The Biblical Path of Life

Author: mjross

  • Know the Way and Live in It

    “For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish”

    Psalm 1:6

    As you read through Israel’s history during the divided kingdom, one cannot help but notice how important it is to God that He be kept first in one’s life and even in the nation. At any point in Israel’s history, the kings could have sought God (remember the prophets constantly preached for the people to seek God!). The kings of Israel could have remembered God’s laws and commandments — and kept them. Instead, we read that they continued in the sin of Jeroboam I, who made Israel to sin. When the kings led the people to sin against God, He sent prophets to cry out to seek God; to return to Him. However, because they did not, the nation was not in favor with God. Read the following verses to remember this: “1. My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 3. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4. So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:1, 3–4).

    As you continue reading through the history of Israel, keep in mind that none of the kings of Israel were considered good because they led Israel to sin against God. Read what is recorded in Proverbs that they should have known: “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him” (Proverbs 11:27). Because they sought mischief, they got it. Mischief means: “bad; wicked; evil; of inferior quality.”

    Since we are to learn from history, we must notice the progression of sin in the nation Israel. One of the best examples of this progression is in Psalm 1. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1). Recognize what we are NOT to do: First, walk with sinners, then stop and talk with them, and finally to sit with them. Understand that desiring sin and walking with sinners begins with lust. Lust means “a strong desire; a longing; to satisfy carnal appetites.” Read what James 1:14–15 says, “14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

    Instead, read on in Psalm 1 to learn what one should do. “2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:2-3). Understand what happens when one does not do as one should. “4. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (Psalm 1:4-6).

    Remember the turning point in the nation Israel, the point from which they did not return: when they refused to hear the Word of the Lord from the prophets of God. Even with all of the warnings, we found they did not return to God, but “… walked in the statutes of the heathen …” (2 Kings 17:8). God had no choice but to fulfill His promise of discipline and judgment upon His people.

    As we have learned, the Israelites sinned against God when they forsook Him and worshiped creatures (golden calves, Baal, etc.). They also walked in the ways of the heathen (the wicked and idolatrous nations around) instead of walking in God’s Laws and statutes they had been taught. Notice that in the New Testament, Paul preached to people in the same condition. He warned that the wrath of God would fall upon those who knew the truth, but did not live it out in their lives: “18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 21. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools … 24. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts … 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:18–19, 21-22, 24–25).

    What should we learn from Israel’s obstinacy? When we know the truth and what is right, we should do it. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). Seek God if one is not sure — remember Amos’ plea, “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live …” (Amos 5:6). We should never sin away our lives — as Israel did. For, “… There is a sin unto death …” (1 John 5:16).

    The following is an important question for each Christian to consider:

    Have you searched your heart to see if you are guilty of knowing the way of righteousness, yet not living in the truth of it?

  • A Called and Beloved People

    “As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.”

    Romans 9:25

    Why is it important to read and understand the book of Hosea in the Old Testament? God revealed to Hosea that one day the Gentiles would be included as His people. Understand that Gentiles are any peoples who are not Jews (Israelites). “As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved” (Romans 9:25). (Osee is “Hosea”.) This verse is in reference to Hosea 2:23: “And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.” Today, we can become the beloved of God. The word beloved in this verse means “to love or delight in.”

    Read the following quick summary of the book of Hosea:

    God told Hosea to take Gomer, a “wife of whoredoms”, for his wife in the days of Jeroboam II. Gomer had a son, Jezreel; a daughter, Loruhamah; another son, Loammi; each child represented a relationship between God and His people (see Hosea 1). A warning was given. God revealed His love for His people in the taking away then restoring their necessities. By doing that, He would remove their allegiance to Baal, restoring them as His people (see Hosea 2). Hosea was to love his wife, buying her back, displaying the love God had for His people (see Hosea 3). Hosea told the people that because of their apostasy, God would allow troubles (see Hosea 4). Judgment would fall upon the priests, the house of Israel, and the house of the king. Yet when they sought God, they would not find Him, for He would withdraw from His people. Hosea revealed that God’s wrath would be poured out upon them “till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face” (see Hosea 5). Encouragement to return to the Lord was given, along with a reminder of the failings of man’s ability to keep their part of the covenant with God (see Hosea 6). ALL of the people had turned from God, and none had returned. For this, God would send destruction (see Hosea 7). Why? “For Israel hath forgotten his Maker”. We then read a listing of the sins, punishments, and the reasons for punishment (see Hosea 8). Recognize the utter rejection of God’s people described during the time of discipline, “My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him” (see Hosea 9). “Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity.” Yet they are encouraged to “break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD” (See Hosea 10). Important reminders: “When Israel was a child, then I loved him” and “my people are bent to backsliding from me” (see Hosea 11). God reminded them from which they came, yet in spite of their faithless behavior, God still called for their return to Him (see Hosea 12). “O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help” (see Hosea 13). The call to repentance: “O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.” What God would do if they would only return: “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him” (see Hosea 14).

    As we glimpsed at Hosea’s personal life knowing the problems that God allowed, recognize that he was still faithful to obey God’s call upon his life. He willingly married an unfaithful wife, just as God willingly chose a people He knew would be unfaithful to Him. Remember the progression in the departure of God’s people from Him. Slow, yet ending in complete separation from Him. Even with the continual cry to seek God, repent, and turn back to avoid discipline, we found God knew that His people would refuse and continue in their path of sin — directly away from God and his mercy.

    Just as the Israelites were told of their sin and called to repentance, the same call is now extended to us today. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). All are guilty of sin, and there is a penalty to pay. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). In addition, God provided One (Jesus) who paid the penalty for us — if only we would receive. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Just as God extended a call to the Israelites, warning them before judgment would fall, God warns us today. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). What response does God require? “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” (Romans 10:8–10). What are we to do with that information? “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6). As we recognize that because of the rejection of God by Israel, God then allowed the Gentile people to have an opportunity to belong to Him. If we will only seek Him, repent, and turn our lives completely over to Him. The process is the same, and the eternal salvation is yet to be seen. Nevertheless, we know that God told us to seek Him, while He may be found.

    Have you recognized God’s call upon your life, then responding not only to the call for salvation, but in service to Him?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Stand Fast

    “2. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

    James 1:2-3

    James did not become a Christian until after Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. He finally understood that one must trust in Jesus by faith. “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

    Once James became a Christian, he taught practical ways to live a Christian life. He began by teaching how to understand the importance of temptations (trials). “2. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3).

    • Temptations means “trials; a state of trial in which God brings His people through adversity and affliction in order to encourage and prove their faith and confidence in Him.”
    • Trying means “approved; tried; the means of proving; a criterion or test by which anything is proved or tried; as in faith by afflictions.”
    • Worketh means “to work out; bring about; accomplish; to carry out a task until it is finished; to effect; to produce.”

    Not many people consider trying times as being joyful. Yet, James wrote to encourage Christians to understand that now that they had faith in Christ, it must be tried: put to the test. Once that faith is proved by being put to the test, that Christian will gain, or have, patience. Patience means “endurance; perseverance or constancy under suffering in faith and duty.” This patience enables one to persevere or remain constant. Think of this as learning to stand fast – being steadfast through trials. Remember many times in God’s Word where we learn that we are to “stand fast” (see a few of the following):

    • “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13);
    • “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1);
    • “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27);
    • “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved” (Philippians 4:1);
    • “For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 3:8);
    • “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle” (2 Thessalonians 2:15); etc.)?

    Christians are encouraged to understand that with faith in Christ comes trying times – but Christians are to persevere, consistently, with patience by standing fast. See what learning how to do this gives to Believers. “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4). In order to be an effective witness in this world, Christians must stand fast in their Christian faith by living it consistently.

    James helped them understand what to do when Christians were faced with those trying times: “5. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed” (James 1:5-6). Wisdom means “in respect to divine things: deep knowledge; natural and moral insight; represented as a divine gift, and including the idea of practical application; as conjoined with purity of heart and life.” If a Christian does not know how to live right, or what to do in a specific situation, all one must do is to ask God – for He will show Christians how to live and what to do. However, one must remember that after asking God for wisdom in a situation, and then He tells that one what to do (according to God’s Word), it should be done: “nothing wavering.” Wavering means “to separate oneself from; to contend with; to be in strife with oneself; to doubt; hesitate; waver.” A Christian’s life should not be lived as a ship on a stormy sea – tossed about from highs and lows. Do not change your mind, or talk yourself out of doing what is right. Instead, a Christian is to stand fast, “nothing wavering,” and faithful. When one continually shifts from high to low, understand the following warning of a life lived like that. “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). Double minded means “doubtful; a person who suffers from divided loyalties – such as one who wishes to maintain a religious confession, desiring the presence of God in his life, but on the other hand, he loves the ways of the world and prefers to live according to its mores and ethics.” When a Christian constantly wavers, or is “double minded,” never fully committing to the Christian life, they will be unstable in everything. That kind of life is not an effectual witness for Christ.

    Do you live a life where you are “double minded”, unstable in all your ways?

    Or

    Have you learned to stand fast upon God’s Word, living a consistent and faithful Christian life?

  • Faithful and Just

    “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

    1 John 1:9

    Joel was a prophet of God. The name Joel means, “Jehovah is God.” The book of Joel begins with, “The word of the LORD that came to Joel ….” In the book of Joel, we recognize God spoke, and Joel relayed God’s message to the people. Joel spoke to Judah during a time when it seemed that the nation of Judah had forgotten God.

    At the beginning of the book of Joel, there is a cry to notice what was happening. God sent Joel to warn the people to wake up and pay attention to what was going on in the nation (see Joel 1:2-3). When they allowed sin to rule in the land, God allowed this waste (compared to a vine laid waste) to take place in the land. Joel compared it to what a plague of locusts would do to a land. “That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten” (Joel 1:4). By this verse, we recognize a description of the different stages of a locust. According to this verse, everything would be totally eaten or destroyed. That was the place to which sin was taking the nation Judah – to complete and utter destruction. Nevertheless, just as we learned with the events in the nation of Israel, God would not discipline His people without first warning them through His prophet. That is just what we can read about in the book of Joel. Joel is warning of impending destruction of Judah by an enemy nation if they do not turn back to God. Just as a plague of locusts completely destroys everything in its path, so the enemies of God would do to His people unless they repented of their sins against God.

    Yet even with that terrible description, see what Joel recorded next. “12. Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13. And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. 14. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him …” (Joel 2:12-14a). Joel’s message? Joel called for the people to repent. Repent, for God is merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. See what Joel then recorded for us to know and understand. “Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people” (Joel 2:18). If God were to see true repentance from His people, He would be jealous for them not wanting any evil to befall them – He would pity them.

    Because God knew their hearts, Joel continued his cry by warning that God’s people would be taken captive, however when they repented, God would restore the years that the locust had eaten. God’s judgment would then fall upon the enemy nations and hope would once again be restored to God’s people.

    Christians today, are to remember why we study the books of History and the Prophets in the Old Testament. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). As we remember the history of Israel and Judah, we are to remember that God always dealt with his people. He sent His prophets to warn of discipline for disobedience and promised restoration of His people when they repented. God is the same today. “5. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:5-6). Remember, God revealed His great love for us in the sending of His only begotten Son to die upon the cross to pay for our sin. Christians are to show our love to Him by obeying His commands. Remember Jesus’ words: “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

    We are to recognize the destruction sin can do to a life, and when left unchecked what it can do to a nation. Remember what James 1:15 teaches: “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” Lust means, “to satisfy the carnal appetites.” Christians are to choose to do what is right (what pleases God) over what we want to do. When we choose our own pleasures over God’s plan, it is sin and it brings death. Also see the following verse: “As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death” (Proverbs 11:19).

    We are to remember the following: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Do you know what it means to confess (means “to admit; to confess your guilt exposing yourself for punishment”)? God will forgive when we confess our sin. It is important to then turn from that sin.

    Have you recognized the importance of confessing and repenting from your sin, knowing God will cleanse you?

  • The Hope of Glory

    “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

    Colossians 1:27

    In the Old Testament, the Israelites were to reveal God to the world. All of the world was to recognize the Israelites belonged to God. One way this was revealed was that when the Israelites obeyed and followed God, they were blessed. However, when they walked contrary to God and His Word, the people would be cursed. This was displayed repeatedly in the Old Testament, especially during the times of the kings.

    When David was king, Israel defeated many enemies and ruled over more land than any previous time in history. Remember how God described King David. “… to whom also he (God) gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22). When David’s son, Solomon, became king, Israel became the wealthiest nation. Nevertheless, his son was foolish, forgot God, and the kingdom was divided. The nation of Israel did not recover during the Old Testament days. Instead, we discover a nation who, as a whole, continually forsook God, often walking contrary to God’s Word. The Israelites failed in their task to reveal God to the world.

    In the New Testament, God sent His only Son to reveal Himself to the World. When Jesus came, He came to show God to the world. “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). Jesus not only showed the world the way in which God loved the world, but Jesus revealed God to the world.

    However, He disclosed more than that. “6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.” (John 14:6-7). Jesus then revealed what it takes not only to see God, but also to go and spend eternity with Him. Philip did not fully understand what Jesus was teaching him. “8. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9. 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 thouthen,Shew us the Father? 10. 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” (John 14:9-10). Jesus, God in the flesh, came to because He is the only avenue to reach God. Israel in the Old Testament not only failed to reveal God, but also the way to God.

    We can remember one of Jesus’ Disciples, John. He recorded for us his eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life. He understood the importance of just who Jesus is. He understood the importance of recording the life of Jesus. John had witnessed the events of His life – firsthand! He not only saw, but he understood and believed them. Read why he wanted to share his eyewitness account. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:1-4). John understood the importance of not only knowing Jesus, but telling others the importance of knowing Jesus. He, and many like him, revealed Jesus to their world.

    Remember, “6. 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). Philip did not fully understand at first. But because of Jesus and the testimony of those who understood, Christians today can now understand the importance of Jesus. Once we do, it becomes our job to become a living witness to our world. The Israelites failed in the Old Testament. The first Christians succeeded in telling others about Jesus, that many today are Christians because of their testimony. Paul reminded the people that he had told them of Jesus and they had believed (see Colossians 1:4-22), he reminded them that was his ministry. “27. To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28. Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:27-28). Christians need to know that this should be our ministry as well. How are Christians doing today in the revealing of Jesus to those around us?

    Are you a living witness that Christ is in you, the only hope of glory?

  • A Miserable Failure

    “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?”

    Matthew 7:22

    Elisha sent one of the prophets to anoint a new king of Israel, Jehu, even while Jehoram was still king. When Jehu was anointed, he was also given a very grave message from God: he was to kill wicked King Ahab’s entire household. He went to Jezreel and killed King Jehoram. He continued by having Jezebel killed. Ahab had 70 sons living in Samaria, and they were also killed. Jehu did not stop there, he continued by killing every Baal worshiper in Israel. He then had all of the images burned, and they broke down the house of Baal. These acts established him as the new king of Israel.

    After reading about all of the good that Jehu did, we will find an area in which he miserably failed. This is to be a lesson to us.

    The following is an excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life, Year Two Quarter One – Lesson 5:

    “Because Jehu obeyed God’s words in destroying the house of Ahab, Jehu’s children would sit upon the throne of Israel until the fourth generation.

    “’Howbeit from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Bethel, and that were in Dan‘ (2 Kings 10:29). Nevertheless, Jehu did not walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all of his heart. With all of the good Jehu did for the nation, he did not remove the worship of idols (the golden calves in Bethel and Dan). ‘But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin‘ (2 Kings 10:31). The words took no heed are quite important. They mean: “to not observe God’s commands; to not keep or guard or protect.”

    “’In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short….‘ We notice that the kingdom was not at peace from the enemies around. ‘… And Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel …‘ (2 Kings 10:32).

    “Jehu reigned over Israel for 28 years. ‘And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead‘ (2 Kings 10:35).

    “A Deeper Path: The words took no heed are the same words as kept not we see in 1 Kings 11:10: ‘And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.‘ Jehu’s sin was the same as King Solomon’s; not keeping that which the Lord commanded — the sin that caused the divided kingdom. Remember … ‘Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life‘ (Proverbs 4:23). Jehu did not have in his heart what needed to complete what he started. Remember back to King David. He wanted to bring the Ark of the Covenant into the city of Jerusalem. Nevertheless, he did it wrong the first time, and Uzzah died. Instead of staying angry with God, David sought God to find out what he had done wrong (see 1 Chronicles 15:13). When he obeyed God’s Word, they brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, rejoicing (see 2 Samuel 6). David sought to please God with all of his heart — and the kings were compared back to him.

    “We should learn something very important from Jehu’s life. In spite of all of the good he did for God in the removing of Baal worship in the land of Israel, he did not “guard” his heart. Instead of putting away all idol worship, he kept the form that had previously been established as the worship of God (the golden calves in Dan and Bethel). If he had sought God’s Word, he would have found the truth. Just look at the first two of the Ten Commandments (‘3. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing…‘ Exodus 20:3-4a). Notice that Jehu was compared back to King Jeroboam, “which led Israel to sin.”

    “When we give our hearts and lives to God (ask Jesus in our hearts), we must do it completely — not keeping any part back for ourselves. We must do it as God commands, not the way we ‘think’ or the way someone tells us. We must look into God’s Word to see what is required.”

    Jehu reigned for seventeen years in Israel, and “followed the sins of Jeroboam.” He continued to allow the religious system where they worshiped the golden calves at Dan and Bethel. He was not considered a good king, even with all of the good and obedience he did. He failed to implement into his heart and life what God’s Word taught in order to be pleasing to God. Remember what Jesus declared in the New Testament. “22.Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:22-23). What a warning for us today!

    Do you belong to Jesus? Have you allowed Him to change you from the inside out?

    Or,

    Are you just “doing good things”?

    How to be Saved Link

  • The Wrong Question

    “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

    1 Corinthians 10:11

    There are so many examples in the Bible of which we should take notice. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11). They are there to remind us of what happens when we either choose to obey God’s Word or choose our own path. Throughout God’s Word, one can learn from mighty examples. There is one such event in 2 Kings chapter one.

    Ahaziah, wicked King Ahab’s son, became king of Israel. We find that Ahaziah fell through a lattice in his chamber and was sick (injured). He sent messengers to inquire of Baalzebub, the god of Ekron, to see whether he would recover. Although Ahaziah was a king of God’s people, he sought word from a false god of an enemy nation to find what would happen to him.

    As the king’s messengers were on their way, the angel of the Lord appeared to Elijah, the prophet of God. Elijah was given a word for the king’s messenger to take back to the king. Elijah said, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron?” (2 Kings 1:3b). Why had King Ahaziah inquired of a false god from an enemy nation and not even considered asking of the God in Israel? Read Elijah’s message for the king. “Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed” (2 Kings 1:4). The message declared that the king would not recover, but he would die — because he sought an answer from a false god instead of the Lord. The messenger returned to the king and delivered the words from Elijah. The king then proceeded to send captains and soldiers to try and take Elijah, but they failed (see 2 Kings 1:9-15).

    When the angel of the Lord told Elijah to go with the next captain and soldiers, Elijah went to the king. He repeated the same message to the king as before: because the king had not inquired of the Lord, but of the false god, Baalzebub the god of Ekron, the king would not get up off his bed but would surely die. What happened? “So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken …” (2 Kings 1:17a).

    Aside from the fact that King Ahaziah inquired an answer from a false god, he asked the wrong question. He asked if he was going to die. He should have asked what he needed to do to be well. The question of which we need the answer is not if, or when, we will die — we know what the Bible teaches. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die …” (Hebrews 9:27a). Everyone will die sometime (unless of course Jesus returns first!). Nevertheless, see the important part of that same verse: “…but after this the judgment”. The part we should be concerned with is if we are “well” (for the judgment) — whether we will live forever or spend eternity in hell. This is the question we should have answered in our hearts and lives: where will one spend eternity. To spend eternity in heaven is a gift — free; if only we will receive. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

    Notice that King Ahaziah was probably angry because the message Elijah sent reminded him of the God of Israel. Most people to whom you witness (share the Gospel message) will not want to be reminded of God. When one is reminded of God, there is an awareness of the sin in that life apart from God (“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23). Does that make it harder for Christians to tell people about Jesus? We can see by Elijah’s response that he feared the God of Israel, not the king of Israel.

    Christians should learn so much from this event. King Ahaziah asked the wrong question, and from a false god. Elijah pointed out King Ahaziah’s error. It was the king’s choice to correct his error (his sin) or disregard the sin in his life. We must do the same thing. Each person must look into their own heart and life and ask the question — will I live forever in heaven (because I asked Jesus to forgive my sins, making me well) or spend eternity in hell (for refusing the gift of salvation).That is the question each person should have answered in their hearts and lives. We should then ask our family and friends as well: where will they spend eternity.

    Have you asked the wrong question, wondering when and how you will die?

    Or

    Have you asked the correct question, understanding one day you will stand before God to determine where you will spend eternity?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Living Examples

    “So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.”

    1 Thessalonians 1:7

    Paul remembered the missionary journey that led to the establishment of the church at Thessalonica. “For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain” (1 Thessalonians 2:1). He also recalled the short amount of time they had there – for it was not enough to teach them all they needed to know. The book of First Thessalonians was written to the church at Thessalonica, which Paul established on his second missionary journey (see Acts 17). Remember that when there was an uprising incited by Jews who rejected the teaching of Jesus, Paul and Silas were sent away by night – keeping them safe. They were only there for three Sabbaths, but when the people at Thessalonica heard the Gospel message preached by Paul and Silas, enough of them believed that a church was established.

    Read one of the most important things the people of Thessalonica did after they became Believers (Christians). “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Followers means “an imitator.” They had heard Paul’s preaching, saw his response in a time of tribulation, and had imitated him in his words and deeds. Because of these things, they became followers of the Lord, suffering affliction, but with joy.

    It is important to understand that putting one’s trust in Jesus is good (becoming a Christian), but it is just as important to put the principles of God’s Word into action in one’s life. It is then that God is able to work, and the world will see what God has done in the heart. Some call this putting one’s faith into action. Remember what faith means. Faith means “faith in Christ as able to work miracles, healing the sick; the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life – also called Christian faith.” Read what Paul recognized in these Believers. “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). Not only had a church been established, but also the Christians at Thessalonica were living examples into the areas around. They had appropriated their faith in Christ into their lives, transforming their character and way of life. This revealed their Christian faith. “So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia” (1 Thessalonians 1:7). Because they were living examples, their testimony of the power of God unto salvation in their lives was so great that it spread – for others in the areas around heard of the change that had taken place in their lives: how they “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

    Because of this, one can understand how the Church at Thessalonica became such great living examples. Compare I Thessalonians 1:3, 5-7 with what is recorded in James 2:17-18: “17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” James was teaching Christians that faith and works go hand in hand. This is to reveal Jesus to the lost world. Because faith is an issue of the heart (for one believes in the heart, then confesses with the mouth, see Romans 10:9-10), physical works are a necessity to show the world what has taken place in the heart. “19. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19-20). James wrote, “that faith without works is dead”. This is an indication of one who has only confessed with the mouth that they believe, but never truly believed in the heart – much like the devils. Understand that unless it is a “saving faith,” it is counterfeit. This kind of faith lulls people into a false security of eternal life.

    James did not just teach that with faith comes works, he cited examples from the Old Testament that all would remember. See the example of Abraham. “21. Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22. Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:21-24). By Abraham’s act of offering his son, Isaac, it revealed the faith he had had in his heart for all of those years. Abraham’s faith was “justified by works”, revealing his heart to all of the world.

    The people in the church of Thessalonica had followed Paul and Silas’ teachings of Christ, appropriated their faith, and many around had recognized their Christ-like lives. This made them viable witnesses for Jesus.

    Have you appropriated your faith in Christ, becoming a living witness, where others can recognize Jesus in you?

  • The Glory Which has been Given

    “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:” John 17:22

    David understood the act of crying out to God with the desires of his heart, knowing God would hear and answer. “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). We know that Jesus lived out what God’s Word has taught throughout the ages. We see once again, that Jesus makes his petitions known to God in His prayer in the garden on the evening He was arrested, believing God would answer every request: “20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21. That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world”(John 17:20–24).

    Although Jesus had just prayed for his disciples, notice that He was no longer just praying for them. Jesus was now praying for every person born from then on who would believe the Bible and would give their hearts and lives to Jesus (John 17:20). If you will observe, He included the same issues in prayer for us that He had prayed for the disciples, the men with whom He had spent three years ministering. He made known God’s glory (John 17:22), not only to them, but also to the Gentiles as well. (Glorify means “to reveal the divine character and attributes of God. In John 17:22, this is from the verb that means to be accounted, or be of reputation of”.) Christians today are to understand this as well. When the world see a Christian, they should be depicting the “glory” of God. In other words, a Christian should reveal the attributes of God, having this reputation revealed in their lives.“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Also understand that as Believers, the whole world should see and recognize us as Christians.

    Jesus’ heart’s desire is laid out for us in these verses. He wanted the people who believed in Him to understand that He would be in us and that God’s glory would be revealed to us. Then those who believed could understand the love of God. See how this is understood and revealed to us. “16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:16–19).

    In John 17:26, Jesus prayed that we would experience the same love from God that He did. How can that happen? “Jesus answered and said unto him,If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23).

    Something to consider: After Jesus died and rose again, John could look back at what Jesus had taught and lived out in His life. Once John understood that Jesus was God, he penned these wonderful words to help others understand just what he saw and experienced. Jesus was God come in the flesh—to reveal God to a lost world, giving them the power to become the sons of God. “1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2. The same was in the beginning with God. 3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.  … 10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:1–5, 10–12). What a privilege! When one receives Jesus, believing by faith, that one becomes a son of God.

    Have you recognized the glory revealed in Jesus, believed, and become a child of God?

    Have you then allowed the world to recognized the glory (the divine character and attributes of God) of God revealed in your life?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Sifted as Wheat

    “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:”

    Luke 22:31

    On the last night that Jesus was with His disciples, He gave Peter a great warning. Notice that He called him Simon, not Peter. Peter means “a rock”. This is what Jesus often called him (see Luke 6:14 and John 1:42). A stone, or a rock, is sturdy and stable. I believe Jesus was trying to warn Peter – even by calling him Simon. “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31). This was an important warning. Peter believed he was a rock – sturdy and stable (read on to see his reply to what Jesus was trying to tell him in Luke 22:33). Peter needed to understand the situation. Satan means “opponent; adversary; the accuser, that is, the devil”. Satan wanted to sift Peter.

    First, consider what the purpose of sifting was in those days. When they sifted their grains, it was a screening process that would allow them to remove the trash. Oftentimes there were rocks or debris that would be left after the sifting process so that those things could be removed. They would then be left with the grain, no longer filled with trash and debris. This purified grain could be used.

    Satan wanted to sift Peter much like this – only Satan wanted the trash and debris to be brought to the forefront. What should happen: when Peter was sifted, the debris in his life would separate out to the top where it could be removed and eliminated. It sounds like Satan was hoping that this sifting would reveal only the negative and worthless things that were in Peter. And, because Satan is an adversary or an accuser, he wanted to point those things out in Peter’s life, causing Peter to think he was unworthy to serve Jesus.

    We can understand the fact that Satan wanted to sift Peter (because he wanted Peter ineffective – for Satan could not have Peter). Take note that Satan desired to have Peter to sift him. This reveals that Satan had to have permission to do this. One cannot help but remember Job chapters 1-2. Satan had to have God’s permission to do anything to Job. The same was true with Peter. That should be of some comfort to Christians today. Remember: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). God only allows what one can handle (a way of escape). These are for our good. A refining time: eliminating the trash, revealing the good that can be used by God.

    The following verse should have brought great comfort to Peter that night. “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32). Jesus prayed for Peter. Take note that Jesus knew that Peter’s faith would not fail him. And more than that, after coming through this time of sifting (where the trash and debris in his life would be revealed), Peter would be “converted”. Converted indicates that Peter would recognize this trash and debris in his life and remove it. He would then return back to his former firm standing – the rock that Jesus declared he was. And because of all of this, Peter would be able to strengthen his brethren. He would be able to encourage them and help them

    Peter had an adversary, and he revealed the dirt, the trash that was in Peter’s life. This sifting revealed the things that Peter removed. Afterward, Peter was stronger, preaching a great sermon on the day of Pentecost where many believed in Jesus (see Acts 2:14-41).

    Satan often does the same thing to Christians today. Satan wants to point out our faults before God – to accuse us. He is our accuser before the Lord. “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night” (Revelation 12:10). However, God’s Holy Spirit points out our faults not to accuse us, but to convict our hearts so we will confess sin and turn to God (see John 16:8 and Acts 2:36-38). Remember what King David wrote when he recognized and confessed that he had failed the Lord miserably. “11. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalm 51:11-13). He was fearful God would remove His spirit as He had from King Saul. However, remember that King Saul was not repentant, nor did he turn back to the Lord. God was then unable to use him. David on the other hand, was not only repentant, he prayed for God’s restoration to His good pleasure. David recorded this prayer to teach us what we need to do, even today. Repent with a true heart, knowing God will not only restore but refine for use by Him. What encouraging words!

    Have you been sifted, revealing and then removed the debris and trash hidden in your life?

    Are you now able to help and encourage others in their faith as Peter did?