"WISDOM - GOD's Wisdom"

 

Romans 11:33-36 "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of GOD ! how unsearchable are HIS judgments, and HIS ways past finding out ! For who hath known the mind of the LORD ? or who hath been HIS counsellor ? Or who hath first given to HIM, and it shall be recompensed unto HIM again ? For of HIM, and through HIM, and to HIM, are all things: to WHOM be glory for ever. Amen."

     In these days when man's wisdom receives such a high priority, how sad it is that so many ignore the perfect, inexhaustible, incontestable, unsurpassed, and eternal wisdom of ALMIGHTY GOD. Our text is only one of many wonderful passages that describe and illustrate the LORD's infinite and unexcelled wisdom. The lowest degree of GOD's wisdom is so far above the highest level of human wisdom that no comparison can be made (1st.Corinthians 1:25 pictured above). The question "For who hath known the mind of the LORD ?" (v.34) is answered in 1st.Corinthians 2:16: "But we have the mind of CHRIST." The depths and riches of GOD's knowledge are infinite, and apart from the revealed wisdom in HIS WORD, man cannot understand GOD's judgments or HIS ways (v.33). GOD's wisdom is perfect, pure, peaceable, gentle, accessible, merciful, good, impartial, and without hypocrisy (James 3:17). Why would anyone reject this incomparable wisdom from GOD ? It is because of the sin-hardened heart of mankind.

     Our text gives a concise explanation as to why GOD's wisdom is so far superior to all other wisdom: "For of HIM, and through HIM, and to HIM, are all things" (v.36). Consider the wisdom of GOD that HE manifested as the CREATOR of all things (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3 pictured above). We can rejoice in the knowledge that HE not only made all things, but HE also upholds all things by HIS power (Hebrews 1:3). And, like Job, we know we can count on the fact that GOD's divine knowledge concerning what is best for each of HIS own will serve to comfort and cheer our hearts, even when we are in the midst of difficult trials (Job 23:10-12). Praise the LORD for HIS wonderful wisdom from on high ! MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Is JESUS CHRIST Your SAVIOR ?"

 

THE ONE SAVIOR

My Friend, are you saved ? Saved is a Bible WORD, not a term thought up by man. I have been a Christian for over 50 years, and I find that most people still do not have an understanding of GOD's message of salvation.

First, you must believe there is One True GOD. Secondly, you must believe that GOD can do something for you, and HE has recorded HIS plan of redemption in the Bible. The only GOD that can save souls is the GOD of the Bible. HIS name is the LORD JESUS CHRIST. The Bible says in Acts 4:12, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." 

A person is saved by putting their complete faith and trust in JESUS CHRIST, not by doing something to earn Heaven. Trusting is believing. Believing must come from the heart, not the head. Do you love and trust your spouse with your head or with your heart ?

Plato, Aristotle, or Einstein could only think as far as their finite minds were able. They could not even solve the problems of this life, such as sickness, disease, pain, hunger, and death, let alone know anything about eternity. GOD knew we needed something to go by, so HE put everything there is to know in HIS Bible.

THE ONE SINNER

Have you ever sinned ? Just once ? One lie ? One theft ? Once is enough, for GOD says in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" The Bible says in Romans 5:12, "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:" So you and I, like our father, Adam, are born sinners. We have not obeyed all of GOD's commandments. Your guilt as a sinner is shown by the fact that you will eventually die. The Bible states, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die . . ." (Ezekiel 18:20).

A saved sinner has their sins forgiven by faith in JESUS alone. An unsaved sinner still bears their own sins when they die. No one gets into Heaven with their sins ! Nothing unclean gets into Heaven. This creates a problem ! How do you get rid of your sins ? Are your sins adding up day by day ? Are they too much to even keep up with anymore ? Are you saying, "What's the use ?" JESUS says in Matthew 11:28, "Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Could you say that to someone and mean it ? No ? Well, JESUS CHRIST can !

THE ONE SOLUTION

JESUS CHRIST was not conceived the same way you and I were. HE was born of a virgin. The Bible says in Matthew 1:23, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a SON, and they shall call HIS name EMMANUAL, which being interpreted is, GOD with us." Because JESUS is GOD, HIS blood was sinless. JESUS died on a cross to pay your sin debt in full. ". . .while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8). "In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" (Colossians 1:14).

The Apostle Paul testified 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:" 

The Bible says, ". . .without shedding of blood is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22). Our blood is polluted by sin, so it could not be shed to take away our sin. The blood of JESUS can take away all of your sins, because HE is sinless, and HIS blood is pure. HIS blood can remove your sins as far as the east is from the west. GOD said HE would remember them no more ! Isn't that good news ! Wouldn't you want that ?

THE ONE SIN.

Please hear this. People do not go to Hell for their sins. They go to Hell for rejecting JESUS CHRIST as their personal SIN BEARER, their SUBSTITUTE, and the ONE WHO died in their place for their sins. "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). JESUS knew how many sins you would commit, but HE said HE loved you and died for you anyway. Would you right now turn to GOD in repentance (a turning to GOD from your sin) and faith and trust JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR ? Romans 10:9,13 states, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved . . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." It's your decision !

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.

GOD's WORD says in 2nd.Corinthians 6:2b, "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." Tomorrow may be too late. Receive JESUS as your personal LORD and SAVIOR, today !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Is It Really of GOD ?"

 

Isaiah 8:13-22 "Sanctify the LORD of hosts HIMSELF; and let HIM be your fear, and let HIM be your dread. And HE shall be for a sanctuary, but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken. Bind up the testimony, seal the Law among MY disciples. And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth HIS face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for HIM. Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in the mount Zion.

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their GOD ? for the living to the dead ? To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this WORD, it is because there is no light in them. And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry; and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their KING and their GOD, and look upward. And they shall look unto the Earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness."

     Every false cult or heathen religion places great emphasis on the beneficial experiences that those who follow its teachings can expect to receive. Thus, if a person embraces a particular religion and subsequently undergoes a physical healing, a financial fortune, or a reduction of mental or physical stress, he offers this as "proof" that his religion is truly of GOD and really works. When someone accepts experience as a verification of truth, it is very difficult to point out to that person the serious errors in the teachings of the group to which he or she belongs. It is common to hear such people declare, "You can't tell me my religion is false, I know what it has done for me." But even if their experiences were genuine, are they really of GOD ? 

     It is vital for believers to remember that, as verse twenty states, the only test of truth is the Bible, GOD's WORD. Satan often gives people counterfeit experiences in order to blind their eyes to the liberating truth found only in CHRIST, the LIVING WORD, and in the Bible, the Written WORD. The charismatic movement, with its unscriptural teachings and programs, is one of the greatest modern-day deceptions; alleged healings and other "miraculous signs and wonders" are mistakenly considered to be GOD's approval of its false message and messengers. But the Christian needs to keep in mind that Matthew 7:21-23 (pictured above) prophesies of those who "work iniquity" yet do "many wonderful works." Thus, we should not be surprised when seemingly inexplicable wonders are broadcast on television or reported in print. Never let "experience" transcend GOD's WORD as your standard for truth nor allow the religious counterfeits to deceive you. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"There's NO Hurry ?"

     A man once had a vision in which he seemed to be standing in the midst of an assembly of evil spirits. On the throne sat their ruler, Satan, grasping the scepter of wickedness in his hand.

     Summoning his subjects about him, Satan said in a loud voice, "Who will go to Earth and persuade man to accomplish the ruin of their souls ?"

     One of the attendant spirits said, "I will go." And how will you persuade them ?" asked the grim monarch. "I will persuade them that there is no Heaven." was the answer.

     But Satan replied, "No, that will not do. You will never be able to force such a belief on most of mankind. That conviction, of a better life to come, is too deep-seated in the hearts of men."

     Then a second spoke up and said, "I will go." "And how will you persuade them ?" asked Satan. "I will persuade them that there is no Hell."

     But again, Satan answered: "That will not do. You will never persuade most men that that is so. Man's conscience will witness against you and defeat your ends. We must have something else, something which will appeal to all classes and ages and dispositions, and which will be acceptable to the human race as a whole."

     Thereupon a dark spirit glided forward and said, "Satan, I will go." "And what will you tell them ?" asked Satan. "I will tell them, "answered the spirit, "that there's no hurry -- no hurry to be saved, that tomorrow will be soon enough !"

     He was the spirit chosen to go -- and still he is abroad in the Earth whispering to the hearts of men: "There's still sufficient time for religion -- later. There's no hurry. Just have fun while you can. Eat, drink and be merry . . . !"

     But it is not so ! Each passing moment brings new souls into Eternity -- many very suddenly -- without the least warning. And then -- The Final Reckoning. The Bible says: "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation ?" (Hebrews 2:3)  We know the answer. We shall not escape ! "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b) Therefore, "Today if ye will hear HIS voice, harden not your heart . . ." (Hebrews 3:15).  Rev. Julius Vanden Hoek

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"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. For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through HIM might be saved. 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 3:16-18)

     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.

     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. See the QR code below for a complete salvation message.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"Simple Truth; Great Salvation"

 

Luke 19:10 "For the SON of MAN is come to seek and to save that which was lost."

     Lord Kelvin, the nineteenth century Irish scientist and inventor, answered a simple inquiry put to him by another gentleman. The question was: "How do you explain the existence of radium in the earth at the present ?" This is his answer, which can scarcely be noted for its simplicity: "by concourse of atoms and by interatomic motions from a time when the ponderable matter of the solar system and the stars existed as separate atoms, scattered through the ether, and moving with velocities probably much less than the present velocities of stars through space." Unless you are a physicist, you are most likely like me, saying, "What ?" Contrast Kelvin's response with JESUS CHRIST's own definition of HIS mission to Earth, given in words of one syllable, able to be understood by any person: "For the SON of MAN is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (v.10).

     This is such a simple message, yet it explains what every person needs to know in order to be redeemed through the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Our LORD said that HE came "to seek and to save" the lost -- sinners who need to repent before a Holy GOD and place their faith in JESUS (Acts 20:21 pictured above). Without HIM we are lost but thank GOD that HE provided HIS only begotten SON WHO came with the purpose of providing redemption from sins' bondage through HIS shed blood. JESUS came willingly, sent to this sin-cursed Earth from GOD the FATHER, in order to die on the cross of Calvary and there pay the penalty for the sin of all mankind (John 1:29; 1st.John 2:2 both pictured above). All who will, by faith, realize that they are lost sinners and place their trust in the person and finished work of GOD's SON will be saved -- simple truth; GREAT SALVATION ! 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 Gospel Series - We Are Just Not Smart Enough"

 

1st.Corinthians 15:3-4 "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:"

     The Gospel of JESUS CHRIST is offensive because it is not something we could have ever devised ourselves. Our text says, "CHRIST died for our sins . . . HE was buried . . . HE rose again . . . according to the Scriptures." Man is far too unintelligent and unoriginal to have come up with such a plan. In reality, "the foolishness of GOD is wiser than men" (1st.Corinthians 1:25 pictured above. Also, Galatians 1:11-12 (pictured below) reveals the uniqueness of the Gospel as to its origin -- not from man's mind but received directly from GOD HIMSELF.

     We need to understand today that it does not benefit anyone to "sugar coat" or "water down" the truth of the Gospel because to do so actually changes the truth and depth of this incredibly good news. Rather, we must acknowledge that the Gospel message is, indeed, offensive; at the same time, however, we can do our best to considerately communicate its truth in a way that people can understand. As evangelistic Christians, we must do three things: First, we need to let people know that the Gospel is universal and non-discriminatory in its scope. This enables us to speak the truth in love and grace while allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to work in the heart of the listener or reader. Second, we must make sure that our audience knows we are sincere in our love and concern for them. We should never push the Gospel off on people as if we were selling something. People can tell whether we truly care for them or if we are just going through the motions. Third, we have to actually show our love through our belief and behavior. Hypocrisy is not an option for the Christian. We must have earnest concern for the unsaved and then manifest it through our demeanor, words, and actions. MDC

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 Series - No Respecter of Persons"

1st.Corinthians 15:3 "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures:"

     The Gospel - the "good news" of eternal life available through the person and work of JESUS CHRIST -- is offensive to mankind because GOD offers it to anyone and everyone, regardless of color, race, social rank, or economic status. Reflect upon the Apostle Paul's words: "CHRIST died for our sins." No one is excluded ! The Gospel puts every person on equal ground. This is extremely offensive to many people in the world who feel they are superior to others for one reason or another. For a person to be just as guilty as everyone else and to receive the same forgiveness of sins does not coincide with man's innately arrogant belief that he is better than others in some way. The Gospel message insults mankind's widespread delusion of superiority.

     The very GOD WHO created man and made him in HIS OWN image declares that equality of people in several ways: First, HE pronounces that all are equally guilty (Romans 3:9-12, 23 (pictured above); 5:12). Second, HE establishes that HE is GOD over all (Romans 3:29-30). Third, HE affirms that all can be saved (John 3:16 pictured above; Romans 5:18). Fourth, HE states that all must be saved -- all need to be redeemed (Acts 17:30 see below). Finally, HE reveals HIS desire that all would be saved (1st.Timothy 2:4). In every one of these biblical texts, it is clear that no one is excluded based upon any physical, financial, or societal status or characteristic.

     Unlike the many religions of the world that are either rooted in a type of caste system or teach that salvation comes by works based upon one's ability. Christianity puts all people everywhere on a "level playing field." All are sinful and guilty, yet all who place their faith in JESUS CHRIST can have a personal relationship with GOD. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation