" The Simple Gospel Truth "

1st.Corinthians 1:17 & 2:4-5   "For CHRIST sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of CHRIST should be made of none effect . . . And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the SPIRIT and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of GOD."

     We live in a world enamored by complexity. existential and esoteric interpretations of life and literature not only abound but are embraced as "true light" to be grasped if one is to find peace and enlightenment. The Apostle Paul made it clear that the Gospel he proclaimed, although profound in depth and implication, was simple to teach and comprehend. Sadly, many have turned GOD's truth into something much more complex than it is. Yes, the Gospel is theologically deep and its ramifications great, but it is not difficult to understand - nor should we make it so.

     Consider the following words written by Dr. A.T. Pierson at the beginning of the 20th. century, for they ring true for us today: "The preaching that lacks simplicity makes the cross of none effect, by lifting it above the level of the average man. When the Gospel is robed in unsanctified rhetoric, attention is diverted from the CHRIST to the 'Chrysostom,' the golden-mouthed orator. Such preachers, like the Pharisees, 'have their reward.' they call forth a cold, intellectual assent, awaken an aesthetic pleasure, kindle a sentimental glow, perhaps even an enthusiastic ardour and fervour; but they fail to pierce the heart with the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD of GOD. That sword proves living and powerful, not when worn in the sheath of scholarly culture, or when swung in the air to show the flashing gems with which learning decks it, but when drawn from its scabbard and thrust naked into the hearer's heart. A Scotch preacher has said that it is always some WORD of GOD that smites the sinner, and that man's words only feather GOD's arrow, that it may 'carry' straight to the mark."

     We have considered the need for simplicity in proclaiming the truth -  specifically, the Gospel message. In a day in which many glorify complexity and embrace uncertainty, we must be careful not to make the cross of CHRIST "of none effect" through our use of "vain words" and the "wisdom of the world."

     How can we effectively proclaim the truth with simplicity ? First, we must boldly declare that truth does exist and that it can be known. Truth exists in the spiritual and moral realms just as it exists in the physical realm. JESUS CHRIST is "the TRUTH." GOD's WORD is truth. the Gospel is truth. And, truth is communicated through language. One author rightly declared, "Language is GOD's vehicle for conveying truth." GOD uses HIS WORD, the Bible, to declare that a relationship with HIM comes only through faith alone in the person and work of JESUS CHRIST. The Gospel message is simple and clear: We all are sinners who need a SAVIOR, and Salvation is available by JESUS' death, burial and resurrection. Second, we must emphasize the power of GOD's WORD when we communicate the truth to others. As a living Book, it is more accurate than even eyewitness testimony or personal experience (2nd.Peter 2:19). It knows us better than we know ourselves (Hebrews 4:12-13). First Thessalonians 2:13 reveals the starting point for truth: Man must receive GOD's WORD as IT truly is - the very communication of GOD to man. Third, we must define the Gospel and other Christian terms clearly. Many today have no knowledge of Christianity or Christian vocabulary. We need to be plain about what Salvation is and is not. May we ably communicate GOD's truth to this lost world. MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used  with  permission.  www.feasite.org

" Sin's Beginning and End "

James 1:12-18   " Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the LORD hath promised to them that love HIM. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of GOD: for GOD cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempted HE any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then  when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the FATHER of lights, with WHOM is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of HIS OWN will begat HE us with the WORD of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of HIS creatures. "

     Like Adam and Eve, we naturally blame others, or even the LORD HIMSELF, for our failure to live according to GOD's Holy will (v.13 cf. Genesis 3:12-13). Excuses for our sin abound: "The temptation was just too great" or "My situation required choosing between two evils" or "I guess I'm not made with the kind of backbone others have." Each attempt to rationalize our transgressions shifts accountability away from self to another. This is disastrous, for it robs us of the only remedy for sin in our life - confession. Unless we take personal responsibility for our failure to comply with the LORD's commands, then we will cut ourselves off from HIS divine prescription for healing the sin-sick soul (Psalm 51:1-4; 107:17-21; 1st.John 1:5-10).

     The temptation to sin manifests itself in our being "drawn away" (v.14) from the "word of truth" (v.17). Two forces are at work in attempting to seduce the saint from the place of steadfastness (v.14): "his own lust" (from within) and "entice[ment]" (from without). The best defense, therefore, is to "keep [the] heart with all diligence" (Proverbs 4:23) and to circumspectly "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1st.Thessalonians 5:22).

     The end of sin is bleak for saint and sinner alike - for the former: a defeated, fruitless life now and loss of reward at the Judgment seat; for the latter: eternal suffering in the Lake of Fire. Notice carefully verse sixteen, a warning directed to the believer. The LORD will not allow the rebellious, wayward saint to continue on in known sin indefinitely; "there is a sin unto death" (1st.John 5:16; 1st.Corinthians 3:15-17; 5:5). Let us walk as children of light that we may obtain the glorious crown of life (vv.12, 17-18). DWC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide
Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" The Tragedy of a Pardon Refused "

Acts 10:34-43,  "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that GOD is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that fears HIM, and works righteousness, is accepted with HIM. The WORD which GOD sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by JESUS CHRIST:(HE is LORD of all:) That WORD, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judea and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; how GOD anointed JESUS of Nazareth with the HOLY GHOST and with power: WHO went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil; for GOD was with HIM.

And we are witnesses of all things which HE did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; WHOM they slew and hanged on a tree: HIM GOD raised up the third day, and showed HIM openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of GOD, even to us, who did eat and drink with HIM after HE rose from the dead. And HE commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is HE which was ordained of GOD to be the JUDGE of quick and dead. To HIM give all the prophets witness, that through HIS name whosoever believes in HIM shall receive remission of sins."

     In 1833, George Wilson was convicted of robbing the U.S.Mail in Pennsylvania and sentenced to death. Due to his friends' influence, Wilson was pardoned by Andrew Jackson. Wilson, however, refused the pardon. The Supreme Court was asked to rule on this unusual case, and the justices decided that if the prisoner does not accept the pardon, it is not in effect: "A pardon is a deed, to the validity of which delivery is essential, and delivery is not complete without acceptance. It may then be rejected by the person to whom it is tendered; and if it is rejected, we have discovered no power in this court to force it upon him." George Wilson was hanged.

     The living GOD, based on the cross-work of HIS beloved SON, has made it possible for GOD to remain righteous and at the same time justify (declare righteous) the ungodly sinner (Romans 3:26). JESUS CHRIST died as a SUBSTITUTE for all humanity (Hebrews 2:9; 1st.Timothy 2:6; 1st.John 2:2). Based on JESUS' finished work at Calvary, GOD offers a full and free pardon to every sinner on planet earth. The only condition is that the invitation must be accepted; the guilty must receive JESUS CHRIST and trust in HIM and in HIM alone. You would think that condemned men and women who are sentenced to eternal death (Romans 1:29-32; 6:23) would greatly rejoice in such a free gift and receive it at once. But tragically, the great majority of Hell-bound sinners refuse the GOD-offered pardon and choose instead to remain in their sins (John 8:24) and face their certain doom. How foolish it is not to receive GOD's gracious and complete forgiveness: "Through HIS [CHRIST JESUS'] name whosoever believes in HIM shall receive remission of sins" (Acts 10:43). GWZ
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: The Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" CHRIST: The OWNER, BUILDER & PRESERVER of the Church "

Matthew 16:18,   " And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build MY church; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. "

     People often ask each other, "Where is your church ?" And, just as often, the response is: "My church is such-and-such." Of course, the person is thinking in terms of a building where people meet for the purpose of worshiping GOD and ministering to one another. Our LORD speaks of building a church -- HIS church --not a material building, but saints "called out" by the LORD to form the body of CHRIST (1st.Corinthians 12), which is manifested in various locations by local assemblies. CHRIST's church represents the highest priority on GOD's agenda -- HIS blueprint for completing HIS plans on earth. Today's study contains such important truth that we need to understand.

     CHRIST owns the church: "I will build MY church." Believers have been purchased at tremendous cost and, understandably, are GOD's property (1st.Corinthians 6:19-20). We have been purchased not with silver and gold but with the blood of CHRIST (1st.Peter 1:18-19). The implications are obvious -- GOD's people do not exist for their own benefit but for HIS benefit. Thus, church leaders must remember that they are dealing with GOD's property; the Bible exhorts them to practice humility, not dictatorial leadership or manipulation (1st.Peter 5:1-3). Leaders certainly have to exercise authority, as the Scriptures teach, but not with hidden agendas for personal advancement (1st.Corinthians 4:2). Consider the following:  We are accountable to one another (Galatians 6:1ff). and GOD expects mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21) and servanthood (Philippians 2:4) from every member of HIS church. When church leaders attempt to use carnal methods to accomplish worthy goals, they have forgotten who owns the church. Our SAVIOR said, "I will build MY church."

     Not only does CHRIST own the church, but HE also builds the church. Before HIS ascension, JESUS instructed HIS disciples to make other disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), just as HE had taught while on earth. In all our evangelism and discipleship, we must realize that we cannot do CHRIST's work for HIM; we are merely HIS representatives during this period of HIS physical absence from the earth (2nd.Corinthians 5:17-20). When we view the latest technology or the newest church growth craze, we might wonder how the early church ever made it. Just as confusion is in the minds of many as to who owns the church, so it would appear that many are confused concerning who builds the church. In the frenzy to grow "seeker-sensitive, mega-church" ministries, forgotten is the fact that JESUS CHRIST made disciples the hard way -- one PERSON pouring HIS life into another in on-the-job training, which was, in turn, enjoined upon HIS followers (2nd.Timothy 2:2). In obedience to HIS command, JESUS' disciples witnessed to others with their lives and their lips; they saw no shortcut in building the early church.

     JESUS said, "I will build MY church." The particulars of that process are revealed in HIS command to "go . . . teach . . . baptize" (Matthew 28:19). All are called to be witnesses, for the implementation is in the "going" -- which may involve praying (Matthew 9:38), helping to send forth (Acts 13:3), and sustaining those who have gone into service (3 John 6-8). Those identified with CHRIST -- having received the WORD, they are baptized as an outward expression of their faith -- are to be indoctrinated in the truths of GOD's WORD. Yet the power is not ours (Matthew 28:18); CHRIST is the BUILDER -- "I will build MY church."

     CHRIST owns the church; CHRIST builds the church; CHRIST preserves the church -- "the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." Satan and all his host will not defeat the church. Even JESUS' OWN impending death did not prevent HIS work of building the church, for HE was anticipating HIS death and HIS victory over death through the resurrection (Matthew 16:21). The advance of CHRIST's church will never be halted; no effort of Satan can avail to destroy the church or prevent the progress of its testimony. The knowledge of this truth ought to take the pressure off our own schedules and agendas. We can be involved in CHRIST's building of the church with a sense of trust, believing that GOD's ultimate purposes will be accomplished. Three passive verbs in Ephesians 2:20-22 support the fact that the church is both built and preserved by GOD -- having been "built," we are also being "fitly framed" and "are builded together for an habitation of GOD through the SPIRIT." We are "living stones" upon whom CHRIST is using HIS chisel and hammer to ready the church for HIS OWN purpose (1st.Peter 2:5).

