" What Saith the Scripture ? "

 

Romans 4:3 "For what saith the Scripture ? Abraham believed GOD, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

     Twice in the WORD of GOD, we read this important challenge: "What saith the Scripture?" (here in today's text and in Galatians 4:30). In a day when we are being told all kinds of strange things about what the Bible supposedly teaches, it is necessary to ask ourselves, "What saith the Scripture ?" It is not the most popular television or internet preacher or the most flamboyant purveyor of supposedly new truth that should be consulted when we have questions about the Bible. Instead we should fall back on this question that Paul asked twice: "What saith the Scripture ?" In other words, what does the Bible say ? Let IT speak for ITSELF as the means and standard of truth.

     This is especially true when dealing with the critical issue of sin. Ask average citizens on the street and you will be sure to receive myriads of answers to the question "What is sin ?" Yet, the Bible is extremely clear on the matter. Sin is transgressing the righteous Law of GOD. The Apostle John recorded this truth in 1st.John 3:4 (pictured above) -- "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the Law: for sin is the transgression of the Law." In plain words: "All unrighteousness is sin" (1st.John 5:17). Unrighteousness is a comprehensive term for wrong or wrong-doing: a deed or deeds violating law and justice; and men have speculated about the classifications of sin. The LORD simply calls sin, sin. The SPIRIT of GOD convicts all of sin (John 16:8 pictured above), especially the sin of not believing on CHRIST (John 16:9 pictured above). This puts all rejectors of the LORD JESUS into one class: spiritually dead (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1). Be sure you have trusted CHRIST and have your sins cleansed. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" The Witness of GOD Is Greater ! "

 

1st.John 5:9-15  "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of GOD is greater: for this is the witness of GOD which HE hath testified of HIS SON. He that believeth on the SON of GOD hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not GOD hath made HIM a liar; because he believeth not the record that GOD gave of HIS SON. And this is the record, that GOD hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON. He that hath the SON hath life; and he that hath not the SON of GOD hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the SON Of GOD; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the SON of GOD. And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE heareth us: and if we know that HE hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of HIM."

     The Bible is not merely the "witness of men" -- it is "the witness of GOD," which is far greater (v.9 pictured at top of post). If the Scriptures are not GOD's WORD, then we have no basis for our faith. All we know about our LORD, about salvation, and about life both now and hereafter is from what we find within the pages of the Holy Bible. If we cannot wholeheartedly and unreservedly believe GOD's WORD from start to finish ("All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD," 2nd.Timothy 3:16 pictured in full above), then we cannot be certain of anything. However, the LORD desires assurance for HIS own, and the WORD faithfully drives home that point. GOD wants every believer to be confident in his or her salvation (v.13).

     Today's text assures the reader that the Bible is GOD's "record" (v.11), so mankind can be certain that what is written therein is absolutely true. The HOLY SPIRIT of GOD divinely inspired the Apostle John as he wrote of "these things" (v.13); as a result, the one who reads and believes what John has written can also have confidence that what GOD has promised in this text, HE will also fulfill. Whether it be the witness of GOD pertaining to salvation through faith in the SON (vv.10-13) or to the promise of answered prayer in the life of the believer (vv.14-15), our heavenly FATHER will honor what HE has AUTHORED. Our salvation, from start to finish, is anchored in the "great and precious promises" of GOD's WORD (2nd.Peter 2:4 pictured above). If the Bible merely "contains" the WORD of GOD or is only the thoughts rather than the very WORDs of GOD, then we have no basis for confidence in anything expounded therein, including salvation. But Scripture records John's affirmation: "These things have I written. . .that ye may know" (v.13) ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" Noah Found Grace . . . . . . . "

 

"Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD." (Genesis 6:8) The days of Noah were evil because, ". . .the wickedness of man was great in the earth. . ." (Genesis 6:5) He believed that judgment was coming, and the only safe place was in the ark.

The Bible says; "By faith Noah, being warned of GOD of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." (Hebrews 11:7) Noah and his family put their faith and trust in GOD.

Dear Friend, have you put your trust in GOD ?

You ask, "What does it mean to trust GOD ?"

FIRST, trust GOD when HE says that every person is a sinner.

The Bible tells us in Romans 3:10, ". . . There is none righteous, no, not one."

And again Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD."

Our sins have separated us from GOD. Before you can know that you have eternal life and that you will go to Heaven, you must first know and believe that you are a sinner.

SECOND, trust GOD when HE says that our sin debt must be paid.

Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death. . ." According to GOD's WORD, we are all sinners, and our sin must be paid for. If we fail to trust GOD in this life, we will die without CHRIST and spend eternity separated from GOD.

THIRD, trust GOD when HE says that CHRIST died for our sins and rose from the dead.

The Bible tells us in Romans 5:8, "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." The best news that anyone could ever tell you is that JESUS CHRIST died for your sins. All our sins were laid on HIM. HE paid our sin debt in full.

CHRIST shed HIS blood on Calvary for you, because ". . .without shedding of blood is no remission" of sin (Hebrews 9:22). Then HE rose from the dead, and HE said to those who trust HIM, ". . .Because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19).

FOURTH, trust GOD when HE says we must personally receive CHRIST as our SAVIOR.

Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." That "whosoever" means you. GOD allows you to choose whether or not you will trust HIM.

A person can believe that GOD loves him. He can believe that he is a sinner and that sin must be paid for. But if he is not willing to put his faith and trust in CHRIST, he will die lost and be separated from GOD forever.

LET US REVIEW FOR A MOMENT.

Do you realize that GOD loves you ? (John 3:16)

Do you believe that you are a sinner ? (Romans 3:23)

Do you agree with the Bible that your sin debt must be paid for ? (Romans 6:23)

Do you believe that CHRIST died for you ? (Romans 5:8)

Do you see that you must call upon the LORD to save you ? (Romans 10:13)

If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance (a turning to GOD from your sin) 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). 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 & friends (Acts 16:31-33).

* Identify with CHRIST through believer's baptism and become part of a local, Bible-believing church (Acts 2:4147).

JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, hath 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

Pastor Tom Sexton

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-1000

GulfCoastBaptist@aol.com

www.gulfcoastbaptistchurch.com

" 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 in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;". 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. Revelation 20:15 says, "And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire."

[] Secondly, "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. 1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4 tells us, "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:"

     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.

[] Thirdly, "Whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but 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 paid the "full" penalty for your sins, and then receive HIM in repentance (a turning to GOD from your sin) and faith, as your LORD and SAVIOR.

     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 in HIM, or refuse HIM ? Think of it once again:

"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

     Your time on Earth is so very short, but your decision for CHRIST lasts for eternity. Will you receive JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR and be confident of everlasting life ? 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 in John 5:24, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" What is STOPPING You from Heaven ? "

 

. . . Unforgiven, unrepentant pride & sin ! GOD says in HIS WORD that we are all born sinners, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD." (Romans 3:23). Also in Romans 3:10-12 GOD says, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after GOD. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one."

Long before the world was ever created GOD made a plan to redeem (save) mankind from their sin debt. You see, just as in human terms, when someone does something against the Law they must pay for it. GOD says that the wages of our sin is death. From the beginning of creation, GOD created mankind as a living soul that would live forever. When mankind chose to sin, death came into our lives. GOD made a way to redeem (save) mankind by sending HIS only begotten SON to Earth as a baby, to live a sinless life and then allow sinful man to nail HIM to a cross to die in our place and pay for our sins. 

1st.Corinthians 15:1-2s,3-4 gives us the Gospel of what JESUS did for us on the cross, "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and where in 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:"

GOD sent JESUS to save you and me from our sin debt that we owed GOD but could not pay ourselves. WHY ? LOVE ! "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosever 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 hath not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." (John 3:16-18)

How can GOD forgive us - because of what JESUS did on the cross for us. HIS love for mankind knows no bounds. HE gave the very best to save us. So you see, there should be nothing that stands between you and having a home in Heaven !  So what is STOPPING you from a home in Heaven, from being forgiven and receiving a whole new life here on Earth ? The only thing STOPPING you is you !  Come to JESUS, repent (turning to GOD from your sin) of your sin and ask JESUS to save you. You can pray this simple prayer of repentance and faith 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.

JESUS said in Romans 10:9-10,13  "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 with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved."

So now there should be nothing STOPPING you ! JESUS made the only way to Heaven. One of JESUS' many promises to HIS disciples and to us was penned in John 14:1-6 "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in GOD, believe also in ME. In MY FATHER's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto MYSELF; that where I AM, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas, saith unto HIM, LORD we know not whither THOU goest; and how can we know the way ? JESUS saith unto him, I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME."

You see, JESUS made a home for you in Heaven and HE made the only way to get there. So, what is STOPPING you, NOTHING  !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" Something Happened ! "

 

John 20:19-31 "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came JESUS and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when HE had so said, HE showed unto them HIS hands and HIS side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD. Then said JESUS to them again, Peace be unto you: as MY FATHER hath sent ME, even so send I you. And when HE had said this, HE breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the HOLY GHOST: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when JESUS came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD, but he said unto them, except I shall see in HIS hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into HIS side, I will not believe.

And after eight days again HIS disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came JESUS, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith HE to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold MY hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into MY side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto HIM, My LORD and my GOD. JESUS saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen ME, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did JESUS in the presence of HIS disciples, which are not written in this Book: but these are written, that ye might believe that JESUS is the CHRIST, the SON of GOD; and that believing ye might have life through HIS name."

     Peter denied the LORD three times. He did not want to admit that he had been with JESUS and that he was one of HIS disciples. However, about fifty-three days later, this same Peter boldly confessed CHRIST to thousands of Jewish people (Acts 2). The man who cowered before a damsel (John 18:17) became a courageous preacher of the Gospel. Something happened ! The half-brothers of JESUS did not believe in HIM (John 7:5); they grew up with HIM but did not embrace HIM as Israel's promised MESSIAH and KING. Yet, James later became the leader of the Jerusalem church, and both he and Jude wrote New Testament books, proclaiming that they were slaves of JESUS CHRIST WHOM they served and loved (James 1:1; Jude 1:1 pictured above). Something happened (1st.Corinthians 15:7) ! JESUS' disciples ran away after HE was arrested (Mark 14:27, 50). Later these same men became bold preachers and missionaries, willing to be martyred for the Gospel they preached. Something happened to these men ! For centuries the Jewish people had set apart the Sabbath (Saturday) for worship. But, Christian believers, many of whom were Jews, began to gather on the first day of the week (Sunday). What brought about such a momentous change ? Something happened ! Thomas was absent when JESUS appeared to HIS ten disciples, and they informed him, "We have seen the LORD !" But Thomas said, "Except I shall see in HIS hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into HIS side, I will not believe" (v.25). A week later, "Doubting Thomas" instantly was transformed into "Convinced Thomas" ! Something happened ! Has the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST, on your behalf, transformed your life ? GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" Most Surely Believed "

 

Luke 1:1-4 "Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believe among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the WORD; it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed."

     I love the opening words of Luke's Gospel in which Dr. Luke declares "those things which are most surely believed among us" (v.1 pictured at top of post). Whenever we approach GOD's WORD, we must keep in mind that it is exactly that -- the WORD of GOD. Paul's epistle to the Thessalonians comes to mind: "For this cause also thank we without ceasing, because, when ye received the WORD of GOD which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as IT is in truth, the WORD of GOD, which effectually worketh also in you that believe" (1st.Thessalonians 2:13 pictured above). Paul thanked the LORD for how these believers had initially received the message of truth -- as the very WORD of GOD.

     When Paul and Silas preached, the people recognized their words as having originated not in men's ideas but from the heart of GOD; they accepted the Gospel as GOD's WORD, not men's. The message itself reveals its divine origin, for it has the power to change lives, Paul told Timothy, "ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD" (2nd.Timothy 3:16 pictured above) -- all of those sacred writings are GOD-breathed and divinely empowered. Neither the Old nor New Testament writings were penned simply because men decided they had a message from GOD; rather, they were borne along by the SPIRIT of GOD as they wrote what was of divine origin. The Scriptures did not derive from man but came from GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT. HIS prophets simply spoke what was spoken to them and recorded the GOD-originated, SPIRIT-motivated words. Peter noted that "holy men of GOD spake as they were moved by the HOLY GHOST" (2nd.Peter 1:21). The Bible is not a human book; IT is GOD's WORD and is" most surely believed among us." JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org