"Turn To GOD's WORD ! "

 

Romans 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."

     How important is the WORD of GOD to you ? What impact has the Bible had on your life ? How often do you turn to the Scriptures to seek comfort or help as you face the issues of life ? In Romans 15:4, the Apostle Paul emphasized the value of the Scriptures, saying of the Old Testament writing, "Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." He reminded Timothy, his "son in the faith" (1st.Timothy 1:2), of what Timothy had learned as a child at the knee of his Mother and Grandmother: "And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in CHRIST JESUS" (2nd.Timothy 3:15 pictured above), "All (both Old and New Testament) Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable. . ." (2nd.Timothy 3:16 pictured at top of post), bringing about maturity and the manifestation of good works as the believer feeds upon the WORD of GOD (2nd.Timothy 3:17).

     We should be driven to the WORD over and over again as we face life each day. In the midst of joys and sorrows, struggles and trials, burdens and heavy loads, we find solace, comfort, peace, delight, and rest by spending time in GOD's Holy WORD. Do not give in to despair or depression. GOD is on the throne ! HIS WORD is still "true and righteous altogether" (Psalm 19:9). It is more precious than the purest gold and sweeter than the sweetest of honey (Psalm 19:10). As you feed upon the WORD, may the prayer of David likewise be yours: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in THY sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

" The Three C's of GOD's Plan "

Jeremiah 10:12 "HE hath made the Earth by HIS power, HE hath established the world by HIS wisdom, and hath stretched out the Heavens by HIS discretion."

GOD's Plan: Commencement

     The Scriptures marvelously detail all GOD presently wants us to know about HIMSELF, ourselves, and HIS plan for the universe. They contain the storyline revealing GOD's intentions and purposes for HIS creation. The LORD has gone on record, informing us how it all began: by HIS WORD. HE formed the entire cosmos, including Earth, and then filled it with HIS creation. Many texts in addition to Genesis document the world's inception: "When I consider THY heavens, the work of THY fingers, the moon and the stars, which THOU hast ordained, what is man. . ." (Psalm 8:3-4a). "By the WORD of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of HIS mouth." (Psalm 33:6 pictured above). "All things were made by HIM; and without HIM was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3). "For by HIM were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth, visible and invisible" (Colossians 1:16). "THOU are worthy, O LORD, to receive glory and honor and power: for THOU hast created all things, and for THY pleasure they are and were created" (Rev. 4:11).

     Believing that GOD is the SOURCE of everything is vital. Evolutionists have assaulted not just the Bible but also common sense and rational thinking. It is imperative that we firmly stand on the infallible, inerrant, GOD-breathed revelation (2nd.Timothy 3:16 pictured above) ! Hold fast and believe GOD's WORD regarding creation. Rest assured that the LORD has told us the truth concerning everything recorded in HIS WORD, including how this planet began and how man came into existence. If we can have faith in the Scriptures for the very redemption of our soul, certainly we can trust their record concerning life's origins.

Nehemiah 9:6 "THOU, even THOU, art LORD alone; THOU hast made Heaven, the Heaven of heavens, with all their host, the Earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and THOU preservest them all; and the host of Heaven worshippeth THEE."

GOD's Plan: Continuation

     The Bible teaches that everything in this universe had a beginning. Further study reveals the continuation of that which the LORD has created, in other words, GOD is at work sustaining all of HIS creation. The Scriptures affirm that GOD is preserving this world, "upholding all things by the WORD of HIS power" (Hebrews 1:3 two pictures above). The LORD JESUS CHRIST declared to HIS disciples, "Without ME ye can do nothing" (John 15:5 pictured above). Have you ever considered the ramifications of this statement or given thought to the fact that apart from GOD's sustaining hand upon everything in this universe, it would all collapse ? We have HIS precious promises that all things will continue for as long as the LORD desires them to do so: The sun will stay in its course (Psalm 19:4-6); the moon and stars will remain fixed in the heavens (Psalm 72:5); the Earth will continue experiencing its seasonal cycles (Genesis 8:22). And, GOD has pledged HIS assurance that HE never again will destroy the planet with the water of a flood (Genesis 9:11-17).

     The Bible assures us, on an individual level, that GOD is presently working out all things according to HIS own plan and purpose (Romans 8:28 pictured above; Ephesians 1:11). HE is concerned about the details in life, and HE uses them to teach us truths we need to learn (Genesis 50:20). Perhaps one of the most difficult lessons, we all face is the need to trust HIM absolutely (2nd.Corinthians 5:7). HE has taken care of man's greatest problem, namely, the payment for sin; since the LORD has done that should we not believe that HE can and will remedy subsequent problems and hardships we face ? Life's trials can overwhelm us, but the same GOD WHO sustains the universe is at work in and through us as well.

1st.Corinthians 15:24-28 "Then cometh the end, when HE shall have delivered up the kingdom to GOD, even the FATHER; when HE shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For HE must reign, till HE hath put all enemies under HIS feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is Death. For HE hath put all things under HIS feet. But when HE saith all things are put under HIM, it is manifest that HE is excepted, which did put all things under HIM. And when all things shall be subdued unto HIM then shall the SON also HIMSELF be subject unto HIM that put all things under HIM, that GOD may be all in all."

GOD's Plan: Consummation

     We have considered GOD's commencement and continuation of the universe, but the Bible also teaches that the LORD is taking HIS creation to an ultimate end -- HE has a purpose that HE is working out right now in light of eternity. For believers, the future is a glorious one in which we will see not only the Millennial kingdom, as so many Old Testament texts affirm, but also a new heavens and a new Earth (Revelation 21-22). This present world is not all that exists. Following the prophesied kingdom, over which JESUS CHRIST will reign from David's throne in Jerusalem for 1,000 years (Luke 1:32-33 two pictures above; Revelation 20:1-10), the LORD will vanquish "all rule and all authority and power" (v.24), including "the last enemy that shall be destroyed . . . Death" (v.26 pictured above) !

     Death was not a part of GOD's original creation; it entered this world through man's sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:17; 3:1-8). It is something not just foreign but absolutely antithetical to what GOD designed for HIS creation. Yet, as powerful and devastating as death is, it, too, one day will be defeated. Perhaps even today the LORD will return, and those who are CHRIST's will be resurrected at HIS coming, souls will be reunited with the bodies they once inhabited, and these corruptible bodies will be changed -- glorified -- "like unto HIS glorious body" (Philippians 3:20 pictured above). By raising the dead and establishing HIS kingdom, CHRIST will show to all that even in a fallen universe, HE is in control, and nothing can thwart HIS hand. Not even Satan can defeat HIM. HE will have the final WORD in all matters, and HIS sovereignty will be on display in a planet that has been the battlefield between the god of this world and the GOD of all glory. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"The GOSPEL "

 

GOD Loves You and Has A Plan for

Your Life

John 3:16, "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."

2nd.Peter 3:9, "The LORD is . . . not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

We Are All Sinners

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

Romans 5:12, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"

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

CHRIST Died for Our Sins

Romans 5:8, "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us."

2nd.Corinthians 5:21, "For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us, WHO knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of GOD In HIM."

1st.Peter 1:18-19, ". . .Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things . . . But with the precious blood of CHRIST:"

CHRIST Rose From the Grave and 

Offers Forgiveness to All

Romans 10:9, "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."

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

Isaiah 1:18, ". . .Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

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 like to call on the LORD to save you, and have the promise of everlasting life, pray this prayer and receive CHRIST today:

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.

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

There is New Life for the Believer.

He is to Grow and Go Tell Others.

John 14:9b, ". . .because I live, ye shall live also."

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."

Mark 16:15, "And HE said unto them, GO ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature."

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)

"BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

GULF COAST

BAPTIST CHURCH

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33990

(239) 574-1000

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

(c) Five Star Christian Ministries

(239)574-STAR

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"This Could Be Your LAST 5 Minutes Alive !"

 

     It has been estimated that three people around the world will die every second (Per the Population Institute of the U.S.). This means that by the time you finish reading this post, over nine hundred people will have died. For the next five minutes, I want you to imagine what it would be like if these were your last five moments alive. After all, someone in your city will likely die in the next few minutes. It could be you. Why not ?

     When you die, someone will place a sheet or a blanket over your head. An ambulance may take you to the hospital for an autopsy. The undertaker will be called, and arrangements will be made to place you in a grave. People will come to the funeral and shed tears over your lifeless body. They will look at your cold, blank face and mourn, but you will be gone. They will slowly drive to a cemetery with your body in a casket. At the cemetery, they will carry your casket to a hole in the ground and lower it down. People will cry. The men will cover your casket with dirt and a tombstone. Your name, the date of your birth, and the date of your death will be on the stone. The people will leave, recover, and perhaps someday, forget that your body is there.

     Your five minutes are almost gone, so I must get to the point. When your time is up and you have died, where are you going ? We have already decided where your body is going, but what about your soul ? Will you be in Heaven or a Devil's Hell ? Oh, yes, you will be in one place or the other. So, in these remaining minutes, I will tell you what to do to get to the place of your choice,

     If your choice is a Devil's Hell, do nothing ! You have already done enough ! "For the wages of sin is death;. . ." (Romans 6:23a) "The wicked shall be turned into Hell . . ." (Psalm 9:17) If however, you choose to go to Heaven, you must do several things. First, you must believe you are a sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23)

     Secondly, you must believe you deserve to go to 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 man, for that all have sinned:" (Romans 5:12) Thirdly, you must repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) of your sin. ". . .As I live, saith the LORD GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live. . ." (Ezekiel 33:11)

     You must also believe JESUS died, was buried and rose again to pay your sin debt in full. "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) Also in Romans 5:8 it states, "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us."

     Finally, you need to trust JESUS as your personal LORD and SAVIOR. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

     Your time is so very short in this world. The decision is your own personal responsibility. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27) I will tell you what you must do to go to Heaven. You must acknowledge your sins, repent (a turning to GOD from your sin), and admit that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness. Confess to GOD that you know JESUS died for you on the cross, was buried and rose again for you. "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." (Romans 10:9)

     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 heareth MY WORD, and believeth on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24) Since our time here on Earth is so very short GOD says, "BEHOLD, Now is the accepted time; BEHOLD, Now is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Have You Believed ANOTHER Gospel ?"

 

The Bible teaches that the Gospel is JESUS CHRIST's death, burial and resurrection for our sins. According to GOD's WORD, placing your complete trust in CHRIST's atoning death is the ONLY way to Heaven. "JESUS saith unto him, I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME." (John 14:6). Although this message is clearly presented in the Bible, there are many people who teach other ways to GOD. Have you believed another gospel ?

The word gospel means, "good news or glad tidings." The Apostle Paul declared in 1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4 "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:" Trusting in JESUS CHRIST for your salvation is the Gospel the Bible teaches. Have you believed another gospel ?

Another Gospel Deceives Your Mind !

2nd.Corinthians 4:4 states, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of CHRIST, WHO is the image of GOD, should shine unto them." Many people are blinded by vain teachings. Ephesians 5:6 states "Let no man deceive you with vain words:" The word vain means "having no real value, worthless, empty." The only message of real value is that salvation comes by faith in the death, burial and resurrection of JESUS CHRIST. Have you believed another gospel ?

Another Gospel Damns Your Soul !

Peter asks in 1st.Peter 4:17b, "...what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of GOD ?"  GOD gives the answer in 2nd.Thessalonians 1:8-9, "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction..." If you think your good deeds, church membership, water baptism, or obedience to a set of religious rules will help you escape this punishment, you are not obeying the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST. Have you believed another gospel ?

Another Gospel Denies GOD's WORD !

Paul states in Galatians 1:7-8;11, "...there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of CHRIST. But though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed...But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was peached of me is not after man." The Bible clearly teaches that a person must believe the Gospel to go to Heaven. To teach any other way of salvation is to deny GOD's WORD. Have you believed another gospel ?

The Gospel of JESUS CHRIST

Gives Assurance of Eternal Life !

Paul stated in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST: for IT IS the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth;" Friend, GOD does not want you to go to Hell when you die. In fact, the greatest gift ever given was the Gospel, because it shows GOD's love for you. The Gospel reveals that even though you are a sinner and deserve an eternal punishment in a Devil's Hell, you can be forgiven if you will believe GOD's WORD and repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) and place your complete trust in CHRIST's atoning death. GOD promises in Romans 10:9-10;13 "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."

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 in John 5:24, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth MY WORD, and believeth on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."  Don't believe another gospel !  Come to JESUS today !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"In GOD We Trust"

 

Luke 12:15-21 "And HE said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And HE spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits ? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul. Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But GOD said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided ? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward GOD."

     According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, "The motto 'In GOD We Trust' was placed on United States coins largely because of the increased religious sentiment existing during the Civil War. . . .Since 1938, all United States coins bear the inscription." But, for how many people is that motto true in our nation today ? In JESUS' day, HE spoke a parable about a "certain rich man" (v.16) for which that motto would not have been true. As the short account indicates, this man was trusting in his accumulated riches and planned to retire early in leisure. Then GOD proclaimed these sobering WORDs: "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided ?" (v.20). The man was wealthy because of the bountiful yields from his fields and by the amassing of many possessions. He was trusting in his riches, living a life of ease, and congratulating himself in his wisdom that so bountifully provided for his future life. Because of his wealth, he assumed he was immune from evil and an untimely death. But GOD told him otherwise.

     King Solomon was a man of great wisdom and riches because of the LORD's favor upon him. Yet he undertook an experiment to determine if wisdom, wealth, and pleasures could provide him with true peace, joy, and satisfaction apart from GOD. What was there under the light of the sun that would completely satisfy the inner hunger of his soul ? His answer in Ecclesiastes was this: "All was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 2:11 pictured above). Riches, even your retirement package, profit you nothing apart from the LORD. "In GOD We Trust" -- do you really ? JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Prayer Series - Answered Prayer"

 

1st.John 5:10-16 "He that believeth on the SON of GOD hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not GOD hath made HIM a liar; because he believeth not the record that GOD gave of HIS SON. And this is the record, that GOD hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON. He 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.

And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE heareth us.: and if we know that HE hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of HIM. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and HE shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

     What constitutes answered prayer ? We usually thank the LORD for answered prayer when HE says "Yes" to a request. Of course, nothing is wrong with that -- in fact, a lack of thankfulness is a serious matter (Romans 1:21 pictured above). But it is easy to forget that GOD does not always answer "Yes" to our prayers. Sometimes GOD, in HIS infinite wisdom, will answer "No," knowing that our request is not in accordance with HIS perfect will. At other times, HIS answer to a particular petition may be "Wait a while." We must realize that GOD's denial of our requests ought not to shake our faith in HIM nor disappoint us. Why ? Only GOD knows the future, and only HE can adequately distinguish between our needs and our wants. The LORD knows when we "ask amiss" (James 4:3). We can always be sure that whether GOD says "Yes," or "No," or "Wait" to our petition, HE has indeed answered our prayer; therefore, we should thank our loving FATHER for responding to our request according to HIS will. Keep in mind, though, that harbored sin will hinder our prayers from even being heard (Psalm 66:18).

     Our text today is crucial because it explains how a believer can have assurance of eternal life (vv.10-13) and gives the basis upon which the child of GOD can make his prayers with confidence (vv.14-15) -- "If we ask any thing according to HIS will." But what about those times when we face complex problems and simply do not know how to pray regarding a certain situation ? Romans 8:26-27 promises the HOLY SPIRIT's help in praying according to the FATHER's will, for the SPIRIT intercedes accordingly. The LORD so wonderfully provides (Philippians 4:19 pictured above) ! May we be thankful for answered prayer. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation