The Biblical Path of Life

Author: mjross

  • Believe in Him

    “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

    John 3:15

    Almost everyone has either heard or memorized 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.” However, have you ever stopped to understand what this verse really means?

    In John 3:16, we are to recognize the way in which God loved the world. Because sin had entered into the world, there was a breach between God and man. The penalty for sin is death (see Romans 6:23). There was only one way to bridge that separation and give life. Because God is a loving and gracious God, He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world.“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God gave His Beloved Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for each individual person’s sin with His life. All one must do is believe upon Jesus, receiving this great gift. “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). Can you better understand this verse now? Read the next verse in that passage to understand even better as to why Jesus came: “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17).

    After reading both of those verses, understand that the gift of the pardon for sin is offered – all one has to do is receive it. This pardon from sin is understood as a promise from God – but only for those who accept that gift. God wanted each person in the world to be saved from the penalty of sin, however God allows each person to make the choice: believe unto salvation or believe not (“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).

    Why would God, who is known for His great love, condemn people? Each person was already condemned because of that separation. God provided the way to be saved – leaving the decision up to each individual. People condemn themselves when they choose to not believe in Jesus (the Light, see John 8:12) and continue in sin. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Those who choose to not believe, love darkness – because their deeds are evil. Surprisingly, many people enjoy sin.

    What if one chooses to continue in sin, rejecting the gift God offered? John summed up the consequences of rejecting this gift of Jesus in the last verse of that chapter. It tells what becomes of one who does not believe that Jesus came and died, living again, enabling Him to take away the sin of each individual who would only believe. “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). This, too, is a promise.

    No one talks about the wrath of God anymore. What exactly is the wrath of God? It is mentioned most often in the New Testament. One clear understanding of it is found in the reading of Romans chapter one. In that chapter, one can understand that God’s wrath is holy and just in its’ indignation against sin. It is so much more than just anger at the willingness of people to continue in sin, it is extreme anger mingled with disgust or abhorrence of that sin.

    How can one escape the wrath of God. and choose this gift God offered? Remember what Jesus declared: “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:15). It is declared simply in the Scriptures: “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. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10). Because one receives the Lord Jesus, believing by faith, that one will be saved from God’s wrath. “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him” (Romans 5:9).

    Life is fleeting and short. No one knows what tomorrow may hold. It is up to each individual to decide. Choose life (eternal with Jesus), or receive the penalty for sin – the wrath of God abiding on him.

    Each person has a choice to make:

    • Believe on the Son and have everlasting life, or
    • Believe not the Son and have the wrath of God abide upon them.

    Have you chosen to receive the gift of salvation (life) by believing in Jesus?

  • Lesson 12: The Revealing by Jesus Christ: Revelation

    Key Verse

    The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

    —Revelation 1:1

    Key Verse Thought: Have you ever read the book of Revelation? Why or why not? Have you ever heard that it is too hard to understand? Read the Key Verse. Revelation means “uncovering; unveiling; disclosure; spoken of future events.” We are to understand that the book of Revelation is not meant to be difficult or even mysterious. The name itself declares that the book is a time of “disclosure of future events.” In this lesson, we will learn what Jesus told his servant, John.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that the book of Revelation is not to be a mystery, for Jesus told His people what would come to pass. It is important for Christians to remember that all of Scripture is to be read and studied, for it is instructional to us, helping us become “throughly furnished unto all good works” (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

    Lesson Summary: The book of Revelation is just what it says it is in the first verse. “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John” (Revelation 1:1). Jesus revealed to John things to record for Christians to know and understand about things that had already happened and even future events. It not only tells of the differing church ages, but it tells of the second coming of Jesus and the impact that will have upon all of the world.

    Because of the volume of the book, we will go back to our overview approach as we study it. We will see the importance of knowing what is found within the book of Revelation. The church ages are described (see Revelation 2–3), as well as the rapture of the church (Revelation 4:1-2). The events that unfold after the church is removed (the Great Tribulation) is depicted in Revelation 6–22; first from earth’s perspective (see chapters 6-11), and then from heaven’s perspective (see chapters 13-19). There are “Seven Seals” (later called “Seven Vials” in heaven’s perspective), “Seven Trumpets”, and “Seven Thunders”. The two beasts will be revealed as they set about to deceive the nations. We will catch a glimpse of Satan’s banishment from heaven when he was cast down to the earth after a battle with Michael and his angels (see Revelation 12). The final demise of Satan will be revealed, as well as the reign of Christ for 1,000 years. At that point there will be the judgment of all of mankind as they stand before the great white throne – each being judged according to their works (see especially Revelation 20:15: “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire”).

    Finally, we will conclude our study comparing things lost in Genesis, to things that will be restored as it is declared in Revelation.

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 12 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 12 Children’s Worksheets

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Four is available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 11: The Abandonment of God’s Truth Revealed: Jude

    Key Verse

    Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

    —Jude 1:21

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. As we look at the book of Jude in this lesson, we will understand that he warned of apostasy, or abandonment of God’s truth. As we read, we will learn that this apostasy comes mainly because of false teachers and unbelievers. After reading the Key Verse, we are to recognize that the only way to stay with the truth of God’s Word is to do what this verse teaches – especially to “Keep yourselves in the love of God”. Doing this is what will help us not to believe false teachers who oppose God and the things of God

    Emphasis: As we look at this lesson, we are to understand that there will be false teaching, but Christians are to contend for the integrity of the truth of God’s Word. In Jude, we are to remember the judgment that befell upon those who rejected God’s Word. Christians are to keep themselves in the love of God, obeying God’s Word, as a witness to the lost world.

    Lesson Summary: The book of Jude is the eighth book in the final division of the New Testament: The Nine General Letters to the Jewish Church. Jude, who was also the half brother of Jesus, wrote it.

    Jude called for Christians earnestly to contend for the faith. He wrote warnings to Christians that there were false teachers who had not only rebelled against the teachings of Jesus, but that were leading people from the truth of the Gospel message. This is called apostasy. In order for Christians to understand just what apostasy is, Jude remembered a few previous apostasies: the Israelites in the wilderness, one-third of the angels, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha. Jude then recognized the apostasy that was occurring in his day. He compared this apostasy with three: Cain, Balaam, and Korah.

    Jude then recalled the life of Enoch, the seventh from Adam. He not only walked with God daily, but he understood and preached against the ungodly. Enoch understood that the Lord would return one day – and he warned others.

    After remembering that God knew apostasy would come, Christians are encouraged to build their lives upon the Christian faith and keep themselves in the love of God. By living a Christ-like life, Christians can be a witness to the lost world – and Christians are commanded to live a life that makes a difference in others by revealing Jesus to them. God will hold Christians accountable for this.

    Jude ended with the promise that God would enable Christians to do these things.

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 11 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 11 Children’s Worksheets

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three is available through Amazon.

  • Is There a Portal to Another World?

    “And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.”

    Luke 16:26

    Many people search for a “portal” to either enter another dimension or at the very least to peer into one. Innumerable movies have incorporated this into the story-line. These thoughts of a “portal” into another dimension are classified as science-fiction. People dream of finding a way through one of those “portals”. Scientists perform experiments trying to open a “portal” into another dimension. Man wants to “see what is on the other side.” Humans are limited in the ability to cross that threshold and return. However, there is another “world” that each person should seriously consider. Another “world” that Jesus addressed many times.

    Read of a certain rich man and a beggar named Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31.

    We are introduced to two men. “19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores” (Luke 16:19-20). Notice that the rich man is not named. However the beggar was named Lazarus.

    We learn what happens immediately after death. “22. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame” (Luke 16:22-24). One was carried by angels to Abraham. The other was buried, yet he was in hell. The rich man who was in torment, could see Lazarus afar off who was not in torment. The rich man wanted mercy and relief from the torment in the flame. “25. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence” (Luke 16:25-26). We find no opportunity for relief from the torment for the rich man. Notice also that there is a great gulf fixed between the two places, and no one can cross it.