     What an encouragement this is to the heart of the child of GOD ! We are involved with CHRIST in the building of the church (HE is the BUILDER), and it is a no-risk venture. The ultimate success of HIS building project is guaranteed. It has been said that it is better to fail in a cause that will eventually succeed than to succeed in a cause that will eventually fail. Think of the implications: We may fail in many ways, but we are working in an enterprise that is at present GOD's highest priority -- success is inevitable. "The gates of hell shall not prevail against (the church)" -- CHRIST preserves HIS church. JED
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" CHRIST's Compelling Claims "

John 10:36; Luke 22:70; Matthew 16:13-17   "Say ye of HIM, WHOM the FATHER has sanctified, and sent into the world, THOU blasphemes; because I said, I AM the SON of GOD ? . . . Then said they all, Art THOU then the SON of GOD ? And HE said unto them, Ye say that I AM. . . . When JESUS came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, HE asked HIS disciples, saying, WHOM do men say that I the SON of MAN am ? And they said, Some say that THOU art John the Baptist: some Elijah and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. HE said unto them, But WHOM say ye that I AM ? And Simon Peter answered and said, THOU art the CHRIST, the SON of the living GOD. And JESUS answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto thee, but MY FATHER which is in Heaven."

     Throughout HIS public ministry, JESUS CHRIST made and authenticated two important and remarkable claims about HIMSELF. First, HE declared that HE was Israel's long-awaited MESSIAH ("CHRIST," "ANOINTED ONE"). This claim was carefully woven into the offers HE presented to Israel regarding the kingdom they had been promised throughout the Old Testament. When HE offered the nation of Israel the kingdom, HE was offering to them HIMSELF as their MESSIAH-KING (Matthew 4:17). However, they were hugely disappointed. The nation felt it needed a great warrior deliverer who would throw off the shackles of the Gentile nations, especially the one dominating them at that particular time: Rome. When this lowly Nazarene arrived, the nation reacted in nearly complete rejection (Matthew 12:14-45): There was no way such a peasant could possibly be the ONE WHO would "save HIS people" ! (Matthew 1:21). They failed to see that the real enemy of their soul (individually and collectively ) was not Rome but rather sin and ultimately Satan himself. The need for the DELIVERER went far beyond their mere temporal and present experience. The Jews believed their religious system, developed from an incorrect and perverted interpretation of the Scriptures, could address their sin problem through the attempt to keep strict religious rites and rituals.

     CHRIST's first coming was as the SUBSTITUTE for sinners, making the sacrifice that satisfied GOD's wrath (1st.John 2:1-2). HE was the LAMB of GOD, taking away the sin of the world (John 1:29). HE came to die, to save sinners.  HE came to buy us back from the slave market of sin. HE came to deliver those who by faith come to HIM for forgiveness.

     The Second claim CHRIST made, and verified time and again, was that HE was and is GOD incarnate (in the flesh). From a purely human perspective this is impossible. How could CHRIST be GOD and human simultaneously ? While the first claim was difficult to believe, as we saw above, this assertion was even more problematic to accept for the Jew of that or any day. The fact that the Jews understood exactly what HE was claiming is clear (John 10:33). JESUS proved valid HIS claim through HIS miracles. Throughout the Gospels HE demonstrated HIS power, multiplying fish and bread for thousands (Matthew 14:19-21) and turning water to wine (John 2:7-9), proving HIS authority over creation. HIS power and command over the realm of the "supernatural" were clear as well - at HIS WORD of rebuke, demons were instantly cast out of people (Mark 1:21-28) !

     Believers in the twenty-first century have become so accustomed to acknowledging the doctrine of CHRIST's deity that it is hard to understand how monumentally difficult this truth was for the first century Jews and Gentiles to embrace ! For the Jews, it was ingrained in them that GOD is not a man (Numbers 23:19) and that for a person to claim to be GOD was blasphemy. For Gentiles, they had accepted "gods" before in their myths and legends, some even believing in Caesar's deity, but recognizing that JESUS was the GOD was another matter. For all who know the LORD JESUS CHRIST as SAVIOR, the doctrine of HIS deity is one that provides us with great comfort and hope in this life (John 1:1-3; Colossians 2:9). The truth that the GOD of the universe would stoop to become a man is a verity that gives us great confidence in HIS promise and authority to save. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: The Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used  with  permission.    www.feasite.org

" Behavior Affected by Belief "

Psalm 10:1-12  " Why stand THOU afar off, O LORD ? why hide THOU THYSELF in times of trouble ? The wicked in his pride does persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire, and blesses the covetous, whom the LORD abhors. The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after GOD: GOD is not in all his thoughts. His ways are always grievous, THY judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffs at them. He has said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. He sits in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places does he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. He lies in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lies in wait to catch the poor: he does catch the poor, when he draws him into his net. He crouches, and humbles himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. He has said in his heart, GOD has forgotten: HE hides HIS face; HE will never see it. Arise, O LORD; O GOD, lift up THINE hand: forget not the humble."

