD, and saying, Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

     Angels receive much attention today, particularly from inventive religious leaders who suggest that we can improve our effectiveness as believers by supposedly tapping into the resources supplied by the angelic host. The problem with this focus upon angels, however, is that it is an improper emphasis because the Bible never instructs the Christian to summon their aid or seek to communicate with them in any way. Trying to interact with the unseen spirit world may even potentially provide the inquirer with a few spiritual contacts and problems for which he had not bargained.

     GOD uses angels to minister to the saints (Hebrews 1:13-14 pictured above); generally, in ways unknown to them. Angels are on a mission to do their MASTER's will, they are not hovering around, waiting for the believer to tell them what to do. Also, the angels' purpose and desire are to direct all praise and notice to GOD, not to themselves (Psalm 103:20-21 pictured above). Spurious occultic and charismatic teachings all too often focus on the beings of the spirit world, but the Christian's attention should be, as is true of the angels, riveted upon the LORD.

     GOD's WORD speaks of the angels' sporadic participation in the events surrounding the LORD's earthly ministry; perhaps the most well-known occasion was when, with worship and jubilation, they proclaimed HIS birth to the shepherds. What a marvelous night that was ! Their CREATOR had come to dwell among men (John 1:14). The joyous exaltation of the angelic host at HIS birth and their deep interest in all things pertaining to their MASTER reveal an attitude that we would do well to emulate. All glory and praise are due GOD the SON, and the angelic host perfectly demonstrates that transcendent reality. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Justified in the SPIRIT"

 

Luke 4:16-21 "And HE came to Nazareth, where HE had been brought up: and, as HIS custom was, HE went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto HIM the book of the prophet Esaias. And when HE had opened the book, HE found the place where it was written, The SPIRIT of the LORD is upon ME, because HE hath anointed ME to preach the Gospel to the poor; HE hath sent ME to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering the sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the LORD. And HE closed the book, and HE gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on HIM. And HE began to say unto them, This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears."

     Everything that JESUS CHRIST did was in absolute conformity to the will of HIS heavenly FATHER and performed through the enabling power of the HOLY SPIRIT. The Bible says concerning CHRIST: "GOD giveth not the SPIRIT by measure unto HIM" (John 3:34 pictured above) -- in other words, the HOLY SPIRIT was upon the LORD JESUS CHRIST without any limits. Even though HE was in the form of human flesh, CHRIST had a ministry, life, and witness that demonstrated perfectly the "walk in the SPIRIT." HIS actions, miracles, words, desires, and thoughts were in exact agreement with HIS FATHER. Through HIS earthly life, the Incarnate LORD of GLORY revealed to mankind the unity and yet distinctiveness, of each of the three persons of the Trinity. GOD the SON, empowered and led by GOD the HOLY SPIRIT, perfectly accomplished the will of GOD the FATHER.

     HIS reliance upon the HOLY SPIRIT to perform HIS ministry did not make JESUS CHRIST any less GOD. Rather, the SPIRIT's supporting role reveals the unity and interrelatedness of the three persons of the GODhead. Also, the HOLY SPIRIT's empowering, nurturing and leading of the SAVIOR (v.1 cf. Matthew 4:1; John 1:32-34 pictured above) serve as an example of how New Testament believers are likewise enabled to live a life that is pleasing to their GOD.

     JESUS CHRIST was "justified in the SPIRIT" (1st.Timothy 3:16 pictured at top of post), that is, HE was absolutely perfect and upright in all HE said and did. HE was the ANOINTED, the ONE prophesied of old, WHO would "fulfill all righteousness" and thereby satisfy through HIMSELF the righteous demands of the Law (Matthew 3:15). Thus, mankind can find deliverance from the Law's curse through JESUS' sinless life and substitutionary death (Galatians 3:13; 4:4-5 pictured above). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD Was Manifest in the Flesh"

 

John 1:1-14 "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. The same was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made by HIM; and without HIM was not any thing made that was made. In HIM was life; and the life was the light of men. And the LIGHT shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from GOD, whose name was John (the Baptist). The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the LIGHT, that all men through HIM might believe. He was not that LIGHT, but was sent to bear witness of the LIGHT.

That was the true LIGHT, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. HE was in the world, and the world was made by HIM, and the world knew HIM not. HE came unto HIS own, and HIS own received HIM not. But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of GOD. And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the FATHER,) full of grace and truth.

     The studies over the next few days will be an exposition of 1st.Timothy 3:16 (pictured at top of post), a glorious verse that encapsulates the significance of the coming of our LORD to this world over 2,000 years ago -- this is the story that we must proclaim during the Christmas season as well as every other season during the year. GOD's WORD certainly has much to say about the birth of our LORD JESUS CHRIST and the Christian should never capitulate to outside pressures that cause him to lightly regard any aspect of CHRIST's coming -- from HIS historic first coming to HIS promised return yet future.

     The person of JESUS CHRIST is of central importance in GOD's WORD. HE, "whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" (Micah 5:2 pictured above) was no less absolute deity after having taken the form of human flesh through the virgin birth than HE was when HE existed as one with GOD the FATHER from eternity past. Only the sinless SON of GOD could offer HIMSELF as the perfect substitute to bear the eternal judgment due the sinner. GOD's SON came to earth so that we, through faith in HIS sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, might have everlasting life (John 3:16 pictured above). The King James Version is absolutely correct (unlike many newer corrupted versions) when it says, "GOD was manifest in the flesh" (1st.Timothy 3:16 pictured at top of post) and, "The WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (v.14). Make no mistake: This same WORD (JESUS) was ONE with GOD and was, in fact, GOD (v.1). The CHRIST WHO died on the cross had to be much more than just a man or merely " a SON of GOD," as some say. In order for JESUS to pay the penalty for the sin of mankind, HE had to be the Incarnate LORD of GLORY, the ALMIGHTY GOD; HE was -- and HE is ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright,  FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation