" GOD Wants You to KNOW 4 Things ! "

 

GOD Wants You to KNOW That . . . . .  .

1. You are a sinner and cannot save yourself.

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD."  Romans 3:23

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us."  Titus 3:5

GOD Wants You to KNOW that . . . . . . .

2. JESUS CHRIST has already provided the way of salvation.

"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 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 CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that HE might bring us to GOD."  1st.Peter 3:18

GOD Wants You to KNOW that . . . . . . .

3. You must repent of your sins (turning to GOD from your sin).

"Whoso confesses and forsakes them (his sins) shall obtain mercy."  Proverbs 28:13

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS and believe in thine heart that GOD has 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

GOD Wants You to KNOW that . . . . . . .

4. Acceptance or refusal determines your eternal destiny.

"He that believes on HIM is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD . . . He that believes on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him."  John 3 18, 36

What Must I Do ?

1. I must know that I am a sinner.

2. I must realize that I need a SAVIOR.

3. I must repent of my sins and

4. I must turn to GOD by faith and accept JESUS as payment for my sin . . . . . . .

You may ask, "How can I receive GOD's promise of eternal life through JESUS ?"

Acknowledge that you are a sinner,  "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD"  Romans 3:23.

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

Call upon the LORD to save you,  "for whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved"  Romans 10:13.

If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer or one like it with all your heart:

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.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" Spiritually Alive ! "

 

John 5:25  "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the SON of GOD: and they that hear shall live."

     One of the most wonderful statements in the Gospel of John is in today's Scripture text wherein JESUS says, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the SON of GOD: and they that hear shall live." What a marvelous truth these WORDs unfold for us -- "the dead shall hear . . . and . . . live." This is not the future physical resurrection described in verse twenty-eight. What JESUS speaks of in our text verse is a spiritual resurrection here and now: "The hour . . . now is." It is an hour that has lasted two thousand years, for JESUS is speaking of the spiritually dead -- those "dead in trespasses and sins" as described by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:1 (pictured above) -- "And you hath HE quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins." JESUS CHRIST, the SON of GOD, makes it very clear that a spiritually dead man can do something -- he can "hear the voice of the SON Of GOD" (v.25). And if he hears and responds by faith, he will be made alive "together with CHRIST, (by grace ye are saved" (Ephesians 2:5 pictured below).

Notice, also, that JESUS CHRIST calls HIMSELF "the SON of GOD." Revel in this truth ! We who were born sinful creatures have the promise that if we "hear the voice of the SON of GOD" and respond to it by faith, we "shall live." We will come to life, spiritually speaking. It is the reality of John 3:16, pictured below

The invitation is open to "whosoever will." If you hear CHRIST's voice through the WORD and put your faith in HIM alone for your eternal salvation, then you will be SPIRITUALLY ALIVE !  JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright,  FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" The Crucifixion Psalm: 7 Amazing Predictions "

 

Psalm 22:1-18

"MY GOD, MY GOD, why hast THOU forsaken ME ? Why art THOU so

far from ME, and from the words of MY roaring ?

O MY GOD, I cry in the daytime, but THOU hearest not; and in  the night 

season, and am not silent.

But THOU art holy, O THOU that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Our fathers trusted in THEE: they trusted, and THOU didst deliver them.

They cried unto THEE, and were delivered: they trusted in THEE,

and were not confounded.

But I AM a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

All they that see ME laugh ME to scorn: they shoot out

the lip, they shake the head, saying,

HE trusted on the LORD that HE would deliver HIM: let HIM deliver

HIM, seeing HE delighted in HIM.

But THOU art HE that took ME out of the womb:

THOU didst make ME hope when I was upon MY mother's breasts.

I was cast upon THEE from the womb: THOU art MY GOD

from MY mother's belly.

Be not far from ME; for trouble is near: for there is none to help.

Many bulls have compassed ME: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

They gaped upon ME with their mouths, as a ravening and roaring lion.

I AM poured out like water, and all MY bones are out of joint:

MY heart is like wax; it is meted in the midst of MY bowels.

MY strength is dried up like a potsherd; and MY tongue cleaveth to MY 

jaws; and THOU hast brought ME into the dust of death.

For dogs have compassed ME: the assembly of the wicked have 

enclosed ME: they pierced MY hands and MY feet.

I may tell all MY bones: they look and stare upon ME.

They part MY garments among them, and cast lots upon MY vesture."

     Written a thousand years before JESUS CHRIST was executed, and long before Roman crucifixion even existed, Psalm 22 contains at least 7 specific prophecies that were literally fulfilled when JESUS died on the cross:

[1]  It predicted that CHRIST would be separated and forsaken by GOD the FATHER because of HIS holiness: "MY GOD, MY GOD, why hast THOU forsaken ME ? . . . But THOU art holy" (vv.1,3; Matthew 27:46). These are the exact words that CHRIST JESUS spoke with a loud voice from the cross. HE WHO was made sin for us took our place and suffered for our sins (1st.Peter 3:18).

[2]  It predicted that CHRIST would be ridiculed and mocked. Notice the similarity in the language between the prediction and the fulfillment: ". . . saying, HE trusted on the LORD that HE would deliver HIM: let HIM deliver HIM, seeing HE delighted in HIM" (vv.7-8). The chief priests, scribes, and elders mockingly said, "HE trusted in GOD; let HIM deliver HIM now, if HE will have HIM" (Matthew 27:41,43).

[3]  It predicted that CHRIST's sufferings would be excruciating, involving exhaustion, bone dislocation, violent disorder of internal organs, and severe weakness (v.14). 

[4]  It predicted that CHRIST would suffer unremitting thirst (v.15; John 19:28).

[5]  It predicted that CHRIST's hands and feet would be pierced (v.16; John 20:27).

[6]  It predicted that CHRIST would be in a state of partial nakedness, with HIS bones pressing out against HIS skin (v.17).

[7]  It predicted that people would divide HIS garments and gamble for HIS coat. Certainly the Roman soldiers who did so had not idea that they were fulfilling this ancient Hebrew prophecy (v.18; John 19:23-24).

HALLELUJAH, what a SAVIOR we have ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

"The Right Start to a New Year: SALVATION !"

 

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

     HAPPY NEW YEAR ! This greeting is frequently exchanged among friends and even strangers. It is one thing to wish someone a "Happy New Year," but it is quite another to know exactly how to experience it. Our text for today explains the necessity of becoming a new creature "in CHRIST." How is this accomplished ? Making New Year's resolutions will not do it; trying harder to be a better person cannot provide the answer; joining a church, being water baptized, going through religious rites and rituals -- none of these will make anyone a new creature in CHRIST.

     A right start to the new year is only possible for those who have received GOD's gift of eternal life by trusting JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR -- the ONE WHO died for you and rose again. Mankind does not have many saviors or many paths to GOD. JESUS is the only way: HE is "the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE" (John 14:6 the 2nd.picture above); "neither is there salvation in any other" (Acts 4:12 pictured below). As sinners, we cannot purchase or earn forgiveness or obtain salvation due to anything we do. No, GOD says HE has provided salvation completely by HIS grace through faith in HIS SON JESUS  and "not of works" (Ephesians 2:8-9 pictured above; and John 3:16).

     If you have not already done so, trust JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR today: you must believe that HE died on your behalf for your sins and rose again (1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4 see last picture) -- your eternal salvation rests solely upon what JESUS has already accomplished on the cross for you. Trust CHRIST's promise that HE will never cast out any whom comes to HIM (John 6:37). If you truly want to have a happy New Year, make sure you are saved and enjoying the blessed assurance that GOD wants you to possess (1st.John 5:11-13). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" Preeminent in ALL Things "

 

Colossians 1:15-19  "WHO (JESUS) is the image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn of every creature: for by HIM were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by HIM, and for HIM: and HE is before all things, and by HIM all things consist. And HE is the head of the body, the church: WHO Is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things HE might have the preeminence. For it pleased the FATHER that in HIM should all fulness dwell."

     Today's text clearly expresses the deity of JESUS CHRIST, a doctrine taught throughout the Scriptures. Paul declares JESUS to be "the image of the invisible GOD" and "the firstborn of every creature" (v.15). JESUS CHRIST created all things, whether in Heaven or on Earth, whether visible or invisible, including "thrones," "dominions," "principalities," and "powers"; the all-inclusive work of HIS creatorship is plainly and forcefully set forth when the WORD of GOD declares. "All things were created by HIM, and for HIM" (v.16). JESUS CHRIST's deity is further verified by the grand testimony that "HE is before all things, and by HIM all things consist" (v.17).

     Today, many claim to be "Christians" despite the fact that they deny or doubt the deity of CHRIST. Some "Christian" leaders have tried to downgrade the importance of this doctrine, but the Bible teaches that those who do not believe that JESUS is the GOD-man have the "spirit of antichrist" (1st.John 4:1-3 pictured above). True believers affirm and proclaim that JESUS is GOD manifest in the flesh WHO humbled HIMSELF to be our SAVIOR (Philippians 2:5-11 pictured below).

     Our text also presents a second wonderful truth coupled with CHRIST's deity: HE is the head of the church (v.18). The combination of these two important doctrines results in a statement that every believer should make the top priority in life -- "that in all things HE might have the preeminence." Certainly that is the position JESUS deserves, but is that the position HE has in our life today ? Think about how much time we spend seeking to please ourselves or other people, yet how much time and effort do we devote in seeking to please the ONE WHO should have primacy in all things ? MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" According To . . . "

 

Ephesians 1:7 "In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace;"

     The phrase "according to. . ." is an intriguing expression in GOD's WORD. It occurs 725 times in the Bible; 117 of those incidences are in the New Testament; 71 times it appears in the Pauline epistles. It is twice used in the Old Testament in connection with GOD's lovingkindness. David prayed: "Have mercy upon me, O GOD, according to THY lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of THY tender mercies blot out my transgressions" (Psalm 51:1). This was his prayer after Nathan the Prophet confronted him concerning his sin with Bathsheba. The writer of Psalm 119 (perhaps David also) expressed his love of GOD's precepts (commandments) and requested that he be "quicken[ed] (revived) . . . according to THY lovingkindness" (Psalm 119:159 pictured above).

     The Apostle reminded the believers at Corinth of the good news he had already delivered to them: "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 part of the last picture in the post). Paul's message was corroborated by the WORD of GOD. Concerning the Judgement Seat of CHRIST, he declared that Christians will receive or lose reward "according to that [we have] done" (2nd.Corinthians 5:10 pictured above). Another verse that brings joy is today's text: "We have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace." Let that grip your soul ! GOD provides redemption for us through HIS SON -- not out of the riches of HIS grace but according to the riches of HIS grace. HIS grace is inexhaustible; HIS grace is always available; HIS grace is beyond comprehension. HE provides "forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace." PRAISE GOD ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

" Unto You is Born This Day . . . a SAVIOR ! "

 

Luke 2:1-20  "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was Governor of Syria). And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David): to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped HIM in swaddling cloths, and laid HIM in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising GOD, and saying, Glory to GOD in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising GOD for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them."

     The LORD first gave HIS promise of a SAVIOR, a REDEEMER, to Adam and Eve back in the Garden of Eden immediately after they had sinned (Genesis 3:15 pictured above). Later, Isaiah prophesied the miraculous nature of CHRIST's virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14 see picture below), and Micah even foretold the location of HIS birth (Micah 5:2 2nd.picture from top of post). Centuries later, godly Simeon, who had been looking for the promised MESSIAH, praised GOD when sight confirmed his faith (Luke 2:25-32 pictured below). Today's text is GOD's inspired record of the fulfillment of the many Old Testament prophecies concerning the birth of JESUS CHRIST. Millions have read and rejoiced in these precious words, and many who have believed have thereafter happily joined in reiterating these precious words, "GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY" (Luke 2:10-11 pictured at top of post).

     Christmas, though its observance has obviously become a means of promoting religious ceremonialism, heathen observances, crass commercialism, and social debauchery, does provide a wonderful opportunity for Christian witness. Those who personally know JESUS CHRIST, the SAVIOR WHO indeed came into the world, are the very ones who must bear testimony of that blessed reality to others. Believers can use this season to tell the unsaved WHO JESUS is and why HE came, urging them to trust HIM as their personal SAVIOR. And, let us remember that although we do not know the precise date of JESUS' birth nor have we been told the exact date of HIS return, we do know that HE did come to Earth over 2,000 years ago and that HE is coming again -- it could be at any time; HE could even come today ! "Thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable gift" (2nd.Corinthians 9:15), and praise the LORD for our "blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-13). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org