"The Dart of Discouragement"

 

Satan's Fiery Dart Series - 1st.Kings 19:14-18 "And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD GOD of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken THY covenant, thrown down THINE alters, and slain THY prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be King over Syria: and Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be King over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet I have left ME seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him."

     Satan commonly utilizes discouragement in his attacks against believers. Discouragement is not a respecter of persons. Those who are faithful to GOD will sometimes become downhearted because it is not easy to be in the battle and feel alone or in the minority. Moreover, those who are backslidden from a proper fellowship with GOD likewise grow dispirited because they know better; their conscience is not clear.

     Satan has used discouragement to sideline many of GOD's children throughout history. We feel dismayed when others do not like or embrace what we believe. We become dejected when people do not acknowledge or appreciate something we have done. We get disappointed when we see unbelievers or unfaithful Christians having a "good time" while we are enduring hardships or trials. We grow discouraged when our life or our endeavors do not turn out as we had anticipated or hoped they would.

     Like discontentment, discouragement always transpires when our eyes are upon something or someone other than the LORD. We tend to look around at our circumstances and then base our behavior and actions on what we see rather than what we know to be true. This is exactly what happened to the prophet Elijah. GOD's response was, in essence, "Elijah, get back to work doing what I have called you to do, and get your eyes off your circumstances because you do not even have all of the information !" The psalmist had the answer for discouragement in Psalm 42:5-6 pictured above -- we need to focus on GOD alone and wholly place our faith in HIM and HIS WORD. Once again, we are to use the shield of faith, for with it we can quench Satan's fiery dart of discouragement. 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 Dart of Discontentment"

 

Satan's Destructive Dart Series - 2nd.Timothy 4:10 "For Demus hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

     Discontentment is one of Satan's chief darts against believers. He tempts us to fix our eyes and heart upon those things that GOD has not given us. We begin to think that we are "missing out" when, in reality, we are precisely where GOD wants us to be with exactly the things HE wants us to have. Discontentment is a major problem in our culture and society today; both young and old alike are regularly bombarded by images of those who appear to "have it all." Many hate to commit to anything -- including their spouse, family, church, or job -- because they always feel like something better is "out there" or might come along, yet the LORD has no part in this kind of thinking or behavior. Although Scripture does not say that discontentment was the specific reason why Demas abandoned the Apostle, it does tell us that he forsook Paul, "having loved this present world." At the root of any love for the world is ultimately a dissatisfaction concerning GOD's will, plan, and purpose for one's life.

     True contentment does not depend on a physical condition but on a state of mind. The way we think (not how we feel) is what truly determines our path of action in life -- whether we will grow spiritually (and thus glorify GOD) or whether we will regress spiritually (and thus grieve HIM). Paul had learned to be content wherever GOD placed him (Philippians 4:11 pictured above), even when he had very little and was facing dire circumstance. Hebrews 13:5 (pictured above) provides GOD's counsel to us today: "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content . . ."  Why ?  "For HE hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." We quench this hostile dart of discontentment with the shield of faith. 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 Dart of Doubt"

 

Satan's Destructive Dart Series - Matthew 14:29-31 "And HE said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to JESUS. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, LORD save me. And immediately JESUS stretched forth HIS hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt ?"

     Satan often uses doubt as an offensive weapon against us. Why do we question GOD ? The Bible gives several reasons, and it illustrates such doubt with examples of historical men and women who faced this same destructive dart. First, we doubt because we are fearful -- we get our eyes focused on the circumstances around us, as Peter did in today's text. Second, we have misgivings because we do not always understand the big picture -- why GOD does what HE does; such was the case with John the Baptist prior to his death (Matthew 11:1-3 pictured above). Third, we doubt because at times we are besieged by overwhelming difficulties, as were the children of Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 17:1-7). Fourth, we are skeptical because we sometimes blatantly choose to reject the truth, like the fool who denies the existence of GOD (Psalm 14:1). Fifth, we doubt because we become discouraged and feel as though we are all alone, as was true of Elijah who fled for his life from the wicked Queen Jezebel (1st.Kings 19:4,14). Sixth, we question GOD because, like Asaph, we see the prosperity of the wicked and wonder why the righteous suffer (Psalm 73:1-13,11-17). Finally, we doubt because we have improper expectations, just like the two disciples traveling to Emmaus (Luke 24:21 pictured below).

     In every instance, GOD exhorts the believer to know HIS WORD, to rest in HIS promises that are based upon HIS immutable and omnipotent character, and to exercise greater faith. You see, it is only with the shield of faith that we can conquer, or "quench," this fiery dart of doubt. Get to know the LORD better through HIS written WORD. Then, simply take HIM at HIS WORD and keep your eyes on HIM. Faith is the victory ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.  www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Satan's Destructive Dart Series"

INTRODUCTION - Ephesians 6:16 "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

     GOD's WORD states in no uncertain terms that Christians are continually under attack by their enemy the Devil. Today's text reminds us that the Wicked One hurls many fiery (hurtful, destructive) darts at us in an effort to shipwreck our faith, destroy our testimony, or simply bring us to the breaking point of discouragement. The Bible also instructs us as to how we are to deal with this onslaught, reminding us that GOD will provide the strength we need to meet the frequent assaults of this ruthless enemy. With "the shield of faith" we are to "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

     Satan is not just doing everything possible to keep unbelievers from knowing JESUS CHRIST; he is also trying to do whatever he can to destroy Christians and shipwreck their faith and testimony. We learn from today's text and others that these darts are destructive, and yet Satan does not throw any arrows our way other than the very same ones he has been hurling at GOD's people for thousands and thousands of years. He has no new, secret weapons (1st.Corinthians 10:13 pictured above) -- "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man." We already know what he uses to attack us -- "We are not ignorant of his devices" (2nd.Corinthians 2:11 pictured above). Of course, when we sin, it is not Satan's fault; it is our own doing. However, we must be aware that somehow, in ways we do not fully discern or understand. Satan is able to tempt us, test us, find our weak points, and exploit those vulnerabilities in an effort to render us ineffective in ministry and usefulness for GOD. During the next week we will consider six of these destructive darts. Maybe you are being targeted by one right now. Awareness is the first step to victory ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

 

"SLAVERY -- Both Horrible and Wonderful"

 

1st.Corinthians 6:9-20 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of GOD ? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abuser of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of GOD. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the LORD JESUS, and by the SPIRIT of our GOD. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but GOD shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the LORD; and the LORD for the body. And GOD hath both raised up the LORD, and will also raise up us by HIS OWN power.

Know ye not that your bodies are the members of CHRIST ? shall I then take the members of CHRIST, and make them the members of an harlot ? GOD forbid. What ? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body ? for two, saith HE, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the LORD is one SPIRIT. Flee fornication. every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What ? know ye no that your body is the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT which is in you, which ye have of GOD, and ye are not your own ? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify GOD in your body, and in your spirit, which are GOD's."

     Paul, Peter, and John, all considered themselves as slaves or bondslaves (doulos) of CHRIST (Romans 1:1; Titus 1:1; 2nd.Peter 1:1; Revelation 1:1). They recognized that they were bought by blood and bound by love. Additionally, James and Jude each could have proudly introduced himself as the brother of JESUS (sharing the same mother), yet they, too, humbly called themselves JESUS' slaves (James 1:1; Jude 1:1 pictured above).

     Due to man's sinfulness, slavery was a horrible institution during the days when JESUS CHRIST walked the Earth. Some slaves were treated worse than animals. The Apostle Paul commanded believing slave owners to handle their bond-servants fairly and kindly, being mindful that they had a MASTER in Heaven before WHOM they were accountable. (Colossians 4:1 pictured above; Ephesians 6:9). A slave owned nothing; rather, he was owned. All that he had belonged to his master. In like manner, the living GOD possesses us and lives within us, and we "are not [our] own" (v.19). Everything that we have belongs to our Heavenly MASTER, and we are to be good stewards of all that HE has entrusted to us. HE purchased us from the slave market of sin and bought us at an immense price (v.20).

     A slave cannot do what he or she wants to do; he is subject to the will of his master. He has no schedule of his own; his day is planned and ordered by the one who owns him. Like David, the believer should take pleasure in doing the will of his MASTER: "I delight to do THY will, O my GOD: yea, THY Law is with my heart" (Psalm 40:8). Consider Paul's first words as a believer: "LORD, what wilt THOU have me to do" (Acts 9:6). Each day belongs to CHRIST: "LORD, 'order my steps in THY WORD'" (Psalm 119:133 pictured above). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The ONLY Doorway"

 

JESUS IS THE DOOR TO HEAVEN.

JESUS is the door. . .HE said in John 10:9, "I AM the DOOR: by ME if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." JESUS is the WAY. . ."I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE; no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME." (John 14:6)

JESUS IS THE ONLY DOORWAY TO HEAVEN.

My Friend, let me ask you a most important question. Are you trying to enter Heaven some other way than through the way JESUS provided ? If you are, JESUS said you are a thief and a robber. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the DOOR into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." (John 10:1)

There is no other way to get to Heaven. Religion is not the way ! The preacher, priest or Mary is not the way ! Water baptism is not the way ! Church membership is not the way ! Being a moral person is not the way ! Doing good works is not the way ! Being born into a Christian family is not the way !

The Bible states in Acts 4:12, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among me, whereby we must be saved." There is nothing you can do to earn salvation or your way into Heaven. "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;" (Isaiah 64:6a) Only by receiving JESUS CHRIST as your own personal LORD and SAVIOR can you enter into the kingdom of GOD.

HOW CAN YOU ENTER THE DOOR ?

You enter the DOOR by asking JESUS to come into your heart and save you. "But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name:" (John 1:12). The Bible 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 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)

Don't let the Devil deceive you by making you believe there is some other way. The Bible says that the Devil ". . .is a liar, and the father of it." (John 8:44b)

Eternal salvation is a free gift to all who will simply receive JESUS CHRIST into their heart. "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) " 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).

JESUS said in Mark 1:15, ". . .repent ye, and believe the Gospel." Believing the Gospel is believing ". . .that CHRIST died for our [your] 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).

JESUS died on the cross, was buried, and was resurrected by the power of GOD for our [your] salvation. "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)

My Friend, if you want to be sure that you are saved and Heaven will be your home, pray this simple prayer or one similar to it, meaning 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 Bible says in John 3:36, "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." Please don't reject the Gospel ! Trust CHRIST today, tomorrow is not promised to anyone !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"If A Man Die, Shall He Live Again ?"

 

     The question that has been on the heart and mind of every person from the beginning of time:

If a Man Die,

Shall He Live Again ?

     The LORD JESUS answered this question when HE said:

     "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 verse reveals four precious truths from the heart of GOD.

You are loved.

     GOD wants you to know that you are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world. . ." You are a part of this world, and GOD loves you.

You are of worth.

     The LORD also wants you to know that you are of worth.  You are so dear to GOD that ". . .HE gave HIS only begotten SON. . ." He gave HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, to pay your sin debt in full.

     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 6:23a. 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's payment for our sin was accepted by GOD. It satisfied GOD's requirement for forgiveness. You may ask, "How can GOD forgive sin ?" HE can do that because of what JESUS did for us. ". . .While we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." - Romans 5:8.

You can have hope.

     GOD wants you to know that you can have hope. HE said ". . .that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish. . ." He rose from the dead, and HE said, ". . .Because I live, ye shall live also" - John 14:19.

You can have purpose.

     GOD wants you to know that you can have purpose in life. HE desires that you "should not perish, but have everlasting life." 

     The answer to man's searching question is "Yes ! There is life after death - eternal life." Everlasting life is ours when we turn to GOD in repentance and faith and receive the LORD JESUS CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

     You may ask, "How do I do this ?" The answer is as simple as ABC:

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 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

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Emeritus Tom Sexton

Pastor Robert Butz

www.FiveStarChristianMinistries.com

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation