The Biblical Path of Life

Author: mjross

  • Lesson 5: 2 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 33: Manasseh – Amon

    Key Verse

    Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

    —Galatians 5:7

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Have you ever run in a race? How well did you run? What helped you to run your best? (i.e.: keep the goal in sight, not look to the left or the right, make sure there are no obstacles in your path, be healthy by eating good foods as opposed to junk food, be sure and be hydrated by drinking enough water, etc.) There are many things to consider if you want to run a race well. This verse is talking about a different kind of race – living a Christian life that is pleasing to God. Can you think of any things that cause you not to live a life pleasing to God? (i.e.: choosing to lie, choosing to disobey authorities, choosing the wrong friends, not reading your Bible, not attending church, etc.) In this lesson, we will look at a king who made many bad choices – primarily to disobey God’s commands (the truths in God’s Word).

    Emphasis: Christians are not to let anything hinder us from obeying God and living a life pleasing to Him. We are to learn to lay aside any sin that does not allow us to “run the race well” (live a life pleasing to God).

    Lesson Summary: In this lesson, we will continue in our study of the kings of Judah. If you remember, we ended with King Hezekiah, the thirteenth king of Judah, but only the seventh good king. Especially remember that he was the best king who ruled over Judah. “And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did” (2 Kings 18:3). Because he obeyed God’s commands, God blessed him and caused him to prosper. We also looked at two prophets who spoke to God’s people during this timeframe: Isaiah and Micah. Both of them spoke God’s Words during the reign of King Hezekiah, and there were many great reformations during his reign, leading the people back to God. 

    Remember that King Hezekiah was sick unto death. When he prayed, God extended his life by fifteen years. During those fifteen years, a son was born to him. His name was Manasseh. He was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for fifty-five years. Read what kind of a king he was. “And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD …” (2 Kings 21:2). We will learn just how bad of a king he became.  Manasseh was a very wicked king, undoing all of the good that his father, King Hezekiah, had implemented. He became king when he was twelve years old and reigned for fifty-five years.  King Manasseh forsook the commandments of the Lord and served idols instead. Not only that, but he sacrificed his sons to the false god, Molech. He made the people of Judah to do more wickedness than the heathen that God had cast out and destroyed before them. During his wicked reign, God allowed him to be taken bound as a prisoner into Babylon. While Manasseh was there, he sought God, humbled himself, and prayed. God heard his prayer. God allowed Manasseh to return home as king. Once home, Manasseh revealed that he truly knew God by the many reformations he made. When he died, his son, Amon, became king.

    Y2Q3 Lesson 5 Questions

    Y2Q3 Lesson 5 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are doing these lessons with younger children, the following is a craft idea to go along with this lesson:

    We made small books and pasted different Scriptures into it. We wrote the verse Psalm 86:11 on the cover to help us remember the importance of learning God’s Word.

  • Stephen

    “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.”
    Acts 6:8

    In the early church, the new Believers were encouraged to continue, “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). However, soon there were thousands of new Believers, and they chose men to help in the ministry of the church. Once they chose these men to be ministers, see what we read. “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). God blessed, and more people were saved. 

    Stephen was one of the seven men chosen who stood out in his service to God. “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). Recognize that when God begins to work, Satan likes to stir trouble. “Then there arose certain of the synagogue … disputing with Stephen” (Acts 6:9). The religious leaders began to argue with Stephen. Understand something important. “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:10). Consider what Jesus had taught his followers. “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist” (Luke 21:15). Gainsay means “contradict.”  They may not have received the truths that Stephen taught about faith in Jesus, but they could not refute those truths either.

    Because the religious leaders did not like what Stephen was doing, or what he was saying, read the following to understand what they did next. “Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God” (Acts 6:11). Suborned means “to introduce underhandedly; to make a secret agreement; to suborn in the legal sense means to induce a person to make a false oath; to commit perjury.” They not only stirred up all of the people, but they set up false witnesses, erroneously accusing Stephen. These men brought Stephen before the council and accused him of speaking against the Temple and the Law of Moses (see Acts 6:12-13).

    When that happened, Stephen preached the Gospel message to them, which in essence, was a fulfillment, or completion, of the Law of Moses. He explained to them from the Old Testament Scriptures, in a review of their history, a bold defense of the Christian faith. He offered to the religious leaders a Biblical theology in his examination of the Old Testament in light of Jesus’ coming. In his remembrance, he made it a point to remind them that throughout their history, there was never a time that the entire nation worshiped God – but there was always a remnant of true Believers.

    Stephen began with Abraham, a true man of faith! For when God told him to leave his family and walk with God, Abraham followed God’s Word. When God told Abraham He would bring forth a great nation from him (even though he was old and childless), Abraham believed God. God proceeded to give Abraham a son, Isaac, who fathered the sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel.

    Stephen reminded them of Joseph (who was initially rejected by his brothers), and Moses (who was initially rejected by his people). Even though both of these men were rejected at first, they were received as leaders the second time. It was then that they were able to save God’s people in that time in history.

    Yet as Stephen reminded the religious leaders of these great men of their history, these religious leaders (who knew the history in the Old Testament) had rejected the greatest deliverer presented to them – Jesus. For Jesus had come to, “… save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Stephen rebuked these religious leaders for their unbelief. Remember, it was some of these same religious leaders who had not only rejected Jesus, but had demanded His death.

    What was their response to Stephen’s presentation of Jesus? “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54). These religious leaders were “cut to the heart,” but instead of repenting and turning to Jesus (as we saw many people had done), they ran upon Stephen and bit him with their teeth. Notice that Stephen did not fight back, but looked up and saw into heaven. When Stephen declared that he saw Jesus, “Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord” (Acts 7:57). They put their hands over their ears and ran upon him, hostilely. They proceeded to stone Stephen. Yet Stephen had forgiven his enemies, and Jesus received him into heaven.

    These religious leaders, who had studied the Old Testament Scriptures, yet they had not kept the words recorded therein – for they rejected Jesus, the One of whom it was all written. Remember what Jesus replied to the High Priest before His death. “… Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64). Then, they will believe in Jesus.

    Have you believed upon Jesus whom the Old Testament history presents as our Saviour?

    How to be Saved

  • Lesson 4: Micah: Hear God’s Words

    Key Verse

    But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

    —Luke 11:28

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Do you understand what this verse means?  (Remember that this is Jesus speaking. As Jesus was teaching the people, a woman in the crowd spoke up. She said that the woman who bore and nursed Him, Jesus’ mother, should be blessed. Our key verse in this lesson is Jesus’ response.) The word blessed means: “fully satisfied; possessing the favor of God; a partaker of God’s nature through faith in Christ.” Hear means “to understand or comprehend.” Keep means “to keep, to observe, to not violate.” Jesus declared we are blessed if we obey God’s Word (the Bible).

    Emphasis: As Christians, we have the hope (promise) that God will forgive our sin, forever, and we are to show that we believe by hearing God’s Word (reading the Bible).

    Lesson Summary: The book of Micah begins with, “The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem” (Micah 1:1). This tells us when he lived and to whom God sent him to speak. Notice that these were the same kings to whom Isaiah spoke, so they lived around the same time – Micah coming just a little later. He warned the people of the coming judgment, but he also told them of the future blessing. One of the main things we can remember about Micah is that he called for the people to hear. “Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is …” (Micah 1:2a). 

    Micah spoke to both Israel and Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah (see Jeremiah 26:18). We can also see that this helped King Hezekiah decide to make great reformations in Judah. In addition, remember that Israel was carried captive during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. Therefore, Micah saw Israel carried away captive by the Assyrian army.

    Like many prophets before him, he reminded the people where they had failed, calling for the people to repent and to have a right relationship with God (by obeying His commands). He warned of the coming destruction of Jerusalem. Nevertheless, he too, left the people with the hope of restoration one day. God even allowed Micah to reveal where the Messiah would be born (see Micah 5:2). He then left the people with hope – God would remove their sin (as far as the depths of the sea), and He would keep His promises made, “… to Jacob … Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old” (Micah 7:20).

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 4 Questions

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 4 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to young children, the following is an idea for a craft to go along with this lesson.

    We made a journal to write special Bible verse in to help us remember God’s Word and the importance of keeping those Words (obeying them). We added stickers to the front along with Proverbs 3:1-2.

  • Are you Bold to Speak of Salvation?

    “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
    Acts 4:12

    In the very early days of the church, there was a boldness of sharing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ (His death, burial, and resurrection). Peter was the first to preach to the crowds, calling the people to a time of repentance and belief in Jesus. When he preached, many people gave their hearts and lives to Jesus. Because it was the early establishment of the church, the Apostles were able to heal and do many great things. One of the first was when Peter and John went to the Temple and healed a lame man in the name of Jesus. Not only was he healed, but this man also praised God for this healing. When the people heard what happened to the lame man, they came and heard a message from Peter where he said, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out …” (Acts 3:19a). Repent means “to think differently; to feel compunction (a feeling of guilt that follows doing something wrong).” There had to be a change.

    However, read the religious leaders’ reaction to this preaching of Jesus. “2. Being grieved that they taught the people … 3. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day…” (Acts 4:2-3). Because the religious leaders did not like what Peter and John preached, Peter and John were arrested. Nevertheless, recognize that many other people believed the Gospel message. “Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand” (Acts 4:4).   

    When the religious leaders challenged Peter and John, asking why they taught Jesus, read what Peter said. “10. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole … 12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:10, 12). (Remember that “this man stand here before you whole” was the man who was previously lame that had been sitting at the Temple gate.) When Peter and John spoke this boldly for Jesus, claiming there was no other name by which anyone could be saved, see what the religious leaders who did not believe in Jesus recognized. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). The religious leaders were amazed that these men (remember they were fishermen) could speak like this. They recognized that these men had been with Jesus. Moreover, because of the lame man that had been healed, they could not deny the truths these men taught – but they did not want the name of Jesus spread. Therefore, they commanded Peter and John not to speak of Jesus any more. Their response? “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). They were going to continue to preach Jesus and His resurrection. 

    After being released from prison (see Acts 4:23), they returned to the other Believers, praying and rejoicing, thanking God for what He had done. “… And they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31b).

    Take notice that these men were bold as they taught the people of salvation that is only given by Jesus. They remembered what Jesus had taught them. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). After Jesus died, was buried, rose from the dead, and then ascended back into heaven, they began to understand. They had witnessed these important events and taught the people because Jesus told them to go and “… be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8b).

    Does anyone share the Gospel message of Jesus’ salvation in our world today? If the message of repentance is shared, does anyone respond? What is a Christian to do in this world today? The Bible message has not changed. The only way to have life is to believe in Jesus for salvation. “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).

    Why do we not see many people saved? “18. 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. 19. 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 3:18-19). They do not believe.

    Have you repented and then believed in Jesus for salvation? Have you told anyone about Jesus?

    How to be Saved

  • Lesson 3: Isaiah 40-66: Grace and Salvation

    Key Verse

    I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

    —Romans 11:11

    Key Verse Thought: Read the key verse for this lesson. We learned in our last lesson that God’s people, as a whole, failed miserably at keeping God’s Law. Because of that, there would be judgment. However, in this lesson, we will find that because they failed to be the people God intended for them to be (“they stumbled”), which allowed a time where God opened the gift of salvation to the Gentile people. Understand that this was to show the Israelite people what God had intended for them – so that they would become jealous of Christians today! We will learn in our lesson today just what it was that the Israelite people missed.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that even though Israel failed in being a light to the world, this became an opportunity for Gentiles to become Christians. Christians must be the light to the world to show them Jesus!

    Lesson Summary: Remember what we have learned so far: Isaiah examined the sins of Judah, speaking to the kings in their courts. He spoke during the days of Uzziah (Azariah, a good king), Jotham (a good king), and during the days of King Ahaz (a very bad king). He also strongly influenced King Hezekiah, a very good king.

    In our last lesson, we saw the reality of a world apart from God, all those who do not obey God’s Law. There were ten burdens of destruction upon the nations, and six woes upon Jerusalem and Judah. Nevertheless, even with the words of destruction, there was a hope of restoration for God’s people. 

    In this lesson, we understand that there is a hope of Grace and Salvation pictured in the book of Isaiah. We discovered that the first thirty-nine books deal mainly with the judgments of God and the history of His people (remember this is the theme of the Old Testament). In this lesson, we will look at the last twenty-seven chapters understanding they deal with the grace of God as it is extended through His Messiah, and the promise of restoration (much like the theme of the New Testament). Not only this, but we understand that because Israel would never fully commit to God, God set them aside for a period of time. However, during that period of time, God opened the door for the Gentile people (an extension of grace) to have an opportunity to believe in Jesus (Salvation) – if only they would believe. Isaiah chapters 40-66 can easily be divided into three sections. Interestingly enough, right in the middle of the second section is Isaiah chapter 53. This chapter deals with the Messiah, Jesus. It is a vivid description of Jesus’ atoning death on the cross.

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 3 Questions

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 3 Student Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to younger children, the following is a craft idea to go with this lesson.

    We made footprints and glued them to construction paper (you could also trace the child’s foot onto the paper) along with Isaiah 52:7.

  • A Very Important Message

    “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”
    Acts 2:42

    Shortly after Jesus ascended into heaven, Peter preached the Gospel message of Jesus to the Jews in Jerusalem. One reason was because they had rejected Jesus, crucifying Him, and many of them had witnessed that crucifixion. They were guilty for His death. “23. Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it (Acts 2:23-24). Holden means “to use strength to hold or retain.” When Jesus could not be held by death, He took the power of death that had previously been held by the devil, Satan. See the following verse to understand this: “… that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14b). Understand that death could not hold Jesus, for he conquered it. Jesus gave the power of life to any who would believe in Him. 

    Peter continued to explain to the people that because Jesus could not “be holden of it”, Jesus rose from the dead. And the people to whom Peter was preaching, were witnesses of that fact: “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses” (Acts 2:32). What were they to do with that information? “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). All of the house of Israel should have recognized that Jesus, whom they had crucified, was both Lord and Christ. Christ means “the Savior of the world.” They were to believe Jesus was the Savior of the world. After hearing that Jesus had died, was buried, and raised again – conquering death once and for all, the people were brought to a time of decision. Those people were given the choice to believe or reject.

    How did they respond? “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). When they heard the Gospel message preached, they were “pricked in their heart.” Pricked means “greatly pained or deeply moved.” It is important that the Gospel message had a movement in their heart. Sometimes we call this “conviction” (which means “found guilty of an offense”). However, it is more important what those people did with that movement. Peter told them what they must do. “38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:38-39). The people had to take action: repent. Repent means “to imply pious sorrow for unbelief and sin, and a turning from them to God and the gospel of Christ.” Repentance is a response between a sinful man and God. Baptism is an outward testimony of what happened to that individual’s heart. Notice that God “called” them. Call means “God’s call through the Gospel message.” 

    The Gospel message is very simple: when one hears, feels the conviction (that “call”), then one must just believe. In other words, simply believe and receive without question. Jesus spent much of His ministry calling people to a time of decision – to believe in Him, or choose to reject Him. When Peter preached to the people, he preached the same message: God must call the individual’s heart, and that individual must repent, believing in Jesus. Then it is important to reveal to others just what God did (a testimony) by being baptized before witnesses. What did the people do once they understood? Those who believed and responded to God’s call were baptized, and there were three thousand people who believed! 

    What they did next was very important. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Once there has been such a change in one’s heart and life, it is important to learn how to live this new life. Continued stedfastly means “faithfulness and steadfastness in the outgoings of the Christian life – especially in prayer.” They understood that learning from the Apostles was important (doctrine means “the teaching of the Apostles” and we now find it in our Bible). These new Believers not only learned the doctrine, but fellowshipped together. This is something important that Christians should do even today: read their Bible, learn from Bible teachers who know God’s Word, and fellowship with other Believers as opposed to the lost world who have not given their hearts and lives to Jesus. Next, read of the blessing for those who not only believed, but also shared the Gospel message with others. “… And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47b).

    Have you been called to repent from your sin and believe in Jesus?

    Have you shared the Gospel message with others?

    How to be Saved

  • Lesson 2: Isaiah 1-39: The Law and Judgment

    Key Verse

    But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

    —Isaiah 64:6

    Key Verse Thought: Read the key verse. From this verse, understand that we are a sinful people who could never stand before a Holy God. Because of that, there is no hope from within to become a righteous people who could stand before God. In this lesson, we will see what becomes of people, and even nations, who because of sin cannot live. All who rejected God “fade as a leaf” because mankind’s sin “like the wind, have taken us away.”

    Emphasis: God gave the Law to reveal sin. Without that Law, no one would know right from wrong. However, the Law cannot save anyone, for it only brings judgment. Nevertheless, God promised the hope of salvation.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we remembered the call of Isaiah. We then looked at the book as a whole, trying to understand some of the interesting things about the book.

    In this lesson and the next one, we will look at something very interesting about the book of Isaiah. In the Bible, there are 66 books. Isaiah has 66 chapters. The 66 books of the Bible are divided into two main parts; the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament has 39 books. The New Testament has 27 books. The book of Isaiah can also be divided into two main parts. The first 39 chapters deal mainly with the judgments of God and the history of His people (think of the theme of the Old Testament). The last 27 chapters deal with the grace God will extend through His Messiah and the promise of restoration (think of the theme of the New Testament). 

    The Day of the Lord is dealt with many times in the book of Isaiah. We will learn how this day relates to God’s people. Isaiah saw ten burdens on the nations. He also wrote how the Day of the Lord would relate to the world. He then listed the six woes upon Jerusalem. But through all of this, we will learn that in spite of the rejection of God and His Law among His people, God continually delivered them and promised restoration one day. He also reminded them that he would send Jesus. We will once again remember the time God saved Hezekiah from the invasion of Sennacherib. 

    Isaiah examined the sins of Judah, speaking to the kings in their courts. He spoke during the days of Uzziah (Azariah, a good king), Jotham (a good king), King Ahaz (a very bad king), and King Hezekiah (a very good king).

    This is our second of three lessons looking at the book of Isaiah.

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 2 Questions

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 2 Children’s Worksheets

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

    We made a nativity scene with stickers to remember that Isaiah prophesied Jesus would be born. We included the verses Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:6-7.

  • Do You Confess, or Deny Jesus?

    “32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”
    Matthew 10:32-33

    As you read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), you learn of Jesus’ Teachings. More than that, as you read of Jesus’ Miracles, one can see the compassion of Jesus and the call to faith – to believe in Jesus. In Jesus’ Parables, He specifically wanted to teach His followers about heavenly things. However, more than that, in those parables, there was another call for a time of decision – to follow Jesus and His teachings, or to refuse them and thereby reject Him.

    But did all believe? “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him” (John 12:37). Many did not believe though they saw many great miracles. Often times, those who did believe were afraid to admit that belief in Jesus. “42. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43). Notice the reason those who believed because of Jesus’ words but were hesitant to admit that belief. They were afraid of their “friends” or “colleagues,” the Pharisees. It is important to recognize that no one should be afraid to acknowledge their belief in Jesus – no matter what one’s friends might say. (Remember what Jesus said in the book of Matthew. “32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” Matthew 10:32-33.) 

    See how Jesus responded to the lack of any of the chief rulers to confess. (Confess “means to agree with; confess publicly, acknowledge openly; profess ‘the Lord being Jesus.’”)  As you continue reading, see that Jesus cried out. One can almost sense His frustration in consistently declaring the truth, yet the refusal of most to act upon it. “44. Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. 46. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world” (John 12:44-47). Understand that Jesus directed the people’s attention to God. When the people saw Jesus, they were in fact seeing God – for Jesus had come to the earth to be revealed to mankind, as the “light into the world” for He had the words of life – if only one would hear them. However, if one refused, read what He declared. “48. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 49. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak” (John 12:48-50).

     God knew their hearts. If they rejected Jesus, God would judge them one day. Notice that Jesus declared that He spoke the words of God to the people.

    The following is a great example of one who heard of Jesus, went to see Him, and openly believed. We can read of this man, named Zacchaeus. Most people remember the children’s song that tells of him. And it is quite accurate with what the Bible teaches us. Jesus was passing through Jericho. “And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich” (Luke 19:2). He was a short man who could not see Jesus as He passed because of the crowd. So, “he climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the Saviour passed that way, He looked up in that tree, and He said, ‘Zacchaeus, you come down. For I’m going to your house today.’” Jesus went to his house, and Zacchaeus believed in Jesus. We understand this because Jesus declared, “This day is salvation come to this house …” (Luke 19:9b). Jesus added something very important for all to remember. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Remember that this is why Jesus came into the world.

    Have you openly believed in Jesus, or are you like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day who were afraid?

    How to be Saved

  • Isaiah: The Lord Saves Lesson 1

    Key Verse

    Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

    —Acts 8:35

    Key Verse Thought: Have you ever told anyone about Jesus, and what he has done in your life? Is it an important thing to do?  Today we will look at Isaiah.  Not only did he speak God’s Words to the kings of Judah, but he also wrote about Jesus.  We will learn of a time recorded in the Bible that someone was saved by reading the book of Isaiah.  

    Emphasis: Just as Isaiah wrote about Jesus, we are to tell everyone that Jesus came to save the lost. 

    Lesson Summary: The name Isaiah means the Lord saves; or the Lord is Savior. Isaiah was called to be a prophet the year King Uzziah (Azariah) died (Isaiah 6). He saw God upon His throne. God asked, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” and Isaiah answered, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8). 

    Isaiah examined the sins of Judah, speaking to the kings in their courts. He spoke during the days of King Ahaz, a very bad king, who made himself and the nation of Judah servants to their enemy, Assyria (2 Kings 16:7-9). Isaiah warned against such alliances in Isaiah chapters seven through nine. He also strongly influenced King Hezekiah, a very good king, (see Isaiah 36-37) encouraging him to hold out against the Assyrian threat, and God supernaturally won the battle for them. He prophesied about 40 years (or more), and lived into the reign of Manasseh, one of the worst kings that ruled Judah. Tradition says that Manasseh had Isaiah “sawn asunder” (see Hebrews 11:37). He was a prophet to Judah before they were carried into captivity into Babylon and he warned them of that pending captivity. He saw Israel, the Northern Kingdom, carried away into captivity by Assyria.

    Many comparisons can be made from other places in the Bible to the book of Isaiah. We will look at a few of those comparisons along with some interesting things referred to in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah is often quoted in the New Testament, and Jesus quoted from the book of Isaiah often. Remember, the Ethiopian Eunuch was reading the book of Isaiah when Philip showed him how to be saved. We can read much about Jesus in the book of Isaiah.

    Isaiah records many specific prophecies concerning the coming Messiah (Jesus) and his suffering death – more than any other book in the Old Testament.

    We will take three lessons to look at the book of Isaiah.

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 1 Questions

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 1 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are doing the lesson with younger children, the following is a craft idea to go with the lesson.

    We made Bible markers to remember the importance of the Gospel message that is even found in the book of Isaiah.

  • Follow Me

    “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
    Matthew 4:19

    Have events ever transpired that left you uncertain of the future? Did you wonder what would happen next? Were you unsure of where to go or what to do? Often times, one will just go through the motions of everyday life, not sure what else to do.

    Many of the disciples were fishermen when Jesus called them to follow Him. While Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishing (Matthew 4:18-22), Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee and called them to follow Him. “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). To remember the full circumstances, reread Luke 5:4-11. They had been fishing all night and caught nothing. Jesus asked Peter to push his boat out so Jesus could teach the people. When He finished, Jesus told Peter to “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught” (Luke 5:4b). When Peter obeyed, he caught so many fish that his net was breaking! He called for the men in the other boat to come help him bring them into the boat. The fish filled both boats. It was then that Jesus called them to leave fishing and follow Him. And they did!

    Three years later, Jesus was crucified.

    Immediately after Jesus died on the cross and was buried, the disciples must have felt much uncertainty. They may have also been in fear for their lives because they were followers of Jesus. Three days after Jesus was put into the tomb, some women approached and saw that the tomb was empty. Angels told them that Jesus was alive, and to go tell His disciples. The women went and told the eleven disciples. Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene. She went and told the disciples that she had seen Jesus. He then appeared to the other women who had gone to the tomb. Remember the guards were paid to spread the rumor that Jesus’ disciples had stolen His body. At this time, we can understand most people did not know what to believe.

    Jesus appeared to the disciples in a room where the doors were shut, but one disciple was missing. They could not believe their eyes. Jesus was standing before them – alive! Jesus explained to His disciples what He had done. “44. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:44-45). Jesus taught the disciples about Himself from the Old Testament: the Law, the Psalms and the Prophets. Keep in mind that throughout the Old Testament the promise of Jesus was given, and why He was to come. Now they understood what Jesus had been telling them. Jesus then revealed the plans He had for them. And the missing disciple (Thomas)? Jesus appeared again – just for Him.

    Before we go any further, remember something Jesus told them on that night He was arrested. “But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.” (Matthew 26:32). Jesus had appeared to them twice now. However, Jesus promised them that after He had risen again, He would go before them into Galilee. What were they to do? Having remembered this, it would only make sense that when the disciples heard that Jesus was alive, they would go to Galilee. It would be important for them to act upon the words that Jesus gave to them.

    When Peter said he would go fishing, the others went with him. They knew how to fish. The disciples fished all night and caught nothing. When a man (Jesus) on the shore told them to cast on the other side, they caught a lot of fish. It was then that they recognized Jesus. As soon as Jesus was recognized, Peter jumped into the sea to swim to shore. Recognize the blessing those who were fishing together on that day received! They saw Jesus alive, again. Jesus once again went to the Sea of Galilee to see them – just as He had told them He would. Before this day ended, Jesus called Peter, again, to “Follow me” (John 21:19b). Once again, they were reminded to continue with the same mission – to follow Jesus.

    Jesus often meets with His people as they are about every day life activities – especially when they are where they supposed to be. It is then that one can be encouraged through the turmoil of life’s events and remember to “Follow Jesus!”

    Do you remember to follow Jesus, no matter what uncertain circumstances come into your life?