"The First Drop of Blood"

 

2nd.Timothy 2:1-3 " Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in CHRIST JESUS. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful me, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST."

     Dr. David Livingstone was a Scottish missionary and physician known for his exploration of Africa during the mid-nineteenth century. He once said, "If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all" (Quote pictured at top of post). A similar sentiment came from the lips of Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth President of the United States. He used to remark that he could get any amount of men who were "willing to shed their last drop of blood"; however, he found it difficult to get some men to shed their first drop.

     In today's text, the Apostle Paul told young Timothy to "be strong in the grace that is in CHRIST JESUS" and to "endure hardness, as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST." To the believers in Ephesus, his words were fraught with meaning where he challenged them to "be strong in the LORD, and in the power of HIS might" (Ephesians 6:10 pictured above). He went on to further exhort, "Put on the whole armour of GOD" (Ephesians 611 pictured above). I have a friend who often says, "Growing old is not for sissies." Well, the Christian life is not for sissies either ! In the midst of a trial involving a physical infirmity, Paul received the LORD's reminder that HIS grace is what would lift him up and sustain him (2nd.Corinthians 12:7-10). The Apostle did not depend upon his own strength or abilities, and to the believers in Philippi, Paul said, "I can do all things through CHRIST which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). No, the Christian life was never promised to be an easy life. Trials, troubles, and struggles will come, but the LORD will supply the necessary strength, wisdom, grace, and patience. Heed Paul's challenge to "quit you like men, be strong" (1st.Corinthians 16:13 pictured above).JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Made IN CHRIST"

2nd.Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

     Most likely, you have had the experience of looking at items for sale and noticing the following labels: "Made in Japan," "Crafted in China," "Manufactured in Taiwan," "Tailored in Romania," or even "Made in USA -- Assembled in Mexico." However, one can find a "made in" that is never farmed out to another country, crosses all cultural and socio-economic boundaries, applies to every people and age group, and is universally needed by each and every person on the planet. The "made in" of which I am speaking is the label "made IN CHRIST." Every child of GOD is made IN CHRIST. It is amazing to realize that sin has unmade us, but GOD's grace remakes us. Today's verse tells us that we are new creatures, or creations, IN CHRIST JESUS.

     Contemplate with me some ways that we are "made in CHRIST:"

We are "made nigh" -- we have nearness to GOD because of CHRIST in Ephesians 2:13.

We are "made righteous" --we are "made the righteousness of GOD" in CHRIST in 2nd.Corinthians 5:21 (pictured above).

Our robes are "made. . .white," speaking of purity or holiness because faith applied the purifying blood of JESUS once for all in Revelation 7:14 and Hebrews 7:27.

We have been "made accepted" -- we are "accepted in the BELOVED," highly favored of GOD and graciously received of HIM in Ephesians 1:6 (pictured above).

We give thanks that GOD has "made us meet" "to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light," speaking of the sufficiency of CHRIST in Colossians 1:12. 

In addition, we are "made heirs" -- we have heirship "according to the hope of eternal life" in Titus 3:7

Finally. as children of GOD, we are "made Kings and Priests" -- GOD the FATHER has granted us nobility in Revelation 1:6. 

REJOICE, dear Christian - You are "made IN CHRIST." JED

Your servant IN CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"Tell It To JESUS ! "

 

"Casting all your care upon HIM;

for HE careth for you." 1st.Peter 5:7

"Trust in HIM at all times. . .

pour out your heart before HIM:

JESUS is a refuge for us."  Psalm 62:8

GOD loves you. JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

JESUS Said We Are Loved.

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.

JESUS Said We Are of Worth.

JESUS 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. Our sin must be paid for. "For the wages of sin is death. . ." Romans 6:23.

JESUS "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. 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.

JESUS Said We Can Have Hope.

GOD wants us to know that we can have hope. JESUS said, ". . .that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish. . ."

Life is fragile, and people are perishing. JESUS said I 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.

JESUS Said Our Life Can Have Purpose.

JESUS 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, "CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures." 1st.Corinthians 15:3.

CALL upon the LORD to save you, "for whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." Romans 10:13. If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation:

LORD JESUS, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe you died and rose again for me. I trust YOU to forgive me and deliver me from my sin. Come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

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 LORD and SAVIOR. GOD bless you. 

Share your new-found faith with your family and friends. Acts 16:31-33.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

JESUS said, "If ye shall ask any

thing in MY name, I will do it . . .

Call unto ME, and I will answer

thee, and show thee great and

mighty things, which thou

knowest not."

John 14:14; Jeremiah 33:3

Gulf Coast Baptist Church

Pastor Rober Butz

Pastor Tom Sexton, Pastor Emeritus

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-1000

GulfCoastBaptist@aol.com

www.gulfcoastbaptistchurch.com

https://www.FiveStarChristianMinistries.com

Printed in Memory of Dalton Cash

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"PORNOGRAPHY: Death of a Marriage"

By Dr. Tom Sexton

The Bible tells us that, "Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." (Jude 1:7)

"Fornication" is a word GOD uses to describe all sexual sins including Pornography. This sin had captured men, women, and children in "Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them..." People of Sodom and Gomorrah passed on their sexual perversions to their children and to their future generations. JESUS spoke of looking on a woman to lust after her during HIS earthly ministry in Matthew 5:28 pictured below.

Sadly, in our day, many young brides enter into a marriage with dreams of hope and love, then are shocked when they discover a pornography problem with their husband during their marriage. And not just a problem, but a serious addiction.

Premarital counseling from parents, pastors, and others in a couple's life, should be told about a serious problem such as sexual addiction before entering into a marriage, especially a marriage where children will be born. Sexual addictions create a tremendous problem in a marital relationship and usually they are passed on to the children in the family.

Marrying to rid oneself of a pornography addiction is very foolish and nothing more than wishful thinking in a couple's relationship. This problem should be addressed 100% before marriage.

A wife cannot solve this kind of addiction in her husband's life because she does not begin to understand what will be required of her in their physical relationship within the marriage.

A young bride, who has discovered this hidden sin in the man she has chosen to spend the rest of her life with; and raise a family, must not keep this a secret from the ones who can help.

If a family member, of the husband, knew of such an addiction and chose to keep it from the bride, before marriage, they have committed a horrible sin against their family and the children who will be born.

They also have disqualified themselves from helping the new couple and their family, because they have proven themselves untrustworthy, and cannot be trusted with the future of others.

It may take years before they will have a loving, trusting relationship with their daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. The reason I say this so strongly is because people become what they are willing to accept.

The Bible says, "It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment." (Proverbs 18:5 pictured below) A family member, who knew of this addiction and chose to keep it a secret, may find themselves entangled in the same sin. We all are becoming what we are willing to accept.

Young wives and mothers my choose not to fight nor to say or do anything that would bring shame on their family's good name because of this sin, but their silence is a mistake. They must get help, or the problem will only get bigger and possibly consume their children in the home.

In my ministry I have witnessed the children of such men entering this wicked lifestyle in their teenage years. Sadly, their fathers have by then lost all influence to help their own children from going into the world their fathers are addicted to and consumed with.

The Bible says, "the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly" (Genesis 13:13 pictured above) Lot became one of the men of Sodom, lost his influence and could not help his married children escape the judgement of GOD on Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Bible says, "And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law."  (Genesis 19:13 pictured below)

Lot lost his married daughters forever. How foolish for a husband and father to follow the example of Lot which "vexed his righteous soul." (2nd.Peter 2:8)

WINNING  VICTORY

The Bible says that GOD "delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The LORD knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:"  (2nd.Peter 2:7-9).

We must remember that GOD is able to deliver. The LORD JESUS taught HIS disciples to pray, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For THINE is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen." (Matthew 6:13).   What can we do ?

Do not try to hide it from GOD.

"If we say that we have fellowship with HIM, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. . .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." (1st.John 1:6-9). This sin cannot be hidden from GOD.

Confess and forsake it.

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but: whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (Proverbs 28:13 pictured below).

It is not enough just to confess this sin; it must also be forsaken.

Make NO provisions for it.

"Put ye on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." (Romans 13:14).

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes." (Psalm 101:3).

Disconnect all means of connecting to the vile world of pornography, not only for your sakes but also for your family's sake.

Choose your friends very carefully.

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." (Proverbs 13:20).

Surround yourself with good godly friends.

Make yourself accountable.

Be accountable to your pastor.

"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the WORD of GOD: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. . .Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:7,13).

No one will be able to win this victory without spiritual help.

Be accountable to you wife.

"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of GOD." (Ephesians 5:21).

The Bible says, "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." (Proverbs 18:22 pictured below)

The Bible also says, "By this I know that THOU favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me." (Psalm 41:11).

Our three great enemies are: the world, the flesh, and the devil. A wife, with the favor of the LORD, can help you win personal victory over the sin of pornography.

You must let your wife help you. You are in this battle together as one !

Be accountable to your Christian friends.

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs 27:17).

Good friends will help you keep your sword sharp !

Die to self.

"In CHRIST JESUS our LORD, I die daily." (1st.Corinthians 15:31).

"I am crucified with CHRIST: nevertheless I life; yet not I, but CHRIST liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the SON of GOD, WHO loved me, and gave HIMSELF for me." (Galatians 2:20 pictured below).

You must live the "crucified" life.

Never accept this as normal

behavior for our day !

"It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment." (Proverbs 18:5 pictures earlier in this post).

