" Critically Important News "

 

Ephesians 2:1-9  "And you has HE quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in time past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But GOD, who is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with CHRIST, (by grace ye are saved): and has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS: that in the ages to come HE might show the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us through CHRIST JESUS. 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."

     Daily we are inundated with news. Some of it is interesting, and some of it is relevant to our life in the present. But GOD has news that makes everything else pale in comparison. It is important because it affects not just today or the near future but all eternity. This GOOD NEWS from GOD is the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST. The Bible tells us that, prior to being saved, we "were dead in trespasses and sins" (v. 1 above). Being "dead" does not imply that we are unable to live or function, nor does it mean we are powerless to comprehend our spiritual condition or its remedy. Rather, it means we are separated from GOD, unable to save ourselves. Because we are sinners by birth and deed, our mind, emotions, and will are under the control of sin. Thus, anything we attempt to do in order to bring about GOD's forgiveness is also tainted by human depravity, rendering it unacceptable to HIM. This sinful condition leaves mankind in a state of spiritual death, unable to accomplish any work that would generate life (v. 9).

     However, we have good news: The LORD JESUS died in our place. HIS death, burial and resurrection secured the forgiveness of our sins, reconciling us to GOD the FATHER. When we are forgiven, we receive the gift of eternal life. To obtain this eternal life, each person must exercise faith in what CHRIST has done on his or her behalf (v. 8). Every individual must "believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST" (Acts 16:31 above), trusting in the Gospel message (see picture below) in order to be saved (v. 8). The one who received the gift of salvation is saved and safe forever because of WHO CHRIST is and what HE has done, having paid in full the just penalty for our sin. Have you believed this important news of the Gospel ? GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" True Victory "

 

Athletes have long-been aspiring for victory. Years of training, self-discipline, perseverance, patience, and determination are all in preparation for the goal. Whether competing as a team player or individually, the hope is to reach that defining moment when victory is claimed.

WHAT IS TRUE VICTORY ?

     Astylos of Croton, an Olympic champion in ancient Greece, donned the prestigious olive wreath six times, claiming highest victory in three Olympiads. A record-breaking runner, Astylos' claim to fame was winning an event in which the athletes ran with a full armoured suit.

     Though Astylos gained fame and notoriety and was among those reaching the pinnacle of successful athleticism, he died a defeated and lonely man. It was discovered by his compatriots, that he had received a bribe to participate under the banner of Syracuse. To dishonor his name, the people of Croton demolished his statue and converted his home into a prison. His family disowned him.

     The victory of Astylos was temporary. "And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." (1st.Corinthians 9:25) True and lasting victory is not found in trophies, medals, and the praise of men. The victor standing in the winner's circle today will be replaced by another tomorrow. Age, injury, and fading popularity prevent victory from being permanent.

     True victory is not found in position, but in a person, JESUS CHRIST. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ?" (Mark 8:36) Friend, if you want true victory, it has already been won for you !

1. Without JESUS CHRIST, we are ALL losers. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD." (Romans 3:23) Because we are all sinners, we are all under the same condemnation of sin. Defeat is certain.

2. The condemnation of our sin will send us to an eternal death in a Devil's Hell. "For the wages of sin is death,. ." (Romans 6:23a) "Wherefore as by one man (Adam), sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." (Romans 5:12) If we have broken even one of GOD's Commandments, we will stand condemned before GOD. "For whosoever shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10)

3. GOD loved us so much that HE gave HIS only perfect and sinless SON to suffer in our place. HE became our substitute. "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4). "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) "For HE has made HIM to be sin for us, WHO knew no sin. ." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21). "But GOD commended HIS love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8)

4. Our victory was won when JESUS CHRIST triumphed over the grave and hell. "O death where is thy sting ? O grave where is thy victory ? . . .But thanks be to GOD, which gives us the victory." (1st.Corinthians 15:55,57) "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 15:3-4)

5. CHRIST's victory is ours for the claiming. The prize is eternal life with HIM in Heaven. "But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name:" (John 1:12). "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 whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9-10,13)

     Friend, do not be satisfied with temporary victory. The accolades of men, material gain, and financial success will never give true peace and satisfaction. True victory has already been won for you ! If you believe that JESUS CHRIST was crucified, buried and that HE rose again for you and if your trust in HIM as your only SAVIOR, you will receive the forgiveness of all your sin and the gift of eternal life. Step up and claim it. Call on the LORD JESUS CHRIST today ! You can pray this simple prayer or one like it:

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

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" The REST of the STORY "

 

The story of our LORD JESUS CHRIST did not end with HIS death on the cross. The Bible says that after three days, HE rose again from the grave.

The angel of the LORD said, ". . .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" (Matthew 28:5-6).

The Gospel according to the Bible is that CHRIST died for our sins, HE was buried, and most importantly, HE rose from the dead on the third day.

1st.Corinthians 15:1-4,  ". . .I declare unto you the Gospel. . .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."

CHRIST's resurrection and life complete the Gospel story. We are saved not by the life and death of the SON of GOD, but by the death and life of the SON of GOD. ". . .We were reconciled to GOD by the death of HIS SON, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by HIS life" (Romans 5:10).

The rest of the story is that JESUS rose from the grave and gave us the promise of HIS return.

JESUS  IS  COMING  AGAIN  !

In Acts 1:11, the angel of the LORD said, ". . .this same JESUS, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen HIM go into Heaven."

The next great event on GOD's calendar of events is the rapture of the church, when the LORD JESUS will come again for those who have put their trust in HIM.

Dear Friend, have you put your trust in GOD ?

You may ask, "What does it mean to trust GOD ?"

FIRST, trust GOD when HE says that every person is a sinner.

Romans 3:10 reads: ". . .There is none righteous, no, not one.

And again in Romans 3:23, the Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD."

Our sins have separated us from GOD. Before a person can know that he has eternal life and that he will go to Heaven, he must first know and believe that he is a sinner.

SECOND, trust GOD when HE says that sin must be paid for.

Romans 6:23 reads: "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.

THIRD, trust GOD when HE says that CHRIST died for our sins.

Romans 5:8, reads: "But GOD commended 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.

FOURTH, trust GOD when HE says we must pray and receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Romans 10:13 reads: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved."

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 trust GOD by receiving the LORD JESUS as his personal SAVIOR, he will die without CHRIST.

Let us review for a moment.

1. Do you realize that GOD loves you ? (John 3:16)

2. Do you believe that all men are sinners ? (Romans 3:23)

3. Do you agree with the Bible that sin must be paid for ? (Romans 6:23)

4. Do you believe that CHRIST died for you ? (Romans 5:8)

5. Do you see that you must personally pray and receive CHRIST as your SAVIOR ? (Romans 10:13)

The Bible says that "the goodness of GOD leads thee to repentance" (Romans 2:4). If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, pray this simple prayer 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.

NEW  LIFE

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28).

THE  REST  OF  THE  STORY  IS

JESUS says to those who receive HIM, ". . .because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19).

Now that you have received the LORD JESUS as your personal SAVIOR, please contact us or plan to visit us. We would like to REJOICE with you in your newfound faith.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

---------------------------------------------------------------------

GULF COAST BAPTIST CHURCH

Pastor Tom Sexton

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33990

#239-574-1000

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

(c)Five Star Christian Publications, (239) 574-STAR

info@5scp, www.5SCP.com

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" Are Ye Not Carnal ? "

 

1st.Corinthians 2:14-3:4  "But the natural man receives not the things of the SPIRIT of GOD: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who has known the mind of the LORD, that he may instruct HIM ? But we have the mind of CHRIST. And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in CHRIST. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men ? For while one says, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal ?"

     A popular teaching in the church today denies the possibility of a "carnal believer" and claims, rather, that only two groups of people exist: saved ("spiritual") and lost ("natural"). This is true concerning one's standing before GOD, but the question remains: Can a truly born again believer behave in the same manner as an unbeliever ? And, if so, what could this behavior entail ? Answers to these questions are important to the understanding of the entire book of 1st.Corinthians. This was a church not known for godly behavior or for grasping key biblical doctrines. Rather, these believers were notorious for their divisiveness (1st.Cor.1:10-13), toleration of sexual perversion (1st.Cor.5:1-13), and acceptance of serious doctrinal error (1st.Cor.15:12-19). Hence, they were "carnal" (1st.Cor.3:1,3).

     What does it mean to be carnal ? It simply indicates that a Christian is behaving in accordance with the flesh, like a "natural man," as opposed to one who is "spiritual." One who is carnal is an immature believer (1st.Cor.2:15;3:1-2) who has not sufficiently grown in the things of GOD. Despite his righteous standing before the LORD (Romans 4:5 above), having been saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), he is acting in a way that might cause others to identify him as one who is unsaved or unregenerate (1st.Cor.2:14). He is still only able to partake of spiritual "milk" (1st.Cor.3:2) and is failing to grow into the mature believer GOD intends him to be. The carnal person is unable to consume the "meat" of the WORD that he might advance in the things of CHRIST (1st.Cor.3:2). Among many other characteristics, "envying, and strife, and divisions" mark such carnal individuals (1st.Cor.3:3-4). What do others see in your life: spirituality or carnality ? Is your biblical diet "milk" or "meat" ?

     It is, indeed, sadly possible for true born again believing Christians to sin and live according to the fleshly desires (1st.John 1:8 above,10;2:15-17). Believers in the church can behave lustfully, greedily, and divisively (1st.Cor.1:11-13;Romans 16:17), and such sinful conduct is not exclusive to unbelievers. These and many other sins are visible manifestations of carnality, that is, a walk that is according to the flesh rather than the SPIRIT.

     Consider, for example, "righteous" Lot whose soul was "vexed" as he was living among the wicked in the city of Sodom (2nd.Peter 2:8 above). The words "just" and "righteous" identify this man as a believer who was justified before GOD (2nd.Peter 2:7-8). But, after the destruction of Sodom, he got drunk and was seduced into incest by both of his daughters (Gen.19:30-38). Certainly neither drunkenness nor incest characterize the behavior of a spiritual man, yet the Scriptures declare him "just." Furthermore, David multiplied to himself wives in direct violation of GOD's Law (Deut.17:17), and his deeds of blatant adultery and subsequent murder (2nd.Sam.11:1-27) are acts that would cause one to conclude this man had only so-called "spurious faith." And yet, the Bible could not be more clear that David was a man after GOD's own heart (Acts 13:22). In the New Testament, Peter, who had walked on water and confessed JESUS as the MESSIAH (Matthew 14:27-29;16:13-17), later forsook and then denied his LORD multiple times (Matthew 26:56-75). Yes, carnality is a potential, real, and terrible situation for the believer, and those who desire to be godly need to avoid it at all costs. We must allow the meat of the WORD (1st.Cor.3:2) to mature us into saints whose lives, testimonies and ministries glorify GOD. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.     www.feasite.org

" GOD's Remedy "

 

G O D ' S   R E M E D Y

When I am weak -

"Have mercy upon me O LORD; for I am weak. (Psalm 6:2)

When I am helpless -

"GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

When I am afraid -

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in THEE." (Psalm 56:3)

When I am worried -

"Casting all your care upon HIM; for HE cares for you." (1st.Peter 5:7)

When I am lacking in faith -

"With men this is impossible: but with GOD all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

When I am sinful -

"CHRIST JESUS came into the world to saved sinners; of whom I am chief." (1st.Timothy 1:15)

When I am concerned about my eternal destination -

"He that believes on the SON (JESUS CHRIST) has everlasting life; and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him." (John 3:36)

When I am seeking the way to heaven -

"JESUS said unto him, I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man comes unto the FATHER, but by ME." (John 14:6)

When I am searching for deeper meaning in life -

"JESUS said, I AM come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

When I am tired - 

"JESUS said, Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

When I am unable to sleep - 

"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for THOU, LORD, makes me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8)

When I am upset - 

"THOU wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on THEE: because he trusts in THEE." (Isaiah 26:3)

   By Mrs. Don Brill

  

" Who is the Christian ? "

 

Ephesians 2:8-9  "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."

     Who is the Christian ? That is a valid question, is it not ? Moral life may belong to any man, but spiritual life and eternal life belong only to those who take GOD's way of salvation. There is no salvation unless GOD HIMSELF has laid down the terms of it. So, as always, we are brought face-to-face with a critical question in this regard: What does GOD's divine WORD say ? If we want to come to some conclusion as to who is the Christian, we must make our appeal to the written WORD of GOD. Let us observe three truths with respect to how GOD identifies a Christian.

     First, a Christian is one who is saved by the grace of GOD. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD" (v.8). GOD's purpose in redemption is not simply to rescue us from a Devil's Hell, as great as that is. The ultimate objective in salvation is that, for all eternity, the church might glorify GOD's grace: "to the praise of the glory of HIS grace, wherein HE has made us accepted in the beloved" (Ephesians 1:6 above,12,14). We have an eternal purpose to fulfill, and HE has saved us forever. We are not justified by our good deeds, and we cannot be lost by our misdeeds. Grace means salvation is completely apart from any merit on our part and that GOD does it all for JESUS' sake. Our salvation is a "gift of GOD" (v.8), not a reward for what we have done. Salvation cannot result from man's efforts because JESUS has already completed the work of salvation on the cross. GOD has done everything for us; it is a finished work (John 17:1-4;19:30). One sacrifice -- the LAMB of GOD -- has accomplished the great work of salvation (Hebrews 10:9-13 below). HE did it all, and HE did it by HIS grace.

1st.Peter 1:18-19  "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; BUT with the precious blood of CHRIST, as of a LAMB without blemish and without spot:"

     As we have been discussing, salvation cannot be "of works" (Ephesians 2:9), for it is all "by grace" (Ephesians 2:8) -- unmerited favor. Paul declared plainly in Titus 3:5, "NOT by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us." Thus, a Christian is one saved by the grace of GOD. D.L.Moody once ran after a man saying, "Do you know grace." "Grace who?" the man asked. "The grace of GOD that saves our souls," Moody answered as he told him of the plan of salvation.

     The second thing we must note is that a Christian is one who is redeemed by the blood of JESUS CHRIST. The text above states, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold . . . but with the precious blood of CHRIST." This was GOD's provision for meeting the sin problem and taking from man's heart and soul the burden of condemnation. The Christian has been purchased and freed from Judgment Day by the precious blood of JESUS CHRIST. Redemption is a once-for-all, finished work that was accomplished by CHRIST JESUS on the cross of Calvary.

     Third, a Christian is one who is sealed by the HOLY SPIRIT: "After that ye believed, ye were sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT of promise" (Ephesians 1:13 above). A seal signified a finished transaction, ownership, security and protection, and authenticity. We heard the Gospel of salvation, believed in CHRIST as SAVIOR, and were sealed with the SPIRIT when we believed. A Christian is bought by the FATHER, saved by JESUS' blood, and sealed by the HOLY SPIRIT. The HOLY SPIRIT within us is "the earnest of our inheritance" (Ephesians 1:14 above): the down payment guaranteeing our complete redemption -- spirit, soul and body. What a GOD we serve ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" What You Miss by Being a Christian ! "

 

Hell and the Lake of Fire 

  1. A lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

  2. A bottomless pit (Revelation 20:1).

  3. A horrible tempest (Psalm 11:6).

  4. A place of everlasting burnings (Isaiah 33:14).

  5. A furnace of fire (Matthew 13:41,42).

  6. A devouring fire (Isaiah 33:14).

  7. A place of torments (Luke 16:23).

  8. A place of everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46).

  9. A place where people pray (Luke 16:27).

10. A place where they cry for mercy (Luke 16:24).

11. A place where they wail (Matthew 13:42).

12. A place where they curse GOD (Revelation 16:11).

13. A place where they never repent (Matthew 12:32).

14. A place of filthiness (Revelation 22:10,11).

15. A place of weeping (Matthew 8:12).

16. A place of sorrows (Psalm 18:5).

17. A place of outer darkness (Matthew 8:12).

18. A place where they have no rest (Revelation 14:11).

19. A place where they gnaw their tongues (Revelation 16:10).

20. A place of blackness and darkness forever (Jude 13).

21. A place where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:48).

22. A place where they are tormented with brimstone (Revelation 14:10).

23. A place from which the smoke of their torment ascends up forever (Revelation 14:11).

24. A place where they do not want their loved ones to come (Luke 16:28).

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation ?"

(Hebrews 2:3)

READ ALL ABOUT IT !

GOD SAYS:

  1. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23).

  2. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23).

  3. "But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name:" (John 1:12).

JESUS HAS PROMISED 

EVERYONE:

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear MY voice, and open the door, I will come in to him," (Revelation 3:20a).

YOUR BIGGEST DECISION:

JESUS has already "PAID IN FULL" the price for your eternal life. However, HE leaves the final decision entirely up to you. So what will you do with JESUS CHRIST ? Will you receive HIM, or will you reject HIM ?

Your servant IN CHRIST,

Julie