"The Comfort Series: A Cause for Comfort"

 

John 13:36-14:18 "Simon Peter said unto HIM, LORD, whither goest THOU ? JESUS answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow ME now; but thou shalt follow ME afterwards. Peter said unto HIM, LORD, why cannot I follow THEE now ? I will lay down my life for THY sake. JESUS answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for MY sake ? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied ME thrice. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in GOD, believe also in ME. In MY FATHER's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto MYSELF; that where I AM, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Thomas saith unto HIM, LORD, we know not whither THOU goest; and how can we know the way ? JESUS saith unto him, I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER, but by ME. If ye had known ME, ye should have known MY FATHER also: and from henceforth ye know HIM, and have seen HIM. Philip saith unto HIM, LORD, show us the FATHER, and it sufficeth us. JESUS saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known ME, Philip ? he that hath seen ME hath seen the FATHER; and how sayest thou, then, Show us the FATHER ? Believest thou not that I AM in the FATHER, and the FATHER in ME ? the WORDs that I speak unto you I speak not of MYSELF; but the FATHER that dwelleth in ME, HE doeth the works. Believe ME that I AM in the FATHER, and the FATHER in ME: or else believe ME for the very works' sake.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on ME, the works that I do shall HE do also: and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto MY FATHER. And whatsoever ye shall ask in MY name, that will I do, that the FATHER may be glorified in the SON. If ye shall ask anything in MY name, I will do it. If ye love ME, keep my commandments. And I will pray the FATHER, and HE shall give you another COMFORTER, that HE may abide with you forever. Even the SPIRIT of truth; WHOM the world cannot receive, because it seeth HIM not, neither knoweth HIM: but ye know HIM; for HE dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."

     Imagine one of your dearest loved ones telling you he was going away and you could not accompany him. Picture the sadness of the situation ! In today's text, we have those very feelings before us. JESUS had just told HIS disciples, "Whither I go, ye cannot come" (John 13:33). Peter then asked where HE was going, and JESUS reasserted HIS previous statement (John 13:36). Keep in mind that they had no idea what was about to happen and were oblivious to the soon death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of their LORD. Because of his love for CHRIST, Peter asked why he could not follow, adding, "I will lay down my life for THY sake" (John 13:37). JESUS responded by telling this disciple that, in reality, he would actually deny HIM three times before the break of dawn. Peter truly desired to be with JESUS; he loved his LORD. But, like us, he at times succumbed to the flesh when he took his eyes of the SAVIOR (Matthew 14:30-31 pictured above).

     Peter and the other disciples needed to be comforted. From where could such solace come ? Only from JESUS HIMSELF. Even in this time of distress for the GOD-MAN, HE reached out in selfless consideration for others. Rather than dwelling upon HIS OWN dreadful situation. JESUS was concerned about encouraging HIS OWN and making sure they were not hopeless. Today, we find ourselves in a situation similar to that of the disciples. We are physically separated from the bodily presence of JESUS, and we are constantly called upon to contend for the faith in a hostile world that refuses to receive CHRIST. But our SAVIOR exhorts us, "Let not your heart be troubled" (John 14:1 pictured above). In the following days, we will discover seven ways wherein we can find true comfort. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Does GOD Love You ?"

 

John 3:16-17 "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."

     Did you know some people will try to tell you that GOD does not love everyone but only those who are already HIS ? They claim that the LORD loves only the saints but hates all of the sinners. But does GOD's WORD actually teach this, or is this a "doctrine of devils" ? One of the rules of interpreting the Bible is that if a text makes clear sense, then do not try to make any other sense of it. Take, for example, this unambiguous verse: "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" (v.16). Some say that the word "world" in John 3:16 is limited only to the "world of the elect." But that is not what GOD said, is it ? The Greek word for "world" is kosmos, and it speaks not only of the Earth as a whole but also of all the human race living upon it, not of a limited select group. GOD loves all men, women, children, and the unborn on the Earth.

     Yes, the Bible does teach that all lost sinners are under the wrath of GOD (John 3:36 pictured above); but it also explains that JESUS came to save sinners (1st.Timothy 1:15a pictured above). GOD demonstrated HIS love to the whole world through the person of HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, WHO said, "For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through HIM might be saved" (v.17) and "whosoever" believes in HIM will "not perish, but have everlasting life" (v.16). The LORD does not want anyone to go to a Devil's Hell -- our SAVIOR is "longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2nd.Peter 3:9). In fact, the LORD JESUS CHRIST "is the propitiation (sacrificial payment) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" (1st.John 2:2). PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"WANTED: Faithful Men"

 

Proverbs 20:6 "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find ?"

     The need in our day is not for men who are strong or handsome, having great talents, remarkable abilities, or the aptitude to logically persuade others. The need is not for men who are the life of the party, play sports, or have the last word for everything. The need of our day is, however:

For men who are true and loyal to their wives and families and, most of all, to GOD.

For men who keep their word no matter what the cost.

For men who are trustworthy and have integrity and moral fidelity.

For men who have an unshakable resolve to do what is right.

The need of our day is for men who are godly and faithful.

     The crisis of faithful men -- The psalmist David cried out in Psalm 12:1 (pictured above), "HELP, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men." Read today's text again. Men like to brag and talk about themselves, trying to impress others with their abilities and personalities; but, in reality, many have a sick moral life and homes that are in shambles. Where are the faithful men ? 

     The call for faithful men -- "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (1st.Corinthians 4:2). Men need to have a consuming desire to be true to GOD. Unfaithfulness abounds like fool's gold, but faithfulness is pure gold !

     The character of faithful men -- Men must always tell the truth. "A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies" (Proverbs 14:5). A faithful man is faithful in the little things as much as he is in the big things (Matthew 25:21; Luke 16:10-13).

     The crown of faithful men -- "The LORD preserveth the faithful (Psalm 31:23). A faithful man shall abound with blessings" (Proverbs 28:20). The LORD GOD is looking for faithful men whom HE may send to faithfully do HIS will. Are you the man HE is looking for: "Also, I heard the voice of the LORD, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for US ? Then said I, Here am I; send me." (Isaiah 6:8 pictured above). Be that man ! PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Faithful is HE"

 

1st.Thessalonians 5:23-24 "And the very GOD of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray GOD your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Faithful is HE that calleth you, WHO also will do it."

     From time to time, we sing a wonderful old hymn titled "Great is THY Faithfulness," pictured above, of which the first stanza proclaims the following "Great is THY faithfulness, O GOD my FATHER, There is no shadow of turning with THEE; THOU changest not, THY compassions they fail not; As THOU hast been THOU forever wilt be." The refrain beautifully encompasses the following jubilant thoughts: "Great is THY faithfulness ! Great is THY faithfulness ! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed THY hand hath provided; Great is THY faithfulness, LORD unto me !"

     The words of that hymn, written by Thomas O. Chisholm, cap the benediction (an invocation of blessing) that Paul the Apostle prayed on behalf of the saints in Thessalonica (v.23): "The very GOD of peace," HIMSELF, do what Paul could not do by his own power nor by the efforts of the people (Romans 16:20; Hebrews 13:20). Paul prays to the GOD of Heaven that these believers would be holy (set-apart), which is one of the necessary conditions of peace (Philippians 4:7). His prayer also contains the request that they would be perfect (mature) in every respect and their whole spirit, soul, and body would be guarded and blameless in entirety "unto the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST" (v.23).

     Now the Apostle divulges the secret of how all of this is to be accomplished: "Faithful is HE that calleth you, WHO also will do it" (v.24). GOD will cause HIS calling to fulfill HIS purpose for you and bring your life to HIS desired end, preserving and presenting you blameless at the coming of JESUS CHRIST (v.23; Romans 8:30; 1st.Peter 5:10 pictured above). The LORD is faithful to HIS promises, and HE has a deep, abiding love for HIS own. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Patiently Waiting"

 

1st.Thessalonians 1:9-10 "For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to GOD from idols to serve the living and true GOD; and to wait for HIS SON from Heaven, WHOM HE raised from the dead, even JESUS, which delivered us from the wrath to come."

     Two thoughts are running parallel through my mind just now: "They that wait upon the LORD" (Isaiah 40:31) joined with "Wait for HIS SON from Heaven" (v.10). Waiting, for most people, is not easy. We live in a "hurry up and get it done" world. Impatience seems to be the order of the day, whether waiting at a traffic light, at the grocery store checkout, or for a long-anticipated event. Our impatience begins to show all too quickly. Yet, GOD consistently speaks to us of waiting:

"They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;" (Isaiah 40:31).

"The LORD is a GOD of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for HIM" (Isaiah 30:18).

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." (Psalm 27:14 pictured above).

     Many other verses in Scripture likewise deal with the thought of waiting, even when the word "wait" does not appear in them; for instance: "Be still, and know that I AM GOD" (Psalm 46:10). But one of the most precious of statements concerning waiting is in today's text wherein Paul commends the Thessalonian believers for turning "to GOD from idols," for serving "the living and true GOD," and for waiting "for HIS SON from Heaven." In light of that commendation, our prayer should be as follows:

Dearest Heavenly FATHER,

In a world of people moving at a frenzied pace and being primarily concerned about the here and now, LORD, may the SPIRIT fill my soul, revealing the fullness of CHRIST to me from day to day, and may HE cause me to wait patiently for the coming of JESUS CHRIST to take me to HIMSELF as HE promised: "I will come again, and receive you unto MYSELF" (John 14:3). In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN." 

Let us "rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for HIM" (Psalm 38:7 pictured above). JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Internalizing the WORD of GOD"

 

"THY WORDs were found, and I did eat them;

and THY WORD was unto me the joy and

rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called

by THY name, O LORD GOD of 

hosts." Jeremiah 15:16

     Every time a Pastor steps into the pulpit to preach the WORD, he is well aware that certain ones of his congregation are there in body, but their minds are miles away. He could well say to them, "I know you are here, but you are not really here; I know you hear, but you do not hear." They are thinking about the afternoon lunch, sports, work, television programs, new clothes, parties, boyfriends or girlfriends, vacations, problems, cares, etc. It was to this kind of people that JESUS spoke, "He that hath an ear to hear let him hear," and to whom Paul warned not to be "dull of hearing." Think of the daunting task assigned by the LORD to Isaiah: "Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not" (Isaiah 6:9). We can understand Isaiah's question, "LORD, How long?" (Isaiah 6:11 pictured above). Yet, even in this context, the LORD promised some fruit: a remnant, a tenth, who would truly hear.

     How is it that two people can attend the same church, the same service, listen to the same preacher deliver the same message, and then respond so differently ?  Both were there and heard, but only one was truly there and truly heard. May I suggest that the answer to this enigma is supplied in one simple verse from the book of Jeremiah, which says, "THY WORDs were found, and I did eat them; and THY WORD was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by THY name, O LORD GOD of hosts:" (v.16). "I did eat them (THY WORDs)" - this is the key to the whole matter: internalizing the WORD of GOD. We must not simply taste of the WORD (hear but not hear), but we must eat the WORDs of GOD - digest them to the rejoicing of the heart.

     "THY WORDs were found, and I did eat them, and THY WORD was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by THY name, O LORD GOD of hosts" (v.16) - those WORDs were spoken and recorded by Jeremiah the prophet. Correspondingly, Moses told the children of Israel, "And these WORDs, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart" (Deuteronomy 6:6 pictured above). The LORD instructed Joshua, "This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night" (Joshua 1:8 pictured above). The psalmist declared that the blessed man "delight[s]. . .in the Law of the LORD; and in HIS Law doth he meditate day and night" (Psalm 1:1-2 pictured below).

     The above texts lend great meaning and significance to Jeremiah's proclamation indicating that he did not just taste (nibble at) GOD's WORD but spiritually ingested it and was nourished thereby. He received GOD's WORD entirely and conversed with them intimately. They were welcome to him as food to the hungry soul. He ate them and digested them, and they became part of him. Oh, how we need to get into the WORD of GOD and have the WORD of GOD get into us today ! Do not be satisfied with the superficial learning of some rules or guidelines for a few steps to take. You need to digest the WORD (study it, assimilate it) so that it becomes a part of your being. It will bring joy and rejoicing to your heart, just as it did to Jeremiah. Only GOD's WORD can do this !

     Our families, churches, and nation are in desperate need of spiritual revival, which can only be brought about by a return to the foundation - the Bible. IT, alone, can cleanse the soul, guard us from sin, and guide us safely through the shoals of life. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"How to Have a GOOD Report"

 

Hebrews 11:32-40 "And what shall I more say ? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonments; they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: GOD having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."

     The "Faith Chapter," Hebrews 11, is aptly named, for it sets forth some basic truths concerning the importance of faith and provides practical examples of those who walked "by faith, not by sight" (2nd.Corinthians 5:7 pictured above). Our text gives a vivid picture of men and women in the Old Testament who were faithful to the LORD despite facing extreme persecutions and testings. Some experienced miraculous deliverances from impossible situations (vv.32-35a). Others endured great persecution - some of whom became martyrs, "not accepting deliverance" (vv.35b-38). The perfect will of GOD was what determined that which was required of those godly believers who walked by faith.

     Note that all the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 received a "good report" from GOD (v.39). Today, charismatic leaders are influencing millions to accept their unscriptural teachings that every believer can claim bodily healing and financial prosperity as a result of his or her salvation in CHRIST; it is important to study today's text as well as other portions of Scripture as a necessary refutation of such false teaching. Christians who are going through great trials, testings, and persecutions need to leave their circumstance in GOD's hands, understanding that HE knows best how each of HIS children can be the most effective testimony for HIM. The goal of every believer should be to obtain a "good report" from the LORD, just like those in the "Hall of Faith." This is only possible when we trust in the LORD rather than men. Do not let those who twist the Scriptures discourage your heart if you are not delivered in the way they claim you should. GOD's report of "well done" is all that matters (Matthew 25:21 pictured above). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation