" GOD's SIMPLE PLAN OF SALVATION "

 

My Friend:  I am asking you the most important question of life. Your joy or your sorrow for all eternity depends upon your answer. It is not a question of how good you are, nor if you are a church member, but are you saved ? Are you sure you will go to Heaven when you die ? GOD says in order to go to Heaven, you must be born again. In John 3:7, JESUS said to Nicodemus, "Ye must be born again."

     In the Bible GOD gives us the plan of how to be born again which means to be saved. HIS plan is simple ! You can be saved today. How ?

     First, my Friend, you must realize you are a sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23). Because you are a sinner, you are condemned to death. "For the wages [payment] of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). This includes eternal separation from GOD in a Devil's Hell. ". . .it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).

 

     But GOD loved you so much HE gave HIS only begotten SON, JESUS, to bear your sin and die in your place. "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) ". . .HE hath made HIM [JESUS, WHO knew no sin] to be sin for us. . .that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM" (2nd.Corinthians 5:21).

     JESUS had to shed HIS blood and die. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11). ". . .without shedding of blood is no remission [pardon]" (Hebrews 9:22). ". . .GOD commended HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (Romans 5:8).

     Although we cannot understand how, GOD said my sins and your sins were all laid upon JESUS and HE died in our place. HE became our substitute. It is true. GOD cannot lie.

     My Friend, "GOD. . .commanded all men everywhere to repent [turn to GOD from your sin]" (Acts 17:30). This repentance is a change of mind that agrees with GOD that one is a sinner, and also agrees with what JESUS did for us on the Cross.

     In Acts 16:30-31, the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas: ". . .Sirs, what must I do to be saved ? And they said, Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved. . ." Simply believe on HIM as the ONE WHO bore your sin, died in your place, was buried, and WHOM GOD resurrected. HIS resurrection powerfully assures that the believer can claim everlasting life when JESUS is received as SAVIOR.

     "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" (John 1:12). "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). Whosoever includes you. Shall be saved means not maybe, nor can, but shall be saved.

     Surely, you realize you are a sinner. Right now wherever you are, repent, lift your heart to GOD in this simple prayer or one like it:

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

     In Luke 18:13, the tax collector prayed: "GOD be merciful to me a sinner." Just take GOD at HIS WORD and claim HIS salvation by faith. Believe, and you will be saved. No church, no lodge, no good works, no water baptism can save you. Remember, GOD does the saving. ALL OF IT !

     GOD's simple plan of salvation is: You are a sinner. Therefore, unless you believe on JESUS WHO died in your place, you will spend eternity in a Devil's Hell. If you believe on HIM as your crucified, buried, and risen SAVIOR, you receive forgiveness for all of your sins and HIS gift of eternal salvation by faith.

     You say, "Surely, it cannot be that simple." Yes, that simple ! It is Scriptural. It is GOD's plan. My Friend, believe on JESUS and receive HIM as your own personal SAVIOR today ! If HIS plan is not perfectly clear, read this post over and over, without stopping and until you understand it. Your soul is worth more than all the world. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ?" (Mark 8:36).

     Be sure you are saved. If you lose your soul, you miss Heaven and lose all. Please ! Let GOD save you this very moment. GOD's power will save you, keep you saved, and enable you to live a victorious Christian life. "There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but GOD is faithful, WHO will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1st.Corinthians 10:13).

     Do not trust your feelings. They change. Stand on GOD's promises. They never change. After you are saved, there are three things to practice daily for your spiritual growth: Pray - You talk to GOD. Read your Bible - GOD talks to you. Witness - you talk for GOD. You should be water baptized in obedience to the LORD JESUS CHRIST as a public testimony of your salvation, and then unite with a Bible -believing church without delay.

  

     Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" HOW TO GET ON TARGET "

 

BANG ! "I can't believe it ! How could I have missed ?" Imagine the disappointment that you would feel if you lost a shooting competition, because you missed the final shot. You would wish that you had done something differently. Perhaps your sighting plane was slightly off the mark, or perhaps you were distracted by outside circumstances beyond your control. It really wouldn't matter, because the winner had a perfect score under the same conditions. You might wish that you could take your shot again, but no one gets a second chance. The judge will not accept any excuses. You would have lost the competition and the reward that goes with it. Friend, there is a close similarity between this scenario and losing at life.

NO SECOND CHANCES

According to the Bible, you only have one life to live, and GOD, your JUDGE, will not allow excuses or give you a second chance. "...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27) "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment." (Matthew 12:36)

MISSING THE MARK

As a shooter, you might find it interesting to know that the meaning of the word "sin" is missing the mark. According to the Bible, everyone has missed the mark of living a perfect, sinless life. "For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23) Because of your sin, you will not be allowed to enter into Heaven when you die. "And there shall in no wise enter into it (Heaven) any thing that defiles, neither whatsoever works abomination, or makes a lie..." (Revelation 21:27) Instead, you will be cast into the Lake of Fire where you will experience everlasting torment and separation from GOD and everyone.

AIMING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION

If you are like most people, you desire to go to Heaven; however, you are aiming in the wrong direction. The Bible states, "...wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:" (Matthew 7:13) You may try to be worthy of Heaven by living a good life. This is simply an attempt to establish your own righteousness, but the Bible says, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to HIS mercy HE saved us..." (Titus 3:5)

HOW TO GET ON TARGET

Would you get on target if you knew how ? The Bible teaches that you must stop looking at what you can do to earn salvation. Instead, you must by faith look at what GOD has done to give you salvation. "Look unto ME, and be ye saved, all the ends of the Earth: for I AM GOD, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:22) JESUS CHRIST, WHO was GOD in the flesh (John 1:14), lived the perfect sinless life, and died a bloody death on the cross as a substitute to pay for your sins in full. "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) HE is the only way to Heaven, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

GOD has promised you, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes 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)

The Bible says that "the goodness of GOD leads thee to repentance" (Romans 2:4) If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, 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.

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24).

Have you hit life's target ? Have you believed GOD's WORD ? "He that believes on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him." (John 3:36) Don't miss the mark, receive JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR today, there is no promise to any of us for a tomorrow !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" Restless Nights ? "

 

Psalm 4:8  "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for THOU, LORD, only makes me dwell in safety."

Are you having restless nights ? Are you troubled about the future ? Is your job in jeopardy ? Are you concerned over your family's finances or health ? Are you wondering who is next and what is being done to stop the advance of sickness and disease ? Then STOP worrying and listen to the words of David in today's text: "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for THOU, LORD, only makes me dwell in safety." Let me assure you that our GOD will bring us through this crisis occurring in our nation and world. We may not escape unscathed; hardships may be ahead; families may lose loved ones; the societal landscape of our nation may drastically change; but, one thing is sure - our GOD will never abandon HIS OWN. Flee to GOD's WORD to find your encouragement and comfort in time of trouble. Hear further words of assurance from the psalmist David with Psalm 56:3, above, and Psalm 3:5, below.

Also, "I have set the LORD always before me: because HE is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope" (Psalm 16:8-9). Let those words wash over your soul; take comfort in them. Do not be fretful and doubting. Your heavenly FATHER knows exactly what you need, and HE will supply it in HIS perfect time. Our sovereign GOD is still on HIS throne, so lie down and sleep in peace and safety. And when you awake, JEHOVAH has promised to sustain you. Let Solomon's words of wisdom linger in your heart from Proverbs 3:24, below. JED

Your servant in CHRIST, Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.  www.featoday.org

" Prayers GOD Will NOT Answer "

 

Proverbs 1:24-33  "Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out MY hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at naught all MY counsel, and would none of MY reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes; when your fear comes as desolation, and your destruction comes as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish comes upon you.

Then shall they call upon ME, but I will not answer; they shall seek ME early, but they shall not find ME; for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: they would none of MY counsel: they despised all MY reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso harkens unto ME shall dwell safely and shall be quiet from fear of evil."

     In today's text, GOD makes it clear that HE will not answer the prayers of those who reject HIS counsel and reproof (vv.25,28), nor will HE answer the prayers of those who hate HIS knowledge and refuse to fear HIM (v.29). Proverbs 28:9 above declares that the prayer of one who turns his ear away from GOD's WORD is actually an "abomination" to GOD. The LORD even instructed the Prophet Jeremiah not to pray for those who were trusting in the lying words of false prophets and who were polluting GOD's house (Jeremiah 7:8-16). In the New Testament, JESUS warned that neither the prayers of hypocrites would be heard nor the prayers of those who, like the heathen, used vain repetitions (Matthew 6:5-7). Many religious leaders today are praying prayers that GOD will not answer because they isolate and concentrate on certain Scriptures referring to prayer while failing to heed so many other portions of GOD's WORD. One will often hear these leaders quote Matthew 18:19: "If two of you shall agree on Earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done. . ."; yet they ignore the clear teaching of the Bible, which says, "And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will (emphasis added), HE hears us: And if we know that HE hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of HIM (1st.John 5:14-15 below).

Answered prayer will always be in line with GOD's will, not according to what we might "agree on" or demand from GOD. Faithful believers will refuse to join in ecumenical or charismatic prayers in which the Bible is twisted, misapplied, or ignored; these are prayers that the LORD will not answer. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" 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 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 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 also 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.

     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 6:23

     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 ABC.

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

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

C  Call upon the LORD to saved 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 or one like it 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, and 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." Ephesians 2:8. Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. "The gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." Romans 6:23.

_______________________________________________

GULF  COAST

Baptist Church

Pastor Tom Sexton

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33990

(239) 574-1000

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

" CHRISTmas Greetings From ALMIGHTY GOD "

 

FEAR  NOT

You have fears ? Troubles ? Perplexities ?

I have a message for you ! Don't be afraid ~

not of the distressing things in this life nor

of death and eternity. I've sent MY SON to 

establish the way to Heaven.

JOY

I bring you good tiding of great joy ! The 

other Christmas greetings may wish you 

merry times in poetic phrases, but I send 

you the most wonderful news you will ever 

hear. People waited centuries to hear it, and

ever since it has been the hope of humanity.

No wonder that Christmas time is a time of 

joy, goodwill, carols, gifts . . .

A  SAVIOR

This good news is that MY SON is come -

ONE who can save you from your present

state of sin and separation from ME and 

from and eternal state of separation and

punishment. MY SON came willingly to 

atone for the sins of the whole world. HE

truly is a SAVIOR !

UNTO  YOU

You - whom I created perfect. You had true 

life and liberty. But you used your liberty to

rebel against ME. Sorrow and sin and death

became yours. 

Yet I love you ! Unto you a SAVIOR came.

Will you come back to ME through faith in

HIM ? Then the 'fear not' and the 'joy' are

yours.

I AM A GOD OF LOVE:

In this was manifested the love of GOD

toward us, because that GOD sent HIS only

begotten SON into the world, that we might

live through HIM. Herein is love, not that we

loved GOD, but that HE loved us, and sent 

HIS SON to be the propitiation (sacrificial

payment) for our sins. ~ 1st.John 4:9,10

I INVITE YOU TO COME:

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the 

unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him

return to the LORD, and HE will have mercy

upon him; and to our GOD, for HE will 

abundantly pardon. ~ Isaiah 55:7

I WILL THEN MAKE YOU MY SONS:

But when the fullness of time was come, GOD

sent forth HIS SON, made of a woman, made

under the Law, to redeem them that were under

the Law, that we might receive the adoption of

sons. ~ Galatians 4:4,5

" Your Charisma Gift ! "

 

Dear Friend, in this season of giving and receiving gifts, will you pause with me for just a moment and consider GOD's "Charisma Gift" to you ? Charisma is the root, or original word, for our word gift. Charisma means free gift. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift (charisma) of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23). "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift (charisma) of GOD: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9). "Thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable gift (charisma)." (2nd.Corinthians 9:15). GOD's charisma gift to you is Salvation and Eternal Life through faith in JESUS CHRIST alone.

Let us notice three things about a gift:

1. You cannot earn a 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)

2. You need not deserve a gift. When a person gives someone a gift, it is an act of love. "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

3. You must receive a gift. "HE (JESUS CHRIST) 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:" (John 1:11-12)

Here is how to receive GOD's charisma gift:

1. First, you must know that you need GOD's gift. You must see and admit that you are a lost sinner in need of forgiveness through the SAVIOR, and of everlasting life. This is true of you. The Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23) Yes, my Friend, you have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD.

2. Next, you must realize GOD's punishment because of your sins ! The Bible says, "For the wages of sin is death;" (Romans 6:23a) Death in your sin means eternal separation from GOD in a Devil's Hell ! Think about it. If you were to die right now, where would your eternal soul go ?

3. Now, you must give up all hope of saving yourself. You do not have the strength or ability to save yourself ! The Bible says, "For when we were yet without strength, in due time CHRIST died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6)

4. Now you must believe that JESUS CHRIST died for your sins and rose from the grave. "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 must believe that GOD loves you and gave JESUS CHRIST for your sins ! "But GOD commends HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8)

5. Finally, you must confess that you are a sinner and call on JESUS CHRIST to save you. You must repent (turn to GOD from your sin) of your sins and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes 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)

     The Bible says that "the goodness of GOD leads thee to repentance" (Romans 2:4). If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, and receive GOD's charisma gift JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, pray this simple prayer with all your heart 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 live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie