The Biblical Path of Life

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  • Christian Living

    “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”

    Hebrews 12:1

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

    ‘Remember how we have learned that living a faithful Christian life is much like running a race (see 1 Corinthians 9:24-27). The goal to be kept in sight is Jesus (see Philippians 3:12-14). After remember many of the faithful men and women from the Old Testament (see Hebrews 11) who looked forward to the fulfillment of God’s promise – Jesus – see what they are to Christians today.

    “1. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

    All of those faithful who have died are now in heaven, watching Christians today. But more than that, they are mighty examples to us as we recognize the importance of eliminating the things that weigh us down, enabling us to run the race that is a faithful Christ-like life. Remember this, and it will help one keep their focus upon Jesus – always reminding Christians to life a life pleasing to Jesus.

    Moreover, Christians are not left without instruction. And more importantly, correction for when one chooses to live wrong (contrary to God’s Word).

    “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. 7. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?”(Hebrews 12:5-7).

    Remember that Christians are God’s children, and He disciplines Christians as His children. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11). Do you know of anyone who likes to get in trouble when they do something wrong? The smallest toddlers and children dislike it, teenagers despise it, and even adults do not appreciate chastisement (think: speeding ticket, etc.). Nevertheless, Christians are to remember that chastisement from God is perfect and right – and it makes Christians become more Christ-like when they receive that correction.

    How can Christians prevent chastisement? “5. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

    • Conversation means “disposition; manner; mode of thinking or feeling; acting; a turn of the mind.”
    • Without covetousness means “not fond of money; not a lover of money.”
    • Content means “to be satisfied with.”

    Once again, Christians are reminded to live a right life through Jesus and to be content with what God has given (see Philippians 4:11, and 1 Timothy 6:8). God will take care of His children.

    What else is important? “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation” (Hebrews 13:7). Listening to godly pastors, teachers, and faithful Christian friends – making sure their lifestyle reflects faith taught in God’s Word. See what else Hebrews says about the importance of listening to faithful men and women of God. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17). Each person who teaches others about Jesus must give an account of that teaching. Think of it as keeping that teacher in check – not saying what they feel or think, but only what God’s Word has to say about issues. That may be one of the more difficult things a teacher does, but God will hold that teacher accountable for what is taught. So what does the writer of Hebrews add next? “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly” (Hebrews 13:18). It is important for every teacher to desire the prayers of faithful Christians, helping them to not only teach correctly, but to live right before God.’

    Have you learned to keep Jesus as the goal in your Christian live, remembering the faithful who have done this?

  • Circles of the Christian Life

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

    2 Peter 3:18

    Consider ther following:

    Just as there are different growing stages for people, there should be different phases in a Christian’s life. Just as one does not want a baby to remain a baby but to grow up into a productive adult, so Christ would have His people not remain babes in Christ, but to grow. “But grow in grace, and inthe knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him beglory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). Life does not stand still. Therefore, Christians should continually grow. If they do not, they will begin to slide backward in that life in Christ. One way of looking at these different stages of growth in Christianity is to consider circles of nearness to Christ, Jesus being the center.

    Remember the five hundred who saw Jesus at once after His resurrection (see 1 Corinthians 15:6). Jesus revealed Himself to them. They were “brethren” who had believing faith in Christ. These could be included in an “outer circle of faith” – belonging to Him, yet far from Him. These could be compared to Christians in the church today who have believing faith, but do not walk in nearness to Christ. They are saved, maybe read the Bible occasionally, attend church, but that is pretty much it in their relationship with Christ. Much like a babe who hasn’t yet grown.

    Consider also the seventy whom Jesus sent forth to tell the people that the “Kingdom of God” had come near to them – for Jesus was there (see Luke 10:1-11). The people needed to receive Jesus as their Saviour. This seventy were ones who were trustworthy to be sent forth. They were worthy of service for Jesus, for they walked with Him. Today in churches, there are those who have a regular, faithful walk with Jesus worthy of being available servants to bring people to Jesus for salvation. These are in the closer circle where Jesus is in the center.

    We come to an even closer circle around Jesus. These were the twelve that Jesus called out to walk with Him for over three years during His ministry (see Matthew 10:1-7). They walked and talked with Jesus daily. These were Jesus’ friends. They would continue, becoming fit leaders for the new church, after Jesus’ ascension. Today, there are those who are not only saved, walk daily with Jesus, and are worthy to be leaders and teachers in the churches. They can also be called Jesus’ friends. “14.Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:14-15). These Christians are more like Christ because they are in that next ring of the circle – closer to Jesus.

    You then have a smaller, inner group that Jesus called apart at specific times to teach them things they would need to know in order to serve Him and lead others after He ascended. These were Peter, James, and John. They especially witnessed Jesus’ power over death (see Mark 5:22-24, 35-43). They observed a glimpse of Jesus in His glory (see Luke 9:28-36). These were the same three whom Jesus took to the garden that final night to pray. They did not quite measure up to what Jesus had wanted – for they fell asleep three times! Yet Jesus continued to teach them. These three continued serving Jesus after His ascension. Remember Peter’s amazing sermon at Pentecost (see Acts 2:14-40). “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). Many came to know Jesus because Peter was faithful. James became a martyr for His faith (see Acts 12:1-2). James was faithful to the death. John was the only Apostle who did not die a martyr’s death. He lived to record the book of Revelation for us to read today. Those who faithfully walk with Jesus, reading His Word, are able to reach a level of maturity where they can know Jesus and lead others to do the same.

    There is then the smallest circle of one on one with Christ. John is one to consider to have attained this continual faithfulness with Christ. When all of the disciples fled from Jesus the night He was arrested, there was one who remained – John (see John 18:15). He is the only disciple mentioned that was at the foot of the cross. He was the one whom Jesus asked to take care of His mother (see John 19:26-27). The love of Christ was predominant in that man’s life (see 1 John 4).

    • Are you saved, only having a saving faith, much like the five hundred?
    • Have you grown enough to bring someone else to Jesus as the seventy?
    • Do you walk in fellowship with Jesus daily, becoming His friend, as the group of twelve?
    • Are you one like the inner group of three, continually learning from Jesus and serving Him?
    • Has the love of Christ become predominant in your life?

    Having considered these things, in which circle do you fit?

    What can you do to advance to that innermost circle?

  • The Way of the Cross

    “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

    Galatians 5:16

    It is always important to remember salvation is by faith in Jesus and His atoning death upon the cross. “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). Once one trusts in Jesus, it is incumbent upon that new Christian to make Jesus Lord of that life. We then understand that the Christian life is not just difficult; it is impossible to live apart from the Holy Spirit. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). We are taught to walk in the Spirit. The only way to do this is to learn to deny oneself and do what Christ would have us do. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). It is with these thoughts that I awoke the other morning singing the following song. As I looked up the words to it, I was amazed at the three-fold teaching.

    I Must Needs go Home by the Way of the Cross

    Author: Jessie Brown Pounds (1906)

    “1. I must needs go home by the way of the cross;
    There’s no other way but this.
    I shall ne’er get sight of the Gates of Light
    If the way of the cross I miss. [Refrain]

    2. I must needs go home in the blood-sprinkled way,
    The path that the Savior trod,
    If I ever climb to the heights sublime,
    Where the soul is at home with God. [Refrain]

    3. Then I bid farewell to the way of the world,
    To walk in it nevermore;
    For the Lord says, “Come,” and I seek my home
    Where He waits at the open door. [Refrain]

    Refrain:
    The way of the cross leads home.
    The way of the cross leads home.
    It is sweet to know, as I onward go,
    The way of the cross leads home.”

    I remembered the song teaching that salvation is only through the cross upon which Jesus died. “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). If I miss Jesus, I miss – for there is no other way.

    As I read verse two, I recognized that it was teaching that I must walk in the way that Jesus walked: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). That is exactly what Jesus did. I am to follow His example.