    Once the rich man realized he would not be freed from his torment in the flame, and Lazarus could not come even for a moment to bring him any relief, the rich man wanted to warn his family back on earth. “27. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: 28. For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment” (Luke 16:27-28). He did not want anyone else to be sent to the place of torment in flame where he was now bound. He wanted Lazarus to be enabled to return to his life on earth to go warn the rich man’s five brothers. The rich man did not want his brothers to end up in that place of torment. “29. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:29-31).

    This event speaks of very specific men: a certain rich man, Lazarus, and Abraham. One can understand it as a warning. There is another world to consider: an eternal one. The “portal” from one world to the other is death – either eternal death (in hell) or eternal life (in heaven).

    It is most interesting that after the rich man was in hell, in torment, he wanted to send someone back to warn his brothers about that awful place. Abraham reminded him of Moses and the prophets (referring to the Old Testament, which foretold Jesus would come). The rich man argued that if one went from the dead, his brothers would repent. Abraham reiterated; if they wouldn’t believe God’s Word, they wouldn’t believe one who rose from the dead. It was not long after Jesus told of this event that He suffered and died upon the cross – to pay that penalty of eternal death for any one who would believe upon Him. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Jesus was that One who would come back from the dead that the rich man was to be looking for. Only faith in Jesus for remission of sins will keep one out of that place the rich man spoke of where he was “tormented in this flame”, yet there are many today, who do not believe. It will be those of unbelief who will spend eternity in that place of torment called hell.

    There has been much debate throughout the centuries as to whether heaven and hell are real places. Jesus declared they were real. When one reads the Bible, the uncertainty should end.

    Do you now understand that hell is a real place?

    Are you one who has received the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord?

    Read how to find eternal life through Jesus.

  • He’s Everything to Me

    “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

    John 10:27

    The other day, I heard a song played at church that I had not heard for many years. It was called, “He’s Everything to Me.” Although I had not heard the song for a long time, the words came flooding back into my mind and heart immediately. Songs often do that. It reminded me of what I had been reading in John 10 about the Good Shepherd, Jesus. He calls His sheep by name, He leads them out, He goes before His sheep and they follow Him because they know Him. This Good Shepherd not only takes care of His sheep, “…the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (see John 10:11). Read what else we learn. “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine” (John 10:14).

    As you read the words to “He’s Everything to Me”, consider what it is saying.

    He’s Everything to Me

    by Ralph Carmichael

    “In the stars His handiwork I see,
    On the wind He speaks with majesty,
    Though He ruleth over land and sea,
    What is that to me?
    I will celebrate Nativity,
    For it has a place in history,
    Sure, He came to set His people free,
    What is that to me?

    Till by faith I met Him face to face,
    and I felt the wonder of His grace,
    Then I knew that He was more than just a
    God who didn’t care,
    That lived a way out there and

    Now He walks beside me day by day,
    Ever watching o’er me lest I stray,
    Helping me to find that narrow way,
    He’s Everything to me.”

    The song begins with one recognizing the hand of God in nature. Remember: “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained” (Psalm 8:3). See also: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1). God reveals Himself through His creation, yet not many acknowledge God. Most people celebrate Christmas. However, the birth of Jesus means very little to most people. God delivered His people from Egypt with His mighty hand. Yet many people are indifferent to this fact: “What is that to me?” God tells us why He did this: “Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him” (Deuteronomy 4:35). But more than that, remember: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). God sent His son, Jesus, who came to take away the penalty of sin (death) to give eternal life to one who would believe by faith. Even with all of this, many people end their thought of God on this note: “What is that to me?”

    Nevertheless, to those who receive Jesus Christ as their Lord, all of these things become meaningful. This song reminds us of how special it is that we can be saved by grace through faith: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). We understand that God really does care about us as individuals. It is then that we can meet Him “face to face”. Jesus becomes our Good Shepherd. “27. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28). Believers (Christians) belong to Jesus for forever.

    Because of this, Jesus now walks with us day by day. “6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7).

    Why is it important to walk with Jesus day by day? “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). He has a plan for each Christian. Because Jesus is our Good Shepherd (see John 10:11), He will watch over us, helping us to walk with Him. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6). Because of this, we are called to “walk worthy”. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10).

    The Christian life in this world today can be a difficult one to traverse. Remember what Jesus warned: “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14). It may be difficult at times, but our Good Shepherd will lead us day by day: “Ever watching o’er me lest I stray, Helping me to find that narrow way”. Why? Because “He’s Everything to me.”

    Have you met the Good Shepherd “face to face”, and “felt the wonder of His grace”?

    Is He everything to you?

    If you have not met Him “face to face” there are Scriptures to introduce you to Jesus.

  • Wisdom or Power?

    “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

    1 Corinthians 2:5

    Paul began the first book of Corinthians addressing a problem. He wanted the Believers (Christians) to understand what was important: the preaching of the Gospel Message. Paul later summed up what that Gospel Message is in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: “… 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:”. These are the basic truths of the Gospel Message. Paul emphasized the power that is in that salvation. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). See the following to help understand what this verse means:

    • preaching means to speak intelligently about the word of the cross
    • cross means the whole passion of Christ and the merit of His sufferings and death
    • them that perish means exposed to eternal death
    • foolishness means foolishness or absurdity
    • saved means those who have obtained salvation through Christ and are kept by Him
    • power means a person in whom the power of God is manifested

    Jesus came to pay the penalty for “them that perish”, taking that eternal death away from any who would only believe. The “power of God” was then revealed in those who believed in Christ’s work on the cross: “the whole passion of Christ and the merit of His sufferings and death”. Each Believer was changed.

    There were a couple of groups in that day (and in our day) that could not get past this “foolishness” of the preaching of the cross. “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:22). The Jews were bound in their religious system and the outward showing of the rituals of the Old Testament Law. The Greeks sought after wisdom. Wisdom means “the knowledge of how to regulate one’s relationship with God; wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual). What did Paul want them to understand? “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:23). The message of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection would not be accepted by the “religious” Jew, for they were bound in their religious system, having to “do” something. The Greeks thought it was just absurd to believe that one must trust in Christ as apposed to intelligently gaining their own salvation, in their own way. Both groups did not understand that it is only through the cross, in the “power of God” (see 1 Corinthians 1:18) that one is saved. Paul further explained this to help them understand: “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Neither the wisdom of man or the strength of a religion can save one. It is only by faith in Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross.

    Paul explained this further. “1. And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:1-2). Paul shared “Jesus Christ, and him crucified” which is the “the testimony of God”. Paul did not use fancy teaching or enticement to help them understand the Gospel Message. “4. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). Demonstration means “manifestation”. Because Paul just preached the truth of Christ, a Believer’s (Christian’s) faith was not by man’s reasoning or wisdom. The Spirit of God is manifested, and one can choose to believe. It is then that the power of God is acknowledged in that life. We call this becoming “saved”. All men need the salvation provided by Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. However not all will receive it. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). The preaching of the cross reveals the only means of salvation. Remember how Paul taught this in Romans. “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 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. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:8-13). Salvation is not of any man – not even Paul. Each person must choose to believe by the correct faith – faith in Jesus’ completed work on the cross.

    Does your faith stand in the wisdom of men?

    Or

    Does you faith stand in the power of God?

    Click here to find the way to Salvation by faith.

  • Lesson 10: Truth in Christian Living: 2 John and 3 John

    Key Verse

    For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

    —3 John 1:3

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Brethren means “it generally denotes a fellowship of life based on identity of origin; i.e.: members of the same Christian community.” In this lesson, we will learn of people in whose life John could identify the truth because of their lifestyle, for they walked in the truth.

    Emphasis: We are to understand the importance of living a Christian life according to the truth of God’s Word – a life in which anyone can see one’s faithfulness in living according to God’s Word. We will also understand we are to recognize false teaching, rejecting deceivers who teach contrary to God’s Word, and instead adhere to the truths of the Bible.

    Lesson Summary: The book of 2 John is the sixth book in the final division of the New Testament: The Nine General Letters to the Jewish Church. The book of 3 John is the seventh book in that final division. John, one of the twelve Apostles, wrote both of these books.

    2 John: John wrote this letter to an unnamed woman with children. He commended her for not only faithfully walking with the Lord, but for teaching her children the truths of God’s Word – and those children walked with the Lord. There was one important thing he emphasized: he reminded them to continue walking according to God’s Word, obeying His commands. John warned that there would be deceivers who would come, teaching falsely. If anyone teaches contrary to the Bible, John said to reject them. He also taught that they are not to even be wished “god speed” (encouragement on their way).

    3 John: The book of 3 John is the shortest book in the Bible. John wrote it to one named Gaius. John led Gaius to the Lord, and Gaius proceeded to live a faithful Christian life. John wrote words of commendation, as well as words of encouragement. Gaius walked in truth. All who knew him understood this as well. Because of his faithful life, he was an encouragement to others to do the same, which led them to tell others, including Gentiles, the truth of God’s Word as well.

    Gaius walked with the Lord – unlike Diotrephes who obviously did not live Christ-like. John wrote of the areas in Diotrephes’ life that were wrong. He wrote not to follow that which is evil, but to follow that which is good.

    The final person of whom John wrote was Demetrius. John had little to say about Demetrius, but he said enough for us to understand Demetrius pleased God.

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 10 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 10 Children’s Worksheets

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Four is available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 9: The Test of Faith: Truth vs. False: 1 John

    Key Verse

    He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

    —1 John 5:12

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Do you know who the “Son” is? (Jesus.) Use the following definitions to help you understand this verse better:

    • He that hath means “to have firmly in mind; to have God and Christ and to hold fast to Them: i.e. to acknowledge with love and devotion”
    • Life means “blessed life; life that satisfies; being indwelt by God but not necessarily favored by circumstances; also the doctrine of eternal life, i.e.: that life of bliss and glory in the kingdom of God which awaits the true disciples of Christ after the resurrection”

    In this lesson, we will learn the difference between one who is a Christian and one who is not a Christian (one who has not acknowledged or trusted upon Christ – lost).

    Emphasis: We are to understand that there is a definite difference between a Christian and a lost person. In reading God’s Word, there is no room left for doubt as to what constitutes a Christian life, and how God expects each Christian to live – not only in their own Christian walk, but in their relationship with one another.

    Lesson Summary: The book of 1 John was written by John, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. John wrote this book as a verbal eyewitness: one who had seen Jesus and knew He was God’s Son. He wrote to Christians, warning them to walk in the light, not forgetting that Jesus died for the sins of man in order to restore the broken relationship between God and man. In order to reveal in one’s life that they understand this, one must obey God’s Word. It is then that Christians can have fellowship and right relationships with one another. John taught that there are different stages of a Christian’s life. He addressed them as: little children, fathers, and young men. After addressing these different stages of a Christian’s walk, John warned all Christians of any age to not love the world or the things of the world.

    John wrote not only how to become a Christian, but how to determine the difference between one who is a Christian and one who is not. He listed many “tests” found within the book of 1 John to help one understand the difference: Light and dark; a Believer and an unbeliever; a wrong relationship compared to a right relationship; those with God and those without God; the Spirit of God with the spirit of antichrist; and those who have life with those who have not life. Before ending this book, John reminded Christians that they are not to sin. Instead, Christians are to learn to be on guard, keeping from sin – understanding that as we choose to walk with God, Satan is hindered in troubling us (see 1 John 5:18.)

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 9 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 9 Children’s Worksheets

    The Biblical Path of Life Year Three – Quarter Four is available through Amzaon.

  • Lesson 8: Growing in Grace: 2 Peter

    Key Verse

    But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

    —2 Peter 3:18

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Do you realize what it means to grow (examples may be: to become stronger, taller, bigger, smarter, better at something, etc.)? It is important to recognize that one grows in more ways that just physically. In this lesson, we will learn the importance of growing in our Christian life – spiritually. It is important for Christians to grow in their Christian life – just as in the physical life.

