" Crucified, Buried, Risen ! "

1st.Corinthians 15:3-9  "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: and that He was seen of Cephas (Peter), then of the twelve: after that, HE was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, HE was seen of James; then of all the Apostles. And last of all HE was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the Apostles, that am not meet to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the church of GOD."

     Charles Maurice De Tallyrand, a French clergyman and diplomat was approached by someone who said to him, "I am come to found a new religion." "Then there is one thing you must do," Tallyrand replied, "What's that ?" inquired the man. "You must allow yourself to be crucified and you must rise again." The great central facts of the Gospel are the death, burial, and resurrection of JESUS, which Paul clearly declared to the believers at Corinth: "CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; And. . .HE was buried, and. . .HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures: And. . .HE was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve" (vv.3-5 pictured at top of post).

     It is clear that this message was dear to the heart of the Apostle. To the believers at Rome, he declared, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: for it is the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16 2nd Picture above). In fact, this faithful servant of the LORD acknowledged, "For though I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel !" (1st.Corinthians 9:16 pictured above). What the world needs today is not another religion, which is simply the manifestation of man's ideas and opinions as to how to reach GOD, but rather a reiteration of the message of GOD's WORD in the Gospel message. The LORD JESUS CHRIST "bare our sins in HIS own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed" (1st.Peter 2:24 pictured below) -- not religion, but CHRIST ! HE died for our sins; HE was buried; on the third day, HE rose in triumph from the grave. Trust HIM; HE is the only way. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

 

" WARNING ! "

Psalm 19:9-11  "The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is THY servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward."

     Being warned about danger and error is another important benefit that we derive from reading and understanding GOD's WORD -- "Moreover by them is THY servant warned" (v.11a). Many pastors today boast that they are part of a "positive ministry," that is, they never speak negatively but rather emphasize only the positive messages of GOD's WORD. However, even a superficial reading of the Scriptures reveals that much of the Bible must be abandoned in order to preach only positive messages. GOD has many negative things to say in HIS WORD. HE frequently deals with the matter of sin -- and sin is extremely negative ! A ministry that is faithful to the WORD will proclaim the whole counsel of GOD, and this includes warning the sheep about the wolves who come in sheep's clothing as well as faithfully feeding the flock and working to bring others into the fold (Acts 20:28-31 pictured above). The Christians cannot pick and choose his way through Scripture -- all of IT is for our learning and exhortation (2nd.Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17 see pictured below).

     The Scriptures are to be the standard by which we judge all things. The ultimate question we must ask regarding any man, ministry, or teaching is this:  "Are they true to the WORD of GOD ?"  Everything else is inconsequential. Isaiah 8:20 (also pictured below) succinctly states this vital principle:  "To the Law and to the Testimony: if they speak not according to this WORD, it is because there is no light in them." When GOD's standard is applied and the presence of error is discerned, a warning is necessary lest GOD's children be found in complicity with error. When we heed the counsel found in the Bible, we will avoid Satan's snares in our ministries and in every other matter that affects our daily life. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

 

" Regeneration and Growth "

 

Psalm 19:7  "The Law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple."

     GOD's WORD provides the way of regeneration: "The Law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul" (v.7a). The "Law," the doctrine contained in Holy Scripture, details GOD's way of salvation. It is "perfect" -- nothing is missing. The Gospel message is the incorruptible seed and is absolutely necessary in order for conversion to occur (1st.Peter 1:3, 23 both pictured above). Today, some teach that believers should minimize the use of Scripture in order to win the lost to CHRIST, but we must remember that the only means to salvation has not changed: Faith alone saves, and "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of GOD" (Romans 10:17; John 5:24; Ephesians 2:8-9). In order to be saved, one must submit to the biblical fact that he is utterly lost and needs to believe what Scripture says concerning GOD's way of salvation through faith in the crucified and risen SAVIOR. Apart from the Bible, man knows nothing of GOD's plan of redemption.

     The WORD of GOD is fundamental not only to the believer's regeneration but also to his spiritual growth -- "The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple" (v.7b). As spiritual babies, we are to "desire the sincere milk of the WORD" if we are to grow and develop (1st.Peter 2:2). No better source -- actually, no other source -- of truth exists than that found in GOD's WORD. While young Christians must feed on it if they are to mature, we must remember that every believer continually needs to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD" (2nd.Peter 3:18 pictured above); the HOLY SPIRIT's ministry through the believer's Bible study brings this to pass. Growth is predicated upon knowledge of spiritual truth, which can only be found in the sure "testimonies of the LORD." DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

"If A Man Die, Shall He Live Again ?"

 

Is there life after death ?

     The question that has been on the heart and mind of every person from the beginning of time is this:

If a man die, 

shall he live again ?

     The LORD JESUS answered this question when HE said:

     "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 verse reveals four precious truths from the heart of GOD.

You are loved.

     GOD wants you to know you are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world. . ." You are a part of this world, and GOD loves you.

You are of worth.

     The LORD also wants you to know that you are of worth. You are so dear to GOD that ". . .HE gave HIS only begotten SON. . ." HE gave HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, to pay your 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's payment for our sin was accepted by GOD. It satisfied GOD's requirement for forgiveness. You may ask, "How can GOD forgive sins ?" HE can do that because of what JESUS did for us.  ". . .While we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." - Romans 5:8

You can have hope.

     GOD wants you to know that you can have hope. HE said, ". . .that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish. . ."  HE rose from the dead, and HE said, ". . .Because I live, ye shall live also" - John 14:19

You can have purpose.

     GOD wants you to know that you can have purpose in life. HE desires that you "should not perish but have everlasting life."

     The answer to man's searching question is "YES ! There is life after death - eternal life." 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 do I do this ?" 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 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:

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).

"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

"The LAMB Without Blemish and Without Spot "

 

1st.Peter 1:15-25  "But as HE which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I AM holy. And if ye call on the FATHER, WHO without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of CHRIST, as of a LAMB without blemish and without spot:

WHO verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by HIM do believe in GOD, that raised HIM up from the dead, and gave HIM glory; that your faith and hope might be in GOD. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the SPIRIT unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the WORD of GOD, which liveth and abideth forever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the WORD of the LORD endureth forever. And this is the WORD which by the Gospel is preached unto you."

     The ONE WHO bore "our sins in HIS OWN body on the tree" must HIMSELF, be sinless: and, indeed, HE is: "WHO did not sin, neither was guile found in HIS mouth (1st.Peter 2:22-24 pictured above). GOD instructed the Jews that the sacrificial lamb had to be without blemish and without spot so as to rightly picture the sinless ONE WHO was to come. In JESUS CHRIST was no sin (1st.John 3:5). HE was the only person WHO could ever say, "I have no sin. In ME is no sin." If anyone else claims, "I have no sin," he deceives himself, and the truth is not in him (1st.John 1:8,10). The Bible describes CHRIST's sinlessness in unmistakable language:

HE "knew no sin" (2nd.Corinthians 5:21).

HE "did no sin" (1st.Peter 2:22).

HE was "without sin" (Hebrews 4:15).

HE was the "LAMB without blemish and without spot" (vv.18-19).

HE was "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners" (Heb. 7:26).

Others, too, testified of our SAVIOR's perfect character and flawless life. Pilate, who reluctantly permitted JESUS to be crucified, declared, "I find no fault in this man" (Luke 23:4). Pilate's wife noted that HE was a "just man" (Matthew 27:19). The Centurion at Golgotha said, "Certainly this was a righteous man" (Luke 23:41). Even Judas admitted, "I have betrayed innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). JESUS once challenged HIS enemies, "Which of you convinceth ME of sin ?" (John 8:46). Not one could prove HIM guilty. When examined from any angle, our LORD's life and character were immaculate, spotlessly clean. We who are sinfully imperfect should be ever thankful that the ONE WHO advocates for us before the FATHER is "JESUS CHRIST the RIGHTEOUS" (1st.John 2:1). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" The Great White Throne ! "

 

Revelation 20:11-15  "And I saw a great white throne, and HIM that sat on it, from WHOSE face the Earth and the Heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before GOD; and the books were opened: and another book was opened which is the Book of Life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and Death and Hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And Death and Hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire."

     One of the most majestic and, at the same time, the most terrible passages in all of Scripture is the one found in today's text. It is the scene of the Great White Throne judgement of all who died without trusting in GOD's message and offer of salvation. At that time, they are brought before JEHOVAH in order to learn their degree of eternal punishment. This is the judgment of the lost dead, and it follows the glorious millennial reign of the LORD JESUS CHRIST as KING over the whole Earth. The vast throng of all the lost dead of ages past are gathered before JESUS CHRIST, the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE of the Earth. Having rejected the blood of the LAMB (1st.Peter 1:18-19 pictured above) they are now facing "the wrath of the LAMB" (v.15; and Revelation 6:16 also pictured above), for HE it is WHO sits upon the throne with all judgment committed unto HIM by GOD the FATHER (John 5:22 pictured below, 26-27).

     Death, Hades, and the sea give up the dead who are in them, and these resurrected unbelievers are then consigned to the "Lake of Fire" (vv.13-14), which John says "is the second death." From this death is no deliverance. The "Book of Life" is opened so that it is without dispute whether one's name is written therein. Additionally, "the books" are opened in which are recorded all the deeds that every unbeliever has ever done; their punishment in the Lake of Fire will be according to what is written in those books. Two things immediately capture our attention as we contemplate the fate of these doomed souls. First, we should make certain that we, ourselves have believed the Gospel and put our trust solely in JESUS so we are safe "IN CHRIST" (Romans 8:1 pictured below). Second, we should be burdened to be faithful witnesses so that others may hear and be saved. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide

Used  with permission.   www.featoday.org

" Murphy's Law ! "

 

2nd.Peter 1:1-8  "Simon Peter, a servant and an Apostle of JESUS CHRIST, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of GOD and our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of GOD, and of JESUS our LORD. According as HIS divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of HIM that has called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

     Murphy's Law is an adage or epigram that is typically stated as "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong." Some people have modified it to: "If something can go wrong, it will. If it can't go wrong, it's going to go wrong anyway." Too often, Pastors have this mentality when it comes to ministry. Preach or teach a message on eternal security to comfort fearful saints of GOD, and someone may accuse you of believing and teaching that one is free to live as he or she pleases. Declare that salvation is by grace through faith alone, and some will think that they may then keep on sinning to take advantage of GOD's grace -- the very thinking Paul corrects in Romans 6:1-11.

     The Apostle Peter gives us, through GOD's WORD, a beautiful balance in handling seemingly paradoxical truths as he deals with GOD's sovereignty while also setting forth man's freedom and responsibility. From the opening verses of today's text we find that salvation is the work of GOD from start to finish: The LORD calls us, implants the divine nature with us, and gives us power in "all things" (vv.1-5). Peter then shifts his focus to the believer, exhorting him to live a righteous life. Not only does the LORD save us by HIS grace through faith alone, but HE then directs us to follow HIM in an obedient walk that is summed up in verses five to seven: "Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity."  Why ?  "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our LORD JESUS CHRIST" (v.8). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org