Fathers must always remember that those who follow them will become what they themselves are willing to accept. We are all, today, what we have been willing to accept !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

By Dr. Tom Sexton

WordToTheWorld@aol.com

www.FiveStarChristianMinistries.com

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"No Longer"

1st.Peter 4:1-11 " Forasmuch then as CHRIST hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of GOD. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: who shall give account to HIM that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

For for this cause was the Gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to GOD in the spirit. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath receive the gift, even to minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of GOD. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of GOD; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which GOD giveth: that GOD in all things may be glorified through JESUS CHRIST, to WHOM be praise and dominion for ever and ever, Amen.

     How tragic it is when a person, who claims to be a believer in JESUS CHRIST, continues to live as an unsaved person, showing little if any evidence of a transformed life ! He still fulfills the strong desires of the flesh. He still loves the things of the world. He still lives as if he were a stranger to the grace of GOD. He has little hunger for the WORD of GOD and a meager appetite for the things of CHRIST. Yet GOD's command to the Christian is this: "Let every one that nameth the name of CHRIST depart from iniquity" (2nd.Timothy 2:19 pictured above). The watchword of every saint should be: "No Longer !" 

     Consider these precious passages and apply them to yourself:

1. No longer am I a slave of sin: "Knowing this, that our old man is [was] crucified with HIM, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Romans 6:6).

2. It is no longer the self-life, but it is the CHRIST-life -- HIS life in me: "I am crucified with CHRIST: nevertheless I live; yet not I [literally, it is "no longer I"], but CHRIST liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the SON of GOD, WHO loved me, and gave HIMSELF for me" (Galatians 2:20 pictured above).

3. I no longer live to please myself:  "And that HE died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto HIM which died for them, and rose again" (2nd.Corinthians 5:15).

4. I no longer live the way unsaved people live: "That ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind" (Ephesians 4:17). 

The second verse of today's text sums it up well: "That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of GOD." May our motto daily be: "No longer !" GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"No Respecter of Persons"

 

Acts 10:30-34 "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 cometh, 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:"

     "I perceive that GOD is no respecter of persons" (v.34). The Apostle Peter uttered those words in the house of a Roman centurion who was seeking GOD. In that home, the LORD made clear the answer to a question that the Apostle Paul would eventually ask and answer: "Is HE the GOD of the Jews only ? is HE not also of the Gentiles ? Yes, of the Gentiles also" (Romans 3:29). In fact, Paul reproduced the same thought as Peter with nearly the same phrase, writing, "For there is no respect of persons with GOD" (Romans 2:11 pictured above). In regard to all distinctions of social rank or wealth or knowledge or ethnicity or race, etc., GOD is clearly "no respecter of persons." His message of truth, the offer of salvation, is available to all -- whosoever will, may come.

     In the opening chapters of John's Gospel, JESUS demonstrated the availability of the Gospel message to all people. Two rugged fishermen, Peter and Andrew, became HIS disciples, as recorded in the first chapter (John 1:40-42). In chapter three, we have the account of a religious but self-righteous and lost Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus who came to JESUS by night and was told, "Ye must be born again" (John 3:7). We learn in chapter four that our LORD deliberately passed through Samaria in order to encounter a sinful, fallen woman at Jacob's well and to offer her "living water. . .a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:10, 14 pictured above). Also in chapter four, a nobleman (a royal person) appealed to JESUS on behalf of his dying son, "and the man believed" (John 4:49-53). GOD is no respecter of persons, and whosoever will, may come. Come now. No matter who you are or what you have done, HE will not turn you away. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"GOD's Grace"

 

Galatians 2:21 "I do not frustrate the grace of GOD: for if righteousness came by the Law, then CHRIST is dead in vain."

     "Amazing grace" - speak these words and immediately most minds (even those of the unsaved) will be turned to the Christian hymn of that same name written by John Newton, who had been saved from a life of sin and debauchery. His well-known and beloved hymn has been heard and sung around the world. Our hymnals are filled with other songs that also herald the grace of GOD ("the free unmerited love and favor of GOD, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him." Webster's 1828 Dictionary). We sing of GOD's grace in hymns such as: "Behold, What Wonderous Grace"; "Grace Greater Than Our Sin"; "Victory Through Grace"; "He Giveth More Grace"; "Grace, 'Tis a Charming Sound," to name a few.

     Salvation is by grace through faith; GOD's grace is sufficient; receive not the grace of GOD in vain; by the grace of GOD, I am what I am -- these and many other thoughts concerning the grace of GOD are found throughout Scripture. In Paul's letter to the Galatian believers, he said "I do not frustrate the grace of GOD." Paul was not depending on the Law of Moses to redeem him from sin. He was "in CHRIST" and was totally dependent on JESUS and HIS redemptive work on the cross. Consequently, Paul did not set aside, refuse, thwart, or neutralize the grace of GOD -- "the free gift of justification which GOD had offered him in HIS SON. He had made his choice of CHRIST, and not of the Law. On the other hand, if he had chosen the Law, and gone to it, and not to CHRIST. . .he would have practically declared the death of CHRIST to be a useless and unnecessary sacrifice" (Ellicott's Bible Commentary). Thank GOD for HIS AMAZING GRACE ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation