" GOD Loves You, Yes, You ! "

 

"For GOD so loved the world,

that HE gave HIS only begotten SON,

that whosoever believeth 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 15:3). GOD demonstrated HIS love for us and our worth to HIM when HE sent HIS SON to die in our place.

     The good news 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 believeth 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" (2nd.Timothy 1:1). HE rose from the dead, and HE said, ". . .Because I live ye shall live also" (John 14:19).

WE CAH 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 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 (a turning to GOD from your sin) and faith, pray this simple prayer of 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).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

GULF COAST BAPTIST CHURCH

312 se 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL 33990

(239) 574-1000

Pastor Tom Sexton

GulfCoastBaptist@aol.com

www.gulfcoastbaptistchurch.com

"The First Chapter of Church History"

 

Acts 1:1-14 "The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that JESUS began both to do and teach, until the day in which HE was taken up, after that HE through the HOLY GHOST had given commandments unto the apostles whom HE had chosen: to whom also HE showed HIMSELF alive after HIS passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of GOD: and, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but  wait for the promise of the FATHER, which, saith HE, ye have heard of ME. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the HOLY GHOST not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of HIM, saying, LORD, wilt THOU at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel ? And HE said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the FATHER hath put in HIS OWN power.

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. And when HE had spoken these things, while they beheld, HE was taken up; and a cloud received HIM out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as HE went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven ? 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. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath's days journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the Mother of JESUS, and with HIS brethren."

     One of the finest pieces of literature in the world is the book of Acts. It tells the story of how, out of what appeared to be a tragic failure (the death of CHRIST), a movement was born that was destined to conquer the world and, in GOD's time, to establish a kingdom of truth and righteousness that shall never pass away. The story spans not centuries but basically a single generation of about thirty-three years. This fact, by itself, is astonishing because the progress of the greatest movements is generally slow. In the truest sense, the book of Acts is a book of both words and deeds.

     We can estimate the value of a book by considering the degree of loss man would experience if it had never been written. Judged in this way, it is safe to say that if Acts had not been penned, we would have a blank in our knowledge that nothing could supply. Remember that Luke ends his Gospel with these words: "And it came to pass, while [JESUS] blessed them, HE was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped HIM, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing GOD. AMEN" (Luke 24:51-53 pictured above). By omitting Acts, the subsequent epistles would essentially be unintelligible to any reader. Their content would be like a maze, providing no clue as to how to solve the puzzle. Hundreds of questions would arise that would have no answers. But supply the book of Acts and all becomes clear. Acts is the first chapter of church history. The last is not yet written. To be ignorant of the birth and development of the church recorded in this book would be to float adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Thank GOD for the history of the book of Acts. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" I Am Praying for You ! "

 

1st.Samuel 12:16-25 "Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes. Is it not wheat harvest to day ? I will call unto the LORD, and HE shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a King. So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy GOD, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a King. And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;

and turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. For the LORD will not forsake HIS people for HIS great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you HIS people. Moreover as for me, GOD forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: only fear the LORD, and serve HIM in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things HE hath done for you. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your King."

     Samuel was fervent in his concern for his brethren: "Moreover as for me, GOD forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you" (v.23a pictured at top of post). He interceded for those who were walking afar off, who were in desperate need of help from on HIGH. This faithful servant of the LORD had no trouble pinpointing the cause of Israel's current plight, for they had rejected his leadership as a divinely appointed judge and had requested a King to rule over them so they could be like the surrounding nations. They were now suffering the consequences of seeking their own will rather than submitting to GOD's will. It would have been easy for Samuel to have replied to their request for help with a smug "I told you so" (vv.16-19). However, he displayed a gracious attitude toward his "weaker brethren" -- an example we ought to emulate.

     In a spirit of selflessness and genuine concern, Samuel desired GOD's best for Israel. Yes, they had failed the LORD, but HE still desired to accomplish much in and through them (v.22). The grand theme of this text is how the heartfelt, intercessory prayer of Samuel was instrumental in moving GOD to bring about the accomplishment of HIS desired will in others, even though they had done "all this wickedness" (v.20). Samuel encouraged the people of Israel to walk aright (vv.20-25). The supplications to put away sin, to turn not aside from doing GOD's will, and to "serve the LORD with all your heart" (v.20) should characterize our prayers for the spiritual wellbeing of others (Ephesians 6:18-20 pictured above; Philippians 1:3-9; Colossians 1:9-12 pictured above). Are we today performing this necessary ministry of intercessory prayer on behalf of fellow brothers and sisters in CHRIST ? DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

" Divine Opposition "

 

Jeremiah 23:25-32 "I have heard what the prophets said that prophesy lies in MY name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies ? Yea, they are prophets of the deceits of their own hearts; which think to cause MY people to forget MY name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbor, as their fathers have forgotten MY name for Baal. The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath MY WORD, let him speak MY WORD faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat ? saith the LORD. Is not MY WORD like as a fire ? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces ? Therefore, behold, I AM against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal MY WORDs every one from his neighbor. Behold, I AM against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, HE saith. Behold, I AM against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause MY people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD."

     In Jeremiah's day, false prophets attracted great attention and large followings by telling their dreams to all who would listen. No doubt many of those dreams were fascinating, exciting the imaginations of the crowd and leaving people "on the edge of their seats" to hear what was coming next. But these dreamers forgot one thing -- the LORD knew that their dreams were the product of deceived hearts and that they were leading the masses away from HIM, not toward HIM (vv.25-25 pictured above). God knew that their real purpose was to cause the people to forget HIM, making Judah ripe for almost every kind of false doctrine and idolatry that came along. HE illustrated the vast difference between telling a mere dream and faithfully speaking HIS WORD (vv. 28-29). HE reminded the Israelites that HIS WORD is powerful and beneficial, unlike the dreams of these false prophets whose messages were but "chaff" compared to the wheat. The WORD of GOD would, "as a fire," incinerate the presumptuous claims of the deceivers and, "like a hammer," destroy the evil inventions of their heart (v.29 pictured below).

     In our day, we, too, have an abundance of "dreamers" -- ecumenical dreamers, charismatic dreamers, and, more recently, evangelical dreamers. New programs that supposedly provide a better way to do the work of the LORD regularly emerge. But when comparing the dreams of these groups with the Bible, it becomes clear that no matter how sincere they may be, they are deceiving themselves and their followers. The Bible must be the believer's sole authority for faith and practice. Man's motives, even if they are honorable, must bear fruit that aligns with scriptural principles.

     Three times in the last three verses of today's text GOD said that HE was against the false prophets, and in each instance, HE explained why this was so. In verse thirty, GOD was against the prophets who stole HIS WORDs from their neighbors. It is a terrible thing to withhold GOD's truth from those who need to hear it. In verse thirty-one, GOD opposed the prophets who falsely claimed to be speaking HIS WORD. This text reveals just how much the LORD hates such brazen deception. In verse thirty-two, GOD rebuked the prophets who told false dreams and caused HIS people to err. These phony prophets certainly incurred the wrath of GOD. Furthermore, the LORD told them that they would be of no help at all to their followers (v.32). How hardened the hearts of these prophets must have been in order for them to continue telling their lies despite the damage that was being done to themselves and their listeners. Straying from the SHEPHERD's care causes the believer to be easy prey for the ravening wolves (Matthew 7:15 pictured above; Acts 20:29 pictured below).

    Sadly, a similar situation exists today. Far too many people want to hear supposed dreams or a "prophetic word" rather than the sure WORD of GOD, or they want a social gathering, not doctrine. Far too many sound Pastors are unwilling to warn about the dangers of the ecumenical, charismatic, and evangelical dreamers. As a result, immature, unspiritual, and undiscerning people are being carried away with every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14 pictured below). Do not listen to these dreamers and certainly do not support them ! Rather, warn about their dangerous words, stay by the sure WORD, and stand with faithful Christian leaders who refuse to compromise GOD's truth when under fire. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

"The Tie-Breaking Vote !"

 

Being elected to a public office is truly a GOD-ordained position, but there is a higher office which you must obtain. Here is how:

HOW TO QUALIFY.

You must accept this fact: "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10)

HOW TO VIEW YOURSELF.

You are a sinner, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23)

YOUR OPPONENT.

Sin hinders your race, "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)

THE COST TO WIN THE RACE.

The cost is much higher than your personal efforts or campaign funds could ever cover. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done. . ." (Titus 3:5a) "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. . ." (Isaiah 64:6a)

A LEGAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION

HAS BEEN MADE.

Even though you are unable to pay the price to win this race, SOMEONE has paid it for you ! "For when we were yet without strength, in due time CHRIST died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6) "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)

THE ONLY WAY TO PAY THE DEBT.

"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 believeth 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)

THE TIE-BRAKING VOTE !

Satan has voted against you ! "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (1st.Peter 5:8)

JESUS CHRIST has voted for you ! "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down HIS life for HIS friends." (John 15:13)

YOU cast the tie-breaking-vote ! If you have never trusted the eternity of your soul to JESUS CHRIST, you haven't really believed on HIM. Your vote is now with Satan, and you stand condemned. If you are concerned enough about the eternal destiny of your own soul, right now where you are, cast your vote with JESUS CHRIST by putting your complete faith and trust in HIM as your personal SAVIOR.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS !

"He that believeth on HIM is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." (John 3:18)

     Will you accept the office of a Christian ? Will you serve the true and living GOD ? The office is yours if you will ask JESUS CHRIST to forgive your sins, and you will put your complete trust in HIM to save your soul. Take GOD at HIS WORD and claim HIS promise for your own salvation. Remember, "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 (a turning to GOD from your sin) and faith, pray this simple prayer of 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.

JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" It's a HONEY of a DEAL ! "

 

THE DEAL

HEAVEN OF HELL, WHICH ONE FOR YOU ?

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

THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE DEAL

1.  The Bible states that you are a sinner. "For there is not a just man upon Earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not." (Ecclesiastes 7:20) "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10)

2.  The price of sin is to be separated from GOD and to spend all eternity in a Devil's Hell. "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) "And death and hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:14-15)

THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF THE DEAL

1.  JESUS CHRIST, the SON of GOD, has paid the penalty for your sin. ". . .without shedding of blood is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22b) "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8) "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." (Leviticus 17:11) "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)

2.  Salvation is a gift, and cannot be earned. "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) "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us. . ." (Titus 3:5a)

THE TERMS OF THE DEAL

1.  ". . .Sirs, what must I do to be saved ? And they said, Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved. . ." (Acts 16:30-31a) "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) "He that believeth on the SON hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him." (John 3:36)

2.  Are you willing to accept GOD's deal ? If you are, admit to GOD that you are a guilty sinner (repentance) and that you desire to be delivered from your sinful condition. ". . .except ye repent (turning to GOD from your sin), ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3)

3.  GOD gives you this promise: "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 believeth 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)

If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of 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.

JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)  Don't wait to take advantage of this deal; it is only good in this life only.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" What Saith the Scripture ? "

 

Romans 4:3 "For what saith the Scripture ? Abraham believed GOD, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

     Twice in the WORD of GOD, we read this important challenge: "What saith the Scripture?" (here in today's text and in Galatians 4:30). In a day when we are being told all kinds of strange things about what the Bible supposedly teaches, it is necessary to ask ourselves, "What saith the Scripture ?" It is not the most popular television or internet preacher or the most flamboyant purveyor of supposedly new truth that should be consulted when we have questions about the Bible. Instead we should fall back on this question that Paul asked twice: "What saith the Scripture ?" In other words, what does the Bible say ? Let IT speak for ITSELF as the means and standard of truth.

     This is especially true when dealing with the critical issue of sin. Ask average citizens on the street and you will be sure to receive myriads of answers to the question "What is sin ?" Yet, the Bible is extremely clear on the matter. Sin is transgressing the righteous Law of GOD. The Apostle John recorded this truth in 1st.John 3:4 (pictured above) -- "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the Law: for sin is the transgression of the Law." In plain words: "All unrighteousness is sin" (1st.John 5:17). Unrighteousness is a comprehensive term for wrong or wrong-doing: a deed or deeds violating law and justice; and men have speculated about the classifications of sin. The LORD simply calls sin, sin. The SPIRIT of GOD convicts all of sin (John 16:8 pictured above), especially the sin of not believing on CHRIST (John 16:9 pictured above). This puts all rejectors of the LORD JESUS into one class: spiritually dead (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1). Be sure you have trusted CHRIST and have your sins cleansed. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org