Philippians 3:6-14 "Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for CHRIST. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS my LORD: for WHOM I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win CHRIST, and be found in HIM , not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of CHRIST, the righteousness which is of GOD by faith: that I may know HIM, and the power of HIS resurrection, and the fellowship of HIS sufferings, being made conformable unto HIS death;
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of CHRIST JESUS. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of GOD in CHRIST JESUS."
Some radical Muslims are committed to their extreme ideology even to the point that they are willing to blow themselves up in order to kill the "infidels." How committed are we as believers in the ONE TRUE GOD ? An African Pastor wrote:
"I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight-walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on HIS presence, walk by patience, live by prayer, and labor by power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my GUIDE reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of CHRIST. I am a disciple of JESUS. I must go till HE comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till HE stops me. And when HE comes for HIS own, HE will have no problem recognizing me - my banner will be clear." GWZ
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
GOD has prepared a place of eternal punishment for all those who reject HIM. It is called Hell, and it is a place of everlasting fire. The Bible, GOD's Holy WORD, states in Psalm 9:17, "The wicked shall be turned into Hell, and all the nations that forget GOD." Also in John 3:36 it says, "He that believes on the SON hath everlasting life: and he that believe not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him."
Hell was originally prepared for the Devil and his angels (demons). The Bible says in Matthew 25:41, ". . . Depart from ME, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels:" However, if you reject GOD's SON, JESUS CHRIST, and the payment HE has made for you, you will spend eternity in a Devil's Hell !
Should you reject GOD and go to Hell, you will never again be bothered by a Christian giving you a Gospel tract. Nor will you have to worry about anyone knocking on your door and inviting you to church again. However, you will remember every sermon you ever heard, every Gospel tract that you rejected, and every kind word from a Christian friend pleading with you to be saved.
The Bible tells the story of a man who went to Hell. It says, ". . . the rich man also died, and was buried; And in Hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and sees 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) Should you reject GOD and the opportunities HE has given you to trust HIM, you too will one day be like the rich man that you just read about. You will be crying and begging for one drop of water to cool your scorched tongue, but it will be too late !
My Friend, Please don't let anyone convince you that when you die it will be over. The Bible says in Hebrews 9:27, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" GOD says judgment will follow your death. Now is the time to get ready to meet HIM, because your Judgment Day could be today.
JESUS asked this question in Matthew 23:33: ". . . how can ye escape the damnation of Hell ?" The answer is so simple, and it is found in GOD's Holy WORD. To escape Hell, you must first realize that you are a sinner, and that you deserve Hell because of your sins. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23) and "For the wages of sin is death . . ." (Romans 6:23a)
Secondly, you must realize that JESUS CHRIST, GOD's only SON, paid sin's penalty that you deserve. The Bible states in Romans 5:8, "But GOD commended HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." Also, in 1st.Corinthians 15:1a,2a,3-4 states, "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel . . . 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:" JESUS CHRIST left Heaven and came into this world of sorrow. Just think, HE left the streets of gold and the rejoicing of the angels to come to this earth and be hated and crucified, so you could escape the burning Hell. John 3:16 says, "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."
There is nothing that you can do to earn this gift of everlasting life. The Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: NOT of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Finally, you must ask JESUS CHRIST to save you. Romans 10:9,13 says, "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."
If it is your desire to have your sins forgiven, everlasting life in Heaven and saved from a burning Hell, please pray this simple prayer, or one similar to it:
Dearest Heavenly FATHER, I know I am a sinner and need YOUR forgiveness. I believe that JESUS died and rose again for my sin. I am willing to turn to YOU from my sin. I now ask JESUS CHRIST to come into my heart and life as my personal LORD and SAVIOR. I am willing, by GOD's grace, to follow and obey CHRIST as the LORD of my heart and life. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.
PLEASE DO NOT REJECT GOD ! The Bible gives you this final warning: "And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:15). Let GOD write your name in the Book of Life and have the assurance of eternal life, "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the SON of GOD; that ye may KNOW that ye HAVE eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the SON of GOD." (1st.John 5:13)
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Also, the Gospel in 21 different languages @
www.theabalonekid.com/id187.html
"Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD." (Genesis 6:8). The days of Noah were evil because, ". . . the wickedness of man was great in the earth . . ." (Genesis 6:5). He believed that judgment was coming, and the only safe place was in the ark.
The Bible says; "By faith Noah, being warned of GOD of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." (Hebrews 11:7). Noah and his family put their faith and trust in GOD.
Dear Friend, Have you put your trust in GOD ?
You ask, "What does it mean to trust GOD ?"
FIRST, trust GOD when HE says that every person is a sinner.
The Bible tells us in Romans 3:10, ". . .There is none righteous, no, not one." And again in Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD." Our sins have separated us from GOD. Before you can know that you have eternal life and that you will go to Heaven, you must first know and believe that you are a sinner.
SECOND, trust GOD when HE says that our sin debt must be paid.
Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death,. . ." According to GOD's WORD, we are all sinners, and our sin must be paid for. If we fail to trust GOD in this life, we will die without CHRIST and spend eternity separated from GOD in a Devil's Hell.
THIRD, trust GOD when HE says that CHRIST died for our sins and rose from the dead.
The Bible tells us in Romans 5:8, "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." The best news that anyone could ever tell you is that JESUS CHRIST died for your sins. All our sins were laid on HIM. HE paid our sin debt in full.
CHRIST shed HIS blood on Calvary for you, because ". . . without shedding of blood is no remission" of sin (Hebrews 9:22). Then HE rose from the dead, and HE said to those who trust HIM, ". . . Because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19).
FOURTH, trust GOD when HE says we must personally receive CHRIST as our SAVIOR.
Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." That "whosoever" means you. GOD allows you to choose whether or not you will trust HIM.
A person can believe that GOD loves him. He can believe that he is a sinner and that sin must be paid for. But if he is not willing to put his faith and trust in CHRIST, he will die lost and be separated from GOD forever.
Let us review for a moment.
* Do you realize that GOD loves you ? (John 3:16)
* Do you believe that you are a sinner ? (Romans 3:23)
* Do you agree with the Bible that your sin debt must be paid ?
(Romans 6:23)
* Do you believe that CHRIST died for you ? (Romans 5:8)
* Do you see that you must call upon the LORD to save you ?
(Romans 10:13)
If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation or one like it:
LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.
The LORD JESUS said, ". . . I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28).
Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.
Now that you're a Christian:
* Share your new-found faith with your family and friends (Acts
16:31-33).
* Identify with CHRIST through believer's baptism and become part of a local, Bible-believing church (Acts 2:41,47).
We look forward to meeting you and rejoicing over your decision for CHRIST. Plan to visit us soon or watch us LIVE on-line on Facebook or Youtube. The Gulf Coast Baptist Church (239)-574-1000
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
John 6:31-40 "Our fathers did eat the manna in the desert; as it is written, HE gave them bread from Heaven to eat. Then JESUS said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from Heaven; but MY FATHER gives you the true bread from Heaven. For the bread of GOD is HE which comes down from Heaven, and gives life unto the world. Then said they unto HIM, LORD, evermore give us this bread. And JESUS said unto them, I AM the BREAD of life: he that comes to ME shall never hunger; and he that believes on ME shall never thirst.
But I said unto you, That ye also have seen ME, and believe not. All that the FATHER gives ME shall come to ME; and him that comes to ME I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from Heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of HIM that sent ME. And this is the FATHER's will which hath sent ME, that of all which HE hath given ME I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of HIM that sent ME, that every one which sees the SON and believes on HIM, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day."
The story has been told of a preacher and an atheistic barber who were walking through the city slums. Looking around, the barber declared to the preacher. "This is why I cannot believe in a GOD of love. If GOD were as kind as you say, HE would not permit all this poverty, disease, and squalor. HE would not allow these bums to be addicted to dope and other character-destroying habits. I cannot believe in a GOD WHO permits these things." The preacher was silent until they met a man who was especially unkempt and filthy. His hair was hanging down his neck, and he had a half-inch of stubble on his face. Said the preacher, "You can't be a very good barber, or you wouldn't permit a man like that to continue living in this neighborhood without a haircut and shave." Indignantly the barber answered, "Why blame me for that man's condition ? I can't help it that he is like that. He has never given me a chance to help him. If he would only come to my shop, I could fix him up and make him look like a gentleman !" Giving the barber a penetrating look, the preacher said, "Then don't blame GOD for allowing these people to continue in their evil ways when HE is constantly inviting them to come and be saved. The reason these people are slaves to sin and evil habits is that they refuse the ONE WHO died to save and deliver them."
The greatest surgeon in the world cannot help the patient who refuses to come to him or who refuses to let him do his work. The LORD JESUS CHRIST said, "Ye will not come to ME, that ye might have life" (John 5:40). All those who are willing to come to the GREAT PHYSICIAN will be wonderfully healed and eternally saved (John 6:37; 1st.Peter 2:24). GWZ
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
I CAME . . . because of your sin.
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinner;" 1st.Timothy 1:15a
"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" Romans 3:10
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" Romans 3:23
I DIED . . . to pay for your sin.
"But GOD commended HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us. Much more then, being now justified by HIS blood, we shall be saved from wrath through HIM." Romans 5:8-9
"But HE was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon HIM; and with HIS stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
"In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" Colossians 1:14
I AROSE . . . to keep you saved eternally.
"And this is the record, that GOD hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON." 1st.John 5:11
"Wherefore HE is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing HE ever lives to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25
"MY sheep hear MY voice, and I know them, and they follow ME: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand." John 10:27-28
YOU MUST REPENT . . . admitting you are guilty, that you cannot do anything to save or help save yourself, and that you need JESUS CHRIST.
"I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent (turn to GOD from your sin), ye shall all likewise perish." Luke 13:3
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and HE will have mercy upon him; and to our GOD, for HE will abundantly pardon. For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, saith the LORD." Isaiah 55:7-8
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us," Titus 3:5a
"But to him that works not, but believes on HIM that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Romans 4:5
YOU MUST TRUST . . . putting your complete faith in JESUS CHRIST to save you.
"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
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel . . . 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:" 1st.Corinthians 15:1a,2a,3-4
"He (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
"To declare, I say at this time HIS righteousness: that HE might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in JESUS . . . Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." Romans 3:26,28
MY PROMISE TO YOU IS . . . Salvation and Eternal Life.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and 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
"And this is the record, that GOD hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON. He that that hath the SON hath life; and he that hath not the SON of GOD hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the SON of GOD; that ye may KNOW that ye HAVE eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the SON of GOD." 1st.John 5:11-13
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
GOD loves us. Rather than leave us in our sin, HE sent HIS OWN SON, JESUS, to pay the penalty our sin demanded. Although JESUS lived a sinless life, HE died in our place. Before HE died, HE spoke 7 times from the cross. These are HIS WORDS.
"FATHER, forgive them for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34
The first WORDs from the cross are not about the pain or the injustice. They are a prayer for those who have just crucified the very SON of GOD.
"Verily, I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with ME in paradise." Luke 23:43
JESUS came to seek and to save those who were lost. Now, at HIS hour of death HE offers eternal salvation to the repentant thief hanging next to HIM. The offer still stands for ALL who repent and believe.
"Woman, behold thy SON . . . Behold thy Mother !" John 19:26b,27a
JESUS cares about those who love HIM. When HE saw HIS Mother weeping at the foot of the cross, HE made provision for her. HE instructed John to take care of her. JESUS knows and cares about our needs.
"MY GOD, MY GOD, why has THOU forsaken ME ?" Matthew 27:46
Separation from GOD is hell. There was no greater agony for JESUS than to be separated from GOD the FATHER. Yet HE willingly endured this suffering on our behalf. Those who refuse to repent (turn to GOD from their sin) and believe still face the agony of eternal separation from GOD and our loved ones. Repent and believe, while there is still time !
"I thirst." John 19:28
JESUS, though divine, assumed our human nature at HIS birth in order that the penalty due the human race would be borne by a human WHO never sinned. The agony of JESUS' thirst demonstrates the reality of HIS physical suffering on our behalf. That the son of GOD should become man is a mystery. That our sin and guilt can be laid on HIM is a mystery. But we believe and are saved !
"It is finished." John 19:30
The just anger of GOD against the sin of all mankind lay upon JESUS throughout HIS life, but especially at HIS crucifixion. Now the penalty was paid in full. The salvation of mankind was complete. Because of JESUS, we who believe, are reconciled to GOD and are members of GOD's family now and for eternity.
"FATHER, into THY hands I commend MY SPIRIT." Luke 23:46
The wages of sin is death. JESUS paid that price for all who believe. After three days, GOD raised HIM from the grave and after appearing to many of HIS believers, JESUS went back up into Heaven.
The salvation won for us by the sacrifice of JESUS is for any and all who come to HIM and believe the Gospel by faith . . .
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel . . . 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:" 1st.Corinthians 15:1a,2a,3-4
"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
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
"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
This great Bible verse reveals four truths from the heart of GOD for all people.
We are loved.
GOD wants us to know that we are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world . . . " You are 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).
We are of worth.
The LORD also 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). And sin must be paid for. "For the wages of sin is death . . ." (Romans 6:23). But the Bible also teaches us that ". . . CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures;" (1st.Corinthians 15:3b).
GOD demonstrated HIS love for us and our worth to HIM when HE sent HIS SON to die in our place. The good news (the Gospel) is that the LORD JESUS paid our sin debt in full when HE died on the cross. "For He hath made HIM to be sin for us . . ." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21). CHRIST loved us and gave HIMSELF for us as payment for our sin. 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).
We can have hope.
GOD wants us to know that we can have hope. HE said ". . . that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish. . ." Life is fragile, and people are perishing. But CHRIST 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).
We can have purpose.
GOD 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 & rose again from the dead for you, for "CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; was buried and rose again the third day. . . " (1st.Corinthians 15:3b-4a).
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 or one like it with all your heart for salvation:
LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.
The LORD JESUS said, ". . . I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28). Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.
Now that you're a Christian:
* Share your new-found faith with your family and friends (Acts 16:31-33).
* Identify with CHRIST through believer's baptism and become part of a local, Bible-believing church (Acts 2:41, 47).
We look forward to meeting you and rejoicing over your decision for CHRIST. Plan to visit us soon @ The Gulf Coast Baptist Church on YouTube or FB also at, Gulf Coast Baptist Church, 312 SE 24th.Avenue, Cape Coral, FL 33990 (239)-574-1000.
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