    As I read the words to the third verse, I remembered that one day I will leave this world and all of its’ struggles, to live with my Lord forevermore. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13).

    In all ways – salvation, walking, and living by the Spirit in this world, and looking forward to my future home – all are by the way of the cross. They each lead me to my eternal home. So the important thing for me to concentrate upon (once I have been saved) is to walk in the Spirit, and I will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. That is my daily job. Remember the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians: “22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5.22-23). As I walk in the Spirit, I begin to produce that fruit, and my character becomes more like Christ. It is then that others can see Jesus in me.

    Have you chosen to walk in the Spirit, daily, producing fruit that changes your character to be more like Jesus?

  • Filled With the Spirit

    “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit”

    Ephesians 5:18

    Is Salvation all there is to the Christian Life?

    Because Christians have the Holy Spirit, we are to no longer walk in the flesh as the rest of the world walks: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Christians have a new life, and we are to walk in it. If you belong to Christ, live like it.

    How do we live this new life in Christ?

    Christians are to understand what God’s will is. We are commanded to be “filled with the Spirit”.

    “17. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:17-18).

    Because Believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit at salvation, we do not need to get more of the Holy Spirit. We already have Him. However, the filling of the Spirit occurs when the Spirit gets more of the Believer. Paul preached to the Ephesians and saw many of them become Believers (see Acts 19). However, about eight years later when he wrote the letter of Ephesians to them, he taught them that they needed to be filled with the Spirit (see Ephesians 5:18).

    What does this mean?

    Understand the difference between the “gift” of the Spirit and being “filled” with the Spirit:

    • The Gift of the Spirit comes at conversion – when one is saved, the gift of the Holy Spirit is given: “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” (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit dwells within Believers: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9).
    • Being filled with the Spirit comes at consecration: Consecration means “the solemn act of setting something or someone apart as sacred, holy, or devoted to God’s service.” “11. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13. Neither yield ye your members asinstruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members asinstruments of righteousness unto God. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:11-14). They may be close together or years apart.
    • The Gift is the entrance of the Spirit: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).
    • Being filled is the exit of the old self: “9. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:9-10). Obviously we cannot be full of the Spirit if we are half-filled with self.
    • The Gift is the birth of a new man: “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and ofthe Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
    • Being filled is the death of the old man: “22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). Many Believers have never put off the old man.
    • The Gift may leave us carnal Christians: “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3). It is tragically possible to live and die a carnal Christian.
    • Being filled makes us spiritual Christians: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Romans 8:9). (You should read all of Romans 8:1-11).
    • The Gift of the Spirit is eternal – He abides with us for ever: “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16).
    • Being filled with the Spirit comes on submission and faith: “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God” (Romans 6:13).

    The first (gift) commits my soul to God; the second (being filled) commits my life, myself to God.

    Have you done this?

    Or have you committed the eternal soul to God and are holding back the mortal life?

  • Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

    “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord”

    Ephesians 5:19

    There are many old hymns that we may have forgotten. Today’s music seems to call our attention to things other than the great Scriptural truths that can be found in some of those great, old hymns. There is one that I was reminded of the other day. Once I read the words again, many Scriptures came to my heart and mind. It reminded me again of the importance of praising and singing of God’s grace. However, there are many other things that the following song brings to mind. Read the words of the song “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”.

    Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

    Author: Robert Robinson (1758)

    1. Come, Thou Fount of every blessing;
    Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
    Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
    Call for songs of loudest praise.
    Teach me some melodious sonnet,
    Sung by flaming tongues above;
    Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
    Mount of Thy redeeming love!

    2. Here I raise mine Ebenezer;
    Hither by Thy help I’m come;
    And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
    Safely to arrive at home.
    Jesus sought me when a stranger,
    Wandering from the fold of God;
    He, to rescue me from danger,
    Interposed His precious blood.

    3. O to grace how great a debtor
    Daily I’m constrained to be!
    Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
    Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
    Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
    Prone to leave the God I love;
    Here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
    Seal it for Thy courts above.

    Consider just a few of the following verses this song brings to mind:

    “1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2).

    “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

    “19. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:19-20).

    “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12).

    “4.What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?5.And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing” (Luke 15:4-5).

    “9. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10. I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

    “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:14).

    Read Romans 7:15-25.

    “12. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:12-14).

    “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11).

    “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3).

    “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19).

    “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” (1 Peter 2:9).

    The entire chapter of Isaiah 25 is good to ponder upon. It is a great example for us to remember to offer God praises for what He has done.

    “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11).

    “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments” (Psalm 119:10).

    This is just a sampling of the verses that this song brings to mind – and there are many more. The greatest hymns will bring God’s Word to one’s heart and mind. It will help keep those Scriptures and principles they teach to remain in the heart and mind. One of the best ways to remember things – music. “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).

    Do you speak to yourself in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs remembering and praising the Lord?

  • Lesson 13: Review of the New Testament: Matthew – Revelation

    Key Verse

    Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

    —Psalm 119:9

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Use the following definitions to help with the understanding of this verse:

    • Wherewithal means “how”
    • Young man means “from the age of infancy to adolescence; a girl or boy”
    • Cleanse means “to be transparent; clear; pure; innocent; to cleanse oneself”
    • Taking heed means “to guard; generally to protect or attend (keep the mind on) to; to regard; to preserve”

    From this verse one can understand that the only way to keep one’s life pure and innocent, pleasing God, is to keep one’s heart and mind on God’s Word, living according to what is written within.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that Jesus is the One promised from the beginning of time, and His life is revealed in the Bible. Christians must recognize the importance of knowing about all of God’s Word for it teaches each Christian how to live.

    Lesson Summary: This lesson will be a review over the whole New Testament. First remember the divisions we have learned. If you are teaching a class, instead of you, as the teacher, trying to teach the entire New Testament in one lesson, have your students tell you what they remember about the different divisions, and then about the different books. We must understand the importance of remembering just who Jesus is, and what He did for mankind. Also recognize the new Christians’ perseverance as they faithfully spread the Gospel message – even while suffering persecution. Remember the great leader Peter was as he helped establish the church among the Jews, and Paul as he dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel message to the Gentile nations on his missionary journeys. Even when Paul suffered great persecutions and imprisonments, he still took the time to not only continually tell people about Jesus, but he wrote many letters that now make up much of our New Testament. The most important thing we can and must recognize: all of Scripture is important for Christians to know in order to live that life God requires Christians to live. Without knowing the Scriptures, one can never fully please God with his life. Be encouraged to desire to not only read, but also to know God’s Word.

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 13 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 13 Children’s Worksheets

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

  • Two Worlds

    “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

    Mark 8:34

    We are to recognize that there are two worlds. This world and a world to come. Jesus spoke of them. “And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come” (Matthew 12:32). He mentioned there is a difference in living for the world to come. “29. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, 30. But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30). Jesus wanted us to understand these two worlds. There is the world where sin rules and reigns supremely, and the world of which Christians are to live in anticipation. To prepare for the latter, one is to please the Lord and live for Him – not oneself. Remember what Jesus has called us to do: “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34).

    Jesus sent the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) to be with us (see John 16:7-13), teaching us how to live this Christian life (see 1 John 2:20, 27). Remember, one who has trusted in Christ as their Lord and Saviour, has received the Holy Spirit. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Corinthians 2:12). With that Spirit, we are to learn those things freely given to us as to how to live pleasing to Him. The Holy Spirit enables us to live this Christian life. He teaches us how to deny ourselves, and how we are to please Christ.

    We also understand that Christians have been called to forsake the things of this world, instead choosing things that please Christ. “1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3). We are to remember that this our temporary home, for we are only passing through. Our forever home is with the Lord one day. So while we are here, we are to keep our eyes upon Christ. Remember how Paul recorded his own experience as he chose to know Christ (see Philippians 3:7-10). He gave us some insight as to how he was able to strive for this goal of knowing Christ. “13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Paul understood the importance of forgetting the things in his past, and pressing forward, choosing to live for Christ Jesus. Paul recorded many letters in the New Testament to help us understand how to walk in the new life in Christ Jesus.

    Jesus knew what it was to deny Himself. He leads us by His example. He also gives us plain instructions as to what He expects from Christians. “23. And he said to them all,If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” (Luke 9:23-25). One of our greatest battles is with our own hearts and minds.

    Knowing that Christians are to live lives pleasing to Jesus is not enough. Each person must choose as to which world he/she is going to love and serve. Remember the following warning: “15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:15-17). We have many examples in the Bible of those who chose to love this world by succumbing to the “lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”. We must learn not to fail in the same manner as they did.

    Which world are you living for?

  • Taste and See That the Lord is Good

    “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”

    Psalm 34:8

    David was known as a man after God’s own heart. “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he 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). The amazing part of this: God knew this before David was even chosen to become king of Israel.

    If you remember, King Saul continually disobeyed God. When God declared the kingdom would be removed from Saul and his family, read what Samuel told King Saul: “But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee” (1 Samuel 13:14). After one final chance, God told Samuel to declare the kingdom was rent from Saul’s family: “And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou” (1 Samuel 15:28). We find out who that man is in the next chapter. “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward…” (1 Samuel 16:13).

    It is good to know that God knew David’s heart. And David knew God. However, that did not prevent events of life from happening. There was a time when King Saul was after David (for even King Saul recognized God’s hand upon David). Saul wanted to kill David. David spent many years fleeing from King Saul. There was one occasion in particular where David had to flee the country. He ended up in the presence of an enemy king, Achish (Abimelech). They knew who David was, a mighty warrior in Israel’s army. David was afraid. “And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard” (1 Samuel 21:13). When David behaved in this manner, the king thought David was mad (crazy). David was allowed to depart and escape (see 1 Samuel 21:10 – 21:1).

    David recognized that even though he was in a terrible place, it was God who delivered him from the hand of the enemy king. He wrote a Psalm to remember and praise God for taking care of him in such a time. “4. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears … 6. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. 8. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Psalm 34:4-8). David sought God in his time of trouble. And God heard and delivered him. Notice that David called himself “This poor man”. When he cried unto the Lord, “the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.” David understood what God did for him. He wanted others to recognize and do the same thing when one found themselves in trouble. “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Psalm 34:8). David was fleeing from King Saul because Saul recognized David would be the king to replace him. The trouble was not something that David was looking for or dove into of his own accord. There is a great difference when one seeks trouble because of selfish desires or choosing to sin willfully. However, when trouble comes as one seeks after God, trying to please Him, God will help that one. Remember what David recognized: “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them” (Psalm 34:7).

    This is a great lesson for Christians today who choose to set their hearts to follow after God and the things of God. God will be with those who fear Him when trouble finds them. It is up to us to keep our hearts upon God and to cry out for help in times of trouble.

    Have you set your heart to seek after God?

    Do you call out for Him in times of trouble?

  • Believe in Him

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

    John 3:15

    Almost everyone has either heard or memorized John 3:16:“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” However, have you ever stopped to understand what this verse really means?

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

    After reading both of those verses, understand that the gift of the pardon for sin is offered – all one has to do is receive it. This pardon from sin is understood as a promise from God – but only for those who accept that gift. God wanted each person in the world to be saved from the penalty of sin, however God allows each person to make the choice: believe unto salvation or believe not (“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” John 3:18).

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

    What if one chooses to continue in sin, rejecting the gift God offered? John summed up the consequences of rejecting this gift of Jesus in the last verse of that chapter. It tells what becomes of one who does not believe that Jesus came and died, living again, enabling Him to take away the sin of each individual who would only believe. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). This, too, is a promise.

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

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

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

    Each person has a choice to make:

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

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

  • Lesson 12: The Revealing by Jesus Christ: Revelation

    Key Verse

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

    —Revelation 1:1

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

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

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

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

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

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 12 Questions

    Y3Q4 – Lesson 12 Children’s Worksheets

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