" The WORD of Faith, Which We Preach ! "

 

Romans 10:6-8 "But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into Heaven ? (that is, to bring CHRIST down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep ? (that is, to bring up CHRIST again from the dead.) But what saith it ? The WORD is night thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the WORD of faith, which we preach;"

     Doing religious works, striving to keep the Law in hopes of procuring GOD's acceptance, or embarking on a supposed quest to "discover the path to GOD," as so many today are purporting to do, cannot secure GOD's righteousness. One cannot "discover" the SAVIOR through one's own pursuits, on one's own terms, or by one's own particular beliefs concerning the way to attain salvation (vv.6-7). No, it is already "nigh thee" (v.8 pictured at top of post) in the clear testimony of GOD's inspired WORD. This was true for Israel in the Old Testament dispensation of Law, and it is likewise true for all mankind in this present dispensation of the grace of GOD (Ephesians 3:1-12). GOD's salvation -- based upon JESUS CHRIST's perfect person and finished work as it is accurately presented from the written WORD of GOD -- must be accepted by faith. The search is over !

     The LORD has clearly revealed in HIS WORD the exact requirement for salvation from an eternity in the Lake of Fire (believe on/trust in HIM alone to be saved) and the wonderful provision HE has made readily available to all the world (HIS substitutionary death on the cross). The religious Jew could secure a "righteous" standing before GOD by turning from the arrogant religion of works described above and by humbly accepting the "WORD of faith" -- the glorious gospel message preached by the Apostle himself (v.8 pictured at top of post). Paul proceeded to explain this conversion experience in terms, and with Old Testament Scripture texts, that the Jew would understand. Consider the mechanics of this new birth experience, which takes place at a moment in time, and the life-long transformation process of the sinner saved by GOD's grace in Romans 10:9-10. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

" After Death What ? "

 

     How many times have you looked into a casket, seen the face of the deceased, and listened to the following statements: "He sure has suffered, but he is better off now," or "She is at peace, never to suffer anymore." ?

     Dear Reader, if the deceased had accepted CHRIST as their personal LORD and SAVIOR and had been born again, these are correct statements. The Apostle Paul said this of Christians: "Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the LORD: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the LORD." (2nd.Corinthians 5:6-8).

     However, if the deceased died in a lost spiritual condition, his troubles have only just begun. The instant their soul leaves their body, it goes directly to a Devil's Hell to burn forever and ever. "The wicked shall be turned into Hell, and all the nations that forget GOD." (Psalm 9:17). The Bible states that Hell is a place "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." (Mark 9:44). Listen to the voice of the rich man crying out from Hell: "And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in Hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame." (Luke 16:22-24).

     Perhaps someone looked at the face of this rich man as he was prepared for burial, and remarked that he was at peace now, never to suffer anymore. How wrong their statement would have been ! As they were saying beautiful words over his body, his soul was screaming from the pits of a Devil's Hell. Suffering does not end at death for a lost person. After ten million years of eternity, he will still be burning. If you are spiritually lost and die in that condition, then you too will be doomed to a burning Hell.

     You might wonder what you must do to escape this torment in a Devil's Hell. The answer is the same one that JESUS gave to Nicodemus. "JESUS answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of GOD." (John 3:3). Just as you were born physically, you must be born spiritually to reach the portals of Heaven. "JESUS saith unto him, I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME." (John 14:6). The Apostle Paul declared the Gospel of salvation clearly in 1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4  "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 are not promised another day on this earth. Tomorrow might be too late. Now is the time to do something about your lost condition. ". . .For HE saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured (helped) thee: Behold, Now is the accepted time; Behold, Now is the day of salvation. . ." (2nd.Corithians 6:2b). Right now, while there is still life in your body, will you repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) of your sins and call upon JESUS CHRIST to come into your heart and save your soul ? "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). "But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name:" (John 1:12). The decision is yours. Where will your soul be when they are preaching your funeral ? Your life might end before another hour passes and your soul will be somewhere for all eternity. Will you receive JESUS CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR and be confident of everlasting life in Heaven ?

     If you would like to call on the LORD to save you, and have the promise of everlasting life, pray this simple prayer of salvation and receive CHRIST today:

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 you receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand." Receive JESUS today, tomorrow may be too late !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Vertical and the Horizontal Relationships"

 

1st.John 1:1-2:2 "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the WORD of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the FATHER, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the FATHER, and with HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of HIM, and declare unto you, that GOD is light, and in HIM is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with HIM, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

But if we walk in the light, as HE is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make HIM a liar, and HIS WORD is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an ADVOCATE with the FATHER, JESUS CHRIST the RIGHTEOUS: and HE is the propitiation (sacrificial payment) for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

     The "vertical" refers to our relationship with our SAVIOR and LORD. "GOD is faithful, by WHOM we were called unto the fellowship of HIS SON JESUS CHRIST our LORD" (1st.Corinthians 1:9). The "horizontal" refers to our relationship with other people: believers in CHRIST, loved ones, family members, neighbors, etc. The key to the horizontal is the vertical. If we are to relate in a proper way to our fellow man, then it is essential for our heart to be right with GOD. The foundation of our fellowship with other believers is our relationship with GOD: "that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the FATHER, and with HIS SON JESUS CHRIST" (1st.John 1:3 pictured at top of post). Our union with GOD HIMSELF makes it possible to enjoy oneness with fellow saints (Ephesians 4:1-3). 

     The vertical relationship must ever be our priority. Only as we keep our heart right with GOD can we be all that we should be to others. Those around us may not have a vertical relationship (unsaved), or perhaps they have a broken vertical relationship (carnal Christian). We cannot fix their problems, but we can be a testimony to them through our own fellowship with GOD. In a marriage as well as in other relationships between two believers, it is helpful to think of a triangle. GOD is at the top, and the two believers are on either side at the bottom. As both proceed upward toward GOD, they will find not only that they are drawing closer to the LORD but also closer to each other. Again, our GODward relationship is the key to every human relationship. Many will be offended by our vertical relationship (John 15:18-20 pictured above) yet may that drive us even closer to the heart of GOD. Stand firm against anything that hinders the vertical ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Will GOD Do What HE Said ?"

 

Genesis 1:6-15 "And GOD said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And GOD made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And GOD called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. And GOD said, Let the waters under the Heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And GOD called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called HE Seas: and GOD saw that it was good.

And GOD said, Let the Earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the Earth: and it was so. And the Earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and GOD saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day. And GOD said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the Earth: and it was so."

     Let us answer this question from the Scriptures, noting the italicized texts. "And GOD said. . .and it was so" (vv. 6-7, 9, 14-15, 24). "For HE spake, and it was done; HE commanded, and it stood fast" (Psalm 33:9). "[Abraham] staggered not at the promise of GOD through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to GOD; and being fully persuaded that, what HE had promised, HE was able also to perform" (Romans 4:20-21). "There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass " (Joshua 21:45) "Ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your GOD spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof" (Joshua 23:14). "Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto HIS people Israel, according to all that HE promised: there hath not failed one word of all HIS good promise" (1st.Kings 8:56). "The mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. . .The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this (Isaiah 40:5; 9:7). "All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of [by] the LORD by the prophet" (Matthew 1:22). "The Scriptures must be fulfilled" (Mark 14:49). "For there stood by me [Paul] this night the angel of GOD, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar. . .Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer; for I believe GOD, that it shall be even as it was told me" (Acts 27:23-25). "All things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning ME" (Luke 24:44 pictured above). "Thus saith the LORD" (found 415 times in the Old Testament). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The LORD's Supper"

 

1st.Corinthians 11:23-29 "For I have received of the LORD that which also I delivered unto you, That the LORD JESUS the same night in which HE was betrayed took bread: and when HE had given thanks, HE brake it, and said, Take eat: this in MY body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of ME. After the same manner also HE took the cup, when HE had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in MY blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of ME. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the LORD's death til HE come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the LORD, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the LORD. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the LORD's body."

