"Ten Titles of Deity in One Chapter"

 

John 1:29-41  "The next day John seeth JESUS coming unto him, and saith, Behold the LAMB of GOD, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is HE of WHOM I said, After me comes a MAN which is preferred before me: for HE was before me. And I knew HIM not: but that HE should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the SPIRIT descending from Heaven like a dove, and IT abode upon HIM. And I knew HIM not: but HE that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon WHOM thou shalt see the SPIRIT descending, and remaining on HIM, the same is HE which baptizeth with the HOLY GHOST. And I saw, and bare record that this is the SON of GOD. 

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon JESUS as HE walked, he saith, Behold the LAMB of GOD ! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed JESUS. Then JESUS turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye ? They said unto HIM, RABBI, (which is to say, being interpreted, MASTER,) where dwellest THOU ? HE saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where HE dwelt, and abode with HIM that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed HIM, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first finds his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the MESSIAH, which is, being interpreted, the CHRIST."

     Consider the following 10 Titles found in John Chapter One -- all designations of deity -- of which no one but GOD can rightfully claim:

(1)  WORD (vv.1,14) -- HE is the ONE through whom GOD communicates and reveals HIMSELF to mankind (v.18).

(2)  CREATOR (v.3) -- though the term "CREATOR" is not used, it is definitely implied since "all things were made by HIM" and nothing was made without HIM.

(3)  LIFE (v.4) -- believers have life (1st.John 5:12), CHRIST is LIFE (John 14:6). HE "is the true GOD, and eternal life" (1st.John 5:20).

(4)  LIGHT (vv. 4-5, 7-9) -- HE is "the LIGHT of the world" (John 8:12) and "the LIGHT of men" (v.4).

(5)  JEHOVAH (v.23) -- the LORD JESUS pointed to HIMSELF as the fulfillment of Isaiah 40:3. The title "LORD" used in that prophecy is the Hebrew term "JEHOVAH," considered by the Jews to be the most sacred name of GOD. JESUS applied that name to HIMSELF. HE is JEHOVAH JESUS !

(6)  LAMB of GOD (v.29) -- HE was the sacrificial LAMB promised in Isaiah 53:7.

(7)  SON of GOD (v.34) -- HE is thus equal with GOD (John 5:18; 19:7).

(8)  MESSIAH / CHRIST (v.41) -- HE was GOD's anointed PROPHET, PRIEST, and KING. HE was the ONE of WHOM Daniel spoke in his Seventy-week Prophecy (Daniel 9:25-26).

(9)  KING of Israel (v.49) -- the world's government will be on this KING's shoulders, and HE will be called THE MIGHTY GOD and THE PRINCE of PEACE (Isaiah 9:6-7). HE shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and "of HIS kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke 1:33).

(10) SON of MAN (v.51) -- this is a clear designation of deity in light of Daniel 7:13-14 and Mark 14:61-64. What a full and rich portrait of JESUS CHRIST is given in the opening chapter of John's Gospel ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

"Hearts Purified by Faith"

 

Acts 15:6-11  "And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter, and when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago GOD made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the WORD of the Gospel, and believe. And GOD, which knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the HOLY GHOST, even as HE did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye GOD, to put a yoke upon the neck of the Disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear ? But we believe that through the grace of the LORD JESUS CHRIST we shall be saved even as they."

     Today's text contains the definitive statement concerning what is necessary for a lost person to be saved, which was the central issue at the Jerusalem Conference. The focus in Acts 15 shifts to GOD's perspective of what took place when the Gospel was preached to the household of Cornelius, as we read about in Acts 10. The LORD saw within their hearts that they had truly believed and received by faith the good news of salvation through JESUS CHRIST -- the Gospel message preached by the Apostle Peter. It was Peter's responsibility to deliver the pure truth of GOD's grace; it was the hearer's opportunity to receive that message by faith; it was GOD the FATHER's obligation to save all those who believed; it was the SPIRIT's duty to indwell the believers.

     Peter recounted to the Apostles GOD's working hand when Cornelius and his house heard the clear presentation of the Gospel -- the substitutionary death and life-giving resurrection of CHRIST for man's sin. He also reiterated the sole condition for receiving the gift of salvation: "Whosoever believes in HIM shall receive remission of sins" (Acts 10:43 2nd. picture from top of post) -- they only needed to "hear the WORD of the Gospel and believe" (v.7). GOD saw their hearts and gave them the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT (v.8). It does not get any more simple or straightforward than that ! Water baptism did not wash away their sins, nor did they receive the HOLY SPIRIT in that manner, for GOD purified their hearts "by faith" (v.9). Their works or rituals were in no way a part of the miracle of the new birth. Faith and works are mutually exclusive with respect to regeneration (Romans 4:5,16 pictured above this paragraph). The hearing of the Gospel coupled with faith in JESUS CHRIST and HIS work alone results in eternal salvation (John 3:16-18, 5:24 pictured below). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" I MUST Tell You This ! "

 

      I KNOW SOMETHING SO WONDERFUL that I must tell you ! It is so vital that it may change your entire future as it did mine. In fact, the decision you make about it will affect you both in life and death.

     Let me emphasize that this message is absolutely true, because GOD said it. When GOD makes a promise, you can rest upon it, because HIS promises can never fail. GOD will not make you believe this message, that is your choice, but HE will hold you responsible for having heard it.

     It is a very personal message, something you must decide. You must say either, "I will" or "I will not." Here is the message. It is an exact quotation from GOD's WORD, the Holy Bible:

"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

     Did you ever hear such wonderful words ? Think for a moment what they say. They reveal three marvelous facts.

[] FIRST,  "GOD so loved the world" !  Since you are in the world, HE loved you. If that doesn't astonish you, remember, that when GOD loved you, HE loved a sinner ! The Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23). If you are honest, you will agree.

     Although GOD loves you, HE still hates your sin. Since GOD is Holy, HE must punish sin. HE must make a holy way of saving sinners. Otherwise, the sinner must pay for his own sins, and that would mean spending eternity in a Devil's Hell, "And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire."

[] SECOND, "HE gave HIS only begotten SON" !  GOD loved you so much, that HE sent HIS SON to Earth to become a man and die on the cross of Calvary, so that you might be saved,  "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 see, someone must pay the penalty of sin, either you or a sinless substitute. GOD gave HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, to be your sinless substitute. HE shed HIS blood so that your sins might be put away, so that you might have eternal life.

[] THIRD,  "Whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life" ! Think of it ! GOD gives eternal life to those who believe in JESUS CHRIST. The SAVIOR has "finished" the work. HE has died. HE has risen from the grave, and HE has gone back into Heaven. Now your part is to believe in HIM. This simply means that you must agree that you are a sinner, realize that CHRIST has paid the "full" penalty for your sins, and then receive HIM as your LORD and SAVIOR. "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 whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9,13).

     This is the message which I had to tell you. Now you must make a decision. Will you accept HIM, or reject HIM ? Will you believe on HIM, or refuse HIM ? If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, 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. Come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

     Your time on Earth is so very short, but your decision for CHRIST lasts for all eternity. Will you receive JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR today and be confident of everlasting life ?  The LORD JESUS said,  ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" Do Not Get the Cart Before the Horse ! "

 

Acts 10:44-48  "While Peter yet spake these WORDs, the HOLY GHOST fell on them which heard the WORD. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the HOLY GHOST. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify GOD. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the HOLY GHOST as well as we ? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the LORD. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."

     Notice the succession of events in Acts chapter 10. As Peter preached the Gospel to Cornelius and his house, they listened and believed. Immediately thereafter, "the HOLY GHOST fell on all them which heard the WORD" (v.44). After they had "received (past tense) the HOLY GHOST" (v.47 pictured above), Peter commanded them to be baptized (v.48). They were saved before they were immersed. Water baptism is an ordinance of the church, not a step in salvation. It always speaks of identification with CHRIST and is an outward testimony of inward faith. Faith in CHRIST, not water baptism, cleanses us from sin: "Whosoever believes in HIM shall receive remission of sins" (v.43 pictured below). It is also important to realize that when a person received the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT -- not the supposed ability to speak in tongues, but the actual presence of the SPIRIT within -- he is at that very moment a child of GOD (Romans 8:9, 16; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30).

     This text clearly answers the arguments of those who insist that water baptism is a necessary "step" in salvation. The Gentiles in Acts 10 were saved and received the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT before they were immersed. The sequence of events given here reveals that water baptism is only for those who are already saved. Some try to explain away this account by saying that it was a "transitional period," and therefore, the conversion experience of Cornelius and his family and friends should not be considered as a standard for today. But as we shall see, GOD later used this historic event as the example of how a person is saved in the church age. Is someone trying to convince you that one must be water baptized before he can be saved ? BEWARE ! GOD's WORD teaches otherwise ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" The ONLY Message That Saves "

 

Acts 10:22-43  "And they said, Cornelius the Centurion, a just man, and one that fears GOD, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from GOD by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear WORDs of thee. Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshiped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but GOD has showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me ? And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of GOD. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he comes, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before GOD, to hear all things that are commanded thee of GOD.

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that GOD is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that fears HIM, and works righteousness, is accepted with HIM. The WORD which GOD sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by JESUS CHRIST: (HE is LORD of all:) That WORD, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; how GOD anointed JESUS of Nazareth with the HOLY GHOST and with power: WHO went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil; for GOD was with HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which HE did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; WHOM they slew and hanged on a tree: HIM GOD raised up the third day, and showed HIM openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of GOD, even to us, who did eat and drink with HIM after HE rose from the dead. And HE commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is HE which was ordained of GOD to be the JUDGE of quick and dead. To HIM give all the prophets witness, that through HIS name whosoever believes in HIM shall receive remission of sins."

     Cornelius was a religious and upright man (Acts 10:2 pictured above), but he was not yet saved because he had never heard the Gospel message, which alone can effect the new birth. The LORD made it plain to Cornelius that it was necessary for him to send men to Joppa to retrieve Peter, who would "tell[him] words" by which he and his household would be saved (Acts 11:13-14). This account sets before us the precedent-setting example of how lost sinners, Jew and Gentile alike, are saved in this church age. The Apostle Peter later declared at the Jerusalem Conference in reference to this event, "We shall be saved, even as they" (Acts 15:11 pictured below). It is vital, therefore, to clearly know this Gospel message of salvation whereby all men can be saved if they believe (Acts 10:6,33).

     Peter preached CHRIST unto them (v.36) -- HIS deity (vv.36-38), HIS crucifixion (v.39), HIS resurrection (vv.40-41), HIS future judgment (v.42), and HIS power to save all who would believe (v.43). That is the Gospel ! When they heard the message of salvation and were individually convicted by the HOLY SPIRIT to understand and receive its truth, they were born again by the power of GOD; the moment they trusted CHRIST as their SAVIOR, they received the forgiveness of sin and the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT (v.44). Because of these blessed realities, they "[magnified] GOD" with tongues of praise, which, even though they were Gentiles, they spoke in the Hebrew tongue (vv.45-46). This SPIRIT-wrought manifestation was comparable to what had happened to the Jews at Pentecost. Obviously the Gentiles were now included in GOD's plan of salvation as well -- they heard, they believed, and they received the only message that saves. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" Is Something MISSING in YOUR Life ? "

 

What is missing ?

My Friend, are you dead or alive ? Do you ever feel that there is something important missing from your life ? A vital part of your existence that isn't there, and has never been there ? An empty void and longing, deep within the depths of your soul, crying out to be filled ?

If you do not know the LORD JESUS CHRIST on a personal basis, that is the problem. GOD, the GIVER and SUSTAINER of life, is missing from your life. The Bible says that without JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, you are "dead in trespasses and sins." (Ephesians 2:1b)

How did it happen ?

In the Garden of Eden, before man's fall, Adam and Eve were alive, that is they were "spiritually" alive. They walked in perfection, and oneness with GOD. "And the LORD GOD commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17)

On that day, when they disobeyed GOD and ate of the fruit, they died a "spiritual" death. Sin entered in, and they were separated from GOD. Since then, every one of us has been born into sin. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12)  "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5)  "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10)   "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23)

The results of sin are a spiritual death, a physical death, and if you die without JESUS CHRIST, an eternal death. This is eternal separation from GOD in a Devil's Hell fire.

What has been done about it ?

JESUS CHRIST, the GOD-MAN, was not a partaker of man's sinful bloodline. HE was perfect, sinless, righteous, holy, born of a virgin, and GOD n the flesh. "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." (John 1:1-3)  "And the WORD was made flesh, and swelt among us, (and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the FATHER,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

HE came to seek and to save that which was lost. HE offered HIMSELF the perfect sinless sacrifice unto GOD, to redeem man from the sin which separates him from GOD.  "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 came to give life back unto men. ". . .I AM come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)  "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth MY WORD, and believeth on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is , when the dead shall hear the voice of the SON of GOD: and they that hear shall live."  (John 5:24-25)

Now it is up to you !

My Friend, do you hear HIS voice calling you through these Scriptures ? HE wants to breathe life into you. This receiving of new life from JESUS CHRIST is what HE called being "born again." We see this in the Bible when JESUS tells Nicodemus, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of GOD. . .That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the SPIRIT is spirit." (John 3:3,6)

My Friend, repent ! Turn to GOD from your sin, and embrace the LORD JESUS CHRIST by faith and be born of GOD. GOD promised in Romans 10:9,13 "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 whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved."  When you turn to GOD, the missing link will be found, and the empty void will be filled. You will be one with GOD. HE will be your FATHER, and you will be HIS son/daughter. You can rejoice with us in this great truth forever. If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, 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.

"He that hath the SON hath life; and he that hath not the SON Of GOD hath not life." (1st.John 5:12)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" 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 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 CHRIST 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 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 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 you 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).

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

GULF COAST 

BAPTIST CHURCH

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33990

(239) 574-1000

Pastor Tom Sexton

www.GULFCOASTBAPTISTCHURCH.com