     How a person behaves is vitally connected to what a person believes. Many today believe the satanic lie of evolution, and this has affected human behavior in a major way. For example, leading Nazis and German biologists revealed in their writings that Darwin's theory had a major influence upon Nazi race policies. Although it is no easy task to assess the conflicting motives of Hitler and his supporters, Darwin-inspired eugenics clearly played a critical role. If the Nazi Party had fully embraced and consistently acted on the belief that all humans were descendants of Adam and Eve and equal before the CREATOR GOD, as taught in Scripture, the Holocaust never would have occurred. If a person believes he owes his existence to blind chance, then he can find no real purpose or meaning to his existence. Such a hopeless worldview often leads to lawless conduct since no accountability to a HIGHER BEING is conceded.

     Before his death, convicted mass-murderer Jeffrey Dahmer stated the following on the NBC program Dateline (November 29, 1984):  "If a person doesn't think that there is a GOD to be accountable to, then what's the point of trying to modify your behavior to keep it within acceptable ranges ? That's how I though anyway. I always believed the theory of evolution as truth, that we all just came from the slime. When we died, you know, that was it, there is nothing, and I've since come to believe that the LORD JESUS CHRIST is truly GOD, and I believe that I, as well as everyone else, will be accountable to HIM." Only a vibrant faith in GOD and HIS inerrant WORD can counter the godless philosophies of our age that so greatly affect the actions of the lost ! GWZ
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" What Does It Mean to ' Believe ' " ?

Romans 10:8-17  "But what saith it ? The WORD is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the WORD of faith, which we preach; 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 believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation. For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believes on HIM shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same LORD over all is rich unto all that call upon HIM. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved. How then shall they call on HIM in WHOM they have not believed ? and how shall they believe in HIM of WHOM they have not heard ? and how shall they hear without a preacher ? And how shall they preach, except they be sent ? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things ! But they have not all obeyed the Gospel. For Esaias said, LORD, who hath believed our report ? So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of GOD."

     John Paton served the LORD for thirty years seeking to reach South Sea cannibals with the good news of CHRIST. One of his tasks was to translate the Bible into their language.Among his greatest difficulties was trying to find the equivalent for the word faith. His discovery of the right term is fascinating: "One day I was in the mission house anxiously pondering. I sat on an ordinary kitchen chair, my feet resting on the floor. An intelligent native woman entered the room, and the thought flashed through my mind to ask the all-absorbing question once again, in a new light. Was I not resting on the chair ? Would that attitude lend itself to the discovery ? I said, ' What am I doing now? ' Koikai ana, Misi. [You're sitting down, Missi.] '  Then I drew up my feet and placed them on the rung of the chair. Leaning back in an attitude of repose, I asked, 'What am I doing now ? '  ' Fakarongrongo, misi. [You are leaning wholly, Missi. You have lifted yourself from every other support.] '  ' That's it ! ' I shouted exultantly. A sense of holy joy awed me as I realized that my prayer had been answered. To lean on JESUS wholly and only is surely the true meaning of saving faith. And now ' Fakarongrongo JESU ea anea mouri [leaning on JESUS unto eternal life] ' is the happy experience of all who cast themselves unreservedly on the SAVIOR of the world for Salvation. "

     May we lean fully upon HIM, resting all of our weight on the person [WHO HE is] and work [what HE has done] and WORD [what HE has said] of JESUS CHRIST. HE will save to the uttermost all those who cast themselves upon HIM and upon HIM alone ! " He that believes on ME hath everlasting life " (John 6:47). GWZ
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission.   www.feasite.org