" Shameless "

Zephaniah 3:5   " The just LORD is in the midst thereof;  HE will not do iniquity: every morning doth HE bring HIS judgement to light, HE faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame. "

     As we continue to live in the last days, we see the world not only viewing sin as acceptable but also finding no shame in sin. Subjects that used to be kept secret are now talked about openly and practiced in public without any embarrassment. Actions that would have disqualified or removed a person from public office are now accepted and speedily forgiven with a quick, hollow apology.

     In our text, the Prophet Zephaniah said,  "The unjust knoweth no shame."  Jude described modern-day apostates as  "raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame"  (Jude 13). Paul said such individuals  "are the enemies of the cross of CHRIST: whose end is destruction, whose GOD is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things"  (Phil. 3:18-19).  The moral pollution of which the Prophet Jeremiah wrote did not bother the people of GOD; instead, truth and purity were an inconvenience for them,. Jeremiah said of them,  "Thou refusedst to be ashamed" (Jeremiah 3:3b).  A few chapters later, he asked,  "Were they ashamed when they had commited abomination ? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: " (Jeremiah 6:15a; 8:12a).

     This same shamelessness characterizes our world today. The evil practices that should bring great shame and disgrace are readily dismissed, and instead, pride seems to characterize the one who does such scandalous evil. But both Zephaniah and Jeremiah declared that these shameless ones will not prevail in the end. As Christians, we need to stand up for godliness and truth and  "not (be) ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: for it is the power of GOD unto Salvation to every one that believeth, for the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16) PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible  Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" Rejecting CHRIST's Love "

Matthew 23:37   " O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not ! "

     JESUS CHRIST came  "to seek and to save that which was lost"  (Luke 19:10). Even HIS name - JESUS - which means  "Salvation of JEHOVAH," declared not only HIS Person but also HIS purpose. Since no human being can save himself from sin and no church or religious leader can take away one's sin, GOD provided the ONLY solution to mankind's dilemma: JESUS CHRIST. That is why HE declared of HIMSELF,  "I AM the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME"  (John 14:6). GOD gave the clearest demonstration of HIS love to us when HE gave HIS only begotten SON  (John 3:16). GOD "spared not HIS OWN SON, but delivered HIM up for us all" (Romans 8:32) - for the entire human race. CHRIST willingly gave HIS life so that we might live. JESUS said,  "I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD: the GOOD SHEPHERD giveth HIS life for the sheep"  (John 10:11).  "No man taketh it from ME, but I lay it down of MYSELF"  (John 10:18), and HE did so when we were in and utterly hopeless and helpless condition (Romans 5:6, 8).

   But in spite of CHRIST's love for the world, people continue to reject the SAVIOR and HIS love.  "HE came unto HIS OWN, and HIS OWN received HIM not"  (John 1:11). And whoever rejects CHRIST rejects all that HE provides - forgiveness of sin, eternal life, Heaven, peace, rest, etc. Prior to the time when JESUS CHRIST died for the sins of the whole world, HE wept over Jerusalem, and said, "How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not !" (v.37). Do not refuse to come to CHRIST; your eternal destiny is at stake. If you have not already done so, come to HIM today (John 1:12; Matthew 11:28-30). PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" EXALTED Nation ? "

Proverbs 14:34   " Righteousness exalteth a nation:  BUT sin is a reproach (disgrace) to any people. "

     In his inaugural address on January 20, 1993, William Jefferson Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States of America, made this statement:  " There is nothing wrong with America which cannot be corrected by that which is right about America. "  Is that true ?  Ultimately, it depends upon what he considered to be right and wrong about America. If the then-incoming President, as most politicians do, saw the  "wrong"  as problems of economics, the political system, and the lack of peace, and the  "right"  as the will and ability to change, then he was wrong. The reality is that, morally, little is right about America, and the problems facing us are largely due to sin. When nearly 70 million babies have been aborted (murdered) and sinful sexual practices are accepted as "alternate lifestyles,"  that is sin. When GOD is essentially outlawed from our nation's everyday existence, that is sin. Solomon's words pierce the heart and soul of America:  " Sin is  a  reproach  to  any  people. "  It is righteousness, not government policies or political maneuverings, that exalts a nation. If our nation and leaders truly desire to be leaders among nations, then we must return to the path of righteousness.

     If it is not beneath our present President, Congress, and the Supreme Court, as statesman, to take lessons from the Bible, then let them ponder the sound political maxim in today's text. A connection exists between godliness and prosperity and between ungodliness and misery, in the case of nations as well as individuals. In the annals of Israel, as they were a righteous nation or sinful nation, they were distinguished by corresponding exaltation or reproach (Deut.28). That principle holds true today. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" The Believer's Mighty Stronghold ! "

Nahum 1:1-15   " The burden of Nineveh. The Book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. GOD is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on HIS adversaries, and HE reserveth wrath for HIS enemies. The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath HIS way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of HIS feet. HE rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The mountains quake at HIM, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at HIS presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before HIS indignation ? and who can abide in the fierceness of HIS anger ? HIS fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by HIM. The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and HE knoweth them that trust in HIM. But with an overrunning flood HE will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue HIS enemies.

What do ye imagine against the LORD ? HE will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time. For while they be folden together as thorns, and while they are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry. There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counselor. Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more. For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder. And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile. Behold upon the mountains the feet of HIM that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace ! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.

" HE rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. "

" The mountains quake at HIM, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at HIS presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. "

     Who could deny that these are days of great trouble ? Is there anyone, anywhere, who does not long for and seek after a place of refuge from the terrible storms of life ? Today's text reveals the wonderful truth that every believer has access to the very best stronghold anyone could possibly have. The LORD HIMSELF is that stronghold - that place of protection, peace, and rest. "In the day of trouble," our blessed LORD "knoweth them that trust in HIM" (v.7). All who oppose the ways of truth will finally be brought down (vv.8-15). Do you need a stronghold from trouble right now ? If so, then enter into that wonderful fortress that is always available to each of GOD's children. David was a King of great authority, yet even he needed that place of divine safety and rejoiced in it: "HE delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me" (Psalm 18:17). Believers today should flee to this stronghold and enjoy the peace that only our LORD can supply, the kind of peace the world cannot provide, cannot understand, and can never take away. The LORD promised, "Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give unto you" (John 14:27).

     Today, the devil has many attractive, well-publicized substitutes for GOD's stronghold. Psychology is one such example. It has deceived millions of unbelievers for many years; but no, through "Christian" psychology, many believers are being enticed away from their only true place of refuge. They are being encouraged to trust in an often expensive but worthless counterfeit. The world has no substitute for GOD's stronghold. HIS power is infinite, and HE will wholly protect HIS own (vv.1-7). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: The Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" The Key to Success "

Psalm 37:5   " Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in HIM; and HE shall bring it to pass."

     Keith L. Brooks, a leading biblical fundamentalist during the early part of the twentieth century, once penned a helpful outline from Scripture titled  "The Seven-Fold Rule of Success."  All of us should strive to be successful in glorifying our SAVIOR and living a life that brightly shines as a testimony of GOD's mercy, grace, and holiness. What is  "The Seven-Fold Rule of Success" according to GOD's WORD ?

     First, commit your way unto the LORD. Today's text is the starting point for success in any believer's life. Purpose to glorify GOD in everything you do and place your full confidence in HIM.

     Second, cast your burdens upon the LORD (Psalm 55:22). When trials arise, commune with GOD. Tell HIM your thoughts and troubles and ask HIM to lead and strengthen you through difficult times.

     Third, call upon the name of the LORD (Psalm 105:1). HE is always willing to hear the cry of the penitent as well as the shout of praise and thanksgiving from those who "make known HIS deeds among the people."

     Fourth, confess your sins to the LORD (Psalm 32:5). Recognize your sin for what it truly is-transgression against the Holy GOD-and ask HIM to cleanse your life of sin's stronghold. HE promises forgiveness and cleansing (1st.John 1:9).

     Fifth, consider the testimonies of the LORD (Psalm 119:95). Make the study of HIS WORD a priority in your life so that you can know what HE desires of and for you.

      Sixth, cleave to the LORD (Acts 11:23). Never make any decision or traverse any path without first being certain of HIS approval.

" Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common Salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."

     Finally, contend for the faith (Jude 3). Both the Living WORD and Written WORD are precious; fight the good fight against any who endeavor to undermine them (2nd.Timothy 4:7). MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" Our Morality Problem "

1st. Corinthians 6:9-11   " Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of GOD ?  Be not deceived: neither fornicators,  nor idolaters,  nor adulterers,  nor effeminate (perverts and homosexuals), nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  nor thieves, nor covetous,  nor drunkards,  nor revilers,  nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of GOD.  And such were some of you:  but ye are washed,  but ye are sanctified,  but ye are justified in the name of the LORD JESUS, and by the SPIRIT of our GOD. "

     The Naturalistic Worldview:  Because man is simply an evolved animal, he does not answer to a higher power. No transcendent moral standards exist. Right and wrong are not absolute but are relative to society, culture, environment, and the  "common good."  Pragmatism is the philosophy of life. Hedonism is the norm. Therefore, abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, fornication, pornography, adultery, or other forms of moral wickedness are considered by society to be  "value judgments."

     The Religious Worldview:  Man does answer to a higher power, but the higher power has left mankind with no absolute moral guidelines, and the  "higher power"  is often simply the spirit of man within himself. Therefore, morality is based on shared ethical principles. Anything is right as long as no one else is wounded in the process.

     The  Biblical  Worldview:  Man answers to a higher power WHO has manifested HIMSELF to the world through HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, the LIVING WORD. Man also has the WRITTEN WORD, given through inspiration of GOD the SPIRIT, by which he is to govern his life. The Bible is man's guidebook of absolute truth in all matters of life - including ethics and morality. To deviate from it is to sin and break fellowship with the CREATOR.

     The  Answer:  JESUS CHRIST shed HIS blood so we can live a life in perfect harmony with HIS will - a life characterized by goodness, truth, and righteousness. We discover how to live this life through the WORD of GOD (2nd.Timothy 3:16). We can have power over sin only through new life and subsequent yieldedness to the HOLY SPIRIT. To deviate from this standard results in corruption of the flesh and loss of fellowship with GOD. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" The Ecological Problem "

Revelation 21:1-7   " And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from GOD out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, BEHOLD ! The tabernacle of GOD is with men, and HE will dwell with them, and they shall be HIS people, and GOD HIMSELF shall be with them, and be their GOD.

And GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And HE that sat upon the throne said, BEHOLD, I make all things new. And HE said unto me, Write: for these WORD's are true and faithful. And HE said unto me, It is done.  I AM the ALPHA and the OMEGA, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his GOD, and he shall be MY son.

     The Naturalistic Worldview:  Man is part of a web of life that began billions of years ago. He came from the earth (his Mother) and harms his own body when he pollutes the earth. He can save his planet through a drastic implementation of ecological awareness, education, and environmental programs designed to improve sustainability. No hierarchical distinction exists between man, animal, and plant since all came from the same Mother. The human species is equal with all other life forms.

     The Religious Worldview:  It is almost identical to the naturalistic worldview except it promotes the belief that the divine is present in nature, and as a result, man hurts GOD (or whatever deity is thought to engage nature) when he hurts the environment.

     The Biblical Worldview:  GOD independently created plants, animals, and man as separate  "kinds."  Mankind is superior to plant and animal life because  "GOD created man in HIS OWN image" (Genesis 1:26-27) and has given him the ability to discern between right and wrong, the ability to have a relationship with GOD, and the ability to live forever. GOD commanded man to have dominion over plant and animal life. Yet man also possesses a responsibility to be a good steward of that which GOD has entrusted to him. Plants and animals are to be used for food and clothing (Genesis 1:27-30; 2:9, 16; 9:1-6). Man is distinct from plant and animal life and is required to act accordingly.

     The  Answer:  JESUS CHRIST will create new heavens and a new earth one day after destroying this earth in judgement (2nd.Peter 3:10-14). Man must be a good steward of earthly resources, but he is not able to save the planet through his own efforts. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org