    Emphasis: We are to understand the importance of continually growing in the Christian life, watching and waiting for Jesus to return. Christians are to remember that when one grows in the Christian life, the relationship with Jesus grows as well. But especially: if Christians are not growing, they are digressing in that Christian life, becoming ineffective Christians.

    Lesson Summary: The book of 2 Peter is the fourth book in the fifth division of the New Testament: Nine Letters to the Jewish Church. The Apostle Peter wrote it to Christians, encouraging them to grow in their Christian life. It is relevant to Christians today, just as it was to the Jewish Christians during the New Testament period.

    Peter began by reminding them of their like faith in Jesus. He then taught them the importance of growing in that Christian faith. We will learn that as we grow in the knowledge of Jesus, our relationship with Him grows as well. There is also a warning for one who lacks the qualities of a growing, Christian life: he is compared to one who is blind and cannot see afar off.

    As always, there is a warning of false teachers. Peter then cites examples of angels, and even some from the Old Testament, of those whom God “spared not.” Peter included a warning of those who had a “knowledge of the Lord”, who after they knew, turned from it, whose “latter end is worse with them than the beginning.”

    Before Peter closed, he reminded the Christians not to forget that the Day of the Lord would come as a thief in the night for those who were not watching for His return. However, before that day came, Christians had much to do: live a holy and godly life, look for Jesus’ return, hasting the return of Jesus by winning others to the Lord (remembering that Jesus is longsuffering, not willing that any perish), and so much more. Most importantly, Christians are to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 8 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 8 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to younger children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We colored and cut out a flower and flower pot. We then cut a slit in the construction paper where we glued the pot. We entered the flower stem into that slit, enabling us to cause the flower to “grow”. We included the verse 2 Peter 3:18.

    The Biblical Path of Life Year Three – Quarter Four is available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 7: Become Lively Stones: 1 Peter

    Key Verse

    Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

    —1 Peter 2:5

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. As you read this verse, understand it better with the following definitions:

    • Lively stones means “to live as Christians”
    • Spiritual house means “spoken of things in a higher and spiritual sense, not literal, as in: Christians as the spiritual house or temple of God”
    • Holy priesthood means “referring to all Christians who are said to offer spiritual sacrifices”
    • Spiritual sacrifices means “spoken of things in a higher and spiritual sense, not literal, as in Christians in their service, obedience, praise offered to God; an offering or oblation (see Romans 12:1 and Hebrews 13:15-16)”

    In this lesson, we will learn how to become “lively stones”.

    Emphasis: In this lesson, we are to remember the hope we have in Jesus that allows us to become “lively stones”, living a Christ-like life: no longer living in the flesh, but according to the will of God. We are to know Christians must learn to think and act discreetly, using sound judgment and become self-disciplined – in order to resist the devil, for he wants to destroy Christians.

    Lesson Summary: Peter was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. He became a great leader in establishing the church after Jesus’ ascension. He wrote this letter to the Jewish Christians who scattered during persecutions.

    Peter began by reminding them of what Jesus had done by his life, death, and resurrection, which gave all Christians a “lively hope”: the assurance of salvation and eternal life in heaven. Because of that “lively hope”, Peter taught Christians not only how to be holy, but to become “lively stones”: just how to live as Christians. He then called upon Christians, as dearly beloved, teaching them how to live: as citizens, employees, in sufferings, with spouses, and in fellowship with other believers, etc. A Christian’s life should be lived so that no one doubts that that one is really a Christian – and in that life, each Christian is a witness for Jesus, leading others into a life with Christ. Peter gave Jesus as our ultimate example, and then gave Noah’s faith as an example from the Old Testament.

    Finally, Peter taught to live soberly: to think and act soberly, discreetly, and to use sound judgment and moderation; to be self-disciplined. By standing fast in our faith, living soberly, Christians are enabled to resist the devil, our adversary. And God promised to help.

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 7 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 7 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to younger children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We decorated a paper with Noah’s Ark Stickers remembering Noah’s faith as an example from the Old Testament given in 1 Peter 3 .

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Four is available through Amazon.

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