" Charlatans ? "

 

2nd.Timothy 3:1-5  "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent (without self control), fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of GOD; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:  from such turn away."

     Many naive people would like to believe that anyone or anything within the religious realm is of GOD. That is a dangerous assumption to make. Unfortunately, a number of charlatans are in the world who are seeking to make merchandise of the uninformed and unwary. GOD calls upon HIS children to be discerning both with regard to the message to which they are listening as well as the messenger who is presenting the message. In the book of 2nd.Timothy, the Apostle Paul warns his readers that "in the last days perilous times shall come" (2nd.Timothy 3:1 pictured above). He then proceeds to list a whole series of indictments against those "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof" (v.5) Within Christendom, many are extremely religious, but they are lost and proclaiming a false message. "From such turn away," says the Apostle (v.5).

     "A Universalist preached at a village to a large congregation, and endeavored to convince his hearers that there is no punishment after death. At the close of the meeting, he informed the people that if they wished for him to do so, he would preach there again in four weeks." Then, "a respected merchant. . .arose and replied, 'Sir, if your doctrine is true, we do not need you; and if it is false, we do not want you'" (1,000 Tales Worth Telling by Hy Pickering). The Bible says those "that know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. . .shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD, and from the glory of HIS power" (2nd.Thessalonians 1:8-9 see first picture below). Do not be fooled by the dangerous teachers of false doctrine. Instead, take heed to the Apostle Paul's invaluable admonition in verse five: "From such turn away." JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright,  FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.     www.featoday.org

" GOD Loves You ! "

 

"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

We are loved.

     This great Bible verse reveals four truths from the heart of GOD for all people.

     GOD wants us to know that 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).

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. . ."

     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 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).

We can have hope.

     GOD wants us to know that 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)

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).

     ****************************************************************

     You may ask, "How can I 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 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 be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, 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). Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Now that you're a Christian:

*  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).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

GULF COAST

BAPTIST CHURCH

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33990

(239) 573-0404

Pastor: Dr. Tom Sexton

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

" Love's Priceless Gift "

 

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 believes in should not perish, but have eternal life. 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. For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through HIM might be saved.

He that believes on HIM is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believe 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 does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in GOD."

     "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON" (v.16) - no greater gift has ever been given, and no greater gift could ever be given. All who have received this priceless gift join in saying, "Thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable gift" (2nd.Corinthians 9:15). It is no wonder that John 3:16 is often called "The Golden Text of the Bible." The greatest gift, salvation by JESUS CHRIST, is available to all, the "whosoever believes in HIM." Have you received GOD's gift ? Are you thankful for such a wonderful SAVIOR ? Are you telling the GOOD NEWS to others and inviting them to believe in JESUS and receive everlasting life ? If not, why not ? GOD is "not willing that any should perish" (2nd.Peter 3:9), and HE challenges, "How shall they hear without a preacher ?" (Romans 10:14). CHRIST said, "Ye shall be witnesses unto ME" (Acts 1:8).

     Millions claim to be seeking the light and searching for truth. Will we hide the GOOD NEWS from them that JESUS is both the LIGHT and the TRUTH ? JESUS said, "I AM the LIGHT of the world: he that follows ME . . .  shall have the light of life" (John 8:12); and, "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man comes unto the FATHER, but by ME" (John 14:6). Without CHRIST, we have no light, no life, no truth. But thank GOD for the "whosoever's" in the Bible: "Whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16b); "whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17b). Not everyone will accept GOD's priceless gift. Many will reject it quietly; others will react with belligerence. Yet, do not be ashamed or afraid, for GOD promises HIS WORD will not return unto HIM void (Isaiah 55:10-11). Our job is to sow the seed; GOD says HE will give the increase. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" GOD Loves You "

 

"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

This great Bible verse reveals four truths from the heart of GOD for all people.

We  are  loved.

     GOD wants us to know that we are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world. . ."  You are 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).

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. . ."  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 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).

We  can  have  hope.

     GOD wants us to know that 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).

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).

You may ask,  "How can I 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 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 be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation:

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).

Now  that  you're  a  Christian:

*  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).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

GULF COAST

BAPTIST CHURCH

312 SE 24th Avenue

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-1000

Pastor Tom Sexton

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

"Our SAVIOR and INTERCESSOR"

 

Hebrews 7:24-28  "But this MAN, because HE continues ever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore HE is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing HE ever lives to make intercession for them. For such an HIGH PRIEST became us, WHO is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; WHO needs not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this HE did once, when HE offered up HIMSELF. For the Law makes men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the Law, makes the SON, WHO is consecrated forevermore."

     The LORD JESUS CHRIST is our INTERCESSOR as well as our SAVIOR. Today's text emphasizes CHRIST's "unchangeable priesthood" (v.24), HIS perfect priesthood (vv.26-27), and HIS eternal priesthood (v.28). Our perfect INTERCESSOR fully comprehends our human weaknesses, and because HE knows and cares and is all powerful, we are assured provision from the "throne of grace" (Hebrews 4:15-16 pictured above). How wonderful it is to realize that SOMEONE does know and does care. Others, at times, may empathize with us, but only JESUS CHRIST can bring to pass HIS perfect will in us. Others may express concern, but HIS love is unlimited, even when we are "without strength" (Romans 5:6).

     Faithful believers sometimes may find themselves walking practically alone in this life. In such cases, the flesh tends to think and act as though no one cares or prays for them. The hymn "Does JESUS Care ?" raises that very question but also responds with the proper answer: "Oh, yes HE cares; I know HE cares" - an answer echoed throughout the WORD of GOD. Furthermore, in these day of extreme pressure, we also need to be reminded of the intercessory ministry of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 4:30). In our times of special discouragement, dilemma, or other need, let us remember that the HOLY SPIRIT "makes intercession for us. . .according to the will of GOD," even when "we know not what we should pray for as we ought" (Romans 8:26-27 pictured above). Therefore, the believer is never alone and never without the LORD's provision. No child of GOD can ever rightly say that no one cares or understands or can give help in time of need. The LORD can - and does ! Our blessed SAVIOR, our INTERCESSOR, will never fail us. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.     www.featoday.org

"Knowing the Grace of GOD in Truth"

 

Colossians 1:1-6 "Paul, an Apostle of JESUS CHRIST by the will of GOD, and Timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brethren in CHRIST which are at Colosse; Grace be unto you, and peace, from GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We give thanks to GOD and the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in CHRIST JESUS, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in Heaven, whereof ye heard before in the WORD of the truth of the Gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and brings forth fruit, as it does also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of GOD in truth:"

     The word grace is one of the most wonderful terms in the Bible. It simply means "undeserved favor or benefit." Usually it identifies a particular relationship between a holy GOD and sinful man. Today's text explains that grace comes "from GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST" (v.2) and that it is especially identified with salvation (vv. 5-6). Apart from grace, we would be without CHRIST, without GOD, and without hope (Ephesians 2:12 pictured above). However, because of GOD's grace, salvation is available through faith in the person and work of JESUS CHRIST, who died for us and rose again.

     The saints at Colosse had become children of GOD by HIS grace through faith, and their public testimony bore witness to this glorious fact (v.4). It was their hearing and believing the truth of the Gospel that made the difference in their lives (vv.4-5). The preaching of the true Gospel brings forth spiritual fruit (v.6), and we must remember that the Gospel is still "the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believes" (Romans 1:16 pictured above). No other so-called gospel is true (Galatians 1:6-9) - and no other gospel will do (Acts 4:12) !

     The believers in the early church at Colosse and elsewhere suffered much for their faith. But GOD's grace not only saved them, it also sustained them. Through the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, the Apostle Paul addressed these saints as "faithful brethren in CHRIST" (v.2). They manifested GOD's grace through their faithfulness to HIM even in the midst of great hardship. The true grace of GOD that brings salvation teaches the Christian to "live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:11-12). May the LORD enable us to do just that as we live and walk according to HIS great grace ! MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" The Carnal Christian "

 

1st.Corinthians 3:1-4  "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in CHRIST. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men ? For while one says, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal ?

     Every person falls into one of three categories: a natural man, a spiritual Christian, or a carnal Christian, that is, a believer who is controlled by the flesh. While this individual is spiritually alive because he has trusted CHRIST for salvation and is permanently indwelt by the HOLY SPIRIT (in contrast to the natural man), he is not walking in fellowship with the very GOD WHO saved him. Many of the Corinthian believers fell into this category. They were surrounded by paganism and worldliness, and they allowed the things of the world to rule their hearts and minds. By failing to possess the mind of CHRIST and judge all things (1st.Corinthians 2:15-16 pictured above), they fell into sin and wandered from a proper, intimate relationship with GOD. Rather than abiding in CHRIST and living according to HIS will, they tried to live according to their own self-effort. As a result, they were defeated and fruitless, lacking spiritual growth. In fact, the Apostle wrote that he needed to speak to them as "babes in CHRIST" because of their carnality.

     Is it possible for a true believer to be controlled by the flesh rather than by the SPIRIT ? It certainly is, and the fruit of such living is detrimental to the believer's spiritual health. While the spiritual believer who abides in JESUS CHRIST experiences peace, joy, and fellowship with his LORD, the carnal Christian exhibits "envying, and strife, and divisions" (v.3). Certainly this breaks our SAVIOR's heart, for HE desires a proper fellowship with all HIS children - this is why man was created in the first place ! How can we avoid falling into the category of the carnal Christian ? We must possess the mind of CHRIST, judge all things, and yield ourselves unto GOD (Romans 6:11-16). MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org