     The LORD JESUS CHRIST left the church of the living GOD a wonderful heirloom in the ordinance of the LORD's Table, as noted by the Apostle Paul in today's Scripture text. The emblems in it are most simple in character -- bread and the unfermented juice of the grape -- yet the significance of them in the hands of JESUS CHRIST embodies the most profound facts in Christianity: the bread -- "MY Body"; the juice -- MY Blood." Both are symbols of HIS perfect character and mission of providing salvation.

     Seven features stand out in GOD's WORD about the LORD's Supper:

1.) CHRIST's Incarnation -- HE took bread and said, "This is MY body," reminding us that HE took upon HIMSELF not the figure of angels but the likeness of sinful flesh.

2.) CHRIST's Devotion -- HE gave thanks, expressing appreciation to GOD the FATHER for a body that was to be bruised and broken on the cross.

3.) CHRIST's Suffering -- after giving thanks, HE broke the bread, every word and act replete with meaning.

4.) CHRIST's Substitution -- "MY body, which is broken for you" indicates that it was not broken by accident; HE was wounded for our transgressions, broken for each one of us. The juice of HIS blood was poured out for our redemption.

5.) CHRIST's Invitation -- "Take, eat . . . This do in remembrance of ME."

6.) CHRIST's Purpose -- "Ye do show (forth) the LORD's death till HE come," bringing the Crucifixion ever before us because our entire salvation is based upon it.

7.) CHRIST's Prospect -- "Ye do show the LORD's death till HE come"; yes, HE is coming again in fulfillment of HIS unfailing promise.

Dwell on these truths when you next observe the LORD's Supper with other believers. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Turn To GOD's WORD ! "

 

Romans 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."

     How important is the WORD of GOD to you ? What impact has the Bible had on your life ? How often do you turn to the Scriptures to seek comfort or help as you face the issues of life ? In Romans 15:4, the Apostle Paul emphasized the value of the Scriptures, saying of the Old Testament writing, "Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." He reminded Timothy, his "son in the faith" (1st.Timothy 1:2), of what Timothy had learned as a child at the knee of his Mother and Grandmother: "And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in CHRIST JESUS" (2nd.Timothy 3:15 pictured above), "All (both Old and New Testament) Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable. . ." (2nd.Timothy 3:16 pictured at top of post), bringing about maturity and the manifestation of good works as the believer feeds upon the WORD of GOD (2nd.Timothy 3:17).

     We should be driven to the WORD over and over again as we face life each day. In the midst of joys and sorrows, struggles and trials, burdens and heavy loads, we find solace, comfort, peace, delight, and rest by spending time in GOD's Holy WORD. Do not give in to despair or depression. GOD is on the throne ! HIS WORD is still "true and righteous altogether" (Psalm 19:9). It is more precious than the purest gold and sweeter than the sweetest of honey (Psalm 19:10). As you feed upon the WORD, may the prayer of David likewise be yours: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in THY sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

" The Three C's of GOD's Plan "

Jeremiah 10:12 "HE hath made the Earth by HIS power, HE hath established the world by HIS wisdom, and hath stretched out the Heavens by HIS discretion."

GOD's Plan: Commencement

     The Scriptures marvelously detail all GOD presently wants us to know about HIMSELF, ourselves, and HIS plan for the universe. They contain the storyline revealing GOD's intentions and purposes for HIS creation. The LORD has gone on record, informing us how it all began: by HIS WORD. HE formed the entire cosmos, including Earth, and then filled it with HIS creation. Many texts in addition to Genesis document the world's inception: "When I consider THY heavens, the work of THY fingers, the moon and the stars, which THOU hast ordained, what is man. . ." (Psalm 8:3-4a). "By the WORD of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of HIS mouth." (Psalm 33:6 pictured above). "All things were made by HIM; and without HIM was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3). "For by HIM were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth, visible and invisible" (Colossians 1:16). "THOU are worthy, O LORD, to receive glory and honor and power: for THOU hast created all things, and for THY pleasure they are and were created" (Rev. 4:11).

     Believing that GOD is the SOURCE of everything is vital. Evolutionists have assaulted not just the Bible but also common sense and rational thinking. It is imperative that we firmly stand on the infallible, inerrant, GOD-breathed revelation (2nd.Timothy 3:16 pictured above) ! Hold fast and believe GOD's WORD regarding creation. Rest assured that the LORD has told us the truth concerning everything recorded in HIS WORD, including how this planet began and how man came into existence. If we can have faith in the Scriptures for the very redemption of our soul, certainly we can trust their record concerning life's origins.

Nehemiah 9:6 "THOU, even THOU, art LORD alone; THOU hast made Heaven, the Heaven of heavens, with all their host, the Earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and THOU preservest them all; and the host of Heaven worshippeth THEE."

GOD's Plan: Continuation

     The Bible teaches that everything in this universe had a beginning. Further study reveals the continuation of that which the LORD has created, in other words, GOD is at work sustaining all of HIS creation. The Scriptures affirm that GOD is preserving this world, "upholding all things by the WORD of HIS power" (Hebrews 1:3 two pictures above). The LORD JESUS CHRIST declared to HIS disciples, "Without ME ye can do nothing" (John 15:5 pictured above). Have you ever considered the ramifications of this statement or given thought to the fact that apart from GOD's sustaining hand upon everything in this universe, it would all collapse ? We have HIS precious promises that all things will continue for as long as the LORD desires them to do so: The sun will stay in its course (Psalm 19:4-6); the moon and stars will remain fixed in the heavens (Psalm 72:5); the Earth will continue experiencing its seasonal cycles (Genesis 8:22). And, GOD has pledged HIS assurance that HE never again will destroy the planet with the water of a flood (Genesis 9:11-17).

     The Bible assures us, on an individual level, that GOD is presently working out all things according to HIS own plan and purpose (Romans 8:28 pictured above; Ephesians 1:11). HE is concerned about the details in life, and HE uses them to teach us truths we need to learn (Genesis 50:20). Perhaps one of the most difficult lessons, we all face is the need to trust HIM absolutely (2nd.Corinthians 5:7). HE has taken care of man's greatest problem, namely, the payment for sin; since the LORD has done that should we not believe that HE can and will remedy subsequent problems and hardships we face ? Life's trials can overwhelm us, but the same GOD WHO sustains the universe is at work in and through us as well.

1st.Corinthians 15:24-28 "Then cometh the end, when HE shall have delivered up the kingdom to GOD, even the FATHER; when HE shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For HE must reign, till HE hath put all enemies under HIS feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is Death. For HE hath put all things under HIS feet. But when HE saith all things are put under HIM, it is manifest that HE is excepted, which did put all things under HIM. And when all things shall be subdued unto HIM then shall the SON also HIMSELF be subject unto HIM that put all things under HIM, that GOD may be all in all."

GOD's Plan: Consummation

     We have considered GOD's commencement and continuation of the universe, but the Bible also teaches that the LORD is taking HIS creation to an ultimate end -- HE has a purpose that HE is working out right now in light of eternity. For believers, the future is a glorious one in which we will see not only the Millennial kingdom, as so many Old Testament texts affirm, but also a new heavens and a new Earth (Revelation 21-22). This present world is not all that exists. Following the prophesied kingdom, over which JESUS CHRIST will reign from David's throne in Jerusalem for 1,000 years (Luke 1:32-33 two pictures above; Revelation 20:1-10), the LORD will vanquish "all rule and all authority and power" (v.24), including "the last enemy that shall be destroyed . . . Death" (v.26 pictured above) !

     Death was not a part of GOD's original creation; it entered this world through man's sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:17; 3:1-8). It is something not just foreign but absolutely antithetical to what GOD designed for HIS creation. Yet, as powerful and devastating as death is, it, too, one day will be defeated. Perhaps even today the LORD will return, and those who are CHRIST's will be resurrected at HIS coming, souls will be reunited with the bodies they once inhabited, and these corruptible bodies will be changed -- glorified -- "like unto HIS glorious body" (Philippians 3:20 pictured above). By raising the dead and establishing HIS kingdom, CHRIST will show to all that even in a fallen universe, HE is in control, and nothing can thwart HIS hand. Not even Satan can defeat HIM. HE will have the final WORD in all matters, and HIS sovereignty will be on display in a planet that has been the battlefield between the god of this world and the GOD of all glory. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation