" That I May Know HIM . . . "

 

"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

Life's greatest knowledge is to know CHRIST.

To Know HIM is to Know 

We are loved.

     The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world . . ."

     You are a part of this world, and GOD loves you. HE gave HIS SON for you, and HE wants you ". . .to know the love of CHRIST. . ." (Ephesians 3:19).

To Know HIM is to Know

We are of worth.

     We are so dear to GOD, ". . .that HE gave HIS only begotten SON. . ."

     The Bible teaches us that we are all sinners. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23).

     And sin must be paid for. "For the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23).

     But the Bible also teaches us that ". . .CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3).

     GOD demonstrated HIS love for us and our worth to HIM when HE sent HIS SON to die in our place.

     The Good News (the Gospel) 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 my sin ?" HE can because of what JESUS did. ". . .While we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (Romans 5:8).

To Know HIM is to Know 

We can have hope.

     HE said ". . .that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish. . ."

     Life is fragile, and people are perishing. But CHRIST came ". . .that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).

     In a world where so many have lost hope, GOD wants us to know that the ". . .LORD JESUS CHRIST. . .is our hope" (1st.Timothy 1:1)

     HE rose from the dead, and HE said, ". . .Because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19).

To Know HIM is to Know

We can have purpose.

     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).

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

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

Believe that the LORD JESUS died for you, for "CHRIST died for our sins. . .was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3-4).

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

     If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer 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 to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

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

Now that you Know HIM:

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

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

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."

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

GULF COAST

BAPTIST CHURCH

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-1000

(c) Five Star Christian Ministries

Pastor Tom Sexton

" His ONE Mistake ! "

 

He ate the most nutritious foods.

He took his vitamins every day.

He exercised four times a week.

He saw his Dr. once a year.

He never smoked or drank alcohol.

HE WAS READY TO LIVE TO BE 100.

His funeral will be held Wednesday.

HIS  ONE  MISTAKE ?

HE  FORGOT  GOD . . . .

. . . and lived as if this world was all. He is now with those who say: The harvest is past, and the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Jeremiah 8:20

Dear Friend, Are you making this same mistake ? The Bible says: "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and yet lose his own soul ? " Mark 8:36

The Bible shows how you can avoid this mistake . . . . . . .

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" What Is Right ? "

 

We hear many things of what is right in our day. Everyone seems to have their own opinions. So how do we find the answer of WHAT IS RIGHT ? 

When one speaks of the heart of the problem, they mean the reason or the basis. The heart of the problem with knowing what is right, is that man doesn't have the answer. For one may "feel" this way, and another "feels" that way. Finally, man says: "Whatever you think is right for you, that's what is right." Yet, man makes laws for protection against the "feeling" of what one thinks is right, if it will harm or do injustice to others. 

Law officers are established to keep the order for the good of society. Then, when one breaks the law and is found guilty, the punishment to fit the crime is handed out. This is done for the freedom of those who follow the laws of man. So, when one pays their debt to society, they are again set free to do right.

This same rule applies to the soul of man. No man knows what is right, and no one knows what is right when it comes to man's soul. Yet, all do know mankind dies. Why death ? Man says death is the failing of cells, or the cause of traumatic injury when natural life stops. GOD has the answer ! Why death ? . . . . It is the payment for sin. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD." (Romans 3:23)  "For the wages of sin is death;. . ." (Romans 6:23a)

Sin is the breaking of GOD's Law and WORD found in Scriptures. The punishment for this breaking of HIS WORD is death. Now, the heart of the problem is not death, but how to be free from the payment of sin. GOD says, "ALL have sinned," therefore all must die. How can we be set free from this punishment . . . . WHAT IS RIGHT ?

The sinner that dies in their sin, GOD says they will be tormented in a Devil's Hell. There they will stay awaiting the sentencing of the JUDGE of all mankind, only to be cast into the Lake of Fire, which is the 2nd. death, for all eternity. How can I be set free, and know WHAT IS RIGHT ?

GOD says that JESUS CHRIST died in our place for our sin, was buried, and rose again, "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)

When GOD saw the blood of JESUS, the ONE born without sin by the virgin, HE was pleased with that sacrifice once for all. GOD says that those who trust HIM will be saved, if they turn to GOD from their sinful ways and by faith receive JESUS into their hearts, "But what saith it ? The WORD is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the WORD of faith, which we preach; 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 he 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 10:8-10,13)

This is, "WHAT IS RIGHT."

Psalm 33:18-19b, "Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear HIM, upon them that hope in HIS mercy, to deliver their souls from death." This is not what man thinks, but what GOD says is right.

2nd.Corinthians 5:21, "For HE (GOD) hath made HIM (JESUS) to be sin for us, WHO knew no sin; that we (the newly saved sinner) might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM." 

Victory Baptist Church in Linden, PA

Pastor Donald Wakefield

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 with all your heart:

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.

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

" THE IDEAL MAN ? "

 

THE  10 MOST WANTED MEN

 * 1 The man who puts GOD's business above any of his own affairs.

"For whether we live, we live unto the LORD; and whether we die, we die unto the LORD. Whether we live therefore, or die, we are the LORD's." Romans 14:8

 * 2 The man who teaches and sets a good example for his children.

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart, and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

 * 3 The man who recognizes that anyone who needs him is his neighbor.

"Thou shalt love. . .thy neighbor as thyself. . .but he, willing to justify himself, said unto JESUS, And who is my neighbor ? . . . And a certain Samaritan. . .had compassion on him. . ." Luke 10:27,29,33

 * 4 The man who measures his giving by what he has left rather than by what he gives.

"He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." 2nd.Corinthians 9:6

 * 5 The man who reads the WORD of GOD with as much diligence as he does the daily paper or his I phone.

"Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth." 2nd. Timothy 2:15

 * 6 The man who lives for the treasures in Heaven rather than the pleasures on Earth.

"But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal, for where your treasure is there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:20-21

 * 7 The man who recognizes his obligations to his family, his church, and his community as well as to his business.

"And I will say unto my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But GOD said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee. Then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided ?" Luke 12:19-20

 * 8 The man who sees his own faults before he sees the faults of others.

"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye ?" Matthew 7:3

 * 9 The man who wants to help others rather than serve himself.

"Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." Philippians 2:3-4

 *10 The man who recognizes that all of life should be lived distinctively.

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of GOD." 1st.Corinthians 10:31

" The GOD - MAN: A CHILD Born, a SON Given "

 

Isaiah 9:1-7  "Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first HE lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. THOU has multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before THEE according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

For THOU hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. For unto us a CHILD is born, unto us a SON is given: and the government shall be upon HIS shoulder: and HIS name shall be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, The MIGHTY GOD, The EVERLASTING FATHER, The PRINCE of PEACE. Of the increase of HIS government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon HIS kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

     The prophet Isaiah gave a wonderful prophecy 700 years before CHRIST was born. In verse six, we learn of a CHRILD to be born (HIS humanity) and a SON to be given (HIS deity - John 3:16 above). Isaiah had previously foretold the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14 above) emphasizing both CHRIST's humanity ("a virgin shall conceive, and bear a SON") and deity ("HIS name IMMANUEL," meaning "GOD with us"). The coming MESSIAH would be the Earth's KING, with the government (rule, dominion) resting upon HIS shoulder.

     This divine CHILD is given four names, each consisting of two Hebrew words: 

(1.) WONDERFUL COUNSELOR - the Hebrew term for wonderful means "that which surpasses human thought and power; incomprehensible." HE is the wonder of wonders ! Judges 13:18 uses this word for the name of the ANGEL of the LORD WHO, in verse twenty-two, is identified as GOD. See also Isaiah 28:29.

(2.) MIGHTY GOD - compare this identical phrase found in Isaiah 10:20-21 where "MIGHTY (heroic) GOD" refers to the LORD, the HOLY ONE of Israel. Here HIS deity is emphasized.

(3.) EVERLASTING FATHER - this is not suggesting the the MESSIAH will be GOD the FATHER. The persons of the GODhead are always distinct. Isaiah's prophecy is emphasizing that with respect to HIS people Israel, HE will ever be as a FATHER (Provider/Protector): "THOU, O LORD, art our FATHER; our REDEEMER; THY NAME is from everlasting" (Isaiah 63:16; Psalm 103:13).

(4.) PRINCE (Ruler) of PEACE - Isaiah 2:4 above, describes HIS future reign of peace: "And HE shall judge among the nations, . . .and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks:. . .neither shall they learn war anymore."  O come, let us adore HIM ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" What Does Christmas Mean ? "

 

John 3:16  "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."

     The Christmas season is a time of great anticipation. Children usually look forward to presents, and this holiday tradition provides an opportunity for parents to teach them about giving gifts to others. Adults often anticipate a time of fellowship with family and friends as loved ones gather together. This time of year presents us with the wonderful opportunity to express our love and appreciation to others and to treasure the relationships that the LORD has allowed us to have in this life. 

     Of course, the most important focus at Christmastime should be the GIFT that GOD the FATHER has given to the world in the person of HIS OWN SON. The fact that GOD gave HIS only begotten SON to be our SAVIOR is a truth each of us should continually dwell upon throughout the year. Our salvation, made possible through the sacrifice that JESUS CHRIST made for us on the cross, ought to be something that becomes more and more precious to us as we face the sin-cursed world around us. GOD's gift of salvation spiritually rescues us from this depraved , wicked world system. The Bible tells us that we, as believers, are delivered from this present evil age (Galatians 1:4 above). We who once walked in darkness are now "light in the LORD" and "children of light" (Ephesians 5:8 below).

     As GOD's child, may your life be filled with the wonder of Christmas - the marvelous fact that the SON of GOD, the second person of the triune GODhead, became man so  HE might die for our sins and be raised again the third day for our justification. It is an amazing reality indeed that the LORD would take on human flesh so mankind could receive GOD's gift of everlasting life. Oh how great is the wonder of Christmas ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" FINAL ORDERS "

 

During my 26 years of military service, I often awaited my next orders. As a military professional, I was aware that orders from a higher headquarters could come at any time.

     The Bible teaches that life is no different ! As a matter of fact, it states that your final orders are coming from Heaven. Eventually, GOD will stop your breathing and you will die. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27).

     If you have not accepted the LORD JESUS as your personal SAVIOR, your final orders will send you to a Devil's Hell for all eternity. The LORD states in Revelation 20:15, "And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire."

     The good news is ". . .GOD has not appointed us to wrath (punishment in a Devil's Hell) by our LORD JESUS CHRIST." (1st.Thessalonians 5:9).

     Knowing exactly where your next assignment will take you is a dream come true ! Your final assignment in life will be determined by the decision you make after reading this post.

     If you choose Hell as your final assignment, do nothing ! You have already done enough ! "The wicked shall be turned into Hell. . ." (Psalm 9:17).

     If you desire Heaven to be your final assignment, there are several steps you must follow.

     First, you must understand that you are a sinner. The Bible states, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23). ALL people are sinners and do not deserve to go to Heaven.

     Secondly, you must realize that your sin has deadly consequences. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death. . ."  Here, death refers to an eternal separation from GOD in a Devil's Hell.

     Thirdly, you need to recognize that your sin debt has been paid. The Bible states, "But GOD commended HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8) JESUS CHRIST, the SON of GOD, took your punishment and died for you !  The Good News of the Gospel of CHRIST is this, "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).

     Fourthly, you must repent of your sins. ". . .GOD. . .now commands all men every where to repent:" (Acts 17:30). Repentance is a change of heart which causes you to turn to GOD and away from your sin.

     Finally, you must take action to insure higher headquarters knows your intentions. "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). These passages list two parts of salvation. Your are required to both ask JESUS to save you and also to believe GOD's WORD. If you ask for salvation, yet you do not believe with your heart, you are still on your way to a Devil's Hell.

     When you agreed to serve your country, you believed the promises made to you by the recruiter and you acted upon those promises. To become a Christian, you must believe GOD's promises and act upon them by asking HIM to save you. GOD cannot lie ! Here is HIS promise to you: "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)

     If you will accept JESUS CHRIST as your own personal SAVIOR, please pray this simple prayer or one like it with all your heart:

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 unto condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

Your servant in CHRIST, 

Julie