" Ye Shall Be Witnesses "

Acts 1:8   "But ye shall receive power, after that the HOLY GHOST is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

     As believers in JESUS CHRIST, we are to be witnesses of HIS person, HIS work, HIS saving power, and HIS ability to give victory over sin in the life. Sadly, many Christians today are poor witnesses. They are good witnesses of the world and all it offers but poor witnesses of the SAVIOR WHO delivered them from the power of the god of this world. The Bible is full of examples of good and bad witnesses. Consider Daniel and his three Hebrew Friends. They held true to their convictions by not defiling themselves with the food and drink of the Babylonians (Daniel 1:3-20). They testified, through their godly obedience to the LORD, of the goodness and power of their GOD.

     Notice once again the instructive words of the late T.C.Horton, a godly author and Bible teacher: "Our LORD is entitled to clean-cut testimony from the lives of HIS followers; and the needy world is also entitled to the testimony of GOD's power to sustain HIS followers in their separation from the things which defile and demean . . . . Who else can testify and witness for HIM if we who are redeemed by HIS precious blood and exalted to the position of sons of GOD, fail HIM ? The test of Daniel and his friends was a three years' test, and they stood it and proved the rightfulness of their claim. Oh, that the church might rise to the privilege which is hers and be able, by the lives of her members, to be saying, 'Here is the proof.' " Carefully read today's text once again. GOD is not asking us to be witnesses. We are HIS witnesses to a lost world. Are we accurately representing our SAVIOR and testifying of HIM when the opportunity arises ? Are we standing out from the world as lights in the midst of darkness ? MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" Walking With GOD "

Genesis 5:18-24   "And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch: and Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: and all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died. And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: and Enoch walked with GOD after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: and all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: and Enoch walked with GOD: and he was not; for GOD took him."

     To the average reader of today, Genesis 5 could easily be considered a chapter of nobodies - just names, nothing more. However, such a conclusion would unjustly underestimate these people. It has been said, "The best part of human history is never written." Many well-known names have graced the pages of our history books while simple, honest, godly men have not been known six doors down from their own house. No great, swelling words will ever describe their passage here on this earth; they have lived and died with little notice. However, be not too hasty in your journey along the "flat road" of Genesis 5. This road takes us from Seth to Jared with little more than the "begat(s)" and the repetitive "and he died." Ah, but then we are met with Enoch. "Enoch," you ask, "who is he?" His son (Methuselah), in the minds of some, is more important because of his long life. The noblest deeds are often forgotten, but Enoch is introduced as one of the few men in the Bible against whom GOD had nothing to say. In addition, the Scriptures note that "Enoch walked with GOD" (vv.22,24). Passed over by many, Enoch was not forgotten or ignored by the LORD.

     He "walked with GOD" - such a wonderful expression ! Does it not project the most extraordinary image ? The word walk signifies "the whole round of the activities of the individual life." He "walked with GOD" - imagine how difficult that was in a world filled with vice and violence during the years right before the flood, when only a remnant of people believed GOD (Genesis 6:5). Despite the obstacles, he walked in fellowship with GOD (vv.22,24), and by faith (Hebrews 11:5) he was taken to Heaven. What an example ! JED
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used  with  permission.    www.feasite.org

" Childlike Faith "

Matthew 18:1-3   "At the same time came the disciples unto JESUS, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven ? And JESUS called a little child unto HIM, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven."

     The Gospel, the Good News of Salvation, was wonderfully designed by GOD so that not only can a child understand it, but a child's mind receives it even more easily than the adult mind. The child's mind is not cluttered with thoughts of self-sufficiency and personal merit and is able to joyfully place dependence in JESUS.

     In today's text, the disciples had been discussing who would be greatest in the kingdom of Heaven (v.1). This arrogant attitude blinded the minds of these men to the true nature of the kingdom wherein the least is the greatest and little deeds bring grand rewards (Matthew 11:11; 25:40,45). JESUS ignored the disciples' question and went right to the heart of the issue of true conversion. No more important question exists than the one asked by the Philippian jailer: "What must I do to be saved ?" (Acts 16:30). Our LORD told them to listen and understand the fact that entrance into GOD's kingdom requires conversion. Conversion is a willful turn from our sinfully lost condition unto JESUS CHRIST. Then JESUS added that this turn needed to be in the spirit of a "little child" (v.2). One must shed any perceived merit and simply trust in CHRIST's provision for us.

     Many have attempted to clutter the simple Gospel passages with the baggage of various theological systems, but asking a child to plainly explain these Scripture texts often provides refreshing clarity. The Gospel, though its depths and heights will fascinate us throughout eternity, is also wonderfully simple. "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 can be grasped by the reader of any age ! JMC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission.    www.feasite.org

" Biblical Christianity: Separating Fact from Fiction "

Matthew 7:21-23   "Not every one that says unto me, LORD, LORD, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that does the will of MY FATHER which is in Heaven. Many will say to ME in that day, LORD, LORD, have we not prophesied in THY name ? and in THY name done many wonderful works ? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from ME, ye that work iniquity."

     Much that exists under the banner of Christianity has little or nothing to do with true biblical Christianity. Today's Christianity has been loaded down with the baggage of men's religious ideas. True biblical Christianity is based exclusively upon direct revelation from GOD given in HIS WORD, the Bible. In today's text, JESUS warned of those whose "Christianity" would be highly religious but not truly Christian. JESUS shared that the way of Salvation is narrow: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). The way of Salvation is not open to our ideas or opinions; it is exclusive. Either we lay aside our ideas and come to GOD as HE requires, or we will some day hear HIS WORDs, "Depart from ME" (v.23).

     Some were offended when they heard JESUS speak, just as many today are offended when confronted with the exclusiveness of JESUS' WORDs: "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man comes unto the FATHER, but by ME" (John 14:6). The Bible declares, "Neither is there Salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). If JESUS were to walk this earth today and proclaim the same "narrow" message of Salvation HE preached 2,000 years ago, it would likely be so-called "Christians" who would crucify HIM. Is your Christianity based on men's thoughts about CHRIST, or are you basing your faith solely upon what GOD has revealed in HIS WORD ? Your eternity rests upon the answer ! JMC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: The Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

"When No One Seems to Care . . . HE Cares for You "

     

Psalm 142:1-7   "I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before HIM; I showed before HIM my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then THOU knew my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto THEE, O LORD: I said, THOU art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise THY name: the righteous shall compass me about; for THOU shalt deal bountifully with me."

     In David's distress he cried out to the LORD, "No man cared for my soul" (v.4b). He was distraught. Although he had called to GOD for help (V.1), he had not yet received his answer, and a feeling of loneliness overwhelmed him (v.3a). He found himself in a very difficult time of trouble (v.2b), for his enemies were trying to ensnare him (v.3b). Everywhere he turned, he was overlooked by others (v.4); his earthly refuge failed. He had been brought low, and his enemies' strength surpassed his own (v.6). Daily cares and dangers brought this man of GOD to the brink of despair.

     Today, many of GOD's dear children are facing similar situations and are going through times of greater trials than ever before. The world is experiencing rapid change and great upheaval. Nations are changing; churches are changing; people are changing; moral and spiritual standards are changing. Separation from those we love or those we have come to depend upon often causes emotional devastation, whether it be separation because of the death of a husband, wife, child, or some other dear one or whether it be separation from family members or fellow believers who are living in sin and resentful of scriptural reproof and rebuke. But let us not forget that whenever GOD takes a dear one from our side, HE has promised to fill the void (Psalm 68:4-6). And, when our loneliness is a result of biblical separation from false teachers, disobedient brethren, and the world, let us not forget the promise of GOD to "be a FATHER" unto those who "come out" and "touch not the unclean thing" (2nd.Corinthians 6:14-18). the LORD has a perfect place of refuge for you, and HE absolutely cares when no one else does.

     We must not forget that even in those times when it seems to us no one cares, our LORD does care. And because GOD is all-wise, all-powerful, and all-loving, HE is the best companion anyone could ever have, and HIS companionship is eternal ! Separation from HIM is impossible, for CHRIST promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5b). However, if we allow our human feelings to dominate, then we open the door for Satan to take advantage of us. It is in those times of deep despair and discouragement that we are apt to speak and act according to the flesh rather than the SPIRIT. David's time of discouragement actually prevented him from fully enjoying the promises of GOD. However, David did take his troubles, his anxieties, and his complaints to the LORD in prayer (vv.1-2, 5-7). He knew in his heart that the LORD was his only real refuge and that GOD would "deal bountifully" with him (vv.5,7). So why then did the psalmist cry out, "No man cared for my soul" (v.4) ?

     David initially focused on his circumstances rather than on GOD's promises (2nd.Peter 1:3-4). The LORD wanted him to learn lessons that only the failure of the "arm of flesh" could teach (2nd.Chronicles 32:8). Today when so many faithful pastors, churches, and individuals are going through times of testing and when loneliness increases as we take our stand for the truth and against error, let us quickly learn every lesson the LORD wants to teach us. Despondency will overtake us unless we take to heart the promises of our LORD. Does anyone care ? Yes, "HE cares for you" (1st.Peter 5:7), and GOD will prove HIMSELF faithful to all who look to HIM in faith during their time of need. MHR
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used  with  permission.    www.feasite.org

" A Life-Changing Message "

Matthew 28:1-8   "In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the LORD descended from Heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lighting, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek JESUS which was crucified. HE is not here: for HE is risen, as HE said. Come, see the place where the LORD lay. And go quickly, and tell HIS disciples that HE is risen from the dead; and, behold,, HE goes before you into Galilee; there shall ye see HIM: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring HIS disciples word. "

     The message of JESUS' death, burial, and resurrection is called the Gospel, a word meaning "good news." The resurrection of JESUS is the joyful proclamation of the Christian. On that resurrection morning several women "departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring HIS disciples word" (v.8) that JESUS "is risen from the dead" (v.7). Mary Magdalene had a personal encounter with the resurrected LORD and went and told the disciples that HE was alive (Mark 16:9-11; John 20:18). Two on the road to Emmaus walked and talked with the risen JESUS and declared to the other disciples the message: "The LORD is risen indeed" (Luke 24:34).

     Before the LORD JESUS ascended bodily into Heaven, HE gave to HIS disciples the "Great Commission."  HE said, "GO ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY SPIRIT: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15). CHRIST gave Peter the special commission to "feed MY lambs" and "feed MY sheep" (John 21:15-17). JESUS instructed HIS disciples: "But ye shall receive power, after that the HOLY SPIRIT is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto ME both in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). And indeed, on the day of Pentecost, GOD empowered the Apostle Peter to preach concerning the life, death, burial, and resurrection of CHRIST, resulting in the Salvation of about 3,000 souls (Acts 2:14-42). You and I have a life-changing message that the whole world needs to hear from our lips and view in our lives. We serve a RISEN SAVIOR ! PNF
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" The WORD is Divine "

John 1:1-5    " In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. The same was in the beginning with GOD. ALL things were made by HIM; and without HIM was not any thing made that was made. In HIM was life; and the life was the light of men. And the LIGHT shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. "

     In a previous study, we considered the fact that the "WORD" - JESUS CHRIST - is eternal and personal. HE desires a relationship with HIS creation - a relationship that was broken due to man's sin in the Garden. This is the very reason why "the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Today, we will consider a third characteristic of JESUS.

     The WORD is Divine - "And the WORD was GOD" (v.1c). This second person WHO was "with GOD" (v.1) is just as equally GOD as the other person (GOD the FATHER) with WHOM HE was in fellowship in eternity past. Yes, the WORD shares the divine nature. HE is "light" and "life" (vv.4-5). Only GOD could be life before life as we know it existed, and only GOD could be the light that not only gave physical light to mankind but spiritual light as well. JESUS CHRIST is the LIGHT (John 8:12, see picture), the revelation of GOD to man. 

     Because JESUS is GOD, nothing - including darkness - can extinguish or overcome HIM even though darkness is trying to prevail today as men "call evil good, and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20, see picture). Darkness abounds (see 2nd.Corinthians 4:4-6, see picture). We are surrounded by darkness of the religious mind ("I can figure out life by my own reason"), darkness of the scientific mind ("I am here only due to chance"), and darkness of the political mind ("I can secure world peace through strategic political means"). Despite all the darkness that surrounds us, JESUS CHRIST is LIGHT (John 8:12, see picture) and LIFE (John 11:25, see picture). Read Psalm 36:7-9, see picture) and thank GOD today that we can know life and light because the divine WORD - the LIFE and LIGHT of the world - came to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10, see picture). MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used  with  permission.    www.feasite.org